#fantasy!AU

[e-vay]

More Rogue!Sonic and Druid!Amy shenanigans

This is a very special birthday present for my very special friend @hedgethemaze !!! Hedge, I hope you have an absolutely wonderful birthday and I hope these drawings can serve as at least a small token of my immense appreciation for you!

[Link to the other bday gift]

[chio-chan2artbox]

Commission for @erizumon 🤩

Alchemist Doof from the fic “Encantado de conocerte” by El_Erizo_Que_Escribe (Fantasy!AU)

[newtsnaturethings]

@vashmerylweek24 day 4 - Feathers/Fantasy AU

boy howdy did this one spiral into a whole ass au in my notes app. there's lore now lmao

[sich-sehnen]

Eternally Bound

Synopsis - After days at sea, the pirates that plucked you from your small fishing village force you to walk the plank. You were meant to appease the irascible sea God, König, but the fates has other plans for you.

Category - I don't know how to categorize this. There will be notes of fluff, angst, hurt/comfort, and smut throughout the small series. It's just a melting pot of plot and romance. But for this part, it's mostly angst if you could call it that?

Warnings - fem!reader, loosely based on Greek myths and the like, Canon typical violence, misogynistic language, multiple parts will tag accordingly once the story is finished, kidnapping, debasing, inhumane behavior, octo!Konig, fantasy!au, deity!Konig, sacrifice!reader, appeasing the gods,

Notes- This story is based on the images I found on Pinterest. On the same note, there is a fic on a03 by the name of Meine Perle that is based on the first image. I highly recommend reading it if you haven't already, so good! (I tried to make this as different as possible but I won't lie and say this isn't at least somewhat inspired by the fic)

Wordcount - 1,710

‧˚₊꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒦꒷‧₊˚⊹

The world rocked around you, sometimes as gently as a mother would her babe. Other times, more often than not, it swayed violently. Waves crashed against the walls of your prison, and rolling thunder echoed somewhere outside; the sound as raging as your thundering heart.

You missed the open air of your village and often dreamed of being back there. When you wake up though, you are forced back into a reality you didn't want to accept.

No amount of pleading swayed your captors into letting you go. No amount of screaming or cursing gained you anything but wicked laughter and a face full of spit.

They had hauled you below deck, and your last free gulp of the salty air was wasted on a panicked sob. They stripped you of your clothes, dressing you in a thin white sleeping gown instead. Your plait was ripped out in favor of the unbound mess your hair was now. No longer were you your mother's daughter, sister to your three small siblings, and friend of the village. You were widdled down into a shell of who you once were. Stripped of not only your clothes but your dignity.

At first, the constant swaying of the ship churned your stomach, the corner of your cell still reeking of the three-day-old vomit. They fed you once a day; a measly meal of watered-down potato stew and a stale piece of bread.

The only solace to your despair was the quiet hours of the night when the moon would shine through the small porthole across from your cell. Most nights you prayed she'd see your desperation and return you home, but the gods weren't known for being kind.

"When are we gettin' rid of'er Capn'? It's bad luck to have a wench on deck."

You hear gruff voices from above, the soles of their boots visible through worn planks of the deck. One shoves the other, his body stumbling but remaining upright as the two of them approach the brig's door.

"Bad luck is nothin' if we don't appease König."

"Why're we even-"

The insolate one was slammed into the wall, their bodies just past the threshold but out of her eyesight.

"Because ya bilge rat, if ya want the fuckin' treasure we can't have an irritated sea god gettin' in the way. If we give him a present first, maybe he'll be more forgivin' to our adventures."

Your heart drops to the bottom of the sea.

They round the corner, gruesome grins stretching their faces. The Captain, you assume, gets the closest your prison bars allowed him to.

You scurry back against the wall, putting as much distance as you can between you and your captors.

The Captain slams his hand against the bars and laughs at the flinch it jolts out of you.

"Please,"

You plead weakly, your body shaking from fear. It didn't help that you were starving, your stomach growling with a pinching pain every time you thought of food.

"Please, let me go."

They chuckle, the sound dark and wicked.

"Oh, we'll let'cha go alright. Just a couple more days and we'll be outta your hair."

In a desperate fit of rage, you kick day-old watery stew towards him, the force of it sending the contents splashing against his boot. You muster up any saliva your dry mouth can and spit a glob of it in his direction.

It doesn't even reach him, but by the snarl on his face, you assumed he got the gist of what you intended.

"Yer a lucky bitch to be locked up like this, else I'd stomp that fire out real quick. Even luckier König don't like his gifts dead."

The other man saunters up, leaning his face against a rusty bar.

"König wouldn't mind if his fruit is a little bruised would he?"

"Nah,"

The Captain steps back and puts his hand on his subordinate's shoulder, the grip tight from what you can see.

"It would be best to leave her untouched by pain. Let König deal with her."

The two of them leave without another word, walking out into the fresh air you so desperately crave. You lurch forward, as far as your chains allow, and curse them. You prayed upon their demise, begged the gods to bestow bad luck and karma, and wished with every ounce of your being that if you didn't make it out alive they would suffer the consequences.

All that responded were joyous chanting and drunken laughter.

Days bleed together in a blur of flavorless meals and taunting. Nights were your only comfort when the sound of snoring pirates replaced the shanties and crude comments.

The ever-waning moon looked down on you, its soft beams of light comforting you like a mother's touch. When you could see her, with each passing phase, you'd pray.

For solace, for mercy, for a painless death.

Each night your murmered prayers changed the longer you remained captive. No one but the squeaking rats responded. You grew jealous of the vermin for they were free, able to move around where they wished.

When the moon's face was bright and full, you finally heard the brig's door open once again. Your relief of human contact immediately turned sour the moment he opened his mouth.

"Get yer sweet ass up, it's time to die!"

The man, a new one this time, slammed the blade of his sword against the bars of your cell. He had a crazed look in his eye, one that was only brought in moments of greed.

There was no getting out of this.

And if all hope was lost, you might as well go down swinging.

You wait until he uncuffs you, his grip on your arm solid as the putrid stench of his body assaults your nose. Reeling your head back, you slam your skull against his, adrenaline forcing you past the splitting pain.

You pick up the coins and straddle the crumpled pile on the floor. A sick glee flows through your veins as you wrap the thick metal loops around his neck.

"What the fuck-"

He writhed, trying with all his might to buck you off him, his hands clawing at yours. But whatever divine power you'd been praying to all those sleepless nights offered you the strength to hold him down until his lips turned purple and his eyes rolled into the back of his head.

You felt his body relax, your grip on him only tightening until you were hoisted into the air. The man on the floor gasped as you were pulled off of him, the arms around your body keeping you high enough that you were unable to do anything other than kick and scream.

"You can be as mean as you want, lil lady, no one can save you now."

Your fight was doubled ten fold as you scrape and claw at the arms holding you.

"You'll never get away with this!"

Only laughter met your frantic curse as they dragged your wiggling body up the stairs and into the night air. Crisp cold wind met you, whipping strands of hair every which way.

Choppy waves rocked the ship violently as storm clouds brewed in the distance, and soon the moon's comforting light was overshadowed.

There was no land in sight, only pitch-black waves. Some were higher than trees, their crests touching the clouds as if they, too, were seeking solace from the gods. Lighting struck, and its spindly tendrils struck the water with a loud roar.

You were thrust forward, tossed onto the wet wood of the deck surrounded by sneering men. With the impact, your hands and knees shred, blood welling up and sliding down your skin.

No longer held, you book it for the only opening in the sea of bodies you could see. You run, and dodge, and hide. But there are only so many places you could escape to on a ship in the middle of the sea.

