#cr: a storm of swords

[seaworthee]

i hate you so much. “Not only do I not care about my son dying, but theres enough cum churning around in my balls for MORE sons! lets see what my sisterwife has to say about all my great plans” I HATE YOUUUU

[undead-knick-knack]

@captainofthetidesbreath I made the shittier version of what you were probably imagining

[dirtyassvoiceactors]

Dorian gets offended/jealous Orym is talking about working out with Beau, so he tries to show off, Imogen calls him out on poor execution, so he just walks off to help Caduceus (who also quickly kinda roasts him) kkkkkkk

i need next episode to after Dorian and Orym wakeup together, Orym goes workout with Beau and have competitions, so the whole time is just Orym and Beau showing off to Dorian and Yasha, like doing push ups with them in their back or sm, doing upsidedown pullups

[stormbros]

Y'all. Just the imagery of Orym and Dorian dancing around each other while they fight. Orym goading and protecting while attacking, Dorian whirling around and curing wounds in between his strikes. Both protecting one another in the front lines. Matthew Mercer knew what he was doing and I am GRATEFUL.

[marissathelight]

Ok so Orym got a cool new sword. And Dorian got a cool new sword.

🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️ manifesting a hot sword fighting practice between the two of them for the next episode 🙏🙏

[screechingfromthevoid]

that was an exercise in "who's going to tell Orym and Dorian to fuck" chicken

[cringefaecompilation]

WAIT OMG. FEARNE AND DORIAN CAN BE DRAGON BUDDIES IF THEY MURDER ZATHUDA AND TAKE GLOAMGLUT. TWIN DRAGONS ROLLING UP TO SAVE THE WORLD

[ittybittyremy]

imagine how dorian felt during that whole kerfuffle

Two days ago, his brother died and the Crown Keepers separated, all because of the Spider Queen.

A couple of hours ago, he and Orym reminisced about how Orym put a blade to his chest and told him not to put the crown on his head. Something that Dorian is clearly grateful for now. ("Otherwise, I wouldn't be here right now")

Now, he woke up to two of his friends fighting. Then, Laudna claims that the blade on Orym's back will corrupt him "just like it corrupted Otohan." He's still catching up on everything, but he knows that's the name of the person who killed Orym's husband and father. To put it simply, he just heard that Orym may become corrupt like his family's killer was because of a sword.

And here's the thing: He's seen a real cursed item before. He's felt the lure of one and has seen/experienced the consequences of holding onto one. His brother's death was one of those consequences 2 days ago! And now there's apparently another cursed item that's on his "very good friend's" back. The same "very good friend" who he just talked about the crown with. The same "very good friend" who put a blade to his chest so long ago.

Then later, it turns out that the item Laudna was so insistent on being cursed (to the point of injuring another party member [be it unintentional]) is actually not cursed.

Now he's listening to Laudna talk about how she wants to take the blade in energy while belittling Orym for taking it in hand. (Yes, I am aware that this is very simplified)

After all this, Dorian finally gives his opinion.

I think [Orym] should keep it. It's just a thing. I'm so tired of things having control over us. You two are friends. It was his to possess and you tried to steal it from him... It is just a thing. Its history doesn't shape us. Our actions do. [Laudna's] actions tell me that [she did] not have enough trust in [her] friends... What would it have mattered if [Otohon] cut him down with a handaxe or a stick from the street? It was not the thing that did the action. It was the person. It does not matter.

I believe that there are two routes to Dorian's mindset

Gilmore's Wisdom: When the Crown Keepers discuss the circlet with Gilmore, he says something very interesting. "The Spider Queen herself is dark, is evil, but the vestige is simply power, and it is whatever you make it into. Power simply is." (E1x03).

Orym's Threat: Orym confronted him when he saw that he could hold the circlet without issue. He put a sword to his chest and told him to put it down. Dorian did so, saying, "I care about you more than this" (E1x05).

Dorian's point is a combination of those two things. To put it simply, Dorian's point was that friends are more important than objects because objects are just things.

And before I see anyone else blabbering about how Dorian is a hypocrite because of how Cyrus died, Opal didn't kill him, and neither did the circlet itself. It was the Spider Queen that killed him.

