#destiny 2 sentences

[oceansprompts]

𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕦𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕠𝕡𝕤 // 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕪 𝟚 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤

this dialogue taken from destiny 2's vanguard ops strikes; hypernet current, lake of shadows, and the arm dealer. . . . adjusted for general use. . . . change as needed for usage

Let us hope that your technology continues to be resilient.

We need to get in there and stop them.

Screams, weird voices, nightmares... you name it.

It's resilient, but not impenetrable. A backdoor wouldn't be impossible.

Hopefully getting rid of whatever is at the center of this will shake all that weirdness out of the system too.

It looks like you're getting closer to the source of the problem. That track nearby looks like your best bet!

Let's just hope it's stable.

What-what was that?

Such a fragile space. This will do.

You don't want to see the pot of tea I made this morning.

Civilians are depending on you.

Mobilizing team for Operation, uh... Babydog? Why does this say Babydog? I must have forgotten to reboot the name generator.

Operation "Babydog?" Well, it has a certain ring to it, huh?

Yes... "Babydog" ... Well, the protocol is already running. Can't stop it now.

Yes, sorry, Operation "Babydog" ...We need to determine the source of — Haha! — I'm sorry, I can't.... Stand-by!

Our purification tech can only do so much. If the contamination spreads, people will die.

Good work. There's bound to be more than one.

We're making good progress, but energy readings are still off the charts.

This place is old; good thing we can't get tetanus.

If for nothing else but principle, I'm glad you're reclaiming it.

They just left that unguard...? This smells fishy to me.

Time for me to step out. I leave it to you.

Usually for an operation like this, logistical support would be provided. But it sounds like it's just us this time around.

Where'd you put my datapad? It had the notes about that thing I'm in charge of.

Into the action right away. I'm not surprised. You're up.

Whoa, wait wait wait, I'm not ready! I had a whole thing for this guy — I had charts and pictures — you know what, the one time I get it all — geez, forget it. You know what, just forget it.

Door's unlocked. But I couldn't get through without tripping their master alarm.

Not a trade I would have made, but you're the one on the ground.

Come on, how bad could one little alarm be?

Good different or bad different?

Did I just see a FLARE shoot into the sky?

Did you shoot up a flare? I thought we weren't allowed to have flares anymore after I… had nothing to do with why we're not allowed to have flares.

That's me! I must have… Oh, wait a minute. Nope not me.

Plan, schman. Take the radioactive thing, put in explode-y place. There! There's your plan.

Is this what "be brave" means for you? Didn't know it was a prayer.

Yeah, not blowing up is as good as you can hope for sometimes.

Way to reach for the stars.

Sounded like a nice dunk!

This guy's no ordinary space rhino. His weapons ain't half bad, either.

He's bound to have more. Insecure men tend to surround themselves with others like them.

Nope, she's totally right. Which is why I work alone.

I'm sorry, painted it what now?

Yeah, funny story about the Oh-roh? Oh-roh… Oh-roh-bahn… uh…

I think you should call it "payback."

Could be some really weird defenses in there. Not just flame turrets - I'm talking REALLY weird.

Why would they put a tank inside a ship?

Remember that elevator? Looks like we have to bring it down again.

Ok. Well, there are many… levels of easy.

Please don't encourage him

Oh, come on! ANOTHER one?

Wait, wait wait! Let me guess — giant flame turret.

Try to grab his flame turret blueprints after he's dead.

Watch for air support. This guy's too smart to not have a backup plan.

Eh, backup plans are overrated.

This is it. We've got him cornered… in an airfield. OK…

Now we've got you! In a… place you know way better than us. But that won't stop us. Let's get him!

Watch your six. And your twelve. You know what — just — just be careful

Sounds like I returned at just the right time. Excellent work, team.

Thanks, boss! It was by the book, the whole way.

Ok, you all are getting way too formal. Where's the energy? Let's hear some chatter out there! Huh?

The job's done. You can handle the chatter for a while.

You ever been hit with a rock? Don't joke about that.

YOU miscalculated?

Yes. Do you have any further questions?

It seems this new guy has done some “redecorating.” Although I don’t think I can call this an upgrade in terms of taste. But perhaps the cannons could be of use?

Names hold power. It is not unlikely that this new guy is a successor, who has taken up the mantle.

Unless we disable that shield, we’re sitting ducks out here!

That shield is making me mad! We’ve got to get rid of it!

Well fought! We’ve cut another head off the proverbial Hydra.

[theforsakenprince]

the maya and osiris parallels continue to fuck me up. Both of them reaching across timelines to save their partners and while Maya won't stop until she finds the right Chioma, the perfect one that will agree with her vision for the universe, the "real" Chioma, and will throw away any version of her that isn't perfect, Osiris broke time for the chance to save Saint-14, and it didn't matter to him which Saint it was, because to him they're all the "real" Saint

[kaiserouo]

draft shitpost

also fun fact i've been drawing those horns on my hive hunter for such a long time but those are in fact not in the official render and were just the underlying head model's horns that i forgot to hide spiking out of the hoodie

but i like those horns so i'm still gonna draw those

[guardians-are-people-too]

So my guardian is mute. I have the urge to make it where my guardian talks with those ghost hunting boxes or like with old radio frequencies. I’m just not sure if i want her light to be the reason she can do that (like how steven universe can manipulate static with his emotions or gem powers?) anyway or if i want it to be like a strand darkness type thing.

[thefirstknife]

Not to steer the new teaser conversation in a Negative direction, but how do you feel about the comment made by Yanes about titans and their "fantasy" that's been going around amidst the widespread disappointment with the Titan strand subclass?

Here's the article where this is mentioned!

This is what I see people spreading around:

But yeah, Titan mains, we love you. We do. But remember that we try to reinforce your core fantasy. And at some point, your guy's holding the fist on the cover of the game.

This is all the text that precedes it:

Finally there's the Titan Berserker, which excels at creating Woven Mail. Its melee ability, Frenzied Blade, can be used three times to Sever a lot of enemies quickly, and one of its Aspects generates Woven Mail for you and nearby allies whenever you destroy a Tangle. Another Aspect launches a Strand projectile from your barricade, Suspending any enemies you hit. This class sounds incredibly powerful on paper, but it's actually been a bit divisive, largely due to comparisons between its Super, Bladefury, and Titan's Stasis and Arc Supers. I put the question to Yanes, who says Bungie's aware of feedback about Titan abilities looking overly similar, but he maintains that Berserker is a whole new beast.

"Bladefury is much more about giving you the survivability tools to really lay into those guys and then giving you a range option, which is not something you generally do in these roaming Supers, to Suspend things from afar and damage them," he says. "That's their heavy attack, that double blade uppercut you see them do in the trailer. I think that's two of the core ways we've tried to shift them away.

Obviously we haven't personally tried it out and we can only judge it from what we see, but that does seem like there are significant differences. New Titan stuff seems to be not only oriented towards damage, but also debuffing enemies and helpful for allies. It also seems to be focused on speed and range, something that arc and stasis supers don't have (arc has it ... sort of, but Fists of Havoc feel fairly restrictive with how long and how far you can go around). Titan stasis also feels very heavy and slow to use, as well as being possibly disruptive to your own teammates when you spawn a million stasis crystals and obstruct the view. Strand seems to be going in several different directions which is interesting.

Is it ultimately similar? Yeah, you still get your fists engulfed and start punching. Obviously, strand has stuff that others don't, but at first glance, it's similar. This is also an issue because the last super Titans got was stasis and that's the roaming punchy super. Now we've not had anything new for 2 years and we're getting another of the same type. However, I'm not sure which other fantasy people were expecting? Like, this is a genuine question, I would love to know what other directions to take that aren't already taken. Titans have ranged supers, throw-yourself-at-enemies super, stationary protective super, roaming punch supers. They have different abilities on different subclasses with throwing things, shoulder charges and normal melees, several different barricade options and the new arc dash.

I guess people wanted strand to be that Titans will maybe throw something? If we wanted repeats, I guess people wanted something like Sunbreaker. I wouldn't mind that, but I don't mind the current Strand stuff either. At least without trying it, I can't pass judgement until I give it a shot. The only thing we can worry about immediately is this super's viability in high end content. So far, roaming supers and close range stuff in general really isn't good in GMs, though Titan strand comes with survivability options and buffs for allies so maybe that changes things.

Outside of that, we can't really tell if this will be good or bad, it's just based on vibes and people expecting things that Bungie really never told us to expect. Titan combat fantasy IS to punch things or alternatively to stand your ground. Those are the two core fantasies for Titans in battle. Strand seems to be mixing them both which is really interesting to me. We'll see how it turns out.

As a final note, I do think that stasis and strand should eventually get a second super though. Light subclasses have multiple options and that's ultimately what gives us more reasons to use them. Arc Hunter was immediately revived when we got a second option. I feel like making a second option for stasis and strand is much more important than making a billion aspects and fragments. Also, a lot of people would probably be cool with stasis and strand Titan if there was something else to pick. Having a second super to pick for different situations would really help a lot.

[abidethetempest]

okay i know i JUST made my first state of the conlang post where i said my first priority was the Null Composure translation but uhhhh im my defense. im a silly dumb idiot your honor.

anyway i just found out how to search for every single item with "translated from Eliksni" flavor text on ishtar collective so im gonna be translating all of those now,,,,,,

[chrimsone]

fun fact my homies

the imperial measurement system survived the Collapse! Despite the game using metric with distances and also with the funny fish, in lore the imperial system does get used. here is example

[yeba]

brain let me finish my moonsun atla au, or the vampire/vampire hunter au, or the werewolf au, or the joseon au, or the greaser/soc au, or the gangster au, or the desperate spies au, or the dr who au, or the medieval time travel au, or the monster byul au, or the medical au, or the human/android au, or the

[fizzycorrupts]

exotic fish drop rates

[syncopation53]

Anyways not to be mentally ill about kai again for the upteenth time but I was just turning over how exactly interactions between him and nimbus would go in my head. Because as much as I love our sweet dumb thembo nimbo as any other lightfall enjoyer, I think it’s a bit of a watered down interpretation at best and a woeful misinterpretation of their character just to fit the popular framework of the trope at worst. Maybe I’ll make another post later about their character in-depth after I go rewatch a playthrough or something. Maybe

Anyways. getting off track. kai and nimbus. two of the Most characters ever. Nimbus can and will absolutely see through his edgy tough guy act in a split-second and not think a single thing of it as they instantly clock this guy as absolutely starved for positive attention and proceed to make it their life’s goal to befriend him and offer him compliments as much as possible. Kai is having a mental breakdown not only because of Strand and how mastering it means to relinquish control and Light and Darkness not being moral opposites but also this tall buff simple and fun-loving stranger is just?? being nice to him??? for no reason?? And it’s honestly kinda sad how it’s taken over a century and a quarter for literally anyone he’s ever met to be friendly towards him just. because they can. because they want to be. because they see someone worth being nice to in him, somehow. And it drives him up the fucking wall because that’s not how things work with him. Everyone who’s ever nice to anyone only wants to get something out of them and will turn on them the second they do something wrong or the other person doesn’t get what they want. His is a world of secrecy and manipulation and playing your emotions as close to your chest as you can manage so no one ever has a clear advantage over you

But nimbus doesn’t care about any of that. Kai’s out there smacking bad guys with green stringy stuff and they genuinely think that’s the coolest shit they’ve ever seen so they tell him that, no false modesty or pretense about it, just genuine compliments and encouragements to someone who they can see desperately needs them. To kai it feels a little bit like some heavy weight being lifted off his shoulders for the first time in a very long time and a lot like having his ribcage torn open and his body skinned alive and left out in the heat of the midday sun to whither and burn and rot

[oceansprompts]

𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕦𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕠𝕡𝕤 // 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕪 𝟚 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤

this dialogue taken from destiny 2's vanguard ops strikes; the lightblade, proving grounds, fallen saber. . . . adjusted for general use. . . . change as needed for usage

The only way in is through some old canals, which means we need a boat. Leave that part to me.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, that's our guy! The one guarding the temple! What's he doing away from his post? This could be our chance.

There's your ride. You just hop on, and I'll handle the rest.

Uh, these weird controls… I mean, how does this… Ah! There it is- Here we go! Boat's moving!

Uh… I don't know. I didn't expect this. Just a… little hiccup! Heh. You can get that barrier down, right? Sure you can.

Hey, hey, you did it! Good job. Boat's on the move again.

Seriously? But I did the thing… it's just this tech, it's so archaic… ugh, just give me a sec…

Okay, we're getting close to the swamp now. Temple's not far from here.

These two killed each other about a million times over, but she dedicated a temple to him. Eh, it's funny how that works. Now be careful here. Something happened to this place.

I just can't see it. Maybe there's a safe path through…

I was right? I was right! I knew it. I knew they were involved somehow…

Ah, contingency plan. They're learning. Trying to stay a step ahead of you. But you got it. That's the important part. That gets us one step closer to taking them down.

The challenge is met. Our blood flows together. May it tend to unity.

I welcome you, but my forces… they do not.

You honor me. May you meet a glorious death.

She breathes, she moves… and she will spit out your bones.

My war machine purrs. She hungers for battle. Have you the same appetite?

Do what you came for — fight well or die quickly.

You fight well. A shame you must pay the price for your pride.

They kneel to no one… not even me.

All feel fear. Some learn from it, while others are ruled by it. Which are you?

I refused to bend the knee. What does that tell you?

Why will you not stand with us?

We sign no treaties at the end of a gun.

Join me and let our alliance armor the stars.

We could work together. But as equals, not your vassals.

All swore their lives to me. They can use them as they wish.

If it must be done.

I have prepared further challenges for you. A banquet of combat to test your resolve.

And my father said you were such fun.

Do not expect gratitude. Those you leave behind will grow. They will learn.

Good. If our foes are capable of growth, let us be the catalyst that forces them to change.

We eat the mountains; we drink the seas!

Yes. And we are here to stop you.

I know stories of fiends who cut at the legs of powerful heroes. I will not be felled so easily.

We do what they must. Today, we must be champions.

My warriors do not die easily. They fight because I gave them their freedom.

Imagine if they fought because you gave them hope.

Such strength. Look what your power can do. I seek that power — not for myself, but for my people.

How selfless. Perhaps we can discuss this further after your people stop trying to kill us.

I see now how you fight. Your potential is wasted running errands for your Commander.

There is no pleasure in killing. If this one act of barbarism will force peace… so be it.

Hold strong. One final victory is all I ask.

I yield, I yield! Let us meet and discuss this treaty. You may be a soft, small person but you hide some powerful tusk!

We take nothing but your word. Tend to your people… but break our agreement, and we will be back to finish what we started.

You have honored our traditions… and I must honor yours. I will see you soon… to "bargain."

I am glad to hear it. You will find our talent for diplomacy matches our skill in combat.

I pride myself on seeing the strength in others, and yours can no longer be denied. When can be discuss this treaty of yours?

I hope the blood spilled here today will be the last.

I… did not imagine this outcome. You have powers told of in the old stories.

Our vaults are full of relics from those who underestimated us. If you ever cross us again… bring a bigger weapon.

You fought with honor, and you accept defeat in the same way.

I am in danger, the systems are damaged.

If I'm understanding correctly, it's a distress call! There are so few ballet fans left, it'd be a shame to lose them.

Sorry, just a little longer--I think they are testing me.

It worked! Maybe too well. Hmm.

[flowers-of-io]

Everything changes, then and there. History begins. The perpendicular axes of space and time meet in the origin point, and the curve of the Hive starts ticking on towards infinity. Everything changes, except this singular fact — that when they emerge, Auryx is still at the helm and Xivu Arath is leaning on her sword, and Savathûn is charting the paths of monsters. And they are still holding hands.

Today marks a year since the wondrous, terrible journey of writing this fic had come to a close. I still consider it the best thing I've ever written for Destiny, and given all that's happened in the past 12 months, it couldn't have been posted at a more fitting time lol. I have ambitious plans to turn it into a podfic, but it's taking more effort and confidence than I expected. Still--I am very proud of this work, and I will not shut up about it until death claims me. Here's to another year of Hive sorrows.

The truth is that in the inmost depths of her heart, in the core of the intricately spun web of her secrets, Savathûn knows Oryx is mightier than her. Yes—she rules from a throne of bone and glass, overgrown with toxic blossoms; yes, her Wizards shame Akka’s memory with how easily they lie truths into being and her brood feeds on the ashes of two hundred thousand worlds. Her songs redefine matter and rend the minds of lesser beings asunder. Yet this one truth Savathûn knows is carved in osmium, and it has become apparent to her ever since she and Xivu failed to trap him in the Deep: Oryx the King is mightier than her, in wisdom and strength and purpose and foresight, and she will forever live in his shadow as he stands at the helm and charts the Hive’s pathway through history. Her worm will always gnaw at her for this. He will always be greater, braver, more steadfast in his ambition, more certain in his worship.

Savathûn is at peace with that.

the negative spaces

A register of tokens and gestures exchanged before the end of siblinghood.

Word count: 7,839

Read on Ao3

[everestgale]

Whatever you're trying to do right now, you don't have to do it alone.

------

Happy New Year's Eve, Slay the Princess community!

A long, long message and credits to the designs are under the cut.

[Please excuse any awkward sentences, weird repetitions, and grammatical mistakes, I've been awake for 20 hours or so]

I cannot describe how much joy I feel right now, finally getting this drawing done. I feel nothing but joy when I think about Slay the Princess, and I feel nothing but pure adoration when I think about and spend time in this community. This game and this community truly brought a lot of happiness to me and made this otherwise unremarkable, maybe even depressing, year that much brighter. I wish I had more and better words to describe what I'm feeling right now! Genuinely, I don't have words to describe how much gratitude I feel right now.

And so for my final piece of 2024, I wanted to make a thank you drawing to this community and hopefully express the fraction of love and gratitude I feel right now. And I decided to make that drawing a group photo of 30 different Heroes! It ended up being 29 Heroes and one Opportunist, but I promise there is a reason for that-

If I had more time and energy, I would've included even more people, there are so many skilled artists, writers, and wonderful people in general who ended up excluded, especially due to this drawing being a voice-centered piece. But I'm glad I at least get to highlight some of the wonderful creators and artists in this community! Please check them out and support their work! They are all amazing <3

If you wanted to know who is the author behind each design, I made an annotated version! Sorry if the text is too small, I tried my best to write it as large as I could T-T

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Now onto the message to the people in the drawing:

First! I sincerely apologize if I missed some details with your Hero design, or if I used an outdated version of it. I wanted to keep this a surprise, and for some of these, I had to dive into the depths of Tumblr to find (hopefully) relevant references. And yes, if you've received a DM from me about your Hero in the past few weeks or so, this project was the reason why! And if you've received an anonymous ask about your Hero, there is a quite good chance it was from me, too <3

And second! I have a message for each and every one of you:

@acethekenku: Your designs are so well-made and awesome! Especially adore your Broken and Contrarian, there's something about them that just immediately catches my eye! Your Contrarian's fashion and DIY skills are also immaculate :]

@artificial-radiance: Your art is absolutely wonderful, whether it's Slay the Princess, Destiny 2, or sonas! I wish I had a better word to describe your art, but the best I got is "delicious" /lh

@beartitled: I adore your StP comics! I adore your drawings of male!Princesses! I adore your non-StP work! Everything you make is so charming, and it's always a joy to see your work <3

@bubblybloob: One of my favorite fanart memes, to this day, is your old "I do not control the speed at which princesses die" meme. I still go re-read it sometimes when I'm not feeling great, it always puts a smile on my face (yes, this is my kind of humor). Though, your new voice designs are SO creative and unique! Love the fluffy Para and the prophetic cage Skeptic especially, but they are all so good <3

@coldranger: Your lads! So simple and yet so well-designed and expressive! That roadrunner Hunted you shared yesterday is so adorable, I can't with him! It is always wonderful to see more of your drawings. Also thanks for gushing with me over mod Owl's designs <3

@cookiealchemieart: I recently mentioned that you are one of my first Tumblr follows, and it's for a good reason! You made a lot of wonderful illustrations, and your three fan princesses are some of my favorites of all the ones I've seen before! And your voice designs, gosh, I am hugging your Contrarian-

@dampfur: Your art is unbelievably charming! And when I saw your Burned Bridges post with redesigns for Cold and Smittten, I absolutely fell in love with them. I will use this space to gush about just how simple and yet adorable and recognizable they are!

@glitchh1337: Always love seeing what you are up to on Discord! Whether it's design concepts for voices or little pixel art animations, they are all wonderful :]

@justcherryqwq: Your animations!!! Cherry, your animations are pure gold. The way you draw voices as little guys flying around the scene/the Long Quiet is just too perfect. I am also grabbing and petting your Paranoid, gently, of course!

@occatorcreator: You have one of the most unique voice designs/representations I've ever seen! Especially in that one post where you drew voices taking over Long Quiet's body, the way you drew the "possession" is just... so unique, so cool! I wish I had better words!

@orcatnip: I cannot describe how much delight your sketches bring me whenever they show up on my dash! And the way you wrote about voices appearing as fractures in Long Quiet's soul! Oh! Genuinely obsessed!!!

@pareidolla: Your voice designs are very pretty and very adorable! As you can see, I immediately had to try drawing your current iteration of Hero because he is SO PRETTY! I couldn't help myself. Sorry if I was too hasty in my decision to include an in-progress design, but I wanted you to be included here-

@remaking-machine: Rema!!! Your voices!!! They are so precious and charming! Love your Cheated, love your Hero, love your Skeptic! You were one of the first people I found & followed on Tumblr, and it's been such a joy to see what you're up to <3 [Also, I still would like a tray of Hero cookies-]

@salty-an-disco: Your writing, at least from what I've seen of it, is awesome! I genuinely wish I had the attention span to read your Heathens AU because whenever I see you talk about it, or draw anything for it, I love it a lot! Hopefully one day I will, but for now, I am here to admire your art :]

@sorry-not-feeling-it-right-now: Hey, who let this bird-fox into this gathering of Heroes-

Jokes aside, I am absolutely obsessed with your voice designs, and I really, really wanted to include you in this drawing, despite the fact that you are still working on your Hero design. Thank you for letting me include your Opportunist in this drawing, I cannot WAIT to see your Hero design <3

@tai-janai: Your drawings are so delightful, and I love the way you draw your voices! Your voice shipping sketches are also so adorable, and your HeA-inspired ParaHero sketch sometimes decides to show up in my head and not pay any rent (I love it a lot)!

@voiceofthebroken: Remember how I mentioned that your Cheated post inspired one of my upcoming projects? Yes, it was this one. You are responsible for this /lh

Don't want to repeat myself too much from the ask I sent yesterday, but I will once again say that I love your voice designs, and I will once again compliment your Cheated and Hunted. They are precious! <3

@wysteriaisapenguin: Your art is so charming and so recognizable! Your most recent HeA drawing is absolutely stealing my heart in a way that I cannot describe!!! I also really like your Hero design, he was an absolute joy to draw <3

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Oh look, there's more, too!

@sonjalikestodraw: Sonja! Oh Sonja, everything you make is just SO PERFECT, your pieces are always so stellar and carefully crafted, and your voice designs are so thoughtful and so iconic, I love it every time you make a post with a little write-up of your design notes! It's always such a joy to read!!

0th: To say that your designs and your writing inspired my own would be saying nothing at all, they were some of the first I've seen! They will always have a special place in my heart as "the designs" that greatly contributed to my own final designs! And your Swap AU still is one of my favorites in the whole fandom, love all the unique designs you made for it!! Noble my beloved <3

@itsonlypolite: The way your voices ingrained themselves in my brain, I cannot describe it! Your designs are truly some of the most unique, most recognizable designs in the fandom. You deserve every single positive comment and compliment on your art and designs!!! I also love how you reply to people's asks with little drawings of your own. It's so charming and welcoming <3 It's also always pure joy talking to you!

@cammie-yammie: I am very glad that I got over my anxiety and started talking more and hanging out in your thread! I love your art, always so charming, so distinctly you, just such joy to look at, and I'm glad I got to engage with it more, and with you as a person!!! Damn, these sentences are confusing lol Long story short, love your art, love talking to you, and it's just pure joy either way <3

@lavb-b: I am not kidding when I say that your Businessman animation rewired something in my brain, whenever I watch it, I cannot stop myself from laughing, even though at this point I've seen it like 20+ times already. Besides that, your art in general is just such high-quality work, and I love talking to you on the Discord server! Welcoming you with open arms to EG's Yap Central Station /lh

@phantasmatoucan (mod Owl): OWL HOW DO YOU KEEP GETTING AWAY WITH THIS- You have no idea how obsessed I am with your art, you have SUCH a distinct, awesome style, and the way you designed your voices brings me so, so much joy. And not only are you a skilled artist with amazing voice designs, but you are also just such a positive person, too!!! How is this possible!!! What's your secret!!!

@hello-universe-lovers: Your reblog comments always make me happy, and I absolutely love chatting with you!!! The little interaction you wrote between our Cheateds brought me so much joy as I was finishing this project <3 And even besides that, your art is so charming, and also apparently you are a wizard who draws everything with your finger- I cannot understand such witchcraft /lh

@neverpathia: You are the reason I QPR-ship ParaHero! You got these birds in my brain, and I can't get them out, how dare you (/lh). Jokes aside, I really like your writing, especially the way you write voices, and your art is also very pretty, I love it a lot! It's also such a joy to have you hang out in my art thread, thanks for doing that :]

@disarraydoodlez: Jam! And Kiri! Your art is so iconic, Kiri's desire for perfection never goes unnoticed, and Jam's chaotic silly ideas are always such a highlight (I'm still waiting for you to finish that one Den idea. The one we kept laughing about for like 30 minutes. That one). Thanks for inviting me to the PotC one-shot, I had a lot of fun playing it, and I'm glad we still hang out and chat sometime! Love everything you make, regardless of the fandom, and I can't wait to see what you both will make next <3

@s3viien (they mostly exist on BSky, check them out there!): Sev! My partner in crime! One of my biggest cheerleaders, you have no idea how much how dearly I appreciate it. I love sharing all my random ideas with you, and I love hearing about all of yours! Your art, your videos, and your music are all PEAK, and I'm always happy to see what you've been up to! To our friendship for as long as it lasts <3

@inkedout: And last but certainly and absolutely not least, Ink, my friend, you are one of the big reasons why I feel as comfortable writing all of this right now as I am right now. I cannot put into words just how much I appreciate you as a friend!! it is always such a joy to talk to you, whether it's about StP, or ATR, or a different fandom, or just life in general! I love seeing all your art, your OCs, and anything else you might have <3

Also voice shipping. There are certain ships, you probably know which ones, that are now stuck in my head because of you. I blame you /lh

-----

I believe that should be all I have to say! Happy New Year's Eve again, and I will see you all in 2025!

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: The Arcana Interpretations

symbolism for your next poem/story (pt. 1)

1. The Magician

The beginning, the first cause, Mercurial influence

Good: Dexterity, ability, diplomacy, eloquence, convincing ways, an alert mind, a quick mind, business acumen

Bad: A persuasive boaster, an illusionist, intrigue, careerist, politician, charlatan, imposter, liar, a crook, an exploiter; an agitator, a lack of scruples

2. The Priestess

Mystery, intuition, devotion, passive Saturnian influence

Good: reserved, discreet, quiet, meditation, faith, patient, religious feelings, resignation, modesty; necessary inaction

Bad: hidden intentions, dissimulation, hypocrisy, inaction, laziness, sanctimonious, holds a grudge, an indifferent disposition, interest in the mystical

3. The Empress

Prudence, discretion, idealism and intellectual solar influence

Good: Understanding, intelligence, instruction, charm, courteous, sociable, elegance, distinction, politeness; domination by the mind, abundance, riches; servility

Bad: Affectation, poseur, stylish, vanity, pretentious, disdain, frivolity, idleness, luxury, extravagant; sensitivity to flattery, lack of refinement, ways of nouveaux riche

4. The Emperor

Firm, positivism, executive power, Saturnian-Martial influence

Good: Right, rigid, certitude, fixed ideas, realization, perseverance, strong willpower, acts on decisions; powerful protector

Bad: Tenuous opposition, stubborn, hostile prejudice, opinionated, bad government, big risks of failure; tyranny, absolutism

5. The Pope

Duty, morality, conscience, Jupiterian influence

Good: Moral authority, respectability, teaching, good advice, goodwill, indulgent, generosity, forgiveness; meekness

Bad: Papal sentence, strict moralist, strict teacher, small-minded theorist, bombastic preacher; an adviser with a lank of practical sense

6. The Lovers

Feelings, freewilled, testing, double influence of Venus or more exactly Ishtar the war like star of the morning, then amorous as the stars go down

Good: Voluntary determinism, choice, wished, aspirations, desires; examinations, deliberations, responsibility; affections

Bad: To go through doubts and indecision; dangerous temptation, the risk of being seduced, misconduct, liberty, weakness, lack of heroism

7. The Chariot

Triumph, command, superiority, Martian-solar influence

Good: Legitimate success, deserved advancement, talent, health, aptitudes put to good effect; governmental tact, diplomacy, efficient direction, appeasement; progress, mobility, journeys on land

Bad: Unjustified ambition, lack of talent, usurped situation, illegitimate government, dictatorship, harmful concessions, dangerous opportunism, worrying about which way to go, preoccupations, overworked, feverish activity without rest

8. Justice

Order, regularity, method, equilibrium, placid lunar influences

Good: Stability, conservatism, organization, normal functioning; law, discipline, logic, coordination, adapting to necessities, moderate opinions, practical sense, reason, administration, economy, obedience

Bad: Bourgeoisism, submission to users, lack of initiative, slaving over books, functionalism, papers; police station; legal dispute, law suit, quarrel, exploitation of the legal system

9. The Hermit

Prudence, reserve, restriction, Saturnian influence

Good: Isolation, concentration, silence, profoundness, meditation, study; austerity, continence, sobriety, discretion; doctor, discreet occultist

Bad: Timid, misanthrope, mute, exaggerated circumspection, lack of sociability, sullen character; avarice, poverty, celibacy, chaste; conspirator

10. The Wheel of Fortune

Destiny, instability, lunar-Mercurial influence

Good: Sagacity, an opportunist, luck in all undertakings, luck, fortuitous success; spontaneity, an inventive disposition, liveliness, good humour

Bad: Carelessness, speculation, game, insecurity, unserious, the unexpected, gypsy character; unstable situation, sudden change, winnings and losses; adventures, risks, minor fortune

11. Strength

Virtue, courage, Jupiter-Mars influence

Good: Moral energy, calm, intrepid; mind over matter; intelligence conquering brutality; subjugation of passions; success in industry

Bad: Anger, impatience, immoderate enthusiasm, insensibility, cruelty, fighting, war, conquering with violence, a surgical operation, vehemence, discord, fire

Source ⚜ More: Writing Notes & References ⚜ On Tarot

[starrgazed22]

LET THE GAME RUN OUR DESTINY

Jim Halpert x fem!reader Word count: 900 words Warnings: Nothing, just fluff, I guess. Summary: You decide to play this game you bought, The Sims 2, to cure your boredom in the office.

Another boring day at Dunder Mifflin’s, but not really.

The camera zooms in on your computer monitor from a distance, revealing you’re playing The Sims 2. You hear a door thud, Michael coming out of the office, and you quickly hide The Sims with your mail.

──────

(your interview with the camera crew)

“Jim helped me install this game I bought yesterday, called The Sims. It’s so addicting.” Cut. “No, just random characters, that I chose at the start of the game,” you clear your throat. “No one specific.”

──────

(Jim's separate interview with the crew)

“Yeah, I helped her install it, but if she gets into trouble because of it,” he throws his hand into the air, “I have nothing to do with it.”

──────

The cameraman pans over to your face, catching you being extremely focused on the game.

Time today goes really slowly, but the game is saving it. Not for Jim though. Jim is so bored, he hasn’t talked to you the whole afternoon because of the game. The game literally sucked you in. He decides to walk over to see what you’re playing. You quickly hide it, acting like nothing just happened. Jim raises his eyebrows.

“What? Nothing,” you try to play it cool.

“Come on, let me see! I am curious what it looks like.” He tries.

You blush a little, pretending you’re going through your mail. “No.”

He looks at you hurt. “Alright then, I’ll go back to boring myself, also known as, doing work.” He playfully grunts.

You chuckle at his joke, minimizing the mail window to play the game again.

After some time, the lunch break comes. You decide not to worry about the game being opened, because no one will go around your desk anyway.

Jim, still on a call with a client, signals you to go ahead, and you walk to the break room first. Jim finishes the call, hanging up the phone. He wants to throw away his Jell-O cup, still from the morning. He goes to the nearest trash can, which is next to your desk. He throws it away, suddenly amazed by something on your desk. He leans to get a closer look at your screen. He smiles to himself.

“She did us in that game. Me and her.” He smiles downwards. “Oh, she said those are random characters?” He chuckles. “What a coincidence.” He stretches all the a’s in the last sentence.

Jim finally comes into the break room, sitting down at the table.

“Hey.” He says.

“Hey, Jim.” You smile at him as you slurp in your noodles.

“So, how are we doing?” He asks casually.

You respond, not getting the secret message behind it. “I’m doing pretty good, did all the calls Michael told me to do.”

“No...” He chuckles. “I meant, how are we doing?” He asks, pointing his head back to the main room.

You look at him, genuinely confused. Suddenly you realize it. You put your head into your palm, covering your eyes in embarrassment.

Jim chuckles, his eyes glinting with amusement. “It’s okay, really,” he reassures you, sensing your embarrassment. “It’s funny. By the way, thanks for making me look like Prince Charming.”

You peek through your fingers, a hint of a smile on your lips. “I might have spent a little too much time on your character,” you admit.

Jim grins, taking a bite of his sandwich. He leans back in the chair, the chair making a small squeak. “Alright, so, what’s our story in The Sims? Are we a family? Colleagues? Maybe lovers?” A small smirk plays on his lips.

You feel your cheeks heating up again. “Well, I didn’t get too far with the storyline yet, but we’re housemates. We live together.”

“Oh, really?” Jim raises an eyebrow, clearly enjoying this. “Housemates, huh?”

You shrug, trying to act nonchalant. “It just seemed easier than having to switch between two houses all the time, you know. Plus it saves money.”

“Yeah, right,” Jim says with a big amused smile on his lips. He leans forward, his eyes locking with yours.

You stare at him, heart pounding. “What?”

Jim shrugs, still smiling. “What if we let that game decide what we do in real life.”

Your eyes widen. “What?”

He chuckles softly. “Whatever happens in the game we have to do. Up for the challenge?”

You feel a smile spreading across your face. “Alright, then.”

Jim’s grin widens. “Great.” He stands up, finishing his sandwich. “Shall the computer decide our destiny.”

You shake your head with a smile, feeling a rush of excitement as you watch Jim leave the room.

You decide to make yourself a cup of coffee before heading back to your desk. You walk up to your desk, stopping in disbelief. You see the screen, the characters stopped in time while they’re kissing. You look over at Jim, who is trying to hold in his laugh, avoiding eye contact. You deduce he did that. But you still feel a bit of blush run over your cheeks.

“Very funny, Jim.” You roll your eyes, but you can’t help but smile.

“What! You agreed to let it run our destiny.” He shrugs his shoulders at you.

You resume the gameplay, seeing what the characters will do next.

“Wow, they’re heading to bed now,” you announce with sarcastically no emotion.

He bursts out laughing, trying to keep quiet.

Such a dork.

[novaursa]

The Queen's Command (1/2)

Requests are closed!

- Summary: You came to Westeros to offer your services to the crown as a healer. And once the Dance starts and both Queens start to curry for your favor, you are forced to change the already written destiny of this war forever.

- Paring: Alicent Hightower/male!reader/Rhaenyra Targaryen

- Note: @subjectac7 , here is the first part of your request. I have to split it in half to establish a better background of the character you requested. I'll post the next part tomorrow that will include all other information you've provided me. This is more Rhaenyra centric, but the next part will contain Alicent pairing in it as well.

- Rating: Mild 13+ (rating will jump up in the next part)

- Next part: 2/2

- Tag(s): @sachaa-ff @alyssa-dayne @oxymakestheworldgoround @literaturedog

“You cannot be serious,” Grand Maester Mellos huffs, his face flushed beneath his graying beard as he paces before the hearth in King Viserys’ chambers. His robes of faded grey and white brush the floor, almost as if they carry the weight of centuries of tradition along with them. He glares at you from beneath furrowed brows, as though your mere presence is an affront to his authority. “Bloodletting has been practiced for generations in Westeros, and you—an outsider—would dare suggest otherwise?”

You stand, unmoving, across the room, your eyes obscured by the mask you wear. It covers much of your face, leaving only your sharp gaze visible beneath the shadow of the hooded cloak that hangs over your shoulders. The deep reds and blacks of your Asshaii garb seem foreign, almost unnatural, against the dull, familiar tapestries of the Red Keep. You do not flinch under Mellos’ stare.

“The king's ailment is not one that can be treated by such... primitive methods,” you say, your voice low, accented, each word carefully chosen. The hint of the Shadowlands lingers in your speech, an echo of lands far away and shrouded in mystery. “The corruption in his flesh, it festers deep within. Bloodletting will only weaken him further. What he needs is the poultice I have crafted, using ingredients from the Shadowlands, to draw the sickness out.”

Mellos scoffs, waving his hand dismissively. “Ingredients from the Shadowlands,” he repeats with mockery in his tone. “Herbs and roots that no Westerosi has heard of, much less approved of. Do you truly expect the King’s Council to trust a healer who hides behind a mask and speaks of dark magics?”

“I expect you to trust results,” you counter, stepping closer. “Results that I have delivered. How many men have I treated, who would otherwise have been lost to their injuries or sickness? Would you have them believe that my skills are unproven, Maester Mellos? Or are you simply afraid that they threaten your own?”

“You dare—”

Before Mellos can finish his sentence, the doors to the chamber swing open, and Ser Harrold Westerling strides in. The Kingsguard knight, ever stalwart, cuts through the tension with the urgency of his message. “Forgive the interruption, Grand Maester,” he says with a respectful nod, but his gaze quickly moves to you. “Princess Rhaenyra has requested your presence.”

Mellos straightens his posture. “I shall go at once. The princess—”

“Not you,” Ser Harrold interrupts, his tone firm yet respectful. “She has called for him,” he gestures to you. “There was a dragon riding incident. The princess landed awkwardly when she dismounted Syrax. She asks for the healer from Asshai.”

Mellos’ face goes white with indignation. “Impossible! The Princess would not—”

“She did,” Harrold cuts in, his gaze unwavering. “I witnessed it myself.”

You incline your head slightly, acknowledging the order without gloating. “It seems, Grand Maester, that Westerosi traditions do not always hold the favor of your nobles.” With that, you turn toward the door, your robes swaying as you move to follow Ser Harrold out into the corridors of the Red Keep.

As the two of you walk through the hallways, the torches lining the stone walls flicker with your passing. The clanking of Ser Harrold's armor is a steady rhythm next to your nearly silent footfalls. The knight, a man of duty and few words, finally speaks.

“I’ve seen what you can do,” he says, his voice low, so as not to carry. “There are soldiers, men who were once as good as dead, now back on their feet because of you. I’ve heard whispers, even saw one man after the battle with the Crabfeeder... wounds that should have taken weeks to heal, mended in days. Some say it’s dark magic. Others say it’s just skill. I don’t care which it is, as long as it works.”

You keep your pace steady, eyes focused ahead, your voice calm. “The Shadowlands teach many things, Ser Harrold. Some would call it magic, others simply knowledge they do not understand. But I assure you, everything I do is to heal, not harm.”

He glances at you from the corner of his eye. “And what of the King? Can you heal him?”

There’s a brief silence as you consider your response. “The corruption in his body runs deep. I can slow its progress, perhaps ease his pain. But to truly heal him…” Your voice trails off for a moment before you add, “It would take more than even I know. There are forces at work here, beyond any single healer.”

Harrold nods, accepting the answer for what it is. “Rhaenyra trusts you. She’s not easily impressed.”

You glance at him, sensing an unspoken question behind his words. “And you, Ser Harrold? Do you trust me?”

He doesn’t answer immediately, and for a moment, the only sound is the clinking of his armor and the crackle of torches. Finally, he replies, “I trust what I’ve seen with my own eyes. Time will tell the rest.”

The two of you reach Princess Rhaenyra’s chambers. As you enter, the familiar scent of dragon lingers in the air—an unmistakable smell of sulfur and smoke. Rhaenyra lies on a cushioned bed, her face pale but composed. Her leg is propped up awkwardly, and you can tell by the slight grimace on her face that the pain is intense.

She looks up as you approach, her eyes sharp. “You came quickly,” she says, her voice strong despite her discomfort. “Good.”

You kneel by her side, gently examining her injured leg. “You dismounted Syrax too soon,” you say, noting the swelling in her ankle. “A sprain, most likely.”

Rhaenyra winces slightly but allows you to work, watching you closely as you reach into your satchel and pull out the poultices and herbs you’ve prepared. “I trust you’ll have me back on my feet soon,” she says, her tone laced with both humor and challenge.

You meet her gaze through your mask. “Soon enough, Princess. Though I recommend resting this time, even if the pain subsides.”

She smirks. “We’ll see.”

Rhaenyra’s eyes continue to gleam with mischief as she watches you work. The playfulness in her voice carries through the quiet of the room. “You know,” she says, leaning a little closer, “I often find myself wondering what lies beneath that mask of yours. It’s not often I see a healer who hides his face.”

You glance up briefly from your work, smirking beneath the mask though she can’t see it. “Perhaps I wear it to keep a certain air of mystery, Princess,” you jest, not missing a beat. “Or maybe it’s better to leave some things to the imagination. After all, isn’t that more intriguing?”

Rhaenyra chuckles, her lips curving into a smile that matches the playfulness of your tone. “Intriguing indeed,” she muses, her fingers brushing idly against the table beside her. “But I am not a patient woman, Y/N. If there’s a mystery, I’ll uncover it eventually.”

You meet her gaze through the shadowed eyeholes of your mask, enjoying the playful dance of conversation. “Careful, Princess,” you say, the corner of your mouth lifting under the mask. “Sometimes the mystery is better left unsolved. You might find that what lies beneath is simply... underwhelming.”

Rhaenyra raises an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the banter. “Somehow, I doubt that. You wouldn’t hide it otherwise.”

You shake your head, focusing back on the work in front of you. “It’s not hiding, Princess. It’s... discretion.”

The silence that follows is not uncomfortable, but charged with a strange sort of intrigue. Rhaenyra watches you as you finish tending to her ankle, her curiosity about you only growing with each passing moment. “You’re unlike anyone I’ve met at court,” she says quietly, her gaze lingering on your hands as you work with practiced precision. “The others—Maesters, knights, and lords—they follow rules, traditions. You seem... outside of that.”

You glance at her again, briefly pausing in your work. “Asshai is far from Westeros. Its ways are not your ways,” you reply, your tone measured. “But I do what I must to heal. The rules of your court, your Maesters... they do not always align with the needs of the body.”

Rhaenyra seems to ponder your words, her interest piqued. “Perhaps that’s why I find you so... refreshing. Someone who doesn’t follow the same tiresome paths.”

You finish tying off the bandage around her ankle, gently securing it with a practiced touch. “There,” you say, rising to your feet and stepping back slightly. “The injury is not severe, but I advise rest.”

Before Rhaenyra can respond, the door opens, and in steps Queen Alicent, her presence commanding as ever. The light fabric of her green gown sways as she enters the room, her face calm, though you catch the briefest flicker of something unreadable in her eyes when they land on you. It’s subtle, but you notice it—a moment of hesitation.

“Rhaenyra,” she says, her voice softer than you expected. “I heard what happened. Are you all right?”

Rhaenyra smiles, waving off the concern. “I’m fine, Alicent. It was a minor incident, nothing more.”

Alicent’s gaze, however, shifts to you, and for a moment, there’s a tension in the room. She studies you, eyes narrowing ever so slightly. You know what this is. Otto Hightower’s warning about you lingers in her mind. She has heard about you—the healer from Asshai, with methods that defy the Seven’s teachings. Your presence unsettles those who cling to the old ways.

“I see you’ve... called upon Y/N,” Alicent says, her tone polite but guarded. “Father has told me about you.”

You incline your head slightly, acknowledging her without bowing fully. “Your father is a wise man, Your Grace. But wisdom sometimes comes with... caution.”

Alicent’s lips press into a thin line, her eyes never leaving you. “He said your ways are not... natural. That they defy the will of the Seven.”

Rhaenyra glances between the two of you, her gaze flickering with amusement. “Oh, Alicent. Must you always listen to your father? Y/N’s methods may be different, but they work.”

Alicent remains silent for a moment, her brow furrowing. “Different doesn’t always mean better,” she says softly, but the words seem more directed at herself than at you or Rhaenyra. Her gaze lingers on you, wary, as though she’s still trying to make up her mind about what exactly you are.

The silence that follows is heavy with unspoken tension, and you can feel Alicent’s discomfort. Yet, there’s something else there—something that goes beyond mere suspicion.

Rhaenyra, sensing the weight of the moment, breaks the silence with a smile that’s more mischievous than polite.

"Enough of this," Rhaenyra says, her voice light but firm as she rises from her seat, clearly intent on dismissing the uneasy air. “Whatever the Maesters or anyone else may think, Y/N has proven his worth to the crown. And I, for one, am grateful for his service.”

Her smile turns more genuine as she meets your eyes—or rather, the mask that conceals them. "In fact, I think it’s only proper that I express my gratitude personally," she continues, a playful tone lacing her words. "I would like to invite you to a private dinner, Y/N. There are many things I wish to know about you—about your homeland, your methods." She tilts her head slightly, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. “And perhaps we can finally solve the mystery of that mask.”

Alicent shifts uneasily beside her, her discomfort evident as she glances between you and Rhaenyra. Her fingers tighten slightly around the folds of her green gown, but she says nothing.

You incline your head, a soft chuckle escaping your lips. "A dinner with the Princess herself," you say, your voice smooth. "How could I refuse such an honor? Though I cannot promise the mask will come off so easily."

Rhaenyra's eyes narrow with amusement. "We’ll see about that."

Alicent clears her throat, clearly uncomfortable with the turn of the conversation. "Rhaenyra," she begins, her voice soft yet laced with subtle reproach, "perhaps it’s best to be cautious. After all, there’s much we still don’t know about—"

“Oh, Alicent,” Rhaenyra interrupts, her tone slightly dismissive but still playful. “Y/N has done more for the crown in one day than some have in years. I see no need for caution when gratitude is in order.”

Alicent’s lips press into a thin line, her unease apparent. She steals a glance at you from the corner of her eye, her expression betraying a hint of something deeper—curiosity, perhaps? Or is it the uncertainty that comes with the unfamiliar? Otto Hightower’s warnings still weigh on her, but something else lingers as well, something unspoken.

You turn to face Rhaenyra, offering a small, respectful bow. "Then, Princess, I shall look forward to your company."

As you turn to leave the room, you can feel both sets of eyes on your back—Rhaenyra’s filled with intrigue and mischief, and Alicent’s with something more complicated. Her gaze follows you, hesitant, cautious... and yet, there’s a flicker of something else.

For now, though, you leave them behind, the faint echo of their divided loyalties lingering in the air.

The dining hall Rhaenyra had chosen for this private dinner was smaller and more intimate than the grand banquet rooms of the Red Keep. The hearth crackled with warmth, casting flickering shadows on the stone walls, while a table draped in fine velvet sat between the two of you. A small feast had been laid out: roasted fowl, rich sauces, and goblets of deep red wine.

Rhaenyra leaned forward with a smile, one hand resting casually against her goblet. "So, Y/N," she began, her tone playful, "you’ve done well to avoid the subject of that mask of yours. We’re alone now—surely there’s no need to hide.”

You offered a slight chuckle, shaking your head slowly. "I wear it out of habit, Princess. It is part of who I am." You gesture toward the spread of food between you, your hands resting still in front of you. “Besides, a mask does not prevent me from sharing your company.”

Rhaenyra’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she took a sip of wine. "But it does prevent you from sharing a meal," she teased, nudging the plate of food toward you. "Surely you can’t eat through that mask."

You allow a smile to linger in your voice as you respond, “Perhaps, but I’ve grown quite accustomed to not eating in front of others.”

She leaned back, crossing her arms with a huff, clearly not content with your evasiveness. “You’re avoiding the question again,” she said, smirking as if she enjoyed this game of cat and mouse. “You can’t keep your face hidden forever.

You tilt your head, humor lacing your words. “Perhaps I simply enjoy the mystery. After all, didn’t you say it made things more intriguing?”

Rhaenyra’s gaze sharpened as her smile faded into something more deliberate. “Y/N,” she said, her tone still light but more commanding now. “Take off the mask.”

You froze for a moment, eyes narrowing slightly behind the mask as her words shifted from request to command. “That’s hardly fair,” you replied, your voice calm but with a hint of wariness. “Ordering me to do what you’ve been trying to coax from me all evening?”

Rhaenyra’s lips curled into a knowing smile, sensing your hesitation. “Fair or not, you’re in my service now. And I wish to see you—truly see you. So I order you.”

There’s a pause, a long, heavy silence between you. Her words linger in the air, and you can feel the weight of her demand settle over the room.

With a sigh, you slowly reach for the ties of your mask, your fingers loosening the cords that hold it in place. As the mask comes away from your face, you see Rhaenyra’s eyes widen ever so slightly, her playful demeanor faltering for the first time that night.

She stares, taken aback by your appearance, the easy confidence in her gaze replaced by something more like wonder.

You meet her eyes, your features now fully exposed to the flickering firelight. The contours of your face are unlike anything she’s seen before—your skin bearing the deep, rich tones of your distant homeland, marked with faint, intricate scars that seem almost ceremonial. Your eyes, so often obscured by the mask, are piercing, dark as onyx and filled with an intensity that feels more ancient than anything in Westeros. There is a strangeness in your appearance, something foreign, even to someone as exotic as Rhaenyra, whose Valyrian blood sets her apart in this world. You are different—more alien even than she, with her silver hair and violet eyes.

She blinks, clearly taken aback, her breath catching for a moment as she takes you in. “Gods,” she whispers, her voice soft, almost reverent. “You... you look like something from one of the old tales. Like you stepped out of another world.”

You watch her carefully, gauging her reaction. You’re used to this—used to the looks of surprise, fear, even fascination. But this moment feels different. Rhaenyra doesn’t shy away or recoil in discomfort. Instead, her eyes linger on yours, filled with a strange blend of curiosity and something else—something deeper.

“It is not every day a man from Asshai dines with a princess of Westeros,” you say, your voice calm but with an undercurrent of amusement. “I suppose we are both somewhat alien here, are we not?”

She laughs softly, though her eyes still linger on your face, studying every detail as if committing it to memory. “More alien than I thought,” she murmurs, her smile returning, though more thoughtful now. “I knew you were different, but... this.”

You tilt your head slightly, a small smile playing on your lips. “Do you regret ordering me to take off the mask?”

She shakes her head, her silver hair catching the firelight. “No,” she says, her voice soft but firm. “But I didn’t expect you to be... this.”

The two of you fall into a quiet understanding. Whatever assumptions she might have held before are gone now, replaced by something more genuine, more real. You are no longer just a mysterious healer from the far east. You are something she cannot quite place but cannot ignore.

“I wanted to know more about you,” Rhaenyra continues after a moment, her voice softer. “But I think I still don’t know enough.”

You lean back slightly, meeting her gaze with a smile. “Perhaps that is something we can remedy... in time.”

Rhaenyra leaned forward slightly, her gaze still lingering on your features as the moments passed in silence. You could feel her studying you, but now there was something more in her eyes—something contemplative, even vulnerable.

“I have a request of you, Y/N,” she said after a moment, her voice quieter now, losing the playful edge it had carried earlier in the evening. “It concerns my father.”

You knew where this was heading even before she finished speaking. The condition of King Viserys had been a topic of whispered discussions around the court for months now. You had seen it with your own eyes—how the illness had taken hold of him, how the rot had spread. But the Maesters, and most notably Grand Maester Mellos, had kept a tight grip on his care. They had kept you at arm’s length, regarding your methods with disdain and suspicion.

“I would help him if I could,” you replied evenly, placing down your goblet. “But your Grand Maester refuses to allow me much access to the King. He sees my methods as... unnatural.”

Rhaenyra’s jaw tightened slightly, frustration flashing in her violet eyes. “Mellos is stubborn. He insists that his way is the only way, but I’ve seen my father’s condition worsen under his care.” She sighed, brushing a strand of silver hair back behind her ear. “If there’s something you can do, something that could ease his suffering...”

You hold her gaze, understanding the weight of her words. There was no love lost between you and Mellos, but Viserys’ condition was worsening far faster than you had expected. There were treatments you had at your disposal, remedies from the Shadowlands that could slow the spread of the sickness. But those who worshipped the Seven viewed such methods with suspicion.

“I can try,” you say after a moment, your voice measured. “But it won’t be easy. Mellos will block me at every turn.”

Rhaenyra’s expression softened, her fingers tracing the rim of her goblet absently. “Then we’ll find a way,” she murmured. “I won’t stand by and watch him fade, not when there could be another path.”

The quiet in the room felt heavy, filled with unspoken thoughts. You finished your meal, the last bite of roasted fowl disappearing as you placed your fork down gently. Without another word, you reached for your mask, fingers curling around the edges as you prepared to don it once more.

But before you could pull it over your face, Rhaenyra’s hand shot out, stopping you mid-movement. Her fingers were warm against your wrist, firm but gentle. “Wait,” she said softly, her voice more of a whisper now.

You paused, glancing down at where her hand rested against your arm. “Princess?”

She smiled, a hint of mischief returning to her eyes, but there was something deeper now, something more intimate. “I wish to give you a gift for your services to the crown,” she said, her voice low, almost conspiratorial.

You raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her sudden shift in tone. “A gift?”

Rhaenyra leaned in, her fingers still wrapped around your wrist, preventing you from putting the mask back on. “Yes, Y/N,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper now, her lips curving into a smile. “Something personal.”

Before you could respond, she moved closer, closing the distance between the two of you with an almost predatory grace. Her hand slid from your wrist to rest lightly on your shoulder, her breath warm against your skin.

And then, without warning, she pressed her lips to yours.

The kiss was soft, yet filled with an intensity that took you by surprise. Rhaenyra’s lips were warm, her hand still resting against your shoulder as if to keep you anchored in place. You could feel the heat of her body, the closeness of her form, and for a moment, the world outside the room seemed to disappear entirely.

When she finally pulled back, her eyes were bright with something unspoken, her lips parted slightly as if she, too, were surprised by the suddenness of the kiss.

“That,” she said, her voice still soft but with a playful edge, “is your gift, Y/N.”

You stared at her, caught between surprise and amusement, the weight of the moment hanging between the two of you. She gave you a slow, almost teasing smile, watching your reaction carefully.

“Well,” you said after a beat, your voice low and amused, “I’ve received many gifts in my time, but none quite like that.”

Rhaenyra laughed softly, leaning back in her seat with a satisfied expression. “Good,” she replied, her tone once again playful. “Then I trust you’ll keep this one close.”

The Red Keep’s courtyard buzzed with the usual clamor of activity—horses being saddled, guards shouting orders, and the echo of clattering armor. You stood near the stables, your horse nearly ready, its saddle secured as you prepared to leave. The weight of the past few days pressed heavily on you. Your attempts to aid King Viserys had been met with resistance at every turn. Mellos, ever watchful, had made sure of that.

Just this morning, he had summoned you to the council chamber, where Otto Hightower waited with his usual calculating gaze. Mellos had been quick to present his case: how your methods, unnatural and foreign, posed a threat to the King's health, how you undermined the maesters' authority, and how the Seven themselves would frown upon your practices. It hadn’t taken much convincing for Otto to act on Mellos' words. You were relieved of your duties, with a polite but firm warning that your services were no longer required.

And so here you were, tightening the reins of your horse, ready to depart. You had no desire to stay where you weren’t wanted—where your hands were tied, unable to help those who needed it.

But just as you reached for your horse’s bridle, a voice broke through the noise, sharp and unmistakable. “You can’t leave.”

You turned, and there she was—Rhaenyra, standing at the edge of the courtyard, her silver hair catching the late afternoon light. Her expression was fierce, her eyes locked onto yours with a fire you hadn’t seen since the night of the dinner. She strode toward you with purpose, her gown billowing slightly in the wind.

“Princess,” you greeted her, your voice calm, but you could see the urgency in her eyes.

Rhaenyra stopped a few paces away, her chest rising and falling with the remnants of whatever anger or frustration had driven her here. “I heard what happened,” she said, her voice lower now, though no less intense. “Mellos went to Otto. He convinced him to send you away.”

You sighed, not surprised but still weary. “It was only a matter of time, Princess. Mellos has always seen me as a threat. He used Otto’s fear of the unknown to push me out.”

“You can’t leave,” she said again, more forcefully this time. Her violet eyes searched yours, as if trying to find some way to convince you to stay. “My father needs you. I need you.”

You stepped closer, the reins of your horse still in your hand. “You know as well as I do, Rhaenyra, that Mellos won’t allow me near your father. Every time I’ve tried, he’s blocked me. Even now, your father’s care is in his hands.”

Rhaenyra’s jaw clenched, her frustration clear. “You could help him. You could stop what’s happening to him.”

You sighed softly, shaking your head. “There are limits to what I can do when the very people who should be working with me are working against me. If I stay, I’ll be wasting time fighting battles I cannot win.”

Her gaze softened, but there was still a fierceness behind her eyes. “Then stay for me,” she whispered, her voice barely above the wind. “Not for them.”

The sincerity of her words hung between you, heavy and undeniable. For a moment, you considered it—considered staying, if only for her. There was something between you now, something that had grown in the quiet spaces between words and the stolen moments you shared. But even that couldn’t change what had been done.

You stepped forward, closing the space between you and Rhaenyra. “We will see each other again, Rhaenyra. This isn’t the end.”

She looked up at you, her eyes searching yours for any sign of doubt. “How can you be so sure?”

A faint smile tugged at the corner of your lips. “Because some paths are meant to cross again.”

Rhaenyra’s face softened at that, but the fire in her eyes remained. “I don’t like it,” she said, her voice full of that same determined stubbornness you had grown used to. “But I believe you.”

You reached out, gently touching her arm, your voice quiet but firm. “Take care of your father. And take care of yourself. I will find my way back when the time is right.”

With that, you turned toward your horse, mounting it with ease. Rhaenyra stood back, watching as you prepared to ride away, the wind catching her silver hair as it whipped around her face. You met her gaze one last time, a silent promise passing between you.

And then, with a gentle nudge of your heels, your horse moved forward, carrying you out of the Red Keep and into the city beyond.

As you rode through the gates, you couldn’t help but glance back once more, catching a glimpse of Rhaenyra standing in the courtyard, a figure of silver and fire, watching you disappear into the distance.