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iamdarkness · 3 years ago

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Chapter two of To Feed a Tiger Forces of Will.

To Feed a Tiger.Forces of Will

Alfonse x Summoner, Alfonse X Summoner X Lif

And one sided (as of now) Dimitri X Summoner X Alfonse X Lif

Triggers for talk about mental health. It is Feral Dimitri after all. Mentions of death and depressive thoughts.

Sexual Harassment and maybe more than that.

Incest. (Freyr and mentions of Freya).

I thought about making my Summoner gender-less to fit all kinds of genders, but there is a part of the story where it becomes a necessity for them to be female.

A/N At the end of the chapter.

Chapter 2

Alfonse did not return that morning…

The morning after the meeting with Lif, when Alfonse was suppose to return passed and Sharena came instead. She said little to you, except that prince Hrid had come to visit Fjorm. Sharena and Fjorm left aster breakfast. They didn’t even take Ylgr with them and that was weird. You were suppose to go into town instead of Sharena that day with Alfonse to oversee the care for the refugees. You go to talk to Anna and learn she has gone with Sharena and Fjorm without telling you. Luckily for you Anna had left her most efficient Captain in charge and instructions. Zelgius is there to help too.

You decide to take one of the heroes with you to town and meet the soldiers and other heroes in charge of the operation there. First you go to both Robins and ask them to run things for you as planned with Soren so you can go.

You are about to go talk to M Grima and King Marth when F Dimitri comes from the direction of the tree house and asks to talk to you.

-Of course. Say! I am going into town and I may be gone some hours. If you want to come, we can talk on the way. I need someone of trust to accompany me.- He seemed to think about it.- I mean you don’t have to do it. I am just going to be overseeing the operation at the back of the warehouse as to not get in the way if I am not helping. I need to count the supplies and to asses what to buy and get for the next shipment.

-I see. I will go with you.- He says and you two take off.

You wait for him to open up to you and tell you what he said you needed to talk about, but he asks about the operation and then about the “Victory Gardens” where the heroes were growing the food. He tell you how relaxing it is to work on the fields and grow plants.

-Say, Dimitri. What did you want to talk about? -He looks sideways at you and keeps quiet a moment more.

-I… King Dimitri came to see me the other day. He came to offer me to work together in the fields with his companion Marth.- You can see that he had changed the subject, but this is good information and if he wants to share it, then it is progress.

-I see. How do you feel about that? Are you interested?

-Marth seems like a good person…he is good for Dimitri.

-Oh so you noticed they are together.

-I can see it in their eyes when they are together. I will work with them.

-Good. Just be careful with the bees. If you leave them be, they will not sting you, but some people just won’t leave them alone. Then they wonder why they get stung.

The whole trip to town went on like this. He would often ask you questions about your world and you try not to talk about difficult stuff and so you talk about music and how technology works and the difference between modern medicine, healing and magic. All in all it was a pleasant trip.

When the work was over it had taken you longer than anticipated and you had to get some food from the inn and eat it with him in a sort of picnic.

You were on the way back when you hear a yell of help in the fields by the road. You go to see if someone needs help but Dimitri stops you. He goes to find out and you stay on guard just in case. He tell you to run if he thinks you are in danger. He will make time for you to escape. Instead you hear him call out your name.

You go to meet him and find him looking at a woman who is fallen on the dirt by the road. Her belly is swollen and her face red from pain and strain. She is having contractions.

- Please, it is coming! Please help me! - She ask you and you kneel to her feet while Dimitri stands there shocked into silence.

-Do you live near? Do you want us to take you home or something?- You ask her while checking her vital like the healers taught you.

- No my hou….grrr…aaahhh- She is cut off by her yell and you take the this time to check under her dress. With the light of the afternoon sun you can tell the bay is indeed coming and you can see the crown of the head. There is no time to taker to the castle, as it is still far away. She won’t make it that far.

-Dimitri. Listen, the baby is coming and I need your help. You can say no because there will be a lot of blood and I don’t want you to..

-I will do it. What do you want me to do.- He had been standing looking lost at the woman, but now he was full on attention and alert.

-Help me stand her up and then let her use you as a support.-

-Standing up?- He asks while helping her stand. She also looks at you skeptically.

-It is going to be easier on her and the baby.- You tell him. He nods and help you stand her up.

-The baby will get better oxygen supply and she will not strain herself as much. That is what the healers taught me any way.- You say and you lie because you saw that somewhere on the internet, but they need the reassurance.

She finally stands up and he uses his arms in a kind of wide hugging position for the woman to hold herself steady. Meanwhile you take off your summoner coat off and ask her to breath as normally as possible through the nose and then let it out through her pursed lips as if whistling.

- Don’t push now! Wait for the pain of the contraction OK! Ready Dimitri?- You ask him and he nods. The contraction comes and the woman hangs off of Dimitri’s arms and body, pushing with all her might.

-Keep breathing! Don’t breath through your mouth!- You say leaning under her open legs. The head is almost out and you know you will need something to clean the baby once they come out. You see nothing and take off your blue shirt. Dimitri looks at you questioningly. Another contraction.

-OK let the breath out and PUSH! The head is almost out!- and indeed the head is out and you take the coat and lay it under the legs.

Another wait and the next contraction comes. You take the shirt and clean the baby’s face and nose of liquids and blood, and as she is still pushing a little of the shoulders can be seen now.

Another contraction and you help the baby by pulling at the the head and shoulders gently and carefully. On the next contraction the baby is completely out.

- OH! The baby is coming!- You are able to get the baby safely on the summoner’s coat. The baby starts crying loudly as soon as he is out. There is still some liquid and blood coming out and you remember the placenta is coming out too.

-You can let her lie down now Dimitri. Let me finish cleaning the baby. Congratulations! It’s is a boy! And by the sound of those lungs he is very healthy !!

After the placenta is out and the baby clean you have to check the mother for a hemorrhage. You check her pulse and it looks kind of low…wait is that normal?

-How long had you been waiting for help?

-I don’t know…a long time…my water broke and I… the sun… it was after midday.-So she was bleeding and dehydrated too…nice.

-Dimitri please lend me your cloak and wrap it around her. Can you please carry her? We need to take her to the healers at the castle. I will be caring the baby. Dimitri do me a favor and talk to her too. Don’t let her go to sleep. Here drink this water Mam.- You say that all smiling and give her your bottle of water to drink. It is a just in case but shouldn’t new mothers have higher blood pressure and faster pulse? She seemed cold and sleepy and it may have been due to her exhaustion but just in case you tell Dimitri softly to hurry up.

During the walk the woman seems to liven up and starts asking questions and answering them as well. She was actually the wife of one of the soldiers currently at the castle, and was walking back into town after coming to tell him the baby may be coming soon. The baby seems tried as well and you shush him and sing a quiet lullaby to help him sleep until she can breastfeed him.

When you get to the castle you tell the guards to send for the father and tell him to go to the infirmary. They probably saw you from afar because they were already waiting for you with a first aid kit and a stretcher. Dimitri informed them he could finish the job and take her to the infirmary himself, without wasting more time. All of this while still walking.

You are walking inside when Alfonse comes out running towards you with brows knitted and worried. He was about to say something but focuses on the bundle of bloody summoner’s coat on your arms and your state of undress.

-Alfonse! Look we had a baby!- You tell him excitedly. He looks confused for a second and then an indescribable emotion comes to his face. Yo notice your mistake and rewind. - I mean I had it. No! What am I saying? I delivered it! She had it and Dimitri was awesome!- Dimitri had kept on walking to the infirmary. You notice Alfonse’s eyes look moist and a little red now and you are about to ask him, what is wrong, when he finds his voice.

-What? What happened! They told me you came back all bloodied and carrying a wounded! I thought you had been ambushed!

-Oh we were coming back when half way through we heard her cries for help. She must have heard my horrible singing from afar heh,heh!- He made a face at that. He didn’t like when you made derogatory jokes about yourself. You were trying to catch up to Dimitri.- Dimitri went to see if it was safe or an ambush and he called me over. She had been there since after midday Alfonse! Was no one patrolling the road?

-I will find out. - He said in a cold tone.

-So I asked Dimitri to get her to stand so she can deliver it easier and he made such a great job of being her support! Of course she did all the hard work, I just caught the baby in my coat and cleaned it. Still it was awesome! Alfonse I think she is very dehydrated and I thought she may be having low blood pressure and that’s very dangerous.- He loos at you smiling fondly.- Sorry I am very exited if you can’t tell.- And you laugh. The baby starts crying.- Oh Alfonse ! See what you did? You woke him up with all the noise!

- What did I do?- But he sees that you are kidding with him and smiles.

You all enter the infirmary and they take the lady to a bed to check out. Alfonse stays out in the waiting area while you take the baby to the other healers to be checked out. Your coat is probably ruined and you are all bloodied. You go to the toilet and wash off the blood and return to be checked for disease as the healers told you. You never know what you can catch from blood. There is no HIV in Summit but there are always diseases you can catch from blood. They give you a spare gown to wear. They inform you that the woman was indeed very dehydrated and had lost a lot of blood as well. It was a good thing you had found her in time or it may not have gone right. The problem now was that she was not lactating and the baby needed feeding. The husband had come and was now trying to talk to the lady who was being administered some potions to replenish her blood supply and to help with lactation.

You check on Alfonse and he is talking to Dimitri. When you are about to join a healer comes out and asks to talk to you. The baby will need a wet nurse or two. In her state the mother would not be able to lactate as of now. She will need at least three days for the potion to take.

-we can search for one at town but it will be until tomorrow. We can administer a potion to someone to be a wet nurse for the night and the effect will wear off by the day after tomorrow.

You go through your list of heroes that have been mothers and may want to help and wonder for a while how cute it would be to see Lady Camilla nursing a child too. - I can send for Lady Mikoto and probably Arete? See if they can help. I mean I have never done this, but I can try if they are not available…I mean that is kind of a lot to ask of a hero…

They let you take the baby and he while they tend to the mother and locate a hero that may help or even a servant (most of them are older women who may not be up to the task). You wonder how it would feel to have a baby suckle at your breast. The baby starts crying. Here’s when a pacifier would be of great use! He sounds hungry.

<<Well….no body is here…>>

But do you use a finger or …

<<What the hell! No one is going to know. They will know….No one’s gonna know….how will they know… Here goes>>

It feels so funny!…But at the same time…can you imagine one of these, but yours and Alfonse’s? And look at that, he is quiet.

<<I mean, there is nothing coming out but at least he is quiet. Oh you poor thing!>>

-_______ Can I talk to you?What are you doing?- Alfonse…. Of course…At first he looks confused and then he can see part of your breast and his face turns redder than a tomato.

-Umm…They are looking for a wet nurse for tonight until they get one at town…I just wanted to know if I could volunteer…- You lie. You take the time to fix yourself but the baby starts crying again and you put the nipple back inside the little mouth.

-We have servants for that.

-Well he may as well use them, since no one else is!- Oh that sounded so wrong and it makes you laugh when he turns to you and makes a face of incredulity. You take this time to wiggle your eyebrows because you are already way deep and there is nothing else to loose and no one to save you.

-_______!- He covers his face with his hands and collapses on a chair. You approach him and stand with one of your legs between his knees. He looks up and the look he gave you, made you shiver. You feel like at any moment he will do something and you imagine yourself sitting on his lap while he kisses you, baby in arms and all. Instead he closes his eyes and turns away from you.

- I came to tell you Runa wanted to talk to you. She already talked to Dimitri.

-Who’s that?You can look, I covered myself.- He still will not look up.

-The child’s mother. You didn’t asked her name?

-I was a little busy telling her how to breath and push and the blood and you know. I forgot.- You walk away from him.

-________. I need to talk to you. Later.- He gave you a look that you only saw when things got very bad. In that moment you saw a lot of his father in him.

-OK.

-….I didn’t know you received training on aiding childbirth.- He asks, curious about it.

-I didn’t. I had good internet…umm I saw some videos about it and they looked interesting. You never know when you will end up using something like that. To be fair I never expected to use it. If someone had told me this morning this was going to happen I would not have believed them. It sounds far fetch to me. -<And now I had my breast inside a baby’s mouth in front of the man I love. How is that for far fetched?>

-You never cease to amaze me.- He looks at you with a warm expression and it makes you blush.

-_______! I heard….Oh! You are …. breastfeeding a baby…- Fjorm comes inside the room with a look of utter horror and then it turns into confusion and later to …. She looks at you again and her eyes water. - Nifl! I thought you were injured! I better tell the other heroes before they have a breakdown. You look…adorable…-She says and turns to leave. You can hear her crying. Oh crap! She didn’t even let you say a word. Didn’t even ask who’s baby that was. You chalk that up to her thinking she will not live long enough to have a baby and it makes you so sad.

You turn around to look at Alfonse and he is looking at you the same way Lif did last night. But why?

Sakura takes this time to come in and inform you they have a volunteer and she take the baby now crying his lungs out while you are left worrying about three people now seeing you “breastfeeding” a baby that was not yours…The ground could open up and swallow you and you would thank it.

Alfonse accompanies you to talk to Runa, who alongside her husband thanked you for your help. Runa had seen many of the heroes on the way in and does not know who Alfonse is and he did not want you to introduce him. That is until…

-My darling Brant is always talking about you and our prince. I remember seeing him once when he was a little boy and the royal family came when this was but their Summer retreat. He was so very cute! He must be a very handsome man right now.

-He is. I can tell you that I have met hundreds of people and heroes and he is by far the most handsome of all.- You say and know he is getting flustered.

- I never thought I would get to meet you in person Summoner ______ and here we are. Brant says you are so nice and clever and I think he came up short! Our prince better propose before one of those dashing heroes snatches you first.

You laugh at that and feel your face heat up. Brant, who was Runa’s husband was beet red looking at Alfonse who was also beet red. Sharena who was standing at the back started giggling.

-Nah they’ll return me in a week tops heh, heh,heh!

-That’s not what Claude would say, or Seth or Chrom or Leon. Oh and Zelgius…-Says Sharena in a singsong voice.

-Not every one is as patient as Alfonse.

-Well, I grew up with Sharena…- He said and turned to face Sharena who laughed harder at his red face. Runa seemed to catch up to what this meant and gasped.

-Oh Your highness! How could I not recognize you! Please forgive me I meant no disrespect.

-Please do not worry about this. Concentrate in getting better for your child’s sake. It was my fault for not being polite and introducing my self or my sister.

-Yes it was his fault don’t worry about it! I am princess Sharena and I wanted to congratulate you on your beautiful baby!How are you going to call him?- Sharena comes like the friendly and energetic girl that she is, and stands by the side of the bed. Runa is taken aback at the difference between the two royal siblings. She smiles and takes the princess’ hand.

-Thank you your highness! We thought about it and we will like to name him Dimitri like the prince of Faerghus who helped us today. We talked to him and he gave us permission.

-Dimitri! That is a beautiful name! I really like it. All our Dimitris are great warriors.

-Sharena I think it is time to let her rest. She needs to recover for the potion to take effect. -He says to Sharena; then turns to the new parents.-Congratulations to both of you. You have brought us the happiness we needed in these times of turmoil. Thank you. - Alfonse say in a solemn tone but smiling.

You all leave and Alfonse asks you to meet him in your shared study after dinner and you agree. This means Alfonse is not going to be present at dinner and so you take your food and take it to share it with Dimitri.

-Dimitri I wanted to congratulate you on your job today! You were great.-You tell him once you are done eating.

-My hands were awash with blood…but for once it was the blood of life, not death. It brings me peace and happiness. As if water had cleansed my dirty hands.- He says this, while he looks at his hands.- Is there truly forgiveness for what I have done?

-It is the miracle of life. I feel the same way. I am sure we can not only repent for our sins but also make up for them. This may be one way.- You take his hands in yours, but he goes to lay his head on your shoulder. He starts to cry and you embrace him and pull him to you. He needs this and you will be there for him.

-Let it all out. I am here for you.- You caress his head and hair like a mother to her child and he hold on to you like a lifeline.

When he lets go he tells you smiling that the family has asked him for permission to name their child like him.

-I feel happy about it, but I can not help but think…I do not want him to fare the same as I. At least he has good parents. I am afraid to not measure up to his expectations.

-Well. You are right about the parents. And he is way too young to expect something of you; except probably to carry him when he wants to be held. You got time to heal and grow… and become a good example.

-I will.

He left a little after that, but before he left he gave you one of the crystal necklaces to find the tree house. He trusted you enough to have you near.

You returned to your room and found Alfonse already in the study. It looked like he was drinking tea, but it was cold and forgotten. He had lit the fireplace even though it was not cold. He was watching the fire when you found him. His violin discarded on his desk.

-Alfonse? What is wrong?- Now that the excitement of the day was gone you could see clear signs of distress in the prince. His eyes looked red and tired. At first he tried to hide them, but he faced you with a sight.

-Sit down. - He tell you and you sit in the chair across from him.- When we arrived at the palace. Prince Hrid was already there along with Princess Leagyarn. The Queen was about to call us over when we sent her the message that we were coming to visit.- You ascent to tell him to go on.- I already gave my report to Commander Anna about this.

-It sounds serious.- He nods and still not looking at you.

-Both Leagyarn and Hrid report, there are rumors of war. Places left totally destroyed by unknown forces. There are travelers form different realms seeking refuge in Muspell and Nifl. They think this war is coming our way.

You gasp at that. Those are bad news indeed. You had enough problems with what had happened in the past. You were still recovering from Surtr for goodness sake! And you have Embla, to deal with.

- As you know our resources are not limitless and we need help. If this is true; it will be disastrous. The Queen and the other two royals have formed a council and decided to form a treaty…- There was a knock at your door and Alfonse just gave a tired sight and rubbed his face with his hands. You went to open the door to find Fjorm. She looked as tired as Alfonse and now you knew why…or at least part of it.

-May I come in? I…Alfonse asked me to be here for the conversation.-You let her in and she looked like she truly didn’t want to be there.

-I was just getting to the treaty.- Alfonse tell her without looking at her. She nods and sits on one of the chairs father way from both of you.

-Hrid...had the idea of cementing our treaty with a personal tie, not only of friendship but familial. He means a marriage of both our Kingdoms. Leagyarn did not need such ties. She trusted our word alone.- Fjorm flinches at that.

-Who…

-Fjorm and I are getting married…- He says with finality and Fjorm starts crying. He does not meet your eyes. You feel like the floor is sinking and thank God that you are already sitting down. The air is not getting into your lungs and are getting dizzy, but you remember to breath again.

-I’m so sorry _____! It is all my fault!- You hear Fjorm say between sobs.

-Wait…your fault? Why?…I thought you were in love with someone already! Was it him you loved all along? Did you do this behind my back?- You are crying now not only of sadness but anger of being betrayed by one of the people you like best. She knew you loved Alfonse .Fjorm cries harder and you can hear her apologies mixed up with her sobs.

-______ let her be. It really is not her fault. She sacrificed herself again to save us!

-Oh by marring you?

- Hrid wanted YOU! He wanted YOUR hand in marriage! He is angry at her now, for speaking out against it and asking to marry me instead. She is in love with you. Can’t you see!- Alfonse says waving a hand towards Fjorm. There is anger in his voice.

-What? Me? Why?

-What do you mean why? For the same reason Claude loves you, Corrin , Eliwood ,Camilla, Lif and I and now Hrid.- He stands and start pacing around the room. He could have gone on with the list because he thinks every hero loves you as he does.

-Hrid? He doesn’t even know me. We’ve seen each other only a couple times! That is not love!- It is true he comes to see his sisters twice a year and stays a couple of days, but he usually spends the time with his sisters at town, or at the resort. You welcome him and have dinner with him and the heroes, but that is it.

Alfonse stops walking and looks at Fjorm and when he sees that she can’t stop crying he explains.

-Fjorm writes to him constantly and has told him everything about you. What you do, how you do it, what you say and even how you sing. He sees you through her love’s eyes and now fancies himself in love with you. She …volunteered to marry me, because she knows she will die and then…- He could not finish the sentence. You look at Fjorm. She avoids your eyes and covers her face with her hands. You go and hug her. She flinches a little.

-Please forgive me…I …the shock did not let me think strait.

-It is my fault! Please don’t hate me _______. When I die he will be free.

-Fjorm I don’t want you to die! And I don’t want to think about you dying so I can be with him! There has to be another way!

-We have tried to talk our way out of this, but there is no…

-Hrid is a good man _____. He just thinks that if you two are not together he may have a chance at winning your heart. And _____, he will not relent. I know him.

-Doesn’t he know he is hurting you as well?

-He doesn’t know I am in love with you. He thinks the one I love is Alfonse and I am taking advantage of the treaty to marry him. -’Just like you had though’ she doesn’t say. That must have stung quite a lot coming from you.- There is no convinsing him of the truth. I know you don’t love me the way I do, and never will, but you have given me so much that seeing you happy made happy. I did not want this for you. I didn’t want to hurt you, but if you marry my brother, he will never let you go and then you will never be happy with Alfonse.

- I see…

-There is going to be a ball in two weeks to make the engagement official. Hrid will be there to…- You see Alfonse’s ungloved hands tighten. The knuckles are white with strain and it may be a trick of the light but you can see a line of red coating the white skin.

-I should go now.- Says Fjorm still in your arms and stands up to leave. You walk her to the door and she opens it.

-Please forgive me. Jealousy is the worst of feelings and it turns us into monster. I should not have reacted that way.

-It is my fault. I never said anything. You probably thought I was following you around all this time just for him, when I was actually there for you…At least Eir thought so. She confronted me once. I had to tell her the truth.

-To be fair I always thought you were doing research like us, when you were at the library. Are you going to tell her about…- You could not finish. She just nodded, said her good night and left.

You were left alone with Alfonse. The man you love, but are too afraid to face now. It is strange but, even though you know he will marry another, there is comfort in knowing he loves you still. You only have to find a way to save him. < Yeah! Like I saved Lif right?>

You enter the study and find him leaning on the chimney mantle. You had hugged him before in friendly terms but you have never been this bold to initiate such intimate contact. This time you stand behind him and embrace him; leaning your head on his back. He takes your hands in his.

-I love you Alfonse.- he makes a strangled noise at that and tightens his hold on your hands. You can’t help but cry your self.- I will wait for you. I promise.

-Fjorm sees herself dying any day now…but I can’t help but think about her surviving all this years…and I hate myself for it. I will hate my self for waiting and her for living…and yet I can live with that. The thought of you marring another is what drives me insane.

-I will wait for you. Or I can be your mistress…

-No! I will not do that to you. I will not stain your honor that way. You have no idea how the people here treat …no.

-(sigh) Honor…what use is honor if it does not bring me happiness…but I understand you. I know it looks like I don’t care about what people say about me, and I don’t, but I care about what they think about you.- You close your eyes and take a deep breath to take courage for your next question.- Can I at lest have you once?

-If I touch you…I will not be able to stop my self… I will not be able to leave you. It is already …I think it is time I move my chambers somewhere else. Go to sleep. We will talk tomorrow.- He lets go of your hands and move away.

You go to your room and close the door of the study. Your heart is broken and his refusal had stung, but you also know him enough to know how he deals with heartache. He is suffering more than you in this and he will suffer more still, having to be married to a woman he doesn’t love and who doesn’t love him back. A woman he is clearly jealous of.

Of course you could not sleep that night but a fitful couple of hours. Especially because you could see the light of the fire in the study and a shadow pacing around outside your door. You wanted to go out and end that torture, but you also understood him. Getting closer now would only complicate matters and make it harder in the end.

Maybe it was fate that you had fallen in love with the same man twice and lost them both. Fate may be telling you, happiness was not for you. About some hours before day break you hear a violin begin to play. It was your favorite piece.

The melancholy melody reached you and your mind wandered to the times he had played for you when you told him you could not sleep. Perhaps he knew that like him, you were not sleeping. How could you live without him? He was your other half. Loosing him again will be like loosing part of yourself. You fall asleep to the sound of his pain. (1)

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Hours later you get up to go to work, you can’t hear anything in the study. You open the door with a bit of trepidation and find it empty. The door to his room is wide open, but there is no sound inside. You think he may be sleeping, but after a quick look, you find the room empty.

You go to the dining hall and get something to eat. You are not hungry of course, but there is a long day of work ahead of you and getting sick will only make it worse. Before going inside, you fear to face him again, and even more in front of other people.

-Hey Boss! Do you know what’s wrong with the prince!- You turn to look at the sound of the familiar voice, but find not only one Claude but two. Double trouble stand there looking at you and the younger of the two whistles.

-You look worst than him! Did you have a party last night?- This earned him an elbow to the side by King Claude.

-Yes Claude. I went to a rave. You found me out.- I say flatly.- You saw Alfonse?

- He was going to the library, but he looks sick. You are not getting sick are you? Is it contagious?- He asked concerned.

-No. I just couldn’t sleep. You needed him for something?- They look at each other for a second and young Claude nods and excuses himself to go have breakfast. Having these two together is a wonder. They do this thing where they have whole conversations with their eyes and it is scary to watch, knowing how smart and mischivious they are.

-You had a fight?- King Claude asks quietly, eyes not straying from yours. You know he can read you like an open book. He hums a little and say.- We were tasked to let him, and you now there is a meeting in two hours. Commander Anna and princess Sharena look almost as bad as you. Is something going on?

-Perhaps… Yes. I will let you know when I find out all the details.- You tell him. He is resourceful and know he will eventually find out and you will need his sharp mind to make plans any way.

-Did you cheat on him with Fjorm?- He say it jokingly and you look at him with a “TF you mean?” look, but you also wonder why he even mentioned Fjorm.- You know that lady is in love with you right? I consider her my strongest opponent by the way. Sturdy and strong.

-Claude…why do you even say that?

- Well, when we were going to give him the message; we found him arguing with Fjorm. She came and said something to him and he looked ready to kill someone. You know that growly thing Lif used to do when he was actively trying to kill us?Well just like that. He went storming into the library. Fjorm looked ready to cry. I give her props for not running away. That’s why my girl is my strongest opponent.

-Did everyone know about Fjorm but me?

-Yep. You do know about me right? Please tell me you do; because I don’t know how else to..

-Yes, Claude I know about you.- You smile at him.- And believe me when I say, that if I had not been Summoner here and had met you first. It would be very different. I would be crazy in love with that wit, those gorgeous green eyes, that astute mind and personality…Oh that sense of humor too and you would probably not even look my way.

-I do have beautiful eyes, don’t I. (sight) Not as beautiful as Alfonse’s I suppose- He said teasingly. You can’t help not going along with his sense of humor. He was trying to cheer you up, so you smile at him and punch him lightly on the arm.

You went together to have breakfast and then you ask the people working the kitchen if Alfonse had come to get food. He had not and Sharena confirmed he was still in the library and didn’t want anything.

You think of taking him something, but at the end you just get an apple and some cookies you stole from the kitchen.

You get to the War Room and Anna and Sharena are already outside. They greet you but they don’t meet your eyes. Alfonse is already inside looking at the giant map of Askr and the surrounding lands that is carved on a stone table. You go near him and put the apple and napkin with cookies in front of him. He did not made to take it.

-Don’t make it worst by getting sick.- He sighs, takes them and start eating them. You sit in one of the chairs by the high stained glass windows, take out your schedule for today and start making plans.

-You look better today.

-If by that you mean, I look like I couldn’t sleep until you started playing, then yes. Thank you, by the way.- He nods but does not say a word. You feel like you are talking to Lif. Which tells you just how hurt he is.- Are you researching on who you think is behind the attacks?

-There is too little information to do a proper research.- He answers after finishing the apple.

- Could it be one of the realms from the Norse folklore? We already fought some of them. I can talk to Freyr and ask him what he thinks about this. He may even dream of something.

- Perhaps.- He say simply. You are getting flashbacks of the days when you had first arrived to Askr and he would only answer with these kind of sentences. You can’t help to sigh and he just looks sideways at you, but doesn’t elaborate.

Anna and the rest started coming in. Ten minutes later Anna starts the meeting that turned out to be just an announcement since there were people missing.

-We will be having a meeting today at around six. The Royal Army Generals are coming. _______, I have a list of heroes I need in the meeting and I leave whoever you think should attend as well to your discretion. Here.- She hands you a list with names.- The King of Nifl and Queen of Muspell will be attending. - You look at Alfonse and he is looking at Anna intently but you can see he is doing that jaw thing he does when he is angry. Sharena is looking down at her feet.- They will be here two days and we need to be on our best of behaviors and safety. They will be arriving in three hours tops.

Hrid.

Two days.

Now you understood why Alfonse was angry at Fjorm. She must have told him, Hrid was coming.The meting only lasted a few minutes while she gave the officers and heads of staff their orders.

As soon as the meeting was over, Alfonse went out the door but was stopped by Delthea who was asking for you. He pointed you out and you wondered what was wrong with the bright magician.

-Summoner! Someone spiked Freyr’s drink and he is drunk in the infirmary. He won’t let anyone touch him. Natasha wants you to go and see if you can help them out. He keeps saying he wants to talk to you and go to the beach.

-Seriously? Do you have any idea who it was? Wait …Why was he day drinking at this our? It’s like 8 in the morning!- She shrugged. You rub your face out of frustration.- God! Why no one told me I was going to be babysitting grownup heroes that behave like five year olds? - Delthea started giggling and you noticed Alfonse had stopped to listen to the exchange. He came close and said.

-Take the morning off after you let the heroes know, they are needed. You need the time off Summoner.- Even Delthea stopped giggling. She looked at him and then you, like she was expecting something bad to happen, like kids do when their parents argue in front of them. -Just be sure to be here for the meeting and dinner. His highness will want to see you as well.

-I do not think that is prudent, there is a lot to do. Besides you need rest as well.

- I have stuff to do- He turns to leave, then adds without looking at you.-…But summoner, Do go.

You see him leave and after those cutting words you feel empty inside. You take Delthea by the hand and start to go towards the infirmary. It seems so impossible that you had been there just yesterday, full of joy and happiness and it feels now like a lifetime ago. It is enough to make you cry but not in front of Delthea.

-______. The prince…

- He is going through a lot right now Delthea.

-Is it because of his marriage to Fjorm?- She asks biting her lip.

-What do you know about that? How?- You stop to look around to see if someone is around to listen to your conversation.

-I heard Fjorm telling Eir about it. I was looking at this book I found in a secret compartment under one of the bookcases in the library.- She shows you a blue book with golden runes and a set of locks on the side.- They couldn’t see me and they started talking and I didn’t know It was a secret.They are both very sad. Eir promised Fjorm to help her find a way to get off the marriage and not make you marry Fjorm’s brother. Is he the one coming today? Is that why Alfonse wants you to go to the beach? You know Fjorm is in love with you right? I think Alfonse is looking for a way to not marry Fjorm as well and that is what he is doing in the library.

<<WTF?>>-I see. How did you know about Fjorm?

-You can’t see the way she looks at you?- She rolls her eyes.- Just like Chorm and Claude and Leon…and his demon -She made a face- Oh and Xander.-You look at her questioningly- Sigbert told me. That is why he stutters when he talks to you. Oh Dimitri!

<<Dimitri??>> You think, because King Dimitri has Marth, Savior Dimitri has Byleth and Student Dimitri has a sweetheart as well. Then you look up and see she meant “Feral” Dimitri is coming your way.

-____ are you going to the infirmary?- You nod yes.- May I accompany you?

-Of course! Are you not feeling well?- You ask concerned and make sure to remember not to burden him with your issues and give him your best smile, just like the one you will have to give the kids.

-I...-He lowered his gaze- I want to know how…the baby is doing.- He said a little embarrassed.

God this man is so sweet, you have to wonder just how much he had to suffer for him to be turned into what you saw of him earlier.

-Oh I see. So was I,but now I need to check on a Dream God, that someone got drunk.

-Do you need help?- He asks concerned.

-I am not sure, but he is…he has touching issues and I am guessing it is because of his sister.-He looks confused.- Dimitri… no matter how bad thins get, remember that at least you are not trying to bang your sibling, without their consent.

-What does that mean?- He asks in a small voice. Delthea starts giggling. Of course she knew what you meant.

- His sister is in love with him and was actively trying to…you know… marry him…- You finished awkwardly.

-What?…I suppose I understand why he would not want to be touched by people.

- And it does not help that he is very attractive. This is why he always wear loose tunics.- Seriously the first time you saw him without that tunic, it was shocking! That man is a God…well literally as well, but still. Dimitri just nods and keeps walking at your pace looking sideways at Delthea who was trying hard to open the blue book.

-Where did you get that book any way? What is it about?

-Umm. Well last week I was hiding from Luthier, because he wanted me to finish my homework and I hid in the bottom shelf where there were no books, and I saw this crack in the shelf on the bookcase next to mine, and it had a spell on it right? So I waited until Luthier went looking for me somewhere else, and tried to undo the locking spell. It was an old spell, but like easy to undo, and the book was inside it. I just can’t open it. I has this spell I can’t make out.

-Delthea,maybe it is a cue for you not to mess with it. It may belong to someone already. It may give you tentacles or something. Wait! Alfonse can translate those runes! I have seen him do it. It is some dead language we have encountered before. Why don’t you see if he can open it or knows what it is?

-Oh! Yes!….But what if I get in trouble?

-Tell him I sent you, because I wanted to know what that was and Delthea…Can you do me a favor?

-Of course _____

-Can you see what he is researching and try to help him? He is very intelligent, but sometimes people need another fresh mind to find the answer they are looking for.

-OK. I’ll do it. I want to help you with...- You shake your head slightly and widen your eyes so she would not say a word about the betrothal in front of Dimitri. She understood.- his research.

-You can do that once we come back from the beach.

-No. You go, but you can please take my brother! He needs to go out. Deal?

-Deal! Now go and tell Luthier, I need him to come help me with Freyr and that he can take whoever he wants to come with us. - She nods and starts running towards the library. You turn to Dimitri- Hey Dimitri. After visiting the baby I am taking Freyr to the beach. We are having some guests tonight and I need some relaxing time beforehand. Want to come? You don’t have to answer now. Think about it. I also need to run some errands before we take off. -He nods and opens the door of the infirmary.

You both go inside and ask him if he wants to go with you and go together to visit the baby or go by himself. He decides to wait for you outside the room Freyr is in. Brady informed you he had calmed down when they told him you were coming, but he had been very dizzy, could barely walk and had not wanted anyone to help him on the bed. He had also not wanted to tell them, whom he though had spiked his drink.

- Freyr? How are you feeling?- His eyes were open. This was bad.

-______? I feel dizzy. I need to go…

-We are going to the beach Freyr. Who spiked your drink? Do you know?

-Freya.- He pointed to the night table where a pitcher of water was placed. You go and take it to smell and …-Do not drink it. It is a potion for deep sleep.- Indeed the liquid did not smell like alcohol. He was not drunk, he was fighting sleep. You were going to ask him why he thought Freya had done this if she was dead, but then so was him and you had called him fro the dead.

- I swear your sister is like Freddy Kruger! This is bad! When did you see her?

-This morning I was dreaming… having a pleasant dream. When a nightmare came to me. I saw your sadness summoner. Then she came to me, and said we would soon be together, now that she had come back to me. I tried to wake up and could not. She came near me and I could not move. I woke up when I heard Peony knocking on my door. She had sensed something, but she could not see her or feel her. I could barely stand and she helped me get far enough to come here. I sent her to look for anyone who could have penetrated our security.

-I need to tell Anna bout this…But first I need to tell Brady if he has something to fight the sleeping potion.

-Don’t go.

- I am not going anywhere Freyr.- You open the door and ask Dimitri to please go get Brady or any healer and to bring something to fight sleep. Then you go and stand by Freyr’s side to talk to him so he can stay awake. You ask him what the dream he had about you was about, but he did not want to elaborate.

-You know Sir. It is not my place to tell you this but; have you though of maybe marring someone to see if she gets the idea?- He looks at you and actually smiles.

- I have…but I find my self in the predicament of being in love with someone who does not love me back.- Suddenly his smile fades and he continues.- Can you imagine the calamities my sister would rain upon my beloved?

-Oh yes. I surely can. I am so sorry to have intruded. Please forgive me, I did not meant to hurt you.- He sighs, extends his hands to you and asks you to sit on the bed by his side.

- Do not fret ______. It is an obvious question. I should have ended this madness a long time ago, but the love for my little sister blinded me to her misguided pursuit, until it was too late to change.

This conversation gave Brady time to come. He knocked on the door and came in with Dimitri and a young Leon in tow.

- Lord Freyr, _____; I have here a potion that may counter the sleeping potion you took.- He gives Freyr the bottle and picks up the water and smells it.- Leon said he gave you the whole bottle, if you hadn’t been a god, you would be dead, even with one fraction. This is our strongest sleeping potion. Used for surgeries.- You look at Leon who is currently looking down at the floor.- Take all the bottle Lord Freyr, if you feel uncomfortable you can come see me later. _________, please don’t be hard on the tike. It ain’t his fault.- Freyr took the potion.

-What happened Leon?- You asked him in a soothing tone. How can you be mad at him? He is a good boy and was probably tricked into doing this.

- He told me to do it.-He pointed at Freyr. Everyone looks confused except Brady.- Well it wasn’t him I guess. I had a dream for two nights and he was crying, because he could not sleep. In my dream he kept asking me for help. He said he wanted to see his little sister and he needed a potion for that but he could not ask for it, because he did not want to worry you _______. He said not to ask him in real life so it would be our secret. He told me where to get it, and to just put it in his water when he was not in his room so no one would know. So I did what he asked...but now that I think about it; his horns looked different and he had a big ugly mole in his nose.

Freya.

If this had not been as serious as it was, it would have been funny. Freya was so self conscious about that mole… but also that mole was the root of the whole damned problem. Leon looked worriedly at Freyr, which was still looking at him with open eyes. Freyr smiles at him.

-Do not be afraid child. I hold no ill intent toward you. You are innocent. I know my sister well, but I confess I am shocked, by her tricking a child to do her wicked work.

Freyr felt better and now could close his eyes and sleep as he always did. It was worrisome that Freya was back, not only because of the sick obsession she had with her brother, but because it meant someone had revived her.

You send word to Anna about the incident and she comes to talk to Freyr and you. After this you, Dimitri and Freyr ( who probably does not want to be alone), go visit Runa and her baby. You had a good talk, you got to hold the baby and Freyr gave him his blessing. Runa could not believe she was in the presence of one of the ancient Gods.

After sending word to the heroes that need to be in the meeting and King Claude who you think needs to be there as well, you take the stuff you need and pick up Luthier to go to the beach. Dimitri ends up going with you.

It was around ten when you got there. Double trouble decided to come along to Dimitri’s chagrin, but thankfully young Claude decided to befriend Luthier. Young Claude took it upon himself to teach him how to make friends and charm the ladies. Meanwhile, King Claude was mostly talking to Freyr, and Sharena, whom Alfonse had sent along to have fun, but had done so just after he had learned K Claude was coming along.

-Here Lord Freyr I got you a pineapple the way you like them. Do you want me to check it first?- You tell the silver haired man. He shakes his head slightly and and takes it from your hand.

- Thank you _______. I can do this. I never did this before because I had no reason to do so, she had never been so bold as to do these king of wicked deeds.

- I am sorry I can’t protect you more efficiently. I will go and do some research at the library to see if I can find something to help you. Physical barriers and security is something, but the mind and dreams are not easy to deal with.- Just how far had his sister gone before Peony had woke him up? The way he behaved this morning…you did not want to think about it, but you were sure he needed therapy after that.

- I can put up shields in my mind to do so and now that we are aware she is back, it will be easy to detect her presence in dreams.

King Claude took the opportunity that Dimitri was still getting a coconut for you and himself to come and talk to you.

-Hey ______. I just noticed something. This Dimitri...Byleth choose Black Eagles and…

- Claude I swear if you tell me not to bother with him, because he is going to die; I will slap you silly.

- What? No! That is not it! In fact I wan to help you get him ready to win! After all the other me in his world may die along with him; and he will need someone like me, to teach him to charm his way into getting more allies! What I wanted to tell you, is that I have been talking to some of the other heroes that had different destinies and I understand that This Dimitri still has both eyes. He wears the patch but he still has his eye intact. I thing it was kind of like his sense of taste, maybe? I remember you telling me, when we first met that Dimitri had lost it either because he had had some physical trauma, or it was psychological. If it is the later he may recover it; just like King Dimitri started tasting certain foods after he started being such “good friends” with Marth.

- Son of a witch! Seriously? Look, let me find it out. I just need to find the right time to do it. I don’t want him to get flashbacks or something. Oh and Claude you are a frigging genius! And a good man to boot! Thank you!- You hug him.

- Do I get a little kiss as well?- He asks laughing and you can hear Freyr laughing too. You kiss him in the forehead. - Well that’s better than nothing.

You can see Dimitri coming back in the distance with Sharena to his side. When they are near, you can see him looking sideways to the princess with a knitted brow. It may be because she is not her usual bubbly self. He asks her something you can not hear and she looks at him and smiles, but shakes her head.

When they get to where you are sitting by Freyr and Claude Dimitri is furrowing his brows and looking intently at you like searching for something. You take this time to evade any questions or suspicions and distract Sharena with something fun by asking then if they want to build a sand Castle.

Freyr and Dimitri have never don this and are instantly intrigued by the idea. Sharena perks up instantly and Claude proceeds to make it a competition and proclaims that his team consisting of himself and Sharena will win. You are left with Freyr and Dimitri who looks with trepidation at the items used to make the castle. You would think they will bite him, but understand it is his fear of breaking them, what is bothering him.

-The point of this is to have fun Dimitri. You can use your hands and items to do it and if you don’t want to use the pail or shovel it is perfectly alright. First you go and get some shells and plants and stick or stones that you find on the beach to make the castle look better.- You ere picking up shells and pebbles when Young Claude and Luthier come back and make their own team, when you tell them about the sand castle competition.

Watching both Freyr and Dimitri so invested in their work really made you happy. They looked so carefree, it almost made you forget about Alfonse’s engagement. Luthier also looked happy and it looked like Claude, as other extroverts do, had adopted Luthier.

-Mister Sandman! Give me a dream. Make him the cutest that I’ve ever seen!- The moment the soft words of the song came out of your lips, Freyr looked at your smiling face with open eyes and smiled himself. - Give him two lips like roses and clover; and tell him that his lonesome nights are over.

When you reached the part with “lots of wavy hair…” You could hear Claude shout “Someone wants gorgeous wavy hair?”.

-You know she meant blue and gold! - Young Claude said and threw a shell at his older counterpart. This earned them a laugh from everyone. Even Dimitri gave his quiet laugh. Well everyone except Sharena. She was looking down at the sand castle.

-Maybe we do need a nice dream. Would you like to take a nap in the sun? -Asked Freyr softly.

- I can watch over you while you take a much needed nap.- Said King Claude. You agreed to do it after you finished the sand castle competition, which young Claude and Luthier won. The winners went to celebrate their win at the drink stand. You told them not to drink alcohol.

Sharena agreed to take that much needed nap. You all were very used to not getting enough sleep by now, but somehow the stress of the situation was even greater, than some of the battles you had fought in.

You lay on a blanket between Freyr and Sharena; and Dimitri chose to lay down on a reclining chair next to Claude who was going to remain awake.

You have the most wonderful dream in a while, and by the time you woke up, you felt like you had slept for days. (2) You felt so well rested you did not notice the sting on your skin, not did you notice you were tightly hugging a very firm body and being tightly hugged in return by someone behind you. That someone was still snoring right in your ear.

-Had a nice dream huh Summoner?- Came Claude’s voice from behind you. You could hear the laughter in his voice.- I think you forgot to put on sun blocking lotion.

-What do you …-Now you felt it. You were laying on your side and so only one side of your body was an angry red. You then notice the firm body you were hugging was Freyr who was smiling in his dream. His chest was just as red as your left arm and the left leg you had over his.- Oh Fudge!- You say trying to disentangle yourself from him, but an arm around your waist prevents you from moving. You turn around and see Sharena’s face about three inches from yours. You both are lying on Freyr’s arm. After taking your arm from his chest you notice it leaves a tan line with its shape.

-Sharena! You are getting sunburned!- You say trying to move her arm. Half her face is red and you suspect your face fares the same. She opens her eyes and smiles broadly at you.

-______!! I had the most wonderful dream! I….Ouch! Hey I got sunburned! How did that happen I got the lotion on!

-So did I, and Freyr as well, but I probably look like Neapolitan ice cream!- You tell her and point to Freyr who is sitting up by now.

-I count my self lucky, and this mistake worth the fun and happiness. -He looks down and smiles at the mark of your hand on his chest. He was moving his left arm and you were sure it was sore after all the time you and Sharena had been laying on it. God that man was a saint. You look around to find an umbrella over Dimitri who is still asleep. You look over at Claude who smiles at you.

-They only had one, and I rather not have a very sore and angry Dima on our hands when he wakes up all red and in pain.- He gave you an apologetic look.

- It’s all cool Claude. I rather he doesn’t suffer for it at least. I wonder why the lotion didn’t work?

-Because it is regular lotion!…I am so sorry ______! I was so distracted this morning I got the wrong one!- Said Sharena bashfully.

-Don’t worry Sharena! We will get all fixed up when we get back home. Right Freyr!- You hear a rumble of ascent coming from the God.- We better wake up Sleeping Beauty and get our Dynamic Duo, and eat some lunch so we can go home, by the way. We still have to get ready to meet King Hrid.- You tell them and Claude gets up to get the other two from the dink stand. That leaves you to wake up Dimitri who looks so serene sleeping. So relaxed and young…It feels like a pity to awaken him. You stand there contemplating how to go about it when he wakes up smiling. He looks at you and say…

-Beloved…- he seems to realize what he said and sits up all red in the face.- I…

-Mmm having a great dream I see! I am sorry to wake you up Dimitri, but it is time to go home.- You wonder if like Student Dimitri, this Dimitri is in love with Marianne, but you feel it is not your place to ask. He’ll confide in you when the time comes.

After a hurried lunch, you get home all sore but relaxed and happy. Even Sharena looks like her old self.

-Wow Thank you Lord Freyr! I had the greatest of dreams! Everyone was my friend! Even Navarre and Valter! Oh and Fomortiis too!

-Why would you want to be their friend? I get Navarre but…- Asked Luthier.

-They all deserve a chance to be understood. -Says Sharena.- Our dear Summoner taught me that.- She looks at you and winks. You return her smile in kind.

- I guess, but Fomortiis is a literal demon…- Responds Luthier.- Oh so what did you dream of Summoner?- He ask you and you feel your heart beat faster. Your dream...You did not want to talk about it. Dimitri must have seen your hesitance and started to talk.

- I… I dreamed my beloved gifted me a wheel of cheese and asked for my hand in marriage.- He said scarlet faced. Everyone looked at him surprised, but no one laughed.

-Wow that sounds like something ________ would do!- Says King Claude.

- I have you know…wait that does sound like a good idea. I mean if someone were to give me my favorite food and then asks me to marry him; I’d say yes right away! I think that is very romantic!- You say to the King.

-Well, don’t keep your favorite food a secret! I need to know right now!- He asks and now everyone laughs.

-Try a wheel of cheese Claude.- Says Dimitri to Claude’s surprise.

-Quesadillas! Yummy!! - You say.

-I got a pair of mice in my hands!- Says King Claude and gives a sigh.

-I love cheese and Quesadillas too!- Pipes in Sharena.

-I enjoy cheese and quesadillas my self as well.- Says Lord Freyr.

You were all laughing by the time you reach the castle and were on your way to the infirmary to get fixed up when you see a group of people walking to meet you. It was Alfonse followed by Fjorm walking by Leagyarn. On Alfonse’s side was the King of Nifl.

-Hrid…

A/N

1. The piece Alfonse is playing is clearly from his world, but I imagine it sounds a lot like Ikuto’s Violin Solo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET8hV8yPNNQ

2. I wonder what the Summoner dreamed about? Should I leave it to your discretion or should I write about it. I am sure I will end up writing about Dimitri’s. Also Freyr’s forced dream was a dubious consent and I am not sure if I should write about that.

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apothecarinomicon · 3 years ago

Text

Spring week 1 part 1

I’m not quite sure how to begin.

I’m not typically one for journaling but it would appear to be part of the gig, as it were. I found this book—the one I’m writing in, heavy and musty and leather-bound—sitting on the table when I arrived, open to a blank page. There are at least a thousand pages filled before it, and no matter how many blank pages I flip past this one I can’t reach the back cover without closing the book entirely.

Mòrag told me things that present themselves for investigation here tend to be worth exploring, and if my gut tells me what’s right not to stray from its guidance. But I’m getting ahead of myself��you don’t even know who I am.

My name is Fionn Gill, and I’m a witch. I know, I know, but I don’t get into all that “warlock” “wizard” shit. It’s just a way to separate and belittle the same practice based solely on the gender of the practitioner, in my opinion. My specialty lies in potion-making, though I’m not very experienced. I’ve really only just finished my training—I’m from Huntsmanland and they’re not nearly as magically-inclined there as they are in High Rannoc. This is the first part of the country I’ve visited other than my tutor’s homestead and I must say, it hasn’t made the most stellar impression.

My tutor Edith received a letter stating that services would be required in the town of Greenmoor, and since the letter didn’t specify her services, she sent me to take care of it. I don’t know if she expected it to be an indefinite position, but here we are.