During all this, he discovered that Orym, Fearne, Laudna, and Chetney had died due to the blade. He also discovered that Orym made a deal with Fearne's grandmother "to help [them] do the things that [they] have to do. Hopefully in the next episode, Dorian is able to fully process all that information

Side Note: In between those words, Dorian admits that he doesn't fully understand the situation ("You do not know what you speak." "I do not"). Apparently, this is a hot take, but I think that him being the outsider of the situation made him the most clear-headed of the group. He wasn't hurt by Ottahan like the rest of Bells Hells had been. So, he has the least biased view of the bunch (still biased but not as biased as the others).

Thank you for coming to my TedTalk!

[scarves-in-summer]

and yet a trace of the past self (mythcarver) exists in the present self (the vortex blade)

[lunarrolls]

tags via @helimir EXACTLY. EXACTLY YEAH DORIAN WAS SO GOOD WITH THESE TWO. perfect “mediating middle sibling i can poke” energy i would pay money to watch them attempt to commit crimes together for five hours straight

shoutout to one of my favorite dynamics in the hells: ashton and chetney constantly antagonizing each other as a love language. it is truly the funniest shit. they know that neither of them will take any of it to heart so they just go full asshole mode on each other forever but also they have some of the most genuine moments together, like ashton being the one who knocks chetney out of his superwolf spirit form through addressing him like an equal and later admitting to orym that they care a lot about what happens to chetney specifically. it’s just really fun to watch and see the genuine core of their friendship

[seaworthee]

rude.

[ariiadnes]

╭ ㅤ⿻ ･ HOLY IS THE LOVE THAT SAVED ME ( part iv. )

HOW DELICATE LOVE IS , THIS EBB & FLOW OF SERENITY.

-ˋ ♡ ◞ kazuha ･ zhongli ･ itto. genshin impact. title cr : juniper vale. repost. ଓ.°・・・part i. part ii. part iii.

❀ ﾟ. ༄ kazuha

& just as the sea intertwines itself into the earth's existence, so do the storms that weave themselves into the crevices of a vagabond's heart. kazuha clings to the idea of peace and a love reborn and carried, knows this to be his truth and idea of survival in a world where chaos and tranquility go hand in hand. there is always an ache, a hiraeth ; how it flows just as the wind does, coming and going, embraced and felt nonetheless.

under the skies there is a kindness that is meant to be felt and shared ; from the heavens to the earth, to the flux and flow of the calm waves, and to the hilt of his sword, he knows that there is love in the fight for the greater good. he shares this love with you, understands it wholeheartedly, and how fortunate he is to experience such a beautiful thing, this wanderer with origins that have long faded into oblivion.

it is storming. the rain falls gently, graces your home with a semblance of white noise that calms the nerves. you lie with kazuha, palm against palm as he finds amusement in your fascination at the difference in the size of your hands. calloused are his fingers, worn from many battles won and lost, and somewhere there is affection that lingers in his touch.

"the sun was so beautiful earlier." you absentmindedly murmur, shifting your hand just the slightest bit so that you may lace your fingers with his, grinning when you squeeze his hand. "you've never really been one for storms, have you?"

"there is nostalgia in every raindrop that meets this earth." kazuha smiles, brings your hand to his lips before pressing a kiss to it. "the storms remind me of both the hardships and victories i've faced in my life."

there is a quiet pang in your chest that resonates in the gentle words spoken. you find yourself speechless, guilt pouring into your veins at the inability to comfort your lover. but the curve of his lips never falters, and he holds you closer to him, allows you to listen to his heartbeat.

"i will always be grateful for the rain. it brings you and i together, doesn't it?"

now, you are the one who smiles. you laugh, kissing him ever so gently in a goodnight, i love you.

"it does. i am grateful for it, too."

❀ ﾟ. ༄ zhongli

to live as a mortal is a strange phenomenon-- one zhongli must learn to adapt to, even though years have passed since the fall of rex lapis. liyue flourishes in his absence, and somewhere he thinks there is a longing for what once was. but on the balcony of the home he once built, he looks to the sky for the comfort of new beginnings. this place blooms without him, the civilians starting anew and becoming even stronger in the absence of a god.

it is a precious thing, their resilience. humans are prideful beings, aren't they? to grieve and continue forth, to come out of the flames even brighter than ever before.

"do you miss it?"

zhongli senses your presence. you step forward, stand by his side. you inhale sharply, shoulders rising and falling with your breaths.

he does. but there is an end to all things, and no longer is he needed.

"it would be selfish to answer so honestly."

"you held the weight of their lives for countless of years, love. i think it's okay to be selfish now."

but is this not enough, his selfishness? to announce his goodbye in such a manner, to test the waters and see if survival ran in the bloodstream of his land? to rescind his godhood and live normally for once? to fall in love with you and live the rest of his days in peace?

is this not selfish enough?

zhongli smiles. it is bittersweet.

your hand rests on his shoulder, eyes meeting amber. you need not speak the words, but as silly as it may be, he certainly would find comfort in hearing them.

"you can live for yourself now. they continue to grow, even without your guidance. they're doing just fine, and surely they send their prayers to you in the hope that you are, too."

"it is never easy, is it?" zhongli muses wistfully. he knows you are right, but perhaps all the logic in the world would not allow his emotions to find reason.

you turn to face him, gesture him to do the same until you are looking at each other.

"things never are, but we can make it easier." you tell him, hands cupping his cheek. "we can start out this way : tell me what i can do for you."

zhongli blinks, takes a few moments to register the newfound determination on your features. he laughs, and suddenly, it is almost as if his exhaustion has dissipated.

"you have always amused me, my dearest." his hands cover yours. "may i ask that i always stay by your side?"

you laugh, press a kiss to his nose.

"what a foolish god you are, asking something you already know the answer to. i'll always be with you, whether near or far."

❀ ﾟ. ༄ itto

the hardships of the oni are never forgotten. itto remembers his past with traces of bitterness and hardship, but in those memories, he remembers the warmth of family found. how time has passed and how things have changed so drastically. he recalls such times more often than he would like, and it is almost as if he relives them.

itto has a good heart, undoubtedly so. he is rambunctious, carefree, and in his blood there is the pride of his family. but personalities mean little when others judge on appearances, and so itto understands the fear and wariness people cast upon him for his mere existence. it doesn't mean anything, doesn't hurt-- is what he tells you, grinning as he brushes off your concern, but it builds and builds until he cannot ignore it.

it is a constant reminder, and as much as he would like to move on, as much as he knows that what others think doesn't matter, it hurts in the end, even if he doesn't want it to. but you are there-- you're always there to defend him, even when the words sting the most, even when he takes them to heart.

"don't worry about it! i don't wanna cause anymore trouble, so it's no big deal."

itto can practically feel the anger radiate from your body. it's an aura, an ungodly one, really, and he wonders if he's ever seen you seethe in such a way before ( yes, even when he released all the beetles in your house ). it's almost a routine by now; he's typically successful in getting you to calm down, but you don't even respond this time. you stay silent, your back towards him. he approaches you, thinks of more silly jokes to crack, thinks of anything that can ease the pain and anger that you feel on his behalf.

your shoulders tremble. you turn on your heel, meet gazes with him. there are tears in your eyes, and it burns.

"it is a big deal, itto! everything they say about you is never true. you're not scary, you're not frightening-- you're not going to hurt them and you never would. they should know that. just because--"

"whoa, whoa, whoa--" itto's mouth is running a mile a minute, and instinctively, he holds you in his arms. you're crying much harder now and you shouldn't be-- how silly that he is the one who suffers yet you are the one who laments. "don't cry— i'm fine! it doesn't matter what they say, 'cause it's not true. i only care about what you think. that's what happens when you're in love, right?"

your sobs stifle immediately at such an innocent question, the lump in your throat still very much there.

"you're too nice, itto."

itto wipes your tears away, grinning when he feels how warm your face is.

"and?"

"and i love you."

he hums, kisses you on the forehead.

"i love you, too. see? nothing to worry about, as long as it's you and me, okay?"

[utilitycaster]

The Twins in the Feywild

or, the adaptation is good, actually:

The thing about the Feywild arc in the Legend of Vox Machina is that it's not just a simple condensing of 20-ish hours into perhaps one hour; it's also at a notably different point in the story, and is changed to reflect that.

[as a sidebar: I am not tagging spoilers for Critical Role Campaign 1, as the episodes in question are 5+ years old. This post does have a large number of them, and in general, if you are new to CR and found this via the TLOVM tag, welcome! My blog will have spoilers for the campaign.]

In Campaign 1, after the Sunken Tomb and the encounter with Kamaljiori (who survives in the campaign, incidentally), all of Vox Machina heads towards Westruun. Grog has his (also different from TLOVM, also condensed in a thoughtful way that may be discussed in a separate post) struggles with Craven Edge, and they all encounter the Herd of Storms, deal with them, and kill Umbrasyl. The episode after they have killed the first of the four dragons responsible for the Conclave attacks, Umbrasyl the Hope Devourer, is aptly named Hope; they then go to Vasselheim where Vax formalizes his relationship to the Raven Queen, and then deal with Hotis back in Whitestone. The Deathwalker's Ward's flight power is also activated. Then they go to the Feywild, together (though Pike stays behind again due to Ashley's schedule.) In general, Vax has made peace with his decision, and the party is, for the most part, much more optimistic than they are here.

Here, all four dragons are still at large, Keyleth's spell was interrupted, Vax is still on edge, and the last thing they saw was Pike, impaled on Grog's sword. They are doing far worse.

So, understandably, Vax is in a sour mood the entire trip. This significantly changes his role, as he's less able to offer support for Vex. Keyleth is also more insecure.

The episode in Syngorn in the main campaign, which was also, notably, Critical Role's first ever live show with the tech hiccups and nerves that implies, is actually pretty funny. We do get the twins' encounter with Syldor - more on that later - but a large portion of the episode is dedicated towards stealing hats and trying to find a threshold crest for Garmelie (with Keyleth and Percy eventually outsmarting him on a technicality, in true Fey fashion); and the party accidentally implying and then fully leaning into implication that they are polyamorous and need a room so that they can have an orgy. I've seen indications that Syngorn was much grimmer than that; while the twins were understandably frustrated with it, it was far from a dark episode.

With the caveat that I have not read Kith and Kin, Syldor Vessar is one of the characters in Critical Role canon whom I feel the fandom has the most warped perception. He is a dick, to be clear; but on a scale of living character parents, he is treated with a vitriol the far worse Howaardt Darrington and Thoreau Lionett oddly dodge, and it says something that Tary and Beau never to our knowledge attempt to interact with their fathers again, whereas Vex maintains a distant and at times contentious but minimally cordial relationship with hers. (It's not unique for parents in this show to be given the madonna/whore treatment, as others have noted, and parents who fall most towards the middle of that false dichotomy tend to bear the brunt of it - see the Calloways and the Gentleman - but Syldor's treatment is, to be honest, inexplicable and weird.)

In "Heredity and Hats," Syldor is not warm or pleasant, but he does, in fact, apologize at length for his behavior and accepts that the twins have reason to hate him when he offers his assistance. (1x60, 47:58) He also accepts Percy's correction of Vex's title in full, and indeed, seems pleased by it (1x60, 55:22). He is not a good person, but he is, by the time the twins see him in the Feywild, a penitent one. And, in this episode, Vax is the one who is largely unconcerned with Syldor, with the implication he's already given up on him and doesn't particularly care, whereas Vex is much angrier.

However, that's all very difficult to convey in TLOVM in under ten minutes, when Vex's upcoming showdown with Saundor hinges on her insecurity surrounding how she was perceived in the past and her ongoing struggles with powerlessness. So in that, Syldor is far more dismissive, and Vax, who is still, as mentioned, in a very angry place himself, is, well, angry. It is a different tack! It also is a very smart choice given that in a campaign that lasts hundreds of hours, the rule is show don't tell; and in an animated series that must compress this into a tiny fraction of that time, that rule is lifted. This is not a time for the subtle background of Vex's C1 arc. There is no time for the subtle background of Vex's C1 arc. What matters is that the adaptation is consistent within itself; achieves the general, for lack of a better term, vibes and major plot beats of the original campaign; and can reach an audience unfamiliar with the source material. We can't make Syldor fascinatingly complex and Vax blasé here, so we don't, so that we can understand why Saundor is able to cut so close to the core of Vex before she's able to pull away.

It's different! And, yes, as someone who does like something very long-form and subtle and show-not-tell, I do prefer the original! I also think that within the limitations of an animated show with 6-hour seasons, with the assumption that the Feywild arc starts here (that is, with Vax still where he is emotionally, Umbrasyl alive, and Grog, Scanlan, and Pike absent), trying to otherwise keep things the same would feel artificial and unsatisfying, and fail to serve Vex's story. It is changed to heighten it in a medium that needs heightening because there's no time for breadth, and you can dislike it, but criticizing it for not being identical to the original is a particularly egregious missing of the point.

(It's also worth keeping in mind: have you rewatched this arc recently? Are you even comparing it to the story as it was, or are you comparing it to the story you remember, because, like it or not, Vex's story was always very much about her relationships to Syldor, Vax, and Percy, and her need to be liked; her flaw was that she simultaneously desperately needed people and hated herself for it.)

[samuraiko]

Details from the new CR animated intro (SPOILERS AHOY)

HERE BE SPOILERS

YOU KNOW THE DRILL

LOREM IPSUM

---

So, from the beginning of the new intro!

Matt creating the terrain (the Key, what looks like Ludinus' tower in Molaesmyr) and the appearance of Liliana, Ludinus, Ira Wendigoth, Captain Xandis, and Otohan Thull before the shot pans out to the Feywild Arch...

Nothing specific in Fearne's intro though it might represent her passing through the Arch into Exandria

Orym's shows Derrig sitting under the cherry tree while Will is beside Orym, moving through the Zephaer'atam - Will and Orym are using identical swords (barring length)

Imogen's shows Bertrand, the Lumas twins, and Lord Eshteross fading into the storm before she turns, runs, and plummets into...

Ashton falling from the window of Jiana Hexum's manor (we see him pre-injury but post-"hardening")

The group on the deck of the Silver Sun, we now see Ash with two different colour eyes -- as they fall overboard, Ashton grabs Laudna and flings her at Imogen, while FCG casts Fly (or something along those lines), and Fearne transforms into a bird and catches Ashton on her back (we don't see if FCG catches Orym or Chetney)

When the Hells are in the Feywild, Fearne has her pan flute, and we see her blackened left hand (a result of her grabbing Lolth's Crown during ExU)

During Laudna's intro, we get a brief flash of Delilah puppeting a Laudna doll the way Laudna is puppeting Pate in the shot

During FCG's shot, in the close-up on his red-tinted eyes, we see the Division lying massacred, with the buzzsaw and the grappling hook arm on the ground - as the shot pulls back, we see FCG swinging the buzzsaw at Ashton before we see the rest of the Hells surround him, Orym restraining him (with Seedling, slight continuity error there but appropriate), Chetney's unfinished mood wheel on the table behind them... and then Fearne pickpockets Ashton while everyone's focused on FCG

Chetney is carving a rocking horse, and we clearly see his RTA crown tattoo

In the group attack shot -- a wolfed-out Chet is using his Crimson Rite to claw through vines -- Fearne summons Mister who has his little firearm before she blowtorches everything -- Ashton's arm gets sliced and he rages -- FCG grapplehooks his way into combat and swings around, his Spiritual Weapon taking the shape of the Changebringer's coin -- Ashton apparently rolled Time because we see his dopplered selves appearing off him (it MIGHT just be a coincidence, but the blue-shift version looks like an uninjured stone Asthon, while the red-shift version looks like a HUMAN Ashton) before Ashton drops the hammer on a pair of Paragon's Call riding a crawler and blows it up -- Laudna's newer form of Dread appears with branches and flowers, while Imogen flings lightning around -- Orym goes toe to toe with several of Otohan Thull's echoes (including him Air Striking some into nothingness) before he blocks the REAL Thull's attack

Thull knocks him back into Ashton and FCG, who catch him

[teamhook]

The Last Witch Hunter:: CSSNS

Hello. I know I shouldn’t start a new one but I couldn’t stop myself. I hope this will be incentive for the Muse.

Thanks to the @cssns

Thank you to my lovely beta that is a saint @ultraluckycatnd

AO3   FFN

Summary:            

Witches are among us. After centuries of conflict, a truce was forged. Only one strict rule, magicks could never be used against humans. Killian Jones is the last witch hunter; he serves The Order of Blazing Sword and Cross and protects humans. Now, though, he needs help from an unlikely ally to put an end to the darkness that is worse than any known threat, and has been lurking in the shadows, threatening to destroy humanity

The fallen tree branches intertwined with the overgrown roots that covered the ground. The humid air made it difficult to breathe. The valiant champions included a widowed Killian, his priest brother, and their father. They were amongst the last line of defense. They had all lost so much already. Wives, fathers, mothers, husbands and children; families torn apart. They were walking into a death trap knowingly as they split away from each other. Each falling prey to traps and illusions created to not only torment their minds but end their lives. The only hope left was to end the Queen Witch’s power and in her death, humanity would find their salvation at whatever the cost. The band of brave men made their way through the ice cold mountains to her lair. The darkness of the forest aided the evil hag and her minions as they killed the men one by one. The screams echoed within the trees. They needed to reach her nest; the Hexen dwelled within the tallest tree in the center. The giant sequoia stood in the middle of the field covered in shadows, the vines bulging from the ground across the path. The perfect abode for those who worshiped the darkness. Light had no place here.

