#every argument settled with a duel

[frost-queen]

Worshipped (Reader x Mattheo Riddle)

Requested by: Anon Forever tag:@missmelodramatic, @merlin-dahlia,  @elllie-does-the-posts, @alex--awesome--22 @floatlosers, @merlieve, @queen-of-books, @glimmering-darling-dolly@denkisclown, @wildieflower, @meyocoko, @bubblybrianna, @justanothercoco, @subjecta13-thefangirl, @m-rae23, @harleyquinnswifeyfrfr, @swampthing07, @imagines-by-her, @vviolynn, @melsunshine,  @evilcr0ne, @callsignwidow, @whotfskai, @freddieweasleysgf, @untoldshortsofthefandoms

Summary: Reader is obessed with Mattheo's muscular and veiny arms that she folds like a paper for him.

“Oh yeah!” – Lorenzo outed giving Theodore a low five at the sight of the long dueling platform. – “Now this is going to be fun.” – he followed his friends to a corner of the classroom. Lorenzo glanced around the room recognizing Harry in the midst of it. – “Now that smile I’d like to wipe off his face.” – he elbowed Mattheo in the side with a wink. Mattheo rolled his eyes barely giving him a glance. – “Right?” – Lorenzo moved his attention to Theodore who wasn’t much of interaction too. He gave him a simple nod, before staring back at the office above.

Lorenzo gave up leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. – “Great.” – your friend said when entering the defense against the dark arts class. – “Just what I needed a duel class.” – she sighed out, rubbing her shoulders exhausted. – “You don’t think I can pass an excuse to Mad Eye for being incapable of participating due to a quidditch incident?” – you tugged her along on her sleeve passing past others to get a spot by the walls.

“You don’t play quidditch.” – you replied with a smile. – “I know.” – she whined out. You settled with her on the left side close to some Gryffindors and Slytherin girls. Your friend kept stressing out as you exhaled deep. – “Look you might not even have to duel. He can’t possibly let everyone duel within the span of his teaching hours.” – you concluded to offer some reassurance. – “You think so?” – she responded making you nod with a hum.

She exhaled relieved letting herself fall back against the wall. Across the duel platform she spotted Mattheo and his gang of friends. – “I bet they are eager to kick some ass.” – she whispered to you. – “Whoever is dueling against them will surely end up on the floor.” – she continued. You shrugged your shoulders. – “We might be surprised.” – you whispered back to her. From across the room you caught Mattheo’s glance making you quickly look away. The door shut startling a few closest to it.

From the top office emerged Mad Eye Moody. His wooden leg tapped loudly against the flooring as he made his way downstairs. His thick walking stick leaving a few dents in the stairs. His moving eye looked your way as it felt unsettling to you. He kept staring at you for a few seconds till he let his eye move to look at Harry. – “Class today is simple.” – he outed stepping in front of the dueling platform. An arm resting over his cane. – “Two of you duel against each other. Any spell is allowed.” – he said.

Draco nodded with a wide smirk, high fiving Lorenzo. Draco then looked over to Ron and Harry luring them out. Hermione whispered something to them. Probably to not let them get under their skin. – “So who wants to…” – Mad Eye started as Hermione’s arm shot up. – “Ah a volunteer.” – he said as Hermione shook her head. – “Professor I was just wondering when you said every spell. I’m sure you don’t mean the unforgivable curses as well. For that is forbidden.”

Mad Eye smiled and pointed at her. – “I even recommend it!” – he called out loud with a laugh. You looked at your friend thinking this isn’t such a good idea. Draco already slit his throat across the room to Harry and Ron. Hermione stuck her hand up again. – “Yes.” – Mad Eye sighed out. – “That is out of the question! Dumbledore would never allow such a thing! Do you wish to have the blood of your students on your hands!” – she called out not backing away from an argument. Mad Eye mimicked her words with childish muttering making you roll your eyes at him.

“My hands are clean.” – he joked showing her his hands. You exhaled deep raising your hand as well. – “Yes, you!” – he pointed out as almost everyone turned to look at you. – “Why don’t you offer yourself up as test subject?” – you said with an undertone full of attitude. Some boys around you were astonished by your bold words against the professor. – “I’m sure we’re all eager to learn from you. You could deflect such a spell can you not?” – you pouted your lips a bit to downsize him.

Mad Eye mumbled to himself with some annoyance. He then turned around to drink from a flask. Hermione sought out eye contact, giving you an approving nod to back her up. You nodded subtly back. This was no way to teach people to duel by killing each other. You had no dead wish and presumably many others had not as well. – “Fine no unforgivable curses!” – Mad Eye exclaimed rudely with a throw of his hand.

“Who’s up first?” – he called out as Lorenzo stuck his hand up along another boy. Mad Eye pointed at them, then to the platform for them to get on. They readied themselves as Mad Eye gave the signal to start. Spells flashed around as Lorenzo came out victorious. Two girls were up next as one of them got flung back, rolling over the edge. By the fourth duel had Lorenzo stuck up Mattheo’s arm. Mattheo gave him a cold stare for tossing him in the midst. Mattheo got on the platform, waiting in the middle for his opponent. – “Anyone?” – Mad Eye said as no one stepped forwards.

All afraid to duel against Mattheo. Exhaling soft, you stuck your hand up. – “Ah a volunteer!” – Mad Eye spoke as some students made way so he could see you. Mattheo turned to look at you with shock. Mad Eye smiled beyond himself. – “Oh just wonderful.” – he said as you smile sarcastically at him. A boy helped you up on the platform as you met up with Mattheo. – “I’ll go easy on you.” – he said eying you up and down.

You threw him a witty smile. – “Don’t hold yourself back.” – you answered. – “Okay.” – Mattheo replied with a nod. You turned round to head over to your side. Mattheo glanced over his shoulder back to you. – “Crush her!” – Lorenzo cheered at him. – “Easy win.” – Draco told him as it caught your ear. You rolled your eyes standing with your back at them.

You turned around at the same time as Mattheo. – “Ready your wands.” – Mad Eye said as you took in your position. – “Begin!” – he shouted as Mattheo hardened his gaze. – “Stupefy!” – he called out as you waved your wand around you, blocking his spell with protego. Blue swirled around you as it stopped his spell from reaching you. You smiled sweetly at Mattheo tightening your grip on your wand. He swallowed nervously when your expression got serious. – “Locomotor Mortis!” – you shouted as red flashes of magic came out of your wand. Mattheo’s legs got bound as he struggled to keep his balance.

“Levicorpus!” – you then shouted as Mattheo was just in time to deflect your spell with protego. Still bound he bend down trying to untie his legs. – “Expelliarmus!” – Mattheo’s wand got tossed out of his hand making him look up surprised. Now he was completely defenseless. – “Stupefy!” – you then said as Mattheo got hit in the chest getting flung over the platform dropping to the ground. Your friend erupted in loud cheering as many clapped loud for you. You untensed bowing for your audience.

Mattheo got back up looking over the platform to you as he couldn’t fully pull himself up anymore. He puffed with a smile that you had out done him. You got up with the help of your friend. Mattheo joined his friends, holding his hand against his stomach. Draco nudged him hard. Bickering with him that he lost from a girl. After you another pair went up as class was close to ending. Dismissed started everyone to leave the classroom. Your friend and you left class seeing Mattheo was leaning against the wall outside.

The moment you passed he removed himself from the wall, joining your side. – “Y/n Y/l/n.” – he called out sliding an arm over you. You made some brief eye contact with your friend as she got the hint. She moved away, giving you the space with Mattheo. – “Hope I didn’t hit your pride.” – you told him as he inhaled sharp through his teeth. – “Not yet.” – he answered with a chuckle. You glanced to the side seeing his hand over your shoulder. A bit of his sleeve pulled back revealing his wrist to you. Seeing how muscles and veiny it was made you swallow. Somehow that was very appealing to you.

“I didn’t know you were such a duelist or were you just eager to get me.” – he said making you pull your attention away from his wrist. – “What would you like the answer to be.” – you responded leaning in close to tease him. Mattheo smiled losing his mind over how ravishing that was. His bad boy attitude stroked with sarcastic comments that could make the serotine in his brain release. You swallowed shyly at those eyes he flashed your way. subtly feeling his muscles tense as he moved your neck closer to him.

Your heart started to beat faster as the urge grew to grab his hand and let your fingers go up his arm wanting to feel those muscles. Something inside of you snapped needing to touch him. You touched his chest, moving your hand a bit. – “Still in pain?” – you asked feeling yourself warm up for doing something so bold. Mattheo smiled taking your hand and removing it gently from against his chest. – “Only when you touch it.” – he whispered almost making you weak on the knees. - “Good thing I didn’t hit any weak spots.” – you answered letting his arm slide off your shoulder.

Mattheo and you parted ways as you went to search for your friend. Out of sight you needed a moment to cool yourself down. Never in a million years did you think Mattheo Riddle would hold such a grip over you. Sure he was handsome, a first class bad boy and very picky in his taste in girls but seeing that wrist of his made something snap inside of you. It made you wonder what the rest of him looked underneath his shirt. There was something so handsome of well enough muscles arms. You barely lost control now, you weren’t sure what would happen if you would encounter him again if you saw a bit of skin.

Luckily your friend was waiting for you by the great hall. You entered with her taking a seat on the long tables along some other Slytherins. – “So what did he want?” – she asked curious. You shrugged your shoulders. To be honest you couldn’t remember much of it. If one were to ask you about it, you’d probably just ramble on about his arms and how they were in contact with your body. Words weren’t necessary when his body had you in such a clutch.  – “When you speak of the snake.” – your friend whispered nudging you. Looking up you saw Mattheo enter with his friends.

He came sitting a table before yours, facing your way. He flashed you a devious smile before sitting down. Your friend had to suppress her excitement at how Mattheo was looking at you. Mattheo folded his hands before him as yet again a bit of wrist became visible. You caught yourself stare instantly at it. The scenario in your mind anything but playful. Knee trembling under the table you really had to withheld yourself to not jump over the tables and rub your hands over his arms.

Mattheo caught you staring making him smile. You forced yourself to look away, hoping you weren’t drooling over him. You moved yourself a bit so that your friend was blocking your focus on him. Whenever you accidently looked at him, you noticed he was looking back at you whilst chatting. His attention drawn to you while his mouth was engaged in the conversation. Unable to control yourself anymore you got up leaving with your friend. Mattheo watching your leave with full attention. Lorenzo waved his hand in front of him to snap his attention back.

Your friend and you went outside where you enjoyed some relaxed afternoon under the sun. After a few other classes you went to your common room in the dungeons. The two of you sat down on the sofa as your friend jumped back up. She pulled from underneath her a book. – “How did that come here?” – she questioned looking at the cover. – “Who’s it from?” – you asked as she opened the first page. – “Malfoy.” – she sighed out. She pushed the book in your arms. – “Here you take it to him.” – she said. – “What? No!” – you answered shoving it back to her. She pushed it back your way.

“Do it for me.” – she begged. – “No!” – you answered loudly trying to keep your voice down. – “Do it yourself!” – you forced the book back her way as she fumbled against your grip. – “See it as an opportunity to talk to him.” – you whispered to her knowing of her silly crush on him. She immediately shook her head. – “I don’t have a dead wish!” – she whispered back throwing the book on your lap. You took it, flapping it her way. – “Don’t be a baby and give it to him!” – she moved her hands behind her back, shaking her head.

You threw it in her lap as she squealed loud. Slapping it away like something dirty. It fell back with you as you sighed loud. – “I’ll buy you all the candy you want.” – she said. – “So you want me to overdose on sugar?” – you quirked your eyebrow up. – “I’ll do your homework than? Buy you new clothes? Lie for you? Please I’ll do anything but give it to him with perhaps a good word for me.” – she begged praying with her hands. – “Fine!” – you gave in. – “But you better talk to him one day or I’ll force you into a situation so uncomfortable you’ll hate it.” – she nodded her head firmly as you got up.

Dragging yourself up the stairs you went to Draco’s dorm that he shared with his friends. You knocked loudly waiting for someone to call you in. – “In.” – you heard making you open the door. Popping your head inside, you froze. Instead of finding Draco, you found Mattheo half-naked. His entire chest bare as you had a full pleasure of his muscular body. – “Y/n? What are you doing here?” – he asked holding his shirt. Speechless you moved Draco’s book up to show him.

Mattheo frowned. You entered more; gaze caught on his chest. – “Malfoy’s.” – you managed to get out. – “That idiot.” – Mattheo sighed out coming closer to you. Your eyes widened practically shaking as he came nearer. He plucked the book out of your hand, looking briefly at it. Wetting your lips, you so wanted to go smoothly over his muscles and veiny arms. You had never had such a dirty mind but licking them might have crossed your mind.

“Y/n?” – Mattheo said noticing you were staring lost at him. You hummed softly still charmed by his muscles. Mattheo chuckled making you look up to him. The way he looked at you set you over the edge. You completely lost it. You let your hands slide up his arms to his neck as you drew your head closer. The sensation that overtook you whilst feeling his arms was ravishing.

You kissed him hard feeling his neck. Mattheo grabbed you kissing you back. Your lips followed his pace as your hands went down his arms again meeting in the center of his chest. Mattheo removed your hands from on his chest bringing them up to his neck. Inhaling sharply you kissed him hard again. Heating up at the sensation leaving your brain. Mattheo chuckled when you started kissing his neck and shoulder.

“Easy there Y/n.” – he said at your eagerness. He tilted your head up to him, pressing his lips on yours again. Taking his hands you wrapped them around you, wanting him close. – “You’re so mine.” – he whispered to you tilting your chin up by his thumb. – “I so am.” – you whispered back before kissing him again.

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[velieditss]

Forbidden Desires

Pairing: Davos Blackwood x Bracken!reader

Summary: He hates you, he really does, but no more than you.

An: Bombastic side eye, criminal offensive side eye👀

This is the second chapter, you can check the first one here: Ch1

Davos stood by the window of his room, watching the carriage as it slowly made its way along the winding path. His forehead and hair were beaded with sweat; the pain coursing through his body numbed even the wound he still bore. The night before, he had been informed that one of the Brackens had stopped at a nearby inn, just a few hours away.

The message, distorted after passing through several hands before reaching him, did not specify which of the Brackens was on the way. Davos hoped it was one of the brothers, ready to settle the matter, but he doubted it. King Viserys's envoy had assured him that the Brackens would follow the king's "suggestion." Suggestion!

The anger still burned within him over how that "suggestion" had been conveyed and the blatant threats that accompanied it. Yet, the king’s envoy seemed indifferent, as if he cared little how his words were received or the chaos they might unleash; he was simply doing his duty.

Beside him, Alysanne was not watching the carriage but observing Davos with a furrowed brow. She was the only one in the family who had not received the news with pessimism; to her, it was a well-deserved punishment for what they had brought upon innocent people. In short, a fate worse than death: having a Bracken for a wife.

“You need to get back to bed,” Alysanne said in a tone that brooked no argument.

“Stop giving me orders just because you think I’m weak. Did you send that letter to our father? I’d prefer he learns of the king’s abominable demand from me, not through rumors, in case this goes public.”

“Of course, it was the first thing I did when our guest left,” Alysanne replied with the confidence of someone who always fulfills their duties.

Davos was sure that, along with the letter, his sister had sent a detailed account of what had happened, not omitting a single detail that could further tarnish his image before their father.

Benjicot, despite his young age, had the spirit of a warrior and did not fear the Brackens; in fact, he had played a key role in the three duels that took place. But he was too young to marry, and Alysanne... Davos would rather sacrifice himself than allow his sister to suffer such a vile fate.

At least, if the Bracken girl was under their roof, they could keep an eye on her and maintain some advantage. But if Alysanne were the one betrothed, they couldn’t protect her in that madhouse.

For all these reasons, and because they would lose half of their fortune if they disobeyed, Davos had not offered any of his siblings to comply with the king’s order.

Alysanne shook her head in exasperation.

“I offer good advice, not orders. It wouldn’t hurt you to listen to me once in a while. But don’t count on me to drag you back to bed if you collapse. I’ll get the servants to do it.”

“I’m not going to die, and I’m not so weak that I can’t throw you out of my room,” Davos retorted with a hint of irritation.

“Tell that to the Bracken girl. I’m sure she’s spent half the week praying for your death,” Alysanne replied, pointing at the tiny carriage in the distance. “And yes, you are weak. You’re sweating like a horse and can barely put on your trousers…”

Davos turned his back and pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation.

Alysanne used to keep him on his toes, both verbally and physically, and he used to be grateful for it, but not now, not since he had returned home with that cursed wound. The previous one had been a mere scratch; this one, however, worsened every day.

He didn’t need a grand maester to tell him; he knew the wound wasn’t healing as it should. He had regained some strength after losing a lot of blood, only to be struck down by fever again.

Returning home had been foolish; he should have stayed near where he was injured to receive treatment, but he didn’t want word to spread that Raylon had almost ended his life. He would rather die than give a Bracken that satisfaction. And it could still happen; he felt half-dead, though more from the damn fever that wouldn’t break.

The anger didn’t help either: having to face the king’s threat and the enemy at his door while in this condition only fueled his rage.

“Put her in one of the towers when she arrives,” he told his sister in a tense voice. “Until I decide what to do with her.”

Alysanne crossed her arms, annoyed by his tone, as if she were a mere servant rather than the sister who had raised him like a son.

“The order you received was to marry her,” Alysanne pointed out dryly.

“I won’t do it,” Davos replied firmly.

“So you’ll reject her?” she asked, raising a dark eyebrow. “I warn you, you’ll be sacrificing your share of the fortune, and you’d better not touch mine.”

Davos shook his head.

“I won’t sacrifice anything, because it won’t be necessary. She’ll hurry back home, and the Brackens will face the consequences when she does.”

“And how do you plan to make her leave?”

“There are ways to scare off women like her,” Davos responded, giving her a grim look.

Alysanne raised an eyebrow again, skeptical.

“Very well, but do I need to remind you we only have one remotely habitable tower?”

“Well, she won’t have trouble finding it, will she?” Davos replied, his tone as dry as Alysanne’s.

Alysanne was about to leave the room but stopped and, in a serious tone, warned him:

“You’re not at war with that girl; you’re at war with her brothers. Mistreating her will do no good.”

“She’s a Bracken. They’re all the same, even if I’ve never seen her. And she serves an important purpose: she’ll make Raylon and Olyver Bracken lose their lands and fortune.”

A spark lit up Alysanne’s eyes.

“I’m glad to see you’re not as crazy as you seem. Sorry, I mean that you’re acting with some logic.”

“This isn’t a good time to test my patience, Aly,” Davos warned her. “I need my riding clothes. I won’t be home when the enemy knocks on the door.”

“The maester said you should stay in bed,” Alysanne said, sighing in frustration.

“I’ll rest once I’ve calmed my anger with a ride.”

“You’ll need the maester if you insist on riding! For the old gods’ sake, Davos, be reasonable. Your stitches will tear, and your horse won’t like the smell of blood.”

“There are many things my horse doesn’t like, including you. How he’ll react to the blood remains to be seen; and now, enough with the bad omens. Don’t try to stop me, just this once.”

“That’s what you told me a week ago, and now the old gods are sending you a Bracken as a wife,” Alysanne retorted, her frustration spilling over before Davos could protest.

“I’ll fetch the maester and then deal with your ‘bride.’”

Davos slowly made his way to his dressing room.

“She won’t be my bride,” he muttered disdainfully.

Alysanne headed for the door and, without turning back, promised:

“I’ll have her placed in the least comfortable room we have.”

“In the tower,” Davos insisted.

“Fine. But it doesn’t have a bed.”

“Then let her sleep on the damned floor!” Davos exclaimed.

With that order, the door slammed shut.

𖣂︎ 𖣂︎ 𖣂︎ 𖣂︎ 𖣂︎ 𖣂︎ 𖣂︎ 𖣂︎ 𖣂︎ 𖣂︎ 𖣂︎ 𖣂︎ 𖣂︎ 𖣂︎ 𖣂︎ 𖣂︎

The imposing three-story manor had a façade clad in dark grey stone, almost black, though it might have been the moss or ivy covering it that contributed to its somber appearance. From a distance, it was difficult to make out the details. Two towers rose majestically at the corners of the large rectangular building, giving it the air of an ancient, fortified castle. In front of each tower stood a massive tree, both in full bloom, whose branches obscured the rest of the estate, plunging it into an even deeper mystery.

“It looks like a sad, gloomy, and intimidating place,” you thought with a shiver.

The path to the house was lined with trees, though they were arranged irregularly, as if planted without a precise design. Ivy climbed the dark grey exterior walls, but it had been meticulously trimmed in front of the front windows, leaving the interior visible without obstructions. Above the main entrance, you could see a large, circular stained-glass window, though from the outside you couldn’t discern if the glass formed any image. On either side of the double doors were well-trimmed bushes, giving an impression of order that contrasted with the melancholy of the place. Eavesdropping under the windows wouldn’t be easy; they were too high.

One of your servants helped you down from the carriage. You smoothed your bronze-colored pelisse, which reached your knees, and glanced down to make sure the hem of your dress was in place, barely covering your shoes. You decided against wearing the hat in your hand, and at that moment, the sun peeked timidly through the clouds. «Is that a good omen?» you wondered. But perhaps not; it simply meant that, at least for now, it wasn’t raining.

“They should have seen or heard us arrive and would be out here to receive us. Their staff leaves much to be desired if we have to knock on the door,” you murmured, looking around with a mix of irritation and unease.

«Could we have the wrong house?» you thought with a knot in your stomach.

«Hopefully...»

The thought was almost a prayer. It was also possible that this was a subtle way of letting you know you weren’t welcome, but you chose not to say it aloud. You’d had a knot in your stomach for days, but at that moment, the sensation intensified. You feared you might vomit right there; the servant who had to clean it up would despise you, and that wouldn’t be a good way to start, in case you were allowed into the house. The servants waited for the order to unload your trunks, but you were paralyzed, as if anxiety had completely trapped you.

Your destination was in sight, so close you could almost touch it. Within an hour, you would meet your future husband, if he was even there. The emissary had assumed he was, but what if Davos Blackwood wasn’t home? What if he hadn’t even been informed of the marriage? That could mean a postponement! And that, far from worrying you, seemed perfect. Perhaps you would meet some Blackwood’s... or perhaps not. Maybe Lord Blackwood had been warned of what would be demanded of his son and had decided to remain inaccessible indefinitely, thus avoiding the news. Or maybe you’d love living there, as long as Davos didn’t show up, leaving the house to you alone. Or, in the most delirious of dreams, all the Blackwood’s would already be dead, and you could live happily in their home without anyone bothering you.

Ten minutes passed, maybe more. It seemed no one was home that day. Or maybe the Blackwood’s didn’t have servants... Excuses, more excuses. You knew well they were an eminent and wealthy family. This was undoubtedly a rejection. If they didn’t open the door in the next few minutes, you’d be back at that inn, celebrating your victory and freedom. You’d tell everyone you had survived the worst of fates, and that the gods had always been on your side. But if things didn’t go well... well, then the vision of the rock, the cliff, and the sea returned to you. Life wasn’t that good if you thought about it carefully.

You straightened your shoulders and gestured to your maid to knock on the door. She advanced uncertainly and raised her fist, almost losing her balance when one of the doors suddenly opened, leaving her about to punch the air. You shot a furious glance at the man standing in the doorway and remained silent. One look was enough to know that, for your good (or bad) luck, the Blackwood’s had indeed sent someone to receive you.

“My lady awaits you,” the servant said in a dry, direct tone. There was no apology, no greeting, no question. His attitude confirmed his position; you only knew he was a servant by the clothes he wore.

You glanced sideways at your maid before following the man, who seemed to share the same disdain for you as the rest of these lands and their inhabitants.

“Excuse me, why did you take so long to receive us?” you asked as you took hold of your dress’s hem, walking with your head held high to avoid showing weakness. “What was the dilemma that made you ignore us?”

“My lady wanted to ensure the rooms were clear before inviting you in,” he replied without turning around.

«Your lady?» If you remembered correctly, you had been told that Samwell Blackwood was a widower.

“Cleared of what?” you asked, confused.

“Of furious encounters.” The man spoke so low you weren’t sure you heard him correctly.

You didn’t understand anything and weren’t sure you wanted to.

When you passed between two columns flanking the vestibule, you entered a two-story hallway with a grey marble floor. Above the dark wood paneling covering the white walls hung tapestries; you observed that they were portraits of men and women, some of whom wore clothing from eras before the Conquest. You assumed they were the ancestors of the Blackwood’s.

“Will you take me to your lord?” you asked, stopping to observe each face and story depicted in the wall decorations.

“Lord Samwell is not here; I will take you to my lady, his daughter, Lady Alysanne,” he replied indifferently.

Ah, so it was the eldest Blackwood daughter who had taken charge of the house. This didn’t lessen your apprehension; on the contrary, it heightened your fear of what might happen.

The servant opened large doors and ushered you in as if you were a prisoner about to receive your sentence. The first thing your eyes caught was the silhouette of a woman with beautiful black curls, standing by a window where sunlight streamed in.

The Blackwood’s, like the Bracken’s, shared similar characteristics among them, or so you’d been told. The only thing that indicated you were in front of Lady Alysanne Blackwood was her fine clothes and the direct, unwavering gaze that scrutinized you mercilessly.

In that context, you felt like a true criminal.

You made a small curtsy, barely bowing.

“Welcome,” she said in a tone so cold and indifferent it made you feel like an insignificant insect.

“Thank you,” you replied, your voice quieter than you expected.

The silence that followed was terrible and suffocating, a space where you both observed each other, trying to decipher the other.

“I’ll show you to your room,” Alysanne finally said, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

You glanced at your maid, who looked just as uncomfortable as you did.

“Will I be able to see Lord Davos? Could you take me to him?” you asked, hoping to meet your future husband and resolve the situation as soon as possible.

“I cannot do that. When he’s ready to see you, he’ll call for you.”

“Today?” you insisted, clinging to a thread of hope.

“Perhaps not.”

You grimaced, but in reality, the fact that this would only delay the inevitable brought you some relief.

You passed several double doors that likely led to the drawing rooms and dining hall, and finally reached the grand main staircase. Some splashes of color on the white walls made you glance back toward the vestibule. The round stained-glass window above the door cast blue, red, and yellow beams of light on the walls. The window’s glass formed an image: a sable escutcheon with a dead weirwood tree.

The emblem was part of the family crest; once at the top of the staircase, Alysanne led you to the right, down a wide carpeted hallway that had doors only on one side. You understood that these rooms faced the back of the castle. Soon you turned a corner and walked down another corridor that led back to the front of the house. Some doors on either side of the hallway had been left open to let in light. It was evident that the house had numerous rooms and was more extensive than it seemed from the outside. At the end of the hallway, Alysanne stopped in front of a spiral staircase.

“Where does this lead?” you asked.

“To a barely habitable tower with no bed.”

You tensed and waited, but she didn’t move and simply stared at the dark spiral staircase for a few moments. Then, without a word, she turned and led you back down the hallway and into the other. As she passed the door at the far end, she glanced back at you and your maid and put a finger to her lips, indicating that you should remain silent; then she approached the next door, just to the right of the staircase. Alysanne entered the room and opened two windows, allowing a light, fresh breeze to enter. You followed her, feeling a sudden curiosity about the view before you. From your position, the tall hedges you had seen from afar surrounded a vast garden, whose green, well-kept lawn gleamed under the sunlight.

Winding paths crisscrossed the garden, bordered by flower beds overflowing with roses and other vibrant blossoms, an explosion of life and color that stood in stark contrast to the austerity of the house.

“You're less troublesome than I expected,” Alysanne remarked suddenly, pulling you from your reverie. “And you're pretty. If you're clever, you might just survive here.”

The tone of her words unsettled you; you couldn't tell whether they were meant as a compliment or a warning. Should you feel flattered or insulted? Alysanne's words hung in the air as you turned to look at her, searching for some clue in her expression. But her eyes remained fixed on you, scrutinizing, as if trying to decipher your deepest thoughts.

You felt her gaze like a weight, as though she were trying to unearth every one of your secrets, those you wouldn't even dare to confess.

“I’ll take the brunt of Lord Davos’ anger for not placing you where he ordered, but I’d rather not wake him just yet, so try to keep quiet,” she added coolly.

Reality struck in an instant: you weren’t placed in this part of the castle out of courtesy or jest. Alysanne had made this decision deliberately, without explanation. A shiver of dread ran through you as you realized you were much closer to Davos than you had anticipated.

“Please, I’d prefer a room farther from his, even one in that tower,” you said, trying to stay calm despite the rising panic inside you.

Alysanne smiled, and though it appeared kind, there was something in her expression that told you Lord Davos' anger didn’t concern her as much as she had implied moments earlier.

“Nonsense. Most of the rooms up here aren’t regularly cleaned unless they’re occupied by guests. This is the only vacant room that’s clean and doesn’t have a permanent ‘Do Not Use’ sign hanging on the door.”

Her response left you stunned. You had been so focused on your own anxiety that you hadn’t even noticed whether there were signs on the doors in the hallway.

“Why is Lord Davos sleeping at this time of day?” you asked, trying to mask your nerves with curiosity.

“I’d be surprised if he were,” Alysanne replied, already heading for the door. Without pausing, she added, “I’ll have your trunks brought up.”

The door closed with a swift bang, leaving you alone in the room. You had barely had time to thank her, and now you found yourself lost in unsettling thoughts. Was Davos as ill-tempered as your brothers? Should you move cautiously, making sure not to disturb his rest? A cold sweat trickled down your back as your gaze settled on a second door, barely visible in the dim light of the room.

That door connected directly to Lord Davos' room, a possibility that morphed into a series of alarming thoughts in your mind. What if the man decided to enter while you were sleeping, without warning? The idea that he might pounce on you in the middle of the night took root in your mind, filling you with growing unease.

You were trapped in a strange place, in a house you barely knew, with a man on the other side of the door who, for all you knew, could be a true monster.

Maybe it would be better to tie yourself to that rock and throw yourself into the sea…

Want more?

Part 3

Check my Masterlist

[moscnios]

Hi. If you're comfortable with writing this ( if not, please feel free to ignore, no pressure on you, I really really appreciate your hardwork & I love your writing thank you so much for all of this amazing fanfics you keep bringing!! 💗💗💗💗 ), may i request some angst where Zoro & gn!reader gets into a heated argument with each other which leads to reader wanting to break up with him?

★ WHAT ONCE WAS! roronoa zoro ★

── pairing. zoro x gn!reader.

── summary. change was something you feared. but it had happened before your very eyes as you watched your long-term boyfriend train to take on unknown dangers out on the sea. you can’t even recognize him anymore.

── cw(s). angst. gn!reader. no pronouns used. shitty summary. reader says something kinda mean. zoro being kind of a jerk. takes place pre-timeskip before zoro leaves the shimotsuki village. mentions of kuina.

── wc. 1.2k.

── notepad. i actually been so long since i’ve written something angsty that just stayed angsty. it hurt my soul just enough. so thank you so much for this !! i know the rq says that the reader wants to break up, but this one is kind of a mutual break up

things just kind of happen, don’t they? everything feels fine one moment, but the next moment not so much. people change all the time, even when you don’t want them to. maybe, you were afraid of change. maybe, you were just afraid of him changing.

he didn’t hold you anymore. when the sun had fallen to rest, and the moon had taken its place to shine silvery blue in the cool night sky. not once had his arms draped over your body like they used to. he hadn’t even faced you, as he drifted into the world of dreams. most nights, he did not even come to bed.

instead of lying beside you until sunrise, he found himself striking a dummy a hundred times with the same attacks to perfect them. instead of breathing in your cozy scent, he had pushed his mortal body way beyond its limits.

he didn’t kiss you like he did before, full of passion and love. his strong hands cradled your face as he kissed like every time would be the last one. instead, he had settled for quick pecks to the side of your temple, as he muttered “love you” against your warm skin. hardly even a moment later, he would be out the door. he didn’t even give you a chance to say it back. he never even said ‘i love you’ anymore.

maybe it was a minor thing to gripe about for some people, for it to be those special three words instead of the two. but it meant a lot to you, and he knew that. or at least you thought your boyfriend of several years would have known that.

you made up excuses, anything to keep you from believing that the man you loved more than anything was changing before your very eyes more and more every day. you found yourself thinking questions you never wanted to think about.

does he care anymore? was he no longer attracted to you? did he even love you anymore? had he ever even loved you?

it filled you with so much dread, to the point it was overwhelming. it was getting harder and harder to keep how you were feeling behind the closed door of your, well once shared bedroom.

you couldn’t keep going on like this. going on like everything was fine when it wasn’t. pretending to be fine, as you watched your neglectful boyfriend exert himself to near injury in the name of becoming the world’s greatest swordsman.

now he was talking about leaving the village to challenge dracule mihawk to a duel? you loved him dearly, but you heard one too many stories about “hawk-eyes”, none of them were good. allowing your boyfriend to even set foot off this island was sending him to an early grave.

you believed in him, sure. one day he would be the greatest swordsman. but for once, you just wanted him to be realistic and realize that that day will not be tomorrow, it won’t be next week, it won’t be next month.

why doesn’t he understand you feel this way because you care about him?

“zoro…” you say gently, standing at the door frame of the dojo.

the swordsman was still swinging away at the wooden dummy that was a few swings away from falling apart. of course, he didn’t hear you the first time. he never did.

“zoro” your voice was much louder this time, finally grabbing his attention. “huh?” was all he even said before he went back to swinging at the dummy. he didn’t even spare you a glance.

“can we talk, please? it’s important.”

“just say what you’re going to say, ( y/n )”

“WILL YOU PUT DOWN THOSE LOUSY SWORDS AND LOOK AT ME!”

you didn’t mean that. you knew just how much his swords meant to him, especially the one dawning a pure white hilt. you knew what his dream meant to him. you were just angry. frustrated. tired.

you watched as he sheathed the swords, and did as you said. his expression was stone cold. it was like looking at a whole new man. never had he ever looked at you like that. you knew what you said hurt his feelings.

“if you’re still trying to talk me out of leaving, forget it. if i don’t do it now then…”

“THEN WHAT?! you’ve never been out of the east blue! and you’ll be a DEAD MAN if you challenge a shichibukai!” you couldn’t stop yourself from yelling. “you don’t know what lies ahead of you in the other seas, zoro! i’m just trying to help you!”

“i never ASKED for your help!” he retorted, clenching his fist around the hilt of one of his swords. he continued, “i never WANTED your help! i never NEEDED your help!”

a silence filled the room, as your face dropped and your heart sank into the dark void of your body. you opened your mouth to speak, but you couldn’t even form the words you wanted to. you weren’t even exactly sure what those words were.

“if i don’t do this now…then i may never have a chance to do it again. i have to do this, I thought you understood that.” his voice was full of disappointment, as he turned his back to you, as if you had meant nothing, as if this has all meant NOTHING.

you balled your fists, “i do understand that! but i also understand that there are battles that we are not prepared for just yet! kuina meant a lot to you, zoro. her dream has become yours, and you want nothing more than to achieve that for her. but you are not ready. letting you go would be suicide! kuina would not want that!”

“YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT SHE WOULD HAVE WANTED! YOU DIDN’T EVEN KNOW HER!” he snapped at you.

“YOU’RE RIGHT! I DIDN’T! BUT I KNEW SHE WOULDN’T WANT HER FRIEND DEAD! AND I’M NOT GOING TO SIT BACK AND LET THAT HAPPEN TO YOU!”

“then don’t. leave.”

“…what?”

just like that, you felt everything crash around you. leave? what did he mean 'leave'? leave and go where? how could you leave when this was all you knew? HE was all you knew. you were each other’s firsts. how….could you just leave?

how could he throw everything away? everything you were willing to stay and fix.

“leave! you don’t want to be here then go. nobody’s stopping you.”

he made it clear.

it couldn’t be any clearer than that.

with shaking hands, you slowly turned on your heel, putting one foot in front of the other, walking out of the dojo, walking away from your first love, walking away from the man you thought you would spend the rest of your life with.

you had hoped, he would have stopped you. that he would drop his swords and chase after you, pull you into a hug, and apologize for what he said. you had hoped you just start over, like none of this ever happened. that he would see that you meant well, that you just wanted to keep him safe, that he would stay here with you.

but that didn’t happen. tears flooded your cheeks, as you continued to walk home without him.

it was over, wasn’t it?

© MANGEKYUOU — do not copy, repost, or translate my works.

[lazyveran]

more azutara political marriage au thoughts

to everyone's horror toph and azula immediately got on like a house on fire. or rather, a palace on fire. they exchange the most scathing insults and get into illogical arguments that azula just cant help but try to win despite how purposefully stupid toph makes them. she's the only woman on the planet that can bait azula into a losing situation. its especially exacerbated by the fact that toph can very deftly play the noblewoman - much to azula's glee. it's a constant headache for everyone whenever toph rolls into the palace. no one knows if a bending duel will destroy half the palace foundations, a four day argument will start up rending azula useless, or if toph will sweet-talk her way into a truly terrible deal with the minister of foreign trade, again.

mai's role in the palace is unknown to literally everyone. she really has no reason for living in caldera, considering her father is a minister halfway across the country - and currently embroiled in a tense legal debate with the former 'new ozai.' every time someone asks what she does at caldera, she makes something up. so far shes been a seamstress, a cook, an assassin, a handmaiden, a farmer (this one was particularly stupid), an economic advisor, and her favourite; azula's personal nightmare. iroh officially settles on mai being a political advisor for the throne, despite the very obvious fact that she has never sat in on any meeting with the firelord.

the zuko/mai affair is the palace's favourite point of gossip. every argument is known about within minutes. it doesnt help that zuko's actual wife, toph, keeps helping them eavesdrop

azula used to do her morning training regiment in one of the public courts. very obliviously, she believed that the daily gaggle of serving girls who watched her were simply inspired by her dedication and strength, and so it was good for her image. katara immediately forced her to change to a different, more private bending court.

[badass-queer-couples-battle]

Sword gays showdown, round 1, bracket two

Propaganda:

For Zagreus:

- He uses different weapons, but his first one is Stygius, blade of the underworld

- His weapons can take different forms based on past & future wielders, one of these forms is Excalibur

- Uses said sword to escape the underworld

- Defeats the furies, Theseus, the bull of Minos, and Hades himself with it

- Relentless determination, every time he dies he just starts again without hesitation

- CANONICALLY bisexual and polyamorous, he can be with Megaera the Fury and Thanatos and if you choose both there is open communication about polyamory

- Also canonically qpps with Dusa, who is canonically acearo and disabled

- childhood friends to exes to enemies to lovers with Meg, they regularly fight to the death but since their deaths aren't permanent it's no biggie

- Zagreus will drop everything during an escape attempt to go fishing which isn't relevant to the poll but it's important for you to know

Unhinged and iconic 

For Gomez:

First of all, before anyone says anything about Gomez being married to a woman, he and Morticia are both on the opposite ends of the chaos bisexual spectrum (to me) and no one can convince me otherwise 💗. But Gomez, loves weapons, loves death, loves fencing specifically. Love the practice of it, the technique, and the fun of dueling with someone. An absolute madman always ready to use his rapier to settle an argument/negotiation

[asushin-mermaid-au-ask-blog]

So I said I had a crazy Evangelion fic idea, so here it is. This is a mock up of a 12 episode first season of a NGE is a Saturday morning cartoon in the style of Sailor Moon or Power Rangers au. Each ‘episode’ would be a short chapter in the overall fic and hopefully I’ll be inspired to write 12 more ‘episodes’ some later. What do you guys thinks? Too weird and tacky? I’d honestly love some feedback.

Under read more because it’s very long.

Episode One: Is it Destiny?: Shinji Becomes A Pilot - Shinji Ikari an apathetic teenager aces NERV’s aptitude test after being pressured to take it by his guardian Misato Katsuragi. Alongside classmate Rei Ayanami he becomes a pilot for the experimental giant robot known as an Evangelion. Shinji is sure that this is a huge mistake, but when an angel attacks and Rei is injured he’ll have to fight whether he thinks he’s ready or not.

Episode Two: A Duel Of Love: Asuka Arrives In Japan - Asuka Langley Soryu, Shinji’s childhood friend who he hasn’t seen for nine years has also aced the aptitude test. She arrives in Japan with a score to settle and the only way to do it is face off against Shinji in a simulated angel attack. If only Shinji could figure out why she’s mad at him.

Episode Three: To Be A Role Model: Hikari’s New Club - Class president Hikari Horaki is horrified at the fact that Shinji, Asuka and Rei aren’t acting like proper role models now that they’re pilots, so she ropes them into to joining her club: The Tokyo 3 Middle School Good Works Club. Now they need to figure out how to get out of it.

Episode Four: A Man’s Fight: Shinji And The Upperclassman - When an upperclassmen insults Shinji for not being manly enough he doesn’t really care even if Kensuke and Toji do, but when that same upperclassman becomes trapped outside during an angel attack Shinji is able to win his respect anyway.

Episode Five: A Bookworm’s Love: Rei’s Struggle - Tokyo 3’s library has been destroyed by an angel, now bookworm Rei Ayanami needs to find something to do while it’s being rebuilt and she doesn’t have any books. Shinji and Asuka both try to lend a hand with limited success.

Episode Six: The Girl Who Could Do Anything: Asuka vs The Ace - Asuka boasts that she can play every single sport better than almost anyone else during gym class. However, she’s going to have to prove it when an injured volleyball player asks her to stand in for them. Shinji will do whatever he can to help.

Episode Seven: The Sporty Senpai: Noriko Comes To Town (Part One) - When Shinji, Asuka and Rei all get hurt in an angel attack Commander Fuyutsuki is talked into letting the JSSDF’s own ace pilot Noriko Takaya try to whip them into better physical shape. However for indoors types like Shinji and Rei this is it’s own kind of hell.

Episode Eight: The Sporty Senpai: Noriko Comes To Town (Part Two) - Shinji and Noriko are forced to team up for a complicated attack plan. Asuka’s jealousy is the least of his problems though since Noriko is just a hell of a lot more skilled in her mech than Shinji is in Unit 1. Shinji manages to use his own skill set to assist Noriko and win a little respect from himself.

Episode Nine: Make Your Move: Asuka and Shinji’s First Date - Asuka is still jealous of Shinji and the now departed Noriko, so after some prodding from Misato they spend the day hanging out around town. Of course an argument ensues and there’s only way way for them to solve it: another duel this time at the arcade.

Episode Ten: Mother’s Day From Hell: Shinji’s Dream - It’s Mother’s Day, Shinji and Asuka’s least favorite day of the year. After falling asleep inside Unit 1 Shinji has a dream that his mother is Commander of NERV and he’s a popular kid. However in this world Misato hates him and Asuka has no interest in being his rival. Shinji wakes up and decides the real world is better than the dream one.

Episode Eleven: Is She Shinji’s Clone?: Enter Mayumi Yamagishi (Part One): Everyone is amazed when a girl transfers into class who not only looks like Shinji but acts like him too. After some prodding from Kensuke and Toji Shinji manages to befriend the new girl and they hit it off quickly. However Rei keeps her distance and offers Shinji a warning about getting too close to Mayumi.

Episode Twelve: Is She Shinji’s Clone?: Enter Mayumi Yamagishi (Part Two) Asuka’s jealously is again the least of Shinji’s worries when it turns out that Mayumi has an angel inside her heart. The angel takes control of her and manages to pilot Rei’s Eva in a fight against Shinji. Shinji is going to have figure out how to defeat the Eva without hurting Mayumi is doing that even possible? It is when Asuka helps him do it.

[daitranscripts]

Cullen Conversation

Anything I should Know?

Cullen Masterpost

PC: Is there anything I should know?

After visiting Val Royeaux: Cullen: The Lord Seeker’s actions are a mystery, but the templars will aid us. They cannot sit idle while the Breach remains.

During IHW Cullen: Redcliffe wasn’t always a refuge for mages. Some of our recruits have family. They fear for the place—as do I.

Recruited the Chargers Cullen: I’m glad to have the Chargers on our side. Bull’s men are professionals. Despite evidence to the contrary.

After reaching Skyhold Cullen: Repairs to Skyhold’s fortifications are progressing. Our scouts report no immediate threats in the surrounding area. We are fortunate Solas knew of this place.

In Skyhold after recruiting Vivienne Cullen: I’d gotten used to mages disliking me on principle. Vivienne’s views on templars are… surprisingly traditional.

Dialogue options:

Flirt: I like you. PC: I’ve never disliked you on principle. Cullen (romanced): I noticed. Cullen (not romanced): Oh, um… thank you.

In Skyhold after recruiting Sera Cullen: Sera brought me a piece of cake. She thought I looked hungry. PC: Why are you telling me this? Cullen: Because it was either an act of kindness or a trap. I was hoping you knew which.

After any keep is claimed Cullen: Creating Inquisition footholds outside Skyhold has strengthened our reputation. People view us as a stabilizing force. We’ve received a number of recruits eager to pledge themselves to our cause.

After HLTA Cullen: Many of our recruits viewed the Grey Wardens as heroes.

Cullen (Blackwall not recruited): To see how far they’ve fallen… it’s disheartening.

Cullen (Blackwall recruited): Blackwall’s presence is helpful. Knowing there’s one Warden immune to corruption has given people hope.

Cullen (Blackwall left, not found): To see them so corrupted… it’s disheartening. The loss of our own Warden has done little to improve morale. Cullen (PC romancing Blackwall): Forgive me. I did not mean—(Sighs.) I was insensitive. Blackwall would not have left without good reason.

After WEWH Cullen: My senior officers report that the soldiers are in good spirits. Having the Imperial army as an ally has bolstered their confidence. The Orlesian military is highly regarded.

Cullen (champion spec PC): The chevaliers following our champion—the recruits are taken with the idea. Cullen (non-champion PC): Of course, I’d wager our own recruits are equal to any chevalier.

After completing HLTA or WEWH Cullen: There are fewer arguments between our templar and mage recruits than when we started. I’ve seen them trading stories, building one another up for the fight to come. I pray this won’t be lost when their common enemy is gone.

Before WPHW after speaking with Morrigan Cullen: Your plan is sound. We are ready to move on the Arbor Wilds when you give the word. I will see you reach the temple before Corypheus.

After WPHW, sided mages Cullen (Calpernia told the truth): I fear letting Calpernia go was a mistake, but no harm has yet come of it . Cullen (Fought Calpernia): With Calpernia gone, Corypheus’s army will falter. Now is the time to strike.

IF PC is romancing Josephine. Cullen: Josephine seems happier of late.

Dialogue options:

General: I want to make her happy. PC: I hope so. Josephine deserves every happiness. Cullen: She’s been smiling constantly since your trip to Val Royeaux. I swear at one point she was humming. ㅤㅤ ㅤ

General: That’s between us. PC: That’s between Josephine and I. Cullen: It was merely an observation. Our Orlesian recruits have taken to explaining the intricacies of dueling. It must be unrelated.

After recruiting Dagna Cullen: I believe Dagna has settled in well. She’s certainly very… cheerful. PC: Is that a bad thing? Cullen: I’m concerned she’ll cheerfully blow up Skyhold with one of her experiments, but the risk is small at present.

After Varric’s game of wicked grace Cullen: Only that I am never playing cards again. I still can’t find my–it doesn’t matter. I don’t know how Varric talked me into that.

Dialogue options:

General: It’s good to have fun. PC: Because it’s good to unwind and spend time with your friends? Cullen: I suppose that’s true. ㅤㅤ ㅤ

Flirt: I liked watching you lose. PC: That’s too bad. Watching you lose made me want to play cards more often. Cullen: I do not need help embarrassing myself in front of you. PC: You were blushing. It was adorable. Cullen: Maker’s breath. PC: (Laughs.)

If all other dialogue is exhausted Cullen: Not at present

[intriq]

✧ dandelion seed

contents: angst. just straight up angst.

┊ ➶ ｡˚ 　　°

You’re relationship with Kaeya had always been a little rocky. Kaeya would get upset at you for something, and an argument would ensue. Sometimes you had temporarily separated, but Kaeya had always came back, bouquet of windwheel asters and cecelia's in hand, and would apologize profusely, stating just how sorry he was.

You had just recently fought again, though you couldn’t even recall why. It was something stupid, really, if you couldn’t recall it. But that argument Kaeya had gotten red in the face, angry and probably tipsy from drinking at the Angel’s Share, still dressed in his Cavalry Captain garb when he’d come home to you. In-fact, you could vividly recall he had even awoken you from your slumber, as you recall him returning when the sky outside the window was dark.

You only remember talking to him in a quiet voice, groggy and barely able to make out what he’d said, when he said something in a fit of rage and left, slamming the door behind him when he had gone.

You still don’t remember why he’d been so upset at you.

That argument had been a few months ago. And Kaeya had still not returned to your shared home.

In fact, no one in Mondstat had seen him since that day, either. You could vividly recall Diluc knocking on your door, and despite his protests that he was not here to see if Kaeya was home and trying to insist he did not care about Kaeya’s whereabouts, you knew he was worried. You knew, after all, that Diluc still cared about his brother.

And it felt even more unlike Kaeya when he had stopped responding to your letters. You weren’t sure how he was getting them, seeing as you simply left them on your windowsill. Every night you would write Kaeya a letter, sealing it in an envelope ever so carefully, a delicate wax seal keeping it shut.

You would leave the letter and a single violetgrass flower with it, resting it gently on your windowsill, leaving your window unlocked in hopes that one night you’d open your eyes to find Kaeya crawling through it, that same bouquet of windwheel asters in hand.

But he never did.

Instead you’d awaken the next morning to the letter and flower gone, instead replaced by a dandelion seed. You would walk up to your window and cradle the single dandelion seed in the palm of your hands, wondering what Kaeya had meant.

Oh did you wonder.

You began scrawling in each letter how sorry you were, that you didn’t really understand what Kaeya had been upset about that night due to having just woken up. You did this for the past three months, until eventually one night a letter was waiting with a glaze lily and dandelion seed by its side.

You took the envelope, so eager to hear back from Kaeya. Blue wax sealed the envelope, the engravement of a peacock in the wax, the sign it was stamped by Kaeya’s seal. You open the envelope, so careful as not to tear the envelope nor the letter as you do, and you gently unfold it.

But there is nothing but a blank paper.

You can feel tears stinging your eyes, confused and wondering what this meant. You don’t know what this represented. Were the flowers a sign?

You could only wonder.

And a week later, after that blank letter from Kaeya, you had managed to run into him again. But he was no longer the Kaeya you knew, the Kaeya you had wanted to settle with for the rest of your life.

He was not the Kaeya that gave you a bouquet of windwheel asters or cecilia’s from Flora’s flower shop, not the Kaeya who would whisper to you how much you meant to him.

He was not the one you had spent many nights nursing, tending to his injuries, as bloodied and broken as they could be. Not the one who you used to sing to sleep when he used to awoke you, sweat making his hair stick to his forehead as nightmares of his past returned to him.

You knew he was from Kheanri’ah, that he was the abyssal prince of the lost nation, destroyed by Archons many years ago. He’d told you the same day he’d dueled Diluc, the day he’d almost died at his brothers hand. You could still remember tending to his cuts and burns, whispering to him that no matter what you’d always love and care for him.

But this Kaeya before you was not the one you’d grown to love. The Kaeya before you had no reaction in his gaze, his eyepatch long since discarded, revealing the eye he’d always pretended to be unable to see out of. A yellow golden-hue came from it, as he stared down at you from atop his horse with cold eyes.

“Kaeya?” You had called, your voice so soft it was almost unheard by anything but the wind. And you noticed Kaeya almost seem to waver, his brows furrowed as he looked down on you. His cold demeanor melting away, but only for an instant. The instant so brief, and if you had not known him for as long as you did, you’d have missed it.

“Where have you been? I’ve been so worried about you.” You whisper again, your hands trembling as you move to his side, reaching up toward him. But your face contorts into pain as Kaeya turns away from you.

Kaeya used to tell you in the past he’d always choose you and Mondstat when the choice came. His voice then had been so sweet, soft as he whispered it to you when you’d felt insecure.

But oh, how he had lied, as he leaves you at Mondstat’s gates, choosing Khaenri’ah. Choosing Khaenri’ah over you.

You couldn’t help but sit there, having since crumpled to your knees, not even moving long since Kaeya left, not even stirring when night finally came and Diluc had to come pry you away from the bridge, ignoring your pleas as you beg for Diluc to leave you be, that Kaeya would come back for you.

You could only look away as you see the look Diluc held in his eyes when he heard your pitiful wailing and begging for Kaeya, who had chosen his homeland over you, the you he’d called his home and his life for years. That pitiful look Diluc gave you was too much for you to bare. But you knew, deep down. But you didn’t want to admit it, feeling that bitter taste in the back of your throat as you try to push the thought away. Deep down, you’d always known, a creeping feeling in your gut.

He never was going to choose you.

[xkaidaxxxx]

Yusei Fudo x Chubby Reader pt.1

Sorry for errors

I accept story requests.

You met Yusei in the middle of the night. You moved back into town once again. You hated moving then coming back to the same town. It was very annoying and frustrating. People come and go. “I didn’t ask to come back to this fucking place so don’t act like the decision you made was for me!” You yelled at your parents. You grabbed your purse and left the house. It was late. The street was wet and there were no stars in the sky. You continued walking. You weren’t lost. After all this is your home town you left and came back like 10 times already. It’s been 2 years since you’ve been there. At a distance you heard motors. A gun went off and the race began. As you crossed the street you paused seeing two duel runners pass by. You locked eyes with a guy a gasp leaving your throat. Once the moment happened you were shocked on how easily you could’ve died especially having an argument with your parents. Not getting a chance to say I love you nor Goodbye.

The following day

As you roamed the halls you bumped into many people. You were short and chubby. Not a good combination you thought. You finally got to your locker. “….excuse me your blocking my locker.” You spoke to a guy with blonde hair. He ignored you. “…excuse me sir.” You said once again. He looked down at you then went back talking to his friend. You’re a short tempered person. You’ve been working with patience. “ EXCUSE ME YOU’RE BLOCKING MY LOCKER.” Kicking his shin as you yelled. He groaned kneeling down rubbing his leg. “ you fucking fat ass that hurt!” He responded. Wherever you went people bullied you. They saw you as an easy target. You frowned putting your science and art journal away. “ you don’t get to be upset ugly. You kicked the living hell out of me. Do you have any idea who I am!?” Jack said. You held your tears back. You dominated your feelings. “Hey leave her alone. It’s not a big deal Jack.” Yusei commented. As you looked at each other everything went silent. It was him. The guy that was dueling. “Yeah whatever. You better watch your back loser.” Jack said leaving to his class. You noticed he put a box in his pocket. His dueling deck? “Sorry about him..that’s Jack Atlas. Not a very friendly guy. Do you need any help finding your way to class?” Yusei asked. “No I know where Ap Spanish Language is at. Thanks for standing up for me I appreciate it.” You said and ran along to class.

You sat down at the desk near the window. Loving the warmth of the sun. The last bell rang as the teacher told everyone to settle down and take out their journal and textbook. Yusei walked in, “ Yusei porque llegas tarde?” The teacher asked. You turn to face Yusei just as everyone did. “ Olvide mi libro.” He responded. He sat next to you. A group of girls whispered and shot a few glances. “Hoy van a responder las preguntas de las páginas 120-135 con su compañero.” The teacher said then sat down at his desk. “Alright…uhh?” “Oh I’m y/n” you responded. “I’m Yusei. Alright Y/n. Let’s get stated.” He replied. You both began the assignment. It was easy and difficult at the same time. You guys exchanged a few jokes. It was a fun class.

Days went on and these stupid group of girls wouldn’t stop bothering you. Of course you always end up crying or being saved by Yusei.

“You should stay away from Yusei. He doesn’t like girls like you. Like you being a blob of fat and with really ugly glasses. Word of advice stop eating and wear contacts.” Emi said soon after releasing the grip off your hair. You cried. This was every morning and evening. You walked home. Alone. Crying. “Hey y/n!” Yusei called out to you. You turned and waved. “Hey come with me. I’m dueling today. Come watch me. It’s so much fun.” He said dragging you along to the where the duels happen. Many people were there. “Don’t say Hi to anyone. Stay close alright.” He ordered. Walking through the crowd was scary. Some guys had tattoos or piercings or both. Girls were dressed up like they don’t own jeans or regular tops. They all looked like they had their own gang. You were correct. Yusei was one of the best and most popular duelist around. His is why girls were so jealous of you. Walking with the Yusei Fudo and your holding onto his arm.“Yusei?” You said holding his arm. “Stay quiet.” He said. Almost scolding you. You nodded after what felt forever you both reached your section. His friends all greeted him. You stood behind him feeling shy. “Yusei why did you bring his blob of fat here?” Emi asked with an angry tone. Everyone tolerated her due to how much money she has. Daddy’s money to be exact. “Don’t talk about her that way. She’s my friend and she’s very beautiful.” He responded. “Yeah…anyways you’re up.” She responded moving out of the way. You saw his duel runner. “Woah. This is yours?” You loved the red color. “Yes it’s mine. Do you want to ride?” He asks handing you an extra helmet. Before you knew it you were on the runner with him racing. You held onto his waist. “Relax, feel the wind blowing.” He said after making his move. You relaxed a bit then fell in love with the feeling. You giggled. “THIS IS AWESOME!!” You yelled as the speed picked up. He looked back at you. He loved your rosey cheeks. How your eyes sparkled. The way you giggled. After a few minutes the Duel ended with Yusei as the victory. “That was such a ru-“ you said being cut off by many girls surrounding him. You got pushed back getting comments such as “move fatty.” “You’re taking up so much space.” “Ugh piglet get out of here.” “What do you eat. Move it.” “How did you mange not to make him lose control of his runner you hippo.” Once you were all the way back tears ran down your cheeks. “You should lose a lot of weight and I mean ALOT of weight. Y/n no one will ever like you looking like that. You have a big stomach..your thighs can basically break anything. Your arms look…ugh. I’d die if I woke up looking fat one day.” Emi said making you cry. Your feelings were hurt. You walked away looking for an exit. “ Need a ride home?” Jack asked. You wiped your tears. “ N-No I don’t need your help.” He rolled his eyes making you sit on his runner. “You were about to walk into another groups section. Being from our team and alone. You’re an idiot. Fat added on that. You need my help.” He drove fast. “873 Asher drive.” You said crying. He’s helping you and being an asshole. “Quit crying loser. Toughen up. No one likes a baby cryer.” He said speeding up like never before thinking it would scare you. You smiled enjoying the rush. “Faster!” You yelled letting go of him raising your arms to the sky. He was shocked but listened to your command. Jack smirked. “Alright fatty see if you enjoy this!” He yelled driving faster. You saw the bridge that was broken in the middle. He jumped over. “ YEAH!!” You yelled laughing. Once you got home your hair was an ugly tangled mess. “I thought I’d scare you.” Was all jack said. “I love the rush. It makes me feel alive. Nice try.” You walked inside. Your parents looked at you upset and worried. “It’s late!! Where the hell were you?”your mom yelled and then embraced you. “Who was that guy you were with?” Your father asked. “I was watching my friend duel. I’m okay. It’s fun.” You replied with a smile on your face. They were shocked.

[areyoudreaminof]

Bed Without Dessert

here's a little drabble for you.

A typical night with the Band of Exiles at the manor. Elain's pies turn her mate and friends into feral children.

thank you to @velidewrites, @octobers-veryown, @krem-does-stuff, @vulpes-fennec, @ofduskanddreams, @soopsiedaisies for their invaluable pie input!

In her corner kitchen, Elain heard Vassa’s return to the manor before she saw her.

“You animals! What part of ‘save me some pie for tonight’ did you not understand?”

She heard the thwack of a pillow followed by a grunt. Then chaos erupted. Elain sighed as she stepped out of the kitchen and into the living room, finding Vassa thumping Jurian across his body with a throw pillow, and Lucien howling with laughter as he made his way towards Elain.

“What’s going on in here?” Elain sighed. “Why are we screaming?”

“I could ask the same thing,” Jurian spat, as Vassa took a cheap shot at his groin.

“I asked you twice to save me some of the pie before I left last night,” Vassa growled, punctuating every word with a smack, “And you two fools ate the rest of it.”

“It was going to go bad, what else were we supposed to do?” Lucien taunted from his hiding place behind his mate.

“It. Was. Fresh.”

 Hoisting the pillow, Vassa launched herself towards Lucien, squawking as Jurian caught her around the waist and hauled her onto the sofa. “This is the third time you’ve stolen the leftovers,” Vassa snarled, “The cherry pie last month and the dark chocolate one from Solstice.”

“Was that us? I don’t remember” Jurian sneered with mock innocence.  

Since coming to the manor, Elain had been glad to experiment with her baking on such willing participants. Her cakes and cookies were loved, but it was Elain’s pies that put the house into a frenzy. Jurian would eat anything, but he was partial to berries and cream, while Vassa liked chocolate silk. Lucien had eaten an entire apple cinnamon crumble when he accepted their mating bond. Elain couldn’t help but feel smug about her pies, but things were getting out of hand. The one and only time Elain made a strawberry cheesecake, she thought she’d end the night deescalating a three-way Blood Duel.

“Oh, for the love of the Mother, will you all stop it!” Elain yelled over the noise. Jurian snapped to attention and Vassa stopped swinging. She felt Lucien freeze behind her. Crossing to the center of the room, Elain ripped off her apron. “This is ridiculous. You are all such feral little beasts. Vassa, I’m sorry the boys ate what was left. And you two” she pointed as she corralled Lucien into the room, “stop making trouble. She asked you politely to save her some and I had it set aside. If I hear an argument like this again, you’re all sleeping outside. Even you Lucien.”

“I’m sorry love,” Lucien chuckled, slinking his arms around her waist, “we won’t do it again.” Jurian mumbled an agreement. Vassa, pouting on the sofa, huffed something that might have been a thanks.

“Now that we’ve settled that. You all go and wash your grubby hands. Lucien, help me set the table please.” Jurian stopped, turning towards Elain. Pinching her brow, Elain found herself suddenly very tired. “Elain,” he murmured.

“Yes, Jurian. What is it?”

“Are we still…going to have that lemon curd pie you were talking about?”

The last thread of Elain’s patience snapped.

“No, since you cannot behave there will be no pie tonight.” Turning on her heel, she swept back into the kitchen, leaving the feral beasts to their disappointment.

[baatarthefirst]

4. A and B finally move in together

Pretty pls

The plans for reclaiming Lux Aurea were a failure. Janai couldn't bring her people back to their glory, but she promised to rebuild. She'd sent Amaya back to Katolis for supplies, builders, iron workers, and visionaries to put the pieces together.

King Ezran was nothing if not generous, sending his aunt back with more than requested. Her people hated accepting more help from the humans, but the promise of a true home made them swallow their pride.

They could begin to reclaim their livelihood, and maybe within a year they could have the materials and tools to start construction. Soon after, people could go to a place that would be a permeant home. One where they would not have to rely on humans for survival.

Of course that meant that their guests could return to their own home, as one of Amaya's colonel's reminded them at a meeting. Janai and Amaya's night had a melancholy tone to it. It got worse when the humans started making plans to return home after the elves got settled, even as the general reminded them that they still had a good twenty months before they could leave Xadia for good.

It was hard for Janai to think about, because then she had to face the fact that she would be in that big royal bed, alone. The woman she'd come to love would return to Katolis and then what? Would they stay together through letters and supply deliveries until they drifted apart?

The distant, but inventible separation weighed on her, and she believed it weighed on Amaya as well, judging by dramatic increase of nights clinging to each other. Worse, every step she made to better her people's living situation was a pushing Amaya that much closer to Katolis.

One morning, as Amaya got dressed to leave before the crack of dawn, Janai grabbed her hand from the bed and pulled her back in. The human laughed and wrestled to get back up. Janai grabbed her hand more gently this time,

"Stay." She ordered softly. Amaya's playful look faded into a gentle one, and she let herself be guided back to bed. Janai held her, losing all track of time until the servants surprised them by delivering breakfast right on schedule.

Of course word got out, then the challenges came. Her people tried to run Amaya off by duels to first blood. They'd talked about it, decided that these people couldn't tell them what to do, and accepted the challenges on the condition that after six days, there would be no more argument.

There wasn't. Whether it was because her people were honoring the deal or they just had a newfound respect and/or fear of Amaya, she didn't know; or care. She and Amaya were finally officially courting, and they could sleep till dawn in the same bed without worry.

Weeks passed plans for a hospital crossed her desk. She had a meeting with the architects, the builders, physicians, and the human general before signing off on them.

"One step closer to begin on Nova Aurora. Katolis for you." Janai said with false joy when they were alone. Amaya didn't say anything, but pulled her into a tight hug. The human seemed distracted and distant after that.

Three weeks later, Amaya got an official letter from Katolis. It was not addressed to her, so she left it alone and went about her day. That night, Amaya was sleeping in her bed...with all of her pillows. Janai was lovingly-cursing humans and their inherent need to take what didn't belong to them when she noticed something off. The normally immaculate tent had something out of place. A single letter had been left open on the table.

Assuming it was something important for, Janai huffed and picked it up, only to read Amaya's discharge notice. She shouldn't read the whole thing without permission, but she couldn't help it. Apparently, this was Amaya's last deployment, then she was to be honorably discharged and retired.

She decided to wait till morning to speak with her lover about this, just to lose her patience and wake Amaya up. The human wasn't surprised to be roused, and left it for her to find. She'd apparently thought long and hard and asked the king for the release.

"Why?" It was all Janai could think off.

-Because I have someone worth staying here for.-

Janai helped Amaya move her things into her -their- tent the next day.

[questlines]

SENTENCE STARTERS FROM 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐎𝐍'𝐒 𝐃𝐎𝐆𝐌𝐀

You place me in ill company.

Fantasies of death and redemption concern me not one whit.

Tell me then, why has your lord father not sent your brother?

You will retract those words, ser!

..Else suffer what consequence?

I shall wash my honor clean in your blood!

And you would play the second? I would welcome the challenge.

He's made an open mockery of me and my homeland.

An oathbreaker of your ilk is champion to no man.

They were convenient to my purpose, nothing more.

What cause is served by sending men to die for his pleasure?

And what of those of this land who will die for your peace?

Will you stand idly by while a people lose their land?

You are no knight, villain!

Pray, think of the morrow.

What is gained by all our deaths?

I will not suffer such slander!

Has he sent his finest blades? A general fit to lead them?

Your head is a meager trophy.

The men of the fort may have use of you yet.

Is no slander beneath you?

The duel is well and settled. Begone from my sight at once.

I've no more patience to indulge your play at knighthood.

Run along home while you yet live.

'Tis a sorry truth that righteousness is a rare luxury in war.

No oath binds you, nor would my death do you any great service.

I must make a pitiable sight..

I knew.. I am a meager choice to send as aid.

I fear I put on a shameful display...

He had the truth of it, every word.. I am weak.

I serve no purpose here, save as hollow homage to an empty pact.

It would please me to know it provided you some small comfort on your journey.

I cannot hope to grow strong overnight, but I will return able to serve you.

Your pride is lost, but you've kept your head.

Such utter defeat ill leaves room for argument.

They will have my confession, and my head, should they wish it.

Even as I am, I've still some semblance of pride.

Do you think me a fool for coming back? For not running?

In truth, I hardly know my own reasons.

Better that men at arms turn and run, than stand and die.

I was sure it was the best way. The only way.

You brought doubt with you.

'Tis a strange thing, to find such hope unwelcome.

[gren-arlio]

Olympics ain't until next year, so let's talk about the objectively cooler one. Welcome to Episode 9 of (Waku) Puyo Extras.

(Always liked how the characters are drawn when they're small. Oh, and the lad next to Satan? That's Rasp, and I believe they don't have a set gender. Least from what I heard from the EPPC.)

Hello one and all, it's the guy who's harassed by Witches (or just a single Witch) all day, every day without fail. Seriously, outta anyone in the world, it's the dude with the Yosuke pfp, it really does run in the Persona Bro archetype to have wack ass luck. (World's worst crackship)

Silly stuff aside, welcome to the 9th episode of Waku Puyo Extras, and if you've been following for a bit, nice to know you've stuck around, and for new guys, it's fine, there's no continuity. Im just late posting this.

This time around, we're talking about PuyoLympics, and I hear you wondering, "Didn't you say you'll talk about Arle's Travel Log last time?" And you're absolutely right, I did. However, it's kinda hard to find footage for the game itself, and I do need extra time, so we'll cover it next time. Curse these games for being niche.

I'm glad PuyoLympics isn't as niche as the others we'll cover some other time (Madou Sugoroku is going to be awful to find footage for,) and I've had this on my backlog, we may as well cover it now, yeah?

So let's cut to the chase, shall we? Not having a tiny video to translate does feel weird still, but otherwise, hope you enjoy.

-----

So, What's the Origins?

Like Serilly's Happy Birthday, PuyoLympics was also a Disc Station game, released in 1997 for PC. Is it safe to say that PC got more games can console players?

(Not exactly the coolest looking start screen, but the opening itself was pretty cool.)

What's interesting about this game is that there's...two versions of it. Well, sorta. PuyoLympics in Basa~ru is technically a sequel, but it's more of a minigame from the original, so there's that. (Covered an entire game in one paragraph.)

The game itself is a sports game, yeah, but it's also somewhat a collection of minigames as well. Think those Mario Party sports minigames, but Puyofied and also you only can choose 2 characters.

-----

Alright, So What's the Story?

It begins as usual, to be honest. Satan is cooking up devious shit again but he somewhat wants to have a twist. In the meantime, Arle and Witch are arguing (leaving even the narrator a tad confused,) about Arle being unathletic.

(The peak of this argument. Words I can't even say.)

They then stumble upon a flyer, stating basically "Yo the Olympics are starting. Win to get a wish." and to settle their scores, Arle and Witch compete, along with a couple of other guys we can't play as, notably Rulue, Draco, and Schezo.

Satan decides that everyone will duel for the prize itself, though you only really play as the two girls. But to get in spirit, he dresses up as a coach to fully begin the thing.

(For some reason, all the footage I got were on Witch's side, even with looking on NicoNico. It was legimately hard to find footage for Arle. However, I do know both their endings, at least.)

For Arle's ending, Satan does say that she can indeed make a wish. However, Arle's unsure of what she should even do, and settles for...losing weight. In which Satan gives her...whatever is shown on the bottom.

(Seriously, what is this? They say it's a magician training cast but...I dunno, man.)

And how about Witch's ending? Well, Satan gives her the choice of whatever she wants, and she's also kinda unsure. However, unlike Arle, she has too MANY wishes to have, and Satan gets absolutely fed up and leaves, angering Witch. And you know what? Good on you, Satan.

-----

So, How's the Gameplay?

Gameplay itself is compressed of several minigames that you play as either Arle or Witch. The Olympics are a big deal after all.

Some of the events are things like the Meter Dash (I'd assume 100,) swimming, and...one game where you smack Puyos aside. I can't explain that one well.

Though in the swimming one, other characters appear at the very least.

(The whole squad came to cheer you on. You can't tell me they're not good friends.)

The games themselves are fairly short, and usually range about the 40 seconds to about a minute or so, they ain't called minigames for nothing. Still, there's some enjoyment itself with playing them.

-----

How About the Visuals and Characters?

Visually, least in my opinion, the game looks really good, and the OST itself is up to par with the series as a whole. Every character looks fairly well made to boot. Good on ya Compile.

And how about the characters themselves? Well...thankfully, they're fairly retained to what we're used to. Let's talk about the main two.

-----

Arle:

Our 2nd favorite girl Arle is roughly the same that we usually know her of. Here, she's still pretty dang cheerful thankfully, though with the argument with Witch and the whole going to the Olympics thing to settle their score...it's not petty, I swear.

However, something I want to note is that (supposedly not) due to Witch's comments about her being unathletic does actually kind of stick with her, as her wish is to lose weight...even if Satan kinda went the weird route to help change that. At least it shows she does have insecurities. (Seriously, what the hell is that armor going to do?)

And hey! If you play her route, Rulue makes an appearance early on, as well as Draco, who's sporting her outfit from Puyo SUN.

(Why are Rulue pants so different anyways? Still, it's nice to see her and Draco appear, even if she's more-so just a conversation with Arle and another for Witch.)

-----

Satan:

Ah, good old Satan. Never fails to just being a stupid idiot that we love. He's the whole reason why this Olympic thing began, and he's somewhat embracing it. Due to image limits (Yes, I plan the image routes ahead of time,) I can't show...In photos.

Here's a link to it. May as well, since it's so relevant.

He's a blast to actually hear and listen to. I genuinely like this version of Satan. And he even got turned into stone from a comment once. Now THAT'S comedy. I wouldn't say he carries the game, everyone does their part, but I gotta say that he's easily one of, if not the best, written character in this game.

-----

Witch:

As per the Gren Norm, I got so much more to say about Witch because...if the meme told you anything, she's definitely out there. The whole Olympic thing somewhat escalated due to Witch insulting her over being unathletic, which I mean...ouch.

If you play her route, you actually get a cameo appearance with our boy, the 2nd big guy in this Tumblr blog, Schezo Wegey. And if you know me, I'm gonna explain what happens. (At this point I document every misdeed this girl does)

So, Schezo comes into the frame wearing his Puyo SUN outfit as well, and while Witch says hello and why is he here, immediately labels him as a pervert after he claims he wants Arle again and also wants to win the Olympics.

(Silly Schezo. You're not playable.)

Witch then asks to take off his cape, because he looks like a pervert when he does...and low and behold, he actually does it, shocking her.

And frankly, I'd be surprised also. However, as none of us predicted, Schezo says if she's gonna laugh, to just do it. But she doesn't. Rather, she compliments him. A lot.

(If you've seen the meme, she's basically saying that he has a nice physique for his title, and that he has really healthy skin.)

Schezo asks if she's okay, (she's not) and she yells that he's wonderful/beautiful, causing our boy to think that she's gone insane and runs.

And she chases after him.

(Welcome to my ""Job"". Went from knowledge and Schezo to Knowledge, Schezo, and a lot of documenting of Witch and Arle. You signed up for this.)

Good on Schezo for taking the initiative and actually just leaving...well, more like run away, but good on him.

-------

So...Final Verdict?

The verdict is fairly simple honestly. Elementary, even. The game itself is a very charming game, with a really nice OST, artstyle, and even character writing to an extent. Every character is just fun to read ok and listen to, and it's nice to see such a silly concept be done fairly well.

-----

And For Those Wondering About Arle's Travel Log And Updates Overall:

Don't worry, I got it planned. I'm writing it, I didn't forget it. It's just footage is hard to come by and I want to make this the best I can. And besides...I'm making a Halloween special. I gotta.

And after that special, I plan to take a week or two off to relax. Then...idk, we try to translate Arle's Route of Waku Puyo Dungeon. The Waku part of Waku Puyo Extras will become real AGAIN...

Then, I'll take a break during New Years/Christmas. I don't want to risk burnout. But that'll be all for this time.

See y'all another time.

[fkitwebhaal]

(Tumblr Version) Fic: I WILL FACE THE GODS AND WALK BACKWARDS INTO AVERNUS 2/10

Ship: Background Durge/Astarion but it's not the focus

Fandom: BG3

Warnings: Canon typical violence and gore, game spoilers

Rating: PG-13

AO3

Summary: 

When her fellow amnesiac tells Shadowheart that they “hate all the Gods equally” she’s sure they must be lying. By the time she finds them lecturing Gale about the Goddess of magic, it has become abundantly clear they they were not joking. Or: Durge is the biggest God hater in Faerun.

This Chapter:

Gale gets a message that no one likes, Rune calls Mystra a bitch and Lae’zel thinks about about where she stands now.

Notes: This was my first time writing Lae'zel POV so I hope I did it justice. There will likely be a delay between the next chapter because I actually need to play a save file where Minthara lives to experience her well enough to write! But her POV should be next, so gaming time it is.

Fic under the cut!

Their first few days in the Shadowlands were not going well, given Lae’zel was mentally preparing for the possibility she might have to break up a magical fight between their resident wizard and sorcerer.

She hoped she wouldn’t have to: ideally Gale and Rune would decide to spar or have an official duel, rather than casting spells in the middle of camp. That would be the responsible way to go about it. Back among her people, where violence was accepted as long as it was structured, Lae’zel had settled some of her own arguments in that manner, meeting peers with the end of her blade and a superior looking on.  But Lae’zel was not among the gith, she might never be again given her people had cast her a traitor, and so she resided herself to the unpredictable customs of the world she’d landed on. 

If she was back home, either Gale or Rune would have already started fighting to the death given the words they were exchanging. But they had yet to throw a single spell. 

“You can’t be taking this request seriously,” Rune said from across the camp. This was not the first time Lae’zel overheard this debate between the two. She doubted it would be the last.

This all began after Gale had once again brought up Mystra. Rune, Lae’zel realized, was honest with those they trusted. While they could switch their denemor in an instant to suit a scenario, becoming a devout cult worshiper for the goblins and a meek lost stranger for the Harpers, they never bothered to put on the same performance in the close quarters of the camp. There Rune told people what they thought, not what they wanted them to say. Lae’zel had not appreciated it until after Vlaakith, where Rune’s critique of her once Queen turned from heresy into stating facts. 

Vlaakith felt like an open wound still, a terrible gaping sense of loss she tried to ignore. What did one do, when the world fell out from underneath them? Lae’zel was on solid earth now, but it felt like she was still falling from the nautiloid some days, desperate to find something to save her from hitting the ground.

Gale was the one on the receiving end of Rune’s honesty today. While he appeared to take it better than Lae’zel had, Lae’zel could see how the wizard tightened his grip on his staff with every word. Rune made it no secret that they cared little for the Gods, but Gale must have thought Mystra was the exception when she was clearly not. 

In fact, it appeared Rune disliked Mystra far more than other deities, given how they were speaking to Gale on the subject. With Vlaakith, Rune had only commented on Lae’Zel’s beliefs when Lae’zel brought them up first. This time, Rune had walked up to Gale’s tent and been the one to start the debate. 

This was new. Rune made it clear from the first mention of Mystra's name that they had no fondness for Gale’s former paramore. But before today, it had been an impersonal sort of dislike, the kind that seemed baseline for Rune and deities. And then Elminster had shown up with an order no one found reasonable but Gale.

Now, Rune’s dislike was now clearly personal. Lae’zel caught them staring at Gale’s earrings with a rage they usually reserved for their enemies. If Gale ever took them out, she wouldn’t put it past Rune to throw them into the nearest river without an ounce of regret. Rune now frowned when they heard the Goddesses' name, scorn clear in their expression. For a few days, they’d appeared to try to hold their tongue, but as they got closer to Moonrise and Gale further entertained the ludicrous orders he’d been given, they’d apparently decided to shelve tact for pure honesty. Honesty that Gale, at the moment, was not taking well.

“Mystra would not ask this of me were it not important,” Gale said, back stiff straight, almost like he was giving a lecture instead of having a conversation. Lae’zel had quit sharpening her sword to listen in on their conversation, instead sorting her arrows to ensure she didn’t mix up the magical ones with the others. Part of her thought listening in was beneath her, but Gale’s choice did involve them all. If he were to do as his Goddess commanded, he might take them all with him. “It’s not out of a loss of love she asks this of me.”