I didn’t bring a lot with me—just enough for the journey. It was about all I could carry walking. I arrived in Greenmoor with just about the clothes on my back, hoping they had an apothecary of their own so I could get this over with.

I’ve never really been one for small towns, and nor do they have much love for me. I’ve always thought I was meant for adventure—movement, action, peril, all of it. Small town life just feels so… stagnant. Nothing changes, no one grows or changes or has anything interesting to talk about. It’s enough to drive you mad.

Not to mention the natural suspicion of outsiders. I could see it on Mòrag McKinney’s face, even as she greeted me at the edge of town in her official capacity as mayor. Her hair was done up in a huge bun of thick braids on top of her head—a hairstyle with a formality at odds with her armored clothing.

She seemed surprised when I told her I was the witch. That’s not uncommon—like most intellectual and healing work, witchcraft is traditionally the domain of women. Even in the relatively forward-thinking country of High Rannoc, I tend to get some variation on ‘oh, how progressive!’ when I tell people my vocation. Often if you get a man doing witchcraft, his neighbors will whisper certain things about him. My neighbors back home were whispering those things about me anyway, so that wasn’t much of a hurdle to me.

Mòrag (she insisted I call her by her first name once we’d been properly introduced) gave me a brief tour of Greenmoor. It is, to put it lightly, tiny. I’d estimate a population around fifty. Near everyone has a job that serves an internal function to the community, with maybe the exception of the innkeeper. There are blacksmiths, miners, a carpenter, a tanner… she didn’t indicate any artists or poets or anything of that sort to me, which was disheartening. Even when I thought I would only be here briefly, I was hoping to enjoy the finer things the locals had to offer. The closest this town comes is a library, but I sorely doubt they have any kind of collection of works by local authors.

Mòrag pointed out all the magical resources in town, and some of them impressed me—the lunar tower and ritual circle in particular looked useful. She did not show me any apothecary, and following her aforementioned advice, I took that to mean there wasn’t one. Can’t wait to go out and experience the joys of foraging in the wilderness myself.

Once we’d gone through the entire village, she showed me to the cottage where I’ll be staying. It’s a little ways away from the town proper, down a walking path through some trees. It’s little more than a one-room thing, with only the washroom closed off from the rest of the space. The walls and door are made of dark wood, and the outside still has bark attached in many places. The roof is sloped and overgrown with moss and ivy. Inside the main room there is a bed, a large set of shelves which ought to have reagents and potion-making materials on them but are mostly bare, and a table on which this book sits. The washroom has a tub and a latrine—no plumbing to be found. Out back sits the remains of a garden, only one plot of which looks salvageable. A ways back into the trees there’s a creek. Most of the rest of the clearing is in the early stages of becoming overgrown, with trees and bushes and flowers starting to stretch themselves out and remembering how to be wild.

Mòrag told me the witch who was here before me was a bit of a recluse. No one in town knew very much about her, and she seemed to prefer it that way. They came to her for her healing potions and never made it past small talk and kept inviting her to parties and festivals even though she never attended. And then one day nearly everyone in town woke up with a gift from her—the farmers received her animals, the barkeep her ferments, the innkeeper and bakers her crops. As the townspeople tallied their gifts they realized it amounted to nearly everything she owned. They went together to her cottage to ask her why she’d given it all away, and found her cottage—this cottage—empty. The ensuing search turned up no body, no note, not a shred of evidence to speak of. It was as if she’d disappeared into thin air. As the townsfolk talked and wondered what had happened, they quickly realized no one knew her well enough to provide any real insight. They couldn’t even come to a consensus on what her name was.

They had quickly moved on to discussing the more pressing issue: the town was lacking a healer. The general store owner had worked with my tutor Edith in years prior (Edith loved to tell stories of the time she spent pursuing the culinary arts). Thus, the letter and thus, my presence.

Mòrag told me she hoped I might be more engaged in the community than my predecessor. I decided to refrain from telling her not to get her hopes up, and instead expressed my confusion: I’d thought this was a single gig, that I was to heal someone of their illness and then leave.

She disabused me of that notion with rather more intensity than I think was warranted.

She told me that unless my predecessor reappeared, I was all they had. She said Edith had spoken highly of my abilities in her return letter (I doubted that—Edith never spoke highly of anyone). She told me I would receive a base pay of 20 silver per cure to start, and that if I did the townsfolk well and they grew to like me, they’d most certainly be willing to pay more. She told me that the folks of Greenmoor were good people, even if they were a bit disaster-prone and some of them could make good use of a little more common sense.

And, well, how do you say no to that?

When I asked where I would be getting my materials, she told me the areas surrounding Greenmoor were rich in natural resources. So it will be as I feared. I’m glad I brought my off-road boots.

Mòrag left me to get settled in and I immediately took stock. There are no reagents on the shelves (of course not! Why would there be?), but I did find a cauldron, mortar and pestle, and a copper alembic (which is used for distilling)—so at least once I have the reagents I’ll be able to do some basic cooking with them. I also found a small leather-bound book with vague descriptions of some of the areas surrounding the village. I should be able to cross-reference it with my notes on the environments where useful reagents can be found to make searching for materials a bit less painful.

I pulled a matted tangle of weeds out of the garden plot, but it looks like whatever was planted underneath already shriveled away to nothing. Well, at least the land’s clear now.

One thing that I knew I’d need if I was going to be able to handle this was a familiar. I’ve never been one for conjuration but in this case it’s an unfortunate necessity. I was supposed to be getting one within the next few weeks at Edith’s anyway, and I already knew the process. You’re supposed to have a more experienced witch observe your first time, but that’s just academic formality—there’s nothing actually dangerous about the process.

I found what looks to be a quarter cran basket (was my predecessor into fishing…?) under the bed, and set out around the property collecting small rocks and flowers and toadstools that had the right kinds of vibration. They were for use in the ritual, but also collecting them was a good start to cleaning the property up. Because if I’m going to be living here, it cannot stay looking like this.

I took the basket into the woods near the creek and laid its contents out in a circle as wide as I was tall. Before I placed each one down, I held it for a moment and asked it to help me with my task. Then, I sat in the center of my circle and closed my eyes and tried to meditate. Clearing my head has never been my strong suit, but I’m usually able to fudge the process enough to do what needs doing. This time took a bit longer than usual but eventually I managed. I felt my energy (spirit, consciousness, whatever) radiating out from me, pink and orange and bright and loud, first to the edges of the circle and then beyond. All of it asked a single question and listened for the answer.

The response came from much closer than anticipated, when I felt something small hop onto my knee.

I opened my eyes and looked down to see a frog staring back at me, blinking lazily and making small, guttural noises. Her back was green and rough and slimy. One of her eyes was milky, pointing vaguely off to the left, while the other gazed straight at me. The tips of her toes (three on each foot) edged closer to brown than the rest of her body.

Having clearly presented herself, she now asked if my gut said we would be good partners.

I’ve named her Ailean.

And now here I am, writing all of this down. I don’t know if I’ll be able to manage this every day. Whoever reads this may have to settle for a few times a week. With that said, I do think I’d like to go back and read what my predecessor wrote. Maybe it’ll give a clue as to where she’s gone, and help me escape this position sooner. She seems to have been quite the prolific writer—getting through her logs could take months, especially if the townsfolk keep me particularly busy with their various woes. I’ll have to start reading sooner rather than later.

Speak of the devil, there’s a knock on my door. It hasn’t even been a full day and I might already have my first customer. I’ll finish this later.

⇦●〇●⇨

#writing #writers on tumblr #writeblr #original writing #fantasy #apothecaria #entry #amwriting #creative writing #fiction #rpg #roleplaying game #high rannoc #writeblr community #writers #writblr

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bi-the-way-i-love-bunnies · 4 years ago

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(In which Draco is Harry’s healer and now he has to look through his pensieves in order to save him au. Also, Harry travels)

Drarry drabble:

“I don’t understand,” Hermione whispered as she gazed down at the seemingly lifeless form of her best friend. “I know we haven’t spent as much time together as we should, but he’s dying?”

Behind her stood Ron Weasley, a comforting presence, though he wasn’t fairing much better. It was disheartening to watch, even for Draco’s standards.

“Yes, well,” he went back to his notes, using it as an excuse to look away and keep busy, “Even a person like him can’t be so lucky all the time can he?”

His team was one of the best at St. Mungo’s and upon their discovery, he estimated that Potter was cursed within the last month.

“He was in Jakarta at the time,” Hermione said, “Only came back last week. If we had known…” The look on her face said enough.

Everyone knew that Harry Potter decided to leave England in order to travel and see the world. What exactly he was doing remained a mystery but the general public believed that he was spending his days relaxing and sightseeing the world, fitting for the boy who couldn’t seem to catch a break.

Meanwhile in England the remaining golden trio has been trying to keep the Ministry together and help capture the remaining death eaters with the aurors. It has been 7 years since Voldemort has been gone. During the beginning of all the rebuilding, Draco heard enough of the small whispers that the golden trio had some sort of falling out, though he never quite believed it. Judging from the tension in the room, it was obvious that they still cared for one another deeply. Just because one moved on with their lives doesn’t mean that he left everything of his past behind.

“Right,” Draco got back to what he was planning to say before Granger got all emotional on him. “There’s little chance of recovery,” he warned, “but if we move fast enough we might be able to make a breakthrough if we find out what cursed he was hit with, seeing as he’s a high priority patient.” Merlin knows what would happen if the public found out they let their savior die.

“Luna’s his mind healer. She has pensieves of Harry’s memory stored in her clinic. He always bottles his latest memories of his trips and shows them to her.” She bit her lip before adding, “although it’s highly confidential, if you’re able to help him in just any way, you’ll be allowed clearance to view.”

Ron interrupted before Draco could reply, “Remember Malfoy if you use these memories in any way to hurt him you will be sorry.” He gave the blonde a pointed look, “Harry has had a tough time after the war and if you end up leaking anything, and I mean anything at all, you will be on the receiving end of my wand, and I know some pretty mean hexes.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it Weasley,” it was the next head auror he was talking to after all. “Just left Lovegood know that she’ll be expecting me.”

And that was how he ended up in this current situation having tea with the Ravenclaw in her clinic. He sipped his earl grey tentatively as she came back to the room with a box full of Harry’s pensieves.

She smiled sweetly before setting them down on the long table.

“These are all the memories he pensieved while he was in Indonesia. He visited quite a handful of times you know. Something about it kept pulling him back in.”

She levitated their cups as she made her way out of the room, giving him some privacy to focus. Before she closed the door she turned back to him to give him a warning.

“Draco, as one healer to another I know you wouldn’t do anything to hurt a patient. But know that we would never betray Harry’s confidence and given your history I’ll have you know that a lot of people care for him. Don’t betray his trust, Draco.”

He nodded in agreement and when she left, he slowly poured the bottles into the pensieve, the newest model allowing multiple memories to be viewed at once. If he was being honest with himself he was a bit anxious to know what his old rival’s been up to. Sadly, he acknowledged that his old obsession with Potter back at school was making a comeback. As he was pouring out the last bottle he couldn’t help but notice a note attached to the label.

‘Loving can hurt, yet loving can heal and mend your soul. Remember to keep your love in these photographs, Harry, and they’ll help lead you home.”

Obviously one of Lovegood’s encouragements he mused as he poured the last one in. He stared at the pensieve for a beat longer before plunging in.

He expected a warm sunny beach, or yet a luxurious hotel for Potter to be relaxing in. What he wasn’t expecting was to see children in poverty in a small room. They were huddled over small books and there was an adult at the front speaking. With a small jolt he realized that this was a classroom. He searched around for Potter before finding him next to a little girl around the age of 5 or 6. He had a small piece of parchment out and it looked like he was trying to draw.

He spoke to the girl quietly before presenting her with what he drew, earning him a delighted smile. He watched the memory continue as the group of students eventually moved on from their school day and watched Potter instead. Salazar, since when could Potter draw? As Potter finished yet another art piece a small memory made him remember that Potter was friends with Thomas, who was now a famous artist in England. He wondered if Thomas ever gave his friend lessons. This might’ve been a year or two after the war since Potter didn’t look like the scrawny teen he once knew. Actually, judging from the state from when he was admitted to St. Mungo’s, all the traveling clearly benefited him deeply.

Another memory and they were in a more public area, but this time Potter looked closer to when he just finished the war. Here, Potter was speaking with an old man, deep in conversation. A turn of his head showed a different group of kids, yet their situation didn’t seem any different from the group in the previous pensieve. After a while, he saw Potter hesitantly approach and open a bag, giving the children and their parents some basic necessities like soaps he got from his hotel to small snacks from a local vendor. He proceeded to sit down when he was done and engaged in small talk with the locals, the man he was speaking to earlier leading the conversation. He watched Potter slowly grow more relaxed and laugh more freely. At some point he moved on to entertaining the children. Draco watched on until the sunset before shaking his head reminding himself that he was on a mission.

More memories afterwards showed more of the same thing. Occasionally Potter would spend some time for himself but he would always move on to the streets to engage with the locals. A lot of the pensieves had the old man from the second memory.

Potter drawing, Potter handing out whatever he could spare, smiling, laughing, and surprisingly even dancing to the song some local street band was playing. Apparently his dance skills have improved quite a lot since their fourth year.

Eventually he came across a memory that stood out in more details. You could tell with the more vivid colors in the pensieve that this was quite an important memory to Potter.

“Have you found her yet?” he asked after a small woman entered back into the room with the old man Draco nicknamed Rani.

“We think she wandered too far under the bridge. It’s getting late and she still hasn’t returned,” the woman replied shakingly. “If something happened to my daughter…” she trailed off but the silence filled in what she was trying to say.

He watched Potter get up from where he was sitting. “I’ll find her.”

“Are you sure?” Rani asked as the Gryffindor walked towards the door. “Jakarta is a very friendly city but Naya is young and easy to prey upon.”

“I’ll be back by tomorrow at best,” he hitched his backpack over his shoulder. “Give Indah my love and tell her I’ll try visiting soon.”

He followed Potter through the pensieve once he left, watching as they passed barracks, railroad tracks and bridges. Eventually he watched Potter pass under a bridge before a small ambush took place, Potter’s attackers shielding a small child behind them.

He watched at the last second as Potter got hit square on the chest, which barely fazed him, before he threw an Expelliarmus and stunned him. Once it was over and he got Naya back to his mother, Draco replayed the fight scene over again and watched as the attacker fired the spell, noting the color and making out the incantation.

He watched Potter one last time, all relief and smiles showing in his face as he watched Naya reunite with her mother. Ever the heroic Gryffindor still. He briefly wondered if these people would miss him if Potter- he shook himself from these thoughts and he resurfaced from the pensieves.

He found Luna Lovegood watching him softly before nodding to herself and helping pack back the memories. A look behind her at the window told Draco that it was already night.

“Thank you for letting me borrow the pensive Lovegood,” Draco said while slowly moving the contents to their original bottle, “I think I got what I needed for Potter’s case.”

“He was quite happy wasn’t he,” she spoke out of the blue, “I think he truly needed that after the war and all.”

“He did look...rather well, yes,” he agreed, unsure of where the conversation was leading. He may have wondered about Potter in the past but it never got him anywhere. He didn’t realize how much he missed the git until he saw him basking in the joy of just spending time with others and engaging in their culture. He wondered what else he had missed with Potter’s life and suddenly he was a bit too keen to find out.

“I think Harry needed to see that the world wasn’t all that bad after Voldemort was gone. But even though he didn’t find exactly that, I think it makes him happy. Being part of their lives and doing what he can. Humans lead such intricate lives,” she paused appearing to be in deep thought. “I secretly think that if it was all sunshine and rainbows like Harry wanted to find, he would’ve gotten bored after a while you know? Life can only be good when you see the bad too. And in all his pensieves he saw a mix of both. Poverty with a sense of community. They had the simple pleasantries he couldn't have afforded here.”

Draco thought back at the Potter he knew from Hogwarts. He thought back to all the bitterness and jealousy that he felt when Potter was always the one in the spotlight. Even with everything going on at school, the git just wasn’t able to have a normal year. He reflected back to what Lovegood said about simple pleasantries. He knew all too well what that felt like after the war. Those were some dark days before he was finally able to apprentice as a healer when Penelope Clearwater decided to give him a chance.

They finished in silence as Draco bottled up the last of it.

However before he left, Luna sent him off with a message, “When Harry finally wakes up, give him my love will you?”

He was already on his way before he could tell her about the low chances of Harry’s survival, yet he didn’t doubt Luna’s words. And for Merlin’s sake when did he start referring to her as Luna?

Entering St. Mungo’s was a blur or pressure and distress. Him and his team worked hard to form some sort of antidote potion (a counter spell wasn’t made yet), and the whole time he couldn’t stop worrying about the git. He knew as a healer it was his job to remain calm and collective for the efficiency of the case, but he really needed Potter to wake up afterwards. Although they still didn’t see each other much, Draco was determined to fit himself into Potter’s life. There was just no way he couldn’t when he recalled what Potter was like in Jakarta. He wanted to know how he changed and all the ways he could smile and bring joy to people’s faces just by engaging in small talk or dancing without a care in the world.

He thought of all the things this would change for them as they fed Potter the potion, and he thought of all the things he needed to say as Potter slowly awakened after a few hours.

“Malfoy?” Potter stated groggily as he sat up, “God, I remember the last time I was here. Do you need me to do those annoying question checks to see if I’m fine?”

Draco felt the corner of his lips quirk up as he scribbled Potter’s new status on his notes. “Yes, Potter. Not even the boy who lived can escape standard check ins, no matter how annoying they are.”

He looked up just in time for Potter to let out a fond sheepish grin. “Yeah I reckon so, though I have no idea what you could possibly ask me.”

A beat of silence was shared and Draco felt a swell of anticipation for what he knew was going to come. He could tell Potter knew too just by reading his face. He was always an open book.

“I guess we’ll have to start off with the basics,” Draco smiled, approaching closer until he was standing to Harry’s side, “Tell me about your trips to Jakarta, Potter.”

#drarry #drarry fics #drarry fic #the beginning may sound interesting but honestly it's not what you think #mainly me being self indulgent about harry potter traveling the world and being his Gryffindor self #healer!draco #kinda based on ed sheeran's photograph #also i just watched an interesting document about Jakarta #there's just something so heartwarming about experiencing other culture's you know?#pensieves #pensieve #luna's a mind healer here #and she's one of harry's closer friends #don't worry the golden trio are still close #harry potter #hp #hp drarry #my fic #harry potter fic

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silenthillmutual · 4 years ago

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[ID: Anonymous said: this isnt like, a demand or request, just an expression of interest - you mentioned in your daniil-is-autistic post that you also think artemy is neurodivergent, and i would really enjoy seeing a similar post on that topic. thank you, have a nice day.]

(anon is referring to this post!)

i do have some thoughts that i would like to share about that topic! however comma, it probably will not be as in-depth as my post about daniil, as i am myself autistic and have had a couple years since being diagnosed to ruminate on places where that has affected my life, and so it’s easier to write about coming from a place of personal experience. i can do the same with depression, for the same reason.

i have a couple of ideas about what artemy could have:

adhd

ptsd

ocd

i won’t really be going into ptsd or ocd on this post because i feel like it’s more difficult to point the ptsd out (artemy doesn’t talk much about or flashback at all to being on the front) and because i think ocd should have its own post. it is severely misunderstood, even by other neurodivergent people. plus i think all four of the healers have it (or aspects of it), and this post is about artemy.

i feel like… something about the dsmv diagnostic criteria for adhd feels condescending to me, like it feels the way it’s worded places a lot of the blame on the person who has it? and some of the criteria like “fails to follow through on instructions”, “does not seem to listen when spoken to directly”, “has trouble holding attention on tasks” can depend greatly on the player. not as much of that is baked into artemy’s character and dialogue in the same way that social ineptitude, which is a core feature of autism, is baked into daniil’s character and dialogue.

with that being said: while i will include a few things from the diagnostic dsmv diagnositic criteria as listed on the cdc website, i am going to primarily be thinking about accounts from people with adhd. i have several friends with adhd (and i suspect that i may have it, though i’ve only come to suspect this recently and have had less time to think on it) whose experiences i will be taking into account.

other links to sources i am referring to: [adhd/autism venn diagram by tfw-adhd] [what those symptoms look like in adults, by chadd] [ptsd criteria on brainline] [ocd criteria on beyondocd]

vague spoilers for pathologic classic & pathologic 2

very briefly & quickly: ptsd & ocd

the problem with going into it is this game is already a very difficult and anxiety-inducing world because of the plague and i’d argue that any of the healers could have one or both of these either before the outbreak or after it, so here are some things that stick out to me for

ptsd - overly negative thoughts or assumptions about oneself or the world (can overlap with adhd; artemy has the option to repeatedly blame himself for his father’s death), negative affect, feeling isolated, irritability or aggression, risky or destructive behavior, hypervigilance (any game that dabbles in horror aspects will expect this from you), difficulty sleeping (overlaps with adhd), depersonalization (this is a core aspect of the theatre theme of the game)

ocd - without going through the entire ybocs, i’ll just say that i think all three healers struggle with hoarding (understandably and by necessity) and hypermorality (all three protagonists believe they are the one and only person who is right, rubin is awfully judgmental of people who don’t abide by his personal standards). compulsions would be easier to point out in the game than the obsessions they are linked to, as we’re not exactly privvy to intrusive thoughts outside of the dreams. you could, however, say that artemy struggles with intrusive thoughts of causing harm even inadvertantly and argue that he takes measures to ensure that he doesn’t, won’t, and hasn’t. in classic, this is highly dependent on playstyle.

[this is my standard disclaimer that i have an official diagnosis of ptsd so i’m not just pulling this out of nowhere and am about 98% sure i have obsessive-compulsive disorder, and have researched it thoroughly.]

what’s built into the game: making careless mistakes, poor planning skills, time blindness / anxiety, executive dysfunction

pathologic is a game that sometimes feels like you’re being set up for failure. something that i missed talking about in my previous post is that it often feels like an autism/adhd simulator because it is, in classic, so very easy to screw yourself over and get locked out of an objective by picking the wrong dialogue option. while some of the correct dialogue options are obvious, others feel like a guessing game and you have to just hope you’re picking the right thing and have made a save file at the right place to go back and pick different options in the case that you’ve bungled something. hence, “making careless mistakes”. it’s a little bit easier in 2, as dialogue options that end a conversation are indicated with a diamond (thank you to whomever decided on that!), but it makes up for this by being unforgiving in other aspects. i believe the difficulty settings for imago state that the game is intended to be “almost unbearable” - and lots of people have difficulty completing it on the intended difficulty without cheats. (do not discourse about this on my post.) the game invites you to make careless mistakes and either live with or learn from them.

keeping this in mind, you’re kind of expected to have “poor planning skills” on at least your first time playing it. part of the game’s point is that you can’t do everything, and you can’t save everyone. not paying close enough attention or interpreting the instructions of the game just right in classic can cost you the lives of several of your bound.

that also feeds into time blindness & time anxiety. classic & 2 do these in different ways. in classic, you can’t run, so you have to hope you’re not busy doing something else or else hope that all of your letters come in at a time where you can hit up all the places you need to go, or you’re going to be cutting it short on time for the day. in 2, you can run, but there are far more sidequests to be completed than in classic.

i’d also argue that executive dysfunction is a core aspect of the game. you are very busy and very poor and items are very expensive, meaning that unless you know what you’re in for, either you or the town is low on resources or funds or time to do things like eat, sleep, and take care of your aches, immunity, and infection. all of which can be avoided if you don’t make careless mistakes, have good planning skills, and can manage your time wisely.

“interrupts or intrudes on others”

i don’t appear to have a screenshot of him doing this in 2, but he and daniil do have at least one conversation in which they keep interrupting each other. peak autism/adhd solidarity.

i do, however, have a screenshot example of him doing this to clara in pathologic classic

Haruspex: …Wait a second. If there was nothing but the great Bull, where did the stars and light come from? Changeling: Oh, don’t interrupt!

and as for intruding - khan feels that he does this frequently: intruding on him and capella at the station, intruding on him and notkin at the broken heart, and here he is intruding on kids at the nutshell:

We have so few places of our own - only a couple. And yet you feel the urge to impose yourself even here. Do you know what childhood is? It’s slavery. Herders treat their cattle better than parents treat their children. They lock us up like objects, mold us like statues, and still never take us remotely seriously.

he also intrudes on clara talking with block on day 11, either completely oblivious to the fact that he’s doing it or outright ignoring that he is.

“is often ‘on the go’“

i could say that this is one that is built into the way the game is organized, and it’s true! but his time spent with lara comes to mind. she’s not the only one to mention his restlessness, but i don’t keep screenshots of big vlad on hand so their day 1 dialogue is lost to the wind.

Aren’t you supposed to be terribly busy? I don’t understand why you keep coming. Or do you need my help again? I’ll wash your clothes. You’re filthy, like a chimney sweep. Revolting. While they dry, have some sleep.

“often fidgets […] or squirms in seat”

like with daniil’s body language, i don’t have any gifs to show to prove this. i’m really looking forward to seeing what idle animations he gets in the other two routes. for now i know that in the lucid dream, if you use flycam you can see him idling by swaying and rubbing his chin & that in other pantomimes he can be found constantly turning his head and looking around.

sleep problems

i don’t have the screen shot so just pretend that i do - he mentions this to the fellow traveler on, i think, day one when you go to the dead item shop. in either game, you can also only sleep for a maximum of six hours at a time, which is like..two hours less than the recommended amount, unless that’s changed.

little sense of danger & impulsivity

As usual, I act first and think later. I’ve made a panacea. But from what? What blood was that? Whose blood was that? To cure the Town, I’ll need to figure that out.

there’s actually no dialogue i can think of that addresses the danger of the situation he’s in - which is sort of the reason why i included it! though i am absolutely obsessed with classic artemy threatening grief, kingpin of the villains in town:

Bad Grief: That ain’t good! Got too soft a heart or something? Soft, eh… Well, can’t blame you. Haruspex: Got too hard of a bone structure? You watch it. I’ll break them in no time.

artemy has little to no problem offering to help daniil get ahold of organs and blood:

Bachelor: Exactly. I need tissues of a person who died of the Sand Plague. I need them today, right now! I’ve tried to get them at the cemetary, but failed miserably. The patrolmen are vigilantly watching over the dead. Haruspex: Would you like me to get you some? Bachelor: I’d reward you generously for that. Haruspex: Deal. I’ll do what I can, even though I still don’t have the right to.

‘even though i still don’t have the right to’ - he knows it’s illegal and could easily lose him reputation, but he jumps at the chance to do so. part of his route requires you being in constant danger, but later on there are options to tell daniil you won’t help him. this isn’t one of them.

in pathologic 2, you can also instigate fights with people by, to name a few: refusing to leave the house in the atrium where they have a person bound and gagged upstairs, not leaving barley the barber in grief’s lair, and picking the wrong dialogue option with the guys in the broken heart on day 11.

as referenced above, his impulsivity sometimes shows in the dialogue options you can choose. you can say things that clearly haven’t been thought through all the way. for example, this is what he says to clara bout her parents:

I wonder what you did to your old ones. There was someone gullible enough to adopt you?

and this is how she replies:

Clara: What? Why would you say that? I never even knew them. I’ve been an orphan for as long as I can remember. Artemy: I didn’t know. Right, that’s what I figured.

it’s not all that different from the sort of tactless comment a person with autism might make.

no motivation for tasks you are not interested in & hyperfixations

in pathologic 2, on day 3, daniil asks artemy to be his aide in developing a vaccine. artemy’s responses are all something dismissive and frequently quite rude. here’s the end of that conversation:

Bachelor: I will make the vaccine, but I can’t do it without you. All you need to do is be at hand and do as I say. I will take full responsibility for the situation. Haruspex: Perhaps I’ll drop by… if I have the time.

guess what never happens?

it’s understandable that the panacea is artemy’s main goal. what makes it stick out to me as a hyperfixation specifically is that, while a vaccine is daniil’s main goal, daniil manages to ask artemy about his progress with the panacea.

Bachelor: Anyway, how’s it going? Any progress?

the interest is never reciprocated.

emotional dysregulation & rejection sensitivity dysphoria

i personally think this is the most striking piece of evidence. every single perceived sleight can invoke a drastic reaction in artemy. just take day 3 for example - the perceived sleight here is the belief (based on no evidence) that daniil was snubbing him or trying to exclude him from the meeting:

Bachelor: Burakh. The situation is regretful. I just didn’t have time to warn you. Haruspex: This was ugly of you.

and then he proceeds to get into an argument with him. he can, in fact, get into snits with not just daniil, but with rubin and lara as well. i will not be taking sides in this, because who is right / who is wrong is not really the point, the point is how artemy responds to perceived sleights with increased emotional agitation.

when capella upsets him by telling him she’s taking the kids from under his care for their own protection, he can respond by comparing her to her horrible capitalist pig of a father:

You truly are your father’s daughter. Children always succeed their parents…

i can’t even remember what was said to him to get him to reply this, only that it was said to him by a teenager:

I’m a surgeon. Ever considered having your tongue removed?

he also holds onto murky’s repetitious “what is there about you to love? nothing. so i don’t.” and brings it up to her when she is infected with the sand plague on day 10. though it does bring the rather heartwarming line about murky having loved him from the start, my point remains that he has not been able to stop thinking about something murky has said that she has obviously already changed her mind about by this point in time in the game.

difficulties making & keeping friends

remember what i said about the interest in daniil’s vaccine not being reciprocated? yeah. friends, acquaintances, colleagues - they all kind of expect you to take an interest in their lives. this is where autism & adhd overlap, from my understanding - both can come with an inability to recognize social cues. in fact, i’m going to use the same example now that i used in my post about daniil (it is, after all, what inspired this ask):

Bachelor: From you? Oh, nothing. I was just sharing.

daniil thinks they’ve been having a normal conversation, but artemy hasn’t picked up on whatever social cues he’s been using. this could easily be on either one of them. though i will say, some of my easiest friendships as a person with autism have been with people who have adhd. which is why i’d suggest that daniil saying he’ll tell artemy about thanatica “the way i’d tell a close, intimate friend” is autism/adhd solidarity. despite initially not getting along, they are clearly able to communicate with each other.

i think the rest of this is really self-explanatory. despite being from the town in classic, artemy doesn’t actually appear to have any friends in it. could be a symptom of him having left much ealier (ten years ago as opposed to the five in pathologic 2), but in pathologic 2 his friendships are constantly under threat of spontaneous combustion. this day three conversation with lara sums it up nicely:

Lara: Ugh, whatever. Like it’s any of my business… Do whatever you want. Did you make peace with stakh? Artemy: Doesn’t look like it… Forget Stakh. I see now that I’m one step away from falling out with you. Why?

there’s a variety of reasons why his friendships are falling apart. but it occurs to me that there’s no mention of artemy communicating with his friends at all while he was gone, and maybe that’s contributing to it. this is not an attempt to pick sides (i think everybody’s wrong), i am just pointing this out.

adhd in adults: history of academic or career underachievement, relationship problems due to not completing tasks, chronic stress and worry over failure to accomplish goals, chronic and intense feelings of frustration / guilt / blame

artemy did not finish med school. classic has him described as a “vagrant scholar” traveling from town to town to learn instead of staying in the capital where he was sent (”always ‘on the go’” indeed). in pathologic 2 he simply states that he doesn’t have a degree and that he sucked at latin.

relationship problems mentioned under “making and keeping friendships”, but it should be noted that you can repair your friendships by completing a sidequest on day 3 to gather everyone together.

“chronic stress and worry over failure to accomplish goals” is sort of the entirety of pathologic 2. you could say it’s built into the game, but artemy does express a lot of stress over not knowing where to turn for answers, has bizarre prophetic dreams, and is plagued by… well, the plague taunting him for not being to save his bound. both when notkin gets sick on day 4 and when all of the children get sick on day 10, he can express an extreme amount of guilt for not having the ability to cure them.

i mentioned under ptsd that artemy has a tendency to be able to blame himself for his father’s death, and i think that fits under here as well. there’s also this:

I get anxious thinking about my kids… Are they faring all right in the Lair without me?

conclusion

i do not know if i have adhd myself and i am sure there are things i am missing, especially as i have not completed artemy’s route in classic yet or started clara’s. feel free to contribute to this, i would love to see others’ input!

#icarus.txt #icarus answers #artemy burakh #pathologic meta

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luthien-t · 4 years ago

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The Sun Will Shine. (Chapter One)

Pairing: Loki x Reader

Summary: Thanos invaded the asgardians ship for the tesseract & Thor called for back up. Being a liable paramedic, you gather your tools and go to space. You end up being injured in battle but luckily, Thanos was defeated, what will you do when you find out your lover, Loki suffered more than just a few battle scars? But then again, no one is ever really gone.

Warning: Angst. angst. ANGST. major character death. Blood, gruesome, fighting, curse words, there will be fluff somewhere in the story, I think thats about it

Word Count: 1.9+K

Quick Note: Hello!! This is my first time writing a fic, please inform me if i have any mistakes (english is not my first language), this is going to have multiple chapters, I promise the next chapters will be longer, im just testing the water with this one, if it flopped we can pretend it never happened oop. Thank you and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it!!

The room was cold; It was bright as you felt your pupils moving under your lids but still refusing to open, they felt so heavy and.. Is that a heart monitor beeping? Am I?— It was getting harder to breathe and your eyes were still struggling to open and your muscles wouldn’t budge. The heart monitor started to pick your heart rate as you slowly got out of the comatose.

A door opened in an unrestrained matter with feet shuffling into the room fill up your ears.

“Is she awake?” a familiar voice said.

“What do you mean? She's obviously still in a coma, she’s not moving.” Another replied.

A coma?! What happened? Am I seriously in the hospital?

The door opened again and soft feet stepping on the floor interrupted your thoughts.

“This commonly happens when the patient is going through the waking up state,” a voice that you did not recognise said. “Will you please exit the room and as soon as the patient wakes up we will be sure to inform you!” a warm hand touched your wrists and there were sounds of wires and wheels moving, slowly you can feel yourself regain power of your own body and start to move your fingers, the monitors beeping starts to go back to its normal pattern and you flicker your eyes open, but unable to fully open them due to how white and bright the room is.

“Wha-“ you try to speak but your throat is too dry, clearing your throat only hurts more and you wince.

“Miss y/n, welcome back.” You turn your head to find a nurse smiling at you. She removed the oxygen mask and you shake your head softly then furrow your eyebrows still finding it difficult to speak, the nurse nodded slightly and brought all the nutrient necessities you needed in a cart and looked at you to say something only to notice the confused look on your face and sighs quietly. “I’ll inform your friends and family that you’re awake and the doctor will come back to check up on you in 20 minutes. we can talk about the procedure as soon as you’re fully awake and aware” your face was probably still confused as she smiled again before leaving you to look around the room, your eyes slightly adjusting to the lighting and you try to sit up but an excruciating pain stopped you from doing so, you looked down at your chest that was wrapped securely and then towards you arm that had a cast.

You look up at the ceiling and sigh trying to remember what got you into this situation in the first place.

Running, you were running, trying to reload your gun whilst holding a dagger in your hand, panic starts to course through you when you heard strong running feet behind you “fuck, fuck, fuck!”. You curse, looking behind you, it turns out it to be one of the chitauri and you throw your dagger at it. As if by luck, it went into its eye making it fall backwards. You aim your gun at it and slowly approach it to check if it’s actually dead. “Tha-“ you hear through your ear-piece but the signal was cutting the words and you press one hand to your ear as if it’ll help.

“He is here! Thano- the- not alone!” Steve said through the ear piece and your heart sunk, everything went silent as you looked around you, hearing nothing but your own heartbeat, forgetting that there is an alien by your feet, you then kneel down to grab your dagger only to be met by its eyes opening and grabbing you by the throat, you choke while trying to reach for the dagger in its eyes but the arm was pushing you against the rigid wall, letting out a cough struggling to breath as you kicked against its chest. Next thing you know you were thrown to the other side of the tunnel.

coughing and trying to get up was already difficult on their own, so trying to do both at the moment was not helping especially when footsteps were getting closer and closer to you, scanning the floor with your eyes you find your gun, cursing at yourself for even letting it go in the first place and as you grab it the alien in front of you stopped you by stepping on your wrist, causing you to yell and gasp. It was getting harder to see with the unwilling tears gathering in your eyes but you can hear the gruesome sound of the dagger being pulled out of its eyes while still stepping on your wrist.

Is this really how i die? You chuckled at that thought, tasting blood in your mouth while looking up, it was swinging the dagger down to your stomach and you gasped as it went through your abdomen and stopping you from defending yourself. You just lay down, waiting for it to leave. I’ll just play dead, should be easy. You thought to yourself.

Laying down and pretending to be dead was probably the smartest idea you ever thought of because you heard it walking away, however you have little time to regain your strength. You swallowed hard and got up, wincing as you look at the dagger. Do I pull it out or let it in there? I’m the healer I should know. You struggle to walk to your gun and lean down to get it but you manage, somehow. Rolling your shoulders back you sigh and limp your way out of the tunnel.

“Where is everyone?” you speak out loud hoping someone will listen on the other end of the line, only to hear “You really are the worst, brother” Thor said. You bite your lips, Loki. panic went through you as you tried your best to run towards where they were supposed to be on the ship, you started to hear Thanos speaking, Thor screaming. I’m almost there, hold on for me Loki. You hold your breath trying to save that energy for running-You were limbing, actually.-when you come face to face with one of Thanos’ minions, Ebony Maw, he had a grim smile on his face and with just a simple flick from his wrist and you were thrown to the ceiling then back on the floor, and everything went black.

“Earth to y/n” Tony said, you stay silent, only giving him a glare. Thor slowly walks towards you with a cup in his hands, taking the cup from him whilst

looking around the room. The entire team was here, only one person missing. There was a blanket on the couch & a duffle bag next to it. You took a sip from the cup.

“What happened?” Your voice was hoarse, still hurts to speak.

“After the team split up, Thanos showed up, he was looking for the Tesseract stone” Wanda said. “We were lucky enough to stop him before it was too late.” Steve said and sighed.

“W-We won?” You said, your voice going an octave higher with happiness.

“We won, kid” Tony smiled at you as you drank the rest of your water.

“Well,” Tony clapped his hands together & sat up from his chair. “Nothing new happened in the passed three weeks other than the fact that Thanos is dead,” He chuckled lightly. “But you on the other hand, need to rest & eat so… We will leave you to it” He smiled & quickly shuffled towards the door before giving Thor a quick glance and sighing. “I’m glad you’re safe, y/n” Steve patted your feet then followed Tony. The rest of the team followed. “We’re gonna go get food and then we will be back with entertainment!” Sam smiled widely causing you to smile back as wide. Thor stood quietly in his spot next to you on the bed, watching them leave quietly. You turn your head towards him, your smile slowly fading as you fully notice him now. His beard grew longer & he gained a bit more weight, he was wearing a dirty hoodie and sweatpants. Midgardian mordern outfits was Thors favorite part of Midgard, but seeing him in this certain look was starting to worry you. “How are you feeling, Lady y/n?” He asked as he sat down on the couch and ran a had through his hair. “Well, Thanos is dead, I’m alive, everyone is home safely, right?”

“Lady y/n,” He sighed before opening his mouth to speak again, only to get interrupted by the door opening.

“Good afternoon, Miss y/n, I am Doctor Wade Lee. How are we feeling today?” Doctor Wade smiled as he walked towards you with a file in his hand.

“Alive.” You smiled softly.

Doctor wade laughed gently and opened the file, scanning it quickly.

“Well you’ve suffered with a moderate head concussion, causing you to lose conscience, hence the coma-“ He smiled at you before looking back at the file. “-We had to operate a surgery for the stab wound & broken ribs, but they should be somewhat healed by now. Your broken left wrist is going to be in that cast for-“ He kept talking and talking about your situation, you kept nodding and nodding but your mind was somewhere else, thinking about Loki and the look that Thor had before the doctor walked in. You don’t want to think about the possibilities but your mind couldn’t help but wander.

“Is that clear, Miss y/n?” The doctors voice snapped you back to reality and you nodded with a soft hum. “Alright, I will be seeing you in two weeks from now! The nurse will inform you on your leave and if you need to stay an extra day or not, Have a lovely evening Miss y/n!” He smiled widely and left the room.

Thor watched him leave before clearing his throat.

“Lady y/n-“ He started again.

“Thor, please don’t.” You looked at the wall in front of you. You know what he is about to say, you heard his screams, you heard his words towards his brother on that ship, but you weren’t prepared to hear his words about his brother now.

“I’m sorry. I was trapped, I couldn-“

“Thor! Please stop!” Your voice broke. The heart monitor started to beep rapidly.

Tears began to gather in your eyes. “He can’t be” it was barely a whisper, but he heard you and looked down at his feet. “I wish I had the right words for this-”

“But you don’t! So, Thor, please… Don’t.” Your voice broke at the end.

“He died a hero, y/n.” You winced at his words and shook your head rapidly, bitting your lips, the room went quite but the monitor gave away your emotional state and you groaned then quickly pulled at the wires connected to your chest to stop the sound. The only sound that was now in the room was your heavy breathing and Thor tapping his foot, you look at him but he kept his eyes glued to the floor.

“It doesn’t matter if he was a hero or not. He fucking died.” You looked up at the ceiling and chuckled, remembering the same scene between you and that chitauri. “And it was my fault, all because I couldn’t fight longer..” You covered your face with your right hand as your body shivered.

Thor then got up, cleared his throat and walk out of the room and with that your sobs got louder and heavier.

Maybe he was giving you space to mourn, or give himself space to mourn, neither of it mattered, Loki was gone without a goodbye.

___

Ta Daaa!! Whatya think? Not so bad for a first timer huh??

#loki laufeyson #loki x reader #loki #loki odison x reader #loki layfeyson x reader #loki odinson #reader x loki #loki fanfic

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ramblings-of-a-mad-cat · 4 years ago

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Fawley Family - History, Head-canons, and other stuff

I’ve been delaying this post for far too long, so let’s talk about the Fawleys. This will not be canon to Remembrance, (Though I might mention spoilers from the fic, so be warned.) as I’m working on a Ravenclaw AU for Luca (Spelled “Luka” in this timeline.) that is as of yet going to remain unfinished because I want to know the full story of HPHM before I finish it - Mainly concerning Rakepick and R.

Politics

So, The Fawleys are part of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. I’m inclined to think they don’t really care about their status in the Pureblood Directory, even though it’s an inherently racist document. As opposed to the Malfoys, who pride themselves on their inclusion, and the Weasleys, who can’t stand that they were put in. The Fawleys have never properly declared for one side of history or another. They never supported the Death Eaters, but they also didn’t join the Order of the Phoenix. They’ve never been hostile or dismissive to muggles, but they also mingle with the more racist pure-blood families. They keep their options open, and as a result, most people tend to enjoy their company, but don’t fully trust them. It helped that they were usually sorted into Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff, and were therefore able to keep out of the school-age rivalry between the Lions and the Snakes.

Reputation

Of course, The Fawleys aren’t entirely popular either. People tend to avoid them in general, particularly if they’re superstitious and believe in things like the Grimm. This is because, for countless generations, The Fawley Family has been...well, there’s no simpler way to put it, than horribly unlucky. Misfortune seems to follow them wherever they go. It doesn’t usually affect those close to them too directly, although it can. Fawleys are known for madness, as a great number of them go off the deep end over time, even if there were no warnings signs. Far too many have committed suicide. The history of this family is a trail of blood and tears. People have noticed over time, and rumors grew that the family is cursed...and they actually are not wrong. A curse does indeed live in the blood of the Fawleys, and is unfortunately passed down genetically. It doesn’t strictly cause bad luck or anything, but the rumors are still true.

Lineage

Being one of the oldest pure-blood families in the U.K, they can trace their heritage back hundreds of years. The oldest notes about the family tree suggest that the children of Merlin and Morgan Le Fay, were in fact the Fawley’s original ancestors. There is no way to verify this, of course, and unlike some of the more pompous Wizarding families, they see no need to parade it or make any claims. If it’s true, great. If not, whatever. (In my head, this rumor is definitely true, but it doesn’t change much about them either way. It’s just fun to think about.) On the other hand, it seems to be fact that many generations of the Fawleys were hunters who lived in the woodland and caught their food, sometimes doing odd jobs for hire - this is where the name Fawley (roughly translating to “fowl”) comes from.

Signature

Several pure-blood families have some kind of motto or sigil. The Malfoys and the Blacks both have a crest, and the Fawleys do too. You might be expecting a bird, but this is not the case. During the War of the Roses, the Yorkshire muggles received some unexpected help from mysterious advisors, who became infamous for their abilities to control people and arrange the deaths of enemy soldiers before they even set foot in battle. Many were grateful for the aid, others voiced doubt, fearing and mistrusting the advisors. They seemed to vanish after the wars ended, having earned the nickname, “The Black Roses.” Sometimes derisively, sometimes approvingly, depending upon who was asked. Within the Wizarding community, however, the Fawleys never hid that they and some of their closest friends had been the Black Roses. It became their symbol.

Darkness

As stated, the Fawleys have never been Anti-Muggle, not have they favored blood supremacy. But whether or not they stand against the Dark Arts tends to vary between the generations - the Black Roses definitely used dark magic in their efforts, for example. Rarely do any of them go full-out and cross to the dark side. Most of them favor unicorn wands. Rarely do any of them turn completely evil. But a wizard who can employ both light and dark magic is a versatile one, which is advantageous in multiple ways, particularly when it comes to exploring magic itself. What is consistent across centuries of the family is that they like to experiment, they push the study of magic to it’s limits. Some of them became spell inventors. Others travel all over the world in pursuit of greater powers and secrets. More than once, a Fawley has gone off the grid and simply disappeared, never to be heard from again.

Friendships

The Sacred Twenty-Eight is composed of the core families that often inter-marry, either due to coincidence or to intentionally keep the blood pure. In the Fawleys case, it was the former. There was no rule about avoiding marriages to Half-bloods and Muggles, and sometimes these would even happen - but the number of premature deaths that occurred in this family unfortunately cut off any branches that might have formed. Most consistently, the Fawleys seemed to associate with the Burkes, the Greengrass’s, and especially the Blacks. They had a consistent, ongoing friendship and occasional rivalry with the Black family. They would explore the boundaries of magic together. Sometimes they would be mortal enemies, at others they would protect each other. Many Fawley-Black marriages occurred, and present day, Tonks is distantly related to Luka and Gail.

Abilities

The Fawleys have frequently become Healers and either worked at St. Mungos or started smaller practices and apothecaries of their own. Some say this tendency to heal is born of the anguish the family regularly faces. After all, many say the kindest people are those who have suffered the most. Others say that learning these skills became a necessity with how many tragedies there were. But regardless, they usually have talent in the Healing Arts. Typically a Fawley will be gifted in either Charms, Potions, Herbology, or some combination of the three. They are also natural fliers, despite having little interest in Quidditch itself, most of them know their way around a broom. On an unrelated note, I like to imagine the Fawleys, ever-neutral, generally keep themselves out of Quidditch culture, but would be fans of the Montrose Magpies. Finally, we know from canon that MC and Jacob are Legilimens’, so I’d say natural talent toward this magic runs in the family.

Home

In the Remembrance timeline, the Fawleys live in a small cottage off the coast of a place called Dulcimer Beach, always cloudy and with black sands. However, I like to imagine that at least one branch of the Fawley family grew up in Godric’s Hollow, perhaps just outside the cemetery. I don’t know, there’s something about growing up literally next to a graveyard, that kinda suits them in my opinion. Plus. the whole idea of them being nearby when James and Lily died, even if they weren’t at all connected to it. Not sure where I’ll put the twins in the AU, I might have each of them in one of these two places. All I know is, they have a garden with a bed of black roses, that have magical properties and are used in their potion making.

The Curse

If the Fawleys have one fatal flaw, that is consistent across the vast majority of them...it’s curiosity. This is why they’re usually in Ravenclaw. It’s why Jacob went after the vaults.They don’t thirst for knowledge but when presented with the idea of a secret they don’t know...they want to know it. This family has done terrible things over the years in their journey to learn the darkest secrets imaginable. They don’t crave power, they just want to see how powerful they can actually become. While they often use that power for good...it always comes with a price. The Curse...was their own doing. Despite spreading rumors that it was the Fault of the Blacks, the Fawleys placed the curse in their blood on themselves, centuries ago. Present day, the current inheritors of the curse don’t even know this to be true.

Heirlooms

Just one. A set of thick, fur-lined robes that are white and lined with black, as well as having a black rose emblazoned on the side, usually concealed when the robes are bundled up. Supposedly, these belonged to one of the “Black Roses” but there’s no way to know if that’s true. They could have been made years later, as a simple reference. But Luka’s father Arik had them, and his father before him. Other than that...I suppose there is the Wizard’s Chess set that they have? But it’s only a couple of generations old.

The Cabal

I’ll get straight to the point. No matter what R winds up being, no matter who they are or what they want, my personal theory or head-canon is that MC’s family has been connected to them, or at least to the Cursed Vaults, for longer than we initially thought. That Jacob and MC being sought out by them was no accident or coincidence. I believe the Fawleys are deeply involved with the Cabal, and have been all along, perhaps going back many generations. Perhaps Dumbledore or the Aurors already know this, and simply keep it from MC. This could also play in to how they never sided with the Death Eaters or The Order - they already had a faction they had pledged loyalty to.

