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autumnshighlady · 23 days

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I've Always Liked to Play With Fire (part 30)

NESTA ARCHERON X ERIS VANSERRA X FEMALE!READER

summary: it's three months since you married Nesta and Eris, and it's time for the Autumn Court to change. And the final piece of your plan begins to unfold

warnings: sexism, brief mention of SA

word count: 7.9k

DO NOT REPOST ANYWHERE

a/n: we're coming to the end of this fic, with likely only 2 more chapters left including an epilogue. there will be bonus chapters in the future, but things are beginning to wrap up. i thank you all for your support in this wild journey and hope you like where this ending is headed

part 1 // part 2 / part 3 / part 4 / part 5 / part 6 / part 7 / part 8 / part 9 / part 10 / part 11 / part 12 / part 13 / part 14 / part 15 / part 16 / part 17 / part 18 / part 19 / part 20 / part 21 / part 22 / part 23 / part 24 / part 25 / part 26 /

read on ao3

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THREE MONTHS LATER

You had lost count of how many meetings you had partaken in this month. Not a day went by where some lord or another requested an audience. Luckily, Eris had renovated his father’s old meeting room, knocking down some walls and allowing more light to get into the previous damp, stuffy area. A sweet, chilly breeze cooled the skin on your face, a welcome contrast to the thick green gown you wore. Beside you, Eris wore robes of a similar colour, as did Nesta. The three of you sat at the head of the table, elegant goblets of wine in front of you as the Master of Laws continued his report.

“There have been reports from Crepusculum claiming that Lords Greaves and Bellsbury are leading an underground system of selling females as brides or…. other things… to a select group of nobles.” The Master of Laws said, flipping his parchment to the other side and squinting his wrinkled eyes. “The main buyers are of the families of Danvers, Alden, and Crofton.”

Eris curled his fists angrily beside you. “Ah yes, more of my father’s loyalists. It is unsurprising they wish to continue the Old Ways in secret. And treasonous. How many females have been taken and sold, Master Gallien?”

You sighed. Predictably, many of the Autumn Court resisted the changes implemented. Crepusculum, a rich town North of the capital, was home to many noble Houses who spearheaded resistance to these changes. Within a week of ruling, you, Eris, and Nesta had declared several new laws. These laws forbid the selling of females for marriage, as well as cracked down on harsher punishments for any abuse, rape, or other hateful crimes. Much to the anger of the nobles, your new laws also made room for females having greater claims to inheritance, as well as equal opportunities. Eris had warned you that the first few months would be bloody, with many challenging these laws and their punishment being made a spectacle. It churned your stomach to think of how many executions would happen, but deep down you knew it was necessary, for some of these males would not change.

Master Gallien muttered beneath his breath, searching through the several pieces of parchment in his hands. “It would seem… fourteen, your Grace. Fourteen females have been sold. Several from the noble houses, but apparently they have gone after a few of the lower class females as well.”

“Fourteen…” Eris mumbled. “And you can say for sure who these creatures are that have participated in this?”

The Master of Laws nodded. “Yes, Your Grace.”

“My guards will escort your officers to Crepusculum. Bring forth everyone who has participated in such a scheme. Buyers, sellers, bystanders, all of them. They know the consequences of breaking our laws, and they will all pay the price for it. Death by dragonfire, I think, is suitable for these monsters.”

“Agreed,” said the new Master of Coin, a golden haired female named Joanna who had been appointed after her father, Josef, was kicked off of the council by Nesta for his unsavoury comments. Joanna carried herself with confidence, not batting an eye when Eris had approached her for the position. She was the first female to become a Master at the High Lord’s table in the History of the Autumn Court, a sign of good change.

You glanced towards the far end of the table on your right at the cloaked female, who gave the subtlest of nods, confirming Lord Gallien’s information to be correct. The new Master of Whispers was also one of Eris’s pick – a female named Deirdre who served as Eris’s main spy for over a century. She was a short, thin female with golden brown skin and thick black hair that was always put up in intricate braids. She had piercing yellow eyes that made even the toughest of males shy away from her. She was ever silent and ever watching, only speaking when needed but never failing to miss any details.

The rest of the royal council consisted of Lord Pellham, the Master of Ships and Trade, Lord Tarwel, the Master of War, and several notable advisors, politicians, and courtiers. All had served under Beron, but had bent the knee without question to you, Nesta, and Eris. Doubt had niggled at you at the thought of keeping Beron’s staff on your council, but Eris had reassured you. Deirdre will keep a close eye on them, my love, Eris had said. They won’t make a single move without her knowing. They value their life more than their remaining loyalty to my father.

“This will not be the end of it,” you spoke up, and everyone at the table turned their head towards you. “Crepusculum has been a consistent problem for us, and will continue to be until it is dealt with.”

“Dealt with how, your Grace?” Lord Tarwel spoke up. His tone was respectful and genuine, despite having served Beron for three centuries.

“We need more than just a few officers and guards,” you continued. “That city is infested with corruption. We need to clear it out, root and stem. Make a spectacle of going in and uprooting not just Lord Graves and Bellsbury’s operation, but dragging out the scumbags who partake in it by their hair and showing the others what will happen if we get even a whiff of their involvement in such illegal activities. One of us should go with our dragon, do the executions in the city centre where everyone can see. And assembling a team to go in and rescue not just the females in the operation’s captivity, but any other wives, sisters, daughters, or mothers who feel stuck in their situation and wish for a way out.”

The council was silent for a moment, exchanging glances. You held your breath, awaiting their reactions. Under the table, Eris’s hand gently squeezed your knee.

After several moments, Lady Joanna spoke up. “You speak harshly, but truly, High Lady,” she said strongly. “There are many clinging to the Old Ways who will be using that city as the centre of their web. Simply getting rid of Lord Graves and Bellsbury and their business partners is a short term solution, but you are correct that the problem will persist if we don’t take more drastic actions.”

One of the advisors, an aged man with a long grey beard coughed, voice trembling as he spoke up. “I understand your point, Lady Joanna, as I do yours, Your Grace. But some of those noble houses have been influential for centuries. They have been loyal to the crown for generations–”

“Not so loyal now, it would seem.” Nesta said, her voice cold as ice.

The advisor stuttered before continuing. “The… extermination… of such long standing houses would not be ideal. Their coin is valuable, as is their support–”

“Not if it comes at the expense of terrorising and abusing others,” you cut him off sharply. “We have other ways to generate coin and support. What does it say about us if we create these laws and then do not enforce them just because someone has an important family name?”

“Besides,” Nesta added, fixing a glare at the now trembling advisor. “We are not exterminating their houses, as you so inaccurately put it. These males have wives, no? Children? Siblings? We are not annihilating the bloodline of an entire house for the crimes of a few, Lord Uwen. Only the guilty will face fire and death, not the innocent. Unless you say that the House line can only continue through the male heirs?”

“Not at all, Your Grace…” He said quietly, bowing his head and sitting back in his chair with defeat.

Nesta lifted her chin triumphantly, as if daring others to challenge her. Even after so many countless meetings, it never failed to impress you how good at politics your wife was. “Good, then it is settled. Eris and I will take Athariel and Morgoth, plus a hundred soldiers to Crepusculum and deal with the situation. (Y/N), is the second quarter of Solaris ready to receive more people?”

You nodded. ‘Yes, my love. Zôrzimril will continue to guard the town while Lady Lirilla and I receive the females you escort back. Gwyn and Emerie will help get them settled in.”

After the wedding, Gwyn and Emerie had made the decision to leave the Night Court behind and stay in Autumn. It had pained them to not get to say goodbye to some of the other Valkyries, but the instability of the Night Court was not worth the risk of going back. Plus, Rhysand knew they were close friends to you and Nesta – while you didn’t think he would hurt them, you didn’t want to risk it.

Solaris was a new town that had become a project for you, Nesta, and Eris. Built from the ruins of an old temple, the three of you had decided to make it a safe haven for females not just of the Autumn Court, but of anyone seeking refuge. You wanted them to have somewhere where they could build a life in a safe place, rather than simply being kept within the confines of a safehouse or library, cut off from the normalities of life.

So for the last two months, construction had been taking place in the ruins by the river, transforming it into a small village that would be expanded upon as it grew. You, Nesta, and Eris had done much of the labour yourselves, getting covered in sweat and filth with the workers Eris had hired – workers who had baulked at seeing their High Lord and Ladies in simple trousers ready to get their hands dirty. Lucien dropped in frequently to help wherever he could, whether it be clearing out old bushes to build the foundation for a house or helping lift wooden panels onto the roofs.

Lirilla had also taken up a big role in helping Solaris. She had hired staff to assist the refugees in the main house, providing hot meals, help with cleaning, and counselling if needed. The main house served as a stage one for the females – a communal space with the option for bunking quarters or private rooms. Everything was designed with the help of Lirilla to be as inviting as possible, promoting independence but also providing assistance when needed. The Lady of Autumn constantly bustled around, making sure everything was perfect and talking to the guests in comforting, soothing tones. The main house was being expanded upon, with more and more beds being needed as the number of females fleeing their bad situations increased. Lirilla was also in charge of the trauma team, a group of healers and therapists who acted as the first point of contact for new arrivals to ensure they were not overwhelmed. Many originated from all walks of life – daughters of nobles, former maids, bartenders, all individuals who had known suffering and wanted to help.

Over the span of a few weeks, several houses were built. Some were small individual cottages while others were bigger, shared spaces. Once a female decided she did not need the assistance of the main house, they would be able to move to their own space, thus giving them the beginning of a new life while freeing up more space for others in the main house. It was a system you and Nesta had come up with together, with the help of Gwyn and Emerie. After only two months, Solaris went from a single refugee house to a small town with spaces for females to start their own businesses, supermarkets, activity centres, and more. Females had the option to work if they so choose, but it was not a requirement to maintain their spot in the town.

This had caused much outrage amongst the court, that their tax dollars would be helping fund this project. Eris had quickly squashed the anger, fiercling arguing that it was the least the noble houses could do to compensate for years of suffering inflicted upon their daughters and wives.

“It is settled then,” Eris said, clapping his hands together. “Nesta and I will leave with Athariel and Morgoth and our soldiers tomorrow at dawn. We will interrogate and prosecute those in the business of selling females. Any who are found guilty will be burned and fed to our dragons. (Y/N) will receive them at Solaris, and we will leave behind several guards and officers to make sure we have crushed this beast at its head.”

Nesta nodded, her long hair spilling down her shoulders and glistening in the afternoon light. “We must also not forget the meeting with the High Lords at the end of the month. Ensure we have everything we need ready.”

A murmur of agreements rose from the table, making you breathe a sigh of relief. The meeting was almost over. Your palms itched to get back to Solaris and work on the new stables. As much as you loved contributing to the council discussions, having Eris and Nesta there to take some of the pressure off really helped.

But anxiety began to work its way into your brain at the thought of the next High Lords meeting. Nesta had organised it, inviting every court ruler except for the Night Court. Rumours had quickly spread regarding the turmoil that Rhysand’s court was in. Thanks to Azriel’s spies, word had spread that the High Lord had planned on essentially sacrificing the Hewn City and Illyria to Koschei. While the shadowsinger did not reside in his former court anymore, he still had loyal eyes on the inside reporting every move. Several Illyrian camps were initiating uprisings, while Kier had claimed himself King of the Hewn City in defiance of Rhysand, and refused to let the High Lord enter his mountain.

