#crown heights affair

[still-single]

Records I Am Glad to Have Found in 2023: Part 2

"Part" may be the wrong way to express this as a series but it's too late now.

Superdragons – "Super Dragon" promo 12" (Mercury, 1976)

There's a shop north of Chicago that's the kind of place where the immediate charms of digging for wild records are often rewarded. I have a regularly scheduled appointment out near this shop, which gives me an excuse to stop in every few months and see what's changed. Every time I go, I seem to clean out a section that doesn't immediately get replenished, but in typical crypt-style record store fashion, there's always something more to find.

In recent years, that section has been their 12" singles. If this is the thing you're looking for, record shops with heavy inventory truly cannot be beat. You won't typically have much competition getting down on the floor and looking under the browsers or whatever dusty, low-traffic area this format is typically relegated to.

Which is to say, on a previous visit I found a promo-only Bohannon single and was regaled with a story about The Gilbert Kong collection. Kong was a Mercury Records mastering engineer who at some point dipped out to work on his own, but I'm told he kept his contacts and worked with the label steadily throughout the '70s. His craft is most readily apparent on a series of 12" promo singles, pressed for radio and disco use, which were generally not for sale. A relative who had inherited his collection wound up selling it to this store, they found an acetate of the first Rush album out of it (which they donated to a Rush museum, apparently, after being rebuffed when presenting UMG with the chance to use it for a reissue), and most of the 12"s quietly went out for sale.

You can identify these records by their monochromatic, plain sleeve art, and a catalog prefix of MK. In every instance I've come across, the record is mastered LOUD, with incredible fidelity and bass response. Kong had no compunction about spreading three minutes of music across an entire side of a 12", and the results are about as deep and rewarding as you'd expect from an audio standpoint. Whether the music – typically disco records pushed by the PolyGram fam, top 40 hopefuls, and sampler albums – is your bag, that's another thing. A frequent target of bootlegging, these promos weren't pressed in significant quantities; the appeal of DJing with a really full, loud copy of, say, the Osmonds "I, I, I", as opposed to the squashed fidelity of the same song on the LP, cannot be overstated. Second-market pricing on these varies wildly, from a few bucks to a few hundred.

I grabbed a bunch of these releases on my last visit, sound unheard. The bare, red print of "Super Dragon DISCO VERSION" by Superdragons did its best to blend in, but the anonymity of it all, a heady year of release, and a production credit for Bunny Sigler held promise.

Did it ever! Clearly a product of Philly's finest studio musicians, "Super Dragon" looks to glom as many popular song ideas together as a single track could hold, with panicked, immediate strings, parping brass, rolling rhythms and virtually nothing at all to say. "Draaa-gon! Draaa-gon! Super dragon, super dragon." That's all you get! You also get notions of Bobby Womack's "Across 110th Street," Rhythm Heritage's "Theme from S.W.A.T.," and Steve Miller's "Fly Like an Eagle," three tracks I wouldn't have thought should go together until now. "Super Dragon" is a full-tilt disco hustler with big main title soundtrack energy, and I wasn't surprised to find out it was used for just that (an excerpt turns up in a Bruce Le movie, 1978's Bruce and Shaolin Kung Fu).

Superdragons left it all out on the field after this one; the B-side contains the same song, in case you wear it out. Apart from a customary pressing as a 45 (with Part 1 and Part 2 indicators), this was it. This 12" presents a unique disco mix with no side break, and at 5+ minutes runtime gives you everything you came for and a little more.

Crown Heights Affair – "Say a Prayer for Two" b/w "Galaxy of Love / I'm Gonna Love You Forever" promo 12" (De-Lite, 1978)

Probably don't need to say much about this known disco slammer, presented here with a little more of an intro. The bass response on this one is fucking insane, and if this isn't getting your floor moving/potted plants dancing off the shelf, you might be doing it wrong. A high point in these Mercury promo offerings, and my favorite song from this group.

City Boy – "5.7.0.5." promo 12" (Mercury, 1978)

Loved this song from the first time I heard it. City Boy's biggest hit, this has some real right place/right time energy, the vaguely new wave screamer ELO never really had in 'em (at least not in '78). Grooves on this one are cut so wide you can almost sightread them from across the room. I was hoping one of these would be in with the rest at this shop.

(Doug Mosurock)

[hornworts]

Front and back covers of 1976 LP Do It Your Way by Crown Heights Affair released by De-Lite Records

[boricuacherry-blog]

[imelaeiou]

crown heights affair - galaxy of love

also obsessed with the og album art 💖💖💖💖💖💖

[meiieiri]

water’s edge | concept dump

₊˚.༄ pairing: crown prince!gojo satoru x f!reader | setting: modern royal au

₊˚.༄ summary: in a world where titles define their fates, gojo satoru, the crown prince of japan, and his wife-to-be, face a tempestuous court of deception and schadenfreude. as they waltz on the edge of ruin, can their love endure the treacherous waters that threaten to pull them apart, or will the whims of the enigmatic chrysanthemum throne prove strong enough to drown them both?

₊˚.༄ warnings: mean!gojo (but that’s not even the worst of it oh my god what monstrosity have i created), arranged marriage, illness, allusions to criminal activity that may include reckless homicide, physical battery and attempted murder. mentions of depression, cheating, physical and emotional abuse, trauma, adultery. fictional depiction of the japanese imperial family, etc.

LINK TO FULL FIC MASTERLIST HERE!

₊˚.༄ Crown Prince!Gojo who is the only son of the emperor and empress of Japan, the beloved and long-awaited child of his parents. As a child, he had been showered with endless praise and veneration as the one, true, legitimate heir to the chrysanthemum throne. The entire imperial household had expected the prince to inherit an unwavering sense of duty to the crown and to his people much like his fore-bearers, only to be severely disappointed when the prince turns out to be a pathological card shark with ambiguous morals, and a serial womanizer who has slept with countless women from aristocratic backgrounds during the height of his bachelor years.

₊˚.༄ Crown Prince!Gojo who finally incurs his father’s wrath after a nasty bar brawl that leads to him getting unceremoniously arrested and is stripped of his title and properties as crown prince, favoring his half-brother, Prince Suguru Geto, who had been born of the emperor’s affair with one of the empress’s ladies-in-waiting. This incident has prompted his mother, the empress, to help in ratifying his public image by arranging Satoru to marry a commoner with an impeccable standing in Japanese society in a bid to re-portray Satoru as a responsible, married man. The empress, in turn, offers to grant you, Satoru’s future wife-to-be, anything your heart could ever desire.

₊˚.༄ Crown Prince!Gojo who engages in a pantomime act of being a loving husband to you during a state banquet by showering you with endless praise in his speech addressed to all the world leaders in the Akasaka Palace’s reception hall. When he was asked to introduce you, his new wife, the honeyed words came so easily to him. “You see, the princess (Y/N) is no ordinary woman,” he chuckles into the microphone causing the guests to giggle at the sight of what looks to be a bashful newlywed.

“Other than being the first breath of fresh air our family has ever had the pleasure of knowing in so long, and the most active member in our family when it comes to supporting the many royal charities and foundations, she is…” he trails off. You dared to follow the wandering gaze of your husband, who seems to be searching for another pair of eyes in the room. His eyes eventually stop their search, softening at the sight of the one he loved. For a second, you think he is looking at you, and your heart naively skips a beat in your chest as if all these months of inattention and animosity were finally coming to an end.

“…My better half, the keeper of my own heart.”

Many of the ambassador’s wives who sat beside you nudged you in congratulations for being so blessed with such a devoted husband. You crane your head back to smile warmly at them for the kind words only to have ice coat your veins instantly when you see his Chief-of-Staff, Himiko Zenin, sitting about two seats behind you, staring directly at your husband with a wistful look in her eyes, exchanging words of love in a silent oath — one that is far more certain than the rising and the setting of the sun as each day passes with your husband hating you a tad bit more than yesterday, and one that is far more truthful than the wedding vows you shared.

Of course, writing this godforsaken death march-like speech was easy for Satoru, simply because these words of devotion and love were never intended for you anyway; this poetic spiel was written with another woman ensnaring his mind.

₊˚.༄ Crown Prince!Gojo who sneaks out of bed during your wedding night, sparing one last cold glance at your sleeping form before he saunters out the imperial villa to meet his girlfriend in a nearby mountain resort, about half a mile away from the villa. His personal chauffeur had been sworn to secrecy, else, he would incur the wrath of the crown prince.

“I thought you couldn’t get away,” Himiko moans wantonly into his mouth as he roughly takes her from behind, the lewd wet sounds of their lovemaking echoing through the room. He had taken the liberty of secretly bringing Himiko along to your honeymoon, by booking the most expensive suite in the resort for her under another name.

“The bitch is too fucked out to even notice I’m gone— mmph—“ he throws his head back, releasing a pleasured groan when Himiko meets his sharp thrusts, grinding teasingly on his cock as she does so. He grips her hips tightly, readjusting his hips to pound into her from another angle, the muscles on his abs tightening as he gets lost in the feeling of her tight, luscious walls. “Sh-shit, ‘m-m gonna cum—“

“—Ah! S-Satoru,” she was close too, her eyes rolling to the back of her head as the fat tip of his member roughly prods at her cervix.

He half-expected Himiko to be angry with him for engaging in intimate acts with you, but she simply acts like she didn’t hear him. And even if she was upset, why should he, of all people, apologize? She should have known that becoming his mistress entailed having to endure these kinds of things as these were simply Satoru’s marital duties, and by extension, his duty to the crown.

His high washes over him like a tidal wave crashing into the rock shore, grunting as he involuntarily thrusts as he releases inside her, Himiko collapsing onto the pillows as he does. “O-oh, haaa- agh,” his deep tenor moans into her long black hair as his seed paints her walls, holding her close to his form, their heartbeats racing a million miles an hour.

He pulls out his flaccid cock, plopping down next to her, pulling her small frame for her head to rest on his chest. “I just need to have father reinstate me as heir apparent and return all my estates, then,” he kisses her once, his lips moving in sync with her soft ones.

“…We’ll get rid of her.”

₊˚.༄ Crown Prince!Gojo who blatantly and publicly humiliates you by bringing along Himiko Zenin to a state visit to the imperial family’s counterpart in Monaco rather than you, his rightful wife. And when asked of your whereabouts, Satoru simply replies with a casual shrug, his hand squeezing Himiko’s smaller ones as she usurps the banquet thrown in your honor by the Monacan royal family while you watch the horrific scene unfold on your television screen, your heart shattering into a million pieces as Himiko and Satoru uncaringly waltz with one another in front of the watchful eyes of the entire world throughout the evening.

₊˚.༄ Crown Prince!Gojo who crucifies you for your acts of sincere charity, believing you to be actively humiliating Himiko despite having no intentions whatsoever resembling his baseless accusation. “Did you honestly think your little publicity antics would go unpunished? I bet you were just itching for the attention, weren’t you?” he snarls at you the second you come back from a visit to one of the hospitals you had commissioned for the treatment of children with rare diseases, a compassionate act which had been heavily televised by national broadcasting stations and even international news agencies. “If you wish to compete with Himiko, wife, then, by all means. But I swear to you, I will do everything — everything I can — to make the entire world know just how much of an opportunistic whore you are—”

You gaze up at your husband with fear in your eyes. “…I was not competing with Himiko, can I not care for our people — your people? I’m sure they need someone to promote their interests when their own prince couldn’t be bothered to do so!” you retaliate but are quickly shot down when he throws his scotch glass at the wall, causing you to flinch when it shatters on impact.

“I will make sure this humiliation you dealt to Himiko will return to you tenfold, (Y/N),” he dangerously seethes, coming to the aid of his mistress. “Celebrate your victory all you want, wife, but make no mistake, this is far from over.”

₊˚.༄ Crown Prince!Gojo who indifferently scoffs when you crumble into a sobbing mess after yet another argument with him. “W-what can I do to make you not hate me so much? P-please tell me, Satoru.” The only response you receive is your husband dangerously moving closer to you, his eyes, dark with pure loathing. Instinctively, you step backward, only to be met by the cold wall of your shared bedroom. “S-Satoru—“

“—Here’s what you can do: do exactly as I say, without question,” he traps you between his arms, his breath hot on your skin, his lips dangerously close to yours, his voice dripping with the venom that could turn every silver thread in your heart into a hue that resembled charcoal black. “If I tell you to kiss me, you kiss me. If I tell you to get out, you get out. If I tell you to shut up, you sew your mouth shut or rip your tongue out, I really don’t give a damn. If I tell you to die…”

…

…

“…You drop dead.”

a/n: meh, just wrote this at the top of my head to get rid of this stupid writer’s block since hehe i have like eighteen drafts of jjk smut and drabbles in my tumblr folder rn help :’)

might turn this into a multi-chapter fic depending on how it is received. so lemme know your thoughts by reblogging, liking or commenting on this post!

[dishonestlies-if]

(Dis)honest Lies

Demo: TBA || About The Archivists Age Rating: 16+ CW: Violence, death, child endangerment, child death/descriptions of child death, classism, manipulation, forced isolation/confinement (technically?), parental neglect, mild homophobia RO-specific CWs (contains spoilers): here

The king is dead, cries the crowd of mourners that line the path towards the Royal Tombs. As you walk down behind your father's coffin, you note that there are no commoners among them. Not surprising, given they are not allowed to entire the palace grounds, though you wonder if anyone beyond these walls are mourning with you. Your father was a much-beloved king, but no one beyond the Court had ever met him - or you, for that matter, or any of your predecessors since the Curse took effect. You wonder briefly what the outside world is like - the Advisors describe it as a beautiful place of wonder and innovation, at least in the capital. Perhaps the people are holding their own ceremony out there, in honour of your father.

You turn your attention back to the procession. There will be time to ponder this later.

You have a speech to give, a coronation to attend, a kingdom to rule.

There is no place for such pointless thoughts. You were born in this palace, and in this palace will you die. You will never see the outside world.

Will you?

Play as the newly crowned monarch of Batrinoa! Bring your kingdom to new heights, or send it plummeting into chaos - the choice is yours, and yours alone. After all, you are the monarch - who would dare defy your authority?

Customize the MC Veridas (27) (name changeable); gender, appearance, personality, etc!

Be swept off your feet by five potential love interests (gender selectable) - or don't! You can be swept off your feet by friends, too. And enemies. But that might be a bad idea.

Ally with your neighbours, or start a war - Batrinoa is powerful, why not utilize your military and expand your territory?

Solve problems that arise in your nation, or make them worse - where there's money to be had, who really cares if a few peasants die?

Face crushing moral dilemmas that make you question your reality!

Find the truth behind the web of lies that surround the Court - there are many hidden secrets, and if you look in the right places, you might find them. Assuming, of course, that they don't kill you first.

And why in the name of the Divine do you keep seeing the Archivist-in-training in your dreams?! You barely even know her!

Love Interests

The Guard Caelum/Celestine/Calytrix Hildebrand (28) is the fourth child of the Hildebrand family, your best friend and confidant, and godparent of your daughter. As children, you were inseparable, and even when C was in the army you kept in touch. Now they serve as your loyal guard - wherever you go, they will follow. It is their duty, after all; what the monarch wants, the monarch will get, nevermind how they feel about it. So long as it makes you happy, there is little they won't do to achieve it.

The Silver-Tongued Minister Elias/Elora/Elwyn Alinac (29) is Head of the House of Alinac, one of the Four Great Families and a member of the Advisors. They are, without a doubt, the Court's most charming noble. Intelligent and quick-witted, Batrinoa's Director of Foreign Affairs is well-versed in the art of communication, especially when it pertains to getting what they want. There are flocks of men and women alike who would kill to hold E's attention for even a fraction of a second. Fortunate, then, that they only seem to have eyes for you.

The Unapproachable Advisor Orpheus/Odette/Odilon Marchand (26) is Head of the House of Marchand, one of the Four Great Families and a member of the Advisors. O is rather unpopular with the nobility and common folk alike; their blunt speech, cold demeanour, and prickly personality make for rather unpleasant company, though none can deny their skill as Batrinoa's newest Minister of Finance. They maintain a professional distance from everyone around them, but perhaps you can close that gap - surely it must be a lonely existence, to hold everyone at arm's length as they do.

The Revolutionary Mervyn/Maira/Maverick (27) is a commoner of Batrinoa, a tailor who lives with their mother and three siblings near the slums of the capital. Passionate and rebellious, they abhor the monarchy and how the nation is run, and everyone knows it; M is an outspoken critic of the throne, and far from the only one. As the new monarch, you are the very pinnacle of everything they despise - can you show them that you are willing to do what your predecessors would not, or will you just add fuel to the fire?

The Flirtatious Informant Legacy (29) is the best informant in your employ (and the best assassin). They once swore loyalty to your father; now, they serve you. They're a shameless flirt, and never serious - about anything, really, not even their own life. You've asked where they came from, but you've received 14 different back stories at this point and you're not sure they're even capable of telling the truth if it doesn't pertain to their job. You wonder how Legacy ended up in this employ; surely this is not a job most would willingly choose to pursue?

Other Characters

Alix Morozov - your late spouse, the other biological parent of your daughter, and a relative of Drelix's King Vsevolod. They died three years ago, leaving you a single parent. Your marriage was for two reasons only - to end the war between your kingdoms, and to produce a precautionary heir for the Batrinoa line. Having succeeded in both, you considered them a good person and a dear friend, though there was never any love in your relationship.

Luminosa 'Lumi' Batrinoa (5) - your daughter from your marriage with Alix. Now that you are monarch, she is heir to the throne; a lofty title that may be, though it paints a massive target on her back. You can only hope you will not need to arrange a political marriage for her.

Beau Marchand (32) - the disgraced son of the Marchand family, his reputation for debauchery and excess is known far and wide throughout the capital. You remember him vaguely, having interacted with him as a child, though you haven't seen him since he was disowned thirteen years ago. O has since restored Beau to the family, but you have yet to see him return.

Dolion (53) - the Archivist, sometimes called the Secret-Keeper. One of the Blessed, his Miracle naturally makes people rather wary of him, and his sour demeanor does nothing to help his case. At the very least, none of the Advisors seem to like him, though you're fairly certain that's more because he was born a commoner rather than a child of the nobility.

Fialova Solanaceae (20) - Dolion's successor, the current Archivist-in-training. Timid and shy, she seems to dodge you at every opportunity, though you often catch her staring as if she has something she'd like to say. There's more to her than meets the eye, but are you brave enough to seek out the skeletons in her closet?

Helianthus Solanaceae (54) - Head of the House of Solanacaea, one of the Four Great Families and a member of the Advisors. She is the supreme judge of Batrinoa's legal system and handles all legal affairs within the kingdom's borders. As your godmother, she cares greatly for your well-being. She would happily spoil Luminosa rotten if you didn't stop her in time.

Volker Hildebrand (61) - Head of the House of Hildebrand, one of the Four Great Families and a member of the Advisors. Arrogant and conceited, he takes great pride in being the Minister of War. Objectively the most powerful member of the Council, he has the nation's military at his beck and call and takes great joy in lording over the other Advisors. The Court has no great love for him, though none can deny that it was thanks to him that the war with Drelix went as well as it did. Though he has little interest in anything besides battle and bloodshed, he has returned to the capital for your coronation and to assist you in acclimating to your new position.

[doomandgloomfromthetomb]

The B-52's - Roseland, New York City, April 19, 1982

I was in NYC for a couple of days earlier this month and though time was limited, I did of course find a minute to visit a local record store — Academy Records on W. 18th St. Digging through the $5 bin, I found a nice copy of the B-52's' David Byrne-produced Mesopotamia mini-album, which I've always loved, but have never had on vinyl before. A no-brainer! As I checked out, I noticed that Mesopotamia had been recorded at Bob Blank's Blank Tape Studio, and some quick Google mapping revealed that I was just moments away from where that studio used to be on 37 W. 20th St. A legendary spot, as a footnote in Jesse Rifkin's great This Must Be The Place details:

"[T]he studio's discography includes Television's seminal punk single "Little Johnny Jewel"; disco hits by Musique, Class Action, Crown Heights Affair, and Inner Life; groundbreaking remixes by deejays like Larry Levan, Francois Kervorkian, and Tee Scott; and no-wave/mutant disco albums by the likes of James Chance, Lydia Lunch, Lizzy Mercier Descloux, and DNA. It was the favored studio of genre-bending auteur Arthur Russell, and classic albums by Talking Heads (Speaking In Tongues), the Gun Club (Miami), Joe Bataan (Mestizo), Ashford & Simpson (Solid), the B-52's (Mesopotamia), Miami Sound Machine (Eyes of Innocence) and Sun Ra (Lanquidity) were all tracked there."

All that and Madonna's first single, too! New York City is like this, of course — a neverending web of connections, a labyrinth of layers upon layers upon layers. You could spend your life walking down its streets, discovering the strange stories behind every building's facade. I could never hack it there full-time, but god bless the people who can!

Anyway — the B-52's! What a wonderful band. Here they are at Roseland (239 W. 52nd St.) right around the time that Mesopotamia came out. A killer SBD tape, featuring an expanded lineup: Dave Buck and Ralph Carney on horns. We get a bunch of the new mini-album, plus plenty of stuff from their already stuffed back catalogue. As with any B-52's tape, I'm sure it's not as good as being there in person, but it's still one heck of a party. Nip it in the bud!

(Oh and hey — this old Pitchfork column of mine has more live jams if you need to further celebrate the miracle of the B-52's.)

[broadwaydivastournament]

BROADWAY DIVAS SUPERLATIVES: Wait...WHAT???

Elaine Stritch's first orgasm during "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?": Crazy cantankerous Elaine Stritch was never one to mince words. Perhaps a crowning achievement in her many instances of raw candor, Elaine revealed the story behind her first-ever orgasm in an interview with "30 Rock" co-star Alec Baldwin in 2013. Elaine starred in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? on Broadway and during the national tour, 1963 and 1965, respectively. She would have been in her late thirties.

"But I wanted to tell something intimate about myself to John [Turturro] about when he was interviewing me. I told him that when I was doing Virginia Woolf and when George and Martha had their scene together and George said, 'Our son is dead.' You know, that big scene? 'Our son,' he yells in my face, 'is dead.' And I went 'No!' At the height of my force, I said no to him. And I had an orgasm for the first time in my life... So this is how important that moment was on stage to me. This is unbelievable, you don't know." -source

Gertrude Lawrence (almost) drops dead during "The King and I": On August 16th, 1952, one of the great stage divas of this world--and rumored lesbian--Gertrude Lawrence collapsed backstage after a Saturday matinee of The King and I. She was admitted to a hospital shortly thereafter, and by early September, the Tony-winning star was declared dead. She was buried in the iconic champagne "Shall We Dance?" gown, and became the first person for whom Broadway dimmed the marquee lights for. She was 54. And so began the long-standing King and I curse (I say tongue-in-cheek) where every subsequent Anna Leonowens has had some terrible tragedy befall them. -source

Julie Andrews declines her Tony nomination for "Victor/Victoria": We live in a cruel and unforgivable world where Julie Andrews does not have a Tony Award. The closest she came was in 1996 where she was nominated for Victor/Victoria. As the sole nomination for the show, Julie announced that she would withdraw her name for consideration in protest on behalf of her egregiously overlooked costars and creative team. She was thought to be a locked win at the time, and though her name did remain officially on the voting ballot, the award ultimately went to Donna Murphy for The King and I, making an awkward situation for everyone involved. -source

Marin Mazzie's "pussy on fire" incident during "Passion": Well, I'll let her tell you all about it.

Patti LuPone and the ALW Memorial Pool: Patti LuPone and the infamous lawsuit that cost ALW a million dollars for breaking her Sunset Boulevard contract. Patti had an iron-clad contract that stated she would be transferring with the production to Broadway, but news broke that she would be replaced by Glenn Close. Patti, who was at the theatre when she found out, went absolutely batshit and trashed her entire dressing room. Her feud persists to this day with several ups and downs, as is her right as a Diva-with-a-capital-D.

More Polls

Honorable mentions:

Stephen Sondheim sex dungeon

Bob Fosse's womanizing and finally him collapsing in separated wife Gwen Verdon's arms and dying shortly after.

The affairs of Broadway

Anti-vaxxer Laura Osnes tanking her promising Broadway career and now performing as a circus singer.

[mydaddywiki]

Brian Mulroney

Physique: Average Build Height: 5'11" (1.80 m)

Martin Brian Mulroney PC CC GOQ (March 20, 1939 – February 29, 2024, aged 84) was a Canadian lawyer, businessman, and politician who served as the 18th prime minister of Canada from 1984 to 1993. Mulroney's tenure as prime minister was marked by the introduction of major economic reforms, such as the Canada–United States Free Trade Agreement, the goods and services tax (GST) that was created to replace the manufacturers' sales tax, and the privatization of 23 of 61 Crown corporations including Air Canada and Petro-Canada. Although he places average or above average in rankings of Canadian prime ministers, his legacy remains controversial.

Mulroney, the Quebec-born, half-Irish “boy from Baie-Comeau” (a small-town in the French-speaking province), was a handsome, skilled politician with a gift for public speaking, was an ardent advocate of stronger U.S.-Canadian relations. And I would have love some "relations" with him.

The former Canadian prime minister who struck a free trade deal with the U.S. but whose legacy was marred his role in the resurgence of Quebec nationalism and accused of corruption in the Airbus affair, a scandal that came to light only several years after he left office. But unless that somehow resulted in him doing nude photo-shoots and porno’s on Older4Me (which it didn’t), I don’t really care about it. He’s a politician, so of course he’s got his hand in something shady. Mulroney died on February 29, 2024. His was survived by his wife and four children.

[lukedanger]

Owlcatober - Day 1 - Teatime

Galfrey’s parents had shown her many uses for teatime - a chance to relax and step away from formal affairs, or an opportunity to build a closer relationship with an ally. Like many things, it could serve a purpose that was not immediately obvious to those uninvolved in political affairs or who did not understand the personal bonds necessary for them. It could even be a tool, a carrot to offer to competing nobles seeking her attention to their petitions or wishing to appear closer to the crown.

Today, however, she intended to use it for something less political. Galfrey had specifically not worn her armor as she had done so often, instead wearing a relatively simple white surcoat with a side cut to show the red cotehardie beneath as she would in her own chambers in Nerosyan when she did not plan on public appearances. Though it would have been the height of fashion when her reign began, hard as it was for her Laya to believe as the squire helped her get it on.

Though she supposed she still looked fancily dressed compared to the angelic woman, this being a rather literal statement as of late rather than anything fanciful, sitting across from her. The Knight-Commander - Elaina - was wearing a simple blue dress, though now with a cut in the back to make room for her wings.

They were sitting at a window side table in Drezen’s citadel, in one of the studies on the upper floor. Galfrey had wanted to do something informal, and if she was honest she needed to try and be herself again.

“So, how is Arueshalae doing?”

Damn it, how was it that she sounded so stiff when asking? It was a perfectly normal question to ask about someone’s lover! Right?

Elaina smiled, setting her tea down as she did so. “Quite well, Que-” She caught herself. They were trying to do this without formality. “Galfrey. She is with Ember today, helping with some of the Redeemed Brotherhood.”

“You truly believe it can work?” Galfrey asked, then shook her head. “Forget I asked, Kn- Elaina. I did not want to discuss business today.”

Elaina nodded. “Of course. How is Irahai doing, with the civil war over?”

“Better,” Galfrey admitted, taking a sip of her own tea to think on how best to put her thoughts on it. “She is a strong leader in her own right, but after a century of me, and without any sort of mythic power to appear blessed? I fear they will not judge her on her own merits.”

Galfrey trailed off there as Elaina picked up her own tea to drink. The blend was at least pleasantly smelling - Konomi had secured herself a supply from her home city in distant Tian Xia, and had been willing to share it as an apology gift for the Royal Council’s hubris. It was a sweet taste, but remarkably soothing, though some of that may have been the herbs it was prepared with.

The silence continued on. Perhaps that was what they truly needed - there was a time for energy, for the two combining a century of experience with a new perspective and power to wage total war against Deskari’s armies and what remained in the field of Baphomet’s. And then there was a time to relax.

If only Galfrey knew what to do with it.

“How do you pass the time?” she finally asked, wincing as she realized she had blurted it out. “Not lately.”

“Before I became Knight-Commander?” Elaina removed the spoon from her tea, satisfied with the temperature and mixture it had cooled to. “Reading, usually. Sometimes talking with patrons at an inn I stayed at, or hitting the tourney field for practice. The only thing I can really do now is read, though.”

“You are now the Knight-Commander,” Galfrey nodded, “No one will spar with you out of fear that they will hurt you. They feel they are being judged when you want to talk with them.”

“Seelah and Wilcer are probably the closest to the average crusader I can regularly speak to,” Elaina admitted as she leaned back in the chair, leaning forward a bit to keep her wings clear. “Some days I wonder if I need to ask Arueshalae how she glamored herself just to walk through the market, or visit the tavern.”

I think I know what you mean, Galfrey realized as she took a sip. “Everyone stops what they are doing to watch you, or wonder what such an esteemed figure is doing among the likes of them.”

“Exactly, and these have not made it any easier,” Elaina tapped one of her two golden-white wings. “I imagine your crown does the same.”

“Not even that. Do you remember Irabeth, back at the Defender’s Heart?”

Elaina frowned a moment, putting a hand on her chin as she tried to remember. “She recognized you - recognized your voice.”

“That is what I always have to fear, when I try to go unnoticed. Or someone recognizing my face from the coins,” Galfrey explained, her thoughts drifting back to the march on Drezen. How little solace she had found in what she thought would be the chance to be a true warrior again. “There was one solace going by Kitrane, though.”

“What was it?”

“I could watch someone else struggle with leadership, and advise her.” Galfrey allowed herself to smile. “Perhaps that was what I had been missing for so long - someone I could consider a peer, who understood what I was going through.”

Galfrey watched as Elaina finished her current cup of tea, then poured another as she was mulling over how to answer that.

Am I putting too much on her? Galfrey wondered. She is so eager to help those in her lance, but isn’t that what friends are for? Am I being too presumptuous, especially after what I did?

Elaina finally spoke as she finished stirring the tea again and left it to cool. “Let’s see where this goes, then. So, how did Konomi end up as the Royal Council’s lackey?”

“I have been giving it some thought myself…” Galfrey admitted as she started to recount how Konomi had joined the court in Nerosyan. Maybe they just needed time to become comfortable with truly unrelated topics. Steady steps.

Perhaps next time, she could prepare better for it. Drezen did have a library, after all.

====

For those curious, this is what I was referencing when describing Galfrey's dress. Minus the hair decorations.

EDIT: Additionally, Ao3 link: Paladins and an Iconoclast (Owlcatober 2024) - Chapter 1 - Luke_Danger - Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous (Video Game) [Archive of Our Own]

[pink-princess-pussy-pop]

Focus - Edmund Pevensie Smut

MDNI!

Summary: You and Edmund haven't seen each other all day, making you two very touch starved.

Warnings: Language, smut

"Oh my lord."

You haven't seen Edmund all day. His side of the bed was empty when you had woken up, his morning meeting had gone into lunch, and you had a political affairs meeting with Susan during his break.

It's currently around 10pm and you are sitting in an armchair reading a book about Narnian history waiting for him to return from his evening meeting with Peter and Caspian. 

"Peter, how many bloody times have I told you? When I leave the meeting room, no work talk. It is ten bloody pm! We will handle it tomorrow!" Edmund's strong voice rings out in the hallway.

You don't hear Peter's reply as the door opens and closes. Edmund sighs as he removes his crown and cape, setting them on the dresser.

"Y/N you don't know how long of a day it has been. You look up at him, catching his flaring gaze already on yours.

Smiling, you set your book down before getting up and crossing to him. His hands immediately settle on your waist, bringing you closer before placing his lips on yours. Your hands travel up his chest, landing on his neck, deepening the kiss. You feel his hands glide up your back as he turns you around to pin you to the door. His mouth travels down your jaw to your neck as his arms dip down to pick you up. You mindlessly wrap your legs around his waist, bringing you to meet his height. 

He brings the two of you to your bed, setting you down and climbing on top of you. His lips sink to your neck, planting kisses from your jawline to your collarbone. The feeling gives you shivers and Edmund chuckles at your reaction to the simple gesture. His large hands find the bottom of your nightgown and bring it up over your head to pull it off. Even though you two had done this countless times, you never failed to feel embarrassed when he looks at you naked. His gaze meets yours, pure lust clouding his eyes. 

"You are the most fucking perfect person in the entire world." His kind words make you flush, covering your face with your hands. He guides them back down and kisses you. His hands travel up your bare torso, feeling every perfect curve and cherishing every ounce of skin he can touch.

His lips leave yours and find your neck once again, before traveling down to your chest. The anticipation causes a throb between your legs and you try and squeeze them together to obtain some sort of relief. Edmund catches this and quickly places his knee between your thighs, lightly brushing your core. 

You gasp at the sensation of his rough trousers rubbing the light cotton of your panties. His mouth finds your right breast, bringing the peak into his mouth, teeth grazing your nipple. You let out a strangled moan. Your hand clamps over your mouth, knowing Peter is in the next room. He rips your hand away from your face. 

"I don't fucking care if he hears. He kept you from me all day. He has to deal with the bloody consequences." He returns his attention to your chest, doing the same to your left breast.

His right-hand dips down to your inner thigh, bringing it up, closer to your core, his knuckles brushing up your covered folds. Your hips lift off the bed and he places his forearm down on your hips, keeping you still. His mouth retreats from your chest, placing a trail of kisses down your stomach and to your thighs. As he resettles himself between your legs, he kisses up and down your inner thighs. His nose brushes right over your core, the slick there dampening your undergarment. He brings his hands to the sides of your panties, guiding them down your legs before returning back to your throbbing heat.

His arm returns to your hips, placing just enough pressure to keep you still. His eyes meet yours and bloody hell. The site is erotic. His hungry gaze sends more shivers through your body as you feel his heavy breaths on you.

"If you cover up your pretty little sounds I will stop immediately and edge you until you beg me to let you come." The words shock you, sending another round of wetness to your core. His eyes glaze over at the sight. "Grab on to the headboard my darling." 

You obey as his perfect mouth makes contact with your slit, devouring you. You cannot help the animalistic sounds coming out of you. You know Peter is screaming into his pillow in the next room over but to you two? It's part of the fun.

Edmunds's tongue finds your clit, bringing it into his mouth and sucking. You let out a wild moan and despite the arm on your waist, your hips buck off of the bed before he slams them back down. His eyes flash to yours as he growls into your core, the vibrations sending a new sensation into your sex. You throw your head back, a long scream ripping from your body and your hand leaves the headboard, landing in his hair, shoving him further into your arousal. His tongue makes small, delectable circles on your clit, dipping down to your entrance to taste you. You feel your orgasm building as his tongue sinks inside of you. You scream as you come all the while Edmund is licking you clean, showing no signs of mercy or stopping. 

The hand not holding you down works its way between your legs. As his mouth continues to devour you, his thumb works its way to your slit, slipping into you for a millisecond. 

Another string of moans leaves your mouth, pushing Edmund's head even further into you. He pushes his index finger into you, the wonderful feeling doubling. 

"Ah- Edmund, please-." A smile creeps on his face as he continues to push his fingers into you.

Suddenly, the sensation you felt moments before disappears as Edmund draws his hand back.

"Wha- why did you stop?" Panting, you look at Edmund with flushed cheeks. His dark figure towers over you, his hair damp with sweat. He's beautiful, and the desire on his face sends a fresh wave of heat in between your thighs. Edmund smirks before leaning down to whisper in your ear.

"Are you ready for something a little bigger, my love?"

Your cheeks flush and he grins wickedly.

"Don't tell me you're nervous." He unfastens his pants, maintaining eye contact with you. You wait with bated breath as he climbs on top of you.

He lines himself up with your entrance, pushing in the tiniest bit, wanting to make you wait even more.

"Edmund..." You whisper, pleading with him to just do it already.

"Yes?" It is hard to focus when his strong arms are by your head, his toned body hovering over you, his handsome face is above you, and of course when his dick is just barely inside you.

You glare at him.

He laughs, pushing into you, coaxing a long moan out of you. Edmund groans into your neck, loving the feeling of you around him. He starts pumping into you, his arm muscles flexing by your head, and for a moment you are grateful for all of the training he does.

"Focus, M'Lady." The nickname brings you back to reality and you find him smirking at you, the sheen of sweat across his forehead making him look devilishly handsome. His head falls into your shoulder, moaning into your skin. "Tell me you were thinking about me just now." As if he were jealous, his pace quickens, making you whine and grasp for him more. His pace is brutal, you can't form coherent sentences.

"Yes- fuck Edmund. Oh my god. Only... You. Only you." His teeth sink into your neck. "Fuck!" Your hands tangle into his hair, pulling him closer to you.

He brings his mouth to yours, capturing you in a kiss. You both moan into the kiss, nearing your highs.

Edmund's thrusts become sloppy as he loses control.

With a final push into you, you both come, a wave of pleasure washing over the two of you. He pulls away from your mouth, grinning at you.

"Bloody brilliant." You laugh as he rolls off of your body, pulling you to him. "You're so bloody brilliant."

:)

[seraphluv]

⠀⠀🪸⋆ adisorn nerina; crown 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠 of nymbralis !!

.ೃ࿔ , a mermaid found a swimming lad, picked him for her own, pressed her body to his body, laughed; and plunging down forgot in cruel happiness that even lovers drown.

.͙͘͡★ a private, closed verse of adisorn "adi" chakrii nerina, written for orionverse. follow the crown princess on a journey of self-expression, letting go of pre-dated ideas, exploring the skies, taking your first step on dry land & giving love a chance. — encompassed by the 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐎𝐍 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 , like the 𝐒𝐄𝐀 hugs the 𝐌𝐎𝐎𝐍.

⋆ story : adisorn chakrii, otherwise known as adisorn nerina, is the current standing crown princess of nymbralis, second in line for the throne to her brother. she is known across the realm of nymbralis for her beauty and quiet, reserved nature, along with her particular gift in healing. although nymbras are a closed off, somewhat secretive community, adisorn is spoken about between hushed whispers and sung in drunken songs within the many taverns across orion, and spoken as if she is the crowned jewel of the house of nerina; one is considered eternally lucky to set their eyes on her. from pouring her powers into nymbralis' many healing coral reefs, to attending foreign affairs to be 'easy on the eyes' during talks smothered with tension, to going on walks throughout the realm with her promised husband of house celesmaris, there is rarely a time she has a moment to herself, but, in the quiet of her pearly white room at the top of the east tower, adisorn wishes, hopes for a life she's never had; one filled with adventure.

⋆ appearance : adisorn was born "traditionally" male, but identifies as female since her 16th birthday, and is referred to as such; gender is not upheld to such high standards in nymbralis. she is slightly below in height (roughly 5'4), and is thin in her build. her hair is a washed out brown, her lower nape fins bringing flashes of iridescent green between sections, and the fins on her ears are quite large, iridescent and sea foam green in color. unlike other traditional kelpian mermaids, adisorn's tail is sea foam green in color due to her proximity to the surface, as well as her eyes that are big, and doll-like in nature. the scales across her skin glitter under both sun and moonlight, but only hug her waist and shoulders, and her nails, although longer than the usual human, are kept well trimmed and tidy. adisorn primarily stays within her mermaid form, so when she does change to her humanoid form, her skin is nearly clear of any scales manifesting, though her hands are webbed, translucent in color.

more tba over time.

[boricuacherry-blog]

[mikaelsrose]

Reyna x Tyril Headcanons

A/n: some headcanons are more mature than others, but there's nothing explicit, just a mention. Reader discretion is advised, nonetheless.

REYNA'S BOARD | TYRIL'S BOARD

BASIC INFORMATION

Name: Reyna (House Moonstone, elven Ránasarn)

Meaning of name: “Counsel,” “Queen,” “Pure”

Nickname: Rey-Rey, Reiny, Rey, Rey of Sunshine

Species: Human

Age: 24

Date of birth: April 6

Reyna was born during April’s full moon, often referred to as the Pink Moon. Although the name has nothing to do with the colour of the moon but the bloom of pink moss, being born on this date is considered good luck.  

Orientation: Demisexual ("experiencing sexual feelings and attraction only after developing a close emotional relationship")

Love interest: Tyril Starfury

Weapon of choice: Bows

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Height: 170 cm (5’7)

Eye colour: Hazel

Skin tone: Pale olive

Hair: Wavy, dark brown/(later) caramel honey blonde

HISTORY

Hometown: Little village north of Port Parnassus; Riverbend 

First memory: The neighbour, Nesta, an elderly meat merchantess, teaching her to weave a flower crown. When the girl failed, Nesta placed her own crown on Reyna's head and invited her and Kade for elk stew. At that time, Reyna was 6, and only started meeting the residents of Riverbend who, although kind, were usually busy with their own affairs and did not pay too much attention to the farmer’s new orphans, which is why Reyna remembered the merchantess as kind, considerate, and a maternal figure. She tries to visit her grave at least once a year to leave a bouquet of flowers and talk to her, hoping Nesta can still hear her.   

Religion: Having grown up the way she did, Reyna was never properly introduced to any religion, and until she met Nia, she believed the stories about the Light were just that—stories. Despite discovering the gift in herself, she did not consider herself religious or spirited until she escaped the Shadow Realm and learned that Tyril reconnected with the elven gods. Desperate and lost, she began to pray with him every other night, until she memorised the formula, finding comfort and reassurance in the repetitive, calming activity.  

FAMILY

Parents: Althea (birth mother), Melvys of House Moonstone (birth father), Vrann (adoptive father)

In the year of Reyna's absence, Tyril and Kade would spend many hours together in the library searching for clues and potential leads that would, hopefully, take them to the Shadow Realm. After two months of scrutinous daily work, Kade stumbled across an ornate, although worn-out, journal that drew his attention so much that he stayed up all night accompanying Tyril. At that point, it was only an unverified journal, but the information it contained was groundbreaking for his sister. The title page was covered in elegant, ornate handwriting that Tyril recognised as the same calligraphy, and even the same ink, used by the elves of Undermount that stated: "Abridged History of House Ránasarn. Property of Lord Melvys of House Ránasarn." From the journal they learned that the owner, Lord Melvys, was the son of an exiled couple of House Moonstone, he married a tutoress from Port Parnassus, and they settled down near the outskirts of Riverbend in a modest but homey house. The couple had two children—a boy, Ásvaldr, and a girl—Reyna. They lived modestly but were never hungry or dirty, Lord Melvys was never bitter about the elves’ treatment of his father, although he was falsely accused of practising shadow magic and even dabbling in necromancy and exiled without trial. House Moonstone ceased to exist once the only heir was exiled. According to the author, the couple was very happy, and the children were healthy, polite, and very protective of each other. The last entry was entirely devoted to Lord Melvys’ thoughts and speculations about his daughter who, as he believed, was capable of magic which is only natural for elves (and their descendants), even though Reyna (unlike her brother) took entirely after her human mother. Melvys himself never used magic as nobody taught him and his father refused to do it after his exile, but he knew he had the gift. 

Siblings: Kade (adoptive brother), Ásvaldr (birth brother)

PERSONALITY

Qualities: adventurous, courageous, persistent, sensitive, broad-minded, charismatic, compassionate, impatient, quick-witted, opinionated, and at times snappy

Nervous ticks: tugging at her earlobes or the front strands of her hair 

Mannerisms: biting her lower lip, drumming fingers on a surface, hugging as a greeting, standing with arms crossed or hands on hips, Northern accent reminiscent of Low Elven

HEADCANONS

Although she used to use her seduction skill often, once Tyril and her started flirting she refrained from using it, which resulted in her mastering the charisma skill. 

Tyril is Reyna's first boyfriend—despite making out with the mayor's son, she didn't want to go further as she believed the relationship was pointless and didn't feel right. She ended things between them the day after they were caught, and focused on her work and supporting Kade ever since. 

Despite growing up in Riverbend and not having any particularly bad memories from there, she hopes she'll never have to live there again. Ideally, she'd love to settle down in Whitetower near her friends or with Tyril in Undermount. 

Before setting out on the adventure, she worked at a tavern as a waitress and taught archery a few days a week. She also voluntarily aided Kade with writing his ballads and securing performances. 

The murder of her parents always heavily bore on her heart and she would spend countless hours in the local library and talking with people all over town in search of any information, unfortunately without any luck. 

Reyna treats Adrina as her own sister. When the group visited Undermount, Adrina swung by her room one evening to chat, and they ended up gossiping all night, bonding almost immediately. 

She often thinks of Tyril's dad's words ("You remind me of an old friend"), wondering if the information she gained from an elderly couple living in the southern part of Riverbend was true. The woman, Sereia, told her that back in the day a young couple with a small girl and a bit older boy would sometimes visit and spend time in the nearby woods, that they were incredibly polite but one day they just stopped coming.

Despite living close to a forest and often chasing Kade with a bug in her hands as a child, Reyna's terrified of spiders and bats. 

As a kid, she was bullied. It was when Kade got very sick and couldn't attend school, and she was left to fend for herself. Reyna used to be shy and kept to herself, which is what made her an easy target, and since her older brother wasn't there to protect her, she became the target of a well-known bully. 

TYRIL HEADCANONS

Tyril’s 196cm (6’5) tall. Reyna can (and does, occasionally) climb him like a tree. 

He swears. When he's annoyed by someone (Mal), he calls that person (Mal) an idiot in elven. There is so much anger in him that I will never believe he doesn't swear. 

Although he's fluent in Common, he sometimes forgets certain words and becomes very frustrated. That's when he tends to swear most often. 

He has an accent. It's been my headcanon for years that the residents of Undermount speak with an RP British accent when speaking Common, which is just a bit more posh version of the accent of the Valleros family, but I imagine he has a slight Elven accent as well, especially with words that have the "th" fricative. The reason for that is simple—there is no such sound in Elven, and they tend to struggle with this consonant, which they usually pronounce as a hard "t."

Elves' ears twitch when they are happy, relaxed, excited, or try to hear low noise. They are also very sensitive to touch. 

Given how old he is and that he's an important noble in Undermount, and that he himself admitted he used to be stuck up, harsh, and opportunistic, I think it's fair to say he took advantage of the romantic advances of other noblewomen. The headcanon is that Tyril is sexually experienced, which fits into the idea that elves are not sexually monogamous.

Tyril is…concupiscent. Look, he is young, attractive, and has the means. This headcanon actually dates back to 2021, and at this point, I treat it as canon. 

Before he left Undermount, he used to be a very pious adherent of Light. Tyril would spend a lot of time in the Starfury Manor's Chapel of Light, praying, meditating, or simply relaxing in its serenity. Until Reyna's disappearance, he never asked for anything, aware that Gods are not djinns who exist to listen to his alms and make his wishes come true; however, in his desperation, he begged them on his knees for help, for any sign she was still alive. When his hope waned, he continued meditating, although in a manner reminiscent of the one pre-exile. However, he always remembered to end every meditation with a short prayer for Reyna. 

After his partner's kidnapping, he used to struggle with nightmares. When he went back to Undermount after three months of research in the capital, he would stay up as long as possible to avoid seeing the images of Reyna suffering. He could resolve this problem with a simple spell, but he also felt guilty for not being able to help her, which is why he endured it without a word. He had to be reminded to eat, and some days even forced by his little sister—and as much as it pained her to see her brother in such a state, she knew forcing him to eat and look for positives was vital to keep him alive.

Tyril is a total boob guy. 

RELATIONSHIP HEADCANONS

Reyna used to worry a lot about not being good enough for Tyril, given that he's a wealthy, very well-educated noble, and she's just a commoner from a small town, and Tyril would reassure her until she finally believed him that he doesn't care about their titles. 

They kissed for the first time while stargazing at the edge of Deadwood. That's when they couldn't deny the chemistry between them any more and just went for it. 

Tyril never goes to sleep before Reyna, he always has to make sure she's safe and isn't bothered by any nightmares before he can relax himself.

Tyril is the most likely to sleep either half-naked or completely naked, even when it’s cold. He is also the least likely to feel cold out of the whole group—he says it’s the chilly Undermount weather that toughens the elves up.

They’re still in the honeymoon phase of their relationship, aka lots of laughs, happiness, intimacy, and wanting to spend every second of the day together.  

They always fight for the duvet, since Tyril is a notorious duvet-stealer. Reyna, on the other hand, is a notorious butt-slapper. 

The evening after Kaya’s burial, Tyril asked Reyna to join him and his family for a prayer vigil, and that’s when they got to know each other better. Before Tyril went to his room, his dad pulled him aside and told him he had made a good choice. Tyril got flustered at the time, but when Reyna offered to spend the night with him and ended up comforting him until they fell asleep, he realised how right his father was. 

(I headcanon that the last chapter of book 1 and the first chapter of book 2 are a week apart, not a day) After coming back from the Shadow Realm and having attended the official audience with the king, Reyna got really sick. She did not think much of it at first, but Imtura pointed out that perhaps she was not just sick, and having done her maths, Reyna had a serious pregnancy scare. It turned out to be just an ugly case of the flu, caused by the pile-up of stressful events she’d experienced. To this day, Imtura and Tyril are the only ones to know about it.

Tag list: @starlight-starfury @cashweasel @brycesgirl @lazypartridge @watatsumi-island @sophie-summer @lilyoffandoms @agattthaa @secret-fungi @megas-choices @erixafleur @mila-bee @choicesficwriterscreations @choicesbookclub @choicesoctober (if you wish to be added/removed, let me know!)

[thevanillerose]

TRAINING | GLADIOLUS x READER | FFXV

~ WRITING COMMISSIONS ~ ~ PATREON ~ ~ KO-FI ~

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not own anything except my own writing. All properties belong to their respective creators.

“Hey, time to get up sleepy head!” “Mnn...” “C'mon princess, you'll have plenty time to doze later...” “Jes...just...one more minute...”

THWACK. “OW!”

You jolted up like you were on a spring, and quickly shoved his heavy boot away from your side. He hadn't kicked you hard, you were more irritated by the fact that he had pulled you out of such a nice dream. Riding a Chocobo through a field of fluffy white cotton. Ah...you could just...lay back down and...drift away again...

“Ah ah ah, you're not gonna slip that one by me. Come on-” A strong hand took you by the arm and hoisted you up before you had a chance to even open your eyes properly. Rubbing the sleep from them as you were sent stumbling forth and out of the tent flaps, you finally came to enough to turn and give him a good glare.

The man who woke you up was Gladiolus Amicitia- the trusted and loyal bodyguard for Prince Noctis. He stood tall in the sunlight...though he always stood tall, whatever the weather. Hard not to when you were pushing 6'6”. And if his height wasn't notable enough, his muscles certainly were. To say the guy worked out would be an understatement.

Amber eyes smirked back at you, and you scoffed, running a hand through your messy [H/C] hair so you could at least smooth it down. Yes, much like the Crown Prince himself, you were bad for sleeping in. However, Gladio hadn't even given you time to get ready, much less compose yourself. And you needed to. He was training you this morning...and training with him was really no joke.

“Remember what I taught you last time?” he walked over and slapped his palm down around your shoulder. You just looked up at him sourly. “I barely remember my own name right now.” He just laughed heartily. It was hard not to cheer up a bit when he did. His happy moments may not have been as infectious as Prompto's, but it was always nice to see such a tough man smile. Really, he wasn't so bad.

Gladio had been training you like this every morning for the past week while you camped out in Duscae, but it wasn't out of cruelty. If anything, it was the opposite.

You were more of a tactician than anything else, and sometimes you really felt tacked on to this party. Even being sent to accompany and protect Prince Noctis had been a last minute affair. Not that you were complaining...it was far better to be here than back in Insomnia.

You were still shaken by the news. And Noct...well...you tried not to ever talk about it with him.

Gladio only wanted you to feel like you were of more use, since you had told him you'd felt you weren't of any. He was looking out for you by doing this...as torturous as it could be having to wake up at the break of dawn and start exerting yourself. Regardless, you were grateful.

“C'mon princess, let's get going before the others wake up. You wanna be back in time for Ignis' famous breakfast, right?” Gladiolus attempted to spur you on with the promise of food, and yes, shamefully, it was enough to get you going. Letting him lead the way down off the camping plateau and toward the marshy plains, you jogged lightly after him, but soon picked up the pace enough to become level with the guy.

A little sweat was already gathering on your brow but you tried not to make a big deal of it. It would be true to say that part of you wanted to impress him. When it came to anything physical he was always the king, and you at least wanted to keep up in some respects.

Eventually you reached your destination, which was one of the fishing shacks arranged around the edges of the vast lake there. Coming to a stop by the mirror-esque water, you caught sight of yourself reflected within it. All hunched over with your hands on your knees like that and your hair strewn haphazardly around your face, you couldn't help grimacing.

So what? You were spending one-on-one time with an objectively attractive male. Who could really blame you for wanting to look presentable?

Quickly fixing yourself, you then turned and exhaled slowly, seeing that Gladio was already standing there ready and waiting to start the next phase of training. The run here was only meant as a warm up. Here was where the real tricky stuff started.

You called it 'tricky' because you really weren't a fighter. Sure, you could handle the daggers you carried well enough, but you were still distinctly lacking when it came to combat. Gladio was here to help you gain that sharp edge...to become more capable. You hoped.

“Let's pick up where we left off last time.” he cracked his knuckles, though it was for preparation, not intimidation. “You need to learn to become more aware of your surroundings. Half of combat is all about blocking. If you go crazy just trying to get in a hit anywhere you can, you'll not only tire yourself out, but you'll leave yourself completely open for a counterstrike.” This was all knowledge you could have inferred yourself, but you still listened to him intently as he carried on: “The key is timing. Knowing when to attack, and knowing when to shield yourself. Now-”

Suddenly, his fist swung. You gasped and stumbled back a step, quickly throwing up your arm in a clumsy fashion. Naturally he didn't plan on actually hitting you, but his knuckle still came close enough to give you a scare. Pulling back again, Gladio took another step towards you and laid his hand upon your shoulder once more, making sure you were steady. “See, now that's an issue. And it was only hand to hand too. You'll definitely struggle if you try to block a sword like that.”

Most certainly in the case of the one he carried. No innuendo intended.

“Right...okay...” you sighed heavily. A bout of weariness hit you again but you quickly shook your head to get rid of the sensation. Gladiolus didn't seem to notice, instead just carrying on with his lesson.

“Let me show you the best way of doing this. Take out your daggers for me.”

Doing as he asked, you placed them in his palm when he held it out expectantly. Lifting the weapons to his eyeline, Gladio then felt the blade of one between his thumb and forefinger, before humming and nodding.

“Yeah, it's strong enough alright.” “Strong enough for what?” Your innocently phrased question prompted a live demonstration from the man. And you didn't feel quite so innocent when he stood behind you and pressed up against your back.

It was in moments like these that you really noticed how small you were compared to him. You weren't actually that tiny for a girl, but you were practically a gnat in comparison to someone like Gladio. His strong and muscled arms looped around in front of your chest, though didn't wrap around you. Rather, he had only positioned himself in such a way so that he could take your hands in his and help guide the glinting blades. Even his hands alone seemed to engulf yours...

“See, if you cross them like this-” Gladio moved your limbs so that blade was against blade, forming something of an 'X' shape, “-it'll act as a makeshift shield for you. Blocking a two handed beast like this still isn't ideal, but it gives you an option if you don't have the time or speed to roll aside.”

As you stared up at the two intertwined blades, you could see the sun shining boldly through the gap. The heat from those golden rays beat down upon your already sweating face, and you squinted. Your vision started to blur, your knees wobbling.

Suddenly the sky was rolling around you. A mix of blues and greens shot through your vision, until you felt the middle of your back hit something firm. The sight before you was replaced by a sudden darkness, and your eyes fell heavy before closing...

Some time passed, yet for you it was an instant. Those same eyes of yours began to flicker, letting in little glimpses of far more filtered light, before eventually opening enough to let you see the canopy of leaves above. At your side, your palm ventured out to help push you up, gracing over a soft, cool fabric, set down against the slightly moist grass. Though you managed to urge yourself to sit, something quickly took hold of your shoulder.

You knew that motion anywhere.

Looking over, you could see Gladiolus sitting on the same navy blue blanket, his arm outstretched to hold you steady. His sharp amber eyes never left your weary visage for a second.

“Easy there...just take it slow.” he urged you cautiously, before gently letting his hand slip away when he was sure you were sitting fine. Blinking a few more times to clear away the last spots of drowsiness, you observed the gruff man with a furrowed brow.

“...What...what happened?” “You fainted.” he stated simply, turning his attention away from you momentarily to focus on the pot of food he was stirring, before looking back again. “It was my fault. I think I pushed you too much, too soon.” “No that's...that's what I wanted though...” you spoke drearily and shook your head in what felt like slow motion. Clearly you still weren't totally together after that ordeal, but at least you were in the shade.

Gladiolus must have caught you when you collapsed. Good thing he was standing right there, eh?

“Doesn't matter what you wanted, I should have seen it coming. Obviously you were already at your limit.” Gladiolus continued to scold himself while he spooned up some soup and motioned closer. His hand went to your lower back and he held the spoon before your lips. “Open up. Ignis made this for you.”

Usually you would have been internally freaking out at this point. Every time he touched you during training you always felt a bit of a spark anyway, but here he really was treating you like the 'princess' he affectionately called you (even though you were far from royalty). However, you were still so woozy that you merely did as he wanted with little reaction, opening your mouth and letting him feed you. It was delicious of course, as could be expected from the delicacy master himself- Ignis. Though a worrying thought came to mind as he helped you eat, and between your second and third spoonful you had to ask:

“-Did the other boys find out about this then?” “What, about you fainting?” Gladiolus smirked and shook his head. “Don't worry, I had a feeling you'd want to save face. I just told them you wanted to have breakfast down by the lake since it looked so nice. They didn't suspect a thing.”

Good. Relieved, you started to relax a little more. Your strength returned enough to let you finish the soup yourself, and once you had you felt magnanimously better. Finally, you were human again.

“That was awful. Dammit...why am I so weak?” you questioned curtly, and Gladiolus took his turn to frown. “[Y/N], you're not weak. Not even slightly. Do you think we could have come this far if you were?” He had a point. You were already well underway on your journey, and it wasn't like it had always been a piece of cake. Still... “I need to be stronger than this. I need to get stronger so I can protect the Prince...”

Yes. Maybe you did. But as Gladio looked at you, he didn't see a single thing he really wanted to change. At first he could admit that he had doubted how useful you would be as part of the Crownsguard. Yet over time he had come to see just how important you were to the team. You were incredibly smart, and quick thinking. You had a knack for knowing what to do even in the most baffling situations. Just as a good defence was as important as a good attack, it was also crucial to have that kind of clarity at your disposal.

Besides...that wasn't the only thing he had started to notice about you. You had many other notable assets too...and as you sat there in the mottled shade of the lakeside tree, he saw one of them very clearly. A gentle, tender smile had spread across your lips and in turn illuminated the rest of your features. Sometimes he doubted it was possible you could look any prettier, yet in that moment you perhaps looked the most beautiful he had ever seen you.

“Thank you, Gladio. For helping me so much. I promise I'll do better next time...” “Don't...don't worry about it.” Did he just stutter? Stumble over his words? Hell, he even rubbed the back of his neck like a sheepish schoolboy. Gladiolus quickly composed himself again though. Right now wasn't the right time for that. Right now he wasn't ready to reveal anything of that nature.

“You can take a day off tomorrow, and then we'll carry on after that.” he told you, to which you nodded affirmatively. “Sounds good.”

That was right. For the moment...he just had to focus.

In a way...he was training himself too.

[oblivions-dawn]

𝐖𝐲𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐰𝐞; 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝

─[✦]─ ❝ɪ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅɴ’ᴛ ᴘᴏssɪʙʟʏ ᴘᴀss ᴜᴘ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏᴘᴘᴏʀᴛᴜɴɪᴛʏ ᴛᴏ sᴇᴇ ᴛʜᴇᴍ ғᴀɪʟ.❞ ─[✦]─

Age: 26-29 Pronouns: She/Her Gender: Female Sexuality: Polyamorous Pansexual Height: 6'2 Birthsign: The Tower Race: Altmer Class: Charmer/Whip-Thrasher Alliances: Thieves Guild of Riften Family: Sivrien - Father [alive]; Joriael - Mother [alive]; Elindil - Brother [alive]; Lyathel - Sister [alive]; Finnien - Brother [alive]; Rulve - Sister [alive] Love Interests: Karliah [romantic]; Sapphire [romantic/sexual]; Vex & Svana [previous]; Brynjolf [business]

For lore and extras, please peruse under the cut below!

𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐞;

Wynn was the third child born to an upper class family in Lillandril, who were rich due to their shipbuilding business. As a middle child, she was often overlooked by her parents and overshadowed by her older, more successful siblings. She had a cousin that she often played--and got into trouble--with. At a young age she had a tendency to steal jewellery from extended family members, a habit that she perfected over the years. Eventually, her mother tried to set her up with a high-ranking Thalmor Justicar, and Wynn realised that her previously enjoyed freedom was in jeopardy. In secret, she had a ship built and hired a crew, then took to the seas to become a pirate--and to live the free life she so desired. After many years sailing the ocean, Wynn was caught and jailed in Windhelm. Her first mate rescued her, only to inform her that her ship had been destroyed and her crew had disbanded. Disheartened by this news, Wynn went to Riften in search of refuge. After Wynn worked in Haelga's Bunkhouse for some months, her underhanded thieving had grabbed the attention of Brynjolf after Haelga complained. Now Wynn happily steals on behalf of the Thieves Guild--and gets paid for it, too.

𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐬;

❂ Wynnarwe makes an appearance in my sequel fanfiction, Breathless, in Chapter 6, The Gathering Storm, and Chapter 7, A Delicate Extraction. ❂ Her full name is Wynnarwe Elsinael ‘len Joriael Taena Anaelion ‘ata Sivrien Kaenoril Ranimare ‘cal Camahl-Thramire. ❂ Wynn had a brief love affair with Svana Fair-Shield, which earned her extreme disapproval from Haelga. Despite that, she still, occasionally, visited Svana--until the auburn informed Wynn that she and Ingun had unexpectedly become an item. ❂ She also slept with Brynjolf. For business reasons, of course. ❂ She typically uses her whip or whatever is on hand in the moment to fight if she has no other choice. This has led her to use silverware and even a stick in previous situations. ❂ Wynn owns a manor in Riften that has secret access to Shadowfoot Sanctum, which grants her a more discreet and direct entry into The Ragged Flagon. ❂ During discussions with Nocturnal, Wynn offered herself up as a consort rather than a guardian of the Skeleton Key after she dies. To everyone's surprise, the Daedric Prince found this amusing, and agreed. ❂ Wynn's flower crown has gold kanet flowers, juniper berries, and redwort flowers. ❂ She's ambidextrous--and incredibly proud of this fact. ❂ Wynn's eyes are akin to jaspilites. ❂ She's gone through the most character changes. She was originally blonde, then brunette, then blonde again. She also used to be named Aerwynn. ❂ She had a drink with Sanguine once. Although it was supposed to be A Night to Remember, she doesn't remember much at all--only the headache of a quest that followed. ❂ After Sapphire gifted her with a gem of the same name, Wynnarwe had Madesi craft an earring with it, which she wears all the time.

For information on other OCs, you can find them under Senu's Skyrim OCs! If you'd like to see fanart of Wynnarwe, browse her tag on my blog!