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twig-tea · 11 months ago

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With 23.5 finally coming out, the people are rejoicing at finally getting a high profile gl from GMMTV. But there have already been several gls airing this year, including my fav TsukuTabe, that have been flying under the radar with fandom, and in general there are more gls already out there than folks seem to think. I just know you have a list of all the gls we should be watching, please share with the class!

Thank you for the ask! How did you know I had a draft of GL recs to make at some point? [Trick question, I mentioned it to you.]

It may seem like I'm out here hating on GL because i've made a couple of negative reviews of recently airing series recently (Love Senior and Chaser Game W in case you're curious) but I actually have lots of GL that I love and that I wish were better known! Thanks for sending this ask so I am inspired to actually finish it! I've limited myself to series so that I could keep the list and this post to a reasonable length. Where possible I've listed where you can find each of these and included a link. And I've included an 'elevator pitch' summary but I am NOT in marketing for a reason, so please don't roast me too hard for my terrible comparisons. Alright, enough waffling!

Twig's GL Rec List

She Loves to Cook and She Loves to Eat S1 & 2 (Japan, 2022 & 2024, both seasons fansubbed by @furritsubs; if you need help accessing this show feel free to DM me!)

Elevator pitch: Our Dining Table with lesbians and an even slower burn. Watch for beautiful food, acespec rep, mental health and therapy rep

What might turn some off: Extremely low heat, and quite slow-moving; warning for a disordered eating and family trauma plot (v gently handled)

Let's start with the one you've already mentioned. This is a heartwarming slice-of-life slow burn in which an autismspec-coded woman who likes to eat is invited by her neighbour, a femme acespec woman who loves to cook, to come and eat her food. It starts from a very practical place (when you love making food you need someone to help eat it), but their relationship grows as they spend more time together. The story follows them as they both move towards self-actualization in several ways: as a lesbian, as asexual, at work, with their families, with their friends, with each other. This show is so careful to say the important words aloud. And there is so much delicious cooking! Each episode highlights a particular recipe, and the food porn is real. Do not watch while hungry, but definitely watch. The found famiy vibes in this one one are also immaculate.

She Makes My Heart Flutter (Korea, 2022, YouTube)

Elevator pitch: Younger lesbian friend group tries to help out (slightly) older lesbian bar owner with mixed success. I can't think of a good BL equivalent, The Moment Since feels the closest with its similar bartender/patron romance

What might turn some off: Comedic tone; short runtime; struggles with being closeted

This is a gem of a miniseries about a bar owner and an interior designer who smoulder at one another while an intrepid group of younger bar regulars (including the bar owner's neice) meddle. This series is really cute, solid, and full of sapphics! Once again found family vibes are immaculate (you may sense a theme in my faves). Run don't walk.

Fragrance of the First Flower (Taiwan, 2021, GagaOOLala)

Elevator pitch: Right-person-wrong-time/second chance romance; tonally is a little like We Best Love 2: Fighting Mr. 2nd but with an ambiguous ending.

What might turn you off: Medium heat, second chance romance means they break up once, internalized homophobia, adultery/cheating, at one point there's a creepy dude, child with autism (depicted well), ambiguous ending

At its core this is a story of a woman who can't stop getting in the way of her own happiness. This series is a little more sad than the rest of this rec list but I couldn't not include it because this relationship is so poignant. Plus there's a s2 that supposedly is to come out in 2024 so maybe we'll get our happy ending after all?

Love Greater Than or Equal to 70 Degrees C (Korea, 2019, YouTube)

Elevator pitch: Ingredients but with lesbians staring at one another over beautiful tea pairings! What more could you ask for?

What might turn you off: Low heat; short runtime; ambiguous ending; like Ingredients this is essentially a long ad for the café it's filmed at.

This is a Korean miniseries about passionate tea sommeliers making really fancy tea while staring at one another a LOT. Perfect sapphic representation, 10/10 no notes. This one packs a lot of the drama tropes into its short runtime, so even though it's short it's full of butterfly-inspiring moments.

Sleep With Me (Philippines, 2022, GagaOOLala/iWantTFC/Netflix w/VPN set to Philippines)

Elevator pitch: The Truth About Cats and Dogs but the self esteem issues are handled without catfishing. BL equivalent: Hmmm. Closest I can think of is Gaya Sa Pelikula.

What might turn you off: There's some ableism (treated as such) in this show; Open ending.

Stellar GL between a late night radio DJ and an insomniac who listens to her show. One of the main couple is a wheelchair user and the show tackles ablelism and navigating disability in relationship as well as feelings of inadequacy in a relationship and how that manifests as interpersonal conflict.

Our Relationship Ended Before it Began (Korea, 2022, YouTube)

Elevator Pitch: Along the lines of I Cannot Reach You; the show gives both perspectives and they are held back by queer angst.

What might turn you off: No kiss (but they make it very clear both want to kiss), internalized homophobia

Really sweet miniseries about having a crush and being afraid of being hurt so you don't actually make a move. I really like the way the girl who has not dated a girl before defaults to gender roles and it throws the more experienced lesbian lol I also really like the way this show makes clear that both of them are waiting for a kiss, and that if you get in your head about things, it can get in the way of your own happiness!

Pearl Next Door (Philippines, 2020, Youtube)

Elevator Pitch: Gameboys but with lesbian vloggers.

What might turn you off: Love triangle, lots of teasing but low heat in the end, a lot of (good) conversations about mental health issues, ambiguous ending

This is the GL spinoff to Gameboys, starring Pearl from Gameboys. Pearl ends up being fought over by the two gorgeous women in the gif, an old love and a new. I love the queer friendships in this story as much as the relationships. I will say it's an open ending (that felt a bit like the showrunners didn't want to decide between ships) and definitely the love triangle features prominently but even in the face of these aspects that would normally turn me off a series I had a good time. The characters and interpersonal conflicts feel very real, and are allowed to be complex even when the show tone is comedic.

Dear Uranus (Taiwan, 2021, YouTube)

Elevator Pitch: Schoolgirl ensemble GL; a little like My School President but without the singing.

What might turn you off: Short runtime; ambiguous ending; a little bit of bullying; very standard romance trope execution

The first Taiwanese GL miniseries, this series was produced by a Taiwanese lesbian couple (Rabbit & Wolf)! Lots of excellent drama tropes, and incredibly gorgeous women (I think the entire watching audience fell in love with Erol.

Lily Fever (Korea, 2015, YouTube)

Elevator pitch: Complete crack; YYY but with more kissing and frankly an even less coherent story.

What might turn you off: The lack of coherent plot; less a romance and more a very thirsty lesbian kissing everyone she can

This miniseries is utter chaos. Nothing really makes sense, it's all just random excuses to cause very suggestive moments (and kissing) to happen. I love so much how this series depicts women being so absolutely thirsty for one another (and yes that date isn't a typo, this series is ~9 years old). Not an "happy ever after" ending but it really isn't that kind of story.

Chasing Sunsets (Philippines, 2020, YouTube)

Elevator pitch: Ocean Likes Me with lesbians. Resort romance with a mental health twist.

What might turn you off: Some of the mental health stuff gets intense, this was filmed in 2020 so the pandemic features heavily; hopeful but slightly ambiguous ending.

A complex story from the Philippines covering mental health and finding yourself. A woman shows up to a resort and befriends one of the women running the resort. They get closer as they spend time together, and the resort owner realizes something is off. There's also a BL side couple in this series.

Show Me Love (Thai, 2023, YouTube)

Elevator pitch: A little like My Day the series with lesbians, in that they work together and fall in love and it's full of tropes

What might turn you off: The advertising for the Miss Grand competition, there is some bullying and cheating (though way less than I was expecting tbh), not a lot actually happens, the editing gets a bit wonky at the end

This is essentially a massive ad for the Miss Grand Thailand competition; this GL was produced by the same company that produces that competition, and the stars are mostly Miss Grand competitors. The main pairing were shipped in the actual competition, and the company decided to make a GL about them. It's very slow paced and low-stakes, and there are better kisses than I expected considering everything I just said about where this show came from. There are a lot of cute moments!

Girlfriend Project (Korea, 2022, YouTube)

Elevator Pitch: Love Class with lesbians

What might turn you off: One of the leads is kind of mean in that pgitail-pulling way? It ends abruptly (but happily)

This is a short miniseries about two girls paired in a class that are assigned to "date". The chemistry is chemistrying. And there is a kiss (a good kiss, and a tiptoes kiss at that!). This show also has one of my favourite tropes, in which someone who seems like a pushover stands up for themselves and their partner finds it very attractive. For the record, in this show they are watching another GL by the same company, Love Tech.

Lulu (Philippines, 2022, Vivamax/grey)

Elevator Pitch: Present Perfect with lesbians (but with a better ending).

What might turn you off: Depictions of panic attacks, brief depiction of drowning, pandemic lockdowns, illness, exes, waffling, happy but open ending (which I actually liked for this story)

Two women trying to move on from the garbage in their lives meet at the beach of a B&B (where one saves the other from drowning) and become one another's company during their escape and then something more. They both have baggage that seems determined to keep them apart even as they continue to be drawn together. In the end, they decide to stick it out and see where they end up, with no guarantee of happily ever after, which I found very sweet. Requires either a VivaMax account or searching the grey for it, but it's worth the effort (check MyDramaList comments for suggestions on where to find it). Plus one of the leads has a cactus as a pet.

Welcome to the Lesbian Bar (Korea, 2023, YouTube)

Elevator Pitch: A little like Fudanshi Bartender but without the fudanshi bartender and all of the bar patrons are lesbians lol

What might turn you off: Short, can get a little bit preachy, abrupt ending

Cute short series with different very stories every episode as different patrons visit the bar. The stories range from women who have been together for awhile, to people meeting from an online app for the first time, to someone visiting a lesbian bar for the first time; and yet the story all weaves together in a way that's satisfying though ends abruptly. Includes some solid marriage equality propaganda.

GAP the Series (Thai, 2022, YouTube)

Elevator Pitch: Kind of the vibes of Together with Me but lesbians and in an office instead of school. Angry boss falls for charming new intern and

What might turn you off: This one is the highest heat of all these recs; homophobia especially amongst family, brief depictions of death by car, brief mentions of suicide, cheating, bullying, abuse of power in the office.

A list would not be complete without this one! Honestly the plot is a bit wobbly but the show is a lot of fun. The girls are very cute, the feelings and tension builds really well between them, the friend group is excellent, and in the special we get a wedding.

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The rest of these have caveats of one kind or another, but i couldn't leave them off a rec list, so here are the side couples and censored stories that are still worth your time anyway (I might do a separate more detailed post for these, as well as for films, one day if there's interest):

Nevertheless (GL side; Korean, 2021, Netflix) Not sure it's worth watching a whole kdrama for side lesbians? Search soljiwan on youtube. They are great. Even the Netflix account stans them. I watched this (ngl, I watched the SolJiwan cut) as it aired and was constantly braced for it to let us down but it did not! A really good friends-to-lovers story.

Friend Zone 2: Dangerous Area (GL side; Thailand, 2019, YouTube): These sapphics are messy and I love them. Decent conversation about dating someone with mental health issues in this series, and they're one of the only couples in this ensemble to get a happy ending. If you're just watching the lesbian couple (which you can, their story is pretty self-contained) you don't need to have seen s1.

Six Survivors (GL side; Japan, 2022, Viki) This show is a horror comedy and it is SO MUCH FUN. Warning for zombies and blood, but way less than you might think. One of the eponymous 6 survivors is a lesbian who keeps trying to convert them to veganism lol. If you watched Chaser Game W you'll recognize one of the actresses in this, the lead actress is from Kamisama no Ekohiiki, and one of the guys is from the prequel series His as well as I Want to See Only You! And yes there is a kiss. Also a surprising number of Mallrats references. Not for people who can't handle gore or relationships being complicated/not a "true love" story/ambiguous ending.

Kamisama no Ekohiiki (complicated question of is it GL in parts, Japan, 2021, furritsubs once again coming through to save the day) This one is a bit complex because there's bodyswap, but the girl who falls for the bodyswapped boy-in-a-girl's-body is clear that she is only interested in the girl. One of the better bodyswap stories because the bodyswap is not a secret for very long, so instead there's a lot of introspection about what gender means and who/what they are attracted to. Feels wrong to call this GL, necessarily, but it's very queer.

Couple of Mirrors (Censored GL, China, 2021, Viki) Story of a rich girl and her assassin girlfriend. This production did an amazing job getting away with what they could, just don't watch the last five minutes and we've got essentially a happy lesbian family.

Legend of Yunze (Censored GL, China, 2021, @douqi7s) Very cute very low budget xianxia miniseries with two seasons and a special. The special is set in modern times in a future lifetime so if you want a cute censored-but-clearly-a-soulmate-love-story this is the one for you. Don't be thrown off by the weird cuts/abrupt episode endings, that's in line with cdramas in general.

Led Astray by Love (Censored GL, China, 2021, @douqi7s) A very fun and adorable isekai story in which a modern day girl is transported to a wuxia novel setting and has to figure out how to get home, and gets romanced by the princess along the way.

And a few additional links for people who even more content:

My Indian sapphic webseries rec list

My suggestions for content with toms (Thai category that's similar to but not exactly the same as butch lesbians) in response to this post.

This really good GL MyDramaList list (not made by me!) lists what seems to be everything I've mentioned and about 200 more. Even I haven't seen a few of these!

My YouTube playlist of sapphic content: This includes anything I stumble across or find in my searches, a lot of music videos and random shorts as well as some microseries and miniseries that I don't consider GL but are WLW/sapphic in addition to true "GL" content. For serialized content, I add just the first ep. A complete mess, but you can trawl through to find stuff to watch, like Hetero!

SOONOTSUE: The same producers of She Makes My Heart Flutter have other short series on their channel worth checking out; if you liked that one, try Out of Breath!

Shakeshoulder: Thai YouTube producers of very pulpy (read: low budget and dramatic plots) shorts

FuFuKnows: This YouTube channel is owned by a gay Taiwanese couple that produces shorts every week, including some with GL mains and sides. These are very low budget but cover a whole swath of queer themes.

@douqi7s is a godsend providing subtitles for all kinds of content, including sapphic shorts and more series than I've listed here. Check their tumblr for links to all of their content; A Practical Guide to Being a Superstar's Assistant has one of the best setups to giving us great moments in the guise of something else so that they get past censorship I've ever seen; I also recommend The Vampires if you're into genre fiction, as well as Legend of Yunqian if you enjoyed the xianxia parts of Legend of Yunze. @wlwcatalogue did an excellent summary of many of the non-wuxia options here.

Quick pitch for the streaming platform GagaOOLala; it's affordable, has a ton of content, including a whack of GLs (originals, license series, and a ton of shorts), and is run by queer people out of Taiwan who care about good quality queer content being made and having an audience, and using the soft power from those successful series to support social change. And if you can't afford a subscription it's worth checking out what they have for free, they open up temporary free access to some things for various events throughout the year.

In searching for gifs for this post I found fellow tumblr user @drowningparty 's WLW compendium list; they've listed more series and films so check it out if you still need more content!

*wipes sweat off brow* that should be enough to be getting on with, but it's really just the tip of the iceberg! If there's something specific you want to see with sapphics let me know and I can tell you if I know it exists. Anyway, I hope this gives you and everyone else a taste of what all is out there! I of course always want more, I am serious about being a sapphic dragon hoarding every crumb i can get my lizardy hands on, but I do think what we have should also be appreciated more. If I missed one of your faves, please tell me!

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roobiedo · 24 days ago

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woe, banana trishaw be upon ye 🍌🚲

happy Solarpunk Aesthetic Week! today i give you: little concept doodle. tomorrow, who knows? 🤷

been thinking about what transportation would look like in the solarpunk noon story i've been slowly working on. rickshaws have long been a part of Asian history, and bananas play a huge role in our local culture, so i made them do the kiss and this thing was born! more details below~

is this rickshaw design functional from a technical standpoint? no, but it's okay. close your eyes. take my hand. let's imagine a better world i drew a trishaw that is anatomically accurate and focus on the fancy, scientifically-questionable features instead ✨

since in my region winter doesn't exist (yet...), my main priority was designing a vehicle that can make use of our 2 beloved seasons: hot and wet <3 i was trying to do something cool with the concept of evapotranspiration, but i don't reeeally know if this idea holds water (haha). so if any smarter folks wanna take a crack at it, i will love you forever

ok wait lemme show my inspirations

i definitely tuk some ideas from the Thai style Tuk Tuks, probably one of the most well-known modern versions of the rickshaw (the last time i rode on one my hat literally flew off in the first ten seconds. 10/10).

but my MAIN inspiration. the reason i came up with this idea in the first place...

Absolute. Bootleg. Absurdity. are you seeing this???

okay so this is in Melaka, and they are obviously tourist traps, but i love them ok. i Love them. look at how far we can push the boundaries of our silly, of our creativity. we could have this sort of whimsy EVERY DAY!!!

plus, the uncle who drove my family around last time was so enthusiastic about taking us around! he infodumped non-stop about the history and cultural significance of every landmark we passed, while laughing the whole time, and i just think that's beautiful.

and what's more solarpunk than stuffing a local beca to the brim with all the little things that we love?

look at this. imagine if they were Real, Living flowers. imagine hopping into one of these every morning. a little roving, rolling garden, taking you wherever you wish to go. each beca frame lovingly customized, harboring their own unique little ecosystems. tiny worlds to discover. imagine that subtle floral fragrance accompanying you, as you chat with your driver on the way back home. maybe you're the driver. maybe you're just a passerby, but a glimpse of that interaction is enough to make your day. maybe this can be our life. are you sold? i'm sold.

#this turned from an art post into a very personal thoughts dump and honestly? im thriving #you will look at SEAsian solarpunk and you Will like it!!!!#art #artists on tumblr #solarpunk #solarpunk aesthetic week #rickshaw #roobiedoodle #roobieramble #sorry for all the silly lines. im sleep deprived and in a jokey mood dhsjk #ohhh if you ask me about my story i will love you forever ever ever #i wanted to post a prototype of it this week but i couldnt make the deadline :(#but answering Qs might help with the worldbuilding so!!!#you can ask me about the rickshaw design too but chances are i will just cry because i Dont Know #this post is brought to you by Can't Ride A Bike Gang btw 🔥🔥🔥 we out here..............h

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phantomnecromancer · 6 months ago

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⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪Female Geto Suguru⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪

2.2k words Content warning 18+, nsfw, smut, masturbation (f + f), oral (f! receiving), fingering (f! receiving) geto in this fic is a woman btw! pt2 soon Synopsis

you. In reality, Geto Suguru saw you as nothing more than a convenient tool, a pawn in her intricate plans to manipulate curses and bend them to her will. While you showered her with gratitude and adoration, she plotted and schemed behind that facade of benevolence, using your devotion to further her own dark ambitions.

Note from the author Oh my god, I'm so sorry for the delay, I completely forgot about this account. I've been really eager to write a fic inspired by a female version of Geto. It seems like there are lots of fanarts but no fics about her female version, so I decided to create my own. Like I said, English isn't my first language, so I apologize if there are any mistakes! I really plan to keep writing for Fem Geto in the future, and I even got inspired to write more about Cult Geto because there don't seem to be many out there. Anyway, enjoy, and see you in part 2!"

―Geto suguru who was banished from jujutsu high

She is the worst curse user ever existed in the ultimate millennium

―The warm lights of the temple flickered to life. It seemed that it hadn't been in place for long; rumors circulated that the owner of the old temple frequently moved their residence. No one knew why they did it or if there was any malice behind his actions. The people didn't seem to care, as long as the burdens on their shoulders, forces they couldn't comprehend, were lifted from them. Those who visited said the owner appeared to be a very sweet person, asking for nothing in return for taking away the heavy sorrows and pain they carried.

The reason for your visit was a last grasp at hope. After consulting doctor after doctor, nothing seemed to alleviate your suffering. Gradually, you began to lose your sanity, reaching a point of no return. You felt watched, attacked, and even saw things that you knew were impossible in the earthly realm. Your pain was so intense that the thought of ending your life started to seem not so terrible.

Then, amidst the small talk of the village elders you heard about someone who, according to their words, was a god reincarnated on earth. She could lift all burdens, and her noble soul sought nothing in return. You never considered yourself a religious person; you believed it was a complete scam, a mockery of human beings to strip them of their money while maintaining a pure image in the name of a higher power. However, what did you have to lose? Your last will, crying out for a reason to live, a reason to continue existing in this earthly realm. It seemed that the location was uncertain and constantly changing, but it appeared to be on the outskirts of the village, along a road whose name you did not know.

The soles of your shoes echoed with each step as you drew closer. There was no longer any doubt; this was not the idle chatter of the old ones you had overheard a few nights ago. The temple stood before you, immaculate and serene, its presence undeniable. The fragrance of incense and sacred wood wafted through the air, enveloping you in a scent that stirred a nostalgic echo within the depths of your memory.

It was spring, the season of blossoms, and flowers adorned every corner of the sacred place, their vibrant hues adding a touch of grace to the temple's tranquility. Despite your skepticism and lack of faith in such matters, you could now understand the profound solace this sanctuary offered to its believers. The peace it bestowed upon them was almost palpable, a gentle whisper of calm in a world filled with chaos.

Now, standing before the grand wooden door, your nerves began to fray. Even in a place where the energy was supposed to be gentle and benevolent, you couldn't shake the tightness in your chest. You couldn't tell if it was due to your past calamities, that darkness that seemed to follow you everywhere, or if this place simply gave you an uneasy feeling.

As you pushed the door, the creak of the wood flooded your ears, though it was no louder than the pounding of your heart or the white noise ringing in your ears. Stepping inside, your eyes were immediately drawn to the temple's interior splendor. The walls were a rich saffron hue, and the corners were painted a beautiful chocolate color, so polished you were certain they were cleaned daily. Some walls were a deep olive, adorned with protective amulets. Before you stood a small staircase leading up to a dais with a sliding door. Your eyes wandered for a moment, your gaze fixed on the curling smoke of the incense placed on one of the shelves. It seemed there was someone there, yet your sight did not reveal them.

“Hello..?”

”―You spoke almost in a whisper, feeling like a frightened puppy with its tail between its legs. Your hands were trembling and sweaty as you tried to dry them on the fabric of your skirt.―

Moments passed in a silence so profound that the only sound was the creaking of the wood beneath your shoes. Then, the sliding door opened, revealing a female figure. She was dressed in traditional Japanese attire, a "Gojo-Kesa." The woman was quite tall, especially compared to you, the difference in height stark and almost intimidating.

Her long hair was tied in a mid-bun, so black it could easily blend with the darkness of night. Her ears were adorned with black plug expanders, adding a distinctive touch to her appearance.

Her hands were clasped together, hidden within the sleeves of her traditional attire. She walked with such elegance that it was astonishing how she made almost no sound at all. As she reached the dais, she gracefully lowered herself to the floor, one arm resting on a red bench. A smile without showing her teeth spread across her face, radiating kindness and appearing entirely devoid of any ulterior motive.

"It seems I do not recognize your face, miss. You have never been here before, have you?"

―said the woman. Her eyes fixed intently on you, and you could feel her gaze as if she were trying to read you completely, peering into your very soul. All the while, she maintained that smile. Despite her persistent smile, which initially seemed kind, you couldn't help but feel it was turning into something more sinister. You couldn't shake the nervousness that gripped you; you wanted to speak, but your vocal cords seemed to be playing a cruel joke on you.―

Your voice came out almost in a whisper, your head spinning and feeling how your legs gradually weakened.

"N-no, I've never been here before,"

you felt the urge to escape, the air was thinning, and a pressure on your chest assured you it wasn't just your minor issue weighing you down.

"Headaches, dizziness, feeling watched, hallucinations, and paranoia isn’t it?"

she said, the smile creeping never leaving her face, almost as if she were mocking you. Her purple eyes stared at you as if finding amusement in your distress.

"H-how do you know that?" ―you stutter, your hands now clasped tightly in front of your body. ―

"Come closer to me, darling." her voice flowed like honey, contrasting with the mocking tone of her voice. Her hand gestured for you to approach her, her body still laying lazily towards the bench.

The sound of your shoes echoing on the polished wood was the only thing audible in the room. Her eyes never left yours, making her intimidating, yet her physical allure was undeniable. You had never felt physical attraction toward a woman before, especially someone who, with just a gaze, could make your stomach tighten and your head spin.

Her arm lazily lifted, as if she were swallowing something with her hand. Gradually, the heaviness that had been tormenting your shoulders began to dissipate. Your eyes widened in shock, a look of utter disbelief spreading across your face. Meanwhile, the woman's expression turned to one of satisfaction as she held what appeared to be a yellowish orange crystal ball.

"Better?" she says with a satisfied smile on her face, as if she knew and took pride in her powers. It was as if she saw you as an inferior being to her, as if you didn't matter, an empty shell.

You felt completely liberated, the weight on your shoulders finally gone, and that feeling was enough to overshadow your doubts and fear of the intimidating woman before you.

"How..?"

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

―Weeks passed, and it seemed you couldn't stop wandering around the same place whenever you could. You were so grateful to that woman that you felt you owed her your life. Her kind smile always thanked you for the small gestures, or that’s what you thought. Whether bringing incense or flowers to decorate the temple. You even stayed to clean and polish those chocolate-colored wood floors you adored so much.

Geto detested you, hiding that with her usual kind smile, applying sanitizer whenever she could, when you weren't looking or after you'd left. Yet, in her own words, you were the best-behaved monkey she'd ever seen. It seemed you genuinely believed she had made that gesture to help you, to help others, and to lift that weight from their shoulders. The reality was different: absorbing curses to store them and use them to her advantage for her new world.

"Miss Geto, I brought flowers! Where should I put them?"―

You say happily. almost adorably, holding a bouquet of lavender, Geto's favorite. Her gaze returns to you, briefly eyeing your petite figure, that fake smile without using her teeth that she usually gave you. She shifts her usual posture, spreading her arms to point with her finger at a white vase adorned with blue decorations.

Happily, you place the lavender bouquet in the vase, your smile never leaving your face. You even came often to pray, spreading gratitude to the strange woman you believed enjoyed your presence. You are so foolish, thinking she enjoyed those little conversations you had with her or thought well of you. She saw you as nothing more than a mere toy to be used, just a simple monkey and nothing more.

As you sat down to pray as usual, your knees on the floor, you cursed yourself for wearing such a short skirt. It rolled up to your thighs each time you bow your head to the ground, showing those white panties that you carefully chose every day you went to the temple, like she was going to see them. The thin fabric barely covering your puffy folds that were already soaking wet— poor baby It wasn't your fault— she just looked so pretty every time and you couldn’t resist yourself. You just wanted to catch her attention. You wanted her to see you, to know you existed. You lived for her praise and that small smile that tugged every time you remembered her favorite flower or her favorite scent.

You didn't know why you felt this way; you had never felt any physical or emotional attraction towards a woman before, but with her, it was different. You wanted her to see you, your heart pounded every time you saw her arrive or whenever her eyes lingered on you for just a moment longer.

And for mere seconds, you felt her gaze. Your head was on the ground, hands placed in front of you, and you deliberately shifted your hips forward, causing your skirt to lift, revealing the view of soaked panties, showing the thin fabric almost completely transparent with how wet your core was. You could feel how everytime you shifted yourself to sit down the friction in between bows, leaving a wet strip of juices all over the floor.

This action did not go unnoticed by the dark-haired woman, and for the first time, a slight smile crossed her lips. Her purple eyes carefully examined the girl's figure. Of course, she noticed your advances, every time you blushed when she looked at you for more than a few seconds, or when she gave you empty compliments but your eyes seemed to sparkle every time she said them.

I wouldn't lie to you; she didn't deny finding the power difference over you fascinating. You might even seem adorable to her in her own way. She might even consider you deserving in her new world—the only monkey she wouldn't mind having by her side.

When she saw you innocently stand up after pretending not to notice that you had done that just to get her attention, a small smile graced her lips. You innocently adjusted your skirt, and it seemed you didn't even bother to wipe that spot in the floor where your wet pussy grazed.

As usual, you bid her farewell with an innocent smile, lifting your head to meet her gaze, hands clasped together as you bowed slightly. Your eyes eager to take in every detail of the girl, hoping for her usual smile in return.

——————————————————————————————————―――――――

—She didn't deny it; she had spent a long time doing absolutely nothing since leaving the academy. Her world was her only priority; she needed nothing else, and nothing would give her more pleasure than the outcome of a world without monkeys. However, in the darkness of her room, it seemed to be the opposite.

Hand pressed into her sensitive bud, her index finger doing circular motions as she cupped one of her breasts pinching her nipple. Her forehead glistened with sweat, her mouth slightly open, and her back slightly arched. She felt ashamed to stoop so low—how could she, a monkey, wield such power over her? Days had passed, yet she couldn't stop thinking about her. She couldn't understand if it was her lack of intimacy in these past 10 years or simply falling for her charms. It was pathetic and it made her entire worldview shift—everything she believed was right, that mental state and opinion she had taken so long to accept, reduced to a mess of moans as she put two digits into her pussy pumping in and out. She could feel her walls clench more with the thought of her tongue inside your pussy, drinking your sweet juices. Her fingers finding that sweet spot that could make you see the stars in mere seconds. Her mind raced as she remembered you bending, showing that pretty cunt of yours, only serving to feed her thoughts further.

Note author : This fanfic almost made my head explode! I'm the biggest hater when it comes to multi-part fics, but I swear I even fell asleep with the laptop on my legs. I hope to finish it soon, hopefully within this week, and not take a whole month just to complete one part.

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qlfilmingupdates · 9 days ago

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QL Release Schedule (January 2025)

This Month:

🇹🇭 The Boy Next World: January 5 🇹🇭 Ossan's Love Thailand: January 6 🇰🇷 Influencer Lover: January 6 🇯🇵 When It Rains, It Pours: January 10 🇯🇵 Call Me By No-Name: January 10 🇹🇭 Adrenaline: January 10 🇯🇵 Baban Baban Ban Vampire: January 11 (anime) 🇨🇳 I'll Turn Back This Time: January 11 🇹🇼 Impression of Youth: January 15 🇹🇭 Club Friday: Theory of Love: January 17* 🇹🇭 Us: January 18 🇨🇳 When We Meet/Fireworks of Yesteryear: January 19

Upcoming:

🇹🇭 Reverse With Me: February 5 🇹🇭 Flat Girls: February 6 🇻🇳 Fight for Love: February 7 🇹🇼 Exclusive Love: February 14 🇯🇵 BBBV: February 14 (live action version) 🇹🇼 Fragrance of the First Flower Season 2: February 18 🇹🇭 Jack & Joker (Special EP): February 22 🇹🇭 Eye Contact: March 5 🇹🇭 The Red Envelope: March 20 (unofficial date- not 100% confirmed) 🇯🇵 Cherry Magic the Musical: April 11-20 (live, in-person event with no streaming option [at least so far], but I thought it might be nice to add it to the list given the number of adaptions)

*tentatively adding for now because I don't know if this could be considered a BL (if it isn't, I will go back & remove it)

Index

#monthly release schedule #ql filming updates #gl #ql

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museenkuss · 12 days ago

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i wanted to know how to get into perfumes, and more specifically (at least to begin with) how to distinguish notes, so that i can know what kind of scents i like

im embarrassed to go to high end stores and try perfumes without buying tho, and at the average commercial perfume store the place smells so strongly itself that i can't really appreciate the smell of the perfume. also a lot of the products they have are very sweet, which i don't like

anyway, any tips?

Hi Love!! Thank you for your patience 🌹

I'm so happy you're interested in getting into perfume, it's such a fun hobby! But I also know what you mean, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. In this, I tried my best to focus on the two parts [1] How to get started with distinguishing notes (& figure out what you like) and [2] How to test perfumes in store. These are tips based on what I did (and do), so there are no doubt other (maybe better?) ways, but this was my starting point ✨

[1] How to get started with distinguishing notes (& figure out what you like)

First, knowing the basics will make this journey a lot easier. A scent usually has top, heart and base notes that develop while wearing, scents are traditionally grouped into scent groups (fresh, fruity, woody, etc). [I’m keeping this super short here bc this is already rather long, but I can give a more detailed explanation/introduction if you’d like! ♥️]

Before you go into the store, where the selection and atmosphere might be overwhelming, I suggest doing some research at home. That way, you can go into the store with an idea of what you want to try. The tools that I can really recommend are fragrance database websites. My go tos are fragrantica and parfumo. On those websites, you can look up any perfume and you will find a breakdown of their notes. There are also categories that users vote on, such as season this fragrance is best worn in, gender or occasion it’s suited for, price, performance etc. You can also search by notes. Now what I did when I first got into fragrances:

If you already have a few scents you like, you can check those scents on a database and see what scent profiles they have. I didn’t do this by note, but by “main accords” — as in, what overall impression this scent gives (sweet, fresh, white flowers, woody, animalic, musky, powdery…). So I listed all perfumes I could think of that I liked (having smelled them before, gifts etc) and went through them one by one. I.e. Dior Addict is described as sweet, white flowers, etc, and the notes are jasmine, orange blossom, vanilla, etc. I listed the descriptions, then went to the next, checked if the descriptive adjectives were on my list, added another mark for those or added the new descriptions. It was a lengthy but fun process and in the end, I had a list that showed me that I liked fragrances that were in the white flowers category (for example). As you can see, I didn’t go into the notes themselves (orange blossom, jasmine, vanilla), BUT you could do that, too, for a more detailed understanding of what notes you already enjoy smelling. This process will give you an idea of what you already like, and then you can already get a vague idea whether a scent you’ve heard of or seen online might be something you enjoy, without even having smelled it.

Additionally, once you know this, you can pay attention to those notes in scents. As in, you now know you like scents that have mango (for example). Smelling the scents you own, you might now be able to detect that yes, they all have a mango note in common (or maybe you don’t know what orange blossoms smell like, but now you notice they all have something in common — that might very well be orange blossom!). This is a possible first step to “training” your nose. Perfumers (and hardcore enthusiasts) have scent libraries (boxes with little bottles, expensive) that have the pure scents, as in, pure musk, orange blossom, sandalwood, etc. I haven’t looked into getting one of these libraries (yet?), which of course would give you an exact answer as to what each note smells like. My amateur approach was basically rooted in trying to understand what I liked based on fragrances alone. It worked for me, however: I had a fragrance that I was completely in love with, for example, but I couldn’t have told you what it smelled like apart from “pure heaven”. I smelled it again years later and could detect that it has jasmine and orange blossoms, two notes I love. In this process, it also helps to now and then try scents that pride themselves as smelling like specific things. The names usually give it away: Jasmine et Cigarette, Tubereuse Noire, Bare Vanilla, etc.

If you don’t have scents you already know you like, I would suggest finding lists of scents that are grouped together. You could either check the “mango” note on fragrantica (to continue w this example), or you could look up “mango perfumes” on Pinterest, where you will find collages, lists etc as well. (Just be careful when it comes to subjective lists like “sexiest scents” — that can be inspirational, of course, but those aren’t notes or scent families). That way, you have a few scents in mind with a note (or scent accord) you’re interested in, and you’re ready for testing! (Both to see whether you like the scents, and to see whether you can pick out the notes you’re interested in)

This process is meant to help you find which notes you like, and maybe how to detect a first handful of notes in a scent. You also might have a list of scents you want to try, now.

[2.1]Trying scents in store — a few general tips

I know perfume stores especially can feel intimidating. But I promise, most shop assistants are genuinely nice. And with perfume especially you have to keep in mind that testing and re-testing is expected. