#elder siblings hold power i could never know

[ruvi-muffin]

Tbh there's a very simple reason why Astrid could not take essek in a fight

Essek is an older sibling.

[priyajoyyy]

Tangled

Clarisse la rue x repunzel!pesephone!fem!reader

Reader spent their entire life hidden away in a tower to protect her from the outside world wanting her for her powers, its only when a certain daughter of ares finds her scared and confused, that she finally gets to see the outside world like she always longed to.

Warnings:

Toxic parents, yandere!parents, oblivious!, Clarisse being stubborn, overprotectiveness, cannon typical violence, readers not got the best survival instincts 😭, reader is blonde, more to come maybe

Gods had a weird way of protecting people. And while you could confidently say they your parents were never intending to harm you or your siblings. They definitely went about it in weird ways.

Of course you never realised this, being locked away in a tower your entire life was all you even knew. You didn’t understand that your life wasn’t normal.

You didn’t realise you weren’t the only child your parents had hidden off in magical locations to protect them from Zeus and the dangers of the world in their own twisted ways.

And so you stayed where you were, waiting in your tower for the days that your parents would come and visit or the few creatures of the forest you had befriended came to your window.

With not much else to do but paint or read everyday in the same walls. Your hair growing and failing to ever stop, getting to the point of it being constantly in the way.

🍊☀️🪷

Clarisse was beyond confused.

She was 150% sure they had come the same way they had 100 times before. She was convinced. And yet there had never been a giant tower int he middle of the path all the other times they had taken this route.

Her brother suggested that maybe they took a wrong turning, surely they were just lost.

But Clarisse refused to acknowledge the idea she could even being wrong, no she was curtain they came the right way.

Besides they needed somewhere to camp out for the night anyway, so she took off towards the tower.

“Clarisse what are you doing?” Her brother shouted after her, the girl from the Hermes cabin turning to give him a look of annoyance.

The two followed after the girl, watching for a while as she searches around for some sort of entrance before giving up and turning back to them.

“Come on, we need to find a way up” Clarisse tells the two, not being able to find any sort of entrance other than the window near the top of the tower.

“Why?” The blonde girl asked in annoyance, “can’t we just go find somewhere to settle for the night?”

“Yeah clarisse it’s getting late, we can find our bearings in the morning” her brother added.

“This is somewhere to settle for the night” Clarisse stated plainly, rolling her eyes when the two stared at her in confusion, “it’s a giant tower in the middle of nowhere with no doors���no one’s living up there”

“I don’t know Clarisse…I mean this is meant to be a satyr trail, surely someone’s up there” the boy tried to reason.

“Aren’t you curious?” Clarisse asked, “I know we came the right way, this part of the route is blocked off, there is literally no way we got lost”

She was right, this small section of the trail was hidden away, you could only get in and out through two small entrance/exits, covered by plant life to hide it off.

They had been through the secret path a million times and never once was the tower there.

“Well how do you expect we get up?” The girl asked in defeat.

Clarisse looks around for a moment, before grabbing the bag off of her back and pulling out two daggers and holding them up to the two.

“No” the elder boy stated, to which Clarisse turned and made her way towards the walls of the tower, grabbing onto the vines to test their strength, “no no no Clarisse stop it right now”

The girl ignored him, stabbing the dagger into the wall inbetween the cracks and using both of them and the vines to begin to pull herself up the wall.

“I swear to god Clarisse get down right now!”

“I’ll see if there’s another way to get up once I’m up there” Clarisse calls down to them as they stare at her dumbstruck.

“I’m gonna kill you when you get down!” he called up to her.

“I hate your sister” the blonde said to the boy nonchalantly, collapsing to sit on the floor and wait for the ares daughter to be done you her adventure so they could get to bed.

“Tell me about it” the boy replied glaring up at her as she made her way to the top.

Clarisse made her way up, using the, surprisingly strong vines and plants growing off of the tower as her main support on the way up.

Once she made it to the window she pulled herself up on to the ledge, looking down to see her quest mates sat on the ground talking, rolling her eyes at the sight.

She quietly forced the shutters of the large window open, stepping on the flower bed as she climbed through into the room.

🍊☀️🪷

You hadn’t heard anything while Clarisse had been climbing up the walls, busy in your room painting as she entered into the main room of the tower.

Your hair was laid around the different rooms, leading through doors and hanging from ceilings in an attempt to keep it out of your way, something Clarisse stared at in confusion as she quietly wondered around the room.

She was clearly wrong about no one living in the tower, there were candles and lights lit across the room, and a fire lit int he fireplace.

The kitchen was full of food and everything was relatively clean. And not to mention the yards and yards of hair laid across the place.

That’s what confused Clarisse the most, surely no human had this much hair.

She was shocked out of her thoughts when she stepped backwards, tripped on some of said hair and fell onto the floor, alerting you in the other room.

You heard the noise and turned around quickly, your hair curling round you slightly causing it to tug, getting caught underneath Clarisse and yank on your head slightly. Making you squeak in shock.

Clarisse heard this from the other room, her eyes widening as she looking towards the doors that someone clearly resided in.

Both of you grabbed your weapons, Clarisse clutching one of her daggers, and you running to grab a vase off of a cabinet. Inching your way towards the door that separated the two of you as Clarisse stood up.

Clarisse started to walk up the stairs towards the door as you walked down the hallway, both of you stopping at the door before Clarisse decided to push through it suddenly.

You screamed as the mystery girl collapsed on top of her, hair covering your face as you flailed about, trying to get her off of you as she try’s to find the dagger that she lost on the floor.

“Get off of me” you grunted, pushing the hair out of your eyes and attempting to push her off of you, “who are you?”

Clarisse finally finding her dagger, held it to your throat, causing you to stop fighting back, breathless and staring at the weapon in her hand with wide eyes.

“Who are you?” Clarisse retorted, glaring down at the girl as if she wasn’t the one breaking and entering.

“You’re in my home” you say back in shock, frowning at how the knife gets closer to you.

“And I’m holding the dagger…see how this works?” Clarisse tells you with a smirk, flipping it in her hand as she kept it near your throat.

“I-I’m y/n…” you replied slowly, not knowing what to tell her. Looking at her with wide eyes as she huffs in realisation that it wasn’t the most helpful question to ask.

“Well why do you live here?” Clarisse asks noticing the way the girl looked confused and adding, “I mean you’re in the middle of the forest in a tower with no doors…”

“And I mean what’s going on with your hair, it’s so long” Clarisse continued, “and who uses a vase as a weapon?”

You didn’t really know what to say to any of that, looking at her blankly.

“I…don’t know” you answered eventually, adding in a small voice, “can you please get off of me”

Clarisse sighed, getting up slowly but still holding the dagger pointed towards her as she did.

“Why are you in my house?” You asked meekly, staring at the dagger in fear. Clarisse rolled her eyes noticing your wariness, putting the dagger down to her side to try calm you down.

“I’m not gonna hurt you unless you try anything ok?” Clarisse stated, “I was just looking to see if we could stay the night in here, I didn’t realised anyone lived here or anything”

“We?”

“My friends, well not really my friends but, well they’re just outside” Clarisse told you, “why are you in a tower by yourself exactly? And seriously what’s going on with your hair”

“I just live here…I don’t know what you mean” you answered, “and I guess it’s just my hair…my mum says it’s special”

“Your mum? Special how what do you mean”

“I don’t know it just is” you said, “w-wait, no, I’m not meant to tell anyone that”

Clarisses eyebrows furrowed at that, looking at you as though you were an idiot causing you to blush at her.

“Why can’t you tell anyone about your hair…” Clarisse asked.

“Mummy said not to” you said hesitantly.

Clarisse smirked at that, only seconds ago you said you couldn’t tell anyone and yet here you were continuing on with the subject.

“And mummy is?” She asked condescendingly, something you didn’t pick up on as you went to answer.

“Ummm Persephone…” you responded simply.

“What?” Clarisse asked in confusion, looking at you like you were mad. Sure, she knew you couldn’t be mortal, but a demigod?

She supposed the flowers and plants in full bloom in autumn made sense by that, it didn’t quite explain the hair but she was sure it had something to do with that.

“You’re a demigod?” She asked in confusion.

“What?” You replied, furrowing your eyebrows as you looked at her, “what’s that?”

Clarisse stared at you for a moment, you felt like she was scrutinising your entire existence as she looked you up and down.

Suddenly she grabbed your arm and pulled you towards the door, you stumbling as she continued down the stairs towards the main room of the tower and leaving you stood in the middle.

You watched her as she made her way to the window, opening it again and shouting down at her ‘friends’ she told you about earlier.

“It’s all safe” Clarisse shouted, before turning back to you, “do you have any rope?”

You looked at her in shock that she was just inviting people inside your home, speaking when she sent you a look of annoyance, “no?”

Clarisse looked around the room for a moment before settling on your hair that hung around the room, turning back to you with a new look in her eyes.

“You sure?” Clarisse asked, leaning down to pick up your hair and hold it up for you to see.

“W-what? No you can’t use my hair!” You told her, rushing forward to remove it from clarisses hands leaving you stood right in front of her.

She looked down at you with a smirk, taking the hair back, “come on, they won’t hang from it or anything, they just need something to hold for leverage to get up”

You rolled your eyes with a pout at that, looking up at her before walking towards the window, looking down at the two on the ground, who were now beyond confused at the blonde girl appearing.

You leant over to reach the walls of the tower then, Clarisse running over to hold on to you as you stumbled slightly, “be careful!”

You blushed feeling her hands on your hips, shaking yourself out of it and leaning down to touch the plants and vines attached to the stone.

Clarisse watched as the plants grew, covering the side of the wall all over and bits of vines hanging down for the two at the bottom to hold on to.

Once it was fully grown you turned back around to Clarisse, underestimating how close you both were when you did so.

You smiled up at the shocked look on her face, proud of yourself for figuring out a solution to the situation, hearing clarisses brother begin to scale up the side of the wall as you and Clarisse faced each other.

Taglist:

@slaggylemon @yourmom-25s-blog @l0veshellarcelia @asvterias @ashisabitgay

Wanna rewatch tangled now 🤩

Pretty sure this is shit but oh well

[rickoconnells]

Spoilers for bg3 ending under the cut but I'm having a lot of thinkings and also feelings on how you spare your companions from being manipulated by godlike beings while falling victim to it yourself repeatedly by the emperor's hand

Aaaanyway. I'm on my second playthrough, deeply unhappy with the choices I made in the first. Like a lamb being led to slaughter, the Emperor manipulates Tav into being little more than a pawn. And I'm annoyed. And this is word vomit.

