#c. vala

[mirvndas]

' la mejor forma de guardar un secreto es no confesandolo ' indice emprende el viaje para posarse en sus labios, añadiendo un guiño al final, en señal de que si alguien se enteraba no sería por ella. miranda también se estaba escapado, supone que un trato beneficioso para ambas. ' deberíamos movernos antes de que a alguno de nuestros compañeros nos encuentre, ¿planeas adentrarte en el laberinto? ¿o puedo sugerir un destino más recreativo? ' .

LABERINTO — Por primera vez en muchos años aquel evento la hizo sentirse un poco engentada y encerrada; quizá es por el simple hecho de que ha tenido que interactuar con más personas vivas de lo que está acostumbrada. Por esa razón cuando tuvo la oportunidad, se escabulló entre el bullicio y fue a dar a aquel lugar. "No le digas a nadie que me he escapado," comenta al sentir presencia.

[fcrewell-wxnderlust]

Their wet hair wrapped in an old shirt, Vala padded around the now cleaner concrete room. It was still a mess but better than the rest of the place. With only one bedroom, bathroom and kitchen, it was a tight squeeze, getting the whole group into the small facility, in the end sticking to only a few entering at a time. Easier to search without tripping over each other. They decided on quick rotational showers, making sure everyone got to take advantage of the working shower. "Seawater baths have nothing on an actual shower." They murmured, rummaging around the sparce bedroom. "Shower's free!", they called to whoever was next in line.

[silverfish-nest]

que ódio mano eu n acredito que isso tá acontecendo comigo DE NOVO, vsf o fit e o pac sendo boiola no qsmp, CHEGA EU N AGUENTO MAIS ver o pac ser um assanhado e achar que eu to ficando doide por ler as entrelinhas

[ladymercysletters]

NSFW Alphabet - Aemond Targaryen

A/N: very NSFW, obviously 18 + only. Me being horny on main for a full 8 A4 standard issue pages. I've written essays shorter than this. Honestly, you could probably take most of these as individual blurbs in themselves. Feel free to request fics based on any of the ideas floating about in this filth.

Word count: 4,006

High Valyarian Transation

“kostilus … ñuha jorraelza, ñuha mēre … kostōba vala” - Please… my one, my love… strong man

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

You might expect him to be cold and uncaring. Especially if your marriage had been arranged by your families. He would of course do his duty by you, but no more. Except it didn’t take him long at all to realise that you weren’t a duty; you were his – and his to take care of and love. After sex of any kind, or even a passionate kiss more than once, he would sink into your space and surround you with softness, lowly checking if you were well and if there was anything he could get for you.

B = Body part (their favourite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

Since losing his eye Aemond has carved his own body into a weapon. Each muscle was built for a particular role and allowed him to defend himself and attack his enemy successfully every time. If he had to choose a favourite body part of his it would probably be his arms. His swordsmanship is something he is something he is very modest about, though he would play it off as being obvious that he had skill but would never gloat about it. He is particularly proud of how he can manoeuvre a blade over his shoulder, twirling the heavy sheet of steel effortlessly to reign down on his opponent’s throat. He decided for definite that he would always train with a sword when he caught you watching his training one afternoon with Cole; he kept a close eye on you as yours never left his body as it moved. He watched as your chest rose and fell with each swoop of the blade and clash of metal, and especially when they paused for a break, and your eyes practically melted the clothes from his body where he stood.

Aemond would never tell you he preferred one part of your body to another. Though when you hide your smile with your hand he is always there to delicately pull it away. He once told you to never hide your smile from him; and whilst he had made it sound vaguely threatening at the time, he never actually told you it was because seeing your perfect lips widen into a brilliant smile made his heart practically leap from his chest with love for you. If he had to pick something tactile, Aemond would also say he loved how smooth and soft your skin was. A complete contrast to everything else around him, Aemond’s favourite part of the day was the end – when he would join you in your shared quarters, chambers, bed, and he could hold your soft form in his arms on your soft bed and you spoke about your respective days.

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

At first Aemond would always cum inside you, one way or another. He wasn’t a huge fan of the mess, and neither of you being that experienced he quite naturally presumed as with everything, its best to be tidy. As you grew to know each other and explore what brought each other pleasure quite openly Aemond discovered he loved to see you covered in his cum. It first started when he had slipped out of you as he came, cumming across your open legs. For a short while he stared openly as the white pearlescent mess between your thighs before slowly spreading it further over you, moving his cum up and through the lips of your pussy to stimulate your clit. He was mesmerised with how you looked covered in him, marked as his. He went absolutely feral the first time you pulled off as you were sucking his cock, stroking him and giving small licks to the head of his cock as he lost control - cumming over your mouth before you pulled away to let him finish on your open blouse. When the hot flush had ebbed from his face he lolled his neck to look down at you. Seeing the mess he’d left on your face and his seed slipping down between your breasts and turning your shift translucent made his cock twitch in want.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

Aemond would never reveal an ounce of your relationship or intimacies to anyone, not event the sept, but of course there were things that gave him more pleasure than he would grant voice to. More than once, he had thought about his love of it and cursed himself under his breath. He was a cunt-drunk fool. He could deny it all he liked but if the world fell apart tomorrow, he would not notice if he was buried between your thighs. The soft moans he could pull from you when your thighs quivered around his head, or the howling screams of pleasure and the gush of your completion that drove him to ecstasy himself more than once, when you rode his face. He would die your valiant steed if that was what you wanted. The way you would use him, his nose to rub against your bud and his tongue licked through your quivering folds, hands snaking round your thighs to suffocate him more. His hips would cant up, humping the air or the very breath you let out he did not know. But he would make himself a boy once more and spill untouched as you took your pleasure from him.

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

Before you wed Aemond was not experienced at all. He doesn’t think of what happened to him years ago as any kind of experience. Surely that wasn’t what his duty was, to lay with you would be different – and if it wasn’t maybe you could both carry on without it. But your first night together was different. He knew a lady should not be as experienced as the women in the streets but he was enamoured at your shy touches and looks as he held himself above you. As you explored your pleasure together Aemond found someone he could be truly vulnerable with, who would not mock or push him into doing something he did not wish to. Instead your shaking hands explored his firm lithe muscles, drawing soft fingertips down his back that made his hips jolt involuntarily into you.

F = Favourite position (this goes without saying)

Anywhere he can see your face. He’d take you in any position you asked him, or any that fit in the moment, but he’d never deny the most pleasure he gets is when he can see your face when you’re intimate. Missionary, when you’re lying in bed together in the evening – he can move you into whatever shape he wanted but he usually settles for hooking your leg over his hip, getting a better angle to thrust deeper into you. As much as he loves to control you movements and protect you he cannot deny the first morning you rolled him over and mounted him he prayed the gods would take him then and there so he could die in true bliss. Smoothing his hands over your curves as you lifted your linen shift over your head and rolled you hips – Aemonds breath was taken away from him.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

Unsurprisingly he’s not goofy at all. Aemonds emotions have never come out of him in joyful giggles; the only emotion he’d ever let himself express fully before is anger. The most he has ever expressed in humour or light heartedness is when he first heard you whispering in broken High Valyrian to him as he had you against the door of the library. Your soft sighs of “kostilus … ñuha jorraelza, ñuha mēre … kostōba vala” made him beam with happiness against your neck, warmth and a tightness constricting his heart as he realised you had been practicing just for him. He showed his joy

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

His fine pale hairs that lightly trail down the lower half of his body, though they get slightly courser the closer to his cock and balls they get, barely mark any sort of maintenance – so he doesn’t really bother.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

Aemond is far more romantic than anyone gives him credit for. Upon your marriage day, though both of you had barely spoken previously, he took your hand in his whilst you sat beside each other. Under the table where no one else could see and stroked the back of your hand with his thumb. On your wedding bed he covered your body with his own. Though there was no bedding ceremony, at Aemonds fiery insistence, he protected your modesty from the empty room with his bare back, your lower halves covered by a thin linen sheet as he settled himself between your legs. His hands often give away his softness towards you. Reaching out for you or lacing your fingers together as you lay with one another.

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Aemond doesn’t really like using his fist. He’d much rather have you. When he’s away from you for any extended period he does, with grumbling regert, find that he’s more often than not stiff in the moring. A drawback to you awakening something within him and haunting his dreams whilst he is away. He groans in defeat as his hand trails down his abdomen. Stroking down his shaft before gripping it firmly. He’ll massage himself slowly, imagining you’re with him, doing it for him. Squeezing his balls in his other hand, he can make himself cum to the thought of your body, splayed out on your soft bed for him, calling to the gods only for him.

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

He much prefers to be dominant when with you. Mostly because it gives him control over himself but when you fully submit to him he can’t deny it thrills him the most. It first happened one evening, he’d been training all day and had some small cuts and grazes to him. The soothing bath the servants had prepared was doing much to ease the tension in his muscles but the way you tended to him distracted him from true relaxation. You had dismissed the maids, insistent you could tend to your husband yourself, and watching you looking almost like a maid yourself, the steaming water curling strands of your hair that fell from your face. When he was settled in bed you tended to him further, not listening as he told you he’d rather you lay with him to rest – only yielding when he grabbed at your waist, curling his arm around you and pulling you back to bed. As much as you fought in protest at injuring him further Aemond overpowered you. Hiking your skirts up and pushing himself inside you before you could utter another word of rest. Your pretty moans spilled from you as he took you helplessly, loving how your arms relaxed in his grasp and you legs spread further at his intrusion. Yes, Aemond loved to take you.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

Your bedroom or chambers are his favourite. He has the freedom to take you wherever and however you please without anyone disturbing you unannounced. He loves the intimacy and comfort of your bed, being able to move into any sort of position you want with ease. Though the balcony at sunrise was one of his most favourite memories. In the quiet of the morning light, with your balcony facing the countryside, open plains the spread towards Hayford and Roseby. Aemond remembers how the light touched your skin as he rolled your shift off your shoulders, pressing reverent kisses to your warm exposed skin as his other hand trailed up your thigh and between your legs.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

You. We’ve already gone over how Aemond had never thought of marriage as anything other than duty before you; and how your affection and love grew for one another after no more than mere months. His main motivation in wanting you at any time is that you understand him, you love him and he loves you. Of course this he can control day to day; but when your dress is a little more revealing than usual – exposing your neck to him and giving him a better view of your curves as you walk his eye drifts. When your hair is down in soft waves over your shoulders and back Aemond thinks of how it splays so nicely over your sheets, surrounding you like a halo as he treats you like his queen.

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

He would walk over hot coals if you asked him, but he hates the thought of every making you not feel good, or doing something that hurt or made you feel uncomfortable. He also hates the idea of being cornered and pushed into a situation he didn’t want. If you were to back him up into a corner and press yourself against him he would have no complaints what so ever; but if you were to do something he’s never done before without even speaking about it first he would go into an absolute panic and retreat back to the small boy he was the first time it happened.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

As we’ve discovered Aemond could die a happy man between your thighs, so he of course prefers giving. But receiving is still one of the pleasures of the flesh he was most surprised to find himself enjoying. His shoulders would untense as you took him into your hot mouth. The feel of your small tongue licking the underside of his large cock and his view of you taking more and more of him into your throat had the meat of this thighs straining. Kisses, he didn’t know kisses could feel so good going down his cock, his breath hitching as you swallowed one, the both of his testicles into your mouth, tongue rolling over and playing with them – laving them before trailing up to the throbbing tip of his cock once more. Seeing you suck so deliriously on his head tasting his seed in your mouth and watching it fall from your face, making a mess of his bride was something that broke the last restraint holding him back from bringing you the utmost pleasure.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

He has had you every which way – often depending on the circumstances. And he likes both for different reasons. The thrill of taking you wildly where at any moment you may be discovered, or slowly and passionately pulling only the best of sounds from your throat through the entire night… he couldn’t pick.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

When the mood strikes Aemond loves to take you in a hurry. Knowing he can have you and make you cum quickly leaves him feeling triumphant, the thought that you were a perfectly serene lady only moments ago – he can leave you a wanton, moaning mess; hair falling down and blouse open. Thighs sticky with your combined mess as he fixes himself only a little to leave when called upon. The image of you holding yourself up against a wall burned into his eye for the rest of the day, all through council meetings and bartering talks with his brother; all he could think of was getting back to your rooms this eve.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

As a rule, Aemond would never want to expose you to any sort of risk. He was almost insistent that you would not be intimate anywhere other than your bedrooms; especially when goaded by his brother that surely he would take you everywhere within and outside of the castle walls now that he would finally get his end away. For the first few months of your marriage he maintained his composure, treating you with only the utmost respect as demanded by your marriage and status. But as you grew to know one another, and Aemond’s passion for you warmed as well as his regard for you as a confidant his will slowly slipped. It started with a passionate kiss in the darkened corridors of the keep, on the way back from a feast when you just couldn’t wait for one another. From there it progressed to more frequent instances where Aemond or yourself, would pull each other away from a task or a group, into s quiet corner where no one would notice your intimate embraces – Aemond laying soft kisses up your collarbone or along the back of your neckline. Of course once he gets a taste for the thrill of your love outside of the bedroom he gets all sorts of ideas. The library for one.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

His stamina is ridiculous. Once he worked out that sex is essentially a form of exercise, he almost starts treating it lie a challenge. How many times can he go, how much can he make you come before you’re begging him to stop.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

He doesn’t want to use toys on you – or at least hasn’t discovered the pleasure of them yet. Your marriage is still young and he wishes to know your body fully with his own, wanting to pull as many beautiful sounds and finishes from you as possible.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

He doesn’t enjoy teasing himself; he can just about bear when he sees you in the hall wearing one of his favourite dresses – the colour complimenting your tone and the cut of the bodice just slightly lower than normal, allowing him a view of the curve of your breast. Teasing isn’t something Aemond specifically seeks out in you, but when he realises that he has you on a precipice; and he sees the flush in your cheeks, quickness of breath, and the glazed look in your eyes he thinks he may just try and keep you that way for as long as possible – slowly drawing a firm thumb over your clit as he stills his cock inside you.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

He’s not loud. Obviously – but he does groan softly. First when you kiss him, touch him, and spark his senses. He can smell your hair, taste the small amount of salt on your skin, feel your pulse under his lips as he trails them down your neck. When your hands wonder down to his cock he groans again, and once more when he first takes you. As the pace increases his breath will come out heavier, low rumbles that could be mistaken for thunder if your mind was elsewhere, growing into harsh pants as his hands grip onto you and passion overtakes him.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

When he finally got you pregnant with your first child he was terrified. He, like you, thought that when you conceived it would make him more deliriously happy than he had ever been, but a sense of dread almost immediately overcame him when he thought about how he was going to protect you as you grew his child in your belly. He retreated so fast you thought you had done something for him to hate you, or that the sight of your changing body had disgusted him. You were a sobbing mess for a week, causing the maesters to worry for your condition and the stress on the baby. It was only when one of your most loyal handmaidens searched out the Prince herself and explained your state, did he run as fast as he could to you. Barrelling passed the double guard he’d had at your doors since you announced to find you curled up in bed, face pressed into one of the last shirts he had worn to bed with you that still held some semblance of his scent. The noise sent you bolt upright, blinking back tears as you stared into the eye of your husband. His nostrils flaring as he berated himself internally for your current state. He slowly made his way towards you, kneeling on the bed gently as though you’d fly away if he moved faster, he surrounded you, taking you into his arms and holding you to his chest. The sobs you let out as you curled around him almost broke his heart in two, his eye welling up. After he explained why he had distanced himself from you he vowed to himself never to let you too far from him again – even if he thought it for the best it was not.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

Oh we know.

The first time you were intimate with him on your wedding night you barely saw his cock; he was between your legs and covering you almost as soon as he had stripped himself of his clothes. Your first time close and intimate, which you were grateful for as you were shy yourself. Slowly though, as you lay together more, you discovered how truly beautiful he was all over. Your mother had, on the one occasion she discussed what married women are for, told you of what men had between their legs. She didn’t seem all that impressed herself and described it more like an overripe fruit that what his looked like. It was almost pretty, just like the rest of him. Flushed from the tip, a rosy pink colour much like the roses that grew in the gardens – you thought. Pale skin was un-marred and surrounded by fine silvery hairs. Even when soft, as you’d seen many times when he’d risen from a bath or laying together in the morning he was perfect.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Initially Aemond had trained his sex drive to be nearly non-existent. But after three moons had passed Aemond could not imagine not having you nearly every night. He could control himself well when in public, but if you found yourselves in a darkened corridor on the way back from a fest he could quite easily push you into a corner and have you right there; and then again when you did finally make it back to your rooms, tearing the stiff dress from your shoulders and kissing every inch of skin bared to him. He could be a very jealous man if you danced with the wrong lord.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

After your first night together, he didn’t want to go to sleep. You both lay next to one another, basking in each other’s eyes as you rolled to face each other. You were the first one to close your eyes, slipping closed with a small smile on your face as Aemond brushed a curl from your forehead. He curled an arm over your head, bringing you closer to his chest. He wanted to stay awake longer, wanted to watch your serene features as you slept. But exhaustion caught up to the exhilaration of the evenings activities. Aemonds eyes fluttered shut only five or so minutes after yours. Long lashes splaying across his high cheekbones and an uncharacteristically easy sigh leaving his throat.

[fcrewell-wxnderlust]

"Sick." The matching initials were a result of complete coincidence but it brought them a small amount of joy anyways. Despite their diligent notetaking since the crash, Vala, it seemed, didn't have all the details down. Yet. "So," the obligatory question, "if I might ask, how did you end up on the plane bound for Hell?"

smile grows on her face as they confirm her guess, nodding proudly to herself. then again, she's always been good with names and faces. it had come up sometime during their first month here and ever since, that little piece of information was stored in the back of her mind. " vanessa. mason. everyone just calls me vanny though. " she tells them, clear offering to use the nickname. " it's kinda easy to remember because we have the same set of initials. V M."

[sesamenom]

meet again at the end of time

(aka: C&C finally get their own pet edain)

some background:

(for those not following the braywashed saga) the two guys in the middle are (real, entirely human) wrestlers Elton Prince & Kit Wilson of Pretty Deadly, introduced to the silm fandom by @kitwilsonsass, and known for their uncanny resemblance to C&C in both appearance and demeanor.

As Arda is Earth, the Dagorath has not yet happened, and PD are human people who exist, it is entirely canon compliant for them to join C&C in the dagorath. Hence, CCPD alliance.

design notes:

CC

Celegorm's tattoos represent a symbol of devotion to Orome/the Hunt by imitating Orome's vala markings. Given that bows aren't the best weapon for melee fights, his primary weapon here is based on a boar spear, because I imagine similar tactics would be helpful against some of Morgoth's larger creatures. He wears the Feanorian star once on his armband and once painted on his shield (not shown).

Curufin's helm is based off the Silm description of the red-plumed helms of the Host of Feanor. His armor features one Feanorian star and the Trees (telperion not shown), and his shield bears one other star. He wears a dwarven knife (not Angrist since beren broke it) on his belt.

PD

Based on braywashed's assortment of PD outfit posts, they seem to have a light/dark color scheme, reflected here in their armor colors. Their hairstyles are based on what seems like their irl/interview-hair (aka practical hairstyle, because as unnaturally elven as they are they sadly do not have magical hair) (x). Elto's pink arrow fletchings and Kitto's blue mesh cape refer to the pink/blue matching outfit (x), while Elto's bow/quiver harness and both of their shirt colors reference the harness outfit.

Their weapons follow the opposite color scheme as their armor for contrast purposes, and weapon types (double rapiers + bow, double daggers) are based on braywashed's post here.

Both of PD's armor designs draw influence from c. 15th century English armor, seeing as they are British people, and feature a unique half-breastplate evocative of the extremely cropped sleeve shirt things they normally wear when wrestling.

edit: uploaded the wrong version (no tattoos) at first oops

[green-apple-juice]

Feeding your werewolves elves and humans was just your way of coping with the horrific abuse from your Vala boss—and the fact that nobody loves you. Honestly, could happen to anyone (c)

[fcrewell-wxnderlust]

"It's nothing really." Vala capped their pen and flipped the book close, slipping it into their ever-present bum bag. They couldn't afford to lose it, no matter what. "Before all of this, I was an archaeologist and linguist. I've been looking around this place for any actual history before whoever built the outpost got here. Haven't got much," they admitted.

"Working this late? That's admirable," she praised. "You know, I don't think you and I have had much time to talk." Come to think of it, Elizabeth hadn't really tried to approach them before. "What are you working on?"

[starshinedragon]

SSO Rewritten: SPRINGVALLEY

Fan written main storyline (Update)

Previous Part: Winterdale https://www.tumblr.com/starshinedragon/736955792328146944/sso-winterdale-fan-written-main-storyline?source=share

Map of Springvalley:

Life Warden Trees of Springvalley:

Story design:

-> Part of SSO Rewritten (my writing project of the whole story of SSO until defeating Garnok). You can find the story related posts with the tag "sso rewritten" -> This is the updated version of an old post, that takes place after the Winterdale part. -> Phases 1-2-3 is the main story so far (Harvestlands), phases 4-5-6 is the Winterdale parts in the previous post, phases 7-8-9 are the Springvalley parts written in this post.

-> The area of Springvalleywas established in the Star Stable Spring Riders game and I added elements from SSO (rangers, druids, a lightwood, etc) to fill in the empty places. The focus characters of the Springvalley main storyline are Jessica and Elise (as the main opponents), Anne (as she is Jess' rival), Jordan Jet (from the Spring Rider game), Life Warden Trees and Vala witches (eg. Sive). The thematic guide for the Springvalley story is the dark corruption spreading in the valley and the final confrontation of this phase is cleansing the Cursed Forest and the witches' castle.

So saddle up and get ready for the adventure!

PHASE 7 – Opening Springvalley

PART 1: Resurrection

-> At the end of the Winterdale Storyline, the Soul Riders managed to win back Pandoria and banish Garnok from there. A new reputation opens: Pandoria. We can access all of it again, but it is in ruins. Ydris kind of forgives the druids, since his world was saved, and begrudgingly agrees to help and direct the restoration of Pandoria. Ydris becomes the faction leader and sends MC and the Soul Riders to all kinds of quests. 

-> MC is summoned to the Secret Stone Circle. The Soul Riders, Ydris, and some druids are waiting for you there and tell you that you are going to restore Pandoria and cleanse it from Garnok’s corruption. MC, Fripp, Ydris and Anne open and stabilize the Path of the Winds, the portal at the edge of the Circle, that now leads to the central part of Pandoria. The team rides through and you set up base in the main structure of Temple Ruins, a building similar to the ruins you saw in Starshine Legacy 3’s Pandoria.

-> For your first quests you are to secure that island. They ask you to help set up the base, and cleanse Garnok’s (dark blue) corruption from the land and creatures. You explore the island and find three portal sites you have to activate. With Anne’s help MC opens the way to the other three islands. You report back to the druids and unlock the map of Pandoria. 

-> You are sent to explore a new Pandoria. In the Harvestlands storyline (live SSO) we can only access two areas: the crystal cave island where Anne was imprisoned and the island with the winding paths and many plants under it. The crystal cave is also not accessible anymore if you have already completed those main story quests. In the Winterdale storyline (SSO Rewritten) we banish Garnok from Devil’s Gap to Pandoria, thinking it is a good plan, but we soon realize it was a mistake. During the quests when we banish Garnok from Pandoria (back to his spaceship prison at the bottom of the Jorvik Sea) we access the two areas from live SSO again: the crystal cave and the winding paths. Here, in the beginning of the Springvalley storyline, new areas of Pandoria become accessible. Ydris sends you to explore all of the areas: you unlock all 4 map parts of Pandoria after completing the quests. The now accessible areas are:

1. The Botanical Gardens: this is the winding paths currently accessible in live SSO. The Pandoria botany dailies send you here, to find the plant they want (see the names of Pandorian plants below!). The area now has pathways to make it easier to find your way, some lamps with wisps in them and some decorative fences and benches, as well as Pandorian critters and creatures hanging out there.

2. Crystal Peaks: the second zone from live SSO, the island where Anne was imprisoned in the crystal. This area now has some plains and various wild Pandorian horses running around. Zee watches over this island and sends you on quests to help the wildlife there.

3. Temple Ruins: a reskinned and upgraded version of the area you walk with Anne, when you find Concorde in Starshine Legacy 3. This is the main base of Pandoria now. Ydris, some druids, and those who help restore Pandoria hang out here. From here, three portals lead to the other three accessible Pandorian areas.

4. Rune Island: where the Soul Riders went so seal their power runes in the last map of Starshine Legacy 4. Reskinned and upgraded, the stone circles of the seals are now the training arenas for each power. These are where you will get and practice your new soul rider powers.

Entrances to Pandoria: -> Secret Stone Circle: the Path of the Winds portal leads to Temple Ruins (central part). -> Random daily portal to Pandoria: still leads to the Botanical Gardens. -> Five Horse Valley: leads to Crystal Peaks, like during the saving Anne storyline.