But with such unrest came great danger to the innocent, that much you knew. To tackle the issue, all of the other High Lords were coming to the Autumn Court in two weeks to finalise a plan to safely get refugees out of the Night Court. With the looming threat of the Death God, every ruler knew that the only way Prythian stood a chance was to be united. Every night you tried not to think about the sick promise Rhys had made – Nesta’s life for Feyre’s. No doubt Koschei would be angry at the broken bargain and come to claim his prize, the Night Court and the Autumn Court being his most likely targets. Helion had been travelling to all of the courts, helping strengthen their wards and weave in intricate spells designed to keep enemies out. Thesan and Tarquin had been researching ways to help their cause, while Kallias and Tamlin worked together to build shelters and strongholds designed to wait out the incoming destruction. This next meeting would be the final runthrough of everyone’s plans, and the thought of it made you shake your leg nervously.

Nesta, having noticed your jitters while Eris droned on about logistics of the plan, spoke into your mind. What’s wrong?

I can’t stop thinking about him. You replied. About Koschei, how he’s coming for you. For all of us. It looms over me like a shadow, and I hate waiting on the edge of a battle I can’t escape.

Don’t do that to yourself. We will survive this, my love. Azriel is bringing the Harp and the Mask, and the Made Swords. We are not caught off guard by this and have time to prepare, time which we have used well. When he comes, we will handle it.

I thought the worst of this would be over.

You felt something tickle your hand. Peeking down under the table, a soft silver flame curled its way around your finger. You smiled.

It is, in a way. Nesta replied. We are facing this challenge as free females, not objects that are locked up until we are of use. Besides, you’re forgetting one very important thing.

And what is that?

You aren’t useless in this, you know. You are the Goddess of Life, the Mother incarnate. You brought someone back from the dead. You’ve already beaten death once, you will do it again. And you’re just now exploring what you can actually do with your magic, who knows what you’ll discover?

You knew Nesta was right. Every day, you tried to understand the powers Estelle had bestowed upon you. It was something you didn’t think you would ever understand, not fully. To consider yourself an incarnate version of Estelle seemed wrong – after all, you felt relatively normal. But deep down, you could tell there was an ancient song engraved in your bones, waiting to make its way to the surface. It felt like your body was but a cave, one that went hundreds of miles deep. And at the top, you could hear the faint trickling of water, carried from far away on a gentle breeze. But the further you fell into the cave, the stronger it became. No longer was the water trickling, but rather thrashing and pounding against the stone with the force of a thousand tidal waves. The gentle breeze became a harsh wind, a storm breaking way with thunder echoing to the ends of the world. So much power, in one body. The thought of it scared you, made you terrified to venture down that cave to face the storm. But you knew that no matter what, your powerful mates would be there holding your hands.

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

Grateful for the chilly Autumn breeze, you wiped the sweat off your brow before picking up the hammer to put another nail in the board. Dust and dirt covered your thankfully brown work trousers, made of a thick material that allowed you to kneel on the stone-floor alleyway of the barn without hurting your knees. The white tunic you wore was drenched in sweat, but was blissfully loose and light against your skin. Grunting, you hammered the nail into place, giving the wooden board a shake to check the sturdiness.

Satisfied, you grabbed the goblet of chilled water that an eager servant had brought you, downing the whole thing in one gulp.

“Pace yourself,” came Nesta’s stern voice from the other side of the stall. “We have plenty of staff already working on this barn, you don’t need to do the whole thing yourself.”

“Yes, but I like helping.” You huffed, dragging another large panel of wood off the floor and hoisting it up in line with the other one.

Nesta stood up from where she was measuring and cutting rubber mats for the stalls, resting her elbows on the top of the metal gate. You glanced sheepishly at her, taking a moment to admire her messy bun and dirt-covered face. “You’ll be no use to the females coming from Crepusculum if you’ve worked yourself to death,” Nesta said. “Take a damn break.”

Sighing, you let the wooden board fall to the ground with a clatter before slumping down onto the ground, letting your legs rest and pressing your back against the newly built stall wall. A familiar redheaded servant came scampering from around the corner with a fresh jug of water, smiling and nodding her head as she poured it into your empty cup. “Your Grace,” she said politely.

“Thank you, Adelaide.” You panted, giving her a smile. The female lit up with joy, which warmed your heart. No matter how many times you addressed her by name, it drew out the same elated reaction.

“My pleasure,” She curtseyed. “You’ve done well with the construction, my Lady. Can’t say we’ve ever had a ruler who has been willing to work with us labourers.”

You smiled again reassuringly, and Nesta spoke up. “Adelaide, would you mind getting some fruit and cheese for my wife? She has neglected to eat all afternoon.”

Adelaide’s eyes widened. “Of course, Lady Nesta. Right away.” With one last nod of her head to you, the female scurried away.

You were about to protest, but your stomach growled with hunger.

“That’s what I thought.” Nesta said smugly, coming to sit beside you. “Whatever would you do without me?”

“Die a tragic, lonely death.”

You received a sharp elbow in the side for your remark, and you both chuckled. You didn’t have to add that such a fate was almost met several times. Adelaide returned with a platter of food minutes later, and you suggested she bring a similar offering to Gwyn and Emerie, who were working in the main house with Lirilla. Smoked applewood cheddar, fresh grapes and apples, creamy brie, and red pepper jelly with crackers lined the golden platter, making you salivate.

Nesta slathered a spoonful of the jelly on her cracker with a thick slab of brie before popping it in her mouth. “This is delicious,” she mumbled. “A year ago I wouldn’t have touched any of this. Feels like a lifetime ago.”

You felt the weight of her words hanging in the air. “Things were very different a year ago,” you said quietly. “It’s been a year since my village was destroyed and Lucien took me to the Night Court. Who would have thought that this was where I’d end up?”

Nesta was quiet for a minute, as if a shadow hung over her head. “If you could change anything that happened, would you?” She asked after a while.

You thought about it, the timeline of the last year almost blurry. You hadn’t even realised that it was almost precisely a year ago in May when Hybern came for your village. Your entire life, your hopes and dreams, your plans for the future - all altered forever within that one hour. “Yes and no,” you answered. “I will always wish my parents and friends were still here. That will never go away, I think. But bad things happen, and we cannot change it now. Besides, everything that has happened led me to you and Eris.”

Nesta sighed, resting her head on the smooth wood behind her. She turned to look at you, a hint of sadness swimming in her grey eyes. “And you really think we’re worth that? That every horrible thing you endured was a price worth paying?”

It broke your heart a little to see your mate’s self-doubt. While Nesta had come a long way in her healing, there was still a way to go. The emotional wounds she carried seemed to linger, picking away at her brain and trying to bring her down. You knew the feeling.

“Yes,” you replied with reassurance, grabbing her hand and gently brushing your fingers over the stacked wedding ring set between her knuckles. Nesta smiled softly, picking up a grape and holding it up to your lips. Eagerly, you took it in your mouth.

“Well, aren’t you two a sight.” A familiar quiet voice made you and Nesta jump out of your skins. Whipping your head around to the barn entrance, your gaze landed on Azriel, who was leaning against the wooden beams with his arms crossed.

“Gods, Azriel,” Nesta snapped. “How long have you been standing there?”

He shrugged, hazel eyes flickering with amusement. “I figured I’d let you two finish up your moment.”

“You’re so fucking creepy, you know that, right?” You grumbled, picking the grapes off the floor that your knee had knocked over.

“So I’ve been told,” the Illyrian responded dryly, pushing himself off the beam and standing upright. “I am sorry to interrupt, but Gwyn told me I could find you both here. You’re wanted at the main house, Eris is on his way.”

You scrambled to your feet, brushing the sawdust off of your legs and fixing your hair slightly. Your husband hadn’t mentioned anything about a visit from Azriel today, making you worry.

“Is everything okay?” Nesta asked, echoing your thoughts.

“Generally speaking, yes.” Azriel replied, his tone giving nothing away. “I have news from the Night Court, and a delivery.”

Your breath hitched in your throat, and you exchanged a glance with Nesta. “The Troves and the Made Weapons?”

The male simply nodded stiffly, and you knew there was more but didn’t push it. Whatever it was, Azriel would likely wait until everyone was present to discuss it. Wordlessly, he turned to leave the barn, letting you and Nesta follow him.

It was a fifteen minute walk to the main house, one that was taken in silence. Nerves churned in your gut, unsure of what was to come. As if sensing that, Nesta placed her hand on your lower back, her comforting touch bringing you a moment of peace.

When you climbed the stone steps and reached the arching green doors of the main house, Azriel paused, turning around to face you and Nesta. “There’s also someone I want you to meet,” he said, voice laced with low seriousness. “She may be cautious and afraid, so be nice. Both of you.”

You both nodded, before opening the doors and stepping into the entrance hall. The large grey pillars in the hall were carved to look like trees, vines wrapped around them to create a welcoming environment. A small fire pit in the centre warmed the room, a few females scuttling about in the background under the low light.

But in front of the fire stood Lirilla, russet hair gleaming. Next to her was a small, winged female with long black hair that was braided behind her head. Her face was thin, and her hazel eyes wide like a frightened deer. Lirilla whispered something in her ear, and the female’s shoulders relaxed a little, but there was no mistaking the nervousness emitting from her. You couldn’t help but stare at the nasty scar that ran down her wings in the same spot as Emerie’s.

“My darlings,” Lirilla spoke up with a smile in your direction, her voice like warm honey. “How are the stables coming along? Not working yourselves too hard, I hope.”

“Slow but steady,” Nesta replied politely, pausing her steps a healthy distance away. You did the same. “They should be ready within a week or so.”

“Excellent!” Lirilla cheered.

Azriel stepped forward, and the dark-haired female smiled at him gently. With pride, he held out his hand and the female took it gently, coming up to stand beside him. “This is my mother, Roslyn.” Azriel said. “Mother, meet Nesta and (Y/N) Vanserra, High Ladies of the Autumn Court. Married to Eris, unfortunately.”

“Don’t be rude,” Roslyn scolded her son with a tone only a mother could possess before turning back to you and Nesta. She curtseyed awkwardly.

“There’s no need for such formalities,” Nesta said gently. “Especially here.”

Roslyn smiled shyly, letting go of Azriel’s hand. She stepped forward, straightening her spine and looking between you and Nesta. Her gaze was like fire, those hazel eyes burning with an untold story. She took your hand in her left one, and Nesta’s in her right. “It is an honour to meet you both,” she said firmly. “Azriel has told me so much about you. You poor things, you’ve been through so much…”

Azriel coughed awkwardly, placing a scarred hand on his mother’s shoulder. “Mother, we don’t need to get into this…”

“Hush,” Roslyn scoffed at him, ignoring her son. “I just want you both to know that you’ve done so much for females all across Prythian, and I thank you for it. You’re both so strong.”

Nesta blushed with embarrassment, shrugging modestly. “Well, it’s not hard to enact and enforce new laws in Autumn with two mates and three dragons behind you.”

The Illyrian female shook her head. “Not just in Autumn, darling. Everywhere.”

You frowned in confusion. “Everywhere?”

Roslyn’s hazel eyes lit up as she nodded. “It is not just word of your law changes that have been spreading amongst the courts. Everyone is talking about the High Ladies who are working among the lesser fae building a village for refugees. Even I hear whispers of it, all the way in my remote village in the mountains. You have inspired many.”

“We will discuss the impacts of your reign in our meeting with Eris.” Azriel interrupted her gently. The shadowsinger gave you a look, one that warned you to not continue that topic with his mother. An uneasy feeling stirred in your gut - Roslyn seemed like it was good news that was going to be shared, making you wonder if Azriel was not disclosing all the details with her.