Yes, you can refuse to give him the stones, and you can either damn yourself or save Karlach in the worst possible way, but regardless, Orpheus dies. The githyanki, who would kill the Emperor, remain Vlaakith's slaves. The Netherbrain, who would kill the Emperor, dies. He is free and you have served your purpose. You will not hear from him again. In fact, you only heard from him when he needed you.

He lies. Continually. Actively and by omission. He appears as the dream visitor, kind, exactly what you want to see - your protector, he REPEATEDLY reminds you. He opens up, he's vulnerable, only YOU can save this sad, trapped dream lord. Save him from what? He won't tell you. You're not ready. Just keep serving him and maybe one day you'll be good enough to know more. Just like Mystra holding back the Weave from Gale. Just like Cazador building an army using Astarion and his siblings' bodies. Just like Shar ripping Shadowheart's memories away again and again. Just be good and some day they will give you what you want.

He never lied. He just didn't tell you. You couldn't handle it. Didn't tell you he was illithid. He couldn't trust you. Trust him. Didn't tell you he was Balduran. Didn't tell you he killed his best friend, clearly in love with him, to save his own neck while that best friend was in the right. He could be once again controlled by the elder brain. He was trapped and controlled by Gortash. He had his fingers in the spine of Stelmane and by extension the city. He was a danger to everyone. But the Wyrm had to die - can't you see? He never lied. He just didn't tell you because it wasn't important. You weren't important enough to know. Don't be so silly. Don't overreact.

Whatever you do, don't free Orpheus. Because then you're being unreasonable. Then you're leaving him no choice. He has to join the Netherbrain, betray you, join what he has been forcing you to fight so hard against, kill you dead for not doing what he wanted, sacrifice you in a ritual of power, make you kill your parents, send your mentor to tell you to detonate the bomb in your chest, snuff out your life for a contract you've broken, take out your heart, make you a slave.

The game is telling you, over and over again, with your companions quest lines, that this is happening. And we all think because we're the hero of the story, it couldn't happen to us, when in reality everyone is the hero of their own story, and everyone has risked the same downfall.

[commanders-company]

Reforged

Do you remember me, mother?

Do you remember when the fleet fell, and the jungle roar pierced our minds? Many trembled, many faltered, but I stood resolute. My duty as warden meant I could not let the call take hold; there were far too many lives in my hands for that. I gave words of comfort, brought the lost back home, and gave a quick end to those too far gone. Grueling work, but I did it gladly.

Do you remember the silence? For weeks after, the dream was chaotic, a swirling vortex of panic and confusion. Everyone had questions and no one had answers. And when the jungle dragon was finally slain, what followed felt like a wasteland. Saplings were afraid to peer into the dream. Their elder siblings were disillusioned. I remained. I had to.

Do you remember where I was sent? A sudden urging pushed me and a small company of valiants to Mount Maelstrom, further from the forest than any of us had ever been. The destroyers were on the move, or so the dream said. We marched, your loyal tin soldiers, confident that the dream would keep us safe. But the dream had changed, hadn't it? You were still so weak after the attack. And yet you sent us out.

Do you remember the names of the fallen?

Did you hear their screams?

Do you know how long I burned, buried in the rubble?

I called out, begged for help, screamed in pain. No one came to my rescue. A footnote in the great dream, to be cataloged and forgotten with the rest. But in the midst of my suffering, I was resolute. I believed in you. I had to.

And then another voice came: primal, indistinct, but getting closer. It spoke of fire and ruin. Promised power. The power to save myself.

As I clawed my way out of the melting rock, I confronted the truth: you never saved me. You left me to die.

I have no need of the dream anymore. No need for siblings or titles or anything green. Magma boils in my veins, waiting to be released. Every moment is pain, my skin is reduced to ash, removing every last trace of what I was before. His voice continues in my ear - powerful, wild, driving me toward one goal.

Do you hear me now, mother?

No matter. You will soon.

[anony-mouse-writer]

Okay okay okay. This is literally gonna chew on my brain, so.

Here I list the tenets that guide the blooded sword:

I. May all that you face have a fighting chance. Any sword raised to the innocent or unarmed in cruelty is blackened by its shame.

[If he won’t move, move him. This must be done.]

[He could shove Tanguish back against the wall, stun him with the blow, and his sword would be in his hands before Tanguish knew what happened.

II. May your wrath be stoked only by the Saint's wrath, tempered by the Saint's fire, and quenched by the Saint's blood. A fool are they who, gifted the Saint's power, use it in wrath or malice alone.

His body still shook like the innervated sparks of a kicked campfire, but the parts of him that mattered, that controlled his voice and his will, felt so near to nothing it was startling. Transcendent. There was just a simple surety: he was going to make Wels pay for this.

[Do something.]

III. May you meet every adversary with honor, nor despise them for their challenge. May every battle prove your glory, and every accepted challenge prove their equal.

“He’ll make you kneel like that t-too and he’ll kill you, and you won’t be able to do anything to stop him!”

“Then I won’t give him the chance to command me.”

IV. May you be steadfast and know no retreat, for the back turned is once wounded and twice deserving. May every wound won show no proof of running.

V. May you meet every obstacle with courage, for just as all that emits light must endure burning, all the courageous must make a brother of their fears.

Helsknight felt his breath begin to heave, the silent determination of his wrath giving way to something nastier and more desperate.

VI. May your word be law, as binding as chains, and as chains may it drown you when bound in deceit.

“I didn’t promise that.”

“You did!”

…

“Then it's a promise I’m breaking.”

VII. May you seek the counsel of your elders, those more versed in the order and its ways, and respect their word once given, for their communion with the Saint is long, and their wisdom earned.

VIII. May you persevere to the end of any enterprise begun, for the folly is theirs that, through unfinished business, never gain wisdom from deeds done.

“You said we were in this together,” Tanguish said quickly. “Keep your promise and stay.”

IX. May you respect the honor of your fellow helsmet, that none may know you cruel or slave to vice. For no creature, be they sibling of order or beggar or king, is ever deserving of dishonor or pain.

Tanguish was so small, and so fragile. And he was so scared of pain, maybe all he really needed to do was turn around and grab the knife off the table, and then Tanguish would run.]

X. May you treat all siblings of sword and order as your own, held accountable as you would so hold yourself. A villain are they that stray from their tenets, and a villain they that allow it.

- Redstone and Skulk, @silverskye13

…

okay, so now that we’ve gone through all the ways Helsknight broke his tenets this chapter, lets talk about the WoG confirmation that the red text is the will of the his Saint and his accusation that Tanguish is twisting his tenets.

…… yeah I mean, he kind is. He’s admitted to it in the past too.

Like, obviously I am deeply unwell about this series in general, but Helsknight’s devotion to his Saint is so fucking fascinating to me personally. Holding to a code no one else has to is hard as shit and the Saint’s code is pretty vicious. But part of the code also addresses getting help from others and I don’t even know if there are others of the order?

BUT what there are others of, is the champions of the arena. And Helsknight has been forgoing their help for a while and the Hand calls him out on it. Helsknight just now realizing that he doesn’t have a lot of things grounding himself to him instead of Wels (and self-admittedly ignoring several of those things of late) isn’t healthy and he needs to reach out and he needs someone to hold him accountable, either to his tenets or whatever internal logic he decides to replace them with, and I don’t think it can be Tanguish, because I love him, but he’s absolutely a manipulative little shit who will use Helsknight’s code to his advantage in tense situations.

Hels doesn’t get much in the way of happy endings and I’m not entirely convinced that the ideal scenario for Helsknight to follow his tenets to the letter at this moment would be to muster up his allies and a battle plan and then march on hermitcraft to duel Wels or something. Which would be lowkey highkey horrible for everyone involved, not gonna lie. But I also have to wonder reallly strongly about how the red text of the Saint’s will directly violated several of the tenets and what that means for Helsknight going forward.

[digimonlover09]

Bishop Swap AU

(Can’t remember if I ever posted it to Tumblr, but I guess I will now just in case. It was just the normal Lamb in this AU before the Goat was revealed. Does not extend into post-game story yet.)

The basics are Ratau swaps with Shamura, Sozo with Kallamar, Helob with Heket, Leshy with Midas, and The Fox with The One Who Waits. The wounds are also shuffled. Bishop Ratau is the blind one, Bishop Helob is the deaf one, Bishop Sozo is the one with brain damage, and Bishop Midas is the mute one.

I also gave The Fox Who Waits the alternate name of Raveni, based on the arg.

The not-Bishops are still siblings, a little adopted family Elder Vessel Shamura put together back in their Cult Leader days. 

Elder Shamura was devoted. They did everything TFWW asked with no hesitation. They were loyal, and so were the family they put together. Their cult was thriving, and so were they. Everyone was happy, everything was perfect

Until, of course, Narinder tried to take their god’s crown. After that, things just fell apart. Their family left and went their separate ways, they got lonely and tired, they became less active, the cult slowly withered away, and eventually the Fox grew disappointed and took the crown back.

Cryptid Narinder wants to be a god, and he’s become something different. Not a Bishop or a god, but not quite mortal anymore either. He’s something in-between mortal and immortal. He requests sacrifices from the Goat, starting small with a simple fish, and working up to requesting the life of his estranged elder sibling, Shamura. He still holds a grudge against them for denying him the power he desired all those years ago.

If they get sacrificed to Cryptid Narinder, Elder Shamura leaves a letter about how they miss their family, how they still love Narinder even after what he did, and how Goat fills the hole in their heart left by their family falling apart.

Cryptid Narinder’s also noticeably envious of the Goat if encountered after they defeat The Fox Who Waits. He might even request the Fox’s life instead of Elder Shamura’s, though he will ask for Shamura if denied. 

If Goat gives him Raveni, Cryptid Narinder will go on a tangent about the Goat accomplishing what he could only hope to, and then grants a Divine Inspiration or God Tear on top of the usual reward.

Shroom Kallamar isn’t infected by any parasitic mushrooms, he’s just addicted. He tries to run from his past and his pain by drowning his sorrows in menticide mushrooms, to the point where he’s never really sober anymore. 

He doesn’t want to remember how his brother betrayed them and ruined everything, how everything just fell apart, how that fleeting time where everything was perfect ended. So he takes any menticide he can get his hands on and drowns himself in the high and the good memories.

Sometimes he talks about them, about his siblings. Sometimes he talks about his time in the cult Elder Shamura ran. If he’s still alive when Cryptid Narinder appears at Spore Grotto, he’ll come out and greet him, say how he misses how things used to be, and then wander back into his usual room.

Cryptid Narinder will be silent for a moment, looking sad, and make a comment about how pitiful his brother has become, before returning to his usual behavior.