-> Races: each island has multiple races. There are simple cross country runs around landmarks. There are butterfly and wisp collection races, a catch Pandorian rays race (like the catch rabbits one), a garden race, etc.

-> Pandorian Quests: after exploring Pandoria to unlock the maps you can access all quests and dailies on every island and Jorvik. The daily quest that can appear on each island is when you are sent to cleanse sites of umbrasyan (Garnok’s) corruption. Quests by zones:

1. Jorvik: pink cracks and lost beasts. All kinds of pandorian creatures had appeared on Jorvik as the veil between worlds got torn in the confrontation with Garnok. MC and the Soul Riders are sent all over Jorvik to clear the Pandorian cracks, and capture and return beasts to Pandoria.

2. Temple Ruins: You help set up the magical defenses of the base in dailies like rune carving and rune ciphers. You investigate and locate sites of gathering corruption and dispel them. Ydris figures out a way to stop the Pandorian scars’ spread on Evergray and he joins the camp too.

3. Crystal Peaks: Zee oversees this island. Many Pandorian wild horses (magic horses, unicorns, etc) roam the plains and valleys here. The caves are where the druids and Ydris collect the most powerful magic crystals from. MC is sent to cleanse corrupted crystals and horses, to befriend the magic horses and also on fetch quests.

4. Rune Island: Rhiannon hangs out there with some druids who are interested in the magic of the circles. Here you meet Amryn, a Pandorian humanoid like Ydris. She had survived the destruction of Pandoria by living a nomad life (much like Evergray during his wanderings in the pink world). She came back because she felt a dark presence gather in these parts. Mc befriends her and she and Rhiannon teach MC some new magic. MC is taught how to use their star powers to heal sick horses, how to use visions to spy on the enemy, you use sun powers to dispel darkness and corruption and fight with lightning to destroy shadow seekers.

5. Botanical Gardens: there are both some druids and capran-like Pandorian cratures here. You unlock the Pandorian botany dailies: they send you to ride around in the gardens and find them 3 different types of plants each day.

-> At the end of the storyline with the Pandoria faction, Ydris discovers a Remnant of Garnok (a dark tentacle) that threatens to attack, corrupt and destroy what we had achieved so far. With the help of Ydris, Zee, Evergray, Rhiannon and Amryn, a plan is formed: to complete a ritual that dispels the Remnant forever. MC and the Soul Riders are sent to gather four rare materials across the islands on four consecutive days.

-> With Lisa, MC goes to the Botanical Gardens to find the Cyclamen Starflower. With Linda you explore Temple Ruins to find a special, ancient runestone, the Eclipse Cypher. With Anne, you go to Crystal Peaks to find the strongest Pandorian Crystal yet, the Aphelion Gemstone that glows light blue. With Alex, you go to Rune Island, carve a magic wand out of a nettletree branch and infuse it with lightning magic, creating the Fulminus Wand (Alex just calls it the Boomstick).

-> MC brings these four ingredients to the Temple Ruins, where you set up the ritual to dispel the Remnant. Ydris draws a complex magic circle combining star, moon, sun and lightning magics and stands in the middle conducting the ritual. The Soul Riders stand on the circle’s four point, paired with each of the other characters: Zee, Evergray, Rhiannon and Amryn. You start the ritual and the Remnant of Garnok attacks.

-> You have to use the powers you learned recently to stop the Remnant from stopping the ritual. The Remnant summons shadow seekers which you have to shoot with lightning to dispel. If it hits one of the characters with its shadow attacks, you use the star circle to heal them. You dispel spots of corruption from the ground using sun magic. For the moon ability check, the Remnant curses MC using a rune sealing all your other abilities until you dispel it. You get rid of the curse by finding the same rune around you, like the rune ciphers in Hollow Woods. You have to hold out for some minutes and once the progress bar completes, Ydris directs the power of the ritual to you and MC destroys the Remnant. The shadowy tentacle bursts into sparks of light and you are rid of it for good. You have fully restored Pandoria.

PART 2: The Violet Fog – Dark Rider Elise’s introduction questline

-> The forces of good couldn’t enjoy their victory for long. A suffocating violet mist covers the island. The lakes and rivers are frozen over, shadow seekers roam the night. An eerie atmosphere covers Jorvik. Before you start this questline a window will pop up asking if you are ready to start it, as the story will start a Jorvik-wide event and most NPCs will temporarily disappear. They come back once you have completed this questline. You click Yes, I’m ready. (This is a single event. Even though it is divided into four days, you don’t need to wait a day to do the next one, you just get a black screen and the game tells you a day passed.)

-> The screen goes black, „The first day” title appears and you hear a sound of magic being used. MC wakes up in their home stable. Your first quest is to do a round of stable care for the horse you are riding (doesn’t matter if you did it already, it is for the immersion). Next, you remember that Avalon wanted to meet you and you leave the stable. Outside it is dark, despite it being the morning and you are greeted by a thick, violet fog. The people are confused, but not yet panicking. The soundtrack has changed to playing the dark and mysterious ambiance anywhere you go.

-> You hear the magic sound again and a shockwave sweeps through Jorvik. Your horse rears and people panic and run to their houses. You ride to Avalon. He tells you that all of Jorvik is covered by the violet fog and that it blocks both magic and technology. This means no quick communications and the Valedale spiral leading to the Secret Stone circle is also blocked. The spymaster arrives in a panic, telling MC and Avalon that people have started to disappear. His critters told him that if they get lost in the fog they vanish. The Soul Riders get here as well and Avalon takes the lead.

-> Avalon tells MC and the Soul Riders that the druids prepared for something like this. He tells you to gather the people of Valedale who haven’t vanished yet and meet him at the door in the Hollow Woods. You do that and he opens the door. It leads to a bunker similar in design to Stonecutters’ Vault and Fripp’s study. Avalon tells you it is protected from magical attacks. The people hide inside and MC and the Soul Riders are tasked to go sort out the other bunkers. The plan is to split the bunkers among the Soul Riders, get the people to safety, and meet up the next day.

-> You ride together, leaving a Soul Rider at each bunker. First, you go to the Starshade Woods through Northlink. The Soul Riders remain at the door to open it as Avalon showed you, while MC rides around to gather people. Some you can find, and some have already vanished. You get the people into the bunker and Alex stays with them.

-> Next you go to Goldenhills, and try to find the people and Linda stays with them. After gathering people in Epona, Jorvik Stables, and Jarlaheim, Lisa stays to guard them in the Greendale bunker. You gather the remaining NPCs from Silverglade and Moorland and leave them with Anne in the Moorland bunker. Alone, you return to Avalon to the Hollow Woods bunker. The screen goes black as the day ends.

-> „The second day”. MC rides to Silverglade Village, where you agreed to meet. The Soul Riders made it as well. The cutscene shows a shadowy rider watching you from afar. You are in the middle of talking when you feel an eerie presence. Black lightning crashes down in the middle of the group and everyone freaks out. Shadow seekers appear and you have to flee. MC manages to lose their pursuers in Valedale. You talk to Avalon and he sends you to the other bunkers to check on the Soul Riders. You ride to Moorland to check if Anne has returned, but she hasn’t. You search for the Soul Riders all over Jorvik, riding to certain places indicated on the map. You cannot find anyone and return to the Hollow Woods bunker to sleep.

-> „The third day”. Avalon sends MC to check on the other bunkers. There is a snowstorm in Dino Valley. You find that Northlink is infested with shadow seekers and you cannot go through. Linda hadn’t returned to Goldenhills but the people needed supplies. You ride to Cape West and bring them some. The Greenwoods bunker is ok, but Lisa isn't here. You collect supplies from Jarlaheim for them. MC feels a dark presence following them, cutscenes sometimes show the silhouette of the dark rider, watching you from afar. Moorland is also ok, but Anne hasn’t returned either. When you ride in the fog, sometimes you can see aurora up high, a single wisp flying around, or lightning strikes and hear thunder in the distance.

-> MC rides back towards the Hollow Woods. In the forest, you walk into an ambush set by the mysterious dark rider. Dark lightning almost hits you, and MC flees out of the forest into Everwind fields. The fog thickens so much, that you can't see more than a meter ahead. The single wisp appears and you follow it. The wisp leads you out of the fields, to your bunker. You go to sleep.

-> „The fourth day”. You leave the bunker and the wisp is waiting for you there. the Moorland runestone. Moonlight illuminates the stone and MC touches it, and has a vision of one active runestone in Jorvik (one with five runes). You have to find it. The quest sends you to check some other 5-rune stones first and finally, you find it in behind the Jorvik Stables. You have a new vision there: it shows you riding to the Secret Stone Circle and using magic to dispel the mist.

-> The dark presence finally reveals itself. The fog gathers and a dark rider materializes. She is wearing the dark rider outfit in violet and rides a quick-looking dark horse with a blond, almost white mane and tail. She says „Greetings, worm. I am Elise Samassa, Dark Rider Nihili, and this is the strongest horse in Jorvik, Acheron. Now that we are acquainted, it is time for you to face oblivion, like your pathetic friends, chosen of Aideen.” MC attacks her, releasing a lightning bolt, but magic is so weak in the fog that she easily deflects it. You decide to flee and get to the Secret Stone Circle to dispel the fog. The longest race leading through the island commences.

-> You are chased through the island by the cloakrider, following the wisp, while the rider tries to stop you using magic. You escape Jorvik Stables, and run through Jarlaheim, Greenwoods, the bridge, Moorland, Everwind, Hollow Woods, and Valedale. You enter Dino Valley for the first time since the fog fell. The Icengate is blocked, so you ride to Ashland, down the Frostfire pass, through Coldstone forest, Sharshade Woods, and up Starshine Mountain. You jump the broken bridge.

-> Cutscene: MC stops their horse and watches how the dark rider does the same on the other side of the bridge. Like in Starshine Legacy 1, she can’t follow you into the circle. She removes her hood: the introduction of Elise, the 4th Dark Rider. She says „Enjoy this victory, because ultimately it means nothing. You might have won the battle, but the war has just begun. And you pathetic servants of Aideen better prepare, because I will bring down upon you hell itself. And so it begins!” She raises an arm and you hear the magic sound that summoned the fog for the third time. Thunder rumbles and it gets much darker, the fog thickens. You barely see enough to get to the center of the circle.

-> MC goes to the middle of the Circle and activates the runes, but doesn’t know what else to do. The wisp is still hovering next to you. You investigate the rune: it shows the other four Soul Riders and you call out for their help. The wisp hovers over to one side, moonlight and aurora appear and lightning strikes the last one. A faint glimmer appears in the middle as the darkness around you approaches. You use your rune stick at the glimmer. The four Soul Riders materialize around you and together you use your magic to disperse the fog. Cutscene: people rematerialize in cities and the one refugees leave the bunker. The Druids celebrate and you get rewards.

PART 3: Opening Springvalley

-> The next day you are called to the Circle again to talk to Fripp and the druids. Before the meeting could start, the Spymaster appears, telling you that druids from Springvalley arrived and need your help. He leads them in front of the council. They tell you that darkness attacked Springvalley, a dark rider wreaks havoc there, Nihili. Elise really didn’t waste any time. Her power summons umbrasyan corruption, her dark power infuses the land and she woke up the witches inhabiting the Morrinweals as well. It is chaos in the valley and the druids alone are not enough to fight her. They ask for your help. You agree to go, but Fripp warns you that you have to improve the defenses of Harvestlands and Winterdale first. The two druids wait in the Circle until you complete the Runestone Upgrade Questline.

-> Runestone upgrade questline: MC gets a message, that Fripp wants to meet you in the Secret Stone Circle. He tells you that you all have to prepare for the war to come, and Elise will be a tough enemy. The druids have to bolster their defenses the best they can, and the first step is to strengthen the Circle. The runestones around the circle only had ceremonial purposes (meaning they had some power, but they were mostly just pretty), but now you have to make them into proper magic runes, that will protect the place. You are sent to go talk to Ydris about how to use the Pandorian language as a magic weapon.

-> Linda comes with you. MC and Linda meet Ydris in Pandoria, and he sends you all over the pink world to look at the runestones there. He made those to protect the islands. Linda remains in Temple Ruins to study his books. You get a new page in your notebook labeled Pandorian language and have to collect the drawings on all of the runestones in Pandoria. When you are done collecting the inscriptions on one island, you go to Ydris, who tells you the meaning (plus Linda tells you the Pandorian phonetic pronunciation if you are interested). Once you collected all of the runestones and meanings, you unlock the last page, which is the Pandorian runic and phonetic alphabet and dictionary.

-> MC and Linda return to the Secret Stone Circle, where Fripp, the druids, and other Soul Riders are already waiting for them. They talk about which runes should be used where. MC has to choose the correct runes to be carved in the 10 stones of the circle.

-> The druids decide to remake the runestones with the help of Conrad. MC is tasked to meet him, offer the job, and bring Conrad to the Circle. He will work on the project for 10 day (a day for each of the stones). You have to complete the quest he gives you each day for him to finish a stone. Those will be simple fetching quests: he needs a special carving tool from Stonecutter’s Vault, needs you to check out a stone in Pandoria again to make sure the shape of the rune is correct, wants a dessert from Aideen’s plaza, etc. You get the stuff he wants and he will get to work. The next day he is done and your first quest is to use your magic to activate the runestone he made. After that you get the usual fetch quest, get him his stuff, he gets to work, the next day you activate the runestone, and so on.

-> While this is happening, the rune recarving side quests become available. MC will be going around Jorvik, looking for all the old, not working runestones. You need to carve them into one of the Pandorian words you learned. For each quest, you grab the carving tools and find the runestone. Once you click it, it will give you a choice IN PANDORIAN about what you want to carve. Using your notebook you have to choose the correct thing to carve- For example, it will give you the runic options for “leaf”, “blue”, “defense” and “laughter”. If you choose the wrong one, you get a funny punishment: if you choose blue, the stone turns blue, if you choose leaf, a bush grows around the stone, and if you choose laughter, MC will keep laughing. You have to choose defense (after you figured out the correct rune combination). You replace every runestone in Jorvik this way with a useful inscription, which keeps evil forces away from the area, so the violet fog incident will not be repeated.

-> After 10 days, Conrad is done. When you return to the Circle, you activate the last runestone and the whole circle flares up with magic. Astral Crown awakens truly (Fripp was only able to wake her power before, not her consciousness), and thanks you for waking her by giving her enough power and helping her protect the Circle.

-> Now that Harvestlands and Winterdale are sufficiently protected, MC and the Soul Riders are ready to depart for Springvalley. The two druids are Sienna Springleaf, the leader of the Everspring druid village, and her horse Solaria, a palomino, and Lorelei Moordusk, the leader of the Thistlebranch druid village, and her horse the black Shadowsong. They arrived by taking the Seaside Road from Bayridge to Anvil Woods, barely managing to sneak past the Dark Core Barricade. Initially, we plan to enter Springvalley that way. Anne is excited to be back home at her family’s manor.

-> MC, the Soul Riders, Sienna, and Lorelei ride to the Seaside Gate. The two druids have the key and they open it. Linda casts a magical shield around the group that makes you invisible and you ride slowly and stealthily, trying to remain hidden. It seems like you can pass the Barricade unseen, when a cutscene triggers. Katja and Elise are standing on top of a lookout tower of the DC Barricade. Katja uses her scrying powers to detect Linda, she says „Got you, little Soul Rider. Elise, now!” She casts black lightning towards the mountain. The scene cuts back to your group, right when Alex spots draconium barrels hidden up the mountain, among the rocks. She shouts „Watch out!” and the black lightning hits the barrels, bringing down the whole mountainside. Your group has to turn around and flee the rockfall. The road in now blocked by huge rocks, you can’t enter Springvalley that way. Now your only option is the Wolf-pass, which is not used for a reason. In the final cutscene, Elise looks over the destruction satisfied, and says „Bye-bye Soul Riders. I hope you like the present I left for you in the mountain pass”.

-> You meet up with the team in the Rimefang Woods, near the mouth of the Wolf Pass. You ride through carefully, your Kallter wolf coming with you. The pass is similar to the gorge of Aideen you go through in the Light Ride quest. Everything seems fine, but is is eerily quiet and you have a bad feeling about it. Anne spots a patch of corruption and the familiar violet fog starts to seep into the canyon. You hear wolf howls and the Kallter wolf growls. Dire wolves appear high on the canyon walls and in front of you, blocking the path. Their eyes glow with Garnok’s dark blue corruption. Anne steps forward, saying „Enough is enough. No Dark Rider will keep me from my home!” She starts to channel sunlight. Lisa says „Quick, MC, we have to help!”. You join the spell. The wolves attack, running toward the team, horses freak out. Right before they reach you the spell completes, and an explosion of light burns away the corruption from the canyon and the wolves. They are dazed, your Kallter wolf walks up to them, and they sniff and greet each other. They leave and let you pass. The team crosses the Winter Mountains and arrives in Rockville. You get your 100 SC for finishing a phase.

PHASE 8- Jessica and Elise

PART 1: The Jet Syndicate and Von Blyssens

-> For now, you quickly ride through Rockville and get to the windmill in the middle of Seabreeze Meadows where you were to meet the druids. Lorelei leaves halfway, she has to go back to Thistlebranch Village and invites you to come and help, once you are done with Everspring. Sienna leads the team to the windmill, but no one else is there. We find signs of a recent attack by Elise and follow the hoofprints of the fleeing druids towards Everspring Plateau. We race to the Cliffside Mountains and spot the fleeing druids. Cutscene: they are chased by shadow seekers, black lightning strikes, and corrupted vines. Sienna gets ahead of the Soul Riders, trying to help her people. She runs into the pass after them, leading to Everspring Plateau. Before MC or the Soul Riders could follow her, the corrupted vines close the pass. You stop your horses and see Elise and Jessica standing on a ridge above you, laughing. They dissipate into dark smoke and fly away. 

-> You have to cleanse the corruption of the battlefield here. By the time you are done, the Cliffside rangers appear to ask what the hell was that. You try to explain and they kind of buy it as there are no more signs of corruption, just the battlefield. You say it was a lightning strike and they accept it saying that there was some weird weather recently in Springvalley so why not.  MC and the Soul Riders ride back to Rockville.

-> Jordan Jet greets you in Rockville, saying she has heard that you are an excellent rider, and invites you to take part in the dressage and other competitions of Springvalley. She tells you of the two main equestrian factions here: her Jet Syndicate ruling Rockville, Bayridge, and Beauvista, and the Von Blyssen riders of the manor. She recognizes Anne and tells you that she’s not going to keep you anymore, as you would probably want to go with your friend to the Von Blyssen manor, but you are welcome to come back anytime to ride in her syndicate.

-> Introduction to the Von Blyssen Manor: The team follows Anne to the Von Blyssen Manor. It is managed by Eva Von Blyssen, Anne’s mother, who used to be a soul rider. You explore the manor and unlock dressage training and reputation dailies. You see the trails in the woods, the riding arenas, and the stables of the manor. You can’t yet cross the river as the bridge to Suncrown Island with the conspicuous golden tree is blocked by a closed gate. At this point, the dressage in SSO receives a huge upgrade, dressage becomes available at the Baroness', Pine Hill and Shoreline Riding Arenas and a Dressage Championship opens.

-> Exploring Springvalley: You are sent to check out the Shoreline Equestrian, where the great dressage competitions of Springvalley are held. It is solely a competition center, designed similarly to the Baroness’ racetrack. The main dressage arena is the upgraded version of the one where you do dressage at the end of the Spring Riders game. Here you meet some nice Jet Syndicate riders. They have a rivalry with the Von Blyssen riders, and both factions would like to win the Great Dressage Trophy. Both factions are very sportsmanlike, whichever loses, they don’t get bitter, congratulate the winner, and are happy that they took part even if just for the experience. Since Anne’s been gone, the trophy was won by the Jet Syndicate’s best rider, Jasmine, Jordan’s niece. Anne vows to win it back with Concorde.

-> Next MC goes alone to explore the Jet Syndicate villages. You meet the people of the villages and the crew of the stables, explore the places, and unlock local quests. You also unlock the Rockville, Bayridge, and Beauvista Championships (normal, cross-country ones, the only dressage championship is at Shoreline). You meet the rangers of Cliffside and Highmarsh station. Cliffside Station is north of Beauvista, in the red pine forest (from the Spring Riders game) and their leader is Jace Morrin. They oversee north of the Seabreeze Meadows and the Cliffside Mountains. The Highmarsh Station oversees south Seabreeze and they are led by Alys Morrin, sister to Jace. They are the descendants of the ancient Morrin family, that ruled over the Morrin Meadows since Jon Jarl’s age. You still cannot enter either Everspring Plateau to the west or Morrin Meadows to the east (both the pass and the bridge are blocked by corrupted vines).

-> Unlocking the Von Blyssen gardens: They are located on the side of the manor facing the river and on the little island in Suncrown river. In style, they are similar to the Silverglade Manor’s gardens. MC meets Anne’s mom in Silverglade Manor. She tells you that she has recently met the Baroness and she likes what the gardeners did there in the garden. She sends you to invite them to fix the Von Blyssen Manor’s gardens as well and train her new gardeners. You meet them and they say that they need a day to prepare and pack up their equipment. The next day you have to give one of them a lift on horseback to the Von Blyssen gardens, while the other takes the car with the driver, the Baroness, and Anne’s mom. There they (and MC of course) start to clean the gardens and train the new Von Blyssen gardeners. They are the siblings Amara and Andreas (Amy and Andy). You help them fix the gardens, and the siblings become the groundskeepers of the Von Blyssen gardens.

-> Jessica appears: It is time for the big competition in Shoreline between the Von Blyssen Manor and the Jet Syndicate. You compete in the place of Anne for the Von Blyssens because Concorde is still too inexperienced to take part. MC is tasked to win the grand trophy. You go through three rounds of dressage tests. They are moderate level tests and you need your starter or another dressage horse for this. MC almost wins, but the last rider is Jessica and she and Erebos absolutely destroy you. MC and Anne witness the victory ceremony as the Great Dressage Trophy is won by the Jet Syndicate and given to Jessica Jet. Even the other Syndicate riders are not happy about this and Jordan Jet is shocked. While Jess passes her, she says: „Well, mother? Aren’t you proud of me? I’ve defeated the Von Blyssen bastards for you!” She rides away with the trophy laughing.

-> MC and the Soul Riders speak to Jordan in her house in Rockville. The trophy is ominously sitting in the Great Hall there. Jordan tells you she had a daughter who disappeared long ago and she didn’t know Jess was back, even that she was alive and what she has become. She just dropped the trophy here and left again without a word, destroying the good friendship between the Jet Syndicate and the Von Blyssens. Lisa says this smells like Elise’s plan. Jordan asks you to try and repair the relationship between them and the Von Blyssen riders.

-> Anne’s comeback: She is the only one good enough in dressage to beat Jesica. She plans to train and get Concorde good enough to win the trophy back. Jess is going to compete again in the next grand dressage competition against Anne. Even though both the Von Blyssens and Jordan know what she’s become, they can’t stop her from taking part in it. She has been training with her dark horse Erebos for a long time, and Anne is having a hard time. Corcorde is still young and magically aged up, she still has a lot to learn is dressage. Anne has also just gotten her back and is afraid, that Jessica will hurt Concorde to win if they manage to be better, than Jess.

-> Helping Anne’s training: Concorde’s dressage knowledge appears as a reputation bar and you have to complete it for Anne to have a chance against Jess at Shoreline. The daily you get changes every day: one day you complete a dressage course, while Concorde and Anne watch, the next you go on a trail ride race with them, etc.

-> The Competition: Once you max the bar, the day of the competition comes. You meet up in Shoreline Equestrian. The first day Anne and Concorde arrive and settle in the stables. You are tasked to help Concorde get comfortable: bring her food, give her a bath, etc. Jess and Elise are also there, and you have to make sure they don’t get to sabotage Anne (for example they switched the good apples for Concorde for rotten ones, made the horse shampoo disappear, made the water dirty, hid Anne’s stuff all over the place, etc.) The second day the actual competition happens. They stopped making mischief, but are now using evil magic and runes to sabotage Anne. This time Jessica rides first. While Anne is riding her round you „fight” against Elise and Jess: they will run around drawing dark runes, that harm Anne and Concorde, you have to follow her unseen and dispel them. You succeed and Anne wins back the trophy, which Jordan is happy to hand over to her. Jess and Elise angrily ride away, promising this is not over.

PART 2: West- Everspring Valley

-> Next up is opening Everspring Plateau. Jace Morrin, the leader of the Cliffside Rangers sends you a message that they have an injured druid who came from the west. You ride to the station and find Linda and Lisa already there, trying to heal him. MC is sent to gather some herbs, and you manage to heal him enough that he wakes up. The druid tells you Elise attacked Everspring Village and completely closed off the plateau with her dark magic. You have to find a way to go there and help. Lisa says you should take a boat and the druid tells you that the plateau has a port: Shark Point. MC agrees to meet the Soul Riders in Shoreline Fishing Village the next day (dayblocker).

-> The next day when you ride to the shore, you get a cutscene of Elise summoning a dark storm over the bay. You see the black clouds, thunder and lightning strike every minute, wild winds blowing the trees on the shore. You meet the Soul Riders at the village. Linda suggests that MC and Alex try to dispel the storm, but your magic can’t affect it. You are tasked to ride around in the fishing village and try to find a captain who will take you to Shark Point through the storm. You ask every captain, but they are not willing to sail out with five horses in a storm. You are about to give up and look for another way when one approaches you. The old man says he overheard you and asks if the storm is some kind of witchcraft. He’s seen weird stuff in Jorvik and wouldn’t be surprised. He takes pride in being the only one who is brave and skilled enough to sail through storms and says his ship is the only one that could stand a storm like this. You get the horses on board and sail out.

-> Cutscene of the ship sailing through the storm. The team lands in Shark Point and they ride up a winding path to the Everspring Plateau. It is similar to South Hoof, as it is a relatively flat, elevated area, but it is covered sparsely by an oak forest and blossoming bushes, the Monarch Woods, and framed by hills and mountains. Usually, the woods are full of colorful butterflies. A small river originates from Pegasus Spring and creates the Butterfly Lake, and the druid village is in the middle of the lake. Right now, however, the whole plateau is covered in the strange violet mist Elise used before. As the team rides through it, shadow seekers start to chase you. You race through the unfamiliar woods and get separated. MC alone arrives in the druid village as the race ends. You realize that the Soul Riders were once again claimed by the violet fog.  

-> Everspring village and the druids were not claimed by the fog. There is a shield made of light around the village that keeps the dark out. The power to keep them safe comes from a Spark of Aideen that the druids are protecting. It is a magical spark of light contained in a polished light pink gemstone. Sienna Springleaf welcomes you and she tells you that Elise wants the Spark and she made the fog trying to steal it. MC tells her they know how to dispel the fog but they need the Soul Riders back. Sienna stays in the village to help protect it, you ride out in the fog alone. The butterflies are momentarily gone from the forest, shadow seekers patrol in their place. You find the wisp (Lisa) in the northern forest, the moonlight (Linda) in the southern part of the Monarch Woods. You ride up to the Pegasus Spring to find the aurora (Anne). The place has a rearing statue of a pegasus where the water erupts from the mountain. The lightning strike (Alex) is at the highest peak of Everspring, which is in the hills above Shark Point. You use your her magic to dispel each one and the two race back to the village. Once all five of you are there, you use your magic and the Spark of Aideen to dispel the violet fog. Cutscene: Elise and Jessica appear (in dark rider uniform) in the woods and send the shadow seekers against the shield. The Soul Riders and MC manage to dispel the fog before the creatures reach the shield. The magical explosion of light burns away the shadows. Acheron and Erebos rear up and the dark riders gallop away. The woods become bright again and the butterflies return.

-> Now you are free to explore the Everspring Plateau. They send you to cleanse the Garnok effect that grips the vines blocking the pass leading from Seabreeze to Everspring. You clear the path, return to the village, and unlock the reputation dailies for the Everspring druids. You get two races here: the Pegasus race and the Butterfly race. You meet the Life Warden tree of the plateau: Everbloom Elm, who gives you several random flowers each day if you say hi to her. The Everspring plateau is a lightwood: you have an additional Motherstone here and you can collect light, similar to the Hollow Woods and Starshade Woods. At the north edge of the plains, you discover the broken Suncrown bridge that will lead to Summerplains in the future. To keep Elise from summoning the violet fog again, you recarve the protective runestones of Springvalley as you did in Harvestlands and Winterdale.

PART 3: The Sun Queen

-> The Von Blyssen gardeners, Amy and Andy call you to come immediately. They say they need you because you know a lot about the „weird stuff” of Jorvik. They show you signs of weird corruption spreading in the garden. This time it doesn’t look Pandorian or Umbrasyan, it is the vala’s magic. You trace the corruption to the gate leading to Suncrown Island where the golden crowned tree is. Anne arrives to help you. She has the key to that gate and opens it for you. The gardeners tell you the same corruption attacked the Von Blyssen vineyard and the whole eastern valley, that is why the gates were closed.

-> You inspect the tree and realize that it is a Life Warden, currently being suffocated by the dark magic of the vala witches. It was attacked by corruption coming from the cursed forest in the northeast. Anne’s mom arrives and tells you that the golden three is called the Sun Queen. She protects the Von Blyssen Manor and makes the plants grow extraordinarily well, so they must save the tree. She asks you to find a way to cleanse the corruption and save the Sun Queen.

-> MC goes to ask Fripp and find out if there is a way to save the tree. Historically, Life Wardens who fell to the darkness were cut down, but Anne’s mom wants you to save it since it makes the manor, gardens, and vineyards bloom with life. Fripp directs you to the Everspring druids as they are the best in plant magic. Sienna tell you about the ritual that could be used to save the Sun Queen. Unfortunately, the specifics of the ritual were lost centuries ago. Luckily, she knows which tree was saved by the ritual: the Silent Poplar, on top of Firgrove Mountain. MC and Sienna meet there and talk to the tree to find out how the ritual was done. Poplar tells you that the last time it took all four Soul Riders, the chosen of Aideen and a powerful magic source to save him.

-> Fortunately, the Everspring druids have the Spark of Aideen that can be used to save the Sun Queen. But Sienna is reluctant to give it to you as it would leave the village vulnerable and it can get stolen by the dark riders. As MC and Sienna argue, Everbloom Elm shakes off petals and enters the conversation. She tells Sienna to help save her sister and while the spark is gone, she will guard the village. Sienna agrees, but she is holding on to the gem containing the spark and she also brings many druids as escorts and wants all four Soul Riders to come as well.

-> Race to the manor: from Everspring Village to Von Blyssen Manor, the whole group rides together to keep the Dark Riders from getting their hands on the gem. Sienna was right to worry as halfway there, in the Seabreeze meadows all four Dark Riders ambush you. The Soul Riders and druids stay there to hold them off. MC and Sienna ride on and she gives you the gem to get to the Sun Queen at all costs. You continue to race towards the manor. Cutscene: the Soul Riders and druids are successfully keeping the four Dark Riders from chasing you. Anne manages to hit Elise with a beam of light, which reveals that she is just an illusion. Katja laughs and mocks the Soul Riders and the real Elise is catching up to MC.

-> You complete the race and almost reach the gate of the Von Blyssen Manor. Cutscene after you cross the finish line before the manor: Anne’s mom covered the walls in protective runes, so Elise couldn’t come in. She decides if she can’t have the spark then no one shall: she shoots dark energy at you to destroy it and you. Sienna jumps in front of the spell to protect you and is crystallized, just like Elisabeth was (but as a figure on a rearing horse). You reach the manor and Elise is kept outside by the runes. She retreats.  

-> The Soul Riders arrive, as the other Dark Riders also retreat with Elise. The Sun Queen is in a really rough shape, she barely has any light in her leaves anymore and they are drying and falling down. The five of you perform the cleansing ritual on the Life Warden tree. For a second, it looks like it failed, but then the light gets stronger and burns away the vala corruption. The tree is cleansed and she thanks you for saving her from the suffocating darkness. She tells you that the source of this darkness is the great castle up in the mountains in the cursed forest. She will now use her powers to cleanse the land around her from this darkness. In an explosion of brilliant light, the gardens are cleansed as well as most of the vineyard, and the spell that turned Sienna into crystal is broken.

-> MC returns the spark of Aideen’s magic to the Everspring druids. After that, you go back to the Von Blyssen gardens, where you meet Anne’s mom under the tree. She agrees to open the gate to the vineyard and sends you to help out there. She opens the other gate for you leading to the eastern part of Springvalley. MC goes over the bridge to the other side of the Suncrown River and into the vineyards. You have unlocked the Cursed Forest Area and you get your 100 SC as it is the end of a Phase.

PHASE 9- The Vala and Morrinweald

PART 1: East- The Cursed Forest

-> First you are sent to help the Von Blyssen vineyard. MC and Anne help cleanse it from the grasping vala vines, corrupted thornbushes, and other aggressive flora. You and Anne clear out the whole vineyard, get the grapes growing and wine production started again. You unlock the vineyard race. Anne opens the other vineyard gate for you, leading to the Morrin Meadows and you can leave the vineyard.

-> You can explore the rest of the eastern valley now and meet the druids and rangers trying to keep the corruption in the forest. First, you meet the Morrinweald station rangers. This station is led by Saoirse (seer-sha) Morrin, Jace and Alys’ mother. Saoirse knows about magic stuff happening and her rangers are close with the druids. MC tells her that they are here to cleanse the corruption. For this, Saoirse is willing to unlock the gate on the bridge below the Old Morass – the way to Highmarsh station.

-> She also tells you of the druids in the forest in Thistlebranch Village, led by Lorelei Moordusk. Unfortunately, the druids’ village is deep in the forest, and it is dangerous to go in there alone as the wildlife in the forest tend to attack you. Saoirse tells MC about the vala witches of Caer Cailleach and warns you to not go near their castle unless absolutely necessary. She suspects, that their dark magic did something to the druids as no one hasheard about them for weeks. Saoirse wants to go check on them. MC is invited on the mission to go into Morrinweald, to Thistlebranch village and see if the druids are okay.

-> Slowly and sneakily the group goes through the dark forest, avoiding all signs of the Vala. You arrive in the village and find that everyone is okay, but the whole place is asleep. A strange pollen cloud covers the village, coming from exotic looking, vibrant flowers. Before you too fall asleep, you have to ride through the village and stomp all the flowers with your horse. The village wakes up. Lorelei welcomes you with a better late than never.

-> You are introduced to the village and the forest. You unlock the dailies to help them and a race, where you run over the sleepy flowers. You help cut back the vala vines trying to cover the village. In the last quest, Lorelei thanks you for the help in front of the whole village, when Sive, matron of the Vala Witches appears. She says „This is our forest. You are not welcome here! Leave, or face the consequences!”. Then she recognizes you, but she is strange, different. You know Sive from Devil’s Gap and try to reason with her. She says that she has to do this to keep the balance and keep her sisters safe. She leaves. Mc realizes that the Vala witches are not simply causing the corruption to spread, they are victims to it as well.

PART 2: Enemy of my enemy

-> The Soul Riders suggest that we should try negotiating with Sive. The first step is to go to Moorland and Goldenhills to invite Mrs Holdsworth and Pi to help us against the bad witches. MC and the Soul Riders meet with Mrs H and Pi in Thistlebranch village and ride towards the castle. On the way, Elise and Jess ambush us, but the Vala also attack. The witches try to kill both the good and bad guys, we have to work together to escape the forest. Race in the forest, jumping over vines and dodging rabid animals to escape.

-> Jessica tells us that this corruption is not their work. They also want to get to Caer Cailleach. Since our goals align, the good guys agree on a truce with the Dark Riders. Our goal is to try and find a way to cleanse the forest, and stop the corruption from spreading. The gods only know what the DRs are planning to do in the witches’ castle. Jessica tells us about a hidden path leading up to the castle  starting where the Claymore fence and the Aurora Mountains meet.

-> We fight off the corruption together. MC, Anne, Elise and Jessica work together to clear and cleanse our way to Caer Cailleach. Each day, we clear another part of the path leading there. After 5 days, we finally reach the castle, but the gates are closed and Valas are patrolling all over the walls. The next quests are stealth missions to explore the castle, like when we were sneaking through the DC platform. MC discovers the source of the darkness: a corrupted Life Warden tree, the Twilight Oak. In a cutscene, we witness Sive performing a ritual, where all the witches draw power from the tree.

PART 3: Helping the Vala

-> The next 3 days we work with Mrs Holdsworth and go to the Fort Maria library to learn more about the castle, the witches, and how to defeat them. On the fourth day, we meet with Elise and Jess in front of the gates, hiding from the Vala guards. The Dar Riders want to convince us that the witches cannot be saved anymore, they have a plan to exterminate the Vala. We don’t trust them anymore. MC has been learning about the history of the witches and realizes they were originally corrupted by Garnok. Now that they are uncontrollable and inconvenient to the Dark Riders they just want to get rid of them. We want to help the Vala and cleanse the Twilight Oak. The plan is to perform the ritual we used to cleanse the Sun Queen. We must get to Caer Cailleach and use it on the sacred source of the Vala’s power, the Twilight Oak. We hope that it is enough to free the witches from the festering corruption.

-> We borrow the Spark of Aideen from Everspring Village once again. However, the spark is too detectable, especially in the dark forest, so we have to enchant it first with a magical camouflage spell. Pi can do it if we collect some ingredients for her (she sends us all over Jorvik and asks for very weird stuff. She gets it done and we set off on our mission.

-> The final conflict: MC and the Soul Riders meet up under the castle. MC helps all four of them sneak into the throne room, where Twilight Oak is. You spot Elise and Jess nearby, they also picked this day to come and destroy the tree and the Vala. They bring the gates down with their Shadow and Darkness powers combined and incapacitate the witches, putting them into stasis with shadow magic. MC, Anne, and Alex run down to the courtyard to fight them. Tin-can, Concorde and MC’s horse run in, we mount up. Linda and Lisa start the cleansing ritual.

-> In the meantime, a small boss fight commences- MC against Jessica. Jess surrounds them with a shield and summons a dozen shadow seekers that circle around them, while Elise casts a spell to gain control over the corruption affecting the tree. We have to dispel the shadow seekers and Jess’ shield to stop Elise from finishing the spell. We succeed and race them through the castle to the throne room. Stalemate, as neither the DRs or SRs are willing to give up their position, attacking or guarding the tree. We can’t do the ritual and hold off the Dark Riders at the same time.

-> Mrs Holdsworth and Pi arrive, flying to the castle using flying brooms. They cast a shield and hold off Elise and Jess while we perform the ritual and cleanse the Vala and the tree. The magic wave that happens then dispels the shield. Elise is about to kill Pi and Holdsworth, but Sive saves them, and uses her magic to teleport them away from the castle. Cutscene: they fall into the ocean with the island in sight and start to swim back. à We talk with Sive. She thanks us for saving her people and her forest from the corruption. You unlock the Vala reputation quests: cleaning up the castle, cleansing the forest and the animals, races. Once you are at max reputation, Sive gives you the quest to look for a legendary horse of the forest. This is the 3rd free magic horse grind: you are tasked to go into the Morrinweald to look for the horse, find hoofprints, find their favorite places, gather special grasses they eat, etc. Once you complete the rep, you get a free horse: Nightshade, the Vala magic horse. You get 100 SC for finishing the phase.

TO BE CONTINUED!

THE OTHER PARTS:

SSO Rewritten 1st Part: Winterdale https://www.tumblr.com/starshinedragon/736955792328146944/sso-winterdale-fan-written-main-storyline?source=share

SSO Rewritten 3rd Part: Summerplains https://www.tumblr.com/starshinedragon/726343248992419840/sso-rewritten-full-story-series-summerplains?source=share

[fcrewell-wxnderlust]

CENSUS OF SURVIVORS - TASK #2

[ENT. INTERVIEWER AND DR MCMAHON]

INTERVIEWER: So, this is just a quick li'l interview - six questions and then we're done. That alright?

DR MCMAHON: [nods] Does that count as one of the questions?

INTERVIEWER: [smiles, amused] No, that one doesn't. Alright, I noticed you have a quite recognisable accent so question one: where are you from and where did you live prior to the crash?

DR MCMAHON: I'm from Sydney, Australia but, before the crash, for about the last year, I was living in San Francisco.

INTERVIEWER: [nods] Question two: any distinctive scars, tattoos, or marks?

DR MCMAHON: Scars, no. Tattoos, I have the constellations in a circle on my left upper arm with their names in Ancient Greek and the sort of vine - thorns? - wrapped, sorta like a cuff, 'round my other arm.

INTERVIEWER: Alright, question three: what have you been able to find on the island?

DR MCMAHON: Just an old outpost of sorts - small and abandoned. It wasn't much but it had a shower which was worth the trip.

INTERVIEWER: I bet. Question four: everybody’s hiding something - a fear, a weakness, a strength, an unpopular opinion; What are you hiding right now?

DR MCMAHON: [tired] Honestly?

INTERVIEWER: [nods]

DR MCMAHON: I don't really trust anyone here, not really. All it takes is one person reaching their breaking point, which isn't really far off given the state of this fucking place- mind my language- but after that? This whole place goes up in flames and there won't be a thing we can do to stop it unless someone willing to kill people for it. And once people start killing, it won't stop till we're all dead.

[silence]

INTERVIEWER: [coughs] Um, well, that definitely was honest. [pauses] Right- Question five: do you believe rescue is possible at this point?

DR MCMAHON: No - I know how rescue services work. They'll keep looking for us but they should have found us by now - if they didn't, it means they can't find this place except someone obviously found it before which, I suppose, means we should keep hope. Kinda hard to do around here.

INTERVIEWER: [nods] Last question: when did you last lie?

DR MCMAHON: Recently.

INTERVIEWER: [raises a brow] Was it during the census?

DR MCMAHON: Of course, not. I'd never purposefully mess with someone's results - it's just bad form.

INTERVIEWER: ...right. That's all. You're free to leave.

[EXIT DR MCMAHON]

[sesamenom]

Ringlord Maglor

I'd imagine maglor would be incredibly easy for the ring to corrupt, since he's a) extremely powerful b) equally mentally unstable c) has lost pretty much everything and d) is also fighting the Oath 24/7.

so the ring temptation would probably be something along the lines of lifting the Doom / Oath and freeing feanor from the halls early (aka vala-esque power). and if it worked he would end up going on an Oath-and-Ring-fueled crusade to protect everyone he loves

and then of course elrond has to deal with Ring Maglor going to mordor to punch sauron in the face, because while that's good in the short term, the long term ring corruption would be very very bad if maglor kept using it to kill ainur, and there are like three people on the entire continent who have any sort of chance against Regular Maglor, much less Evil Ringlord Maglor.

[two-white-butterflies]

coaxed you into paradise - c. 11

Description: The life of Saera Targaryen told in four acts. She was her father's forgotten daughter, cast aside as she looked nothing like her mother. Her younger days were spent beside her uncle. Years following her marriage with Ser Harwin Strong, she catches him in an affair with her older sister. She returns to seek solace in the arms of her uncle, that she's loved all her life.

(Coaxed You Into Paradise and High Infidelity Rewrite.)

masterlist for this series

Chapter Eleven: Vengeance (Saera I)

When I was young, I asked my uncle: ‘What made us different from our subjects? Why do we live in castles, and them in squalors?’ - he smiled at me, finding my inquisitive nature like his own. I sat on his lap, holding a book of our history. ‘Our dragons’ he replied. ‘But we are mortals like them - we live and die like them’ I stated, and he petted my hair - listening to my explanation like I was an expert proficient on the topic. 

He chuckled, paying no mind to my explanation. 

He told me that I was right. We were mortals like our subjects - akin to them in the same way that a dragon was akin to a lizard. They had the same scales - and the same look, but dragons were greater than lizards. 

What was a dragon without fire? 

Saera. Me. 

For they have taken my uncle - my fire. 

Mysaria combed through my hair gently, careful to not anger me. Tears have been flowing down my eyes for the past hour. I wanted to kill myself. I wanted to lock myself inside my chambers and never come out - unless of course, Daemon was knocking. 

“You must pretend that you killed me, so I can run away from this place.” I sobbed, feeling my lungs release all its air.

My grip on the Valyrian necklace tightened - it was the only thing I had that reminded me of my uncle. ‘He’ll be there for the bedding ceremony.’ Lancel Hightower’s voice rang through my skull, my vision almost darkened. My kepus, my lover - will he have to see me in that way? 

“Aōha kepus iksis daor iā traditional vala, dārilaros. (Your uncle is not a traditional man, princess.)” Mysaria tried to comfort me, attempting to speak in Valyrian so that the other handmaidens wouldn’t be able to listen in our little conversation. 

“Iksā zūgagon bona kessa dōrī jorrāelagon ao, lo iksā married. (You are afraid that he won’t love you if you are married.)” Mysaria states, continuing to braid my hair. It wasn’t a traditional braid for a westrosi bride. It was a hairstyle for a Khaleesi - highlighting the wars that her love has won. My braid was one inspired by Stepstones. “Kessa iēdrosa jorrāelagon ao.  Kessa iēdrosa bāne ao. (He will still visit you. He will still warm your bed.)” Mysaria explained, and more tears fell from my eyes. 

I stare at myself through the vanity - my face was even rounder and swollen than before. “Yn kesan daor sagon zȳhon! (But I will not be his!)” I argued, my grip around the necklace tightened - creating marks upon my fingers. “Ao sytilībagon naejot aōla - daor naejot Daemon. (You belong to yourself - not to Daemon.)” Mysaria tried to comfort me, taking her sweet time in arranging my hair. 

I was thankful to her - as she was trying to buy more time. I closed my eyes, wiping the tears away from my apple cheeks. If Daemon were able to hear me - I could only pray that he knows to make Caraxes ride faster. 

“Jaelan naejot sytilībagon naejot zirȳla.  Mirre yno - zȳhon naejot udrāzma. (I want to belong to him. All of me - his to command.)” I stated, opening my eyes. 

“Yn aōhon naejot udrāzma, ēlī. (But yours to command, first.)” Mysaria exhaled, the other handmaidens began flooding the room - placing jewels on my body. One tried to remove the necklace that my kepus gave me, but I was able to send her down with a glare. 

“Aōha kepus jittan nyke, (Your uncle sent me.)” Mysaria revealed straightening the wedding gown at the side of my bed. It was the gown of my dreams, it was in white - with golden threads embroidered on the hems.

 “ - naejot mīsagon ao. (To protect you.)” Mysaria finished, lifting the gown.

“You have failed to convince me, Mysaria. It is a sweetened deal. Ñuha kepa iksis biare, se nyke jiōragon ñuha qogror. (My father is happy, and I get my pleasure.) Yn ñuha kepus iksis daor sepār qogror syt nyke.  Issa se bane hen ñuha ābrar. (But my uncle isn’t just pleasure to me. He is the bane of my existence.)” I closed my arms, refusing to wear the gown. 

As if the gods have seen my disdain - my father enters the room. His back was hunched, and he wore the crown of kings. He was smiling, beside him was his betrothed - Lady Alicent Hightower. I wanted to kill both of them. 

“Saera, your handmaidens tell me that you are dissatisfied.” he stares at me, hoping that the rumors were false. My father was a difficult creature. He told me that I was beautiful - but I was too opinionated. He told me that my eyelashes were long, but they were too blonde. He complimented me for my positive traits - but always found a way to make them sound bad. 

“My wedding is happening too soon.” I complain, hiding the tears that flowed over my cheeks. “You told me that I had a month more.” I add staring at him with eyes that were begging for a reason. He took a deep breath, and I knew that there wasn’t any escape to my fate. “It will be best to do the wedding now - Ser Harwin is yet to prepare in becoming your uncle’s replacement.” he told me, sitting beside me and shooing Mysaria away. 

He was stabbing me with a fucking dagger. 

“Kepus has already won the war. Why do you have to replace him?” I inquire, defending his station and reach over the kingdom. Daemon will not like it, but the men were still loyal to him either way. “Your uncle cannot maintain his power in the castle - he has duties elsewhere, dear girl. His wife is yet to bear a son.” he informs and your eyes darken at his last word. 

Son. A pregnant woman was only important because she could possibly give birth to a son. He killed my mother for a son - and mayhaps he is killing me too. 

“He is hoping that you grant him an annulment,” I stare at the side - eyes narrowing at my father’s next words. “I will not grant him that.” he asserts, and I release a sigh. “I will no longer entertain your notions about Daemon. He is a past that you should forget - Ser Harwin shall treat you as you deserve, and you will be thankful of him.” he places a hand on my shoulder. 

I wanted to cry - but I didn’t. 

What was the use? 

—

I wanted to be married in a Sept, like all the noble princesses did - but instead I was thrown in the middle of a throne room. With only my father’s noble men as audience. My sister, Rhaenyra, was not there - though I doubt that her presence would bring any comfort to me. 

Harwin was kind and endearing - but he wasn't what I desired. Any lady would be lucky to have him, but I wanted my uncle. 

I take a deep breath. 

Would our children have his eyes? Would I be forced to stare at my children's eyes and see the eyes of a man I was forced to love? 

I imagine my uncle barging through those steel doors, taking me by the hand and preventing this farce to continue. He'd fly me to Dragonstone, instill his promise of claiming me as his wife. 

Harwin continued staring at me - there were white lights on his eyes, not like stars - but they were shining. Shining for me. 

I couldn't feel my wedding - every word uttered by the Septon sealed my freedom. His hands were wrapped around mine, covering my pale palms with his. I glanced at his face for the second time - fantasizing that he was Daemon. 