 The temperature dropped as the brave man could see his breath in front of him while he struggled to keep his wits and focus on the task at hand. He stepped over his fallen brethren while making his way deeper into the nest. He knew there would be no surviving the quest but failure was not an option.  

 The ground shook abruptly and grumbled. His attention was drawn to the silhouettes in front of him. One was crouched on the ground, and the other was kneeling in front of the first one. He moved swiftly to get a closer look, and to his dismay, he could now see the witch had her hand inside the chest of a man. It was an older man whose features were enhanced by the flame of the fire surrounding them. It was his father.

 "Liam!!" He bellowed for his brother to help as he rushed to save their father.

 His father looked at him one last time as life was crushed out of his heart.

 The ground trembled again, and it became icier as the sudden snow flurries covered his body. He reached the crone as she stood up to face him with an evil smirk. She moved quickly in front of him, and reached for his heart. He was able to evade her hands with a spin; he swung his iron blade at her as she cackled, mocking him.

 Killian finally managed to do the unbelievable and get the upper hand. The witch struggled to stay upright and she shoved her hand inside his chest. "I curse you to eternal life. You will continue to live and see all those around you die. You will be left behind. Forever alone." She squeezed his heart one last time before taking her last breath.

***

 His eyes shot open at the violent yawing of the craft. This went beyond turbulence. It was freezing. It was an abnormal storm. He stood up to find the culprit but the flight attendant stopped him. "Sir, you need to go back to your seat," the woman said as she pressed her hand on his hard chest.

 Killian could see the interest in her eyes but right now was not the time. "I'm sorry, lass. I need to use the facilities," he said in a low voice while invading her space.

 She smiled in return. “You should return to your seat.”

 “I promise to do so after I’ve done my business.” He crossed his heart.

 She looked around and noticed no one was paying attention to them. “All right, but try to be quick.” She smiled, hoping her leniency will earn her a nice lay over.

 Killian walked past the restroom to the small flight attendant station. He grabbed a cup of water and pulled out a pouch from his wallet. It had a couple of small tools including a needle, which he quickly dropped in the water.

 The plane jerked violently due to what appeared to be turbulence. The other passengers were beginning to panic as the oxygen masks dropped.

 The needle guided him to the source, a redheaded young woman hugging a black bag. Luckily the seat next to her was empty, so Killian sat down. The girl looked up with wide eyes. He smiled and said, "Lass, hand it over." He extended his hand for her to place the bag in. She was about to object then she gasped as she realized his identity and placed the bag on his waiting hand. He opened it and noticed the runes were stuck. "Bloody hell, lass. Why did you think jamming weather controlling runes together was a good idea?" Killian scolded as he sped up his actions; he poured a potion to neutralize and separate the runes using tweezers. “I've been looking for these for a very long time. Lass, these tiny things manipulate the weather. Rain, cold, wind, heat... and you thought it was a good idea to put them together in your bag? Do you know what you get when you mix a thunderstorm with cool, moist air? You almost killed us all. We are lucky you didn't get them wet. You witches have no idea the power you possess." He shook his head in disbelief as he pulled out a case from his jacket pocket and placed each rune inside after covering it carefully with a cloth.

 “I know you are the witch hunter. Are you going to kill me?” the girl asked.

 “Why would I kill you, lass? I just saved your life,” Killian said. “I have a code.”

 “Are you going to turn me in to the witch council? I didn’t do it on purpose. I inherited those from my sister. I swear it was an accident.”

 “No need to fret. Enjoy your stay.” He winked at her and stood up, leaving her behind to go back to his seat.

 The flight attendant noticed him walking back to his seat while she finished providing some water to the passengers to help calm them down.

 "Excuse me sir, I thought I told you to go to your seat?" the flight attendant said, annoyed.

 "I'm sorry, love, but a young lass was in distress. I just wanted to make sure she wasn't anymore. My name is Killian Jones, I much prefer being called that.

 How about I buy you a drink to make up for my lack of listening skills?" he said with a sexy raised eyebrow.

 The woman tried to play it as if she wasn't tempted but the blushed cheeks gave her away. "Well, Killian, I suppose that would be all right."

 "We can meet at baggage claim and set sail from there," he said as he raised her hand to his lips.