This interaction doesn’t happen if Shroom Kallamar already overdosed. Also the swapped Mushroom Sculpture looks very different, is called the Mushroom Shrine, and has references to all five of the not-Bishops.

Unlike canon Helob, Cannibal Heket is very aware that most people don’t eat live people like she does. She also knows that Goat is based in the lands her elder sibling once led a cult in. She sells Followers to the Goat for reasons of nostalgia.

Heket is the only sibling still in contact with everyone. She still talks to Elder Shamura every once in awhile, and sometimes plays Knucklebone with them. She still visits to Mushroom Kallamar, though he’s usually too high to understand what’s happening. She occasionally visits Collector Leshy and gifts him some of her prey. She even encounters Cryptid Narinder in the middle of the night once every great while, though they usually just glare at eachother. 

She’s a bit arrogant and rude when she talks to the Goat, and insults them if they don’t buy whoever she’s offering. She becomes sad after Kallamar dies, and she completely disappears if the Goat gives Shamura to Narinder.

Collector Leshy isn’t obsessed with money, he’s obsessed with people. He traps people in gold so they can’t ever leave him. He’s got a pact with the Gods of Gold for that power, so he still sells things for exorbitant prices to satisfy them.

Cannibal Heket only visits him on rare occasions, because he’s genuinely the most unstable in the family. She’s always very cautious when interacting with the worm, because she’s not sure he won’t try to trap her like his other victims.

Bishop Ratau does actively pity the Goat. But The Fox Who Waits, cannot be allowed to be set free. His pity wanes with every Bishop that dies, and the time the Goat reaches swapped Silk Cradle, he’s just tired. He wants this whole thing to be over and done with so he can mourn in peace.

Bishop Helob doesn’t cast famine, they just steal some of Goat’s Followers and feed them to their own cultists. Naturally, they eat the first one themself. All Followers recruited from swapped Anura come with the Cannibal trait, because of something Bishop Helob did to them.

Bishop Midas is a very hands off Bishop, mostly lets his Followers run wild while he laughs at the chaos. He can be bribed with shiny things, though. Most of his sacrifices get decked out in extra shiny jewelry and the fanciest clothes Plimbo can smuggle. Plimbo and Collector Leshy make the most gold off of Bishop Midas’s Followers, because fancier sacrifices mean better blessings.

[find-roronoa-zoro]

Roronoa Zoro X CisFem Reader

15

Christmas dinner had its usual moments of bickering and teasing among siblings and friends. Lots of curious glances were tossed your way as you and Zoro sat together his hand resting on your knee under the table. Your younger blond brother seemed to be acting quite smug all evening while your older blond couldn't seem to wait to corner and interrogate you.

"You don't think it's a little bit suspicious, yoi?" Marco asked taking the plate you'd just washed to dry.

"First of all, ouch," you looked at him ironically, "what's so suspicious? I didn't know you had such a big problem with him."

"I didn't mean it like that," he deadpanned and continued, "I don't have a problem with him. It's just your age difference and it's no secret that our family is successful and well off while he has been working multiple jobs to make ends meet, yoi."

"So you're saying he wants a sugar mama?"

"More or less, I mean who knows that could be it?"

"I guess I wasn't clear enough before." Zoro interrupted.

Marco sighed.

"Before?" you echoed.

"It's not a fetish and I don't need your money," he paused and flushed a little, "I happen to enjoy and appreciate your sister's company. We're both adults and don't need your permission."

Marco tensed and puffed out his chest, "If you ever -"

"You don't have to threaten me. I don't intend to."

You looked away flustered and cleared your throat, "I'm right here ya know."

"I need a smoke." Marco rumbled dropping the dish towel and marching out of the room.

"I'm really sorry about that." You turned back to the sink.

His arms made their way around your waist, "Don't be. He's allowed to be worried, I just don't appreciate the assumptions."

"It was still rude." you pouted.

"Well, a sugar mama would be nice." he breathed teasingly against the crook of your neck.

"S-shut up." you shivered, "Help me dry these dishes."

"Yes ma'am." he rumbled kissing the tip of your ear and moving beside you.

"Don't call me that." you nudged him playfully with your elbow.

"Well if you insist on calling me Tiger then you'll have to get an embarrassing nickname too." he argued quietly.

"Ma'am isn't a nickname, for one, it's something you say to your elder."

He smirked at you.

"Don't say it." you scolded.

"Ok, ok." he raised his hands, "I'll think of something."

After you and Zoro cleaned up everyone gathered in the den to play games and watch movies. Thatch and Marco had dipped out to smoke while you were helping Al and Nami destroy your younger brothers at Scene It Music. Zoro sat in an armchair next to Pops watching you laugh and talk shit to each other.

"You won't find someone with a purer heart." your father murmured.

Zoro sighed inwardly, he knew you lived with a bunch of protective men but if he was going to be threatened individually by them this shit was going to get old.

"I agree." the greenette nodded.

"Don't listen to these brats by the way," the old man chuckled, "they talk big but they'd never do anything to hurt her."

Zoro took a swig from the bottle of beer he was holding, "And I wouldn't either."

"That's good to know, lad." both men looked on as you turned and smiled at them still laughing at something Al had said to Sabo to make him pout, "She looks at you differently than the others."

"How so?"

"It's almost how she looked at me when she was little; like I could do no wrong. It's an infectious feeling." Pops glanced at the younger male.

"She makes you believe you can't." Zoro muttered taking another drink.

He really felt if you had a super power it would be your ability to draw out the good in anyone and make them feel supported.

"Cherish her, lad."

"Yes sir."

"Girls win!" you cheered.

"You guys pay the next time we go to the bar." Al affirmed.

"Sign this." Nami slid a small sheet of paper across the coffee table, "You won't be getting out of it."

"What are you two talking about so seriously?" you asked plopping down in the chair with Zoro.

"It's a secret." your father winked.

You gave Zoro a pout.

He smirked and flicked your forehead, "What a brat you were when you were little."

"Hey!" you protested grabbing his hand.

"I like this one." Pops rumbled.

________________

Zoro admired you as you rested in his lap on the sofa in the den.

You'd spent most of the night awake with Pops who was too sick to move, and even if he wanted to his legs were retaining water and were puffy and stiff. He couldn't keep anything down which included his nausea medication, you wasted a few doses trying. The boys needed rest so they could get some work done and Marco and Thatch could start preparations.

So, your boyfriend of less than a week came by to help. He convinced you to lie down while Pops was finally resting and nap until the hospice nurse arrived. Once you got comfortable on his thigh you were out like a light. You snored softly as he ran his fingers through your hair.

Not even fifteen minutes into your nap the doorbell chimed sending Chopper into a frenzy and startling you awake.

The damn nurse was early.

"I'll let her in." Zoro murmured as you sat up rubbing your eyes.

You nodded and straightened yourself up trying to recall everything you needed to tell her in your sleepy haze. After giving her a run down of the night before she entered Pops' room and checked his vitals and gave him a few shots. He barely stirred during the examination.

"Are your brothers here?" the nurse asked stepping out of his room.

"Not yet, is something the matter?" your stomach dropped.

"It would be best if you contacted them so we can all discuss the next steps." she smiled empathetically.

It took less than an hour to assemble all five of your siblings.

You walked out on to the porch with Zoro adjusting the scarf around his neck.

"You don't have to go." you murmured nervously.

"It's a family moment. I don't want to upset your brothers." he brushed your hair behind your left ear, "I'll be nearby so just call me when you're done and I'll come back. Ok?"

"K." you pouted.

He swiftly kissed your lips and turned toward his truck.

"I'm going to have to suggest he be moved to the hospice center." Marcia, the nurse announced once you had all gathered in the living room.

"Why the center? He wanted to stay home." Sabo voiced.

"Yeah, you guys can just give him his treatments here anyway." Ace agreed.

"He's reached a stage where he needs around the clock care." Marcia explained, "We cannot do that here."

"How soon?" you asked

"There's a space available now. We can move him tomorrow." she replied.

"What does this mean? How long will he have to stay?" Luffy questioned from his seat next to you.

Marcia glanced at Thatch and Marco before turning back to the youngest as you wrapped your arms around him.

"Well, the hospice center is where people come to be kept comfortable in their final days."

[witchqueenvisenya]

Could you talk a little about your love for visenya? Visenya is my favorite conqueror and I love reading people talking about her. 😊

okay, so visenya is my preferred conqueror, if not my fave, and honestly, my thoughts on her fluctuate a lot mainly because while there are clear markers of how she was perceived, there isn't a lot of interiority, imo, when compared to aegon. i'd put rhaenys in the same boat as her, but this post isn't about her, so.

this is going to be a lot of headcanonning so look away if you aren't into that.

i'd be dishonest if i said that visenya being a warrior isn't a huge part of why she's one of my overall favourite asoiaf characters. asoiaf... is indeed a series where female roles in a fantasy medieval society are explored more than in other comparable lit, but there is seldom a character as intriguing as to simultaneously hold the position of eldest child, bear independent power in the form of vhagar, possess martial prowess in wielding a sword, and also hold no small amount of political power, especially as the yin to rhaenys' yang, the dagger to her honey (although, as i've talked before, these demarcations aren't absolute and i resent the fandom for drawing sharp lines), as well as a sort of alienating (for westerosi society) power in the form of her witchcraft.

so, visenya is, for all intents and purposes, an extremely powerful woman in a world where such a thing is often measured by at best, a woman's ability to manage a kingdom but not really delve into all its affairs (or indeed, even help in matters that usually a man, in such a medieval society, would take care of). because yes, at the time of conquest there were such women as meria martell and sharra arryn who were powerful to different degrees, but unlike visenya or her sister, these women weren't as deeply involved in military minutiae (as far as we can tell. although dorne being dorne, meria might well have been some sort of warrior in her days, but we have no record of her engaging in such an expansion of her lands as we see with visenya, who really only stood to rule dragonstone with aegon as a husband initially) or have any high fantasy elements attached to them that set them a touch apart.

which is sort of the point.

visenya is one of three siblings descended from a destroyed empire, belonging to a family that fled annihilation. i've always seen the targaryens as having been born with a sense of flight, in all senses of the word. they notoriously survive, and they inevitably cling onto a level of power that no one in the world can match. they have no natural competitors, especially as long as the dragons stayed alive. visenya, as the eldest child, is someone i've seen as having an even higher drive for power than aegon, whatever his motivation for conquest may have been--but i've never seen it as power for power's sake.