“The love of the Seven is holy and eternal. The source of all life and love. We stand here tonight in thanks and praise to join two souls as one. Father, Mother, Warrior, Smith, Maiden, Crone, Stranger. Hear now their vows.” he announced, and the lighting shifts - darkening. 

I take a nervous breath, facing him fully and holding both of his hands. He smiles at me - giving me a toothy-grin, but I don’t smile back. He has turned me into a caged bird. He has taken everything from me - and he doesn’t even know who I am. He starts first, cleaning his throat - rubbing circles on my palms. 

“Father, Mother, Warrior, Smith, Maiden, Crone, Stranger. I am hers as she is mine, now until the end of days.” he vows in a rehearsed manner. The ringing in my ears began. I didn’t want to say anything - I didn’t want to open my mouth. I was silent for a few seconds - but Lord Lancel nudged me. 

"Father, Mother, Warrior, Smith, Maiden, Crone, Stranger. I am his as he is mine, now until the end of my days." I vow - reluctantly. I felt weak. My sister didn't lie when she called me weak behind my back. The people of this court tried to sugarcoat my weakness by telling me that I had a gentle disposition, but the truth was - I didn't have the guts. I didn't have the bravery to stand up for myself.

Daemon was right. I needed to be stronger. I needed to grow thorns.

The Septon raises his hands, and we join our fingers together. “You are now man and wife. May the Seven guide you and bring you eternal life.” the Septon pronounces - Lord Lyonel claps in celebration. 

His house has finally made it! He has finally mingled his blood with the royals. Harwin keeps staring at me - expecting a kiss, but I wasn’t going to give it to him. Fuck him. 

—

Daemon arrived - sometime before midnight and after. He wasn’t happy - and that is coming from someone who is unaware of the conversation he had with my father beforehand. He still stares at me - watching me converse with my husband. “ - your uncle is impressive, Saera. He’s ended a war in a few days.” Harwin compliments, and the smallest of smiles enter my lips. 

“He always finds a way to surprise us. He’s incredible.” I reply, staring at my blonde lover. He was beautiful. His clothes were changed - he adorned a white robe, with golden threads in the middle. He has found a way for us to look as one. It seemed like we were the one’s getting married. 

“It’s hard to live in his shadow.” Harwin complains, leaning on his chair. “The men do not bend for me. They speak of your uncle and his ruthless justice. I cannot be that, Saera.” he hums, taking a long sip of his wine. 

“Be different.” I reply and the men begin standing up. 

My dreaded ceremony. 

The only ceremony that Daemon is able to witness. 

My father raises his cup, staring at the lords with a smile on his face. “Ser Harwin Strong - the husband of my beloved daughter, has decided that the bedding ceremony remains private. Let us bid the newlyweds farewell.” he announces and I let out a sigh of relief. 

I wasn’t horrible in bed - but I didn’t want to be watched. 

Harwin stands up, a few handmaidens stride in our direction. “We’ll have a few seconds to freshen up. Shall we meet at our shared chamber?” he questions and I nod my head. Happy at the outcome. 

—

“You came too late.” I look up, untangling my hair from all its braids. Mysaria was standing beside me, watching Daemon and I converse with each other. “What have they fucking done.” he grits his teeth, taking another step forward. He wanted to take me away - to claim me as his. 

“I tried to stop them, I promise.” I breathe, combing through my hair in a rushed manner. He takes another step forward, leaning over my body and resting his head on my shoulder. He smelled like wine and strawberries. I wanted nothing more in the world than to have him. 

“I know you did, my good girl.” he whispers, trailing kisses along my collarbone. Mysaria keeps watching us, eyes wide open. Daemon stares at her through the mirror, silently dismissing her. 

Mysaria exits the door, and all hell breaks loose. All remnants of his self-control diminished at the sight of me in my nightgown. “I did all I could.” I add, and he throws me on the bed - roughness enveloping his eyes. “I know,” he whispers again, burying his face on my chest. 

“I wanted you to enjoy your first time.” he confesses, lifting my skirts and exposing my unclothed cunt. It was as delicious as he imagined - pink and tender for his picking. “A bastard like that cannot pleasure you.” he groans, pressing kisses on my thighs. 

A million thoughts raced through my head. My wildest dreams were coming true. “Then enjoy me, kepus.” I plead. 

He looks up at me - eyes seducing me further into his siren song. 

That was all he needed. 

He presses a sloppy kiss on my cunt - sending butterflies through my stomach. He was skillful - licking and slurping. 

I closed my eyes, and he tapped my thighs impatiently. “Look at me, little girl. Look at your uncle while he eats you.” he commanded and I forced my eyes open. “Kepus -” I moaned, bucking my hips to regain more pleasure. 

He chuckles, sending vibrations down my spine. 

“I love you, never forget that.” 

next chapter>>

taglist. @sweetybuzz25 @newtsniffles @loveandlewis-reads @lovecleastrange @julkaamazing @schniiipsel @mirandastuckinthe80s @areaderinlove @i-yam-awesome @ladystardvsts @gracielikegrapes @sweethoneyblossom1 @issybee0611 @tato0od @daemons-kelitsos @delaynew @borikenlove

[mirvndas]

pretende estar muy ocupada recogiendo otros residuos vegetales que se han desprendido de los arboles con la caída de las aves. sorprendida al escuchar el ofrecimiento, levanta la mirada a fisionomía contraría, parcialmente envidiandola por su cómoda postura en la acera, luego, sonríe. ' me preocupa que los vecinos me guarden rencor por no haber ayudado tanto, en realidad, creo que es muy temprano aun para hacer enemigos ' confianza, sin vergüenza alguna, y con el mismo semblante deja sus herramientas, para aceptar la botella de agua ' eres muy amable y tienes razón ' . miranda se acomoda a un costado de ella, sin sentarse porque no quiere ensuciar su ropa. ' ¿eres de aquí? ' .

Envía PERRO para un starter donde nuestros personajes toman un descanso de las actividades. @mirvndas

No es que esté sudando la gota gorda ni que se sienta muy agotada, pero el dolor de cabeza punza cada vez que mete cuervos en la bolsa y no sabe si es el mal olor o toda la energía acumulada por las personas vagando en lugares aledaños. Se sienta en mariposa en el piso y extiende una botella de agua a figura contraria. "Un descanso no va a retrasar toda la situación, ¿verdad?"

[aidankeef]

HEADCANON - C&C Spa e Resort

"Trabalho antes da diversão" - Era óbvio que integraria a equipe de voluntários, principalmente se isso lhe rendesse momentos de divertimento entre os irmãos. Para isso, separou alguns semideuses mais novos e juntos abriram algumas valas profundas pelas áreas de terra e areia da ilha de Circe, possuindo o auxílio rigoroso de uma filha de Atena para realizar o mapeamento de cada uma delas no sistema de controle para que ativasse somente em alertas de emergência. Após a abertura dos buracos, os semideuses se reuniam e colocavam os espinhos envenenados no fundo do poço, tal como nos aparelhos de rolagem na área superior, possuindo tamanhos diversos para humanos e monstros, mas não sem antes deixar o desenho do escudo de Ares pintado nas paredes do buraco. A intenção era clara: seja lá quem fosse o inimigo, morreria vendo o escudo de javali e faria dos últimos minutos de vida um altar para o deus da guerra. A honra dos semideuses de Ares, como sempre, conectadas ao vetor paterno. Isto feito, os semideuses esconderam as armadilhas com folhagens e outros dispositivos de clonagem de terreno que cederiam com o peso do corpo.

"E então, o momento do relaxamento!" - Assim que encerrou o procedimento das armadilhas e o cadastramento no setor de segurança da ilha, optou por ser internado na área do SPA por um dia inteiro. Isso mesmo, Aidan ficou com a pele enrugada após tanto tempo migrando entre o ofurô, sauna e área de massagem. O relaxamento foi obtido com sucesso, é claro, mas para além disso, uma leve rusga com algumas funcionárias da ilha também o alcançou. Era necessário mantê-lo acordado durante as atividades o tempo inteiro e o tempo inteiro ele acordava resmungando em gaélico o quão exausto estava e como merecia uma tarde de descanso sem interrompimentos. O que importa é que agora ele sabe muitas coisas sobre aromaterapia!

"Pure Bloods ontem, hoje e sempre!" - Como era esperado, a partida entre o Pure Bloods, time dos veteranos mais perturbados do acampamento, e o The Ruggers, o time conhecido pela imprestabilidade em campo, finalmente aconteceu. O combinado era: sem trapaças, sem vantagens. Mas depois daquele suco sabotado, era óbvio que o time iria revidar da forma que bem entendiam e Aidan, como capitão, jamais impediria a atuação dos aliados. Na verdade, o filho de Ares abusou de sua força contra os adversários, fez uso de seu poder para imobilizar um inimigo em campo e, de forma desproporcional, partiu alguns ossos e deslocou outros membros, uma artimanha interessante em uma partida onde todos possuem o fator de cura acelerado pelos deuses. Possivelmente a partida foi registrada por uma das câmeras da Ilha de Circe e talvez o semideus tenha destruído os registros completos da atuação do time, tudo para não sacrificar a imagem do time no Campeonato Grego que logo se inicia.

"Faigh amach as an mbealach, leathcheann tú!" - Foi em um episódio de raiva, berrando em gaélico irlandês durante o jogo, que Aidan notou que algo errado havia acontecido. O grito fez com que Raynar fosse empurrado alguns muitos centímetros para trás e, após o resmungo do melhor amigo, optou por diminuir o tom de voz até o final da partida. Bom, pelo menos tentou. Com o final do jogo e o resultado favorável daquele placar, Aidan já estava rouco.

"É meu novo estilo de vida!" - Sem bebidas alcóolicas, com uma pitada de influência das funcionárias de Circe, Aidan adquiriu um kit de aromaterapia para cheirar pelo acampamento. Lemongrass virou seu aroma predileto e talvez, num surto noturno, ele tenha se envolvido com uma videoaula sobre os efeitos daquele material.

[cilil]

feel free to ignore if this is too personal a question, but i’m curious- what does the username cilil mean / why did you choose it?

Heh! Good question, anon, I'm actually surprised nobody asked that yet (not on here at least), so let me tell you a fun little story.

cilil - or Cílil, if we want to be grammatically correct - is technically just that: A name. It's Sindarin and means "renewal" (cîl - renewal plus feminine suffix -il).

Since I know some have been wondering about this, I want to take the opportunity to add that Sindarin c is always pronounced [k], so it's "kilil", not church Latin style "silil"; though don't worry about it, since it's just my username and the latter version sounds like "seal-il" I don't get my panties in a twist about it or anything :D

I made the name Cílil many years ago, years before I showed up here or talked to anyone in the Tolkien fandom. It was supposed to be given to a Maia who is wandering Middle-earth on her own to experience life and be part of creation, unaligned with both the good and evil Ainur - just on her own and serving no Vala.

At the time, however, I didn't really "do the OC thing" - not trying to be shady or act like I'm "better" of course, I've grown to love OCs, have a few of my own and support them, as you all know. It was just what my modus operandi and level of comfort was at the time; I still had cringe culture to kill, plus being in other fandoms and whatnot, so the idea was shelved for the time being.

Then, years later, I came back to the Silmarillion fandom and it suddenly occurred to me that the username(s) I was using at the time were rather specific to my old fandom that I wished to leave behind. To make matters worse, I had just joined a Discord server and was now sitting in front of my laptop, mildly panicking like "girl think quickly now and rename yourself before people know you under a name you no longer want".

Cílil was the first that came to mind. And I liked it - not just the sound of it, but also because it was so fitting. Renewal. That was exactly what I was doing. Closing a chapter, going somewhere else, beginning a new one, starting from scratch (most notably this blog). It was poetic in a way. And so I took it. Just put it in lower case because I liked that aesthetically and some sites like Tumblr and AO3 don't allow the í, so there.

As for the Maia whose name I stole, I also kind of stole the whole persona to turn it into a sort of bit for me to play, this funny little meta side joke that I am a Maia who's hanging out with the mortals in Middle-earth and spilling all the tea and sharing all the stories I collected over the years. It's just a thing I do with all my online personae for shits and gigs and running gags with friends, pretending I'm part of the universe in question in some silly (dare I say sill-il? :P) way.

The character, though I never introduced them on this blog, has since been revamped, remade, remixed, remastered and most importantly renamed, but they keep "Cílil" as one of the many alternate names they were given in Middle-earth, just as a sort of easter egg. They would've required a Quenyan name as a default anyway, so that all worked out nicely.