The boat tilts, your balance tipped as you struggle to regain your footing. The men crowd you now, corralling you towards the plank and ultimately your demise.

You had no choice but to step forward, afraid of what they'd do to you if you were caught by their hands again. Maybe the gods' would bestow you mercy and offer you a quick death at the hands of the sea. Maybe, you hoped with all your breaking heart, that you were saved from the maw of König.

One man unsheathed his sword, the metal whining as he held it out towards you, the sharpest point aimed at your back.

"Move!"

He shouts, pressing the blade into your skin hard enough that you step forward just enough to escape it. But he followed, pushing you across the deck and onto the wood that hung over the unforgiving water.

You couldn't see where the water even began, the night sky blending perfectly into the midnight waters. As rain pelted down on you, streams of water mixing with your tears, you stepped up to the edge.

A prayer was on your lips, one last chance to save your mortal soul from a pain you fear the most when cruel hands shove you over the edge. You dove into the abyss, a scream clawing out of your throat, hands grasping for something to grab hold of.

The water was cold, so cold you felt every nerve alight with shock. You try and swim up but the vengeful waves keep you just below the surface.

Your limbs grow stiff with exhaustion. Your lungs burning, begging for air. A serene kind of calm washed over you as one by one your senses disappear.

You stop feeling the biting cold of the water around you.

You stopped tasting the salt that had forced itself through your nose and into your lungs.

You stopped hearing the muffled echo of thunder rolling through the sky.

You didn't know when your vision would fade away aswell, or if it had gone already. You sank deeper, your body suspended in numbness as you succumb to the ocean.

Just when you could feel the other side calling, the reaper's soft touch caressing your cheek, two glowing eyes open in front of you.

[heretolurkandnothingmore]

i can taste you on my lips, lovely bitter water

terrible days of our delights are poison in my veins

this is the result of an art swap with the my great and benevolent friend @jarenka! she did the sketch. check out her half of the swap!

here's the sketch my friend provided. as you can see, the best parts are all her)

quote in the title is from "bitter water" by the oh hellos. see you again with more art!

[itsfheang]

Fantasy!AU where the acceleration rune zaps them to a "low magic" universe (Think like…LotR) His transformation healed him for the most part though he still has some leg pains, but he still retains what magic he had. They live happily ever after as Wizard and his knight protector/lover.

[louloulemons-posts]

Dark Waters

Knight!Eddie X Princess!Elf!Reader

Word Count : 1.8k

(creds to owners)

Warnings : not proofread, cursing, sirens, drowning, knives, swords, death of minor characters, eddie is called Edward, use of Y/N

~ / / / * \ \ \

“You know we’re not supposed to be this far outside the castles walls!” Robin exclaimed, hurrying after you. “Robin come on! I just want to explore, I can’t stand all of the talk of my brother coronation, my mother just talks about marrying me off now!”

“Well would marriage be such a bad thing?”

You paused in your tracks to look at your friend, she nodded, “Pretend I didn’t say that.”

With a chuckle and a shake of your head, you continued through down the path. Removing the hood of your cloak from your head, sighed as the sun warmed your face.

Robin linked her arm with yours, walking side by side, no worries about would may see you, you were outside the city now.

The emerald leaves of the woods shone under the daylight, “Maybe we should head back?” Robin said.

“Me and my father always walked this path when I was small, come on Robin we’ll be quick.”

Beams of sun shone through the branches, illuminating the multi coloured flowers, small animals ran across the path, faeries flew past with their tingling bell sound.

The forest was alive with springtime. Your own gown seemed to be brighter in colour, the periwinkle of yours and royal blue of robins.

Your hair was also more alive, the small braids throughout, shining with pretty gems, similarly to your sharp pointed ears showing who you really were.

“Did you hear that?” Robin asked suddenly.

“Hear what?” She paused for a moment, turning her head to listen for the mysterious sound.

“That!” The shorter haired girl exclaimed.

“Robin, I really can’t hear anything,” you really did try to hear whatever it was, but soon enough Robin was dragging you down the winding path.

“Robs wait! she was moving at an ungodly pace, something you’d never seen from her, almost like magic. It wasn’t unusual sure, but this was a different kind of magic.

Pulling your arm from her grip, you grabbed Robins shoulders forcing her to meet your gaze. “What can you hear?”

“Singing!”

“Singing?”

“Yes it’s the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard.” Robin continued to push against your hold, walking towards whatever singing she heard.

Letting her go you followed behind, trying to figure out what was going on. Out of the corner of your eye you spotted someone else. No, many other people.

The were all walking in the same direction as your and Robin. “Robin, we have to go,” you tugged at her sleeve, trying to drag her back, she was now stepping off of the path.

“I need to find out whose voice that is, it’s beautiful.” Your head flooded with thoughts, what was it? Who was it?

Then you saw it, the waters edge. “Sirens,” you whispered. You could see their tails glistening as they swam closer, hands with webbed fingers, arriving at the waterside.

“Robin come away,” you pulled at her arm, but the girl yanked away from your grip, making you stumble.

A red haired woman emerged from the water, pushing herself up on the bank.

“Hello,” she purred.

“H-Hi,” Robin smiled.

“What’s your name?”

“Robin.”

“Come with me Robin.”

Her webbed fingers came out of the water, hand reaching towards Robins. Your friend took it softly, letting the woman pull her closer to the waters edge.

Pushing yourself up, you reached out for Robin, “No!” you screamed as Robin was pulled into the water. Jumping in after her you kicked at the beast, grabbing onto Robin.

The siren hissed at you, bearing her teeth. Pushing Robin up towards the surface, you began to swim up after her, but a hand gripped onto your ankle.

Hearing a calling sound, more and more sirens swam towards you, some holding onto men and women and those inbetween.

With panic you kicked at the siren with fire red hair, hoping to get free, but as more and more air left your lungs your kicks got weaker.

Slowly feeling yourself go limp, you felt more webbed hands grab hold of you, pulling you down into the depths.

Your eyes fell closed as the remaining breath left you.

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

“Help! Someone please help me!” Robin called out to anyone who was near. Hooves came towards her, two faces she recognised from passing days.

“Thank goodness.”

“Miss Robin, what’s happened?” The man with shorter hair asked, taking in the woman’s panicked appearance. Dress and hair soaked from water.

“The princess … there were sirens … she saved me … but they … they …” the man with longer hair climbed from the horse.

“Breathe, what happened?” he asked.

“They pulled her down,” Robin sobbed, covering her face. “Steve wait here with Miss Robin.”

The man removed his heavy layer of armour with ease and speed, throwing himself into the water. The murky depths were hard to see through, but the commotion was unmissable.

Swimming towards the group of sirens, he spotted you, seeing them drag you towards their cave, he knew once you reached that point you were gone.

Pushing himself through the water, his curls came loose from how they’d been sat at the base of his neck. Swimming deeper and deeper, he heard a screech of warning from a siren.

“A knight!” One screamed. Drawing his sword, he slashed at a beast, drawing blood. Once that occurred, the sirens let you go, swarming the knight.

Your body fell down, close to the floor of the water. Swinging for the sirens, he cut many of them, ending the lives of others.

They grabbed him, but as he cut the neck of one final siren, one screamed,”Retreat!”

They grabbed the body of those who had passed and swam towards the cave. The knight felt his lungs burn, as he swam deeper for you.

Pulling your body, he went towards the light, the surface. On the bank, Steve’s arm was around Robin, rubbing her side to keep her warm. “Have you got her?!” The woman cried.