 Witches are among us

 Descendants from an ancient race called Hexen

 Their magick diluted, half-forgotten but dangerously powerful

 After centuries of conflict, a truce was forged

 Witches would live freely if they followed one strict rule, magicks could never be used against humans

 A truce is a fragile thing…

 There are those who long for the dark days of the Witch Queen, Gothel.

 It is those whom Killian deals with.

 For centuries, he has

 served The Order of Blazing Sword and Cross.

 I serve The Order in a different manner.

  I write Killian's history.

 I am his handler, his confessor, and his friend.Together we have kept watch and kept the peace.

 I’m Dolan the 36th, Father Nemo

Father Nemo arrived at Killian’s place to take the report from the most recent mission.

 The doorman smiled at the older man. “Father Nemo. I’m sorry, but he is in a meeting. Could you please take a seat while you wait?”

 The elevator opened and a woman exited wearing a flight attendant uniform.

 “I think the meeting is over, my boy,” Father Nemo said as he rose from his seat to walk to the elevator.

 Killian opened his door with a wide satisfied smile on his face. "Hello, old friend."

 Father Nemo rolled his eyes. "You know you are older than me."

 Killian shrugged. "However, as you can see, I've maintained my youthful glow."

 "That doesn't explain why you have no sense of time," Father Nemo scolded him.

 Killian rolled his eyes fondly.

 Father Nemo smiled at the man in front of him. Killian was physically younger, but was actually much older than him. However, time stands still for no one.      We should get to business    , he thought as he pulled out his journal and pen from his bag to prepare for the details. "I assume the mission was a success and you were able to recover the weather runes without incident?"

 "Aye, they are safely put away in the vault," Killian replied. "Old man, really? You get upset at my teasing but I believe you secretly enjoy it. That is why you are not willing to use any of the tech I gift you with. Where's the iPad I gave you?"

 "If you must know, I regifted it. Besides, you will not need to worry after my retirement." Dolan the 36th, Father Nemo reaffirmed his decision it was time to move on.

 "Oh, you were serious. I thought you would reconsider but since you are set in retiring, I got you a small token." Killian smiled as he handed a box to his old friend.

 "You didn't have to do this." Father Nemo grabbed the box and opened it to find a very rare, expensive Waterman 402 pen. "Oh my. I thought you didn't get sentimental. This is lovely but truly too expensive."

 "We've had a good run. We took out many dangerous covens. I finally got used to you and now you want to find greener pastures."  

 "I'm going to miss you."

 "You know you can still keep the pen if you reconsider," Killian said with a hopeful smile.

 "I'm leaving you in modern hands. Besides, the vow was not til death but to face it at your side."

 "You do know there are only two Dolan's advice I have ever listened to: my brother Liam, the first Dolan, and you."

 "Fine company I'm in but wait a minute, you ignored it all the time!" Nemo said irritated.

 "Perhaps, but I always listened."

 "Killian, what if you could retire too? What would you do?"

 "Ah, but I can't."

 "Just humor me."

 "I'm not blind to the importance of my job. Every day I wake up, the world is safe."

 "I wish you could live. Truly. You are missing the best part. The one that goes beyond ships passing in the night. Flight attendants or whoever you found for the evening."

 "There's nothing wrong with a dalliance."

 "You need to find someone to trust and share your life with."

 "Old man, let's finish this then."

 After they finished the report they parted ways. Dolan the 36th, Father Nemo left to finalize his report and hand over the file on Killian Jones to his replacement, Dolan the 37th, Father Gideon.

 Father Nemo's words of advice for the young Father Gideon were to serve with distinction and to remember that Killian was more than a weapon as the elders of The Flaming Sword and Cross loved to refer to him as. He was beyond his success rate or the numbers of witches in detention or the ones that paid the ultimate price for breaking the law.

 The next day, Killian's phone rang. "Hello?"

 "Mr. Jones, this is Dolan the 37th, Father Gideon. I'm sorry to inform you that Dolan the 36th, Father Nemo passed away in his sleep peacefully. The ceremony will be tomorrow."

 Killian was alone now. His friend was gone and it served as a reminder to not allow anyone else to enter his heart.

 The unexpected death of his old friend had reopened the scars left behind by the loss of his wife Milah, their young daughter Alice, his father Brennan, and brother Liam months later. Killian had spent years protecting his heart and focusing on the job, claiming he had a right to seek vengeance for all the world had lost. Now he was grieving for the last person he allowed himself to care for. He truly would die alone. The Order hadn't even given a proper burial to his friend as they now pledged the new Dolan. Killian couldn't stomach the ceremony and stepped out. He sat down on a bench and contemplated his life.

 The young Dolan the 37th sat next to him.

 Killian's eyes stayed focused on an object as he spoke. "Do you see that cornerstone?"

 Dolan, the 37th, nodded. "Yes, Sir. I do. I'm-"

 Killian interrupted him. "I watched them lay it in when all that was there was a cornfield. That was long ago. Everything changes, only I remain." Killian finally faced the young man.

 "Sir, I'm sorry for your loss. I wanted to pledge my life and loyalty to you. Please, call me Gideon."

 "Father Gideon, there are levels of evil everywhere. However, I've never seen people get old, retire, and die on the same day."

 "Sir, I know this isn't the proper time but I need to sort you out with a new identity and all that comes with it." Father Gideon stated as he pulled an envelope from the briefcase.

 Killian rolled his eyes. "I understand all of you Dolans are fierce rule followers but I will be clear. First, I don't need a new identity. Second, there are more pressing matters. Something doesn't add up. You were the last one to see Father Nemo. I need to go to his place." Killian stood and walked towards his black super sport 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle.

     At least it's not red,     Father Gideon muttered as he opened the car door and slipped in. "Sir, I understand, but a low profile is important to keep. As for Father Nemo, what are you thinking?

 "I'll know when I see it."  With that he started the car and drove to Nemo's home.

 They entered and Killian looked around. "How do you know when there's magic in the vicinity? It comes from four elements; fire, water, earth, and air. The correct alchemical triggers will reveal its presence." Killian informed Father Gideon as he continued his inspection. "It appears there was no magic here. However, if the window hasn't been opened, how did this get in here?"

 Gideon looked at the dead flies on the floor.

 "One means nothing. Two perhaps a coincidence but three, that means trouble. He was killed by witches."

 Killian got his confirmation once the glamor spell was lifted. "This is a declaration of war."

  @allons-y-to-hogwarts-713 @caught-in-the-filter @andiirivera @anothersworld @apiratewhopines @artistic-writer @batana54 @beckettj @bethacaciakay @bixisarusher @branlovestowrite @brooke-to-broch @captainodonoghue @carpedzem @chasedancer17 @cocohook38 @courtorderedcake @darkcolinodonorgasm @deckerstarblanche @demisexualemmaswan @djlbg @donteattheappleshook @dovelyheart @elizabeethan @gingerchangeling @gingerpoliglot @holdingoutforapiratehero @hollyethecurious @hookedonapirate @hookedonaswanprincess @hookedonhiddles @ilovemesomekillianjones @imlaxdris71 @itsfabianadocarmo @jarienn972 @jennjenn615 @jonesfandomfanatic @jrob64 @justanother-unluckysoul @k-leemac @karlyfr13s @kday426 @killian-will-do @klynn-stormz @kmomof4 @kwistowee​ @kymbersmith-90​ @laschatzi​ @lassluna​ @let-it-raines​ @lfh1226-linda​ @lonelyspectator12​ @mariakov81​ @motherkatereloyshipper​ @officerrogers​ @ohmakemeahercules​ @onceratheart18​ @pirateherokillian​ @purplehawkcaptain​ @resident-of-storybrooke​ @revanmeetra87​ @sailtoafarawayland​ @sals86​ @scribomaniac @searchingwardrobes​ @seriouslyhooked​ @shardminds @shireness-says @snowbellewells​ @sotangledupinit​ @spacekrulesbians​ @spartanguard​ @stahlop​ @superchocovian​ @swanslieutenant​ @tehgreeneyes @the-darkdragonfly​ @thejollyroger-writer​ @thepirateandhisson​ @therealstartraveller776 @thislassishooked @thisonesatellite​ @tiganasummertree​ @tomeandflickcorner​ @ultraluckycatnd​ @veryverynotgoodwrites​ @wefoundloveunderthelight​ @wellhellotragic​ @whimsicallyenchantedrose​ @winterbaby89​ @winterbythesea @xarandomdreamx​ @xsajx​ @zaharadessert​ @myfearless-love @cosette141 @grimmswan​ @fleurdepetite​ @hookmecaptain​ @once-upon-a-pirate-ship​ @undercaffinatednightmare​ @4getfulimaginator2022​ @nachocheese-itsmycheese​

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I need canonical cuddle pile guys. the fan art said everyone sleeps wrapped up in each other where are they WAKING UP NEXT TO EACH OTHER