So yeah. This is the lore of Cílil/cílil/cilil. Hope you all enjoyed the ancient lore :)

[agirlsawalittlerose]

SILK STRINGS

Aegon x OFC

Aegon Targaryen wanted nothing to do with that cursed crown. So, he fled to Volantis, hoping to live the good life amidst spiced wine, exotic whores, and strange customs, all paid for with the gold he'd stolen from the throne. But when he awoke outside the Black Walls of East Volantis, with no memory of how he had ended up there, he found himself entangled in the machinations of the Triarchy’s elections. With the help of an unlikely ally, he would come to understand the true value of power.

TW: Eventual Smut, Non-Con, slavery, sexism, inaccurate lore, canon divergent

Chapter 1: Volantis

Chapter 2: Dragonlords, C**ts & Tigers

CHAPTER 3: Marital Duties & Lust

The ride back to the Maegyr palace was quiet, but Qorlo’s silence was far from brooding. Dila could feel the tension that had held him throughout the gathering loosening, replaced by a satisfied calm. He’d drunk deep of the wine offered at the Tigers’ feast, and though he was no stranger to indulgence, tonight he was particularly flushed. The conversation about the elections and the Vala had gone well, and Dila could feel his pride swelling with each step their palanquin took through the winding streets of Volantis.

“I think I impressed them,” Qorlo finally said, a lazy smile curling his lips as he leaned back against the cushions of the litter. “Sallario and Draxos—they were intrigued. They’ll talk about him, about me.”

Dila smiled softly, knowing how to play the game. “You did well,” she said, her voice smooth as silk. “You planted the seed. Now, they’ll wait for the proof.”

Qorlo chuckled, his fingers tightening around the goblet he’d brought with him. “And they’ll have it. I’ve no doubt they’ll be crawling to our gates soon enough, begging to see the Vala.” He laughed, tipping the goblet back and spilling some of the wine over his chin. “And they’ll see him. They’ll see that I am the one destined for the Triarchy.”

Dila watched him, her face an unreadable mask. His confidence had grown in proportion to his indulgence tonight, but there was no denying the ripple of interest their tale of the Valyrian stranger had caused. She had played her part well, and the men had listened. For now, that was enough.

As they reached the palace, Qorlo stumbled slightly as he dismounted from the litter, though he recovered with a laugh, pulling Dila toward him. “You were perfect tonight,” he murmured, his breath hot against her ear as they entered the cool, shadowed halls of their home. “You spoke when you should have spoken, said just what was needed.”

Dila allowed him to pull her closer, her body pliant against his. His words were praise, but they tasted hollow. She had done her duty, played the role expected of her, but there was no joy in it. Whatever spark of passion they had once shared had long since faded, replaced by duty. But she knew her place, knew her role as wife to a man who sought the Triarchy. Her desires mattered little, and she had been raised to accept that.

They ascended the stairs to their private chambers, Qorlo’s hand growing more insistent on her waist as they passed the guards and slaves who bowed their heads as they passed. By the time they reached the heavy door of their bedchamber, Qorlo’s desire had sharpened into something more primal. His fingers fumbled at the laces of her gown, tugging it free from her shoulders with an urgency that belied his usual control.

Dila didn’t protest. She didn’t stiffen or resist as he pulled the fabric from her skin, baring her to the cool air of the chamber. She knew what was expected of her, and she played her part as she always had. She tilted her head back slightly as his lips found her neck, her hands resting on his shoulders as he pressed her back toward the bed.

Qorlo was too drunk to notice the lack of passion in her eyes, the absence of desire in her movements. His hands were rough on her skin, but she had grown used to it over the years. This was her duty, her place. She would give him what he wanted, as she always did.

He pushed her down onto the bed, his body heavy on top of hers as he fumbled with his own clothes, his breath hot and thick with wine. Dila shifted quickly, rolling them both so she was on top—grasping at the only semblance of control she could seize in moments like this. She closed her eyes as he sunk into her, allowing her mind to drift far from the room, far from him, to anywhere but here.

In the dim corridors of the palace, Aegon Targaryen was wide awake, despite the wine he’d consumed in excess. Volantene, rich and spiced, far more potent than anything he’d drunk in King’s Landing. He’d indulged, perhaps more than he should have, and now the room they had given him spun with every blink. He had tried lying down, hoping the wine would lull him to sleep, but it was no use. His mind raced with too many thoughts—images of Volantis, the words of the pleasure slave, memories of Westeros, and the haunting beauty of Dila Maegyr.

Rising from his bed, his bare feet touched the cold marble floors as he wandered through the halls.

Aegon hadn’t intended to wander far, but as he rounded a corner, the faint sound of movement caught his ear. He paused, listening, curiosity guiding his steps as he followed the noise down the corridor.

He soon found himself before a half-open door, and though he knew he should have turned back, something compelled him to look.

Through the gap in the door, he saw them.

Qorlo, his broad chest slick with sweat moving with every intense breath beneath Dila, who rode him, her pale skin glowing in the faint light of the chamber, her perfect figure facing the door. Aegon’s breath caught in his throat. He should leave, he knew that. He should turn away and return to his own room, pretend he had never seen them. But he couldn’t move. His feet were rooted to the ground, his gaze locked on Dila’s form.

Her silver-gold hair tousled, her pale blue eyes half-closed, but it was her face that held him. There was something about the way she looked, something distant, almost detached, as if she wasn’t truly there with Qorlo. It stirred something in Aegon, something that he didn’t fully understand.

Qorlo was too lost in his own pleasure to notice anything, but Dila… Dila’s eyes opened, and for a moment, they locked with Aegon’s.

The world seemed to stop. Aegon’s heart thundered in his chest as he stood frozen in the doorway, his breath shallow and ragged. He expected her to scream, to call out, to do something—but she didn’t.

Instead, they simply stared at each other, their gazes locked in a silent, forbidden exchange. For long, excruciating seconds, neither of them moved. There was no sound but the heavy breathing of Qorlo and the soft rustle of the sheets.

He was captivated by her, by the way her eyes held him, as if daring him to stay, to watch.

Aegon felt a rush of heat, a mixture of shame and something far darker, as his cock twitched and his breath stopped for what it felt like a year. This was the most appreciated gift his stupid life had offered him lately. He couldn’t help but wonder how she felt, how she tasted, how quickly she would make him reach his peak. Aegon cursed Qorlo’s name in his mind, hoping a stroke would strike him at that very moment, so he could dispose of his dead body and make Dila his.

Then, suddenly, Dila’s gaze shifted, something flickering in the depths of her pale blue eyes. The moment broke, and Aegon snapped back to himself, a wave of embarrassment crashing over him. Without another thought, he turned and fled down the corridor, his footsteps echoing through the palace as he ran from what he had seen, his heart pounding in his chest.

Behind him, in the bedchamber, Dila watched him go, her expression unreadable, the flicker of something—curiosity, perhaps—still lingering in her eyes.

Aegon sat in the salon, his heart still pounding, his thoughts spinning in circles. The evening breeze drifted in from the open terrace, carrying with it the scent of the river and the faint hum of distant voices from the streets below. He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, running a hand through his silver hair. He had fled from her gaze, but now, he feared, there was nowhere left to run.

He barely heard her approach before she entered the room, a ghostly figure in the moonlight. When he looked up, there she stood, draped in a thin silk robe that clung to her form like water. The fabric shimmered in the dim light, revealing more than it concealed. His pulse quickened, and he averted his eyes, though the image of her from moments earlier—riding her husband—was burned into his mind.

“Is something troubling you?” Her voice was calm, almost amused, as she stepped further into the room.

Aegon straightened, struggling to compose himself. “I… I must apologize,” he stammered, his throat suddenly dry. “I did not mean to—”

Dila cut him off with a wave of her hand, gliding past him with the ease of a predator. “Apologies are unnecessary,” she said, her voice light. She walked to the window, letting the breeze catch the edges of her robe. “But I do find myself curious.”

Aegon froze, his body tensing. “Curious about what?”

Her pale eyes found him, sharp as blades. “Curious about the truth.”

She tilted her head slightly, studying him. “You claim to have no memory of who you are or where you come from, but I do not believe that. I think you know exactly who you are. You haven’t forgotten, have you?”

His heart skipped a beat, but he said nothing. The truth was there in his silence, hanging between them like a fragile thread.

Dila crossed the room and sank gracefully onto one of the low couches, her movements deliberate, slow, as if savoring the power she held in this moment. “I knew it the moment I heard you speak,” she said, her voice soft. “You come from Westeros, don’t you?”

Aegon cursed inwardly. He had tried to mask it, but it was impossible to fully erase the accent that clung to his High Valyrian. Not even his father or his siblings had ever mastered the language in the way the Free Cities had.

He had hoped, seeing the genuine confusion in Qorlo’s furrowed brow, that his identity might have remained hidden. It was clear the man had never concerned himself with the affairs of the West, nor bothered to learn its accents or customs.

But Dila… she knew.

Aegon’s heart raced, but he kept his face passive. His thoughts, however, spun wildly. She had seen through him. Perhaps she hadn’t figured out exactly who he was, but she knew enough to be dangerous. And yet, there was no malice in her eyes. Only curiosity.

Aegon’s breath caught in his throat. His blood turned to ice.

“I…” he began, unsure of how to answer, but before he could fumble through a lie, Dila spoke again, her words startling him.

“I can speak your language,” she said smoothly, switching effortlessly to the Common Tongue of Westeros. The sound of it on her lips, spoken with such fluency, caught Aegon off guard. He stared at her, surprised, uncertain of how to respond.

“I spent years learning it,” Dila continued, as if discussing the weather. “Studying your customs, your histories. Westeros fascinates me, and I know more than most Volantenes care to. So, you needn’t worry—I’m not some ignorant Tiger who thinks everything west of the Rhoyne is barbarism.” She smiled, her expression unreadable. “Your secret is safe with me.”

Aegon’s mind raced, every instinct screaming at him to flee, but her tone was disarming, almost… kind. He didn’t know what to make of her, of this strange game she seemed to be playing.

“What do you want from me?” he asked cautiously, his voice still tight with unease. “Why haven’t you told your husband?”

Dila’s smile widened, a flicker of amusement in her eyes. “Qorlo is many things, but he’s not a man of nuance. And as for what I want from you… that depends. What do you want, strange man?”

He hesitated. She knew more than she let on, and yet, she hadn’t betrayed him. Not yet.

His gaze dropped to the floor, his thoughts a tangled mess. “I have no plans,” he admitted quietly. “I wanted to leave my old life behind. Things I had to take but that were never meant for me. I don’t know what I want” he said, but that was a lie.

He wanted to capture her lips, die from her intoxicating scent, grab the pink nipples he could spot under her obscenely thin robe, make her moan his name…

Dila leaned back against the cushions, crossing one leg over the other, her silk robe shifting with the motion. “No plans at all?” she asked, her voice teasing. “You sound like a man who’s been running for a long time.”

“I have,” he muttered, looking away.

For a moment, she said nothing, simply watching him. Then, with a sudden clarity in her voice, she spoke again. “You’re perfect.”

Aegon frowned, confused. “Perfect?”

Dila rose from the couch, moving toward him with the grace of a dancer, each step measured. “Yes, perfect,” she said softly. “You’ll stay here, at least until the elections are over. You don’t need to make any decisions and you certainly don’t need to run.”

Aegon’s brow furrowed in suspicion. “And what do you mean by ‘stay here’? Am I a prisoner?”

Dila raised a delicate brow, amusement in her voice. “Do you see chains around your wrists?” she asked lightly. “We Volantenes know the difference between a free man and a captive. You are not a prisoner, Vala. Consider yourself an… honored guest.”

Aegon’s unease deepened. He didn’t feel like a guest, not with her eyes on him, not with the way his thoughts kept circling back to her, to the scene he had witnessed earlier. He shifted awkwardly, trying to control the heat rising in his chest, the memory of her body on Qorlo still vivid in his mind.

Dila’s gaze sharpened, and she tilted her head slightly, as if reading his thoughts. “There’s lust in your eyes,” she said suddenly, her voice quiet but unmistakable.

Aegon stiffened, caught off guard by her bluntness. “I—no, I didn’t mean—” He stumbled over his words, his face flushing with embarrassment.

But Dila wasn’t offended. If anything, she seemed more amused than before.

Aegon swallowed hard, searching for the right words. “You are… very beautiful,” he admitted, his voice carefully diplomatic, as if treading on dangerous ground.

Dila smiled again, almost bitterly. That knowing smile that sent a chill down his spine. “Yes,” she said, her tone casual. “I know.”

And with that, she turned, the silk of her robe flowing around her as she left the room, leaving Aegon standing there, still rigid, still uncertain of what had just happened.