“Of course,” Roslyn said, letting go of your hands and giving you both another small smile. “I must get going, I am helping Lirilla with baking. There’s much to be done, and I look forward to getting to know you both.”

She reached up and gave Azriel a kiss on the cheek before taking Lirilla’s arm, following her down one of the corridors. Once her crippled wings disappeared out of sight, Azriel let out a breath. “She will be dying to spend more time with you once she settles in, I promise. I apologise for the rushed introduction.”

“Is she coming to live here?” Nesta asked.

Azriel nodded. “If you’ll have her, yes. I want her as far away from the Night Court as possible given everything that’s happening. She has already seen enough horrors, and if she can be protected from that here, I swear to you I will be eternally in your debt.”

“There is no debt to be had, Azriel.” Your mate said gently, her eyes softened. “Of course she can stay here.”

The shadowsinger breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, truly.”

“What exactly is happening in the Night Court?” You asked, unable to hold the question back any further.

A sombre look came over Azriel’s eyes. “We will discuss it once Eris is here. I just didn’t want it brought up with my mother around. She… she doesn’t know just how bad things are, and I’d like to keep it that way until she’s settled.”

“Of course.” You replied. “I’ve never really heard you mention your mother.”

“Few know about her, not even Rhys knows where she has been living. She’s… uneasy around males sometimes. As much as I know you love Eris, it is why I hurried her away before he got here. Please, do not take it personally.”

“We understand,” Nesta said. You nodded in solidarity. With what Azriel had told you about the Illyrians, it was understandable that whatever trauma Roslyn had would make her nervous around males. It reminded you of why you created Solaris in the first place, and made you wonder how long it would take for this village to turn into a city of its own.

The sound of footsteps distracted you from your thoughts. You and Nesta both turned to see Gwyn and Emerie skipping across the room towards you. They each wore a soft chiffon dress with a square neckline and billowy sleeves - Gwyn in white, and Emerie in light green.

“Hey guys!” Gwyn squealed happily, giving you and Nesta a big hug.

“Hey!” You exclaimed through Gwyn’s tight squeeze. “What have you two been up to all morning?”

“Arranging furniture and decorations!” Gwyn said proudly.

“Correction,” Emerie scoffed, coming up behind the priestess and giving her a glare. Sweat dripped from her brow, and her dress had sweat marks on it. “I’ve been arranging the furniture, you’ve just been bossing me around and micromanaging the tiniest details.”

You chuckled, and Gwyn snorted. “It’s not my fault you have no eye for design and I have to tell you what to do.”

Emerie rolled her eyes good naturedly, giving Gwyn a light shove before turning to Nesta and you. “Azriel said we had to come to this meeting. Is it starting soon or can I return to my backbreaking labour?”

You frowned, turning to Azriel for an explanation.

“Just trust me, you’ll see why,” was all he said.

Right as Nesta began chatting with Gwyn and Emerie about the book selection for the library, the mighty doors of the hall creaked open, and that bond in your chest sang as Eris walked in.

“Ah, I see we are all here already. Lovely.” Eris clapped his hands together. “I cancelled an important meeting for this, Azriel. Best make it worth my valuable time.”

You rolled your eyes as Eris planted a quick kiss on your cheek, then Nesta’s. Your face flushed with red, and you avoided Emerie’s mischievous smile that you knew would make you laugh.

“Trust me, it is.” Azriel said. “Is the room secure?”

“Yes, but you already knew that.” Eris said sharply, eyes narrowing. “Why, may I ask?”

Wordlessly, Azriel reached into a pocket of shadows that had formed in the air beside him. In his scarred hand emerged a bundle of objects wrapped in a dark blanket. Instantaneously, the air thickened and grew heavy, an unsettling thrum of power coming from the blanket covered objects. Walking a few steps to a nearby table, Azriel set the objects down, the shadows carefully peeling away the blanket as if the things inside were ticking bombs.

Inside of the thick blanket was a golden mask, a harp, a mighty sword, and a small dagger.

Nesta sucked in a breath, her eyes glowing slightly as a humming sound emitted from the two Dead Troves and the Made blades in front of you. It was like a song of death and eternity, one that sang to the flames in Nesta’s blood. You saw her inch towards it, lured towards the objects like a sailor following the sound of a siren.

You and everyone else on the other hand, took a step back. Every part of you screamed to get away from the objects on the table. Their presence felt like oil on your skin, like lead in your bones - a rotting sickness of power yet a tempting allure at the same time. Beside you, Gwyn had tucked herself behind Azriel, her teal eyes wide with awe. The shadowsinger had an arm extended in front of her slightly, as if ready to shield her from anything the objects might do.

“Holy shit…” Emerie muttered.

“The Troves and Made blades possessed by the Night Court, as promised.” Azriel said.

Nesta blinked, as if breaking a spell between her and the objects on the table. “Rhys really let you just take them? Didn’t try and weasel his way out of our deal?”

Azriel’s face betrayed no emotion as he spoke. “Yes, right before he told me to never come back to his court. And for all his faults, his love for Feyre is enough to make him hand the troves and blades over with no resistance.”

“How is she?” Nesta asked. You could tell her voice was trying to remain neutral, but a hint of worry laced it.

“Recovering. Eris’s healers delivered her son, Nyx, a few days ago. She is in pain and will take a while to recover, but she is alive. As promised.”

Nesta breathed a sigh of relief, closing her eyes. You wondered if at that moment, she wished she could see her sister. Despite all that had happened, you knew a part of Nesta still held love for her family deep down.

“Speaking of bargains,” Eris interrupted, as if to draw the attention away from any emotion Nesta may have towards Feyre. “Any word on how Rhys is handling getting out of his deal with Koschei? I have no intention of letting a death God waltz into my court and steal my wife away because of a stupid deal he made with that bat.”

The spymaster shook his head. “No, he has bigger problems right now. That’s why I called this meeting.” Azriel took a breath, and it was the most hesitant you had ever seen the male. After weeks of him playing both sides, it had finally come for him to pick one. Whatever he was about to say was simply the final nail in the coffin that marked his betrayal to his home court.

“There has been extreme violence and rioting within Illyria and the Hewn City,” He continued. “The Night Court is a ticking time bomb on the brink of a civil war I fear it will never recover from. Everyone knows Rhys is losing control, and many hands are grasping for power and shedding blood over it.”

“We knew this already.” You said.

“My mother mentioned that you and Nesta’s recent changes and activities have influenced the other courts. She is under the impression that they are peacefully protesting for more rights and equality after seeing another High Lord and Ladies actually doing work to hel[ them. But that is only part of the truth. Several groups of females in the Hewn City have banded together, and have begun fighting back against the males. Refusing to consummate marriages, ignoring their husbands orders, things like that. And in Illyria, several females have poisoned generals or slashed their throats while they slept, demanding that if their High Lord and Lady do not fight for them, they will make sure there is no army left for them to use in battle.”

Emerie blanched beside you, looking like she was going to be sick. You felt the same, dreading Azriel’s next words that you knew were coming.

“Such unrest has not been…. met well, shall we say. Many females have died or been beaten as a result of their disobedience. But they keep fighting.” Azriel’s face was laced with sadness as he spoke.

“There’s not nearly enough females in Illyria for their tactic to work,” Emerie blurted out with tears in her eyes. “They will be slaughtered if they keep this up.”

Azriel spoke gently this time towards Emerie. “It seems they are willing to pay that price. They’re willing to die just to shed light on their situation and force their rulers to intervene. With no females, the army will not be sustained.”

“How many?” Emerie asked sternly, her voice thick with emotion. “How many have died or suffered worse fates than death as a result of this?”

“Eighty-two in the Hewn City, a hundred and thirteen in Illyria.”

Gwyn quickly moved out from behind Azriel to wrap her arms around Emerie, who stared blankly into the floor as a tear fell down her face.

“We have to get them out,” Eris spoke up, straightening his shoulders. “Before this escalates.”

“That is why I called this meeting,” Azriel said. “We are running out of time. The females are running out of time. It won’t take long for the males to crush this rebellion, despite the fact they’re fighting on two fronts: one against the females, and one against Rhysand.”

You let out a shaky breath. Just as you had planned all those months ago, the Night Court was in shambles. Rhysand’s rule was finally being questioned, his neglect of two thirds of his citizens finally being addressed – but at what cost?

“How do we get them out without entering the Night Court?” Nesta asked, crossing her arms. “We cannot cross their border to help the females, as good as the intentions are it would be considered an act of war, one we cannot risk invoking. While we have strategies with the other High Lords regarding passage into their courts, we do not have the same for the Night Court, nor have we told them how exactly we plan on ferrying the females out of Night.”

Everyone around the table went silent, the only sound being the crackling of the fire and the hum of the mask, harp, and blades. Every so often, Nesta’s eyes flicked to it, as if trying to ignore its call.

“A whisper network…” Gwyn’s quiet voice broke the silence. She straightened her spine, resting her hands on the table before repeating herself louder. “A whisper network could be the solution. Spread word amongst the females of Illyria in the Hewn City on how to escape and where to go if they want out.”

“That is a big risk, Gwyn,” Eris said carefully. “They could easily be caught, or followed. Many may be too frightened to leave.”

“But at least they’ll have the choice.” Your friend insisted with confidence. “Yes, it is a risk. Many might not make the journey, either by choice or chance. But I see no other way to do this without breaking the law.”

Eris cocked his head, contemplating the priestesses’s words before turning to Azriel. “How many connections do you still have to your spies in the Night Court?”

“Enough,” he answered. “I think Gwyn’s idea could work. If we have a solid plan and a route organised, we have a chance. But like Eris said, there’s a possibility they will be discovered and hunted down on their escape.”

“So we create a distraction,” you said, the idea forming. “Force the armies elsewhere. Even if the armies aren’t listening to Rhys as much anymore, they would still move to defend their home. All we’d have to do would be to draw them out, leaving not many left behind to guard the females.”

Eris shifted on his feet. “They could easily know it’s a trap.”

“Not necessarily,” Nesta piped up. “The Night Court knows it is hated by the other courts, just like they know that any perception of them being weak could be seen as an opportunity for others to invade. If we stage our own army to distract them just outside the borders, it would be believable. Especially if Tamlin’s army was with us.”

The next few minutes were filled with aching silence. You could see Eris’s mind turning, contemplating every outcome of the scenario presented by you, Gwyn, and Nesta. “It could work…” Eris said slowly. “And again, many females may be too afraid to leave. But at least it would be their choice.”

“We can discuss it at the High Lord’s meeting in two weeks.” Nesta insisted.

“It needs to be sooner.” Emerie said boldly. All eyes turned towards the Illyrian female. The tears in her eyes were gone, replaced with steady determination as she continued. “The females don’t have two weeks at this rate. The longer you wait, the more will be killed.”

“We can send out letters right now, requesting the meeting in two days.” You suggested. “Meanwhile, we can plan an escape route that takes them to the Eastern cove in the Day Court, just south of the Hewn City for those in the Court of Nightmares. And to one of the coastlines by the Illyrian Steppes for the Illyrian females - we can have ships waiting there. That way we can launch a distraction on the Western coast by Velaris to get the armies as far away as possible.”

Azriel perked up a bit, as if a flicker of hope was growing in his chest. “That’s doable. The road will be tricky, and difficult to navigate. It is easy to get lost. We’d have to leave some sort of trail, which is impossible.”

Nesta huffed in frustration beside you. With every step forward of your plan to help the females, a new complication arose. Without being able to step foot past the border, finding a way to guide the females would be difficult. Part of you wished you had Estelle for guidance.

Estelle.

An idea formed in your mind, a chilling re-realisation spreading over you. You and Estelle were one in the same – you did not need to seek her guidance, for it was already within you. As was the life-magic you now possessed.

“We may not be able to walk in and lay a trail, but magic could.” You said.

Eris quirked an eyebrow. “Elaborate, my love?”

You stepped back, taking a deep breath and ignored the puzzled looks everyone gave you. For weeks, you had been practising channelling your magic, trying to understand exactly what it was. You began to think of your magic as a light, a light that could be shaped and moulded into whatever you wanted – a sword for battle, a destructive blast, or simply a dust to bring life to a dying flower patch. So you summoned that familiar, warm light into your hands, and Gwyn and Emerie’s eyes widened. Within seconds, the light changed shape, morphing into a small, glowing white fox.

Eris let out a chuckle as the fox crept towards him, circling his feet before bounding down the hall, disappearing into mist before reaching the door.

“Since when could you do that shit?” Emerie asked, slack jawed.

“A few weeks now,” you replied. “I can control it pretty far, and am confident I could use my magic to create something for the females to follow.”

“Incredible.” Azriel muttered. “I could go over a detailed map with you, that way you know the exact route. Emerie, you know some of the Illyrian villages and passages quite well. You could help us out.”

Gwyn coughed, making Azriel turn towards her. You watched in amusement as she raised her chin defiantly and crossed her arms. “And what exactly can I do to help? Surely you won’t just have me sitting here on my ass. If you can get me to the priestesses, I can get them to help spread the word.”

“Absolutely not.” You, Nesta, and Azriel said at the same time.

She scoffed. “I will be helping. I don’t care if you’re my High Ladies, or my… companion. None of you get to stop me from helping see this through. I will find my way into the Library either with or without you.”

Nesta raised an eyebrow, and you knew she’d be grilling Gwyn about her slip up later. But the priestess stood firm, not backing down. Gone was the shy female who was afraid of the outside world. Gwyn would take down anyone who stood in the way of her and helping females avoid the same fate she suffered.

“Lucien can take you,” You finally said. “He’s the least likely to draw attention, and he’s been to the House before. I will get him to take you.”

Gwyn nodded. “Good.”

Azriel opened his mouth to speak, but a sharp look from the priestess shut him up.

“What are we going to do about the Troves and the weapons?” Nesta asked. “The sword and dagger I wish to keep for myself, but the harp and the mask… I have no interest in touching those things again.”

“We could ward them in the dragon cave,” Eris suggested. “Have the dragons guard them. If we need them for anything, you can summon them yourself. But only if absolutely necessary.”

Nesta nodded, her hands clenched. It was clear the mere presence of the Troves was affecting her, urging her to use them and their ancient magic. Your head was beginning to hurt from the thrum of their power. “Let’s get these blasted things away,” you said.

“I couldn’t agree more,” Eris concurred, rubbing his temples. “It is settled, then. Azriel, you will work with my love and Emerie on the escape routes for the females in the Night Court, then take Gwyn and meet with your spies. Once the route and timing is decided and confirmed with us, begin spreading the word. Nesta will send out letters to the other High Lords to move the meeting up, and I will arrange the army's movements to begin the distraction.”

This was it. The next few days would be the final step in the plan you had concocted months ago, the plan you never expected to succeed this far. After everything that had happened, this was the final hurdle you needed to jump. Just one more thing, you kept telling yourself. Just one more thing until you could finally feel at peace.

With a flick of Eris’s wrist, the Troves were gone, and everyone got to work.

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tendie-defender · 1 month

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“I want to give 25K to first time home buyers” -Kamala Harris

So like you didn’t learn anything from handing out free money to go to college or even the last time first time home buyers scheme or cash for clunkers. It just guarantees the prices on the market will increase, increases the amount of for-closers and repossessions.

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ownedbythescribe · 1 year

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Tighnari | Ephialtes

ıllı Synopsis: Nightmares can impact a person’s state of mind. It often terrorize us even in the waking world. For the calm and collected Tighnari, how would he face the night terrors that displayed his greatest fears?

ıllı Genre: Reverse Comfort, Romance, Slight Angst

ıllı Notes: Gender Neutral Reader

ıllı Warning: Use of pet names

ıllı A/N: I’m sorry it took this long to finish and publish this one. Work had been hectic these days, and it was difficult to adjust to new places. Still, I’m glad I finally finished this! Oh, and goodluck to those who will be pulling for this patch!

Dreams are images and stories the mind creates when people sleep. They are manifestations of the unconscious desires, fears, and wishes for the present.

For the people of Sumeru, they prided themselves on the fact that they did not dream and treated it as a sign of maturity— leaving behind traces of their childish selves. However, that notion changed when the Dendro Archon was saved by the infamous Traveler from the clutches of the scheming Sages. The all-knowing leaders of the Akademiya were far too ambitious that they forgot the true meaning of wisdom. They were forced to vacate their positions and repent for their sins of locking up their god to act in her stead and abusing the Akasha System. With them gone, the young goddess decided to halt the operation of the Akasha to prevent similar incidents in the future and let the people of Sumeru seek true knowledge and wisdom by themselves.

Like a newly born fowl, the people of Sumeru had difficulty finding their footing at the loss of a convenient tool. It took time to adjust to the changes established in the nation. Students started to extensively utilize the library, gathering tons of books back to their tables to search for notable information for their theses. Merchants and buyers were no different, but fortunate as it is, public libraries were readily available for their perusal.

The Nation of Wisdom changed not only in its government and economy, but also with dreams. Their sleep was now accompanied by dreams. In the vivid world of their mind, they could envision ideas they could not in the waking world. Adults who found themselves exhausted at the end of the day found solace in their rest. However, not all dreams were rose-colored. Those who did not escape the clutches of nightmare were plunged into the darkness where they come face-to-face with their trepidation.

Forest Watcher Tighnari was one of its victims.

“Tighnari! Look out!” The fennec fox heard from behind. Before he could process what was happening, a hand shoved him to the ground followed by an agonizing scream. His eyes turned to the person who pushed him away and saw your electrified figure. The pain was evident in your eyes as you desperately tried to keep your consciousness up. However, your vision slowly darkened, and you lost feeling in your arms and legs.

“(Y/N)!” Tighnari called, catching your body in his arms. He could feel the electricity bite him, but he did not care. He shouted your name once more, but it fell on deaf ears. Patches of scorched skin littered your body, and his hands shook in fear. This scene was all too familiar.

‘T-This… Is this what happened back in Pardis Dhyai?’ He thought to himself. His dual-toned orbs quickly glanced around. Dead Fatui soldiers could be seen ahead, but the glass-stained dome of Pardis Dhyai and the Padisarahs around confirmed his assumption.

Tighnari bit his lips in dread and reached out to check for your pulse. It was weak. His heart constricted at the sight of your fallen body. Losing you was and would never be an option. Immediately, he took out his first aid kid and started working on your injuries. Weakly opening your eyes, you gently held his left cheek.

“I… I’m sorry, ‘Nari. I think… this is it for…me.” Tighnari lost it. He clutched your hand and assured you that he would treat you. That you two would be home in no time, safe and sound. A small smile made its way to your lips before your hold debilitated. He sought to save you, but it was too late.

‘No… No! No! Please no!’

The Forest Watcher woke up with a start, huffing out as he searched for your figure beside him. There you were, sleeping soundly as the night went on. He let out a shaky relieved sigh before settling back into bed and pulling you closer to his chest. His hands were clammy, but having you in his arms was enough to calm him down. Feeling the heat, you opened your eyes and noticed the uneasy look on your lover’s face.

“‘Nari…? Are you all right?” You rasped, holding his right cheek in worry. His ears twitched at your voice but opted to nuzzle in your warmth. He simply continued his ministrations. Unable to fully understand his actions, you let him be.

“I’m all right. Sleep some more, Little Lotus. I’ll always be here.” He muttered. Eventually, you drifted back to sleep with the help of the sound of steady heartbeat. Tighnari smiled and kissed the crown of your head.

You were here. Alive in his arms.

The following day, you were met with a finicky Tighnari who accompanied you on patrols and fussed over the smallest of injuries. It was unlike him to be overprotective, but it felt like a switch had been flipped for him to act as such. You did not know where it stemmed from, so you let the fennec fox worry but not without assuring him that your injuries were nothing to be upset with. Nonetheless, he still applied ointments to the scratches and light wounds on your arms and shin.

“Thanks, Love. It really doesn’t hurt, but let’s go home and help out Collei with her homework. I could tell you left her a challenging one.” You teased. He sighed and let a small smile paint his lips. Dragging him home, you swiftly called out to the young lady that you would help her out with the task Tighnari assigned for the day.

Days later, you met up with a junior from your Darshan who was curious about the Forest Ranger’s responsibilities. It seemed like she had been having difficulties deciding whether she should continue with her current course or shift to another. It had been a lengthy discussion, and at one point, she even considered joining the Adventurer’s Guild instead. You urged her to take a three-day immersion with the guild, rangers, and research facility of the other Darshan she had been contemplating shifting to.

Tighnari heard about it and was curious about what you would do if you were in her position. You pondered about it.

“If I’m in the Adventurer’s Guild, I’ll be able to meet new people along the way. I get to travel far and wide despite the dangerous missions I may receive. Not to mention, Cyno told me that they hold interesting events every now and then. If I recall correctly, he said that they’re holding the King of Invocation event this year. Isn’t that interesting? ‘Nari, do you— Why do you look like a constipated Kaveh?” You raised an eyebrow in concern. His ears were up, his tail was raised, his forehead was scrunched up, and the frown on his lips was like that of Kaveh’s whenever he was frustrated with Alhaitham.

“Being a Forest Ranger is better. I’m sure you’ve seen that. We get to interact with nature, help out people who traverse the forest, protect the fauna and flora of Sumeru, and even research interesting stuff from the desert.” He chided. You tilted your head in confusion.

“Uh-huh… Where is this coming from?”

“I’m not yet done. The Forest Rangers also get to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. That’s with the consideration of overconsumption in line too. Also, we—“ You figured he must have misunderstood your answer that you would shift to being an adventurer instead. Holding his hand, you asked him to sit down for a while.

“I’m not considering it, Love. Being a Forest Ranger with you here is a blessing for me. Why would I ask for more? So you don’t have to feel queasy about it.” You replied. Tighnari was silent for a moment before apologizing.

Shaking your head, you took out a scroll from your hand and laid it on his lap. It was a layout of the giant ruin guard in Mount Devantaka. Strangely enough, a cyan Aranara appeared before you and gladly assisted you around. You got to see the flourishing plants underground and even explore the insides of the magnificent structure residing in the mountain.

“I still can’t believe an Aranara appeared before you. When will it be my turn?” He pouted. You laughed and patted his head.

“Maybe next time, ‘Nari. Maybe.”

The following weeks had been uneventful for the both of you. Wake up, eat breakfast, shower, go on patrol, come home, cook, shower, and sleep again. This mundane cycle along with occasional visits from Cyno and Kaveh repeated itself like a Samsara. It soon changed when the scholars from the Akademiya nominated your lover as Amurta’s representative for the InterDarshan Competition.

Tighnari was reluctant to accept such proposition as he seemed to see no benefit from it aside from spending time with his friends, but you pointed out that it could serve as a catalyst to spread the word about the seminar on Sumeru’s fauna you two had cooked up days prior. You presumed that people might have already gotten bored of the usual talk on plants, so why not tackle the discourse on animals considering that there were quite a number of people interested in keeping pets around the city. They just lacked the information on how to properly take care of them.

“I guess you’re right. Well then, I’ll participate in the games, but I honestly don’t expect to win. Just spreading the word about our upcoming seminar is enough. Maybe you could invite Candace and Dehya to our talk too?” He urged. Your eyes lit up at the idea and immediately planned the date go personally travel to Aaru Village.

“Oh, I should bring some cookies for them! Dehya had been bugging me about it.” You grinned. Tighnari shook his head and kissed the crown of your head. You were too adorable for him.

“Sure, Little Lotus. Let’s go to sleep?” He asked. You nodded your head and pulled him to bed. He curled his tail around you and not even five minutes have passed, you were out like light. The warmth he exuded comforted you, a reminder that he would always be there. That he loved you to bits.

Tighnari’s eyes lingered a bit longer on your relaxed figure. His thoughts made him question what he did to be this lucky to have you as his partner. When he was still a student, entering into a relationship did not cross his mind. He was simply focused on the goal of graduating. His parents would ask him here and there, but it was extremely rare. Only when he spent time with you in your final year did he find love.

“You don’t know how grateful I am to have you, (Y/N). You make every day worth it.” He whispered, sleep finally creeping into his mind.

‘I can’t envision a world without you in it.’

Time ticked slowly that night. Seconds turned to minutes before they turned to hours. Tighnari had been in a relaxed state, unknowing of the night terror ready to visit him. His dream that night started off normal with you and him visiting Vimara Village to inspect a leyline problem around it. Nothing seemed to be wrong until you met up with Alhaitham in Port Ormos for a special package from the desert.

You appeared normal to him, holding the same soft smile he admired, but Alhaitham had a different look. He suspected something was wrong when the man clad in green dipped down and whispered in your ear. It was too quiet for him to pick up, but based on the reaction on your face, it was something serious. You nervously gazed at Tighnari’s dual-toned eyes, gulping down the nervousness and grabbing his hand to pull him to a secluded area.

“I… Tighnari, I— I’m sorry. I think we should break up.” You finally revealed. The Forest Watcher was stomped. He calmly demanded the reason for it.

“Care to tell me the reason, Little Lotus? Why are you suddenly pulling this stunt?” His voice lightly cracked at the end of it. Tears trailed down your cheeks.

“I just don’t see the future I wanted with you anymore. I’ve grown tired and—“

“And you think that future is now with Alhaitham? Is that what you mean to say, (Y/N)?” A dangerous glint in his eyes shone, and your voice hitched at the intense gaze. The words you wished to voice died in your lips, but courage allowed you to at least respond with a weak nod.

Tighnari was stunned. He did not expect to see the person he loved for nearly five years slowly drift away from his arms and move to a new person. He did not know where it went wrong. He did not recognize the signs. Heck, it felt like his reality was distorted by his fears.

“I’m sorry.”

“(Y/N), don’t—!” He reached out, only to wake up in the real world. Sweat rolled down his forehead as he breathed out heavily. His hair stuck to his forehead, so he pushed them back before glancing at you. His mind was still transfixed at the dream he witnessed, too surreal for his heart.

‘I… They’re not going to leave me, right? They promised me, and I vowed the same. But what if they were already suffocating without me knowing? What if—‘ His thoughts raged on for the night. Unconsciously, he kept a tight hold on your hand. Sleep evaded him, and even when he felt exhausted, he feared closing his eyes. He presumed that if he were to fall into a dream state again, he would truly lose you.

Soon, the sun came and met the horizon, lighting the room you two shared. A stray light hit your face, and you were forced to wake up. You thought Tighnari would still be asleep, but there he was, looking disheartened and worried. You groggily sat up and asked what was wrong. The fennec fox reluctantly looked at you before nuzzling his head to your neck.

“A nightmare. A very bad one.” He muttered. It was distressing to see him act like a hurt kit, so you gently combed through his hair and assured him that it was just a dream, a figment. He wanted to believe it, he really did, but somewhere deep in his heart, he had doubts.

“I’ll go get us some warm milk. Stay here for a moment, okay, Love?” You incited, but your lover remained firm with his grip, so, with no choice, you slowly dragged him with you to the kitchen. He littered feather kisses on your neck while his tail wrapped itself around your shin. It tickled you, causing bouts of chuckles to erupt from your lips. Tighnari smiled hearing your laughter. It was music to his ears.

After drinking the warm milk you prepared and eating a light breakfast, you two went out on patrol. There were a few rangers you had to send to the desert to help out with the Akademiya’s plan regarding the educational establishments to be placed in Aaru Village. They were there along with Kshahrewar graduates to help identify the best locations to build the school and library. After receiving the reports, you had to deliver them personally to Alhaitham (he was about to step down in two days, so everybody in position was doing the best they could to use his assistance).

The fennec fox felt conflicted. He remembered his dream again, but he could not let his irrationality get the best of him. The Acting Grand Sage was still his friend, and he knew that Alhaitham would never do such a thing. Reluctantly, he came along with you.

“I presume everything is going well in the desert? If that’s so, we should be able to start the construction soon. Have you and Tighnari contacted Kaveh about this?” The gray-head asked. You glanced back at Tighnari who seemed distracted.

“Tighnari? Is there something wrong?” You asked. As if pulled out of his stupor, the Forest Watcher stammered an answer and asked Alhaitham to repeat his question. Not minding, he asked if they contacted Kaveh to help with the construction.

“I sent him a mail two days ago. I’m still waiting for his response considering that he went to the desert a week before we could confirm the list of rangers we could dispatch to the desert. We’ll get back to you once we get his answer. Is there anything else we need to remember for this project?” He inquired. You watched the Forest Watcher’s behavior intently. He still seemed distracted and worried about something. It would not be good to have him like this, and if you were, to be honest, it felt like if you did not ask him what the problem was, he would drift away. Some place far from your grasp.

So, after your talk with Alhaitham, you pulled Tighnari back to Ghandarva Ville. And as if the gods were on your side, you spotted Collei and Amir not far from the hut. You asked them to take charge for a moment while you tended to your lover. They raised an eyebrow at your words, but you told them that the Forest Watcher had not been feeling well.

“Is Master all right, (Y/N)? He’s not… sick is he?” Collei asked. You smiled and patted her head.

“He’s not, but I think he’s mentally exhausted. I’ll leave the rest of the tasks to you two. If you need help, don’t hesitate to call me. I’ll go. You hear me?” They nodded. With a nod, you returned to Tighnari who was in a daze again.

“Let’s go inside, ‘Nari. I’ll prepare the incense to help out with your anxiety. If… If you’re all right with it, please tell me what is troubling you.” You urged.

You had the Forest Watcher sit down and talk to you about his problems. He was hesitant, saying that it was stupid and ridiculous, but you assured him that you would listen to his concern no matter what.

“It’s… really just a stupid nightmare. It’s not even worth mentioning.” He replied.

“Love, you would not feel this distracted if it was just that. Plus, you know that I’m your partner. I share whatever burdens you have.” You retorted, placing your right hand on his cheek. He unconsciously held it closer to him before finally elaborating on the content of dreams. A small smile erupted from your face, happy that he was willing to open up.

As you listened intently to his dream, you could see just how insecure and fearful it made him. The thought of you leaving him like that perturbed him. So as gently as possible, you placed a soft kiss on his lips, cheeks, and forehead before nudging your nose into his.

“Thank you for telling me your fears, ‘Nari. I really appreciate the trust you have given me. It must have been scary, but know this, Love. There’s no way I’ll ever leave you. You’re stuck with me for eternity. Not like I’ll let you leave. Tighnari, you have my heart and being. I am all yours, and there is nobody in this world I would love except you. After all, whose sass did I love to bits? Whose smart and beauty did I revere? Nothing but yours. These dreams of yours? They could go to hell for all I care. I love you, Tighnari. Don’t ever forget that.” You voiced, adoration decorating your face. Tighnari almost teared up at your words. He could not believe that you were truly his as he was yours. Your kindness and patience knew no bounds, and he was grateful for it.

“Thank you, Little Lotus, for loving me and staying with me. I could not ask for anyone better than you. I love you too.” He muttered, embracing your figure against him. You smiled and kissed his nose once again.

“Next time, don’t hide things like this from me, all right? I’ll worry.” He smiled and nodded. He forgot that communication was the key to a healthy relationship. You were a great listener and would never think of even the smallest fear he had as stupid. He was right to love you with all of his being.

Please do not copy or repost my stories, but notes and reblogs are always appreciated!

#genshin impact #genshin #romance #genshin x reader #reverse comfort #tighnari x you #tighnari #tighnari x reader #tighnari x y/n #slight angst

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justbeingnamaste · 1 month

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Kamala Harris can’t answer how she’d pay for ANY of her new liberal spending schemes that will BANKRUPT our country!

"Kamala wants to spend $1.7 trillion dollars in wasteful spending, causing more inflation—and she says it’s “A MISTAKE” to ask her how she’s going to pay for it. Kamala Harris can’t answer how she’d pay for ANY of her new liberal spending schemes that will bankrupt our country. She has no clue how she’d pay for $25,000 to every first-time home buyer, including illegals. No clue how she’d pay for Free Healthcare for illegals. No clue how she’d pay for giving Social Security and Medicare to illegals. No clue how she’d pay for BILLIONS in Student Loan Giveaways. No clue how she’d pay for the $100 trillion dollar Green New Scam. And no clue how she’d pay for hundreds of billions of dollars in new Foreign Aid giveaways."

#🇺🇸🚨‼️ Trump Slams Kamala Harris in York #PA: “No Clue How to Pay for $1.7 Trillion in Wasteful Spending”.

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sydneyhomeloans · 1 year

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Residential home loans

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purpleheartskies · 1 year

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Robby was a bullied kid too

One argument against Robby being the new gen Karate Kid is that Robby wasn't a bullied kid at the start of the series. But, wasn't he?

I think the power dynamic between Robby and Trey and Cruz gets overlooked. At first, Robby seemed like an equal to them because of the laptop scam scenes. But, looking closer at Robby's overall dynamic with them, Robby was bullied by them too.

Robby didn't seem to really be friends with them. In fact, I don't think Robby liked them much at all. I've always found the physical separation between them and Robby in scenes to be interesting. When Robby came out of Tech Town with the laptop, he stood a bit away from them. When he was looking for buyers for the laptop, he was sitting while they were standing. When Johnny came to the apartment, Robby was sitting at the table while Trey and Cruz were sitting on the couches. When Trey and Cruz came to the apartment another time, Robby stood a bit away while they were at the counter eating all the cereal. When they came to talk to him about stealing from LaRusso Auto, they sat across from him. When they came to steal from LaRusso Auto, Robby stood across from them. Of course, in this case, he had decided to stand against them, both literally and figuratively.

And that wasn't the first time he didn't want to go along with one of their schemes.

After he'd stolen the laptop, they wanted to cheat the other buyers, and he didn't want to but went along with it anyway. Sure, his questioning them on that seemed moot cause he'd stolen the laptop in the first place, but I've always seen this moment as an indication that Robby is good person at heart who struggles with his morals. (People can be self-righteous about Robby's behavior because it's easy to judge others, even kids, who do questionable things to survive. This isn't to say that Robby isn't accountable but that he had reasons for why he'd sold drugs and done scams and thefts. After he found someone who believed in him and who got him to believe in himself, he made the choice to do better, even if that meant having no electricity or food when things got bad.) Anyway, in this scene when he picked up the flier, Trey asked him about it and then laughed in a derisive way, and not in a friendly joking way, about if he wanted to learn to fight. This scene hinted at Trey and Cruz being the ones in charge and at how they would put Robby down a lot.