Miscellaneous

I’ve always pictured them as Iranian, at least for the past several generations. I also think having twins is not unusual for them, since it seems to happen more consistently in certain families. However, still-born babies and miscarriages, not to mention infertility, are all the more common. As for family traits, I see the Fawleys typically having large dark brown eyes, thicker, longer hair, and smaller, button-like noses. Luka is lactose intolerant, Gail is dyslexic. As I alluded to, they love Wizard’s Chess and probably don’t like Gobstones very much. They generally don’t believe in superstitions and many will claim the Fawley Curse is a hoax, even if they know this not to be true. I also have always imagined them as being Jewish, and if I ever write a reboot fanfic of the Ravenclaw AU, I’d like to incorporate that into the story more.

Damn if you actually read all of my nonsense you deserve a cookie ☺️ If there are any questions about the Fawleys or head-canons for your own OC's family, please share them!

#Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery #HPHM Headcanons #Hogwarts Mystery OC #HPHM Jacob's Sibling #The Fawley Family #HPHM Jacob #Luka Fawley #Gail Fawley #The Fawley Twins #Harry Potter OC #Harry Potter

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nixalegos · 5 years ago

Note

Some would question the use and commodity of a Warlock as compared to other classes and the necessity of their legacy. Fel-magic and Demonology are outlawed in practice in most cities, if not by some cultures outwright. And some players tend to sideline the Warlock as compared to another Spellcaster. In your opinion and in the face of this depreciation, what do you feel Warlocks offer that make them a strong Class by comparison to others, both ICly and in Mechanics?

Oh warlocks. Will I ever tire of talking about this class? Probably not. So. First, lets get it out the way. YOU SHOULD NOT TRUST WARLOCKS. Full stop. No matter how charming. No matter how noble their intended goal. No matter how many monsters they slay. Villians they dispatch. Every. Single. Warlock is a little bit insane, and every single one of them have an insatiable hunger for knowledge, power, or worse. So why the hell are they even -allowed- within the heroes ranks?! Because the enemy LOVES having warlocks in their ranks. Because for every mad cultist, for every adoring worshiper of chaos or demons, or darkness, there is an equally driven, zealous scholar working day in, day out to outdo them in every arena. Warlocks are the magical equivalent of having a hacker on your businesses payroll. You know what they do is wrong, but you know without them, you’re more vulnerable to malicious attacks from without. You need them inside your tent, not outside poking holes in the tarp. You need them close for the few out there who aren’t playing on your team. You can bloody a mage. You can drive them into a corner. You can beat them into submission. You can’t do that to a warlock. A warlock who’s been bloodied is a warlock about to get serious. And it takes ALOT to get a warlock bloodied. (Thematically anyway) They’re unique studies into life and mana and self inflicted pain can leave them often as durable as those in plate by sheer force of will. (For about six seconds or until someones corruption procs) A priest can inflict pain. A warlock -feeds- off your pain. A member of the Illidari can use demonic rituals. An Illidari’s ritual is a cheap sand castle to a proper warlocks ritual. But they’re more then just durable magic cannons. They know how to play nice. Go on. Take the healthstone. It’s insurance. I don’t want to see you hurt, or burden the healer. (Don’t mind me standing behind you meatshield.) Let me rip open time and space to pull our -friend- here to quicken this foes dispatching! (Sooner it drops my damn off hand the better.) Use the gateway to avoid traps! (Better you’re in the fray first then me.) Let me scout for the hidden with a scrying eye! (And spot my prize too.) My demon can keep that enemy occupied while we cut down its allies! (It enjoys the look of anguish as it realizes its friends are dead and they were helpless.) The warrior will rise! Stay fast allies! (DID I SAY YOU COULD DIE?!) Warlocks bring -alot- of utility to a fight. Moreso then most realize. But they couple this -helpfulness- while also delivering truly HORRENDOUS damage upon their foes. Packs, nay, SWARMS of demons. Shadow magic stolen from the void that eats at flesh. Necromancy that infects the blood. Fire magic so dreadful it sears the soul as black and withered as the victims flesh. Is it any wonder so many warlocks are pleased as punch to help you? Eager and cheerful to ‘sell their services’ for any given task, even tasks they might not be so helpful in? Given a reason to crack their knuckles and use their soul damning, self pleasuring magics upon anyone or anything that gets in their way? They live for excuses. Excuses to be ruthless. Excuses to cut loose. Excuses for why they laugh and mock the dead as they drain whats left of their enemies souls to repair themselves enough to do it in the next room over, where guards quake at the sight of that smiling dark robed figure that’s just short of the scariest thing they’ve ever seen because they -forced- them into a state of panic and desperation. Warlocks should make any reasonable person nervous just being nearby. Because what would happen if they decided to -stop- playing nice?

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angels-heal-u-blog · 4 years ago

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Reiki in Delhi

Reiki (articulated beam kee) is a delicate, all encompassing, hands-on recuperating procedure valuable for stress the board, profound unwinding and self-improvement. It was established by Mikao Usui in Japan in 1914, and is currently drilled and instructed in each nation of the world, including significant emergency clinics and malignancy focuses. Reiki depends on the rules that: 1) Everything alive is comprised of vitality. Reiki shares have been a fundamental piece of my profound Reiki in Delhi turn of events and sincerely I don't have the foggiest idea where I would be today on the off chance that it were not for them. I met similarly invested individuals, extended my psyche to new skylines, held nothing back from unequivocal love, found out about different vitality mending strategies that go with Reiki, learned cool tips to utilize when giving a treatment, and how to improve my self-recuperating. The Reiki specialty of recuperating has been practically speaking for a considerable length of time. Re-propelled in Japan, the genuine cause of Reiki has been the wellspring of discussion for such a long time now. Be that as it may, one thing is without a doubt, Reiki as the principle recuperating medium or banded together with different kinds of treatment speeds up the mending procedure and loosens up the body and brain in a manner no other mending practice can.

Reiki is currently perceived as a brilliant recuperating procedure for physical treatment and self-awareness. Reiki originates from the general profound vitality source which never neglects to convey amazing outcomes. It very well may be polished on oneself, on others and in gatherings. Gathering meetings appear to have an extraordinary cooperative energy that prompts more huge and suffering outcomes. In this day and age, the vast majority of us live in a steady condition of pressure. An assortment of new Reiki in Delhi issues and sicknesses have sprung from uneasiness and stress, making it more testing than any other time in recent memory to recuperate wellbeing through traditional medicines and prescriptions. Individuals are seeing that significantly in the wake of agreeing to treatment, they are as yet learning about focused on, feeble, and debilitated. It is so natural today for any grown-up to exhaust their normal "goodness" through an excess of stress, substance misuse and so forth. On the off chance that we invest so much energy hurt ourselves, for what reason can we not invest only a brief period additionally Healing ourselves. Discover how reiki can be utilized to recuperate yourself.

On the off chance that the main thing you need to do is hands-on Reiki recuperating, that is fine. Simply comprehend that you will in all probability need to place an immense measure of vitality into this for an all-encompassing timeframe. This is the thing that I did, so I realize it works; yet I additionally realize that a great many people would battle to do this. That is the reason acquainting a second string with your recuperating bow is such a helpful thought. By multiplying your capacity to pull in customers, you give your recuperating business a greatly improved possibility of accomplishment - insofar as you unite your Reiki before you Reiki in Delhi present the second mending strategy. We have all caught wind of the "All inclusive Life Energy" Reiki. It is a renowned profound practice that utilizes the characteristic vitality to recuperate physical sicknesses just as to determine troublesome circumstances throughout everyday life. Dr. Mending and Reiki Symbols permits one to recuperate yourself as well as other people in manners numerous individuals discover hard to accept until they have encountered the intensity of Reiki and the related Symbols. Each Reiki Symbol has an alternate vitality vibration and recuperates on various levels. I composed this article for individuals who are searching for a simple, protected, common, otherworldly vitality mending framework and are uncertain about where to begin. I talk about Reiki and why you should consolidate it in your life.

Reiki separation mending is a type of Reiki treatment in Delhi that can be performed without the patient in the room. By and large, Reiki is regulated by softly contacting a patient, yet removed Reiki mending can be performed whether the patient is in the room, nearby or many miles away. Have you been searching high and low for quality free reiki mending administrations. All things considered, look no further. Free reiki is presently accessible to you around you own calendar, and in your neighborhood. The body is a confounded course of action of physical, mental and passionate frameworks and stress is a regularly disregarded factor with regards Reiki Treatment Delhi to mending and wellbeing. Reiki is a type of vitality mending dependent on the laying on of hands. Numerous medical clinics are finding out about the ground-breaking advantages of vitality mending and how it very well may be utilized to supplement conventional recuperating. Vitality is wellspring of life and life is vitality. Vitality is a multi directional power. All together Reiki implies Universal Life Energy brought through close to home mending for the reasons for recuperating.

Whoever said that Reiki can't be improved and fused with fun unquestionably hasn't attempted the blend of reiki recuperating and laying on of gems. The mending through reiki itself is sufficiently amazing to give you whatever is vital for your prosperity anyway it can in all likelihood be improved. At the beginning, we should clear up one viewpoint about Reiki. Anyone can learn Reiki. The main necessity is that you should want to eagerly summon the Reiki power that as of now is available inside you. Is it true that you are keen on learning the mending forces of Reiki attunement? What is keeping you away from rehearsing Reiki? It is safe to say that you can't locate a Reiki Treatment Delhi solid school or a Reiki Master who can give you the imperative preparing? On the off chance that you are truly keen on inclining this incredible strategy, in the current computerized age these limitations ought not keep you down. How Reiki healers treat patients. How Chakra recuperating techniques are joined in Reiki mending meetings.

Reiki is a specialty of mending which started in Japan. It is accepted that this craftsmanship started in Tibet when Tibetan priests contemplated energies and built up an arrangement of sounds and images for all inclusive recuperating energies. Over some undefined time frame, this craftsmanship was lost. Around the last part of the 1800s, Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese Christian instructor in Kyoto, Japan, ventured out to the United States and India looking for this recuperating aptitude. In the wake of contemplating the first Buddhist Holy Scriptures in Sanskrit, he rediscovered the insight of Reiki recuperating and came back to Japan. In this manner, the study Reiki Treatment Delhi of Reiki that advanced in Tibet quite a while in the past was followed back and created in Japan. There has been a lot of discussion about Reiki and disarray has come to fruition because of hypothesis being passed on as truth. Indeed, even the history that was at first educated all through Western Reiki has since been questioned and in certain angles disproven. This arrangement of articles composed by a Reiki ace of seven years and vitality Shaman is intended to carry some clearness and edification to the subject. The concentration for the primary article is to diagram the fundamentals of Reiki and the meaning of Reiki. This will enable other invested individuals to comprehend the establishment from which the writer is working for the motivations behind these articles. Reiki is an elective recuperating practice, which is unequivocally expected to have started in Japan hundreds of years back. It is likewise accepted Reiki Treatment Delhi that this mending framework was first found by one Buddhist specialist known as Mikao Usui, in the start of the twentieth century. Reiki is a piece of two words, Rei and Ki. Rei implies widespread, while Ki implies a progression of life or vitality. Reiki preparing is currently accessible to everybody paying little mind to your degree of past reiki experience, or where on the planet you live! Reiki, the Universal Life Force Energy that goes through each and every living being, is accessible to us all for the recuperating and development of ourselves as well as other people. Presently, it is simpler than at any other time to take advantage of you.

#Reiki Treatment Delhi #Reiki in Delhi #Reiki healing Delhi #Reiki expert Delhi #Reiki center Delhi

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brightsun-and-darkmidnight · 5 years ago

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Heartbeat: A Fragile Reminder

TITLE: Heartbeat: A Fragile Reminder

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 33 / ?

AUTHOR: brightsun-and-dark midnight

ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine Loki falling in love with a Midgardian and his words to Thor about Jane during Dark World coming back to haunt him. “It would be a heartbeat. You would never be ready.”

RATING: M for Mature

NOTES/WARNINGS: ~▪︎~FOR THE WHOLE STORY~▪︎~

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Check Masterlist. It's going to be a long read. I try to keep each chapter around 3,000 words.

My Ao3: brightsun_and_darkmidnight

!-!TRIGGER WARNING(S)!-!

So many triggers, read ALL of them!

Swearing. Angst. Death. Depression. Violence. Self-harm. Regret. Carelessness for safety. Doubts. Torture. NSFW. Smut. Fluff. And Of Course- Mischief.

Summary: Everyone needs to get used to the new schedule and Alicia has heartbreaking news for Loki.

~ ~ ENJOY ~ ~

Loki moved the food tray away from Alicia when she started to fall asleep.

Emma took her spot at the head of the bed with her hands to Alicia's temples.

Hassiba stood quickly and went out the door.

Loki watched as Alicia's body started to jerk and her breath became ragged. Before Loki was at Alicia's side nurses ran into the room and Hassiba gently pulled Loki to the far corner of the room.

Hassiba held onto Loki's arm. "Let them do their jobs. Alicia will be fine."

Her glowing eyes gave him comfort in the knowledge she seen further ahead than anyone in the room. Hassiba smiled at Loki and he gave her a nod.

Loki watched as Alicia's body became still and the healers relaxed. Emma was still at Alicia's head.

Loki felt a pat on his arm and then Hassiba asked for chairs. Loki helped the elderly woman sit down and then stood and watched Alicia's body lay still.

"Have a seat with me. Don't protest, I will get my way sooner or later." Hassiba gave him a sweet motherly smile.

Loki pressed his lips together as he stared towards Emma who was still going strong with guiding the visions.

"Move the chair beside me you silly boy."

Loki breathed slowly to try to calm his racing heart but moved the chair to sit with the wise witch. He couldn't help the questions racing in his mind...If this was the reaction to Alicia's visions in her dreams he was not sure his heart could handle it. What was she seeing that made her body react that way? What was her worst vision?

Hassiba asked the extra nurse for some tea and crackers. "They make really good tea here."

Loki glanced at the elder. "Not like Alicia's but it is good."

"I do not recall ever seeing you on edge for one person. Her tea must be amazing."

Loki shifted more comfortably in his seat.

Hassiba chuckled, "I heard you proposed to her. She is going to be your once in a lifetime, the love for all your existence, and I think she is a very wise choice." Hassiba thanked the nurse once a tray set for two with tea necessities and crackers. "Drink some tea, it will calm that stomach of yours."

Loki made a cup for himself and took a sip to satisfy the elder, knowing she was ahead of every protest. He wondered if Alicia would be forced to use her present visions to see like Hassiba and if she would be all knowing like Hassiba.

Loki observed the bright eyes that were clouded over pupils. "Was it hard to get used to using present visions to see?"

"At first." Hassiba took another bite of cracker dipped in tea. "I eventually decided being ahead of everyone is not so bad." She leaned close to whisper, "I am very good at board games now."

Loki was able to smile and whispered back, "your secret is safe with me."

Hassiba laughed.

Alicia was asleep for only an hour before she woke with sweat glistening across her body.

Emma definitely looked like she had better days. She had dark bags under her eyes and she could barely keep herself standing so the other nurses helped her to the bed Loki and Hassiba had prepared for Emma to rest in.

Hassiba patted Loki's arm before going to Alicia. He stood back to give everyone room but made sure to be closer to Alicia's bed.

Hassiba took the notebook and sat on Alicia's bed. "Ok dear. Let's talk about those visions."

Alicia was still tired but she explained how the first dreams dealt with Marcibeth and how she felt her body react.

"I went to the place they had my father. In order for him to be safe I exchanged myself… Marcibeth was there and left with him… I seen Loki and then an explosion, just like the visions I drew. I woke in a healing room, also like the vision I drew." Alicie rubbed her temples due to a headache. "I seen Luit and Edward in custody. Then I found Marcibeth, she was injured and then Luit was there. Marcibeth didn't make it."

Hassiba hummed as she wrote down the notes. "My dear. It sounds like that ring your sister gave you is giving your magic issues. The enchantment does not let you use magic against her and it seems to be giving you issues even in your visions." Hassiba flipped the page. "Anymore you can tell me?"

Alicia tried to blink back tears. "Well not much. Everything after Marcibeth is a blur. I still saw space and also a large silhouette. It has to Bifrost related."

Hassiba's eerie eyes searched Alicia's. "Well dear did you feel threatened?"

Alicia's eyebrows scrunched in thought as she glanced at the familiar posture of Loki. "To a point."

"Alright dear. Well the Bifrost still has a while before being completed, so I guess we have time before this, large figure, gets involved." Hassiba smiled as she closed her notebook. "I will be around. Let Emma rest for a while, she needs to get used to a new schedule." The elder rose to her feet slowly.

Alicia nodded as she made the bed rise so she sat up. "Will there be a time when Emma doesn't need to look in my dreams?"

"Maybe but with the way your body reacts to some of your visions. I am going to say not for a long time." Hassiba spoke as she held Alicia's hand, "Loki why has this ring been left on her?"

Loki stood next to Alicia and glared at the ring. "The enchantment stays in effect until the item is removed. Due to knowing Luit does get to Alicia everyone decided keeping the ring on is the best option."

The old witch hummed in thought. "It is a clever trap." She cupped Alicia's hand in both of hers, "it is your sister who gave you this safety from others but she is hurting you in the process."

Alicia was tempted to take her hand from the woman's grasp but left it as she explained. "Marcibeth has a unique way of making me stronger."

"I know Dear." Hassiba gave a little tap to her hand before letting go. "It is your choice to remove that ring. For now, go relax in the bath."

Alicia felt the sweat still pouring out of her. "That sounds like a good idea."

Alicia moved to get up and Loki helped her into the wheelchair.

Loki left no room to argue with the tone he used. "You need to rest."

At Alicia's huff Hassiba laughed as she said her goodbye.

Alicia looked upwards to Loki while he pushed her into the bathroom. She felt her head get dizzy from the odd way she held her neck. She groaned. "I hate this."

Loki excused the nurses after the bath water was ready.

Loki had to peal the gown off of Alicia. "Its a new system. New schedules for everyone and with your visions in your dreams you will not feel rested. Easy Love."

Alicia let Loki steady her from a near fall. "I feel useless. Like a burden to everyone."

Loki gently picked her up and set her in the tub. "You are no such thing. While things changed it does not mean you are a hindrance to anyone." Loki let Alicia sit in the huge bath with bubbles. "Visions in dreams are the hardest to cope with. Your mind will never get a real moment to relax."

Alicia let her head back onto the pillow with a sigh. The bubbles popping in protest of her movement. Alicia loved the moment of silence when Loki paused. It was heavenly and peaceful. Her mind went blank for a moment due to little stimulus.

Alicia soaked in the tub for a long time then washed herself.

Alicia stood while Loki helped her out of the bath and wrapped a large towel around her.

"Do you feel better?"

Alicia sighed as she dried herself off. "Yeah. Thank you for letting me relax."

Loki stated, "You relaxed instantly as soon as it was quiet."

It was silent again but Alicia's mind was occupied with Christmas.

"Loki… I know we decided on giving the kids money but could we do Christmas shopping today?"

"Of course. It would probably be best to put in the orders today so they get here." Loki gave her a smile. "I already have Christmas taken care of. They are going to be here for dinner. I gave the recipes to the cooks. Everyone can relax."

Alicia smiled with happy tears. "Thank you so much."

During their shopping Alicia gave Loki control of many things. Alicia insisted on mainly learning stuff and Loki got a few fun things. It was fun to shop for gifts for little children. Susan and Michael got a relaxation package at a spa, an appointment with the Kitten Master for new clothes, as well as a date night with a little "coupon book" to watch the kids for varying times.

Alicia smiled at the receipts for everything. "I think they are really going to like all of this stuff."

Loki agreed. "I think so too."

Up until Christmas day everyone tried to get used to their new schedules

Hassiba closed her notebook then smiled sweetly at Alicia. "Dear, do not worry so much. Worry means you have to deal with things more than once. This time your vision said your sister lives."

Alicia glared at her hands. "This one time. This one version."

"Things will work out. No matter what you must go through."

Alicia grumbled, "You talk so positively."

"Years of being pessimistic taught me how to see the good. 4,685 years of knowledge and seeing many years ahead helped with life lessons."

Alice looked at the glowing eyes of the witch and inwardly cursed her poor eyesight because she could not see much of her other features. She grabbed her glasses off the table and felt her eyes straining to adjust to the new way of seeing. She could see drastically better but the substantial difference from blurry with little details to seeing the intricate designs on the far wall was too much. Alicia rubbed her temples and groaned.

Hassiba asked, "Why do you refuse to use present visions?"

Alicia answered annoyed with the repeated conversation, "I want to experience things the same time as everyone else."

"Ah yes. You are 10 seconds ahead of everyone. It's not so bad being ahead. It gives you extra time to think of peaceful solutions."

Alicia glanced at the eerie eyes. "How far ahead are you?"

"I choose to be a whole 2 minutes ahead now. But I have seen this all already."

Alicia yawned as she noticed Emma snoring in her own bed. At least Emma was able to walk herself a little further and tuck herself in now.

"I'm sure Loki will be here any moment to see you before breakfast." Hassiba smiled with a small laugh. "That darling boy cares so much. Years of bad interactions left him… drained but you have breathed life into him no one else could."

Alicia remained silent as the elder rambled. All Alicia could do was think of Marcibeth and how it hurt so much to dream of her. She was her sister and somehow she just doesn't make it. All because of Luit and Edward, but that didn't make sense either.

"Alright. Enjoy your breakfast. I will be here when you wake again."

Alicia forced a smile, "Thank you Hassiba. Your efforts are appreciated."

"Do not worry so much for Emma. She is strong and just as stubborn as you are." Hassiba stopped at the door and smiled to the floor before leaving.

Alicia sat and waited for Loki, resting her eyes as she did so. She felt empty and useless. How much help was she as a witch if she couldn't gather information for herself? The things dealing with Marcibeth were slowed but hurt her the most, even in her dreams Alicia felt the distress of her body.

There was little doubt Marcibeth was a descendant of Luit by now. Alicia's tests showed she was about 25% Asgardian but not of Luit. Of course the book that held Alicia's bloodline was one that failed to survive Ragnarok.

Since no one tested Marcibeth no one knew how much Asgardian she had. Everything left Alicia wondering more about her mother… Angela never showed signs of being a witch but she always drew people. Thus being one of Alicia's favorite things to draw.

Was Marcus the Asgardian? He didn't use a wide variety of magic much but he did use it more than Angela did.

There was a knock at the door and Alicia knew who it was instantly.

Alicia mumbled. "Nothing new. Well.. other than my sister survived."

"Its great news love." Loki went to Alicia's side and held her hand.

Alicia could not look at him as tears escaped her closed eyes. "I see so many things...like, having and not having a family."

Loki did his best to keep his face neutral as his heart broke.

He looked forward to the days of children. He was going to steal fries like Michael did with Justin and Emily, the day of the festival. He was going to teach his children everything and protect everyone from harm.

Alicia glanced at Loki and she croaked out an apology.

"Sorry."

Her eyes closed and the tears poured down her face and began to soak her hospital gown. Her mouth opened but nothing happened, no sound, not even a breath was heard. Her hands went to her face as she tried to hide, or contain the heart constricting breath and desperately held back cry.

Loki was already holding her at the first twitch of her lips.

"Shh. Darling. My love. Everything is going to be alright. We will be together, I will love you always. No matter what, you are the love of my life."

"You want fam.. children."

Alicia breathed heavily and Loki kept rocking her.

Alicia cried more. "And we might not."

Loki kissed her head and held her tighter, "And that will be ok. I need you. We are a team and we will figure our future out."

"We talked. Dreamed.."

Loki waited to talk because the lump in his throat grew to the point it was too painful. She wailed as she held onto him and he knew his tears were wetting her hair. He kissed a heavily drenched area of her scalp and did his best to speak but found himself struggling.

"Day by day if we need to. We will find out what will work for us. I love you and always will."

Alicia started to calm down at some point as he left her cry her sorrows away. Loki did his best to comfort her, but his heart was breaking off in larger pieces as she repeatedly apologized. Somehow he was laying in her bed as she calmed down.

She sniffed before asking. "Always?"

Loki placed a lingering kiss to her forehead, "Always."

Loki held her for a while until their breakfast arrived.

#loki #Heartbeat: A Fragile Reminder #brightsun-and-darkmidnight #check triggers #check description #chapter 33

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kurtty-drabbles · 5 years ago

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Mulan au (Everybody is talking)

N/A: I had this idea for a while and EW Kurt talking with his entourage about Kitty should happen. Also, EW Kurt rocks with a scarlet robe.

@djinmer4 @sailorstar9 @dannybagpipesarecalling @discordsworld @bamfoftheundead

The thin veil that covers part of his face is not doing a great job in masking his real intentions. The necromancer is far too interested in the resident mysterious and allusive Monster hunter named Kitty Pryde.

Bloodstorm, Beast and Logan were assigned to investigate who this woman is and what she likes and whatnot. What happened in the kingdom with Captain Pryde is more than enough to make him forget about Princess Flowers.

And when the necromancer reveals his face, a calm and serene smile, they all know it is a good facade to hide how this man is really interested in knowing more about Kitty Pryde.

"So, what my advisers found out about this Kitty Pryde?" Kurt asked with his eyes without a pupil and his trademark smile. Bloodstorm is not one to be intimidated easily, so, she speaks first.

"First, the Queen of the Kingdom you invaded sent her apologies for the break in the contract and she is willing to pay for the misconduct in order for you to forgive this incident" Ororo states and Kurt is bemused as he merely shurgs even after knowing the price in question.

"Fine, is a nice way to damage control, Beast insist I invaded the kingdom and well...this is more practical, besides, they all know what I can do" Kurt explained with a smile on his face that grows wild once he is moving to his favourite subject lately "and now I know what she can do...a flaming sword? so cliche but epic at the same time" the last part is only for Kurt, but, the 3 advisers side-eye each other.

"Well, the kingdom wants peace and I can say you won´t go evil necromancer on them...right?" Logan asked and Kurt merely smirks and he will interpret this as he wants. "But, in regards this Kitty Pryde, she is a monster hunter" Logan explained carefully "and she is immortal, having the same age as you"

Kurt perks with this information and looks at Beast for his turn to share information. "Kitty Pryde is an embassy for the faes and gets favour from favour from all the magical community" Beast explained and Kurt is deeply interested now, too much "she is part of the Monster Slayer community and is seen as one of the best, no, the best."

"And why is she in that poor kingdom?" Kurt asked a bit impatient after all since Kitty Pryde is powerful enough to defeat him like is no big deal she should at least serve a better kingdom. "And why go as James Pryde?"

Ororo takes her cue to continue. "Well, like a fae´s blessings are a bit different from human´s views..." Ororo had an elegant explanation for this, but, Logan was straightforward.

"She needs the money" he replied. "that´s it"

Beast intervene. "She was blessed by the faes to never be out of money for basic necessities, but, the faes and economics don´t hand together...plus, Kitty is Jewish and she hates all the bad connotation her religion and culture suffers in hands of less intelligent people" he offers and concludes "she is known for killing them and is very protective of her religion. Ben Grimmes tells me she is always present in the Synagoga he frequents"

"I have killed antisemitic in my time too," Kurt told sincerely "I confess it wasn´t for the same reason as Kitty´s, but, I have...Is good to know Kitty really has no problem in killing" no one will point out she did kill him.

Now, Kurt rose from the chair and makes an important question if his body language can be any indication. "Now, does Kitty have anyone?" This question has so many meanings that the 3 take their time to replies.

"She has a family" Ororo goes first " She married 600 years ago to a man and she has her descendants now, they all call her big mom since she is by all accounts the mom of the family" Ororo has no idea of Kurt´s secret kink, but, believes Kurt should be aware of this fact.

"She is bisexual if is that what you wanted to know, and no, I don´t think she has anyone at this point" Logan replies.

"No, she is not in love with the King nor the Queen" Beast replied and adds "but she is helping the Queen with the woman´s rights in the kingdom, once they all found out she is a human it makes no sense for ''no woman'' idea to exist...and well, things are changing faster there"

Kurt smirks there. "But not everyone is accepting the changes, right?"

"No, they aren´t" Ororo confirms.

"I take a civil war is in the making, right? Woman wanting control is always a danger for little weak men...and Kitty would be tired of that, wouldn´t she?" Kurt is musing "and what jobs we have for her?"

"Frankly? Not much" Beast speaks "she is too clumsy for a maid, has inhumane power to be a healer, and does not know how to take orders to be in the military"

"There´s always something," Kurt said too cheerfully and dismissed them. Except, they still remain in their spots and sighing they shake their heads, now, speaking in unison.

"We can´t cause as she caught on us spying on her, she cast this spell on us" they speak in perfect harmony "Necromancer if you want to know me, go talk with me, don´t send people to spy me" and they stop and now they can leave the room(Logan points at Kurt for him to not do anything stupid and Ororo wants blood as Hank is tired)

Who are you, Kitty Pryde?

#mulan au #kurt wagner #evil wizard kurt #Kitty Pryde #blessed by the faes #ororo munroe #Bloodstorm #hank mccoy #Logan #Kitty kills nazi and does not lose an ounce of sleep good for her #Yes Kurt does too for many reasons

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theshatteredrose · 5 years ago

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A Gathering of Guardians - Prologue Saga (Chapter 7) - Etrian Odyssey Nexus Fanfiction

AN: I finally managed to write something~ Took me a while to finally finish this chapter. It’s a rather long one, too. 5k words. That might be one of the reasons why it’s taking me this long to finish it. Perhaps I should focus on shorter chapter. Anyway, I honestly don’t know when I’ll get the next chapter out. But I will be working on it slowly. I will finish this series. It might take me a while, but I will finish it.

Enough ramblings. Hope you enjoy reading~!

Chapter 7:

The sun had barely risen when the shadow of the flying city of Maginia passed over Armoroad. It moved slowly, almost ominously, causing many of the residents to take to the streets to obverse. The city’s appearance was rather sudden, so it was fortunate that they had received word of its presence days in advance.

The low, vibrational rumbling of the passing city caused Oracle, leader of the Aurora Guild, to step onto the balcony of his room. He watched with mild interest as Maginia rumbled overhead. The other members of his guild were also aroused from their sleep by the flying city, and they too, headed outside to watch as it passed, searching for a landing area.

However, Oracle wasn’t all that interested in the flying city. He was more interested in what, or rather who was to be found within the city.

The stars had been alerting him to a newcomer for a few days now. A new person who would be able to help them. Although, the stars didn’t tell him who that person who or what it was they would help them with. But, hopefully, they were a healer. A talented healer who could help the two most fragile members of the guild.

With everyone of the guild now awake, Oracle turned to move back inside to get changed into his zodiac robes before he moved downstairs. Everyone was gathering for breakfast, chatting idly about the flying city. He could hear the bubbling of excitement in their voices.

All Oracle could think about, however, as he glanced over at shogun Zydon as he rested in his wheelchair, was the hope that the stars were right once again. The injuries that Zydon unfortunately suffered from were far from conventional. No healer upon the island of Armoroad knew how to help him, and nothing they tried to return the use of his legs had worked.

He was well cared for within the guild. Kujura, in particular was very attentive of him. And it wasn’t just from the guilt he felt. Not entirely. It might be neigh impossible for Zydon to return to how he used to be, but as his guild leader, Oracle owed it to him to at least try.

The same for Seyfried. His health was rather precarious, too. Having been an Yggdroid for over a hundred years and suddenly finding himself human again, its no wonder he doesn’t know how the handle the form of a fragile, vulnerable human. He felt useless, stated as much, and had fallen into a depression because he was no longer able to lead his people like he once did.

Hoplite Razak was instrumental in convincing Seyfried to move in with them at the Observatory, the large lighthouse that Guild Aurora called home. Getting him out of his underground environment and back into the sunlight was quite the change for him. But it was necessary. The further away he was from the labyrinth and the responsibilities he once held, the better.

Oracle turned his attention toward the older monk, a professor and “mentor”, though more like an adoptive father figure. He did whisk him away from his murderous mother, saving his life, after all.

“We’re going to be asked to join Maginia’s expedition, aren’t we?” Oracle directed that question toward Holt, the older Monk momentarily pausing in his morning stretches.

“Ah,” Holt uttered after a moment. “Did your cards or stars tell you that?”

“Cards,” Oracle answered swiftly. “The stars tell me of something else.”

Again, Holt paused for the briefest moment before he swiftly returned to his exercises. “Oh?”

“Someone is aboard that flying monstrosity that may be able to help Zydon and Seyfried.”

A lull fell over the room and a silence crept in. Oracle could feel the eyes of the others on him. Four gazes in particular; Zydon, Kujura, Seyfried, and Razak.

“Ah,” Holt uttered once again, but this time breaking the silence. “Is that so? How intriguing. I hope that this person lives up to your expectations.”

Holt was being cautious. Annoyingly but rightfully so. They had tried several times to remove that curse that was taking the use of Zydon’s legs away from him. Being half zodiac allowed him to manifest wings, so he could move about with ease. But it was still exhausting for him to do so. The curse of which he suffered was likely the cause.

“Are we really going to move to Maginia?” Joren, their guild’s farmer and self-imposed caretaker, asked softly. Almost meekly. He was likely unnerved about the idea of leaving behind the only place he has ever really known.

“Maginia is planning quite the excursion,” Holt replied as he continued his morning stretches. “They plan to visit an island known in myth as Lemuria. An unknown and mysterious island said to be filled with legends and treasures.”

So…even if that person that the stars had told him about was unable to help, perhaps something within the island of Lemuria could instead?

“As you know, Villard is an old acquaintance of mine,” Holt continued. “He requested that I help with the Maginian Museum. Of course, I don’t have to agree. But…perhaps it would do as all some good to leave Armoroad. Even for a short while.”

It did sound nice. Moving to a new place to get into trouble. Oracle was certain that there were inhabitants of Armoroad, especially the hoity-toity types, that would be thrilled that the Aurora Guild would be leaving. They were the outcasts, basically. They didn’t reform themselves to social structure. So they were often looked down upon.

Oracle couldn’t care less. His own mother wanted to abide by social beliefs, and that desperation of having a “normal” son, and not one who predicted the death of a family friend, led to her to try to drown him.

“Well, perhaps I should head out to greet my old friend,” Holt said as he finally finished with his stretches. “An expedition sounds quite fun. I’ll be going myself. As for anyone else, it’s your choice.”

While Oracle had pretty much dragged many into his guild (often without their knowledge), he still didn’t feel right about making this kind of decision for them. Packing up and moving to Maginia for an expedition was not easy decision.

Oracle, however, had no problem with packing up and moving elsewhere.

So, he turned to everyone of his guild. “Take your time to make your decisions. It’s up to you. Think carefully.”

“Oracle, Sigil; care to accompany me?” Holt requested. A reasonable request, honestly. They were seen as his apprentices, after all.

“Of course,” Oracle replied as he watched as his brother, a fellow zodiac with purple hair and a perpetual shit-eating grin on his lips lifted from his chair.

Holt folded his arms behind his back and smoothly moved to the front doors. Oracle and Sigil followed him close behind. But as Oracle walked past Zydon, the shogun reached out to snare his wrist to pull him to a stop.

“Oracle?” Zydon asked as he looked up at him from his wheelchair. “Do you really believe there’s someone who can help me?”

Oracle empathised with what Zydon was feeling. He suffered greatly, perhaps more than all of them. Stabbed by a man he trusted and loved, a man who was possessed by a cursed sword, who’s name would never be uttered again. The attack was nearly life-threatening, though they managed to save his life. Not the use of his legs.

He felt…useless, for a lack of a better word. He was far from it, but he was highly critical of himself. Much like Seyfried, really.

“I do,” Oracle said firmly as he looked straight into Zydon’s eyes. “Don’t worry.”

Zydon gazed up at him for a silent moment before he nodded his head. “Ok.” He then let go of Oracle’s wrist.

Oracle gave Zydon a small smile before he turned to follow Sigil and Holt out of the Observatory. Holt took the lead as they walked down a stone-lined path that led to the city of Armoroad. Oracle stayed a few paces back with Sigil. Sigil appeared jovial, humming lightly under his breathe while Oracle was contemplative.

“Nee, Oracle,” Sigil cooed, as he usually did when he wanted his attention. “You’ve made you decision, hm?”

Oracle nodded his head. “Indeed.”

He would still need to talk to Kardos, though. He was sure that the gladiator would accompany him. He had said multiple times before that he would stay with him, to the ends of the earth. Still, Oracle would ask. He…wanted to go to Lemuria more than Maginia.

“Sounds fun,” Sigil hummed. “New people to terrify and befuddle.”

Hm. Sounded that Sigil had made his decision also.

“Indeed,” Oracle uttered again, a half-smirk on his lips.

As they reached the halfway mark, a sudden, tingling sensation that touched Oracle’s aura caused him to immediately come to a stop. His etheric wings twitched and the third eye, found in the middle of his forehead, fluttered also. He instinctively looked up at the sky to concentrate on the feeling. Next to him, Sigil did the same.

Over the bubbling, bustling atmosphere, two very distinct and new presences could be felt. Both were quite warm in comparison to those found within the city. One was tender, ethereal in a way. Light and nurturing. The other, however, was powerful. Not overwhelming, but benignly and protectively strong. One could heal any wound, the other could defeat any threat.

That was what he felt from their auras.

Oracle wasn’t an empath. Not a very well-trained one at least. But he was able to sense the presences of others all the same. Know where they were and what their intentions were. But he had never encountered anything quite like the presences that had just arrived in Armoroad.

“Hm? Do you feel that?” Sigil asked, though the question wasn’t exactly necessary.

Oracle nodded his head. “I do. Two power presences.”

“Extremely powerful,” Sigil muttered before that shit-eating grin reappeared on his lips and he continued forward, a slight spring in his step. “Interesting.”

It was. Perhaps…

Oracle shook his head and continued forward, also, increasing his steps to catch up with both Sigil and Holt. But as they approached the city, those two presences seemed to be drawing closer toward them also. Heading in their direction, even.

Looking further down the path, the sight of three figures approaching greeted him. One was an elderly man with a monocle and a cape of eccentric design. With him where two others. Younger men. Clearly both explorers.

And they were the ones that held the powerful presences they had sensed.

“Ah, Villard,” Holt greeted warmly as the two small groups met. “We were just coming to greet you ourselves, old friend.”

“Holt,” the elderly War Magus grinned. “Still allergic to shirts, I see.”

“Of course,” Holt replied instantly before he punched himself in his supposedly rock-hard abs. “It would be a right shame to hide this magnificent physic.”

Villard laughed for a moment before the two men grasped each other’s hands and pulled themselves into a half, manly hug, patting each other on the back with their other hands. But Oracle wasn’t paying much attention to the older men. His gaze was locked on the two younger men behind Villard.

One was tall with red hair and blue-eyes. His muscles were subtle, but his straight but relaxed posture indicated that he was confident without overpowering ego. He gave the impression of power, protection, and acceptance.

The other man was shorter with long orange-hair, vibrant violet eyes, and a marking atop of his third eye chakra. He was the quintessential healer; nurturing, empathetic, compassionate. He gave the presence that made people want to open up to him, seeking advice or comfort.

…It was him.

“You’re heard of Oracle and Sigil, yes?” Holt’s voice pulled Oracle from his observation. “Two wayward waifs that are my apprentice.”

“Ah, yes. Oracle is the guild leader of Aurora, yes?” Villard said in return as he folded his arms within his robes. “Well, allow me to introduce to you the co-leaders of the Guardian Guild from Lagaard; Axel and Lynus.”

The redheaded Axel gave a friendly grin and nodded. “Hey.”

And the orange-haired Lynus smiled gently. “Nice to meet you.”

Oracle, instead of utterly a greeting in return, walked past Holt and Villard, and moved to stand before the one with the bright aura. Lynus, was his name. Violet eyes focused in on his in curiosity, his regard toward him more of interest than intimidated. He did hold a sense of nervous, but that was to be expected.

"You must be the one that the stars told me about," Oracle said.

The medic's brow furrowed ever so slightly, his curiosity mixing with confusion. His expression soon soothed out in realisation. "Who is it that you want me to see?"

…That response. He had to be the one.

"This way, please," Oracle said simply as he half turned and motioned toward the Observatory.

Lynus nodded his head before he turned to look over at the tall man next to him. “Axel?”

“You’re not leaving my sight,” Axel immediately stated.

Hm…protective but understanding. Intriguing. And reasonable. He appeared somewhat curious, too.

Oracle simply nodded his head and turned to lead the two back to the Observatory, leaving Holt, Sigil, and Villard to literally talk amongst themselves. He assumed that many of his guildmates had left the Observatory. To spend some time alone, or with their partners, pondering on their decisions regarding Maginia.

Hopefully, Zydon and Seyfried were still there.

“Do you mind if I introduce you to everyone later?” Oracle asked as the approached the tall, white lighthouse.

“Not at all,” Lynus replied politely.

“They are wishing to take this time to come to their own decisions regarding whether joining Villard on Maginia,” Oracle explained as they reached the front doors, which were still propped open.

“Ah, yes.” There was obvious understanding in Lynus’ voice. “We, too, had to consider the request quite thoroughly ourselves. Thankfully, everyone of our guild, and those we hold dear, agree to join us.”

“Oracle?”

Lynus’ gaze immediately flickered over to Zydon’s direction, drawn toward him seemingly by some unknown force. His eyes widened a fraction and he drew in a sharp intake of air, so softly that there was an almost inaudible gasp. His expression suddenly softened, almost appeared pained.

Oracle turned to look at Zydon, too, noting that the shogun looked somewhat startled, and confused. He locked gazes with Oracle, his head tilted to the side questioningly.

“Sorry, I did not mean to startle you,” Lynus was the one to speak up first, his voice calming and reassuring. “I’m a medic and medical researcher, so it’s in my nature to cast a cursory glance at others.”

Zydon turned to look at Lynus once more, his confusion soothing into interest. “Oh, are you from Maginia?”

“Actually, from High Lagaard,” Lynus replied as he walked further into the Observatory and approached Zydon.

Kyan, Zydon’s twin brother appeared from the kitchen area, his posture protective as he glanced at Lynus suspiciously, but cursorily all the same. “Medical researcher?”

“Hm. I’ve been healing mortal wounds for over ten years now and have quite a lot of experience with curses,” Lynus replied.

Curses, huh? That was a rather odd thing to state, but intriguing all the same. Many of those in the medical field don’t actually believe in curses and dark spells, despite the evidence.

Kyan found the admission a little startling himself, though he didn’t say anything in response.

Instead, he turned to keep a close eye on his brother. Zydon had pulled his wheelchair close to the coffee table and watched as Lynus moved to perch on the edge of the table to give him his full attention. Axel stayed near the door of the Observatory, his arms folded across his chest. He was guarded, but not willing to intervene. It indicated to Oracle that this kind of scenario was a common occurrence.

Lynus raised his hand toward Zydon. “Do you mind?”

Zydon looked at him in curiosity before he glanced down at his hand. Slowly, he raised his own hand and allowed Lynus to take it gently. Lynus covered his hand with both of his before he lowered his head slightly and closed his eyes. He stayed like that for a few moments.

Curious himself, Oracle turned to look at Axel.

Axel leaned toward him to whisper to him. “Inspecting him through his aura. He sensed something not right the moment he entered.”

“Touching the person allows for greater clarity?” Oracle asked.

Axel nodded his head. “He’s currently searching for the reason for anomalies in his aura. If there is something wrong, he will find it.”

Oracle nodded his head also. Intriguing.

Finally, Lynus sighed and opened his eyes. He idly rubbed his thumb against the back of Zydon’s hand as he tried to find the right words to respond. With a sad smile, he released Zydon’s hand.

“You’re in quite the state, aren’t you?” Lynus said as he rested his hands on his lap. “Thankfully, you still have sensations in your legs and you can move them, but placing any pressure on them will result in you collapsing.”

Oracle had to admit that he was honestly surprised to hear Lynus say that. He hadn’t told him a thing, but he picked out what was ailing Zydon exactly.

The twins were also greatly surprised. “You know that? Do you know the cause?” Kyan was the one to ask.

Lynus nodded his head slowly. “A curse. It is also the cause of your fatigue.”

Again, he was right.

“Can…you-?”

“It’s not easily fixed,” Lynus interrupted gently. “It can’t be done overnight. To be honest, I will need to do some research. But, within Maginia, I have a clinic of my own. And a friend and colleague of mine is working on opening a hospital.”

That would mean they Zydon would have to move to Maginia as well.

“I don’t want to influence your decision of joining Maginia,” Lynus continued. “It’s your choice entirely. But I am staying with Maginia and I am certain that, under my care, I will find a way to help you. And if you do choose to do so, I will do whatever is necessary to improve your way of life.”

He sounded determined. And sincere.

It was the sincerity that caught Zydon and Kyan off guard.

“What’s going on here?”

Oracle looked over to a small room to the right of the seating room and watched as Seyfried, with his walking stick and Razak at his side walked out. Ah, good. The second person he would like their newfound medical friend to inspect.

“Take a seat, Seyfried,” Oracle instructed. “A medic from Maginia has agreed to visit us.”

Seyfried flickered his gaze over to Lynus, and though didn’t look all that impressed, resigned himself nonetheless. Lynus stayed sat on the coffee table as he regarded Seyfried carefully. His face was professionally free from expression, but it was obvious that he was indeed watching him carefully.

“Ah, I apologise for my sudden appearance and nosiness,” Lynus said as he turned his attention toward Seyfried, attempting to diffuse the minor tension in the room. “I’m a devout medic and Oracle has insinuated that he has a few guildmates that may require medical attention.”

It took Seyfried a few moments to drop himself stubbornly majestically onto the couch close to the coffee table. The former Abyssal King was unused to receiving help and attention from others, and preferred to stubbornly do things on his own. But he also knew how stubborn Oracle was in return, and knew it would only drain time and energy to act rebellious.

“I’ll need your hand as well,” Lynus said as he raised a rather delicate hand toward Seyfried. “Will that be all right?”

Seyfried barely smothered a sigh but raised his hand nevertheless. “Very well.”

Seyfried’s hand was pale and fragile, even in Lynus’ soft hands. Lynus closed his hand around Seyfried’s quickly and much like he did with Zydon, he closed his hands and concentrated.

He didn’t need to focus on Seyfried for as long as he did with Zydon, it seemed. And after a few silent moments, opened his eyes.

“Hmm. It won’t be an easy fix either,” Lynus said as he rubbed his thumb against the back of Seyfried’s hand, again much like he did with Zydon. “It will take time. You feel disconnected to your physical body. We’ll need to increase your muscle mass and loosen your joints. Gentle exercise and a refined diet are the best course of action. Once you start feeling in control of yourself once more, your disconnection will also ease.”

Though Seyfried’s expression didn’t change from his regal and stoic professionalism, it was obvious from Oracle’s point of view that he was greatly surprised by the medic’s accurate insight.

Oracle glanced over at Zydon, noting the wheelchair, before turning back to Seyfriend, his gaze lingering on the walking-stick he relied on heavily. “We’ll be able to bring them both with us?”

“Of course,” Lynus immediately replied. “I don’t see why not. I believe Villard will agree, but if for whatever reason he doesn’t, I’ll talk to him.”

Oracle arched an eyebrow. “Hm? Quite the negotiator then?”

“His Disappointed Mum look is devastating,” Axel supplied with mirth.

“Is that so?” Oracle returned, intrigued. “Must be fascinating to witness. I usually just hound the shit out of them or threaten their life to make them agree.”

Axel made a noise that was a half snort, half laugh. “Sounds amusing to watch.”

“Don’t encourage him,” Razak rudely chided, sounding exasperated. “He does it enough.”

This time, Axel did realise a quick laugh and rested his hands on his hip. “Sounds good. Some people definitely deserve it.”

Hmm, Oracle liked this guy.

“Finally, someone who understands me,” Oracle said in a deadpanned, but humorous manner.

Razak, however, didn’t find the amusement, instead levelling him with a pointed look. “Don’t let Kardos hear you say that.”

Oh, Kardos wasn’t the jealous type. Protective, but not jealous.

“In any case,” Lynus started as he pushed himself to his feet. “You really can bring everyone that you are close to you. We certainly did. We practically brought half of Lagaard with us.”

“There’s over thirty of us,” Axel explained. “We even have our own bar-keep.”

“Is that so.” That was actually quite reassuring to know. “Perhaps it would make the choice easier on the others if they knew that.”

“It’s up to them. They’ll come to it on their own.” Axel dropped his hand from his hip as he raised the other toward Lynus, Lynus slipping his hand in his and allowing him to pull him toward him. “Well, we better get going. We have a few things we need to do today, too.”

Oracle nodded his head in understanding. “I’ll escort you back to the city.”

Axel and Lynus accepted this and with Oracle taking the lead once more, he led the pair out of the Observatory. Their appearance and Lynus’ quick diagnosis of both Zydon and Seyfried may be a bit out of the norm. It was rather sudden, after all. No context, now conversation beforehand.

Oracle was never the one for following social or normal convention. And, thankfully, the two didn’t seem to mind all that much.

There was something very curious about the two, honestly. Nothing bad. Just curious.

“Hope you don’t mind me asking; are you two engaged?” Oracle asked.