“Yes,” the knight coughed, water leaving his lungs, as he gasped a breath. Pulling you on the bank, he panicked as he noticed the lack of movement in your chest.

“No!” Robin sobbed, pulling towards you, but the knight shouted, “Keep her back!” Steve grabbed her waist holding her in place, trying to comfort her.

Pulling the outer layer of your dress off, he was met with a corset, “Shit!” he sighed, pulling a knife from the holster on his leg.

Slicing the ribbons from the corset, he yanked it off your chest, staring to press his hand in a rhythm against it.

He held your nose, blowing into your mouth, “Come on, wake up!” He spoke through gritted teeth. “One! Two! Three!” He kept pressing against your chest.

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

“One! Two! Three! Come on!” A voice spoke. Feeling air come back to you, you coughed loudly, water coming up. Gasping, you held your hand to your chest, hearing a laugh of joy.

“Oh thank god.” Robin. That was Robin.

“Robs?”

“I’m here,” the girl sat next to you, wrapping you in a hug. “Oh thank goodness.”

“Thank you so much,” Robin said to the knight. Looking up at the man, you couldn’t be more thankful. “You saved me.”

“I did what anyone would your Highness.”

Letting Robin help you to your feet, you couldn’t even be embarrassed at the lack of garments. The knight walked to his horse, pulling a cloak off and wrapping it around your shoulders.

“What’s your name sir.”

“Edward.”

“Thank you Edward, you saved my life. I must repay you.”

“I need nothing your Highness, just allow me and my colleague to help you and your friend home safely.”

“Thank you.” Letting the knight help you onto his horse, he climbed up behind, Robin and the other man doing the same thing. You may your way back into the town and up to the castle.

He made sure to keep his hands in a respectful position, keeping you steady on the horse.

“Open the gates for the Princess, the man behind your called. The gates opened, men and women ran towards you, including your mother.

“Darling!” she called.

“Mother,” you smiled. The man, Edward, jumped off the horse, holding out his hand to help you down. “What happened?” your mother asked.

“Sirens in the lake, one grabbed me, but this kind Knight, Edward,” you smiled at the curly haired man, “He saved me mother.”

“Is this true?” she asked Robin and Edward, “Yes your majesty,” they both said.

“Thank you, you saved my girl.” She squeezed your hand, “Come let’s get you all clean and dry.”

Your mother led you all into the castle, “Thank you your Majesty, but we must be heading to the Knights quarters to clean up,” The other man said.

“Yes of course, what is your name sir?” Your mother asked. “Steve,” he spoke softly.

“I owe you my thanks also, Steve. Me and my husband shall call for you both, do not be alarmed, it shall be as a reward.”

“There’s no need-“ Edward started, but your mother held her hand up. “Sir, you saved my daughter, I cannot thank you enough, she is .. she is the light of my life.”

“Of course your majesty, my heart is to you and this kingdom, including your daughter.”

Your cheeks flushed at his words, his eyes met yours. “Mother, may I speak to Edward alone?”

“You may, I shall wait in your bedchambers, be quick my darling,” she squeezed your cheek and ushered Robin away. Steve bowed and may his way to his own space.

“Your highness?” Edward asked.

“I just wanted to thank you again Sir. You saved me.”

“It was nothing, it is my job.”

“I cannot thank you enough for it.”

“No thanks is needed.”

“It is, please meet with my mother and father.”

“I shall your highne-“ you cut him off.

“Y/N, my name is Y/N, no your highness needed.”

“That is not proper your highness i mustn’t.”

“You must, I order it,” you smiled at him, making the corner of his mouth rise. “Well Miss Y/N, please stay away from the lake without a proper escort.”

“Of course, may I call upon you on my next stroll then?”

“Yes your high- Y/N,” he bowed his head.

“Well I must go, and you must be freezing yourself Edward.”

“Eddie.”

“I’m sorry?”

“Edward makes me feel old, so Eddie.”

“Eddie,” you smiled, “Well I shall be seeing you soon I’m sure.”

“I’ll look forward to it,” he bowed. Walking towards him, you stood on your toes, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. “Good day Eddie.”

“Good day Y/N.” He smiled as he watched you go, disappearing down the hall, his cloak still wrapped around you.

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

Thank you so much for reading!

Please leave any requests 🤍

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

A freebie

You ascend the wrought iron stairs holding your skirt wadded in one hand. Holding the floor-length silk out of the way against your thigh. And you try to ignore the creaking and swaying.

The sprigs of baby's breath trembling in your hair like butterfly wings. And you can feel your chest heaving. You're not ready. You don't think you'll ever be ready. But here you are. It's too late to delay the inevitable.

As much as you would like to hide in the wine cellar and pray for a poisonous spider to bite you, you know for a fact that no poisonous spiders live here. If they did, your stepmother would have had you covered in them on her wedding night.

Pity.

But. An Alliance was an alliance, you supposed. And your father's will was your father's will. Who were you?

Who cared what a princess had to say? Your purpose was to be born beautiful and to concieve an heir. Failing the first task, you were fortunate anyone wanted you at all.

The Gothamites had no need of money... That you knew. But then. What did they Want you for? Bruce the first had married his eldest son Richard to his war Barbara. And you were intened for his Second son. The Prodigal- Jason. But why?

It was a lesser position. But your father had jumped at the chance. The prestige of it still greater than anything else offered. And you- well. You only hoped not to disappoint too much. Your portrait had taken liberties.

[e-vay]

Sonamy Week 2024 | Day 6 - “Fantasy”

Druid Amy saved Rogue Sonic from drowning during a battle that took place in the lake near her home. They’ve been adventuring together ever since!

(She made him that enchanted charm that he wears on his belt because homie has a proclivity for falling into bodies of water and can’t swim)

---------

[Day 1] [Day 2] [Day 3] [Day 4] [Day 5] [Day 6] [Day 7]

[matchamilkislover]

White Horse, 1. (a.a.)

pairing: knight!abby x princess!reader

cw: fantasy!au, fem!reader, eventual displays of fighting and violence bc it’s fantasy, kind of slow burn?, tension, reader has an attitude, tall af!abby bc size difference, royalty!au, mentions of arranged marriages, some mentions of au politics, abby in armor is a warning in itself

synopsis: you are the youngest princess of the royal family that rules over your kingdom, Aphrynia. now a young adult, you’ve come of age in a tense time, and your personal protection is of utmost importance — which is why the resignation of your previous personal knight means a rushed reassignment ceremony with little to no preface. That being said, why does the name of your new knight sound so familiar?

word count: 2.8k

a/n: this is gonna be so trope-heavy and romantic and cheesy and i don’t even care i’ve been giggling and kicking my feet this whole time

⊹ ⋆｡˚ ————————— 𓆩♡𓆪 —————————⊹ ⋆｡˚

“Princess, you really do need to get up.”

You groaned, rolling over in your excessively comfortable bed as your lady’s maid, Nina, started forcefully pulling the many blankets you had covering you off. Your proper mind knew that she was right, that you needed to get ready, but the pounding in your head begged otherwise; and right now, the pounding side was winning. You tried to sit up and open your eyes, but the bright sunlight instantly blinded you, causing you to groan and fall back again. Nina sighed.

“Either you get up, or I’m calling George and he can drag you out himself.”

That made you sit up. You’d had enough of your second eldest brother ripping you out of bed throughout your childhood to last a lifetime. Your legs already felt a phantom soreness at just the thought.

“Okay, okay, I surrender, I’m up…” you grumbled, swinging your legs over the edge of the mattress and tenderly standing on the cold floor. Nina rolled her eyes as she started gathering materials for you to bathe.

“I told you to ease up on the wine last night,” she scolded as you started shedding your nightclothes and trudged to your washroom.

You rolled your eyes in response and yawned. “Don’t judge me! You would let loose a little too if you knew it was your last night before getting assigned another overbearing knight,” you replied dramatically. These were the times that you both loved and resented that you and Nina had known each other since childhood; sometimes she knew you a little too well. Nina just chuckled and followed you.

A while later, you were clean and dry. And cold. You shivered as Nina helped you slip layer after layer of your intricate clothing on your body. “Why is it so frigid in here this morning? I can literally hear the fire going,” you whined as another shiver made your arms shake. Nina shrugged as she picked up another layer.

“The mornings have been getting colder lately,” Nina remarked thoughtfully. “Perhaps an off the shoulder dress wasn’t the best decision the seamstress could’ve made for today’s gown.” She grimaced as she eyed the off the shoulder masterpiece waiting to be adorned.

Your pout spoke for you. Even so, you had to admit the gown was rather lovely. The gauzy pink seemed to shimmer in the light, and you couldn’t help but stare at it in the mirror once you had finally put it on. Nina, however, still anxiously watched the time and rushed to finish getting you ready.

For whatever reason, one you weren’t exactly keen on understanding, being assigned a personal knight was something of a ceremony in the royal family, and was therefore to be treated as such. And ever since your former knight, Mattheo, had resigned not even a fortnight ago to wed and begin a life outside of his knighthood, you had been assigned a rotation of lower knights while a replacement was decided on. While you couldn’t blame Mattheo for wanting to have a different life and a family, you couldn’t help but resent his leaving just a little bit; he had been your personal knight since you were young, and you had grown to trust him like an uncle or a father. Whatever young, overconfident knight you would be assigned now would not be nearly as tolerable, of that you were certain.

Nina’s voice pulled you out of your thoughts and reawakened the pounding in your head. “Princess? Princess, we’ve got to go,” she harped, placing a guiding hand on your back. “Wouldn’t want to keep everyone waiting.” You nodded in agreement and started walking, trying your best to hide the grimace pulling at your face.

You could barely keep up with Nina’s quick steps as you navigated the corridors of the palace, your shoes clicking on the polished stone floors. “Nina,” you muttered through panting breaths, “You know you can slow down a little bit, right? It really isn’t that serious,” you pointed out. Nina shook her head.

“Sorry, princess, but I’m under strict orders to get you there on time. Promised the queen,” she replied with a wink sent your way. Your mouth gaped while your brows furrowed.

“Seriously? For a knight assignment? The fuck…” you muttered back, still grumpy from your hangover and unending headache. Nina clicked her tongue at you in disapproval.

“Princess! Language!” she scolded, holding back a giggle and not quite managing to suppress a tickled smile. You made an amused face in response and you both had to struggle to hold down your laughs as you passed knights and members of the court in the long corridors.

As you finally turned onto the corridor leading to the throne room, Nina cleared her throat to get your attention. “Please try your best not to seem hungover, princess,” she muttered through clenched teeth, “lest the queen come for my head.” You both stifled one last giggle before the doors to the throne room opened, and your arrival was announced to the small crowd standing inside.

You took a steadying breath, blanking your face as you delicately walked forward, desperately hiding your fight not to wobble in these godforsaken shoes. You kept your gaze steady on the front of the room, not wanting to risk an offhand glance at the crowd interrupting your focus.

You breathed a quiet sigh of relief when you reached the front and stood in place amongst your siblings, ignoring George’s knowing smirk and Elyssa’s disapproving look. Like always, your eldest brother, Philip, stayed as stone-faced as ever, and Henry, the fourth sibling, gave his best attempt at matching Philip’s ever-serious mood. Although he was closest to you in age, only being 18 months older, the two of you couldn’t be more different. He never seemed to possess the itch for mischief and adventure that you did, and instead followed your eldest brother like a puppy and tried to copy his every trait. You suppressed the urge to roll your eyes and turned towards the rest of the room.

Glancing at you to acknowledge your arrival, your parents rose as one, and your mother’s voice rang out in the spacious throne room. “Welcome, esteemed guests and friends, as we conduct our youngest daughter’s knight reassignment ceremony on this lovely morning. As many of us know, our youngest has quite the…lively spirit, and as she reaches marrying age, we’ve found it impertinent that we find a unique knight to ensure her safety amidst the happenings of that lively spirit.” A soft chuckle carried through the room, and you had to suppress another eye roll as your mother – the “ever-esteemed” queen – basically called you a burden who needed watching. Great. Exactly what you needed this morning.

Your mother continued her speech. “While the knight we’ve chosen for her assignment may not have the age to match her rank, her experience and accomplishments make her quite the perfect match to guard our lovely daughter. Thus, Knight Anderson, will you please approach?”

Your mind came to a sudden stop. ‘Her’? Your new knight was to be a female knight? Well that certainly makes things more interesting. And her name…Anderson. It sounded oddly familiar, but you couldn’t put your finger on it. A young female knight, a respected, high-ranking one at that, was to be Mattheo’s replacement? Certainly she wouldn’t be quite as easy to slip past. But you had gotten creative over the years…

Your racing thoughts mixed with your eyes searching the crowd for this ‘Knight Anderson’, but came to a sudden halt when the knight finally stepped through to the front of the crowd, and the sight of her left your mouth hanging ever so slightly ajar. Although it had certainly matured since the last time you saw her, you would recognize that face anywhere.

9 YEARS AGO

Abigail Anderson was going to be the death of you. No matter where you went, she was somehow there, ready to show off and drive you up the fucking wall. Since her father was the royal family’s physician and a childhood friend of your father, and the two of you were so close in age, the two of you had been shoved together since you could read, and you couldn’t resent it more. She never failed to take an opportunity to prove herself against you; whether it was her intelligence in tutoring sessions, or showing off her strength and size outdoors while exploring or riding, if the chance was there, she took it.

You were both twelve, and while you were able to spend more time apart, tutoring and riding lessons were still spent together. You had started spending your free time with the daughters of the court members, while Abby spent her time training for knighthood or whatever it was that motivated her to sweat in a dirty training ground for hours a day. It wasn’t like you paid it too much regard; you were perfectly happy spending tea with your friends that you could actually relate to before retreating to the palace library to spend afternoons reading and exploring different worlds.

On one sunny spring day, Abby had shown up late to your joint riding lesson, and you were already annoyed since George had ruined your favorite riding boots by dropping them in a boiling, soapy wash basin while the maids weren’t looking, only for them to be found hours later and sorrowfully returned to your chambers. The twat. So when she came jogging up to the stables, your glare was already set upon her, and she preemptively rolled her eyes.

“I know, I know, training went over,” she retorted to your glare in an annoyed voice, raising her hands apologetically at your instructor.

You continued glaring as she saddled her horse and mounted the steed, flipping her braid behind her shoulder. Sensing the tension and not wanting to be a part of it, the instructor casually instructed the two of you to take a simple ride through the naturalistic grounds surrounding the palace during your normal lesson time. You nodded curtly and took off in a simple trot, Abby quickly following and settling into a matching trot beside you.

“Heard about what happened to your boots,” she remarked casually, not even glancing your way. But you knew what she was doing, and you already weren’t in the mood for it. She kept pushing anyway.

“What a waste,” she continued, clicking her tongue. “You poor thing, how will you ever survive?” You could feel her smirk without looking. Trying to be the bigger person, you only sighed and kept ignoring her.

She laughed. “What, don’t want to admit that you’re upset over a pair of boots? It’s okay, you are a princess, after all.” Even though she was right, it wasn’t like you wanted to admit it to Abby, of all people. You really liked those boots! Princess or not, you were allowed to be upset about it! You could say that, but it’s not like Abby would care. She’d just keep teasing you about the boots, or poking you about some other stupid thing that was sure to push your buttons. So you kept your head straight forward and kept riding. She wasn’t satisfied.

“Too good to talk to me now, are you? You’d rather be at a prissy tea party with your prissy friends?” she said, mocking a posh accent and expression as she spoke. And you just snapped.

“You know what Abby, just because you don’t like me or think I’m shallow or spoiled for whatever reason, that doesn’t mean you have to go after my friends too! You don’t even know them! You know, I don’t think you even know me like you think you do, so why don’t you just shut up already,” you exploded, taking off on your horse like a bullet and leaving Abby shouting after you in the dust. You heard her call your name after you a few times, but you ignored her, clenching your teeth as your resolve hardened and you quickened your pace even more.

By the time Abby started galloping after you, you were too far ahead to hear her. You just kept riding and riding, not stopping until you reached the creek that bubbled along one of the far edges of the palace grounds. Hopping off your horse, you gently smoothed the mare’s chestnut hair as you watched the clear water run up and over the rocks in the creek. Remembering what Abby had said, you clenched your other fist and loudly groaned in frustration, holding back the urge to go as far as to stomp on the ground.

You took a deep breath to steel yourself as you heard hooves approaching quickly from behind you. Abby called your name again, but you barely even turned your head, fist still clenched. She scoffed and dismounted, walking up to you casually.

“You know you can’t ride off like that,” she remarked. You continued to ignore her. “C’mon, you know I didn’t mean it like that,” she continued, leaning to try to get in your line of sight.

You only scoffed in reply and turned away, speed walking along the creek bed. Abby kept following you, reaching out to grab your arm once she was close enough. You gasped angrily and whipped around, hair slinging from side to side. You tried to pull away, but her grip was tight. And you panicked. No one had ever grabbed you like that, and you were so shocked, you couldn’t help but go into panic mode.

“Will you– let go– get your hands OFF of me–” you shrieked, starting to flail and struggle in her grasp. Abby also began to panic in response to you, and before you knew it, you were slipping on the creek bed, and the two of you tumbled into the creek, a tangle of limbs and shocked exclamations as you fell into the surprisingly icy water.

As soon as you hit the water, you gasped, inhaling water instead of air and immediately choking. You floundered, desperately coughing and trying to eject the water from your lungs. Finally, your flailing arms found a large rock to land on, and you started pulling yourself out of the water. At the same time, you could hear Abby climbing the water as well, and you got distracted, your hand slipping as you crashed back down into the creek. Another breath of water infiltrated your mouth and throat, and you continued to choke and cough, unable to gain enough footing to grab back onto the rock. Finally, a pair of stronger arms latched onto your own, stopping your flailing to pull you out of the water and onto the creek bed.

Flopping onto the ground, you coughed out the remaining water from your lungs until you could finally take clear breaths, anger returning with the consistent oxygen. You shot up suddenly, cutting Abby off as she opened her mouth to ask if you were okay. “You are despicable, Abby Anderson! Despicable!” You shouted as you pushed hair out of your face and straightened your soaking clothes. “I am leaving. You need to give me time to return my horse and escort myself inside, lest I see your despicable face and decide to strangle you once and for all!” You continued as you mounted your horse, giving her one last dirty look before riding off as fast as you could.

It wasn’t until the next morning when Abby wasn’t present at your lessons that you discovered that she had left for official training. And no matter how angry you were at her, you couldn’t help but be at least a bit disappointed that she hadn’t said goodbye.

THE PRESENT

Your mother’s voice was all but muted background in your head as you watched Abby – apparently now known as ‘Knight Anderson’ – approach you and your family at the front of the throne room. A lump settled in your throat, and your mouth felt impossibly dry watching her armored form get closer and closer. You barely registered your mother reciting practiced phrases as Abby knelt in front of her and bowed her head towards the queen. It was like you were outside your body, watching everything happen, only an observer as Abby stood and she and your mother approached you. You were sucked back into your body as Abby knelt in front of you, taking one of your polished hands in hers and bowing her head towards it.

“Knight Abigail Anderson,” your mother began, her voice confident and steady in contrast to the nerves that rocked your body, leaving you lightheaded. “Do you solemnly vow to dedicate your life to the protection and safety of the princess?” Abby looked up at you through her lashes, and you felt like you could faint.

“I do.”

[xaviersplvshiek1ller]

The Prophecy of Freedom

PAIRING. Duke of the north!Eren x reincarnated villainess fem!reader

LENGTH. 2.1k

GENRE. Angst, Fluff maybe NSFW

CONTENT. Mistreatment, Death, Parental Death, Arranged Marriage,

SYPNOSIS. basic reincarnated villainess manhwa fic but aot (and low-key crack) coded

Masterlist

CRASH*

“OH MY GOD”

“SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP, SHE NEEDS AN AMBULANCE.”

Truck-kun couldn’t have hit you at a higher speed if it wanted to. It was a chilly autumn day, and it had just rained, so the road was slippery. The surgeons tried their best to patch you back up, but it was all for naught. Maybe you shouldn’t have been reading the last chapter of your favorite novel, Attack on Solara, while crossing the road, or maybe this was fate.

“I just don’t understand why WE need to do this; she’s been in a coma for the last 3 months; it’s obvious it’s over for her.”

“Right! She and WE at this point need to be brought out of our misery.”

“And it’s not like the Lord has any affection for her; he only wants to use her to...”

“Ugh, my head.”

“CALL FOR LORD LOVOF, THE LADY L/N IS UP”

The pounding in your head only gets worse as a commotion seems to take place around you. Lady? Lovof? Where have I heard that name before?. The door flies open, and suddenly it’s quiet again. You struggle to open your eyes, but the light is too bright for your crusty eyes. “Ugh.” You try to speak more, but your throat is parched and raw from however long you’ve been in this state. Somebody grabs your hand in a loving grip.

“Don’t try to speak. WHERE IS THE PHYSICIAN?” 

“He’s on his way, my lord.”

“GET HIM HERE QUICKER OR YOU’RE ALL DONE.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

Footsteps tap on the wooden flooring as they’re rapidly approaching. “I’m here, my lord!” an old-sounding man voices. The grip, which is starting to feel less loving and more tight, finally lets up. “Ugh, finally, I don’t pay you to mess around; fix her!”.

The doctor scratches at his head as he looks at your pitiful, weak form, obviously malnourished and not taken care of. He clears his throat...

“My Lord, I need to evaluate her motor responses and other vitals.” All the peering servants scatter, but Marquess Lovof just raises one of his thin eyebrows, “So?”.

The doctor tried his best to show an appeasing smile. “My Lord, for some of these tests, the lady would have to get indecent, and I wouldn’t dare to expose a man of your grandeur to that.”

Marquess Lovof smirked at that, knowing that if you recovered, his scheme could still go on as planned. “Well, I guess you’re right.” After the door finally closed, the doctor could finally get to work examining your state.

You feel hands on your body as he checks your bodily state. He pulls back your eyelid,“ eyes responsive, and checks your reflexes. "Your reflexes are good." After some more tests, he wipes you down a little bit and slowly feeds you a recovery broth: “Don’t worry, you’ll recover just fine after some rest.” After he left, it was fairly quiet, so you slowly slipped back into sleep.

2 weeks later

The recovery process was very hard, but with the help of the doctor you now know as Dr. Reeves, you got through it. You’ve had 2 weeks to realize your new normal, but it still wasn’t enough because you’re supposed to be, well, dead. And you’re somehow a character in Attack on Solara. But not just any character; you’re one of the villainesses. And not just any villainess, either. You have somehow fallen into the place of—what was her original name?  Anyway, if your calculations are correct, you’ve switched places with the one who doesn’t get a character development arc and DIES a very painful death at the hands of the male lead because she, in a desperate attempt to win his love and attention, tries to poison Solara, the beholder of his affections and female lead of this story.

Unfortunately, the story seems to be going exactly as written. And even more unfortunately, you keep forgetting more and more of the story and trying too hard to remember it, which gives you a splitting headache. You sigh as you think of a way to escape your fate when a servant from the main house bursts into your room. 

“Lord Lovof demands your presence.” The servant turns his nose up at you, clearly not happy that he’s been tasked with coming all the way out to the glorified hut at the back of the estate the villainess has been residing in ever since her parents, the rich baron and baroness L/n, died in a tragic carriage accident when she was 8, and Lord Lovof, the only distant family member alive, had taken her and mostly the money her parents left behind. 

Being a distant family did nothing to make Lovof or the rest of the family treat her any better, as her parents were only Count and Countess, and a family of such prestige as them should never have to affiliate with a low-born being such as her. Rolling your eyes at both the thought and the fact that the servant was impatiently waiting as you used all of your strength to get up since you were still very weak.      

Even though the servant was getting increasingly irritated by your speed, he still didn’t dare say a word because it was well known around the palace that the villainess could fly into fits of rage that harmed everybody around her at the slightest negative emotion. You, of course, are not the same person, but luckily he didn’t know that.

You hobble at snail speed towards the estate. Finally arriving, your legs tremble from the strain as you stand in front of the noble family in a haggard state with your hair in a tangled mess and clothes that are clearly not even 2nd hand with holes and patches in it. You actually feel very embarrassed and alone standing like this in front of people who clearly have been doing good with the wealth your parents death provided, seeing as they get monthly checks out of your inheritance until you get married. That’s when your estate gets transferred to your husband’s possession. 

‘What a sad existence,’ you thought as you finally decided to look up and face them.

“Girl, it’s finally time for you to pay us back after all the hard work we have put into raising you.”

‘Hard work?’ You gripped the bottom of your tattered dress hard to hold back on saying something you were sure to regret.

“You have been promised to Duke Yeager and are moving to the north in two days and are to get married in a week. Aren’t you elated?” Lovof sneers at you as he runs a hand through his very receding hair.

“Why?” Of course you know why, but you just wanted him to say it with his own words.

“Why?! Nobody wants to marry the Duke because every person who even gets engaged to him mysteriously dies on their wedding day, and since you’re technically our adopted daughter and you aren’t hideous, this is the PERFECT opportunity to help the family.”

The confirmation of what you already knew sucked all the defiant energy you had saved up in those two weeks out of you as a lone tear fell from your eyes, and you accepted your certain death. In your old life, hearing you could marry Eren Yeager would have elated you, as he was your favorite character ever, and you felt so deeply for him, his story, and his character development, but actually experiencing something is very different from imagining it.

The marchioness finally speaks up. “Girl, don’t cry when you move to the north; it won’t look good for the family, especially since you shouldn’t even be crying in the first place. This is the best opportunity you will ever get in your insignificant life.”

They all start snickering because they know the moment Duke Yeager kills you. All the money left to you will immediately go into their possession in one big swoop. Not to mention if you somehow manage to hold on until after your wedding is consummated, their social standing will rise significantly, or so they think.

What they do not know but you vaguely remember is that titans will soon ambush and kill everyone in and around the estate because of their greed. The taxes they used on luxury instead of strengthening the borders in case of titans because titans were a very rare appearance in this part of the west thanks to the repelling powers of the royal castle, which was relatively close to the marquess’s territory, were the case.

You contemplated telling them, but you saw how quick they were to sell you for their own gain, and even if you told them you weren’t sure they would believe you or if it would even change anything. You just held your tongue as they blabbered on about what they would buy with your inheritance and waved you off.

Two days passed way too quickly, but considering you slept through the first because you were so depressed because of the thought of dying again and in an attempt to gather some energy for the treacherous journey you were sure to make.

The other day was spent getting groomed and pruned by unwilling maids so you didn’t arrive looking like an absolute mess. They even forced you to eat dinner with them both nights and gave you two semi-old hand-me-down dresses from the marchioness, which were a million times better than the rag you had been wearing since you got reincarnated to this wretched place. It also felt really nice to finally feel your scalp breathe again and to be dirt-free.

You looked up from outside the estate and saw Lovof looking outside, smiling from ear to ear at the window, not even having the decency to bid you farewell outside, which killed your last ability to feel pity for the gruesome way he is going to meet his end, as he was sending you to a fate very much alike with no remorse. 

Your heart drops as a black carriage pulls up in front of you with the Wings of Freedom insignia on it, signifying it belongs to the Yeager family. At least 6 knights were accompanying it. Which came as a surprise to you, as from what you remember, Eren Yeager didn’t care about any of his tragic fiancés. 

“May I have your bag, Lady L/n?”

You scoff and hand him your gunny bag filled with the whopping content of all your belongings, which consists of the other new dress and a heirloom you didn’t feel right leaving behind even though it doesn’t hold any significant meaning to you.

The knight looks at you, the raggedy bag, and then at you again. “Are the rest of your belongings still being brought by the servants, my lady?”

“Nope, that’s it I fear” you cross your arms while you actually feel embarrassment which turned into compassion for the original villainess, you have only had to live like this for about two weeks while she lived feeling this worthless right until the very end.

“Please forgive me for my mistake lady L/n” The knight looks at you with pity in his eyes which actually uplifts your spirit as you believe there are at least a few people with compassion in this world.

He opens the carriage door for you and the impending doom feeling tenfolds as he reaches his hand out to help you step up.

You still feel a glare in your back and turn around just as you are about to fully step in. You see the Lovof still sneering at you but now joined by miss Lovof. In a moment of impulsivity you put up both your middle fingers at them and enjoy the puzzled looks they’re giving you as you turn around and step into the carriage.

“Nope, that’s it, I fear.” You cross your arms while you actually feel embarrassment, which turned into compassion for the original villainess. You have only had to live like this for about two weeks while she lived feeling this worthless right until the very end.

“Please forgive me for my mistake, Lady L/n.” The knight looks at you with pity in his eyes, which actually uplifts your spirit as you believe there are at least a few people with compassion in this world.

He opens the carriage door for you, and the impending doom feeling is tenfold as he reaches his hand out to help you step up.

You still feel a glare in your back and turn around just as you are about to fully step in. You see the Lovofs still sneering at you but now joined by Miss Lovof. In a moment of impulsivity, you put up both your middle fingers at them and enjoy the puzzled looks they’re giving you as you turn around and step into the carriage.

[jellykittle]

WIP

continuing on with the Fantasy!Au for Stardew, here’s a sketch of Sam as a bard. Will finish soon!

[sich-sehnen]

Eternally Bound Part Two

Synopsis- König, God of the sea and its creatures, isn't known for his even-tempered personality. Swift to anger with a blood thirst to match, he had made a reputation for himself. So why does he look like a lost puppy begging for scraps of attention?

Category- Still have no idea what the fuck the category is for this. I might categorize this after it's all written.

Warnings- Kind of based on Eros and Psyche's story if you squint really fucking hard, captor/captive situation, not really any warnings for this one but I am writing as I go so whatever I have planned for this might end up differently by the time I get to it.

Notes- Hello welcome to part two! I'm low-key obsessed with Greek mythology and its overall vibe, and I love how all the stories of love are just gods whipped for their women. So this is how Eternally Bound will play out; with our big boy wrapped around our fingers. There is a specific way I imagine 'human' König (here) in this story but overall he will be a massive, thousand-foot-tall being that reigns over the ocean and its creatures. I am using DeepL Translate for a more (hopefully) authentic translation than Google Translate.

Wordcount- 2,541

‧˚₊꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒦꒷‧₊˚⊹

You wake up in a strange place. The last thing you remember is the dark unforgiving cold of the ocean, pulling you down into the depths of its maw until the reaper plucks your soul from the mortal realm.

Memories flash before your eyes, your mind throbbing with a piercing pain. Brief images of glowing, white eyes. Steady, strong hands.

Curling, writhing, gripping.

Burning, pressure.

Relief.

Nothing.

The bright light of the sun sparkled above you, its shining rays only obscured by the crumbling stone overhead. Something dripped, its constant echo reverberating throughout the seemingly forgotten temple.

You were lying on something soft, your legs tangled in something silky. It took a moment for you to gain your bearings, to realize you weren't dead.

Pulling yourself into a seated position was hard, your aching bones still etched with the remnants of the frigid water. You were on a large bed, pearly white, silk sheets wrapped around your naked body. Large bedposts rose high and dark, whispy fabric draped from one corner to the next creating a sheer barrier between you and the crumbling temple around you.

It seemed odd, the contrast of the beautiful bed and fabrics so different from the mossy, cracked structure you resided in. The only thing more beautiful than the bed was the pool that lay in the middle of the large room. Its water was crystal clear, small ripples caressing the edge of the pool's confines.

You gently swing your legs over the mattress, your bare feet meeting the cold floor. You almost want to crawl back into bed, to succumb to the sleep your body was begging you for. But your curiosity had always been your downfall.

Wrapping the silk sheets around your body, you slowly walk to the water's edge. It looked deep, from what you could see, the water growing darker the further down it went.

You couldn't see a bottom.

You look around, noting the absence of a door or hallway on the four walls surrounding you. Just the expanse of intricate stonework, pillars, and arches. It was exquisite architecture, in all honestly, if it hadn't looked like it was one wayward bump from falling to pieces.

There wasn't a way out, to your dismay. Only up through the open roof, or down into the depths of the pool.

You were looking at the water once again, entranced by the glittering ripples and many little fish that swam close to the surface. Reaching a hand in, you intend to play with the guppies but the moment your finger breaches the waterline the temple rumbles.

Glowing white eyes, the ones still haunting your memory, open far below the surface. The water was pitch black, obscuring anything but those eyes. You were pinned the moment you met them.

They begin to grow closer and you scramble back, your palms scrapping against the rough stone in an attempt to scurry faster. You couldn't see the depths anymore, only the silvery line of the surface.

Your back hits a pillar and yet you're unable to take your eyes off of the pool in the center of the room.

Suddenly, something breaches the surface. It was dark and clothlike, the object rising to reveal crudely cut eyeholes, a bare chest, a soft stomach, and long powerful legs.

The man stepped out of the pool, water droplets dripping off of him as he stepped forward.

"Keine Angst, Kleines, du bist sicher." (Fear not, little one, you are safe.")

You stare blankly at him, his words foreign to your ears. Your heart was thumping against your ribcage, its erratic pace threatening to burst through your chest.

"Wha- I."

The man tilts his head, the dark fabric covering his face shifting with the action. He looked every bit as regal as he does menacing, with gold-trimmed cloth covering his modesty. It was such a stark comparison to his tattered, stained mask.

He stepped forward and your instincts finally kicked in.

Shooting up to your feet, you book it as far as possible. Which wasn't very far despite the vastness of the room. You couldn't help the pathetic cry of frustration that ripped its way out of your throat.

Yet again you managed to become a prisoner with nowhere to escape as your captor closes in on you.

"Stay away!"

You bark, trying with all your might to sound intimidating. You fail, the quiver to your voice betraying you. In your futile attempt at an escape, you trip over the silks wrapped around your body. The yards of fabric weighed you down, yet you refused to drop them, refused to expose yourself.

He stepped forward once again, his blue eyes capturing you. He looked almost worried, his form slightly crouched and his palms presented to you as if you were a wounded animal.

"Bitte, ich will dir nichts Böses." (Please, I mean you no harm.)

You clutch the silk at your chest, pulling it tighter around your body as you feel along the floor, not wanting to take your eyes off of him.

"I do not understand."

You search for something jagged, the pile of debris at your fingertips offering you only a pointy rock. You hold it up as he stalks forward.

"I-"

He clears his throat.

Then he steps closer, his long legs carrying him to you faster than you would have liked. He kneels before you and grasps your shaking hand in his. The rock is plucked from your fingers and gently placed on the ground.

He doesn't let go of your hand.

"I do not mean harm."

His voice was thick with an accent when he spoke your language, his tongue stumbling over the words as if he hadn't spoken them in such a long time.

"Stay away from me."

Your words were steady now that you had an understanding, but the debilitating panic still swarmed all around you. You watch as he stands to his full height and looks down on you, his eyes still kind and gentle.

He sighs, his chest heaving with the action, and steps back. It felt like you could breathe a little more, and think a little more with the couple feet of distance between the two of you.

There was a beat of silence where he just stared at you, those swirling pools of blue never once leaving your cowering form. He turns his back on you after a while, your trance broken as you watch him go to the water.

He steps in, walking deeper until you can't see him anymore. You wait three minutes. For what you do not know.

For him to resurface?

For bubbles to rise instead, his lifeless body sinking to the bottom?

You scramble to the water's edge, eyes scanning the depths to ensure he is truly gone. You didn't care whether he was dead or not. So why are those sad blue eyes haunting you?

‧˚₊꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒦꒷‧₊˚⊹

You don't know when you crawled back into that bed, you only knew that when you woke up, you were surrounded by fluffy pillows and thick blankets.

The lingering chill of the morning had you burrowing into the nest that had been formed around you, your mind not catching up to the present as you chased a quickly fading dream of warm hands and soft eyes.

You toss and turn, the room quickly becoming too hot for the duvet on top of you. When you toss them off your body, your sleep-addled mind and body waking up, you notice three things.

There was now a table at the bedside.

A bowl of fruit, a pitcher of crisp water, and a set of clothes rest on the rich brown wood of said table.

And the room looked different.

Instead of the deterioration that you awoke to yesterday, the temple floor was free of wreckage. No longer were there large boulders and piles of jagged rock at your feet. You could see, now that it was clean, that the floor was a beautiful, shiny marble. Now that it wasn't covered in the dust the crumbling debris caused, you could fully see the glory that was the temple.

Notes of pearl swirled along with the midnight black of the marble floor. The stonework, although still falling apart at the seams, lacked the moss and algae that muddled the gorgeous pattern etched into its surface.

It looked as if it had come alive, like you should expect a Priest or Priestess to saunter in covered head to toe in deep blue robes. Yet, despite all the change, there still wasn't a door leading out. Instead of a prison, you were now trapped inside a gilded cage.

Hesitantly, you toss the sheets off of your body and grab the soft clothing off the table. The gauzy fabric was smooth against your fingertips. White, pearlescent ruffles make up the entirety of the garment with a long, opaque, muted blue slip for modesty.

It was as extravagant as the temple around you and as it slid over your body you felt as if you belonged. Like you were made to spend your days among the worshipers of whomever this temple was dedicated.

The only thing that was keeping you from truly appreciating the beauty that surrounded you was the man who plagued your dreams. Surely he was the one to bring you food and clothes? Was he the one who cleaned? How was he able to come and go when there wasn't a door or hallway?

You couldn't imagine one person, no matter how strong they looked, picking up the massive boulders and disposing of them. Where would have have disposed of them anyway?

You chalk everything up to a trick of the mind. At first, you were focused on the water, then the man, and then everything was a blur after that. Maybe you imagined the decay that tormented the beauty of the room.

A sudden, piercing growl emitted from your stomach and you were torn away from your wondering thoughts. When was the last time you ate?

How long have you been in this place?

When you reach for the bowl of fruit, you realize just how hungry you are. Even if the delicious mango, banana, strawberries, and melon stopped the churning of your stomach and quenched your thirst, you needed something more susceptible than fruit. But it was all you had. So you eat, sticky juice coating your face and hands as you devour fruit after fruit.

The pitcher of water was a welcome reprieve from the thickness that had coated your mouth during your time on the ship. The freshness of the liquid, devoid of the salt of the sea, almost made you groan with relief.

Satisfied and clothed, you lean back on the bed.

The soft light shining above warmed you, its rays bathing your skin in comfort and relaxation. Yet, no matter how comfortable you were nestled in the fine fabrics, you couldn't shake the man from your mind.

Who was he?

Where did he go?

A splash drew your attention, the marble outside of the pool now wet with a puddle of water. The man was nowhere to be seen, but on the lip of the pool lay various bottles and a stack of white, fluffy towels.

Again, your curiosity compels you out of the bed, your bare feet padding against the lovely marble and echoing throughout the room. You inspect the bottles carefully, gently picking them up and turning them every which way.

There was no label or engraving to tell you what was inside. But once you pried the cork out of the opening, you were granted the pleasure of the soft scent of pomegranate, vanilla, and something musky.

They were soaps.

One bottle held a clear liquid that lathered quickly while the other held a thicker, more opaque liquid that held no lather at all. You assumed those were meant for your hair, with them being the biggest of the few.

There was a small bottle, its size no bigger than the palm of your hand. An extravagant oil resided in that one, smelling of patchouli and citrus. A bar of soap was the only thing left untouched, its surface rough with grains and lavender buds.

You look at your hands, noting the dirt that had caked under your nails and the dried blood that coated the scrapes on your palms. It didn't take a thorough once over to tell that you were in dire need of a bath, your scalp itchy and your body gritty.

You eyed the only source of water, hesitant to even step closer in case the man appeared again. Split between a nice, cleansing bath and the arrival of your captor, you stay rooted in place.

The soaps smelled so lovely though. And you despised the idea of being so unclean whilst lounging in such extravagance.

You bite the bullet and slowly peel the flimsy dress off of your body. When you gently dip your toe into the water, you brace for that same rumble that brought the man from the depths.

It didn't come. The only thing that greeted you was the unusual warmth of the water, further luring you inside.

There was a set of stairs that kept you safely away from the drop-off that darkened the further you looked down. You kept your eyes on the soap, intent on just bathing yourself instead of working yourself into a frightened tizzy.

You released an uncontrollable sigh, your body melting into the water as your bones and muscles finally relaxed for the first time in you didn't know how long.

For a few minutes, longer than you intended, you just sat there- soaking up the warmth. You thought about a lot of things at that time. How your family was taking your absence and how many days had passed since you last saw them. You missed them dearly and your heart ached at the thought of their sorrow.

To distract yourself from the tears that would inevitably flow if you continue down that path, you lather a dollop of soap into your hair. You scrub at your scalp, at your body, and face, watching the water turn milky with the dirt and suds.

You were focused on a particular spot on your shin when you spotted something moving beneath you. It was deep enough that you didn't automatically panic, your curiosity outweighing your instincts. But when it moved again you caught sight of a large, black tentacle.

You were out of the pool within an instant, your wet hair and body creating a large puddle. You grab a towel, not at all caring about cleaning your mess as you wrap up and hop into the only safe space you have.

The barrier of the flimsy fabric that canopied the bed would do nothing if the man decided to come back and harm you. But your confused and panicked brain decided that the bed was the only place you were safe, especially if you were buried in between the mountain of blankets and pillows.

You spend the rest of the day with a watchful eye trained on the pool, your anxious hands picking at the skin of your thumb.

[eyeless-smiles]

Fantasy AU | @cxpedcrusxder

Despite the influx of panic within the kingdom in recent years, the Nightmare has been as active as ever.

The stories that have been passed around from wary parents to their children and superstitious patrons to newcomers have done little to deswade townsfolk from enjoying the Kingdoms nightlife. Yet their panicked whispers still linger on everyone's ears.

Don't go out alone at night. Don't frequent the taverns or brothels. Be wary of handsome strangers.

Should the Corinthian steal your eyes.

It's easy to pick around those in the crowd who believe the suspicions. Who tread carefully about their business. Men who parade around with gutsy confidence are the ones who the Nightmare tends to set his sights upon.

They believe themselves untouchable. Some are squires, some are knights. Some sons of merchants with more money than they could ever hope to spend within a lifetime.

And they always fall for the same trap. A sultry, warm voice, and a smile. A simple proposition, and a cheap tavern room or a back alley.

A few minutes later, another body is added to the Corinthian's kill count. And the numbers keep stacking up.

Yet another successful night of hunting is coming to its enchanting finale. He has a cute little squire around his waist, drunkenly murmuring sweet nothings into his ear. Purring with contentment over the offered affection as he guides his company towards a more private little back alley behind the tavern.

The Corinthian grunts with surprise when, distracted with his soon-to-be meal, he bumps right into someone. The rattle of armour perking his ears.

The Nightmare staggers a little, glancing up in surprise - no wonder he hadn't seen the guy. It's a knight, dressed entirely in black armour. In a dark alley? Fucking impossible to see.

"Woah- is that..?" The squire on Corinthian's arm perks up in awe, whereas the Nightmare scrutinises the knight with mild agitation.

"You make a habit of standing in dark corners in that thing?" He disrespectfully snarks, much to the chagrin of his company.

[heartofjasmina]

(back again with another request not even two days after the first XD) (don't judge me I'm a whore for this man and you're one of the few Shinsou writers who doesn't write only female reader)

I see your incubus Shinsou and I raise you:

Dragon Shinsou.

Specifically, Dragon Shinsou in the middle of mating season, desperate to knot and breed, but still being so so so gentle because his mate is a fragile human and he might hurt them.

Do with that what you will.

-⚡

Gender neutral reader is so important!! for so many reasons, glad I can help!

::

Shinsou had many glittering jewels, gold, silver, all the treasures he could ask for. But a mate? That could only be you.

Soft, he loved soft things as much as he loves sparkle, and beautiful as the jewels in his horde. You had stumbled into his cave from the forest and within a month you had him so wrapped around your finger he couldn't imagine life without you.

But mating a dragon with a human's body was difficult, and he rumbled at your throat to help you relax to let more of his shaft inside you. Or maybe he was rumbling because of how much his skull was pounding with the need to

knot

knot

breed

BREED.

It was a struggle he was going to win every time though, because he feels your tiny soft hand on his horns as you tell him, "It's alright, I can take it. Love you, Shin.."

"Human, mine, mate." He growled pupils blown wide with need and love and desire.

"Mate." You nodded and kisssed him, over and over until he remembered you. His fragile little human in need of protecting and loving.