i see it as her adopting a natural sense of alignment with what she believes should be her place in the world, not really as a cartoonish supreme ruler of all, but as someone, who probably dealt with such a sense of responsibility to her house that she (unprompted) took on all the skills and knowledge that someone of her blood should know without fail, that she trained harder and rode her dragon more fiercely than her siblings, probably taught herself some type of valyrian sorcery, all in preparation of her future as aegon's wife, as a lady of dragonstone. aegon, who, in any avenue, would never seek to surpass her, but who she saw as someone primarily under her protection. (i'd like to point out that i don't think she imagined she would ever just be a medieval standard appropriate wife or like, a childbearing machine. i think she very much saw herself as an advisor, as counsel, as someone who would always have a sort of elder sister wisdom that aegon would need. and indeed, aegon acquiesced to her when it was needed for the realm, but also visenya acquiesced to her brother's emotional state, probably many times before rhaenys' death, and especially after that, in however much capacity as aegon allowed).

i wouldn't call it foresight or anything on her part, but eldest siblings do often seek to control everything to a pathological degree, which is why she must have immediately had plans upon plans when aegon eventually revealed his desire to conquer westeros. a desire which even if she didn't share, felt right to her, probably felt like something her ancestry might be in concord with, and a desire which she and her siblings enacted with academic caution and then blunt militaristic force, and then maintained through compromise and understanding and subtle manipulation.

i do have thoughts about her non-platonic relationship with aegon and rhaenys, and about her son and then aenys, but it'll probably be another post. however, i will say this. i've always called bull on that line about aegon marrying one for duty and one for love. i think between the three of them, these two things warped and shaped in a way so utterly unfathomable to westeros that the only way they could see it was as a binary, divisive, often competetive romance hinged on the personality differences between visenya and rhaenys, and how the latter was more conventionally desirable in a westerosi sense and thus the rightful receiver of the king's affection. instead of, you know. the older witch who wielded a man's weapon and needed to pull a baby out of some magic cauldron bc her husband didn't like to touch her >:/

[copiousloverofcopia]

HI there Ghesties!!!

I know it's been another long one since I posted, but your girl has soooooo much on her plate right now.

it's been really hard to find time to do my stories justice and I don't wanna just give you guys anything that I am not happy with.

So, thank you all for being so patient with me and I am back with some Hunter's Moon celebrations with our beloved Secondo x OC Marcus content for the lovely @ashley-ghuleh

Commissions are OPEN, please see pinned post for Carrd info!

💗 Special thanks to @gothdaddyissues for the beautiful dividers!

The Hell Torn Heart

After a recurring dream leaves Marcus, a half-demon/half-hellhound, dealing with the ghosts of his troubled past and visions of a place he has never been. He is unexpectedly thrust into an unknown world. Guided by a mysterious couple to the Ministry, surrounded by ghouls and siblings of sin. The once outcast struggles with what haunts him and learning to find himself—until he meets Secondo.

Chapter 5: Hunter's Moon

Also available HERE on AO3! Haven’t started yet? Read from the beginning HERE!

Definitely NSFW below the cut!

The sound of the ice clinking in the glass filled the otherwise hollow of the room. Secondo sat sullen at his desk, pulling out his bottom drawer and retrieving an old, leather-bound ledger. A group photo tucked inconspicuously inside. Between the faded and tattered pages—a totem of times long passed.

He sat back against his chair, looking down at the old Polaroid held in his right glove. Recognizing the handwriting of his elder brother—Samhain celebration. The year written now faded into a smear of ink. With only the faint hint of 19 still visible.

It was bittersweet now to look at it. More bitter than sweet if Secondo was being honest. A group of clergymen, all much younger than they were now, dressed in their best robes for the autumnal festivities. Primo, Secondo, Terzo, and even Nihil all in attendance, but it was the man standing just beside Secondo that held his attention. The man that held that bitter taste that lingered in Secondo’s mouth. James, his once good friend and colleague—Marcus’s father.

He had been sitting with the knowledge of Marcus's lineage for weeks. Holding in close to the chest while he waited for the right time to reveal it to his brothers. Debating to himself on whether or not Marcus would be safe if he chose to reveal it to the whole of the Ministry. After all he wasn’t the only one who James had betrayed. 

Staring at them in the picture. The perfect portrait of gluttonous fools who were high and mighty in both their lust for power and pursuit of sin. Each of them at one time like brothers to one another. Even James who at one time even Nihil considered a “son”. 

The pain of his betrayal still ached deep inside Secondo. A thought he had worked hard to push deep in the recesses of his mind. Finally, he became sick of looking at it. Crumbling up the photo in his hand and tossing in the dusty forgotten corner of the room. 

“Satana, potrebbe davvero provare a tornare?” he whispered to himself before finishing up the watered-down spirits in his glass. Just as he resigned to moving on with his work, there came a knock at the door. Secondo letting out a deep sigh as he called them in. His brothers just on time. 

“Fratello. You asked to see us.” Primo said, stepping into the office. Head held high and prideful as expected. He was always such a source of knowledge and reassurance for Secondo. Having practically raised both him and Terzo for their entire childhood, Primo was a father figure unlike anything Nihil could ever be.

“That I did, thank you for coming. I know it's a busy afternoon for us all.” he acknowledged watching as Terzo came following shortly behind. Secondo’s head had already begun to pound. Rubbing at his temples before motioning for his brothers to take a seat—they had much to discuss. 

“What's this about? You know I'm missing confessional for this.” Terzo huffed, slouching down in his chair like a petulant teenager who had convinced himself he had better things to do with his time. His annoying, although all too predictable behavior, sending Secondo and Primo’s eyes both rolling in their skulls. Knowing that the only reason Terzo would be miffed at missing his duties at the confessional, was because he was planning on spending the day fucking inside it. 

“There is a situation that has been brought to my attention and I think you all should know.” Secondo began, his eyes traveling over to the crumpled-up photo. Terzo, noting it. Hopping up from his chair to retrieve it, unwrinkled it to see the daunting image staring back at them. 

“It's…” he began, his mind flashing back to the night of James’s uprising. A night that his head was inches away from being served on a platter. Handing over the photo to Primo for him to see. The air in the room turned ominous as they all sat in a moment of silence. 

“He is Marcus's father.” Secondo admitted, breaking the quiet between them. Both Primo and Terzo's eyes widened at the news. 

“Oh cazzo. You have to be fucking joking.” Terzo sighed, taking a seat on the edge of Secondo's desk. Primo allowed himself to slowly sink back into his chair. The audible sounds of his bones and joints settling filling the space between them. 

“Are you sure?” He asked him, even though he knew that Secondo would not be the one to joke about such a thing. Understanding that for Secondo, it was especially devastating, if their new resident Hellhound and his brother’s unsung lover was the spawn of one of the Ministry’s, and the Emeritus line’s, greatest adversaries.

“I'm sure. He told me himself. Seems that he finally managed to summon a Hellhound of his own.” Secondo explained, exhaling hard with his words.

“More like found her, knocked her up, and took advantage of her, it sounds like.” Terzo hissed.

“Do you think he knows? Is war on the horizon for us?” Primo asked, worried that Marcus's appearance at their Abbey had been no coincidence.

 “You don’t expect James to just come strolling back, do you?” Terzo asked.  

“If he is being used to infiltrate us, I can assure you, he knows nothing of it.” Secondo groaned, realizing what Primo was implying. It was certainly something he himself had considered in the beginning. From the moment Marcus told him, there was always the fear in his mind that they were being set up. However, he couldn’t bring himself to think Marcus was involved. 

His feelings for the wayward dog were growing stronger with each passing day. Though he had yet to fully admit it to anyone. Maybe Marcus was trying to get close to him in order to give his father the upper hand. It would be his former best friend who would be most devastated to be betrayed once more by him again. He just couldn't bear to think it—something told him Marcus was genuine.  

“Aware or not…this spells trouble. We need to talk to him, find out more…”

“In time Terzo, I don’t think it would be wise to bring it up before the celebrations. Maybe after—until then we will need to keep our eyes open and our ears to the ground. I suggest we notify the clergy of possible threats and have the ghouls keep a keen eye out until we know more.” 

“I agree, no need to ruin the Hunter's Moon Hunt over sheer speculation.” Primo began, rising up from the chair so that he and Terzo could get things settled, “but fratello, make no mistake, we have to do something soon.”

“Agreed.” Secondo nodded as they headed out the door. 

The night sky was illuminated with brilliant shades of indigo, amber, and vermillion. The sun, having begun to set as the Hunter’s Moon hung high in the above. The enchantment, circling the grounds, emanating a haunting, green light. It had become something of a sport for the Abbey to celebrate this night. The night of the Hunter’s Moon—a time honored tradition. 

It started as a celebration of the feral nature of all Hell beasts. A time when their powers would be at their utmost capacity. Usurping the otherwise willfulness of them to be tamed—to follow commands. Now it had now become an opportunity for bets placed and gleeful indulgence. Everyone, excited to see who would be caught and when. 

The ghouls would be “hunted”—chased down and caught once again by their prospective Papas. The evenings celebrations, all culminating in a night of sin, power, and depending on the relationship between them, carnal desires and lust. The entirety of the Abbey, benefiting from the Hellish impulses and debauchery the night created. A perfect and proper display of their faithfulness of sin, meant to please Lucifer himself. And tonight, Marcus would officially join the pack.

Far down in the bowels of the Abbey, the dungeons were filled with ghouls. All of them snapping and snarling as they waited for Sister Imperator's command for the gates to be open. Releasing them onto the grounds while Primo, Secondo, and Terzo awaited them. Cardinal Copia, along with Aether and Dew and the rest of the newly summoned ghouls watching in awe. Their time to come once Copia would be allowed to ascend. Leaving them for now to be delighted spectators to the night's events. 

“Well now.” Primo remarked, noting the list of ghouls taking place in the hunt. “I see that although Copia brought him in, Sister is allowing the Hellhound to run for you huh fratello.” he finished, smirking at Secondo. The three Emeritus sons already prepared to take off on horseback after their ghouls. Like an old English foxhunt, ready to capture their prey. 

“I think we all know why.” Terzo jabbed back, “...seems the old man has grown quite smitten with the puppy.” 

“Ah…non riferirti a lui in quel modo.” Primo chided, worried about Terzo's lack of decorum towards their brother’s new charge. 

“It is alright Primo. It's a term of endearment...I think.” Secondo winked, knowing that the ghouls too called Marcus, “puppy”. A friendly nickname given to the new guy who they had only ever accepted as their own. 

“Whatever you say then fratello.” Primo nodded as Aether, Dew, Copia, and Sister Imperator approached them. The mass of siblings, clergy, and remaining ghouls, all filing in on the back courtyard as they waited. 

The sound of anxious hoofs, shifting around on the old stone pavement echoed in the cold autumn night. Secondo exhaled as he waited patiently, his breath just visible in the air. All of them all bundled in their winter vestments. The hint of pinkened noses noted just beneath the brother’s papal paints.  

“Well now, have we all placed our bets?” Copia asked, smiling with his ledger and quill ready in hand. He was honored to be serving as unofficial bookie for the event. The Ministry, choosing to “look the other way” at the betting practice. It was a position that had long since been held by the Ministry treasurer. Which at this time, and for many years now, had just so happened to be the Cardinal. 

“We all know who's getting caught first.” Terzo chuckled, popping his neck from side to side, ready to ride. 

“That's because the two of you just want to fuck each other's brains out… no respect for the sport of it.” Primo scoffed. It was always Omega, Terzo’s ghoul and lover, that was caught first. The two of them barely able to contain themselves long enough before they would spend the evening entangled with one another, and usually a very willing sister, deep in the western wood. Showing more appreciation for lustful endeavors than they ever did for the Hunter's Moon celebration itself. 

“Pff.” Terzo shrugged, smirking once more as he still knew it was true. The youngest Emeritus son winking to Sister Jillian who stood amongst the crowd. The obvious choice for their lascivious plans with her ample bosom and bedroom eyes.

With Omega surely on his way to being “caught” first, it was more exciting to see who would be caught last—the one to hold out the longest. Would it be one of Primo or Secondo's ghouls? Would Marcus even have a chance of out running Secondo? Only the night would tell. 

“Ok last call for bets!” Copia announced as he finished up inscribing the last bit of guesses from the siblings and, although she was officially not supposed to, Sister Imperator. Who had discreetly managed to slip Aether a 20. 

“My money's on the dog." she winked. Aether, chuckling to himself as he quickly took the bill from her and made his way over to Copia. 

“Best betting pool the Abbey has seen in decades.” Father Jim delighted as he Copia and Dew stood at the bottom of the steps in the courtyard. Aether approached them, sending a wink to Copia as he handed him the money. Nodding in Sister’s direction as Copia immediately caught on. Jotting down her initials in the ledger. 

“Sí, Mammon would certainly be proud.” Copia said, nodding as well back towards her.

Marcus was absolutely feral. Teeth bared as drool rolled from within his mouth. His full Hellhound visage on display. Staying true in form along with all the ghouls around him. Their usual glamours, falling to the wayside as they all roared, hissed, and growled. Ready for the indication that the hunt had begun. Releasing them from their hold within the dungeons. 

“That old man better be ready” he growled. Pacing back and forth along the dirt floor.

“Don’t get too cocky, Cucciolo. That old man is one of the best I have ever seen.” Earth snapped. Playfully nipping at Marcus like they were a pair of hyper littermates. Playing with one another to prepare for the hunt. Marcus’s tail, wagging with excitement as he waited anxiously for things to begin. 

Then it happened, the shot rang out from Sister Imperator’s gilded pistol and the gates lifted. Unleashing them onto the Abbey grounds. Taking off full force into the woods beyond them. Only moments could they hear Sister Imperators voice on the megaphone.

“Let the Hunter’s Moon Hunt begin!” she called, allowing the Papas now to take off after them. Following them deep into the woods to be tracked and caught. Marcus began panting and howling as he ran. Deeper and deeper into these woods he had only recently come to know. Still a novice as he allowed his wild nature to take over—guide him on his way. 

He had never felt so alive. The cold wind, flowing through his hair as he ran. The light of the moon, highlighting his silhouette in an eerie reddened hue. Marcus, feeling his true power. What it really meant to be a Hellhound for the first time in his life. Unabashed, wild—free.

I don’t care what the others might say. The old man will never catch me, he thought. Reveling in this newfound freedom. Losing himself as he began frolicking, prancing, and running. Paying little attention as each of the Papas managed to capture a ghoul or two around him.

Marcus didn’t care. He was thrilled to remain uncaught. Feeling smug with his ability to evade his would-be captor. Feeling confident enough in his lead to stop. Hollowing up at the orange devil in the sky. Barking and running in circles when he heard the faint snap of a twig from behind him. It was Secondo, jumping down off his horse to pursue him on foot. The “old man was surprisingly fast for his age.  

“You will only get so far, Cucciolo! My track record is perfect.” Secondo yelled into the woods, only seeing a small speck of his target running in front of him. 

“Sure, old man, we'll see about that!” Marcus snarked, tongue hanging from his mouth as he panted his way up a hill.

A group of ghouls; Water, Earth, Alpha, and some of the others joined him on each side. All of them happily ran beside him. Stopping again for only a moment together to howl at the moon.

“Gotcha!” Terzo beamed, snagging up Omega swiftly and with ease. The big ghoul, who had shockingly held out longer than expected, melted into his Papa's touch as they kissed against a tree. Marcus couldn’t help but blush at their fervidness and passion. Wondering if he would allow himself to be caught. If only just to have Secondo once more in his arms, his mouth—.

Back at the Abbey’s courtyard, the crowd waited for the return of the ghouls and Marcus. Primo proudly had caught all of his ghouls in record time. Terzo was still, as expected, in the middle of the woods with Omega. Sister Jillian, now suspiciously missing from the rest of the group. Secondo too had managed to retrieve everyone—everyone except Marcus. 

“Cucciolo! Torna qui, piccolo stronzo!” Secondo yelled out. The whole of the Abbey listened as he spouted his frustrations in strings of profane Italiano. His boisterous rant pouring over the wind scorched trees and echoing towards them. The lot of them, amused at his vexation. 

Secondo couldn’t care less what they thought. Still hoping to get the jump on his new pet. The young Hellhound, however, was proving to be more of a challenge than he'd imagined. Feeling the age difference between them in a way he never had before.  

“How long should we let this go on?” Copia asked, struggling to hold back his own amusement. Watching as Marcus managed to evade Secondo's every move. His tail wagging behind him as Marcus did everything he could to mess with him. The siblings, clergy, and the rest of the ghouls all became dizzy as they watched Marcus running in circles around one another. 

“Just a bit longer….one of them will fall out.” Sister Imperator hummed, satisfied with the turn of events. Reaching back to grab her lump sum of winnings from behind her from Aether as she smirked. 

“When this is over I am never letting you off the leash again.” Secondo hissed. Angrily tapping the wrapped-up leash between his hands as he saw Marcus along the precipice of the woods. 

“Is that so?” Marcus grinned, running back inside. Secondo gritted his teeth. He needed to catch his willful pup, lest he’d never hear the end of the ribbing from his brothers. He yanked back on the reins, tapping his horse. 

“Yah!” Secondo yelled, the horse taking off fast after Marcus. The sound of its hoofs, loud in Secondo’s ears. Gaining on Marcus quickly. Delighted that he finally seemed to be slowing down. 

“Oh fuck!” Marcus yelped, looking over his shoulder to see Secondo following closely behind. He continued to run, flying past the blur of trees and brush. Secondo, still maintaining a close distance behind him when suddenly the sound of hoofs stopped. Marcus halting in his position and slowly turning around. 

Sniffing the air around him for Secondo’s scent. The air, so muddied with the scent of all the rest of the ghouls and the Papas, including Secondo, that it was almost impossible to discern him. Marcus, panting hard as he frantically searched his surroundings for a sign of movement. His ears piqued to any noise from within the trees. Reverting to his human form, wiped from all his expended energy. 

“Gotcha!” Secondo proclaimed, snatching Marcus up by his collar and throwing him up against an old corkwood tree. Marcus, turning to face him as their mouths came crashing together like ferocious waves. Tasting, needing—desperate for one another. 

“I need you.” Marcus moaned. As Secondo began undoing his belt. Marcus naked as the day he was born in the chilling air. The heat between them, keeping him warm.

 “I need you too.” Secondo groaned as he freed his hard cock from his pants. Leaking and throbbing with his intentions. Marcus practically salivating at the sight of him. 

“Then take me.” Marcus purred, turning around to rub his ass against the swelling of him. 

“I will do with you as I please.” Secondo hissed, attaching the leach to Marcus’s collar as he licked his lips. Sinking his own teeth into his young lover's shoulder—asserting himself as the dominant one between them. 

“Ah fuck.” Marcus mewled. Secondo, already nudging his cock against the tightly ribbed opening. Using his hand to smear the wealth of precum along his shaft. Easing his swift gliding straight into Marcus’s ass.

“Make no mistake. You belong to me now.” Secondo groaned as he began fucking him. His cock, quickly spreading out his hole to house him deep inside. Withdrawing back only to slam harder and deeper inside him.  

“Mmm…yes Papa….” Marcus moaned, bending further forward. His new position, allowing Secondo deeper inside. 

“Such a good pet you are, taking my cock so well. I’ve dreamt of this moment.” 

“Mmm...Secondo…ah! Fuck me too.” Marcus cried out as Secondo reached around to take Marcus's cock in his still gloved hand. The cool leather slick from Secondo’s cum along Marcus’s shaft. 

“That's right you little mutt, cum for your Papa. Cum in my hand while I cum in your ass.” Secondo demanded as he yanked back on Marcus’s leash once more. Railing him into complete submission. The sounds of his lap pounding against Marcus’s ass surely heard all the way back at the Abbey.  

“Oh yes! Yes!” Marcus called out, tears streaming down his face with the mix of pain and pleasure. Secondo, buried deep in his asshole. Practically impaling him on him, pressing hard along his weak spot. Marcus, quickly cumming all over Secondo’s hand. Face bright red and eyes almost crossed as he burst in his hand. 

Soon Secondo too couldn’t help but cum. Thrusting and pounding harder and harder until the warm liquid from Marcus’s orgasm ran over his wrist. The feel of it sending him over as he slammed Marcus’s ass down hard against his lap. Pouring ropes of cum deep in the back of him. 

When it was all said and done, they both laid spent on the ground. Breathing, slowly settling as Marcus laid his hand against Secondo’s warm chest. His Papa, wrapping them both in his vestments as best he could. The cold, now beginning to settle in as the sweat from their efforts evaporated from their skin. 

“You were amazing tonight.” Secondo hummed. 

“Really?” Marcus asked, a bit surprised that Secondo was so impressed with him. Both of them, still reveling in descent from their orgasms. 

“Truly. Everyone else had been caught tonight before you. You should be proud, Cucciolo.” Secondo explained. Marcus felt warm inside. Proud of himself for his efforts but completely enamored with Secondo that the victory paled in comparison. 

“Thank you.” was all he could muster. Secondo, pulling out a cigarillo to puff on before they’d head back in. 

“You’re welcome.” Secondo began when the post-coital reality began to set in. There was still so much to learn about Marcus—and if he truly knew about his father. Secondo knew he would have to tell him, but tonight was certainly not the night. For now, he would enjoy this moment between them—a rare moment of happiness.

“Happy first Hunter’s Moon.” Marcus smiled in his adorable naive, but charming tone. 

“Happy Hunter’s Moon.”

Notes: Satana, potrebbe davvero provare a tornare?- Satan, could he really be trying to come back? non riferirti a lui in quel modo.-do not refer to him like that.  Cucciolo-Puppy torna qui, piccolo stronzo- come back here you little shit.

[alexanderlightweight]

So I know you just posted disabled Alec and I have no idea if you planned on continuing it but you have me invested. If you can maybe Magnus learning the story of how Alec got hurt and meeting Jace or Izzy. Or how you wrote that in meetings shadowhunter know when to pause so it's the first downwoarld meeting and they don't understand why Alec pauses. Forgive me for my rambling, but you have managed to make Wendsday my favorite day!!

for chronic!pain fics, I have @saeths read over them first so I hope you enjoy this, a glimpse into Magnus learning more about Alec

Also never apologize for rambling, I am made of rambles and that’s how fics happen! It’s also my favorite day!

lumine

-

“This should have killed you.” Magnus says one night, he can’t help it, the secret he whispers into Alexander’s hair, his fingers lingering on the scars Alexander still bears.

His lovely boy is lying on top of him, shuddering from pleasure and Magnus is using magic to ease his trembling, hoping that it will help soothe him before his body senses a weakness and attacks.

“It should have killed my siblings.” Is admitted, quietly into the night.

“You have siblings?” Magnus asks, honestly surprised because while he’s never paid much attention to the Lightwood’s in general, he knows he wouldn’t have missed Alexander mentioning them.

“I do.” Alexander says, but his voice trembles and Magnus sends more magic into him, heat infusing his palm as he rubs Alexander’s hips and back. “They are… we don’t talk very much.”

Magnus hums, unwilling to press his boy when Alexander is relaxing, but then Alec sighs, a shaky, warm gust of oxygen tickling Magnus’ chest.

“They were heavily sanctioned during our last mission together and after it, my brother and I were denied the right to be parabatai.”

“The mission must have gone terribly wrong.” Magnus muses and when Alexander tenses, he tightens his hold, gently but firmly. “Tell me it wasn’t—” he manages to say, so softly he’s not sure he’s said it aloud.

“They wouldn’t listen.” Alexander’s voice is harsh, but Magnus can tell that the memory has his heart breaking. “They never listened to me, but I thought they would, with so many Elders watching. I broke myself to save them, Magnus, and even now, I’m still struggling, and they still don’t understand.  They think I should be better now. That I need to forgive and forget but Magnus, I can’t forget. My body won’t let me.”

Magnus doesn’t shush him, just soothes him because Alexander needs to say this, to speak his mind in a way he won’t allow himself to with his subordinates. Magnus, however, is his equal, his lover and is more than willing to share the burdens of Alexander’s heart.

“They don’t deserve you.” Magnus promises him, kissing his brow and then his hair and wishing he could do more than simply sink his magic into Alexander’s body.

There’s no cure, no matter how hard he looked, and it maddens him, having so much power and being able to do so little with it.

Alexander just sighs, snuggling a little closer and settling himself a little more solidly on Magnus and him just shrugs, silent and still as he falls asleep.

[laismoura-art]

How about some avatar au for your atla fan heart.

Mortal Kombat avatar au with our ocs.

🌊🪨The avatar au 🔥🌪

Water tribe:

It's obviously the lin kuei but with bi-han being more of the master at water bending and kuai liang, Lisa making fun of him while he's practicing the other students.

Bi-han: what type of whining is this!? Back in my day we trained in the cold winter's at night and no matter how cold it got I never stopped training.

Lisa: yea you just cried and begged father to let you in-

Bi-han: YOUR CATCHING FISH TONIGHT!!

Kuai liang: I need jasmine tea, for this..

Earth kingdom:

The Edenians, special forces , harumi and Johnny and kenshi from the earth nation it's all out order and chaos maybe the umgadi could be like the dai lee.

Harumi: has the war really stopped in ba sing se?

Kenshi: I don't know if it's pretty peaceful there. Tanya do you know anything about it?

Tanya:*visibly sweating* um maybe..

Sindel:*the tea is exceptionally good today. I hope no fire nation are here.

*two fire nation run aways: yea.. It's fire nation free. Would you like some moon cakes with that?

Sindel: oh you know me so well.

Fire nation:

The netherrealm, suchin and the shirai ryu together being in the fire nation except they aren't demon's and such. The avatar is to be from the fire nation in the avatar cycle. People are expecting asmodeus to be the avatar and this got hatsune banished and settled with hanzo hasashi in the earth kingdom.

Asmodeus: make way for the avatar fire Lord people the strongest in the world

Sareena: is he always this much full of himself.

Jatakaa: careful you might get banished.

Suchin: ARE YOU ALWAYS THIS FULL OF YOURSELF!?

hatsune: hey master i made you some tea.

Hanzo: *drinks tea and spits it out* Ugh this tea is nothing but hot leaf juice!!

Hatsune: master hansi that's what all tea is..

Hanzo: how could my own apprentice say something like that!?

Air nomads:

The white lotus plus Raiden and fujin in the air nomads. Liu kang is a, fire nation adopted by raiden and learning air bending not knowing he is the actual avatar. Kung Lao is a air nation prodigy like Liu kang but kung Lao is, hoping to go through greater lengths and be the best air bending master in the world.

Kung Lao: geez I hope asmodeus isn't the avatar.

Liu kang: yea it's not like he'll cause a war if he isn't.

Kung Lao: say what would happen if you became the avatar?

Liu kang: I won't be the avatar and besides I am not that responsible he monk raiden never let's me feed the baby bisons.

Kung Lao: true, want to play air ball?

Liu kang: sure!!

Later

Liu kang:*avatar state after some shit asmodeus did*

Kung Lao:.... The world is either in peace or doomed....

Yoo Dragon!!! This looks sooo cool!!! :O 💖💖💖

Sorry it took me a while to reply, I actually wanted to gather and develop some ideas that came to mind! And it turned out ENOURMOUS!

So I hope you enjoy:

💦For the Water Tribe:

I was wondering, since this is the Lin Kuei, I imagine the previous chief was involved in some pretty shady stuff, imagine he even made a deal with the fire nation at some point in an attempt to hold some of his remaining power? Imagine if he even sent some of his men to war to fight by the Fire Nation? Of course his plans backfire (literally, lol) and he ends up dead and Bi-Han ends up as the new chief!

I imagine that after years of shitty decisions from the chief, this Water Tribe ended up a mess and on the brink of destruction, so Bi-Han took it upon himself to make things right and return the Tribe to its previous glory!

The only problem is: He is the youngest chief they ever had and he is painfully inexperienced! So he is hardly taken seriously. He also doesn't trust the elders of his Tribe, given how they didn't do much to prevent the previous chief to mess up, so he relies on the youth, his twin siblings and friends, Hydro, Cyrax and Smoke (he's still deciding if Sektor can be trusted, as he is related to the previous grandmaster)

Though Kuai and Lisa often tease Bi-Han (as siblings do) they are his big supporters and do everything they can to be good advisors! Bi-Han is happy to have them around, even if he has to hear a joke or two at his expense...

🌿For the Earth Kingdom:

I like that Harumi is part of the Earth Kingdom, and you know she's my flower girl, so I was thinking: What if she was originally a waterbender from the Swamp?

Imagine, she was born in the swamp and learned to waterbend the flora around her, when she grew up she wanted to leave to explore the world (or at least the Earth kingdom, she was particularly curious about Omashu and Ba Sing Se (surely none of these cities will disappoint her… lol))

Imagine if people sometimes mistake her for the Avatar cause she is a waterbender born in the Earth Kingdom, lol!

Also, I LOVED the idea of the Umgadi being the Dai Lee!

Imagine this: Li Mei was once a Dai Lee soldier who got promoted and then learned what the Dai Lee was actually like (means to conspire against the kingdom and manipulate the royal family) Li Mei couldn't stand to be part of it and tried to leave, reveal the truth, only to be taken to the Lake Laogai. It was years ago and now her memory is coming back, but she still struggles to show everyone the truth.

Lucky for her she's not alone! The young earthbender Tanya was promoted just as she was and upon finding out the truth, she also could not stand to be part of it (it also helped her decision the fact that she is secretly dating the Kingdom's elder princess, Millena), but instead of trying to expose the truth, she tries to stop the Dai Lee from the inside with the help of a few trusted teammates and Li Mei as their coordinator. Together, they will bring the Dai Lee down!

🔥For the Fire Nation:

Damn, your girl Hatsune just can't catch a break when it comes to her shitty brother, can she?

Well, at least she's with Hanzo! I imagine Hanzo was once a soldier, one really mean and scary, maybe? the type that would almost burn the Earth Kingdom's capital to the ground? But pulled back after say... a family tragedy?

So now he seeks a more peaceful life for himself, hidden in the Earth Kingdom and taking care of this fellow Fire Nation girl who was just so wronged by her own family? 

I wonder if Suchin is so confident in talking shit about Asmodeus cause she knows she's one of his top girls and the moment she leaves his side he will get killed! (Little he knows, Suchin and the girls would rather get the job done themselves, lol)

🍃For the Air Nomads:

Ok, I absolutely ADORED the idea of the Avatar being from a Nation but being raised in another one! Cause it's such a fun concept, like, Liu is raised by the Air Nomads and is taught to live by the air nomads beliefs and the first attempt at bending from him will be at air bending, and as the Avatar he WILL succeed, so just imagine how it would be for this kid who is a airbender through and through who will one day find out not only that he's the Avatar but also a firebender by birth! That would be a WHOLE LOT to take!

Through the dialogues I can see that Liu already knows he's a firebender and Avatar, but I wonder how he found out. The idea of this coming as a shock and a big reveal is just soooo cool!

Also makes me wonder when did Raiden learned all this, if he knew from the start, if he had some suspicions as Liu was growing up, or if he found out just as Liu did (My bet i on the second one)

PS: I love that whenever there's an Avatar x MK AU, Liu is ALWAYS the Avatar!🤭 I think it's suiting for the "Chosen One", lmao!

[moonstonedrawsrandomly]

Matriarch 17🟢

“SHAMURA!”

Gaia shrieked. Three blades pierced Shamura’s abdomen in front of Fernilla. Fernilla’s eyes were wide with horror. Heket is the first one to her. Mere seconds ago, her life was as good as harvested, but then, with whatever crown energy and strength they had, used their own body as a shield to protect her. Moses was stunned he couldn’t speak. But he wasn’t the only one.

Narinder didnt move after the three blades plunged into Shamura. Almost like he was just in the same amount of shock. Blood poured from their mouth but they still stood, defending Fernilla.

“Narinder…”

Narinder’s eyes, like when he was a child, lit up for some reason. He didnt know why, but there was a…familiarity to their voice.

“…I…I thought…if we raised you…with love and care…then…Klauneck’s prediction would be wrong…but I was a fool…the child of death…will always bring death to…everything he touches…”

Shamura coughs up more blood. Gaia dashed past Narinder to hold her partner. Heket was trying to hold Fernilla up but even HER body was buckling. Narinder hasnt moved yet.

“And yet…I believed…my precious child…could grow to be…a great leader…what a fool I was…..look what you did to your family…I was blinded by love…a love that you had…for no one but your greed…”

Shamura used Gaia for stability, their strength is waning. The blood loss was becoming too great, but not as great as the fervor pouring into Gaia’s veins as she holds her dying lover.

“I-“

You can see in their eyes, there was so much they wanted to say but their vision was becoming blurred and their language turning into mutters.

“I…loved…yo-“

They collapsed. Kallamar quickly came to heal him as Gaia left them in his care.

The others rushed to their elder sibling’s side. Gaia couldnt hear anything, just her own heartbeat in her ears.

“They are on death’s door. I hear their sou-“

BAM!

Gaia was able to shake off her fear and relinquish it into powerful mana that blew Narinder through several walls in the palace! It gave Noelle and Kallamar enough room to began to treat Shamura’s deep wound.

“They’re losing too much blood! We have to teleport them!”

“Where? Narinder is behind the walls! Nowhere is safe”

“Just take them to the clinic for now! We will bring you what you need!”

“What about Narinder?”

SLAM!

“He’s dead to us, help me! Sister, bring Fernilla”

“Of course!”

Heket, carries Fernilla bridal style as they all teleported. Gaia can handle this.

WHAM!

Narinder hits the back wall. Still in shock, Gaia grabbed him by his tail and swung him around, smashing his skull into the concrete. Narinder wanted to fight for real but there was something wrong…he’s fighting Gaia.

He talks a big game when it comes to his Mother Figure, but in reality, she is several levels above him, being able to turn pure fervor into Magic energy to release powerful blasts of magic. And it was coming from her eyes, mouth and nose but she wasn’t using it. Where is this strength and energy coming from?!?

“Gah, I must retreat! She’ll kill me this time!”

Despite being the God of death, without Ayn and Baal, he CANNOT 1v1 his mother. He doesnt even know if THEY would even help! He’s never seen his mother THIS mad before, he needed to retreat. He got that opportunity when Gaia yanked his tail and began to spin him at Mach speed. Narinder was thrown so high into the sky that no one would see where he went, so be teleported. She saw him leave, but she had different priorities right now. She teleported herself to her Lover.

“Shamura!”

“Gak!”

“Quick! Take them to the infirmary! Get ready for surgery! Noelle!”

Kallamar said. Noelle looked puzzled.

“Your coming with me, I might need those small hands of yours”

“Ah! Right!

He said as they teleported them to the Infirmary. Gaia’s fervor was dripping out of her eyes at an alarming rate. So much so, that one of her Children had to bring a bucket for her to drip into, several times until she calmed down. She was still in disbelief.

“Mom?”

Leshy said softly. She couldn’t believe that her own kin nearly killed her spouse…she only returned 3 hours ago and someone else was fighting for their lives. She thought back to when Klauneck cane to speak to them about the black cat they brought into their family. That same child she held close to her while Shamura spoke with Klauneck.

“…Despite the prophecy has atleast a good ending, He will definitey be the unraveling of your family even if the prophecy doesnt come true…”

“We will take our chances, hes a child…he can be raised well.”

Gaia punched the wall, remembering Shamura’s words. Why did she let Shamura keep him? Why did she bother pouring all that love and energy into that brat? Why did she let herself get sealed away for him? WHY DIDNT SHE KILL HIM WHEN SHE HAD THE CHANCE?!?

“Mom…please…”

Leshy begged. Klauneck was right…Narinder should’ve been sacrificed the moment he was brought into the family…he was an unlucky child…now her spouse is fighting for their life now.

“Shamura…shamura…”

Gaia weeped as the remaining bishop comforted their mother figure. Wherever Narinder is, he better be dead.

.

..

…

Its been a few days since the release of Gaia, Narinder and the near Death of Shamura. The whole Clan was in a standstill. Nothing moved, everyone was on edge, waiting news on their dear leader. Surgery went surprisingly well, with the help of Noelle, unfortunately for them, their injuries were deep and they were now in a deep sleep. To wake up when? Who knows at this point, people were just happy that Shamura still had a heartbeat.

“You did excellent in surgery, you too Noelle. I must discuss something with Kallamar right now, so go and rest Noelle”

Gaia said. Noelle took her weary body to her room while Kallamar and Gaia walked in the other direction.

“How are they?”

“No movement so far. Their wounds are deep but they should heal. Since they are in a coma, their body will need all the energy it can get. they will need a liquid diet to keep them alive and well, with around the clock care. It will be in their best interest to rest and heal…but how are you Mom?”

He asked. He noticed the dark circles under his mother’s eyes. Shes not doing well with any of this.

“Not great. I knew we were going to fight…but to attack Shamura? The only person who truly advanced and advocated for that boy…i dont care that Fernilla was his original target, he didn’t care…”

“Mom, your fervor!”

“Right…sorry…”

“No, your anger is justified… but for now, save your strength for when we fight again…”

Kallamar said as he wipes his mother’s face. She holds his hand that cleaned her face.

“My tender sweet boy…you treasure me…”

“Of course. As you did to me. You picked me, after all”

He said. Gaia sighs as Kallamar takes her arm gently.

“Lets get some rest, we will deal with him with a level head.”

“Right”

They both said as they walked towards their separate rooms. Gaia finnaly gets to the shared bedroom and she was hit with a strong nostalgia. Gaia remembering having her kids fight over who slept with her and who slept with Shamura, what story they read, what they wanted the chefs to make the kids for breakfast…it was too much for the time shes had so far. Each memory that hasnt been tainted by Narinder, was surprisingly preserved.

The sheets on the bed havent even been changed in all of those years, still showing their age.

“Shamura didn’t even change the sheets…I guess even they were holding onto those memories as well…”

She lays down and imagines her spouse, laying next to her, talking about what they were to do when they grow older, possible grandchildren, retiring and passing down the mantle to one of the kids, possibly Heket if she wants it, she is indeed the most responsible of the children. All this thinking, she didn’t even realize that she was dreaming already. And someone drapes the covers over her and silently leaves.

“Sleep well, Mom…we will get that bastard, I promise…”

TBC

[fiftysevenacademics]

WIP Wednesday

This is what I wrote today. It's actually closer to the middle of this beast (3959 wds total so far, and it's not even half done yet). It's first draft sloppy and raw. I really don't know why I'm doing this except I decided I had to know what happened between Madam Yu and Wen Zhuliu and Jiang Fengmian got dragged in. So now it's basically "why are the Yunmeng Siblings' parents the way they are? What the hell went wrong between them?"

*********************************

Strange things had been happening near a cluster of farmhouses some distance outside of town. It was too small to be called a village and had no proper name. But the families who lived in the houses tended their fields and brought their crops into town to sell. They were hardy, self-reliant farmers who did not spook easily and handled their own problems. 

So when the family elders approached Clan Leader Yu and humbly asked for his protection, he immediately asked, “From what?”

“Clan Leader Yu, there has been a ghost killing our chickens and pigs and damaging our crops. We have set traps and held watches but only in the past few nights have we seen it and it is like nothing we have seen before. This morning, just before the sun rose, it took a child.”

Yu Ziyuan was sitting next to her father in the reception hall, helping balance account books. She reached for her sword and stood up. 

“Did you see where it went?” she asked.

“Miss Yu,” the eldest man said, almost breaking into tears. “The child was my youngest grandson. The ghost ran toward the mountains, but my son and oldest granddaughter ran faster, throwing rocks and yelling until the whole village turned out in pursuit. The creature could not run faster while holding my little grandson, so it dropped him and dissolved into a cloud of black smoke.”

“Was he injured?”

“No, Miss Yu. He was uninjured. But we cannot let this ghost near our village again. So we respectfully ask for help.”

Yu Ziyuan turned toward her father and bowed. 

“Father, with your permission, I would like to drive this ghost away or end its depredations forever.”

Clan Leader Yu stood and clasped his hands behind his back, thinking.

The Yu Clan of Meishan was a small but ancient and dignified clan that was known more for its wealth than cultivation. Over centuries it had produced famous scholars and officials, legendary beauties, and acquired an enviable collection of priceless antiques. They were proud patrons of the arts and generous benefactors of temples. 

They saw cultivation as a requirement for the gentry but preferred a more indulgent aristocratic lifestyle. Their sons and daughters typically trained until they formed a golden core, and could wield a sword and a few talismans successfully. Then, they considered that part of their education complete.

But from a young age, Yu Ziyuan could never hear enough about the deeds of valiant cultivators. It seemed to her that these heroes formed the sole thin membrane that separated and protected this world from the world of demons and ghosts and she thought that was far more glamorous than the idle, comfortable life of a nobleman’s wife she was destined to lead. 

When she married, it would be to one of those brave men, and they would fight side by side against evil. Her exploits would capture the imagination of future children.

After forming her golden core, she begged her parents to allow her to continue training until they relented. They had already arranged prestigious marriages for her two older sisters, and her father was inclined to let her take the place of the son he never had. They hired teachers and sent her to the classes held by the Lan Clan of Gusu at Cloud Recesses, and she became proficient without belonging to any sect or master. She made friends in the powerful cultivation clans and received invitations to join them on Night Hunts and to attend conferences. 

She grew into a beautiful young woman and carried herself with pride, dressed in sensible clothing made from the finest fabrics, in colors that flattered her fair complexion and accentuated her tall, athletic figure. She wore cosmetics and hair ornaments that highlighted her noble eyes. 

Naturally, she attracted the attention of men but her sharp personality made them afraid to offer romantic overtures, which was just as well because if they had, she would have soundly rebuked or even humiliated them. Yu Ziyuan considered herself a force to be reckoned with and as her exploits piled up, other people did, too. Her heart would yield only to the bravest, most talented man in the cultivation world.

Clan Leader Yu regarded this daughter, who, had she been a boy, he would love to have made his heir, and turned toward the village elder.

“What does this ghost look like?”

“It looks like a beautiful woman, but with long, tangled hair, sharp, pointed teeth, and tattered clothing. Its eyes are wild and your body soaks up a cold wind when you get near.”

“This sounds like a very strong hungry ghost, father. I can handle her.”

Clan Leader Yu nodded. 

“A-Yuan, I know you can, and will be honored when you succeed. But you must not go alone. I’ll send someone with you.”

Yu Ziyuan returned to her room to gather a few supplies, which she stored in her qiankun pouch. Jinzhu and Yinzhu clamored around her, fastening her sword to her back and helping her out of her satin slippers and into walking boots. 

“Please, let us come with you!” Jinzhu wailed. 

“I am learning the ‘barrier’ hand seal,” Yinzhu boasted, waving her chubby hands in a pattern. “I can help!”

Yu Ziyuan knelt so she was at face level and gripped their shoulders.

“Someday you will be my fiercest disciples and most trusted assistants. But today you are still children and it’s safer for you to stay here. I will need you when I return. Practice cultivation until then.”

At the gate in the wall surrounding their palatial estate, a tall, muscular man with a disinterested face was waiting for her. She recognized him as Zhao Zhuliu, a new guard her father had brought in to replace one who had married and moved back to his ancestral village. 

He bowed with a slight air of contempt, then looked away from her, saying nothing. Yu Ziyuan, who was used to lavish deference, felt knocked a little off kilter. She drew herself up as tall as she could, and marched past him with a straight, stiff back, and his heavy footsteps fell in place behind her.

[mythologeekwriter]

OC-TOBER DAY 9

bweird OC-tober

9: RELATIONSHIPS

Doesn’t have to be romantic! Can be any kind of relationship (friendship, family, rivalry etc)

I think Alcinoe’s relationships are fascinating so she gets to be the subject of this one!

Mother: Thistle. Thistle & Alcinoe barely know each other, in truth. Thistle, the king’s wild-thing mistress, was quick to leave her child to the castle’s keeping, and has not been heard from since. Alcinoe’s knowledge of her mother comes from the stories of others, known of whom could say they truly knew her.

Father: His Majesty, King Alcaeus IV. Despite being named in mirror of him, Alcinoe is not especially close to her father. He has never been a man much concerned with child-rearing.

Half-siblings:

Prince Alcaeus - Being so much older than his illegitimate half-sibling, prince Alcaeus finds her no threat. She hardly has a rival claim, and he feels something of a responsibility for her, having been already an adult when she was born. To him, she is his little sister, and never mind about matters of birth.

Princess Josefine - Josefine is a quiet, even-tempered woman, without, it must be said, much of a mind for politics. She follows her elder brother’s lead, and therefore is close enough to Alcinoe, though their personalities rather differ.

Princess Daniya - The twins (Daniya & Fahima) were in their infancy when Alcinoe was born. Therefore, the three of them somewhat grew up together, though Alcinoe was kept apart from royal affairs, hardly sharing caretakers with the royal children. Daniya & Alcinoe have the same thrill-seeking nature, and so spent much of their childhoods sneaking out to run wild together.

Princess Fahima - Fahima, though politically minded enough to feel some concern over Alcinoe’s position, knows Alcinoe well enough to know she would hate any part of the heirship, and feels somewhat indebted to her for keeping her twin happy.

Prince Fadil - Fadil was young when his mother disappeared. Alcinoe did her best to shield him from the rumours, telling him stories of the kind, brilliant woman she knew. These days, they are hardly close, and Alcinoe mourns the loss of that cheerful boy who looked to her. He has grown into his father’s son.

Prince Chares - The youngest by far of the king’s children, Chares certainly doesn’t expect to ever inherit. He resents his elder siblings, especially the less politically minded ones. Wouldn’t he be better suited? He certainly feels no fondness for his father’s illegitimate daughter.

Father’s spouses:

Queen Joanne (deceased) - Joanne died before Alcinoe was born. Nonetheless, her presence is felt everywhere.

Queen Amina (presumed dead) - Amina never resented Alcinoe, and showed kindness to the young girl. Even after her disappearance, as everything about her descended into vicious rumour, Alcinoe thinks fondly of her. (Note: Amina is very much not dead and is having an amazing time far away from the castle and palaces.)

Queen Belphoebe - Alcinoe’s presence does put Belphoebe in a rather difficult position. An illegitimate child, residing in the castle and palaces of the royal family, and so clearly named for her royal father threatens any hold Belphoebe might be able to get on power. She is not, therefore, fond of the girl.

Other notable people:

Tsunami - Alcinoe’s best friend. The pair met in childhood, Alcinoe finding quiet sanctuary in Tsunami’s comfortable inhumanity.

Bakar - Member of the royal guard who knew Thistle and was fond of her. He was a steady, reassuring presence throughout Alcinoe’s childhood, and remains one of the rare people she can lean on.

Gennadiy - He is deeply, almost fanatically, loyal to his king. Therefore, if His Majesty wishes to take in his illegitimate daughter, protecting her is now under Gennadiy’s remit. There is no personal good feeling in it, but that cool, impersonal professionalism is better than judgment, and ensures all the guards remain civil, at least.

[unma]

making this its separate post because I wanna ramble, but I do feel like I need to emphasize just how little trust I have of basically anyone in authority by default.

I'm Nigerian, and as anyone who is also Nigerian can tell you, we take "respect your elders" pretty seriously. Not just a Nigerian thing, obviously, but idk nearly enough about other cultures to make generalize statements. So I'll just stick to what I know.

"Respect your elders." There were no 'unless they're evil' or dumb or stupid or whatever quality that should disqualify them from whatever position of authority they're in. You do what they say because they told you to, dammit, and they'll make your life hell if you don't.

Well, guess who grew up trying to be as logical as possible and as stubborn as possible. Not even in a "emotions suck" kinda way, just in a "you are very clearly being dumb here and I will call you out for it" way.

I learnt the hard way growing up that people in authority do not like being questioned very often. They especially do not like being called out for being stupid mid-stupid action. And that they will promptly use said authority to punish you for daring to even question them.

My parents were exactly like this. So were my teachers. So were the pastors at my church. So were the leaders of our country.

You know, growing up as a kid and being told to always respect your elders while the same people are talking about how your gov leaders are old and useless at best, corrupt at worst really does make you question why anyone still follows that tradition. I still maintain it's fucking stupid. Not like it ever even applied to me, despite being the eldest son, when I was constantly having chores dumped on me because my younger siblings paid me no mind.

So I suppose not having anything to gain from it made it easier to realize how much bullshit it was.

Also after having been made to apologize to a Pastor once for calling him out for being stupid (and being told to do it again for a second incident and just never doing it), wow it's fucking absurd how much impunity they gain. They were literally saying "Yeah sure he's wrong, but he's an anointed pastor so you have to apologize to him." and frankly it's no fucking wonder the churches keep getting caught for sweeping sexual abuse allegations under the rug. If this is how you handle being called out for something that in the long run means jack shit, you're probably going to do worse when it turns out one of your pastors was an utter piece of shit.

Anyway I loathe people in positions of power above me and one day. One day. I'm going to snap and punch a boss of mine or something and my life will be irrevocably ruined or something to that effect and I'm fine with it. I have my limits, and frankly after having to deal with this shit for years I'm not letting it slide anymore. I had a year long one-sided feud with a pastor (and by that I mean he fucking HATED me, even my mere presence made him angry, to my utter joy) because I refused to apologize, called him the fuck out for being stupid, and was not above throwing shade whenever I could. It was funny. And I got out of being in the teens' section for a while too, because he didn't want me there.

Honestly, talking back to those in authority being stupid is fucking liberating, and after spending my entire life having to hold in that urge I worry that I'm not going to be able to turn it off, which probably means I'll be unemployable in 5 years give or take. It is funny though, and I care maybe a worryingly small amount about the chance that it could make my life really difficult.

[edenpoise]

why are you doing all of this ? - also from lilith, for the revengeful wrath verse. c: hello!

⁽ @gctchell ⁾ ― ： meme. from here .

E . ― IT WAS ALMOST LAUGHABLE HOW A SIMPLE QUESTION COULD INVOKE SUCH FESTERING EMBERS. as if she didn't know, as if she wasn't a direct cause towards her own undoing. eve could barely settle her expression from morphing to portray those inner feelings. no. she was better than that. BLACKENED eyes stared down at the once proud figure- the ( first woman ) hellish queen that stepped the line of being pitiful &. pathetic. " you're ignorance knows no bounds, lilith. "

her voice betrays her expression. a disgust leaking from the tone as chains rattled and looped- tendrils of blacken threads tightened their VICIOUS hold. it kept the powerful monarch from resistance. it kept eve in control. just they way she liked it. the way it should ALWAYS be, of all people within this wretched world ... she deserved it the most. had she not suffered for CENTURIES- ? watching the consequences that clung to her sins. the constant belittle within the time of history. everything heaving on her shoulders- had she not earned this right alone to finally get what she d e s e r v e s? it was long overdue ... and simply enough ... lilith was simply a key in this all. eve would bend- fingers hooking underneath the sharp chin of the elder woman, eyes blazing as they locked together, " but that's not you're fault ... my true HATRED doesn't lie with you ... but unfortunately for you- you married a man that ruined me. " a otherworldly being who's words brought temptation into a peaceful garden where it was never meant to be. for consequences to weigh so heavily. for years she had blamed herself, but why continue such actions when truly- how could she N O T blame the one responsible for introducing her to such possibilities? he had to know the consequences, what would happen to her- to her f a m i l y.

did lilith have to suffer the sight of her children fighting?? did lilith have to witness the fruits of her labour fall to ruin and rot?? DID LILITH HAVE TO WATCH HER ELDEST CHILD MURDER THEIR SIBLING- eve takes a breath, eyes closed for a moment before she straightened herself. she managed to bring the looming smile back to her lips, her eyes flickering with satisfaction. she was close to her goal now, lilith was with her- lucifer was suffering. soon heaven shall follow with that ruin- the path of right and wrong would become so blurred one could barely tell what the line was. and eve shall once again obtain that peaceful place in the light. " i'm doing what i need to. simple as that. "

it was a swift turn on her heel- the once dim gem upon her neck gleamed a faint g l o w. her skin turning a pale purple- her hair curling and draping further to her feet. a blonde hue taking over the colors of auburn. eve turns towards lilith, the woman's own visage staring back at her with her eased smile,

" it's my turn to find my happiness. "