“Married,” Lynus replied with a light laugh, one that was filled with fondness. “Two years.”

Ahh, explained why they were so incredibly comfortable and supportive of each other.

“Wait!”

Hearing Kyan’s voice when they reached the boundaries of the Observatory pulled Oracle to a sudden stop, Lynus and Axel following suit. “Kyan?”

Zydon’s twin brother hastily met with the three of them. He, however, seemed to ignore Oracle, though, and looked desperately, almost frantically to Lynus. “There’s more, isn’t there? More to my brother?” he unexpectedly asked.

Lynus looked at him, his brow slightly furrowed. Confusion evident. But that puzzling expression soon soothed out into quite the remarkable poker-face.

“You know about that curse, don’t you?” Kyan continued to press, becoming desperate. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

Axel turned protective, ready to intervene, but Lynus placed a hand upon his chest and shook his head. Axel, though indeed defensive, nodded his head in return. He stayed back, expression stoic, yet a sense of pity in his eyes. He didn’t know the details either, but he knew his husband well enough that his reluctance to talk was indicative to how vulnerable Zydon had to be.

“Telling him everything won’t help with his recovery,” Lynus stated. “And it won’t ease your fears, either.”

Kyan frowned, his posture tensing. He was afraid for his brother, but determined to know more. “This isn’t about me; I deserve to know what’s really wrong with my brother.”

Lynus looked as him, studying him with an empathetic expression. He then sighed in defeat. “That curse is the cause of his partial paralysis. However, it’s also the reason why he still has any feeling in his legs. Removing it now, in this state, will causing him to lose all use and feeling in his legs. He will become irreversibly paralysed from the waist down. That is the curse’s intent.”

Oracle hadn’t expected that answer. And Kyan certainly didn’t either as he had gone completely white and silent. It actually made a knot form in the pit of Oracle’s stomach. “Wait. Should have any of our attempts to help him worked, we would have actually paralysed him?”

Grimly, slowly, Lynus nodded his head. “That’s why I didn’t want to say anything. And why I said I would deal with it. Should anyone else attempt it…”

Lynus trailed off as he looked at Kyan. He suddenly lunged forward, and caught Kyan as his legs suddenly crumbled beneath him. Lynus staggered, barely able to keep the both of them standing. Oracle, Axel too, reached out to steady the other man.

“S-sorry,” Kyan managed to mumble as Oracle supported him. “I…wasn’t expecting that.”

Slowly, Lynus leaned back and allowed for Oracle to support his guildmate fully. Concern was evident in his gaze as he looked Kyan up and down. “You need to sit down. That was quite the shock for you,” he said before he sighed again. “Sometimes, medics do keep things from their patients. And it’s always for their benefit.”

Indeed. Zydon and Kujura especially couldn’t know about this. No one else was to know.

“I promise, with Zydon under my care within Maginia, I will find a way to bring him back to full health,” Lynus promised. “But it will take time.”

Kyan remained leaning on Oracle, to which he allowed, also quite concerned for the other. He could only imagine how he felt. He blamed himself for his brother’s condition. Wasn’t remotely his fault, but logic and reason were often sidelined to the little voice of doubt that resided in everyone’s head.

“Hey!” Came Kardos’ voice. “What’s going on?”

Oracle kept a firm hold on Kyan as he looked up and watched as gladiator with vibrant orange hair and a shogun with blond hair and sharp blue eyes hurried over to them.

“Kyan?” Kujura questioned as he looked at his fellow shogun in mild concern. His poker-face slipped a fraction into panic as he looked around. “Where’s Zydon? Did something happen?”

“Relax, he’s inside,” Oracle immediately stated, Lynus and Axel taking this time to step back and allow them to focus on each other for now. “Where have you been?”

“The ol’ guildmaster wanted to chat with us,” Kardos explained. “He heard about Maginia’s plan and was a little miffed about it, for a lack of a better word. He reckons they should spawn their own explorers rather than stealing other cities.”

Ah, that made sense.

“Aww, is he going to miss us?” Oracle asked in a mocking, deadpanned manner.

It brought a grin to Kardos’s lips. “He said, and I quote “finally some peace from those bastards”.”

Oracle snorted. “How sweet. In any case, turn around so I can introduce you.”

Kardos blinked before he soon realised that there were indeed someone else with them. And had been there before he and Kujura even arrived. “Oh, hey, sorry for interrupting!” he said in a friendly but apologetic manner.

“Nah, it’s fine,” Axel replied. “We tend to do the same when we’re with our guildmates, too.”

“Well, as you’ve likely already guessed, Kardos and Kujura here are members of my guild, Guild Aurora,” Oracle explained before turning to the necessary introductions. “These two are Axel and Lynus, helping Maginia on the expedition. Co-leaders of the Guardian Guild.”

Kujura simply nodded his head in greeting, no doubt eager to get back to Zydon, but Kardos continued to grin brightly. “Nice meeting ya,” he said as he offered a hand to shake.

Axel shook his hand firmly, granting him a half smile in return, while Lynus choose to instead wave. Completely reasonable. Kardos had the firm handshake, and sometimes underestimated his own strength. Crushing the delicate hands of a medic right in front of his husband would not go down well.

Speaking of something not going down well, he had better get Kyan back inside. He was still struggling with the information he learnt, after all.

“You’ll have to excuse us; we need to get Kyan back inside,” Oracle said.

“No, I’m fine,” Kyan immediately insisted and straightened his posture. Pushing aside his own needs in front of others for the sake of others. It was, unfortunately, something he did all the time. “I apologise for my behaviour.”

But Lynus shook his head and smiled softly, empathetically. “It’s completely understandable. But allow Oracle and your guildmates to escort you. Axel and I will head into Armoroad from here. We’re actually searching for someone ourselves. I’m sure you have some packing and preparation that needs to be done.”

“Hm,” Axel said as he slipped an arm around Lynus’ shoulders and pull him toward him once again. “We’ll leave you to it. We’ll see you later.”

Lynus offered a small wave in goodbye before he and Axel moved down the path toward the city.

Oracle watched until he felt they were out of earshot and turned to give his attention to Kyan. Before he could ask him if he was alright, Kyan interrupted him.

“I’m all right,” Kyan insisted. “I wasn’t expecting that. We could have…”

Oracle barely covered a wince and nodded his head. “I know,” he whispered.

A faraway look appeared in Kyan’s eyes and he seemed to swallow a lump of emotion in his throat. “He’s…truthful, isn’t he?”

“You can feel it, too,” Oracle returned as he moved to guide Kyan back toward the Observatory. “If nothing else, the change in scenery may allow Zydon to relax. There’s a few…unneeded memories here.”

Kyan nodded his head. “You’re right.”

Kardos, having heard their conversation, frowned as he moved to stand next to Oracle. “Did something happen?”

Oracle resisted the urge to look over at Kujura. They really couldn’t afford to let the blond-haired shogun know how close they were to potentially taking the use of Zydon’s legs completely.

“…Not really,” Oracle replied. “Lynus there is a medic. He obliged my selfish request and inspected both Zydon and Seyfried.”

Kujura’s eyes narrowed sceptically. “And Kyan?”

“I’m…” Kyan started before he paused. “Just relieved. He says he can help Zydon. The first healer we’ve met so far who actually said as such.”

“So…that means we’re moving to Maginia, after all, huh?” Kardos commented somewhat idlily. Acting as if it was no big deal. Perhaps it wasn’t to him.

“Hopefully, all of us.”

Oracle didn’t realise how hopeful that really sounded until Kardos slipped an arm around his waist and hastily pulled him against his side. “Where you go, I go,” he said, once again, a promise he reminded of him often. “So, we better get packing.”

Honestly, Oracle was comforted by both Kardos’ dedication toward him and flippant attitude to supposedly difficult decisions. “Yeah.”

#Etrian Odyssey #etrian odyssey 2 #etrian odyssey 3 #etrian odyssey nexus #fanfiction #A Gathering of Guardians #Kujura #Seyfried

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spacerockwriting · 6 years ago

Text

Shedding Courage

Inspired by something myself and @littlerose13writes were talking about today about a HC of Hairdresser! Teddy

Albus stood in the doorway of their flat. He was dreading this visit, this day. He didn’t think he had the heart to make this visit. In all reality, he didn’t want too. He just wanted to continue what he started, do things his own way. He didn’t want to follow the rules, didn’t want to give in to their expectations.

But he had to.

When faced with the consequences of his actions, settling down became the best of them. He had passed the entrance examination of St. Mungos, highest scores in that class. He had moved on to the next level of in order to gain the interview. He had had an interview which went well, with only one complaint.

Albus wished he could have shut his eyes as he listened to his interviewer. He had the acceptable marks, and he had done okay in interviews, despite having what he considered shitty social skills. He could move on to the practical rounds, which if he passed, would secure him a spot as a healer in training. From there he’d do a variety of rounds in different portions of the hospital, earning stripes for his works. Eventually, he’d narrow down his sections he wanted to focus in, then in the end he would be assigned hopefully to his section of choice where he’d do his healing career. Of course, if you had a field in mind you could usually bypass the constant switching of rounds to a lesser amount and request main focus there.

His interviewer had all praise for his marks, his interviews, and his old NEWT level paper he wrote. He had said wonderful things about the brunette, all while giving him a concerning look. He had expressed that he’d love to put Albus in to the next round, however, he felt that Albus didn’t meet the dress code.

His interviewer felt that Albus lacked that professional appearance St. Mungos strived for. He felt that long hair, eyeliner, nail varnish, and the current absent piercings, were not going to help him in the industry. They would make many of the older clients afraid, and didn’t seem to hold that look of cleanliness that hospitals needed to uphold.

His job was dependent on this necessary change. When he confronted Scorpius on it, Scorpius let him cry it out. He rubbed Albus’ back and comforted him, but told him that unfortunately, most careers would follow in a similar path, especially new hires. He then said it was ridiculous to not accept the job based on a haircut, and that he’d be dumb to not show up for the next phase. Scorpius knew Albus would try and hide behind the no, try to remain how he was. He knew however, that if Albus didn’t focus soon, Harry would shove him into some very boring office job at the ministry that would crush Al’s spirit. Going back to the band was a very slim option that would push him backwards rather than forwards.

Scorpius then took charge and firecalled Teddy, setting up an appointment that could very well last all morning. He figured doing it early, first thing, was the best way to get it out of the way. There would be no one there at the time of day, and Scorpius knew this would be best for Al.

“I love you,” Scorpius says, grabbing Albus’ wrist and kissing his forehead. “You’ll be great.” He presses his head against Albus’ and tugs a lock of fallen hair. “See you when you get back,” he whispers into his ear. “Now go,” he pushes Albus into the floo and over to Teddy’s.

Albus pulls and tugs at his sloppy ponytail, hesitating to go in. It’s just Teddy’s shop. He’s been going to Teddy’s shop since he was around ten years old. Teddy had seen him in all sorts of states. Teddy was like his family, surely this would be fine?

Nervously, Albus pulls the band out his hair and reties it back. He does this motion over and over, again and again. Sucking in a deep breath, he gives the door the tiniest push, the bell overtop hitting and making that loud ding sound.

He wonders if maybe he can escape. His dark lined eyes don’t reach up to Teddy’s, but Teddy already notices he’s there.

“Al!” He greets his little brother with fondness. He comes over and wraps an arm around his shoulder for a hug. “Scorpius said you’d be here.” He smiles at his little brother, taking no time gesturing to his chair.

Albus plops down with every bone tense in his body. Teddy drapes the cape onto his little brother and snaps it shut. “Let’s see what we have to work with, hmm?” He asks playfully and removes the band from his little brother’s hair. Teddy wraps it around his own wrist for later. He pulls out a comb and hairbrush, kneading his way through the tangled mess. Albus makes a few sounds and Teddy knows he’s clenching, refusing to relax.

“Merlin’s beard, Al. When’s that last time you had a cut?”

“Dunno.” Albus sulks. “Before tour? Maybe that. I think one o’ us got a trim on tour. Not regularly, but we did a thing where we had a hairdresser an’ she probably did a little cutting.”

“Al,” Teddy says. “Albus,” he sighs. “For fuck sakes Al, you’ve got knots and the worst split ends and dry bits. I know you guys must’ve used some sort of muggle heat tools or something, didn’t you?” He doesn’t let Albus answer and runs his fingers through the length that goes past Albus’ shoulders.

The silence is the answer that Teddy doesn’t need as he pulls the hairbrush out and combs through the strands again. He repeats the motion a few times until all the pieces are smoothed out. He already knows Albus will hate him for this, but Teddy knows just as well as the rest of the family and Scorpius that this is a need for Albus. He will get over it, and it won’t be the end of Albus’ world.

“Al, if you feel the need to do this again, please use the detangling potion. If you can’t use the potion, then I highly suggest deep cleanse shampoos and conditioners. Trims work best of all, but if you’re unable, at least deep condition.” Teddy removes the hair tie from his own wrist and starts combing Albus’ hair back into the ponytail. It looks neater this time around.

But he knows Albus won’t keep it this neat. His hair is far too damaged and messed up. The split ends are outrageously bad and his future job won’t allow this just yet. He can feel the shoulders tense up when he moves the band down and puts a comforting hand on Albus’ shoulder.

He’s seen both men and women enter with anxiety over shedding their past. He’s seen tears from old and young, and he knows it won’t be the last time. He adjusts the strands a little more, adjusting the band a bit more. Unlike his other clients, he doesn’t need to ask if Al’s ready. Just like in Al’s fifth year, this is a necessity, and not a fun transformation. If Al were doing this on a whim because he wanted the change, then Teddy might have put a little more sympathy into the situation. He loved Albus, but he didn’t love this force of the situation. If Albus didn’t do this, he wouldn’t take his job. In the end, he’d get stuck doing boring ministry work, which would probably be the same requirements.

Teddy grips the ponytail with his free hand, holding it tight in his grip as he carefully slices through the strands. Al has thick hair, and it takes minutes to get through the last strands clinging on. The last strands are snipped and he runs his hands through the choppy back. It already feels healthier.

Teddy holds the cut hair up and Albus’ eyes grow wide. “Teddy,” he cries out, hands flying to the shorn locks. His hands struggle to recreate the familiar pattern he used to do. “I wasn’t ready,” Albus cries out, bottom lip trembling.

Teddy absolutely hates seeing Al cry. There have only been four instances where his haircuts have made Al cry. The first one, was his first time cutting Albus’ hair. Albus always cried at his grandmother’s instances, or when he’d come back from the barbershop. The second, was one of the early years where Albus squirmed in the middle, causing his fringe to be shorten dramatically. This in turn caused for his like James floppy hair be cut into something more similar to how his grandmother would prefer. The third time was heartbreaking; Teddy had watched a mournful Albus sob as his preferred long fringe was removed from his head, weak locks being removed and forced into a short style with enough hair remaining to be pushed up in the front. Al looked so young, so innocent with his hair off his face like that; what broke his heart the most was having to work around Al’s hospital equipment. This was the final time Al had cried in his chair.

“You’ll be okay Al,” he reassures, using his wand to finally start wetting the pieces. Placing his wand back down, he picks his scissors and comb back up and starts separating the portions of hair, starting to cut. The hardest part was over.

During the cutting, Teddy pauses every now and then to look at Albus in the mirror. The boy’s eyes aren’t as moist, which Teddy expected would happen. Soon enough Albus is vocal again, talking quietly about his band, about his and Scorpius’ ideas for their wedding, and playing catch up over the time Teddy hadn’t seen Al.

When the majority of the overall cut had been completed, Teddy decides to pull out a little packet. He then takes out his bowl, starting to mix some substances together. Albus raises a brow, which moves his eyebrow piercing up. “What’re you doing?”

“I know you know what hair dye is, Al. I hate charming in colour. I like the muggle way better.” He mixes the substances until it looks like paint, grabbing some foil and painting strands.

“But what are you doing?” Albus repeats.

“Adding in some high and lowlights for dimension. Al, tell your idiot friends to stop using you as an experiment. Black hair doesn’t need to be dyed black, and that boxed shit makes your colour flat.” He catches the eye of his little brother. “Don’t be daft, Al. I’m not going to make this something you’ll have to faff about. They’re subtle; it’ll grow out naturally.”

While Teddy prefers almost all muggle ways when doing hair, he doesn’t prefer the time for processing. It takes a long while, and he’s thankful his spells work without interfering with the over all product. He’s also thankful that he doesn’t have to use the shampoo bowls like the muggles do, although he leaves it as an option.

“Pay attention now Al, I’m going to show you how to style it,” he instructs, blow drying his little brother’s hair until it is super fluffy and clean. He then takes his wand and does a small heating charm, twirling his wand up and towards Albus’ face. “It takes a bit of practice, but you can do it. So can Scorp. Then you take this hair potion, just a little,” he stresses, “and rub it through the tops and sides, for texture. If you don’t want to wear it up like that, then it looks fine down, too. Much like you had it in Hogwarts. But the up looks a little more professional.” Teddy tugs at a few side pieces to adjust them into place. He then waves his wand and vanishes the cape and the stray hairs.

“What do you think?” Teddy asks, watching how the boy examines himself. He reaches his hand to the back of his head and a shiver falls down his spine. He hadn’t felt breeze on his neck in years. His head feels lighter, but everything feels different. The black lining his eyes make them pop out more now without hair around them, and his eyebrow piercing isn’t getting stuck in his fringe. He’s anxious about not wearing them for his practical, but he’s perhaps more nervous about removing his eyeliner than his nail varnish.

Albus gives Teddy a weak smile, catching the way the high and lowlights add some dimension to his hair. He’s nervous, that much is still clear. But he has to admit, it doesn’t look horrible, but still doesn’t feel normal.

“Thanks Ted,” Albus says and his eyes fall to twist his fingers nervously.

“Scorpius is going to love it,” Teddy tells him confidently. “I promise.” He goes to wrap his arms around Albus in a hug, going to press a kiss to the side of his head. “You will too, I promise.”

“If I don’t?” The words hang off his tongue nervously.

“Then I’ll morph my head bald until it grows back,” he reassures Albus. He doesn’t think Albus will hate his hair. He knows the style, and knows his little brother. He made sure to keep Albus’ style in mind when he was cutting, even making sure to make his hair longer than he could have done for the style. Teddy then presses the potion to his brother’s hands and smiles warmly at him. “Let me know how your next phase goes,” he says and smiles, leaning against the wall, arms crossed. “And what Scorp thinks.” He smirks, and winks. “And don’t forget to firecall if you need help. I don’t mind assisting. I know you’re shit at hair.” He smirks again. “Bye Al.” He gives a wave, heading back to deposit the long strands to the rubbish bin.

Albus anxiously paces back and forth in his flat. Scorpius has been out all day, and he just wanted to get this over with. His anxiety grew with each passing minute his fiancé wasn’t there. As he paced he felt the unfamiliar breeze on the back of his neck, one he hadn’t felt in years. It felt different. He felt slightly off.

After deciding that Scorpius probably wouldn’t be home for a few more hours, Albus takes refuge in front the telly, flipping to some mindless program and watching, even giving in and using his dreaded glasses Scorpius always annoys him to wear.

The program is mindless, something about girls and weddings, which makes Albus question if they have clashing napkins and tablecloths for their wedding. Albus winces and then flinches as soon as he hears the door click. He knows who it is, and quickly sets his glasses down.

His heart starts pounding, and he has no way to hide. He hears another click of the door and a loud call boom through their flat. “Albie? Are you back?” The voice sounds eager, and Albus stands up from the chair and bites nervously at his lip.

“In here,” he calls back, voice cracking.

Feet make their way into the living room and there’s a bit of a gasp and smile. Scorpius’ smile splits his face in half. “Albie,” he breaths in and steps closer to his fiancé. “You look, wow,” he says and eyes his fiancé up and down. Albus turns slowly and Scorpius lets out a little squeak.

“Can I?” He asks, going over to his fiancé and touches the hair. Scorpius lets out a giggle. “You look good,” he tells Albus and smiles big. “Like, wow,” he repeats. “I love it,” he says, and goes to kiss Albus.

Scorpius breaks apart. “I got you something. It’s for the interview. I thought—I thought maybe you’d like to have a new one.” He goes to grab the garment bag and pulls out the dress robe. It’s a deep blue colour. “It’s not a colour you normally wear, but I saw it and I had to. Try it on!” Scorpius holds the robe open and places it on Albus. Stepping back, he beams. The contrast between the robe and his t-shirt and skinny jeans is a drastic one, but Scorpius notes how good Albus looks in it. He smiles proud of himself.

“I love you,” He says to Albus, grabbing his wrists and pressing a kiss to his lips. He gently removes the robe from his fiancé and waves his wand for it to hang up. Scorpius eyes Albus with a twinkle in his eyes. “Can we see how it looks in a different room?”

#albus severus potter #scorbus #Scorpius Malfoy #teddy lupin #Shedding Courage

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queenagalwood · 3 years ago

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exordium.

In written history, the death of a benevolent king was said to be met with the cacophonous sounds of mourning bells intertwined with the wails of weeping supporters stretching across the ruler’s lands. Throughout Rosaline’s education on the kings of old, the stories of all righteous despots ended in such a manner. It had become such a common ending to the tales of former kings that she’d made something of a game of it as a child; finishing the stories before her tutors could do so and earning disapproving expressions and swift chastising.

The stories went on to claim that the bells would ring even for kings who had been considered cruel or unjust – though rather than tolling the sound of mourning it was a cheerful ring to alert the masses that they were freed of the man’s grip. Even so, the sound was reported to be deafening.

On the night the Good King Alexander Agalwood met his death, the realm resonated with a purposeful silence; and under its deceptive protection treason bloomed.

The once hale and hearty king had fallen upon seemingly inexplicable illness when the climate had faded from winter to spring. The healers had explained that winter took longer to leave the bones as one aged, but Rose had taken their words as flowery nonsense to cover up their lack of an understanding into their ruler’s plague. Alexander seemed to vacillate between sudden wellness and wicked illness randomly for weeks. One day he would sit his throne and rule his land – assuring all who looked on him that he had conquered the affliction – and on the next he’d be relegated to bed to be bled by the healers. Towards the end of it, he’d become largely confined to his bedchambers; with councilors instead sitting the throne to hold court.

On one occasion, Rosaline had found Cecily holding court in their place. The young heiress thought little of it at the time; her attention had been fixated on Alexander.

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Though he did not regain his physical strength, the King remained resilient until the end.

Despite encouragement from his wife and others to surrender the power of the realm over to his councilors and recover in peace, he was steadfast in his role. While he did not sit his throne, he brought his duties quite literally into the bedchamber: his bed became his seat at the table, and his councilors gathered round to discuss matters of state. The only sign he gave that he saw his end near was when he asked that Rose sit in the meetings alongside them, and encouraged her to answer the questions posed by the lords of the council. Similarly, whilst in private Alexander’s promises of recovery that he’d made to Rosaline changed – where one day he spoke of returning to his throne, on the next he mused on her capability to take the seat for herself.

In the evenings, the royal family would take their dinner in the King’s bedchamber. They continued to do so even when Alexander lost his desire to eat. When the evening meal had finished and the young prince was led to bed, it became commonplace for Cecily and Rosaline to take their turns speaking with the King in private before returning to their own bedchambers. While Rose’s talks with her father turned to him imparting pieces of wisdom to rule, the princess had an idea of the conversations that went on between Cecily and the King.

How can you set aside your only son? She could imagine the Queen’s indignation and desperation – how her sweet croons could turn to irate hisses the longer she was denied. How can you steal away his birthright? How can you let your name die – for her?

In her loneliest moments, Rosaline wondered the same. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Rose’s final moments with her father were not particularly different from the moments she had spent with him before. It did not seem that Alexander was prepared to die; though his growing frailty had aged him beyond his years and made him appear almost foreign to his family. Even his voice had gone softer, weakened from the havoc wrought by coughing fits.

They discussed matters of state out of necessity, and they reminisced on fond memories out of a different kind of necessity. On the last evening, he spoke about her youth and her mother. Rose had been careful not to laugh too loudly while he did – it enticed him to laugh along, which induced the coughing, and ended their time together abruptly. With Cecily’s knock insistent upon the door every quarter-hour to be let in, the heiress was in no hurry to abandon her place at her father’s side. So she sat as near as she could to his bedside, held his hand, and listened to him speak with a warm smile playing on her lips.

A gentle pause fell into their conversation, and with it he gestured to the letter sat on his bedside table. Taking his direction, Rose plucked it from the table and read over it while he began to speak: “I wrote to Lord Acton to request that he take on Alexander as his ward. He should be in the Woodlands. Those will be his people, and they should know him.”

Rose read over the response from the castellan of their family keep, and looked up to meet her father’s eye. “He’s accepted,” she began, the smile on her lips thinning. “Has Cecily?”

“She opposes it, as is to be expected. But I hope, now that we have Acton’s response, that she will see it is for the best.” Looking to his daughter, he ventured with a smile: “and if she cannot, perhaps you can help her to see it.”

“Me?” Rose asked incredulously, the question coming in tandem with another one of Cecily’s knocks at the door of the chambers. As if suddenly fearful she could hear them, she leaned closer and dropped her voice as she spoke to her father. “If she would not heed your word, why would she so much as consider my opinion?”

“From me, she sees it as an order. From you, it is different. You love him, and you love our home. That matters.” Again, the knock came – this time more insistent. With an apologetic smile on his lips, he nodded towards the door; a gesture to be on her away and to allow the Queen in. “Your brother needs you to act in his best interest, even if his mother won’t. Think on it.”

Putting the letter into her father’s hand as she dropped a kiss to his cheek, she nodded her head. “I will.” - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

It was not yet dawn when Rosaline was suddenly awoken by the jostles of her handmaiden, who urged her awake with frantic whispers. “Your Grace – Rosaline – the King is dead.”

“Dead?” She echoed, her voice hoarse as she sat awake in bed. Bleary-eyed and confused, she looked to the window that stood open nearby. The still-dark world outside the room was silent. She strained her ears to listen for the sounds of bells, but was met with a chilling stillness. She could hear little more than the pounding of her heart in her ears. “When?”

“Hours ago, maybe,” Elsie answered, busying herself with pulling a dress for Rosaline to change into. Moving the garments onto the bed, she pulled the shocked princess from her spot and encouraged her to stand so that she could be dressed. “Something’s happened – the Queen has gathered with lords in the throne room.” - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Rose had allowed Elsie to dress her, but was restless in her efforts to get to the throne room. Her handmaiden had little information to pass on save for the facts that her father had died some few hours earlier, and in the time since there had been something of an effort to keep the news from spreading. Elsie had been roused by servants who had overheard Cecily’s handmaidens whispering about the King’s demise; but feared coming to Rosaline’s chambers directly. The knowledge she’d gleaned regarding Cecily gathering lords in the throne room had also been gleaned from the servants, though Elsie could not say why they’d gathered. As Rosaline left the chamber with Elsie in tow, the handmaiden suggested that perhaps they’d gathered to mourn the King.

Though Rose had agreed with the theory aloud, a weight like a stone sat in her gut.

When the Princess – Queen, rather – entered the throne room, she could do little more than bite the inside of her cheek in response to the sight that greeted her. She could see several Lords of the Council gathered, and in the gallery stood wives and other loiterers. Before the throne stood a line of knights. Cecily sat on her father’s throne, resplendent despite the fact that the sun had only just started to rise. Little Alexander sat in the chair beside her where Cecily herself had once sat; and as Rosaline approached the throne she could see that his face was swollen and tear-stained. The knights holding their place before the throne did not relent as she approached, and she remained at the distance they permitted.

The stone in her gut seemed to swell to a boulder.

“Your Grace,” Rosaline began, “I have been told that my father died in the evening.”

Cecily appeared to peer down her nose at Rosaline, and nodded her head once. “The King passed in his sleep. I am told by the healers that it was as painless a death as he might have been afforded.” She seemed to think for a moment, and then added: “it is a tragedy. I feel a great sadness for your loss.”

“And I am sorry for the loss of your husband,” she answered in kind. Rosaline clenched her teeth after the words left her lips, feeling how her gut clenched uncomfortably. She turned her eyes onto Alex, who seemed to nod in and out of sleep. She surmised that he’d likely been roused from his sleep by his mother. When she looked back to Cecily, Rosaline did her best to draw herself to her full height. She could feel the eyes of the Lords at her back.

“I would thank you to remove yourself from my throne.” When Cecily neither responded nor moved from her seat, Rosaline turned her head to find Lord Ethan Taurin, her father’s advisor. “Lord Taurin, I ask you to gather the remainder of the court so that I may be crowned.” Again, she was met with silence. His gave averted. Coward, she thought.

“We have already crowned our King,” Cecily spoke at last. "Your brother has taken up his rightful position. And until he is of age, I will serve as regent.”

“Rightful position?” Rose echoed, her voice raising with indignation. “All who stand here know that it was the King’s will that I take the crown after him!” She turned to look to the court, and pressed the point: “you would all reject your King’s will?”

Her words seemed to stir something amongst the small court gathered – she could hear whispers in the gallery, and watched as some among the line of knights stood before Cecily and Alex seemed to lose their stance. “This is a time of mourning, this is a time to remember the wishes of our King –”

”– our King is here,” Cecily cut in, her voice rising above Rosaline’s. “King Alexander is gone, and may the gods give him rest. Alexander, the second of his name, is King now – and all who would argue against his claim would be traitors to the crown.” Her words appeared to quell the whispers, and the Queen regent turned a stony gaze back onto her step-daughter. “You are distressed and grief-stricken from the loss of your father. Your callousness will be forgiven.” The elder woman sat back in the throne then, adding: “you will be forgiven after you have sworn fealty to your brother. Until you are ready to do so, you will be remanded to your chambers. Ser Darren, Ser Ronnel: escort the princess to her rooms.”

#prologue #000

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yutikyis · 7 years ago

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Honest Q&A: Round 5! Table

Glad to see you all here. Let’s jump right in then. It’s been a while and our reader’s will surely be itching to learn more about Eorzea’s adventurous types.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce?

Yuti: O-oh. Um. T-that’s a difficult q-question. I s-suppose I’d um... I m-mean a-are we talking a-about anything here? B-because I w-would r-rather like to f-fully fund a state-respected h-healing guild t-to allow equal access to treatment f-for all people. T-that’s something a l-law can do, right?

Reri: Bloody Hells, Snowflake, ya get unlimited power an’ THAT’S what you pick? I’d make duels to th’ death legal an’ mandatory for solvin’ problems. Shite’d be a lot more interestin’ if you had to put yer gil where yer mouth is when ya get uppity, eh?

Rahya: ... Um. I ain’t bein’ too sure about that. I ain’t really wantin’ a country, truth be told. Seems like a lotta work. So I guess I’d make the law that everyone should be real nice an’ work together? An’ then I’d retire cuz I ain’t gonna be a good leader none. Sayo: I would have to consider the existing laws of the country and figure out where the flaws and faults lie. Simply picking a ‘law’ without considering the consequences and context is foolish.

Eyn: ... Abolish slavery.

Meichi’a: Obviously once you become the ruler you have to show it. So I would order new coins to be printed with my glorious face on the coin. ... aaah, I had you there, didn’t I? I mean I would do that but it wouldn’t be my first act. Really I wouldn’t be part of any nation that would have me as a ruler. I may be devilishly attractive but a leader I am not. Though I suppose I could be talked into being a figurehead for some buxom and charm- .

Maeve: Mister Rouw, I do believe that you are going too far! It would do better to be polite and demure! I would never rule a country of course but I would gladly advise my Master or Mistress on how best to institute their ideas!

Ganzorig: ... Execution of criminals. Yes? Logical? Are you expecting something more?

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep (and why)?

Yuti: Ah... s-several days. It was a-after I was p-poisoned. T-the nightmares were... w-well... I c-couldn’t b-bring myself to s-sleep for more than a few moments.

Reri: I shoulda figured it was somethin’ like that. Me? Three days, when I was huntin’ a particularly squirrely beast in the mountains. Damn thing seemed like it was never gonna go down. Worth every minute though. Best damn sleep of my life.

Rahya: Um, I been tryin’ ta sleep a good night every night. I ain’t like stayin’ up because it makes ya feel all oogy an’ woogy an’ ya don’t feel good. Ya’ll oughta sleep well. Sayo: I agree with Miss Rahya. A proper night’s sleep is a requirement. One may have to skip it in an emergency but never for more than a few hours. A proper flower must attempt at least eight hours a night in most situations in order to maintain her poise, beauty and grace.

Eyn: Four days.

Meichi’a: Well, I’ve had many a sleepless night, especially with charming company. Never more than a night though. (And, between you and me, my goodly sir, I usually cat-nap during the day afterwards!)

Maeve: I have gone exactly one day, twenty one hours, and thirty nine minutes without sleep!

Ganzorig: Two days. Often. Time wasted sleeping can not be regained.

Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?

Yuti: A b-book to read f-for certain. T-there’s nothing like a good book.

Reri: Who here is shocked? C’mon, show of hands. Anyone? Anyone? No? Didn’t think.. put yer damn hand down, One-Eye, or I’ll put it down for ya. As for me? A good drink. Makes life worth livin’ on the days ya ain’t gettin’ something better.

Rahya: I ain’t sure why ya told me ta put up my hand an’ then yelled at me but a’ight... um... I ain’t sure there’s nothin’ I couldn’t do without. I got stuffs I like real muchly like Grape an’ my cards, but I ain’t always had ‘em and I can survive right good without ‘em. Sayo: Many ask questions they do not wish to know the answer to, Miss Rahya. As for myself, I would say a day without a quiet moment to myself is a day I would regret. Everyone needs a time of peace to center themselves and find their inner goal.

Eyn: A fight.

Meichi’a: Aaah, but there are so many things that my day is poorer without. Good company, good food, good wine... but I would say most of all good music. One can survive a lonely day, a hungry day, and a sober day. Yet to live without a song? That is a day not worth living.

Maeve: A good meal of course! A proper breakfast is the start to a proper day! It is why I make it my top priority to cook a good meal every morning I can!

Ganzorig: I go every day without the thing I need most.

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?

Yuti: T-that’s a difficult one. I d-don’t think a-any of my s-senses are p-particularly more a-adept than others... I s-suppose I’d s-say hearing though. I h-have a h-habit of p-picking up t-tiny details sometimes.

Reri: Haw! I bet you do, Snowflake. I remember you beggin’ me an’ Natu to- .. what, what? Fine. Smell for me. Ya need a good sense of smell. S’the sense least likely ta betray ya.

Rahya: ... N-none’a my sense are all that hot but if’n I gotta pick one I’mma gonna say taste. I can taste stuff real good! Sayo: ... Touch. I am rather sensitive to most things. I can actually feel minute differences in texture. It’s a trait I am rather proud of. Sire says it is the mark of a graceful woman. .

Eyn: Sight.

Meichi’a: Why... hearing, of course. I can hear the smallest differences in pitch and tone... or in a charming lady’s voice. That oh-so-luscious timbre that signals the difference between love and lust, for example an-

Maeve: Mister Rouw, I fear you’re doing it again sir! That will be very embarrassing if you keep it up! My strongest sense is my sight, of course! You need good eyesight to catch the tiniest flaws, you do!

Ganzorig: Sight. I can see many things from a great distance.

Which of the five senses would you give up if you had to lose one?

Yuti: O-oh. Um. T-that’s a t-tough one... P-probably smell? I w-wouldn’t like not being able to s-smell b-but my other senses a-are m-more important to me. I’d h-hate to not be able to r-read or taste Lloire’s c-cooking o-or anything like that...

Reri: And that is why you’ll never be a good hunter, Snowflake. I’d give up sight myself. Yeah, I know what yer thinkin’, that’s crazy talk. But think about it. Way too easy ta be blinded. Ya can’t see in the dark anyway, not even if yer a Miqo’te. But ya can always hear, always smell, always feel. And as for taste? Damned if I’m gonna give up booze.

Rahya: N-not sight! Absolutely for sure all the way not sight! O-or feelin’ either. Or tastin’... I’m guessin’ I’m sayin’ smell too. I ain’t not likin’ the idea of not smellin’ but it also means I ain’t gonna smell nasty stuff either so that’s kinda a good thin’, right? Means I could go an’ hug a smelly chocobird an’ not even realize it was smelly! Sayo: .Ah... hearing, I would say. I have a elder relative who has lost their hearing and they say that it has changed the way they view the world. I would loathe to give up sunsets or the taste of tea however. Is that selfish perhaps?

Eyn: Touch.

Meichi’a: ALL of my senses are near and dear to me! Why, how can one appreciate the beauty of the world without taking in all its colors? Though I suppose if I had to choose..smell as well. To lose the scent of roses and perfume is a tragedy... but to lose the beauty of music, or the silken caress of skin? Nay, my good sir, nay.

Maeve: Oh fiddles and sticks! I really don’t know! They’re all so important! Do I really have to pick? Touch, I suppose. I could learn to go without it! Not without the rest!

Ganzorig: Touch. To not feel pain would make me stronger.

How would your friends describe you?

Yuti: Ah... t-that’s... w-well. I-it depends on the friend I s-suppose. I’ve b-been called everything from s-stubborn to d-dependable t-to an idiot t-to... w-well, worse things. T-though most seems to c-call me kind. S-so maybe that?

Reri: *snort* Sexy, dangerous, clever, the best damn thing on two legs, that sorta thing.

Rahya: .Um. I ain’t got many friends but mosta them keep callin’ me funny and sweet so I’mma guessin’ that’s what ya mean? I like bein’ funny though. S’nice ta see Aki smilin’ for reals. Sayo: Proper. At least I do hope so. I work very hard to uphold my proper traditions after all.

Eyn: Quiet.

Meichi’a: Quiet. Yes, I do think that is the most accurate answer you’ve given to date, my good woman! Myself? I suppose, if I must be truthful, they’d call me a rogue. Not one of those fellows with daggers but rather a devilish sort. Though I rather prefer being known as a raconteur myself.. or at least as charming and witty.

Maeve: I am told I am very reliable!

Ganzorig: Angry. They describe me as angry. They are right.

What did you want to be when you were small?

Yuti: W-well, I d-don’t really know. I w-wanted to b-be a healer may-

Reri: Okay, we’re cuttin’ off this lie right here. She wanted ta be a princess. With a big ol’ gown and sittin’ in a tower until a prince decides ta screw her and the whole lot. Used ta fantasize about it.

Yuti: M-mother!

Reri: Yer fault for lyin’, Snowflake. Me? What I am now. Hunter. It’s all I’ve wanted ta be.

Rahya: I ain’t really rememberin’ when I was small but I kinda rememberin’ wantin’ ta be a chocobird maybe? Or maybe a onna them dragons! Or somethin’... I ain’t so sure...

Sayo: ..It is rather embarrassing but I dreamed of being a singer. One of the types who performs on stages. Sire was always rather annoyed by this and was quick to disabuse me of the notion it would be an appropriate role for a second-daughter.

Eyn: Nothing.

Meichi’a: Ah... to be honest I dreamed of being a dragoon. Look, at the time they were very fashionable. Half the maidens in the land dreamed of getting their hands on the Azure Dragoon’s spear after all, and one must admit that they are dashing fellows once you get past all the points. Sadly I’ve not the lineage for it.

Maeve: Why, what I am today! My family and their family and their family’s family has always been a factotum!

Ganzorig: A fighter. What else is there for a Dotharl?

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of love?

Yuti: D-do I have to answer? F-fine. I c-confessed to a m-man who was married to o-one woman and e-engaged to another. T-that is the craziest t-thing I’ve ever done in the name of love a-and it was one of the biggest disasters of m-my life.

Reri: ... Bloody Hells, Snowflake. I’d almost be prouda ya if not for that last part. Too bad ya didn’t have what it took to follow through. Me? I ain’t ever been in ~love~ that way, but I’d say stayin’ put on that island for half my damn life is about the closest thing.

Rahya: Um. I ain’t sure what ya mean by crazy. Almost everythin’ with loves seems crazy ta me but that’s kinda what makes it fun, yeah? Ya do all kinda weird stuff an’ sometimes ya see mogglemen or chocobirds or all kinda other stuff an’ ya have a good time with it!

Sayo: I.... I have never done anything improper in the name of love. I fear I’ve never had the chance.

Eyn: I have never been in love.

Meichi’a: ... ah. You’re expecting some sort of playful answer from me? I’m afraid no such thing. The craziest thing I ever did in the name of love was to leave my love behind.

Maeve: I once spent an entire week practicing a dance routine to attract the attention of a man! It didn’t work out but the dance was extremely fun!

Ganzorig: Left my tribe. Came to this land.

Do you collect anything? If so, what?

Yuti: I c-coll... y-yes, Mother, w-would you like to say something?

Reri: Books. She collects books. Boooooks. Frankly, ya could just replace all her answers with the word ‘books’ an’ not much would change. As for me? Trophies.

Rahya: Oh! Oh! Imma collectin’ my cards an’ those are the most important thing I bein’ collectin’ ta be honest. Though I sometimes like ta pick up little things here an’ there... s’kinda fun to collect pretty rocks n’ stuff.

Sayo: I also favor collecting stones and gems. They can be rather beautiful when set in a collection.

Eyn: Blades.

Meichi’a: Songs, mostly.

Maeve: Coins! I have a large collection of coins! You might think gil is the only type but you’d be wrong! There are ancient coins and coins from foreign lands and commemorative coins and... well, there’s a lot!

Ganzorig: It is a waste of time to collect meaningless objects.

Who was your first crush?

Yuti: I’m n-not sure really. I h-had a crush on a f-few b-back home... a-and one of my h-healing instructors but h-he was m-more of an idle fancy... I s-suppose my f-first serious crush would be C’lest t-though...

Reri: If ya mean the first guy I wanted ta screw, it was this nice-arsed Hyur in my first mercenary band. Shame the fella wasn’t into ladies but I gave it my best shot. His loss if he’d rather- what the Hells ya mean if I go further yer gonna edit it out?

Rahya: W-why ar all ya folks crushin’ people? I thought Miss Yuti was nice but she been crushin’ folk left n’ right?!

Sayo: Miss Rahya, a crush is a romantic fancy for an individual. They did not mean it literally.

Rahya: Oh. Um. Ooooh. I ain’t sure why yer callin’ it crushin’. That makes it sound awful unpleasant. Like yer bein’ squished and squashed an’ not like a slime. Oh. Right. Answerin’. Um... Aasifa, I’m figurin’? I had folks with crushes onna me but I ain’t really sure I felt it back none before Aasifa.

Sayo: I... ah... i-it is not proper for a flower to get crushes. So... i did not! Really. Perhaps I’ve had some passing fondness for a few people but never a crush.

Eyn: Nobody.

Meichi’a: My dear Sophia, of course. Who else but her?

Maeve: M’nave Tia! He had the cutest ear wiggles he did!

Ganzorig: I have had only one love. The only thing I crush is enemies.

Do you or your family have a “motto” – spoken or unspoken?

Yuti: Oh by the Twelve did you have to ask this question?

Reri: Damn right we do. Well, I do at least, seeing that Snowflake barely wants to admit we’re related mosta the time. That is “Don’t be a Twelvesdamned baby.” That or the four Fs but that’s more my persona motto.

Rahya: Ffff? I ain’t sure what that means but it ain’t make a lot of sense ta me. I ain’t got no family so I ain’t got no mot toe though. What’s a mot toe anyway? It sounds kinda gross, like some kinda sickness.”

Sayo: “Family Always.” It is a very important saying to our clan.

Eyn: No.

Meichi’a: No particularly that I recall. My family wasn’t much for mottos really.

Maeve: "To serve is to thrive!” It’s the motto of my entire line!

Ganzorig: ... I am Dotharl. You know our ways.

What do you do to keep fit?

Yuti: W-well, I d-do a lot of r-running around. T-though I also g-get up in the morning and d-do the sword exercises that D-Durga showed me. I-it’s a good way to wake up.

Reri: Get up in the morning, go for a jog, do some stretches, crunches, pushups... what, ya thought I got this fantastic body by sittin’ around? Hells no. I take my workout seriously. I intend ta be drop dead sexy when I’m eighty.

Rahya: I ain’t really doin’ any special exercises or nothin’. I like walkin’ and climbin’ though!

Sayo: My family practices a form.of meditative martial arts. Every morning I awaken and perform my katas in order to properly start the day. I also enjoy swimming.

Eyn: I fight.

Meichi’a: I am blessed to have the metabolism and body to need relatively little work to maintain it. Though I do favor a good hike or other, more vigorous types of exercise. Yes? You know what I m.. oh, only the mother does? Well, I feel rather ashamed right now. Please stop winking at me ma’am.

Maeve: I wake up and set to a good cleaning! Cleaning keeps your body fit and your house well maintained!

Ganzorig: Martial practice keeps me fit. It is all I need.

If you could live somewhere else from where you live now, where would it be?

Yuti: T-the Far East for certain. S-somewhere like Yanxia o-or Kugane. T-they’re beautiful places. T-though I’m quite happy here in Eorzea.

Reri: I’d like ta live in Thavnair. Seems like a Hells of a place. Good huntin’, good explorin’, and some o’ the hottest men and women in the world. .

Rahya: I’m real happy where I live right now ta be honest. I ain’t sure. I wanna go ta the Far East with Aasifa someday so maybe that counts?

Sayo: I...have not considered it. I suppose Eorzea is a beautiful land... but I shouldn’t be saying that as if I was prepared to stay. It’s improper. .

Eyn: The New World.

Meichi’a: Ah! To live somewhere else... I fear I wouldn’t be happy with that. I prefer to stay on the move. To visit, certainly, but to live? No thank you. Not unless perhaps I found a particularly charming delight.

Maeve: I would love to live in the Far East! I’ve been to Kugane before and it’s beautiful. So clean and refined and dignified!

Ganzorig: I would live in the Steppes again if I could. .

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

Yuti: Um. Um. “Contents Under Pressure” maybe?

Reri: "Danger.” It’s all you need yeah? What, ya want me to say “Slippery When Wet?” Ya wish!

Rahya: Um. I ain’t.... I mean... “Don’t Poke” maybe? Bein’ like... I ain’t likin’ bein’ poked? ... I ain’t really scary ‘enough ta get a warnin’ label.

Sayo: W-what sort of question...? Ah... “Do not touch” I suppose. .

Eyn: I will kill you.

Meichi’a: ... I-is that a warning label or a threat?. Well. Um. Yes. Mine would say “May Cause Dizziness” because... well! *motions to self, smiles brightly.*

Maeve: ... Ignoring that! Mine would say “Caution!” That’s a good safe one, right? And all-purpose too!

Ganzorig: Why would a warning need a label? Once you are given a warning you should not forget.

How do you sleep? With clothes, fitfully or peacefully, lots of pillows?

Yuti: W-well... I l-like my pajamas... I-used to have a g-gown but I k-kind of shifted away from that and I like h-having a l-lot of pillows o-or.. um.. s-something soft to hold. I’m a b-bit of a fitful sleeper though.

Reri: Somethin’ soft, eh’? Me? Clothes get in the way. I sleep just fine tho’. Pillows ain’t important. Either I’m sleepin’ or I’m screwin’ and pillows don’t add too much to either.

Rahya: Um.. I kinda been sleepin’ in whatever I’m wearin’ usually. I gotta nightgown but I kinda get too tired ta put it on. I like a buncha pillows though! Bunches an’ bunches, like Aasifa’s got.

Sayo: W-with clothes, of course! A nightgown. What if someone wandered in in the middle of the night? I do not enjoy overindulging in pillows. It feels... needless.

Eyn: Pajamas.

Meichi’a: YOU wear pajamas? By the Weaver’s threads I must see tha- ... that is enough with the glaring, madam! Myself? I favor boxers and company. Simple enough, yes?

Maeve: A warm fluffy gown and lots of pillows!

Ganzorig: I sleep where I sleep.

Real quick, before you all leave. It was recently Valentione’s Day here is Eorzea. How did you feel about that holiday?

Yuti: ... I f-felt rather happy about it, t-truth be told. It was the first Valentoine’s Day I a-actually had w-where I could p-properly celebrate.

Reri: Was a needless pink wasta time. I didn’t bother. Who wastes their time with that trash? Oh right, you do, Snowflake. Did you n’ Tyr waste yer time chasin’ moogles? Hah!

Rahya: It was the BES’ time ever! We saw mogglemen an’ we ran around a maze an’ we got chairs but the chairs were all broken so we kinda had ta sit together ta make ‘em work but I didn’t mind that much ‘tall. I ain’t wantin’ ta threaten no poms though... seemed awful mean.

Sayo: It... looked certainly very beautiful and the couples seemed very happy.

Eyn: I did not participate.

Meichi’a: Ah... it is a wonderful time of year. So many lasses whose hearts are aflutter. I encountered this simply charming raven-haired lass who asked me to go through the maze with her. Why, those moogles even said we were destined lovers! ... and then we tried the fortune telling. Would you believe it said there was no chance? And my darling A’vira, she took it to heart and went off with some Elezen fellow!. At least the bars offered cheap drink that day..

Maeve: I was working but it looked like a lot of fun!

Ganzorig: ... It was very pink. .

As always, thank you all for answering our readers’ questions. I think next round we’ll have another theme. Until then!

#yuti kyis #reri kyis #rahya dovana #sayo kususha #eynwyda bloestyrmwyn #Maeve Dorne #Ganzorig Dotharl #Meichi'a Rouw

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