#crown of thorns AU

[izuizzy]

Now that the fic is out! Please enjoy the refs of Shadow and Amy for Crown of Thorns!!! 😈🙌🏼

do not repost/edit/reference/use these au designs

[pumpkinnning]

wrote 1644 for the first time with @12romy it's been a blast working on it and got me hype for writing again after a long slump 🥰

your crown of thorns, your sword of ages is a Fantasy Renaissance arranged marriage AU with drama, intrigue, mind games, messed up kinky fantasy catholicism, and two very clever people trying to out-manipulate each other and instead catching feelings in the most unfortunate way possible ✨️✨️ ft. squire Franco, unhinged Oscar, dead wife Seb, sapphic assassins, magic duels and much much more 🌹👑⚔️

hope you enjoy <3

[12romy]

I think google is homophobic, it doesn't allow pretty boys to be asked for a dance so it's trying to turn him into a girl :((

[heathfall]

Crown of Thorns (Warriors AU)

(or, one of those AUs I write in @badgerstep's DMs)

Welcome to Crown of Thorns. Apologies if this is a little clunky in formatting-- I rarely-if-ever spell out my AUs for people to see.

Crown of Thorns is an AU/rewrite focusing on what if the "brambles with claws" dream in Sunset (which is what sparked Firestar to give Brambleclaw the deputyhood, despite not having had an apprentice) was actually meant for Thornclaw.

(The dream was described as "Every branch bristled with thorns and, as Leafpool looked closer, she saw that they weren’t thorns at all, but cats’ claws, strong and curved and pointing outward to keep out ThunderClan’s enemies." I misread it as being for Thornclaw when I first read Sunset and was pretty miffed when it was for Brambleclaw, who wasn't even eligible for the deputyhood.)

It also focuses on Brambleclaw realizing how awful he was (to Squirrelflight and everyone in general) in trying to fulfill his ambitions, learning how to break the cycle Tigerstar had him and Hawkfrost in, and re-learning what it means to be a true warrior.

General CWs will include canon-typical deaths and violence, canon-typical Brambleclaw interactions with Squirrelflight, and Tigerstar being abusive to his kids even after he's dead. More CWs will be added and tagged as and where they come up.

Crown of Thorns will run through the end of Sunset (The New Prophecy), likely cover After Sunset: The Right Choice?, and may extend into the Power of Three and beyond if and when I feel like writing it. The tag for it will be #crown of thorns au.

It'll be posted both here and on AO3 (I'm also heathfall there). Not even going to try and promise a consistent upload schedule, because I'm a dual BS/MS in Biology and my finals are in less than a month.

Once again, shoutout to @badgerstep for not only naming this AU but helping work out the bugs and letting me write in his DMs

My asks, comments, and reblogs are open if anyone has any questions!

Omen dream rewrite/starting point under the break point:

Every branch bristled with thorns and, as Leafpool looked closer, she saw that they weren’t thorns at all, but cats’ claws, strong and curved and pointing outward to keep out ThunderClan’s enemies.

Bramble claws! Her initial thought filled her with dread. Brambleclaw was a strong warrior, but he was young, often abrasive and rude, and had not yet had an apprentice. Besides, he met often with Hawkfrost and Tigerstar, training and talking until sunrise. Surely, he would not be the cat StarClan chose to be their deputy, not when it would break the code that guided them.

Leafpool took a closer look at the wall. It rose high and foreboding. A second warrior came to mind. Thorns made of claws. Was Thornclaw the warrior they had chosen? He was often headstrong and an argumentative furball, but he was a loyal member of the Clan and had been for several seasons. Unlike Brambleclaw, he had had several apprentices and had guided the Clan well through the destruction of the forest and the Great Journey, even when Shrewpaw died. The thought of him being deputy drained her dread. He would learn and grow to be a strong deputy.

She woke up at peace with her dream. She had prayed for a sign from StarClan, and she got one. Thornclaw would lead ThunderClan well and serve them loyally and faithfully.

As she left her den, she saw her Clanmates keeping their vigil for Graystripe. There would be no body for the elders to carry away and bury. She wondered if Graystripe would ever find StarClan, so far away from the Clans. She padded quietly to her father's den by the Highledge. It was nearly moonhigh and nearly time to name the new deputy. She had to let him know who StarClan had chosen.

[povertygoblin]

💜🖤 Just a sketchy little doodle for my “Crown of Thorns” Au! 🤍💚

[heathfall]

IM NOT READY EITHER

IM OUT HERE CONNECTING DOTS IN AN ARC THAT HASNT EVEN HAPPENED YET

y’all are NOT ready for the shit @heathfall has planned for CoT au it’s so fucking juicy

[crimeronan]

was listening to wonderful nothing (glass animals song about toxic relationships) and I think what always gets me about the way you describe devin and nova is like. they ARE soulmates. it’s part of why their relationship is so fucked up and awful - they do, in fact, have a sort of innate chemistry and connection, and they use it to be uniquely and personally awful to each other. you’ve got me so fucked up about guys I’ve never even met LMAO

yes!!!! yes yes yes!!!! they are soulmates!! and i have such overall disdain for the concept of soulmates as An Always Positive Thing that the response to that is just. "uh oh"

they're like.... i think one of the best ways to conceptualize their early dynamic and how things Went So Fucking Wrong is if i say they're a lot like princess AU luz and hunter, in a lot of ways. nova as this eternally-innocent beacon of light inheriting a world built on atrocities, devin as the exhausted and ill partner who's eternally subservient, but whose pain is nonetheless eased by nova's presence...

nova makes devin laugh when devin is a person who doesn't laugh easily. devin brings nova comfort and surety when she's lost in a world made of lies. there's a warm history and a familiarity and an ease to their relationship.

but. devin wants to tear down every single construct that's hurt her and, more relevantly, allowed nova to have power over her.

nova..... doesn't want to give that up.

the thing about knowing someone inside and out is that you have everything you need to hurt them. most people don't do that, bc knowing someone inside and out comes from loving them. but if your spouse keeps standing in the way of everything you are and everything you want and everything you've done.... well!

[sazanes]

Day 1 - Culture/Festivals

It's The Royal Romance but in the world of The Crown and The Flame

Thank you @kiaratheronappreciationweek and @lizzybeth1986 🥰🥰🥰

[pikos-den]

drew my three lil crownbearers,,, this was fun

[viktorgf]

—and all that i’ve learned is that everything burns.

emma. @red-nightskies. baby. i’m talking to you like an italian mobster rn kissing you on the cheeks and holding ur hands. i am absolutely obsessed with your mind and your talent and i will give you the world. this oslo/faith piece will live in infamy in my brain cs you have captured the vibes so immaculately of faith and her hand of god i am on the floor. thank u so much for this MWAH MWAH

[izuizzy]

I’m cooking (writing another au fic lol)

[dalliansss]

Hogwarts AU by me and @skaelds

Let’s start with ✨Finrod✨ of course

Part-Veela (Indis is a Veela)

Slytherin

Same year with Curufinwë

Wand: rosewood, 14”, werewolf fang core

Prefect and eventually Head Boy (much to Curufin’s chagrin)

Has friends from all Houses

Not into Quidditch

From a purely magical family

Specializes in: potions, muggle studies, occlumency

Other good subjects: herbology; care of magical creatures, defense against the dark arts, charms, history of magic

Best skills: potion brewing, occlumency, charms and enchantments

Eventual job: ministry of magic; muggle liasons department (1st job out of school)

We’ll add the rest of the family later hahaha

[12romy]

Absolutely loving your and @pumpkinnning ‘s new fic!!! Fantasy aus are my favorite and chewie just fit so perfectly into this world. Am so excited to see them trying to manipulate the other but catching feelings along the way … and super excited for their first face to face meeting and for lewis to see if charles really is the most beautiful man in the world (he is)

Awwww thank you so much anon, this is so sweet of you!!!!! The first time meeting... damn, might have to wait a bit, me and Leo do tend to stretch things out on our own so when we write together it's even worse XD

But yeah, their first meeting is gonna be memorable for sure ;)

[thebear7777]

Am I insane?

Yesssiiir

Did I join a map with no animation experience?

Yessssiiiiirrrrrr

Anyways have some au shit because I am stable

[heathfall]

Leafpool's Sacrifice (Crown of Thorns AU)

Three kits are born on a cold winter's day to ThunderClan's only healer. Choices, once made, are followed through. Replaces Leafpool's Wish in the Crown of Thorns AU.

Relationships:

Brackenfur/Sorreltail (Warriors)

Crowfeather/Leafpool (Warriors)

Characters:

Leafpool (Warriors)

Squirrelflight (Warriors)

Brackenfur (Warriors)

Sorreltail (Warriors)

Rainwhisker (Warriors) (minor)

Jayfeather (Warriors)

Hollyleaf (Warriors)

Lionblaze (Warriors)

(you can click on the link below, or the text is also underneath the "read more")

The first snow of the season fell over the ThunderClan camp, beginning to stick on the ground. The wind blew gently, promising warmer weather on the horizon, but for now, the chill settled over the camp.

Sorreltail's kits came bounding out of the nursery, squealing in delight as the snowflakes hit their noses. Sorreltail herself came padding out of the nursery to watch them, but was pushed past by Berrykit, Mousekit, and Hazelkit. Despite being nearly apprentice age, they too couldn't hide their excitement about the snow.

Over by the apprentice's den, Birchpaw was looking up at the snow. He had seen snow before, though he was younger then, back in the old forest. Beside him, Whitewing bounced about in the snow, trying to get him to join her.

Leafpool sat at the entrance of the medicine cat's den hunched over her paws. The snow frightened her, knowing she'd have to go out in it and have her kits, but she knew she couldn't wait any longer, not if she wanted to hide it from the Clan.

Sorreltail looked over at her and flicked her ears. On receiving an ear flick back, she murmured something to her kits, who bounded over to Brackenfur, and padded over to the medicine cat's den. "Come with me on a walk, Leafpool," she said. "I've been cooped up in the nursery so long. I want to see how the snow looks on the new territory."

"That's a great idea," Leafpool said, putting on a jovial tone. "I need to harvest some herbs before the frost kills them, anyway." The two made their way out of the camp, Sorreltail's kits shouting a goodbye as they passed them.

When they had made it a safe distance out of camp, Sorreltail turned to Leafpool. "How will Squirrelflight know when and where to find us?" she murmured. Squirrelflight was out hunting solo somewhere on the territory.

"She will." She had always known how Leafpool was feeling and when to come find her. Leafpool just hoped she was paying attention.

The snow continued to fall over the camp. The ThunderClan cats had almost settled into a quiet peace when Squirrelflight came bounding through the thorn tunnel, breathing heavily. "Brackenfur! Brackenfur!" she shouted. All heads turned to look at her. "Come quick! Sorreltail is having kits!"

Brackenfur swung into action. He directed his kits toward the elder's den, waving his tail apologetically at Mousefur, and came trotting toward Squirrelflight. She took off towards the territory with him following close behind.

"Did you have to shout it quite so loud?" he grumbled after they were clear of the tunnel.

"I wanted to make sure that the kits' lineage was never in question," she said.

"Yes, but did everyone in the entire Clan have to hear it? Now everyone will think that-"

"What's done is done," she said. "Now, let's focus on finding Leaf and Sorreltail." She put her head up, scenting the air. "I believe they went towards WindClan." She weaved her way onto a deer path.

"WindClan? But why would they-?"

"Would you rather them have gone towards ShadowClan? Or toward the lake where everyone could see them?"

"I suppose." Brackenfur had nearly caught up to her. Squirrelflight slowed down, walking with him side by side.  She shut her eyes, trying to picture where they had gone. The thought of a nearly-rotten stump came to mind.

"I think I know where they are!" she said, running ahead once more.

"Squirrelflight, wait-" She was already bounding away. Brackenfur trotted after her as they crossed the border marking the end of the Clan territories.

In front of them was a large, nearly-rotted stump. Squirrelflight peeked her head into the hollow by its roots. Leafpool and Sorreltail laid on either side of it. Between them were three kits.

"You're right on time," Leafpool purred, though her eyes were sorrowful.

"Is Brackenfur with you?" Sorreltail asked.

"He's right here." Squirrelflight stepped to the side to let Brackenfur peek in as well.

"I'll make sure no one is approaching," he said, settling down just outside. Squirrelflight pushed further in.

"Look at them," she cooed, looking down at the kits. "They're adorable."

"You can lick one clean, if you want," Leafpool said. Squirrelflight delicately plucked up the one closest to her, a small black she-cat, and began to lick her fur dry.

"Bracken, my love?" Sorreltail called. Brackenfur poked his head back in. "Leafpool and I were discussing names, and we think we've decided on the first one."

"That's lovely," Brackenfur said. His face was stony, and he had only looked at Sorreltail, not the kits sitting beside her.

Sorreltail nudged one of the kits, a golden tabby tom who was already attempting to yowl defiantly. "This one is Thornkit."

Brackenfur at last looked down at the kits. His gaze softened. "What do you think?" Sorreltail asked.

"That's a wonderful name," he said softly, his voice cracking as he slipped into the hollow. He laid beside his mate, giving Thornkit a lick before looking at the other two. "They're wonderful kits."

"May I name one?" Leafpool asked softly. Her eyes were mournful as she looked down at the kits.

"Of course," Sorreltail purred. Leafpool nudged the grey tabby tom with her nose, who squeaked at the cold touch.

"Featherkit."

"Oh, like Feathertail!" Squirrelflight said. "He is grey like her."

Leafpool winced, almost unnoticeably, but Squirrelflight could feel the pain pang off her. "Yes, like Feathertail."

Squirrelflight looked down at the black she-kit squirming by her paws. "While we're honoring those we've lost, I think I have a name for her. Shrewkit." The memory of her friend, one of the many cats they had lost in the old forest, still caused her heart to ache.

"That sounds like a lovely name, Squirrelflight," Sorreltail purred. "Leafpool, what do you think?"

"It's good," Leafpool said, sounding a little numb.

"I know it's hard," Sorreltail said. "I can't imagine what you're feeling right now. Brackenfur and I will love them as fiercely as we love our first four. They will never know that they weren't born to us. And they will love you too."

"I know, but-" Leafpool's ears drooped.

"Let's get some rest," she said. "Brackenfur and Squirrelflight are here, they can catch us a mouse or two, and we can move them once you feel better in the morning."

The next morning arose crisp, clear, and cold. The snow was beginning to melt, but the grass still crunched under foot with the morning frost.

Brackenfur pranced back and forth as they prepared to leave. It was obvious he was eager to get back to ThunderClan.

"I'm sure they figured morning patrol out fine," he said to Squirrelflight as she exited the hollow. "But it's not becoming of me as the deputy to leave the Clan alone like that."

"Your mate just had kits," Squirrelflight said. "I'm sure they'll give you some leniency." She felt another pang of sorrow emanate off Leafpool.  She wanted to comfort her sister, but how? This was the only way the kits could stay in ThunderClan without her getting punished. "Do you reckon Cloudtail went on patrol this morning?" she asked, trying to lighten the air.

Brackenfur snorted. "That great lump? Only if Brightheart shoved him out of his nest. I doubt he could hear anyone calling him with the way he snores."

"I'm excited to get back and see Rainwhisker," Sorreltail said. "He's been telling me about all the patrols he's been on since I haven't been able to come with him." She stretched. "Leafpool, are you ready to go?"

"I-" Leafpool was standing, but she stared down sadly at the kits.

"Leafpool?" Sorreltail flanked her, allowing her to lean on her. Squirrelflight took her other side, pressing against Leafpool as well.

"I know this is the right thing to do, but- StarClan- why does it have to be so hard?"

Sorreltail nudged her. "I know. It will get easier with time, I'm sure. Besides, I'm sure they'll be all up in your fur, causing chaos in the medicine cat den soon enough."

Leafpool snorted. "I'm sure it looks like a storm has blown through it," she said. "I can only hope Brightheart has kept an eye on it." She sighed. "Okay, I'm ready to go." She took Featherkit by his scruff, causing him to squeal with anger. Brackenfur and Sorreltail took Thornkit and Shrewkit, and the group set off together with Squirrelflight leading the way.

It was approaching sun-high when they made it back to the thorn tunnel. They had stopped a few times to rest and to let the kits nurse, and at one point Leafpool had handed Shrewkit off to Squirrelflight to pluck a few stems of parsley, which she ate. The camp was busy sharing tongues when they strode in.

"Sorreltail and Brackenfur are back!" Longtail shouted from his spot eating a mouse, hearing them first. "Squirrelflight and Leafpool are with them."

"Mama and Papa are home!" Molekit squealed next, he and his siblings barrelling toward the tunnel. Sorreltail and Brackenfur barely intercepted them before they went darting into the forest.

"I guess you had fun celebrating the deputyhood after all, eh, Brackenfur?" Rainwhisker said, coming up to the two and taking Thornkit from him. Brackenfur glared.

"Don't say something so crass in front of the kits," he said.

"They won't remember it. They're what, a day and a half old now?"

"Not those kits, you mouse-brain. Poppy, Honey, Mole, and Cinder."

Rainwhisker glanced down at his nieces and nephews. "Oh. Whoops." He handed Thornkit back to Brackenfur and slunk embarrassedly over to Squirrelflight, not making eye contact with Sorreltail, who mrrowed softly with amusement.

Poppykit stood in front of Sorreltail, nearly causing her to trip over her. "Mama?" she said in a small voice.

"Yes, dear?" Sorreltail's voice was muffled by the kit in her mouth.

"Do you love us less now that you have new kits?"

"No, of course not," Sorreltail said, setting Shrewkit down on her paws and bending down to be nose to nose with Poppykit. "Why would you ask that?"

"Berrykit said that you would. He said you had replaced us."

"That's not true at all, dear one. I have plenty of room to love all seven of you, just like I did when there was only you four. Don't worry about what bossypaws Berrykit says. I'll talk to Daisy about it." She touched her nose to Poppykit's forehead. Placated, Poppykit trotted back over to her siblings.

Sorreltail picked Shrewkit up once more. "Let's get you settled in the nursery," Leafpool said. "I'm sure the- your kits are chilly."

"I'm sure," Sorreltail said. "But a mouse and my warm nest will make us all feel better." She flicked an ear. "Rainwhisker," she said, addressing her brother, who was still trying to hide his face from her, "could you bring me a mouse, please? I'm looking forward to hearing how the patrols went while we were gone."

"I think you have a story to tell me," he said, darting off to get a mouse. Sorreltail, Leafpool, and Brackenfur made their way to the nursery. Squirrelflight broke off from the group and went into the medicine cat's den.

"Oh, look at your kits!" Daisy cooed. "Your paws are going to be full once they get a little bigger, but for now you should be okay. I wish mine were still that small. They'd get in a lot less trouble that way."

"Speaking of trouble, have you heard what Berrykit has been saying?" Sorreltail set the kits down on the soft moss, telling Daisy the story as she kneaded a comfortable spot in the nest.

"Oh, that troublemaker," she said, sighing. "I'll go get him and make him apologize to her. Let me know if you're needing anything or you're feeling sore." She darted out into the camp, shouting Berrykit's name.

"I'll be over later," Brackenfur said, licking Sorreltail's face. "I'm going to go talk to Firestar and see if I missed anything while we were gone." He gave each kit a soft lick as well, then exited the nursery, leaving Sorreltail and Leafpool alone.

"Well, this is it, I suppose," Leafpool said. "You're settled in in the nursery with your new litter of kits. You don't need any herbs?"

"I don't think so," Sorreltail said. Leafpool turned to leave, unable to bear looking at the kits anymore. "Leafpool." She glanced over her shoulder. "Thank you. For trusting me. I've promised I'll keep your secret, but I also promise that it- they- will never be a burden on me. I meant what I said to Poppykit: I have room in my heart for all seven of my kits."

"Thank you, Sorreltail. I'll leave you to rest." She exited the nursery just as Rainwhisker came trotting in, a plump field mouse hanging from his jaws.

She entered the medicine cat den, heart heavy. Squirrelflight was already in there, pretending to be engrossed in the piles of herb that sat alongside the edge.

"Leafpool!" she meowed, a touch too cheerily. "I'm glad Sorreltail is settling in nicely."

"I didn't tell her something," Leafpool said.

"You can go back and tell her," Squirrelflight said. Leafpool shook her head. She knew her sister couldn't understand.

"I can't tell her this," she said. "It would change the way she looked at the kits forever. I can't do that to her or them."

"About their father?" Squirrelflight asked. "Surely she has some idea that-"

"Not about their father," Leafpool said firmly. "It's something else. When I first found out that I was expecting, I asked StarClan as to what I should do. I was going to leave them on the WindClan border, or-" she hesitated. "But StarClan told me that their destinies were written long ago, before our own births and even before the existence of the Clans. Apparently Firestar knows too. There's fated to be three kits, kin of his kin, that will hold the power of the stars in their paws."

"Power of the stars?" Squirrelflight echoed. "What does that even mean?"

"I don't know. Whatever it is- those kits hold power beyond what we- or even StarClan can comprehend."

"Does it have to be them?" Squirrelflight asked.

"Who else could it be? You have no kits, and Whitepaw seems to be unaffected."

"I suppose so. Why won't you tell her?"

"I want them to be raised like any other ThunderClan cat," she said. "I don't want them to grow up thinking they're any different. You and I know what it was like growing up as the leader's daughters. Imagine growing up as the leader's grandkits, and cats of prophecy, no less."

"I suppose you're right," Squirrelflight said.

"Keep this a secret among us two," Leafpool said. "I don't want anyone hearing about this."

"Hearing about what?" Squirrelflight said. "You have my word."

[povertygoblin]

Crown of thorns!AU Izuku 🤍💚✨

Usually he wears gloves to hide his palms but-- this is not one of those times. :)