Rune stood across from Gale, shaking slightly, like they did when their temper got the best of them. Lae’zel had noticed that tell of theirs early on, and had kept an eye out for it since, knowing it a good cue that there might soon be a fight. She still did not think Rune would challenge Gale to a physical battle, it was not Gale who Rune was so incensed with, but she watched carefully all the same. Should they lose themselves, someone would have to pry the two apart before the camp became covered in ice. 

“The Gods view us as pawns for their agenda,” Rune said, voice steady despite the scowl on their face. “That’s not love; that’s how you use a tool.”

Gale looked very tired. Lae’zel wondered if it was due to the message Elminster brought or the ordeal that was arguing with their leader when they were in a proper mood. “Everyone dies, Rune.”

“Of course they do; that doesn’t mean we run at death with a warm embrace.” Rune pressed their pointer finger into Gale’s chest, right over where Lae’zel knew the orb laid. She’d seen it a few days ago, back when they found a stream to bath in. The black veins that ran from the orb looked painful. “If she could stabilize your orb, she could fix it. The reason she won’t is because she’d rather get rid of you and the Absolute in the same blow.”

That got a reaction out of Gale that wasn’t feigned academic detachment. He took a sharp breath in and glared, his voice stern, like he was lecturing a child. It was a bad habit of his, one Lae’zel did not appreciate. “Mystra is not a petty ex-lover.”

Rune wasn’t cowed by his change in response. They shook their head, mimicking Gale’s posture and tone. When they lost their patience, they sometimes duplicated the person they were arguing with, the mocking intent clear. This was a bad habit of Rune’s, one Lae’zel also did not appreciate. When Rune spoke, it was as if Gale was a child they were trying to teach a simple lesson to. “If one thing unites the Gods, it’s being petty.”

Lae’zel did not miss the sparks that crackled from Gale’s free hand, little arcs of lightning traveling up his sleeve and into his robes. 

“Do you think I should intervene before we have a mage’s duel on our hands?” Lae’zel turned her attention towards Wyll, who was now standing next to her tent, watching their casters debate the intentions of deities. “Can’t say I disagree with Rune on this one, but they’re being a prick about it. They might want to try a gentler touch.”

“Pah,” Lae’zel said, glancing back at the pair. Gale looked to be dismissing Rune from their conversation. Rune’s lip was curled back into a snarl, but they didn’t look to be out of their wits, so Lae’zel stayed where she was. She turned her face up to look at Wyll, who was looking down at her in turn.  “There is no gentle touch to striking at matters of faith. It will cause pain all the same.”

Wyll put his hand to his chin. While trying to bed the man at the Tiefling party had been a miserable failure, Lae’zel hadn’t fully hated the long conversation she’d found herself pulled into. Wyll was a good listener, genuinely curious about Gith culture, and willing to answer her questions about the strange world she found herself in. She would have preferred sex, but learning what a tressym was proved somewhat useful.  “I guess you would know, huh.”

Lae’zel did know. She’d endured hearing her Queen, the one she dedicated her whole life to,  questioned the minute she landed in this realm. She’d spoke of her honor to her companions who knew nothing of where she came from. Lae’zel had arrived in a strange land and defended the most pure truths she had ever known, resolute to those who dared to question otherwise. And Lae’zel had watched as her faith was ripped apart into small shreds, finding her guiding purpose to be nothing more than puppet strings tied around her own neck.

(Rune was kind, afterwards. She expected them to chide her for not knowing better, but instead they had come to her tent after night had fallen, and offered her the circlet they’d found at the creche. They’d listened to her try to reconcile the events of the day and when she was done, they’d told her something that had stuck with her. 

“I know you’ve spent a lot of time wanting to be worthy of Vlaakith” they’d said. “But I think it is Vlaakith who was never worthy of you.”)

Lae’zel didn’t answer Wyll, and taking her silence as a cue, he walked off. Rune walked towards her tent shortly after, shoulders raised in agitation. Lae’zel stood up to speak with them.

“I am pleased to see your critique of Gods is truly comprehensive,” Lae’zel said as Rune walked past her tent. They stopped mid stride and turned to look at her, then flushed, likely realizing their entire argument had been audible. 

“I promise, it’s universal. There’s a reason Shadowheart won’t talk to me about Shar.” Lae’ Zel doubted that was the only reason: Shadowheart would barely talk to her about Shar and Lae’zel sometimes had her face in between the cleric's legs. 

“Is there a reason why you hate them?” She asked, finding herself curious. Her relationship with her Queen was very different from how those of the material plane treated their Gods, but there were some overlaps; the need for a higher purpose, the want to serve a collective, the desire to be more than the confines of one’s body. She wondered if Rune objected to the same feelings she’d used to guide her entire life.” Do you dislike the idea of serving a higher cause?”

Rune didn’t answer at first, their expression turning thoughtful. 

“Not really,” they said, talking slower than usual.  “Though I can’t say I’d like that either. It’s more about…” They tapped their foot on the dirt, clearly searching for the right word. Lae’zel waited until they found it. “Their power I guess. Their ability to influence people so easily. Gale spent a year in that tower of his worried he could destroy all of Waterdeep and the moment Mystra finds him useful, she sends someone to stabilize the orb.” They glanced at Gale, who was still standing outside his tent, nose buried in a book.  Lae’zel could see his hands shaking as he held the tome. “Mystra might want the greater good like Gale claims, but she cannot ask me to pretend such actions are out of mercy rather than convenience.”

Lae’zel thought that over. Personally, she had her doubts that Mystra’s request was based on the greater good; if she was the Goddess of magic, certainly she could solve Gale’s issue without killing the man. If she lacked the power, she wasn’t a Goddess worshiping. Frankly, she thought the entire idea was wasteful on Mystra’s part. Lae’zel was a soldier, and soldiers knew that sometimes the mission meant laying down one’s life to accomplish. But it was folly to send a capable warrior off to their death should that not be required. To do otherwise was wasteful.

“You think your Gods manipulative?”

Rune’s nose crinkled at the term “your Gods” but they didn’t comment on it further. “They are manipulative; some are more honest about it than others,and Mystra is not one of them. Gale says she cares for him, but as far as I can see it, the Gods see us as cherished tools at best.” Their scowl deepened. “But a tool is a thing you use, not that you treasure. I can respect their place in the order of things and I won’t decline their help but I refuse to bow to someone who sees my worth only in terms of my use.”

Lae’zel looked at Rune for a long moment. She wanted to disagree with them, that there was honor and dignity to submit when the cause was greater than one’s life. Even after the truth about Vlaakith, she still believed that. Rune might not see the merit in pledging themselves to a cause, but that did not mean such a pledge was inherently debasing. But the idea of one’s worth being seen only in terms of their use-

She had no issue with her Queen viewing her in terms of her usefulness for the cause of her people. That had been a purpose worthy of Lae’zel’s faith. It was only when she found her use was measured by the nourishing power her soul could provide when her Queen’s assessment of her turned sour.

“There is no shame in being valued for one’s talents,” Lae’zel said. “The issue lies in what traits one sees as “useful.”

Gale had many talents; his aptitude for magic, his helpful if unwieldy explanations of the world she found herself in, his skill in making dinner from whatever they had lying around. Mystra looked past all of that and instead viewed Gale’s greatest asset as how he could die. 

Rune nodded. Both of them watched as Gale gave up on reading, rubbed his chest where the orb was and entered his tent. 

Lae’zel hoped one of them might convince him of a worthier cause than laying down his life before all of this was over.

[aita-blorbos]

AITA for giving my bodyguard a heart attack? (D&D OCs)

Okay, please read the whole thing before you make judgement.

I (110F) am an Elven noble from a planet which is attempting to win a large tournament in order to gain entry for our planet into a United Planetary Coalition. Our planet has been dueling and has been consistently at the top of the rankings since the first round, our only competition really being team MP and team P.

Anyway, this competition is judged on three points. Speed, Synergy, and Style. And, well, if anyone knows style, that’s me.

So during our first round in this competition, my teammates at the time were T, P, and Z. Z (27M) is my bodyguard and an Earth Genasi.

Z is also my best friend and he and I kind of have a… sense about each other. So, I knew he would catch me when I came up with a great idea.

We were in a theater fighting a bunch of goblins and trying to win in the most entertaining way possible, and I was up on the balcony and wanted to use Burning Hands to take them all out. But they were too far out of my range, so I needed to get down somehow.

And so, I came up with the greatest idea ever: a swan dive. I got up on the railing, jumped down from the balcony, and Z realized and ran right over to me to catch me before I could hit the ground.

And then I ran ahead and burned alive almost all the goblins, the only one surviving being their leader.

Unfortunately I was directly ahead of the Goblin after that, and she hit me badly, but P went and then shot her as she stood five feet in front of me.

Everyone in the stands cheered as I leapt, and we got the p-p-p-play of the day for that one, but Z broke down crying once we ended up in our team’s break room and pleaded with me to never scare him like that again.

Anyway, I proceeded to scare him a few more times, the most intense one when P was in a duel with our final boss and I told the enemy in order to convince him to take the duel that if he won I would allow him to take me as his trophy and be his servant for the rest of his life. Z was panicking, but at that time I had joined our team and he happens to be a Soulknife so I was encouraging him that I had a plan in our heads since we were connected through Psychic Whispers at the time.

I did have a plan, I was going to use Suggestion on him to make sure that he missed P in the duel but he shook off the spell easily unfortunately. But it did all work out, and we executed the man who forced us into this death tournament to begin with! So I still don’t think I’m the asshole, but Z likes to bring this tournament up every single time we have an argument! Can you settle this for us? Who’s the asshole here?

[badass-queer-couples-battle]

Propaganda for Beauyasha:"They’re literally so cool, they could both snap someone’s neck in a second, but then they’d settle down for some nice tea {:"

"their first date involved fighting ninja dogs <;3"

"They spent 500 hours of irl time and uncountable hours in game time pining, and then more being simultaneously cottagecore wives, badass rich-jerk-beating librarians, revenge against all who wronged them, world savers, bar owners, cult starters, cult enders, talking down an eldritch horror, Being eldritch horrors. Then have a canonical "who's touched more tits." argument Yasha flies beau in her wings and catches her, her rage sustaining her love. They're both incredibly silly and got matching tattoos from both their friend/former crush, AND a turtle pirate navigator. Yasha is 6'8" and flys & Beau is 5'4". Yasha surfed on a fucking greatsword into a pit of mad science monsters. Beau has so many moments of badass I genuinely cant pick which one is most awesome to post here for propaganda. Beau is simultaneously one of the head investigators of a group elite librarian ninjas, and also a complete dumbass. She is so cool, and so Not cool at the same time. Yasha is edgy and goth, and plays a Bone Harp! and also collects flowers for her dead wife and is too awkward to look beau in the eyes and once tried to compose a love poem that started "Oh beau beau beau, eyes so blue and hair so shorn on the sides." Their friend set up a "three people, but only 2 beds for them, and then they each, Individually decided they were more comfortable on the floor so as not to share a bed. So they did. Next to eachother. On the floor. Next to an Empty bed."

Propaganda for Utenanthy:"Utena wins basketball games, sword duels, and boxing matches with kangaroos. She keeps on fighting for her beloved even after being simultaneously stabbed through the heart (metaphorically) and stabbed through the heart (literally).

Anthy, meanwhile, is a different kind of badass: secretly wrestling with the narrative she's been immured into enforcing, and in the end – again, for the sake of her beloved – overcoming it.

Together, they literally defined a genre. Every modern yuri anime which draws on "prince/princess/witch" themes, or explores the dynamic of one person becoming the support that the other needs to climb out of her coffin, is, on some level, speaking with the vocabulary and symbol set that Revolutionary Girl Utena trailblazed."