Two scenes especially though show that there was an imbalance of power in their dynamic, with Trey and Cruz of course having the power advantage over Robby:

One was the scene when they came to the apartment and started eating all the cereal. Robby asked them not to and they just ignored him. They obviously didn't care that he needed that food. Then, they started laughing at him because of his clothes (and again it wasn't in the lighthearted way that real friends joke around with each other).

The second scene is when they approached him to help them steal from LaRusso Auto. When he turned them down, they threatened to beat him up like they'd beaten up some other kid. Robby got immediately apprehensive, as in he knew they weren't bluffing, and so decided to help them.

Based on context, Robby was only part of their crew to earn money, just enough to get by it seems. In the episode after stealing the laptop, he proudly brought home Shannon's favorite frozen pizza, saying that he bought it for her and asking to hang out. In the next episode, he was worried about Trey and Cruz eating all the cereal. He also had some basic electronics, but nothing too fancy. In s2, when he was no longer part of their crew and Shannon had left, Robby ran out of money, the electricity got shut off, and he was resigned to eating cereal with water. It didn't seem like Robby was ever really friends with Trey and Cruz, but just their partner in crime. That could be why it was so easy for him to cut ties with them when he decided to try a better way after the bonsai tree lesson with Daniel about having strong roots and visualizing and making the future he wants happen.

Robby standing up to them outside of LaRusso Auto was no different than anyone standing up to their bullies, and Robby had been inspired by his karate mentor's lesson to stand up to them. This scene doubled as Robby making the choice to change his future and as Robby standing up to his bullies.

People of course recognize the nerd trio as being bullied in school by the jocks cause the nerd trio are the "nerds/good kids" at the start of the story and that's a scenario many can relate to. That bullying was also pretty overt too. But, Robby was the "bad boy/bad kid" pulling scams with Trey and Cruz, selling drugs, and giving his parents attitude at the start of the story. When imbalanced power dynamics exist amongst "bad guys", people don't see the nuance in it because the bullied "bad guy" "chose" to be a "bad guy" in the first place. That immediately loses the bullied "bad guy" sympathy points. And with Robby's situation, it just takes looking at the context of his situation to understand that Robby had been working with Trey and Cruz out of necessity cause his parents don't care if he has what he needs to survive.

In s2, when Robby tried to confront Trey and Cruz about the stolen wallets, Daniel came out of nowhere and saved him. In kk1, when Daniel was cornered by his bullies, Miyagi came out of nowhere and saved him.

This is an interesting parallel that doesn't really get talked about much, probably because Trey and Cruz aren't considered by most fans as Robby's bullies in s1 and because Daniel and Robby aren't established as the sensei-student pair that's apparently meant to be the new Miyagi and Daniel. But, Robby in s1 is the only student that we see get the one-on-one Miyagi-Do training similar to how Daniel got the one-on-one Miyagi-Do training in kk1, and Robby used that training to stand up to his bullies and stop them a first time in s1.

I think this aspect of Robby's story gets overlooked because Robby was introduced as a "bad kid" commiting crimes and him being an "antagonist" to the "good guys" (until he became a compliant people pleaser to them in s5) has been heavily emphasized throughout the story. However, Robby was a bullied kid too in s1 with the constrast in Robby's situation being that he wasn't a "nerd/good kid" who was being bullied by jocks but he was a "bad boy/bad kid" who was being bullied by his bad guy "friends".

There's a lot about Robby and his story that makes it pretty obvious that he's the new gen Karate Kid in the show, cause he's an underdog in many ways compared to the other kids, especially at the end of s5. Sure, there are a lot of differences in Robby's story and Daniel's kk1 story, but this show itself is a new gen Karate Kid story. It's going to have a modern take to it, and Robby is the perfect example of a kid who's an underdog in life that society, including loved ones, considers to be a lost cause with little to no potential.

(Note: Please don't reblog or reply with any dismissive comment or tag expressing negativity towards the show writers, the writing, or the serious aspects of the show. Such comments/tags minimize the contents of the post. This blog (link) explains more about my general thoughts about posting after s5.)

#cobra kai is robby's story #robby keene

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thetruearchmagos · 1 year

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The Aircraft Carriers Of The UC Civil Defence Service

Hey folks! Felt bad about not releasing any Worldbuilding content recently, wanted to do something nice to get me back into the rhythm of things. Enjoy!

Tagging @lividdreamz @athenswrites @theprissythumbelina @thatndginger @the-stray-storyteller @hessdalen-globe @caxycreations @writeblrsupport

The Warp's Rescuers

For as long as the great Warp between the 12 Worlds has been plied - and that is a longer time than modern history knows - those who have sailed its depthless and endless expenses have faced death, destruction, and simple and utter disappearence as a simple risk of the mariners trade. Even the safety of the Contours is not a complete one, and it can never truly be known just how many ships have gone down with their crews in the ages past.

In the modern day, though, the business of inter-World communication and movement is a much safer one for all involved. Developments in the ships and crews themselves have certainly helped, but the creation of a truly - for the most part - international and wide reaching institution of at-sea search and rescue has saved the lives of thousands of mariners at sea. The United Commonwealth, acting primarily though its Navy and Civil Defence Service, has committed itself to this transnational endeavour with all its usual vigour, and in all its might and wealth hs provided for one capability no other state could dream of; the Rescue Carroer.

What Do You Do With A Fleet Of Spare Ships

The first trans-Warp 'Rescue Carriers' were a relatively recent development, borne out of the helpful confluenbce of two seperate events. Going into the 140s A.S., the Navy had found itself with the unprecedented luxury of having more carrier hulls than it either wanted or needed. Caught in the middle of a mass rearmament initiative on a scale not seen since the Chainbreaker War, and which would similarly find its conclusion in the 1st Great War, the Service had been inclined to retire in large numbers its previous class of 'Fleet' carrier, the Union's, in order to make room on the yards, docks, and crew and squadron rosters for the newer Valorous-class to take over. Many of the newer Union's would remain in naval service as true carriers or converted for work as amphibious vessels, but a sizeable portion of the fleet was "too old to service aircraft that weren't obsolete, too new to scrap without pissing off Parliament, too useful to consider selling to our allies, and present in too large numbers to convert". That would have left the Directorate of the Navy with quite the challenge, if an alternative and interested buyer had not made itself known.

UC-CDS Goes Inter-Global

As part of a more general bonanza towards the expansion of UC foreign policy and influence abroad, a number of schemes had been trickling in that saw the domestically minded Civil Defence Service see its purview expand well beyond Commonwealth soil. The Police Service had been in the business of overseas deployments for a century by then - and in existence for about that much longer than the CDS - but it would pose a massive challenge to the already behemoth institution to grow its reach so far. At home, CDS covered everything from the ambulance service to firefighting, and had indeed already provided assistance in a limited capacity to disaster relief operations beyond Commonwealth border. This new initiative, however, would see a far greater expansion of the CDS's resources and mandate than that, from providing full scale vaccination, medical, and firefighting services to foreign nations which lacked those services, to participating in the training of foreign recruits on UC-pattern exported equipment for their own use. It was quite a tall order, but bar one it would have been manageable.

Treaties

That 'one' was Article XXI of the Conference on Maritime Conduct. A triumph of UC statecraft, among a bevy of other treaties, Article XXI forced an absolute commitment by all signatory states to do all in their power to save a stricken vessel and its crew of any nationality or background in time of need. To meet this commitment, the rest of the government decided to dump the job onto the backs of the CDS, which had a long-running obligation to do the same for vessels nearer to UC waters as a coast guard. This would be different, however, as the treaty and the UC's chosen interpretation of its requirements meant that the CDS would need to provide coverage as much as possible to the waters of foreign states where it had never before operated as well as almost the entirety of the open oceans, and most daunting of all, the the vast and unknowable expanses of the Warp, so large that only the UC Navy itself could come close to being able to claim the ability to project assets and activity across it.

Clearly, CDS would need their help.

Old Ships Learn new Tricks

At sea SAR operations were an intensive, expensive process, and to cover the vast stretches of both the oceans pf the 12 Worlds and the surface of the Warp it was believed that only aircraft would suffice. Able to patrol vast stretches of open waves from high up and move quickly to respond to ships in need, CDS had already retained a sizeable ground-based aviation fleet larger than some state's air forces before its new mission had been shoved onto its lap. While a slight expansion of that terrestrial force could suffice to aid in near-shore overseas missions to provide maritime SAR, in the open ocean and the Warp sea based aviation would be required. Aeroships flying off the decks of CDS cutters were useful, but mostly lacked the range, endurance, or speed needed, though their ability to stay stationary while airborne at low altitudes meant they could be useful. For the issue of long-range patrolling, however, they would have to approach the masters of finding small things in a big sea with aircraft.

Smelling a potential publicity bonanza for the Service, in addition to all the actual strategic benefits behind a partnership when it came to the foreign policy of the UC, the Directorate of the Navy and Directorate-Generale of Defence quickly agreed to the proposal put forwards by the CDS. Two middle-aged Unions were first selected, the former UCS Dynamic and Dauntless who'd already had a fair decade under each of their belts. These would serve as initial training and experimentation ships, meant to allow the CDS to get some experience in the field of non-combat related carrier operations. A suite of demilitarised, and quite obsolete, aircraft was also provided to see which of them would make good patrol birds or which might fill some other useful role, such as aerial tankers or controllers. These initial tests would conclude in 145 A.S., and quite satisfactorily for all involved. It was eventually decided that a total of twenty Unions would be provided, with modification costs to be shouldered by a special Parliamentary allowance, with the ships themselves to be based in adapted civilian ports and serviced in civilian yards to take pressure off the needs of the Fleet. The first ship of this new breed, UCS Umbrage, would conclude these works in early 147, and the last, UCS Marvel, at the turn of the decade.

In addition to the ships themselves, entire new wings of the Civil Defence Academy would be created for the purposes of training the new skills these operations called for, and the Navy itself would have to impart skills and doctrines created over generations and adapted to the CDS's needs to the organisation on a wide scale. From the deadly dance of open-ocean underway refueling to the near-mystical intricacies of Warp navigation, it is a testament to their cooperation and professionalism of both organisations that in the first three years of CDS carrier operations, only fifteen major accidents occured a backdrop of near continuous and frenetic activity, none of them fatal for CDS personnel or those they were rescuing.

Good Service

The fruits of this investment, as great as it was, would quickly make themselves known. Four ships operating on the Warp's 'Layer 5' in 148 A.S., the industry preferred and officially mandated Layer for merchant commerce, would conduct an average of sixteen major missions every month each. Ranging from collisions to the wrath of an errent Warp Storm, such incidents in the past had proven easily fatal, but thanks to the timely arrival of rescue professionals guided by the flying eyes of the CDS's new carrier pilots these sailors more often than not made it out alive. Over a hundred sailors would be rescued directly by aircraft and aeroships flying from the three carriers' decks by years end, and the over two thousand saved across the Warp by the CDS and third-party ships providing assistance owed much of their survival to the crucial air provided by CDS patrol aircraft even if the carriers were not directly taking part.

Diplomatically, the knowledge that thousands of families across the 12 Worlds owed their loved-ones lives to the efforts of the United Commonwealth was quite the boon, and more broadly symbolised the UC's commitment to 'good-faith acting on the international stage' in a manner no other polity could match. The public credibility of the UC more broadly in the period was mostly on the uptick across the decade, with the exception of a few crises, and such visible policies as this were key in maintaining that credibility on the world stage.

In conclusion, it was with good reason that Foreign Commissioner Konrad Krantz, the United Commonwealth's senior diplomat across almost forty years, the architect of almost the entirety of the UC's modern insitution of statecraft, and the victor of three Great Wars, would refer to this particular piece of almost spontaneous policy as "one of the best things the Commonwealth had ever done for itself, and the rest of the 12 Worlds too I'd imagine."

#worldbuilding #writeblr #writeblr stuff #my worldbuilding #writing #my wips #my writing #original writing #HOLY SHIT this got a lot longer than I thought!#The past... Hours??? have passed like nothing!#This was fun #Time for dinner!

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the-red-mafia · 1 year

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The Plea

After L'arj Mahnnnh landed on the Red Mafia's planet, the group is forced to make a choice: risk their lives to help him or let hundreds of people perish because of it. What will happen? Also available on Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/TheRedMafia Next Update: [Updated] Word Count: 3947

L’arj Mahnnnh sat on a couch in the living room, slowly sipping a cup of tea, courtesy of Mad. He set his black cowboy hat next to him before continuing to drink. Velvet stood in front of the archway that led to the rest of the mansion while holding Kil-layye Mo’ore in her right hand. Solana also blocked the way to the kitchen with her spear. The rest of the mafia sat on the other couch, eyes locked on the man in front of them. L’arj Mahnnnh let out a sigh and set the cup on the side table.

“Now, onto business,” he said, placing his hat back on, “I should catch you up on what I’ve been doing since our last meeting.”

“Or your whole life, considering the only thing we know about you is that you’ve tried to kill us on multiple occasions,” Velvet mumbled.

“If you insist, Velvet Bolton, daughter of Unor Bolton.”

“Oh dear gods.” L’arj Mahnnnh cleared his throat.

“It all started when I was born…”

“I wasn’t always the pride of my family. I had seven siblings, so I had to make a name for myself quickly. By the time I was 10 years of age, I had already begun climbing the ranks of my clan, the Mahnnnh Klahnnnh.”

“What a name.”

“Wait for it. L’arj Mahnnnh, how do you spell Man Klan?”

“M-A-H-N-N-N-H K-L-A-H-N-N-N-H.”

“Of course.”

“Guys, let the man tell his story.”

“Don’t you mean the-”

“Thorn.”

“I soon made it up the ranks until I reached Ti-Tahnnick Mahnnnh, our previous patriarch. It was a gruesome battle that lasted for days on end. After all, I am very strong. As predicted, I came out on top and was soon named the patriarch of my clan. I was ceremoniously granted Kil-layye Mo’ore, the ancestral sword that has been passed down through the patriarchs for generations.”

“...why is everyone looking at me? It was Maroon who stole the sword.”

“We all know they did that to get on your good side.” “That is not- Maroon, that’s not what happened.”

“Uh- right. Yeah.”

“See, told you.”

“You are literally holding a weapon, of course they’re going to agree with you.”

“L’arj Mahnnnh, please just continue.”

“Of course, robot. I soon became a successful bounty hunter, bringing fame and fortune to my family. After I married my wife, we had fourteen children. I was known and feared by those involved in illegal schemes. I even did a few jobs for your father, Velvet Bolton-”

“Don’t even start.”

“That’s what I was doing when I first met Margaret Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee. A buyer was offering a large amount of money for the Custodio power gem. Little did I know that the mission would be my last. After being defeated by Margaret Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee, I returned to my home in shame and defeat. After being saved by modern medicine and my faith, my wife divorced me. I was shunned from my clan. I was forced to beg for food and shelter every night and eventually turned to crime to make money. After weeks of living on the streets, I swore vengeance on the child who ruined my career.”

“L’arj Mahnnnh, I’m really sorry that happened-”

“Hush, Margaret Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee. I don’t need your pity. I have been shamed enough.”

“I wasn’t-”

“I soon encountered you again, on my home planet, Pu Llannette, no less. I thought that I finally had the upper hand on you, but your robot assisted you in defeating me. Then you stole my family’s sacred sword, the last remnant I had of them. As you flew away, I awoke and swore that you would be my nemesis until the day I bested you.”

“Oh, I remember that mission.”

“Do you, Solana? I’d fucking hope so, considering you were the reason we were being attacked in the first place.”

“You were also being paranoid.”

“I’m not paranoid, I’m insightful.”

“Exactly what a paranoid person would say.”

“I was soon banished from Pu Llannette and forced to wander the universe. Eventually, I found a small start-up town on a newly discovered planet rich in natural mining resources. When I arrived, they were under attack from a horde of wild beasts. I slayed them all and was soon welcomed into the town. They made me their sheriff, and here I stand before you today.”

“So that’s why you’re wearing the cowboy hat.”

“Thorn, quiet.”

“Last week, the mining company of Veris arrived on our planet and has been tearing it open for its resources. We’ve lost twenty-seven people to accidents they’ve caused. Our mayor has tried to diplomatically solve the issue, but asked me to handle it from now on. I refuse to lose another home, so I ask you to assist me in expelling the Veris pests from my soil.”

The Mahogany Mansion’s living room was quiet as L’arj Mahnnnh took another sip of his tea. Both Maroon and Mad glanced towards Velvet, Mad’s screen blank. The teen narrowed her eyes at them.

“You two want to help him.” Maroon nodded.

“People are dying, Velvet,” Mad began, standing up, “We can’t just sit here and do nothing.”

“I mean, we can,” Solana chimed in, “But I agree, there’s really no risk for us. It’s not like the Veris Mining Company has great security.”

“And I can call…you know. I’m sure he’d love to help us mess with Veris,” Mad added. Velvet rolled their eyes.

“Don’t do that. L’arj Mahnnnh, where’s this planet?”

“Not too far, Velvet Bolton, daughter of-”

“You know, I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t say that every time you refer to me.”

“It’s respectful.”

“It’s annoying.”

“Mad, are you not concerned about Maroon going after…all of that?” Thorn asked. The droid turned to it.

“I am, partially. I want to do a full medical exam before we leave, but whatever magic L’arj Mahnnnh used seems to be working well.”

“Well, you must get started. We must leave as soon as possible,” L’arj Mahnnnh said, standing, “I will take my cup and wash it while you do so.”

“Oh, I can get it-”

“Nonsense, robot. Go do your medical check on Margaret Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee.” L’arj Mahnnnh quickly disappeared into the kitchen, leaving the Red Mafia alone in the living room. Velvet looked at each of their teammates before sighing.

“You all really want to do this?” Maroon stood, but looked towards the floor.

“I have to make it up to him, Velvet,” they began quietly, “I’ve ruined his whole life. This is the least I can do.” The assassin narrowed their eyes at them.

“...okay, fine.”

Maroon stared at L’arj Mahnnnh’s ship as it landed next to the Umbrella. White rocks flew in various directions when the landing gear slammed into the ground. Once his door was lowering, Mad began opening theirs. Velvet attached Kil-layye Mo’ore to their mission belt on their uniform before leading the way out of the ship. A town sat in the distance, its brown walls surrounded by mining equipment. The humming from the machines echoed faintly in the youngest mafia member’s ears.

“There it is,” L’arj Mahnnnh stated, stopping next to Maroon, “My town, Vil-Idgh.” Velvet groaned.

“I swear to gods.”

“So what’s the plan, L’arj Mahnnnh?” Mad asked. He started forward, motioning for the Red Mafia to follow him.

“Margaret Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee, you follow me. We will sabotage the mining equipment. The rest of you, split up and evacuate the citizens to the outskirts of the city. No more casualties.”

“Do you have a map?” Velvet asked. L’arj Mahnnnh nodded before reaching into a bag attached to his hip. He pulled out a small, rolled-up scroll and handed it to the teen. She quickly unrolled it and began scanning the page.

“Wow,” they mumbled, “This place is small.”

“We are a new city.”

“City is a generous descriptor.”

“Velvet, chill,” Solana mumbled. The assassin rolled her eyes but remained quiet.

“I’m going with L’arj Mahnnnh and Maroon,” Thorn stated. L’arj Mahnnnh looked down at him.

“No, Thorn Alviar, child of Eilon Hollis. This is a mission for the two of us alone.” Velvet looked up from the map and narrowed their eyes at him. Maroon looked towards Thorn, a look of confusion on their face.

“I thought your dad-” Thorn looked away, cutting them off. Solana rested an arm on the prince’s shoulder.

“It’s all good, Thorn. The two of us can go destroy some shit too.” The teen looked up at her and smirked.

“Hell yeah.”

“I guess that leaves me and Velvet as the other duo,” Mad said, glancing at the young assassin. Velvet nodded slightly, once again returning her eyes to the map.

“Alright, we’ll evacuate the citizens here,” they began, gesturing to a point on the map, “There’s no equipment over there. We’ll have to wait until they start destroying things to justify the evacuation-” They stepped onto the stone pathway of the city, where L’arj Mahnnnh immediately took a left.

“I will give you all deputy badges so they will trust you.”

“I can’t believe we’re becoming law enforcement. We were arrested less than 6 months ago,” Thorn joked, “Solana and Velvet are literally wanted criminals.”

“Shut the fuck up, Thorn,” Velvet said coldly. Solana, however, let out a chuckle.

“Yeah, it is pretty ironic.” L’arj Mahnnnh stopped suddenly, opening a door in front of him.

“Wait here.” The Red Mafia watched him enter the building before Velvet quickly turned to Maroon.

“Maroon, listen to me,” she started, “If L’arj Mahnnnh tries anything, let us know on your comms. I don’t trust him right now.”

“When do you ever trust people?” Solana muttered.

“Shut it. Do you understand, Maroon?” The teen nodded.

“I don’t think he’s going to, Velvet.”

“I have returned!” The door swung open again, nearly hitting Velvet in the face. The assassin jumped back, glaring at L’arj Mahnnnh. He gently handed a badge to each of the mafia members before turning to Maroon again.

“Are you ready, Margaret Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee?” Maroon looked up at him. He had a smile on his face and a determined look in his eyes as he rested a hand on his gun.

“Yes.”

The machine exploded in front of them as a mushroom split it in half. L’arj Mahnnnh let out a laugh as various people ran out of the fire.

“There were people in there?” Maroon breathed. L’arj Mahnnnh shook his head.

“They are just robots, Margaret Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee. Do not worry.” Maroon looked away from him and crossed their arms.

“...L’arj Mahnnnh, you know…that’s…not my name.” The man turned to look down at them.

“Sure it is. That is what your soul says.”

“What?”

“That is how I know your name. I read your soul.”

“But it’s not my name.” L’arj Mahnnnh frowned.

“I do not understand.” Maroon sighed and turned back to him.

“Margaret was the name I was given when I was born, but it’s not the one I use now. My name is Maroon.” The sheriff stared down at them for several seconds.

“I see. Alright, Maroon Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee.” Maroon smiled up at him.

“Yeah, that works.”

“Put your hands up!” A voice shouted behind them. Maroon quickly turned around to see about a dozen or so Veris guards pointing their rifles straight at them.

“I should’ve known you’d cause trouble, L’arj Mahnnnh!” one of them shouted. L’arj Mahnnnh pulled out his gun.

“I refuse to stand by while you hurt the people of Vil-Idgh!”

“So you dragged a child into helping you?” Another guard shouted. Maroon raised their hands, causing L’arj Mahnnnh to let out another laugh.

“I suggest you back off, Veris!”

“We’re not scared of a teenager, L’arj-” Mushrooms quickly surrounded them, locking the guards in a cage. A large smile was plastered across L’arj Mahnnnh’s face as he turned towards Maroon. The guards shouted from the cage but L’arj Mahnnnh set a hand on Maroon’s shoulder.

“It won’t be long now, Maroon Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee. Soon we will have them exactly where we want them.” A chill went down their spine as they looked up at him, but they remained quiet.

Rhyme plopped down on her sofa, a bowl of oranges in her arms. He picked up the remote and navigated through various channels before a bright red “Breaking News” alert popped up in the upper left corner. The thief raised an eyebrow and clicked on it.

“We’ve recently received word of an attack on mining equipment belonging to the Veris Mining Company around a small town called Vil-Idgh…am I reading that right?” A spokesperson began before glancing away from the camera. Rhyme began peeling the top orange in her bowl.

“Yeah, you’ve got it, Jude.”

“There’s no way that’s the name. That’s not a town name.”

“You’re being politically incorrect, Jude.”

“I- moving on,” Rhyme let out a chuckle before popping the first slice in her mouth, “It appears the sheriff of Vil-Idgh, a man named…fucking hell…L’arj Mahnnnh, is leading the assault, with his deputies evacuating the citizens. We go to live drone footage now.”

“You’re gonna get fired, Jude.”

“Shut up, Derek.” The screen cut away to an explosion on the outskirts of a city, debris flying off into the distance. It then cut to the road, where dozens of people were screaming and running. Someone stood in the middle of the road directing them…Mad?

“Oh you’ve got to be joking,” Rhyme breathed, quickly pulling out his phone. The phone rang a few times before the droid picked up.

“Hey Rhyme, this…isn’t a good time right now-” Mad’s robotic voice began, but the thief cut them off.

“‘Cause you’re fucking messing with Veris without me!” Mad was quiet for a moment.

“In my defence, I wanted to get you to come help. Velvet just-”

“Mad, what the actual fuck are you doing?” The voice of Velvet caused the teen to jump slightly but he quickly sighed.

“Rhyme called and-”

“Oh my gods, really? Give me the phone.” There was some movement on the other side of the line and it was quiet for a second.

“Rhyme, fuck off. We’re busy.” The thief’s eyes widened before she frowned.

“How does she know my name?” Mad sighed.

“Turns out they followed us to the roller rink.”

“Bolton, you fucking dick.”

“Are you that surprised?”

“Nah, but I kinda hoped you were better than that.”

“Sure Reuter, sure.” Rhyme frowned again.

“Don’t call me that.”

“Don’t call me Bolton.”

“No.”

“Then deal with it.”

“If you guys are done,” Mad interrupted, “Velvet’s right, we are kinda busy-”

“Destroying shit without me,” Rhyme countered, “Should’ve just invited me.” Velvet groaned. An explosion went off in the distance, causing the Red Mafia members to go silent.

“Why are you blowing shit up anyway?” the thief questioned, setting the phone down on her couch’s armrest.

“Helping out a…friend.”

“Friend is generous. We’re helping out someone who said Maroon was their fucking nemesis,” Velvet added. Rhyme suppressed a laugh.

“Now how did that happen?”

“Mad cares too much.” Rhyme raised an eyebrow.

“Do I want to know what that means?”

“We’re helping out a town who’s under the control of Veris,” Mad began, “Which Velvet thinks is ‘caring too much’.”

“No, it is.” Rhyme paused for a moment before smirking.

“Eh, I think Mad caring about people is kinda cute, actually.” It was quiet on the other end for a few seconds.

“Uh, you guys still there?”

“Yeah,” Mad stated. Velvet groaned.

“I’m on my way, Maroon. Tell L’arj Mahnnnh I said not to do anything stupid until I get there,” she muttered.

“What’s she talking about?” Rhyme questioned.

“Maroon just radioed saying they needed Velvet for their friend’s plan. She’s gone now, so.” Rhyme chuckled.

“Peace and quiet.” Mad also let out a robotic laugh.

“Yeah, I guess,” Mad paused, “So, what was that about me being cute?” Rhyme’s face went a light pink.

“Uh- just something I said to piss off Velvet. Yeah, annoying Velvet. Definitely.” Rhyme turned back to the TV. It was back to where the machinery was on fire, with Maroon and another man off to the side. A spaceship entered the planet’s atmosphere, catching their attention. Rhyme’s eyes widened.

“Shit.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Eliza’s there.”

“What? Where?”

“Looks like she’s landing by Maroon.”

“So that’s why he needs Velvet…” Mad’s voice trailed off, “I’ve gotta go help Velvet. If something else happens on the news, let me know?”

“I gotcha. Tell Velvet to not kill Eliza.” Mad was quiet for a moment.

“Yeah, I’ll do that. Bye, Rhyme.” The call ended and Rhyme looked up at the TV. Eliza Gracy stepped out of her ship, a face of annoyance on display.

That’s my job.

The ship’s door slowly lowered and slammed into the grey dirt. A woman stepped out, dressed in a tight light blue dress decorated with clouds. Velvet gripped her sword tightly behind a group of bushes, Mad behind her. A tall man helped Eliza off her ship as she glared daggers at L’arj Mahnnnh and Maroon.

“Don’t kill her,” Mad mumbled. Velvet rolled their eyes.

“Whatever.”

“Now what is going on here?” Eliza’s high-pitch voice echoed against the fallen machinery. L’arj Mahnnnh cleared his throat and stepped forward.

“Eliza Gracy, daughter of Adnan Gracy and CEO of the Veris Mining Company, I order you to dismiss your troops from my land and never return!” Eliza blinked a few times before laughing. Velvet groaned.

“Gods, her fucking laugh,” the teen hissed. Mad nodded their TV.

“Wait, how come her guards have guns? I thought it was illegal for civilians to-” “Aw, Mad thinks the law applies to rich people.”

“Listen very closely to me,” Eliza began, cracking her knuckles, “This land is uninhabited, therefore it-”

“Clearly it’s not,” Maroon interrupted.

“Fuck, shut up,” Velvet breathed, their hand shooting up to their comms, “Stop talking, Maroon.” Eliza stared at them.

“Now…where have I seen you before?” She wondered aloud, drawing a pistol from inside a silver handbag hanging on her shoulder. Velvet took a deep breath as Maroon froze.

“Mad, get ready.”

“For what?” The assassin didn’t answer.

“Oh well,” Eliza muttered, raising the weapon. Velvet jumped out of the bushes and threw Kil-layye Mo’ore towards her. The blade knocked the firearm to the ground before zooming back to the teen’s hand. Mad hastily followed, nearly tripping over a branch but joining L’arj Mahnnnh and Maroon. Eliza looked down at her fallen gun before locking eyes with the robot.

“That’s where I recognise you from,” she called out, “Mad, was it?” Mad’s screen went blank as Maroon looked up at it.

“Mad, you know her?”

“Know is a. Strong word.”

“Fuck off, Eliza!” Velvet shouted, raising her sword, “This land is taken.” The woman frowned, finally looking at the teen a metre or two in front of her.

“Velvet, Velvet, Velvet. You are so much better than this. What did you do to your poor hair? It was so-” She was cut off by Kil-layye Mo’ore slicing the side of her own hair. Eliza let out a shriek.

“There, now we match,” Velvet growled. L’arj Mahnnnh let out a loud laugh.

“You are no match, Veris! Surrender and leave now!” Eliza glared at him.

“Do you think two teenagers and a robot scare us? We have nearly half a thousand personnel arriving here shortly. I’ll offer you the same deal: surrender and leave now or face the authorities. And I’m not sure little miss Velvet here would survive that…interaction.”

“You won’t fucking-” Velvet threw the sword again, but Eliza bent over and picked up the gun. She fired a shot at the assassin that grazed their left arm. A mushroom quickly shot up in between them as Velvet stumbled back a metre or so.

“Velvet!” They shouted. Velvet bit the inside of her cheek as the pain throbbed.

“Fine!” the older teen summoned their sword back, “Take care of the soldiers!” Kil-layye Mo’ore flew towards the woman again as a bullet barely missed Velvet’s head. Mushrooms sprouted up around the whole field as Mad’s voice came through comms, asking for Solana and Thorn to join them. Velvet paused for a moment until pain erupted from her lower left leg. She quickly fell to the ground before bringing their sword up to block two more bullets.

“Velvet!” Mad called out. Maroon turned to her and their eyes widened. Another mushroom erupted as the two mafia members ran to their side, L’arj Mahnnnh not too far behind.

“I’m fine, it’s not too deep-” Velvet breathed, inhaling sharply as the pain spiked. Maroon looked them up and down before locking eyes with her. Their eyes seemed to glow a dark red, sending a chill down her spine. The younger teen turned away and raised a hand. Mushrooms sprouted on Eliza’s left leg, causing the woman to shriek and fall to the ground. The other soldiers laid on the ground useless as Maroon stepped forward.

“Maroon, wait!” Mad grabbed onto their right arm, stopping them in their tracks.

“Mad, careful, something’s wrong,” Velvet said, shooting up. L’arj Mahnnnh offered them a hand, which they took.

“Maroon, look at me.” Maroon shook their head, but Mad just repeated itself.

“Finish her, Maroon Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee!” L’arj Mahnnnh called out. The mushrooms on Eliza’s leg slowly crept up, reaching her upper body. She continued to scream out for help, but none of her personnel could do anything but watch.

“Maroon, listen to me. Don’t kill her.”

“And why not, droid?” L’arj Mahnnnh shouted, “Let her pay for my twenty-seven fallen citizens.”

“Murder is not the answer!” Mad countered.

“It will avenge them!”

“But it won’t bring them back, L’arj Mahnnnh.” The mushroom growth slowed slightly, causing a small smile to appear on Mad’s screen.

“Maroon, everyone is okay. Just turn around and look at me.” Maroon shivered before slowly turning to look at their friend. Their eyes glowed a dark red as they shook. Mad quickly pulled them into a hug.

“What’s happening?” Solana’s voice shouted from behind. Velvet turned to see Thorn and her sprinting at them. Velvet stepped away from L’arj Mahnnnh and used Kil-layye Mo’ore to steady herself.

“There’s still time, Velvet Bolton, daughter of Unor Bolton. Throw Kil-layye Mo’ore and finish her off.”

“Velvet…” Mad began. Velvet sighed, turning to Mad.

“Nah, I’m good.” Maroon’s eyes were shut tight as they gripped the droid. Thorn ran straight past Velvet and L’arj Mahnnnh and grabbed Maroon from Mad. Solana stopped by Velvet and quickly steadied the teenager.

“Literally, I’m going to start making you wear body armour,” the elf muttered. Mad turned to them.

“You don’t already wear body armour?” it demanded. Velvet shrugged.

“Don’t gotta wear armour if you don’t plan on getting hit.” Solana stared at them for several seconds.

“We are just... not even going to start unpacking that right now.” Velvet shrugged before jumping onto Solana’s back.

“Come on, we’re leaving.”

“Wait-” Velvet sent a glare towards L’arj Mahnnnh.

“Most of Veris’s troops are incapacitated right now. Feel free to do what you want with them, but we’re done here.”

“Maroon passed out,” Thorn breathed, turning to Mad. The droid carefully picked them up before turning to Velvet.

“What…happened there?” The teen took a deep breath and sheathed her sword.

“I don’t know. Let’s focus on getting the metal, you know, out of my fucking leg. Then we’ll worry about whatever the fuck happened with Maroon. Deal?” Mad sighed.

“Right, yeah. Let’s go.”

#/the red mafia #/trm part 4 #/chapter 038 #/larj mahnnnh #/mad valentine #/velvet #/velvet bolton #/solana #/solana roison #/thorn alviar #/maroon #/maroon pembrooke

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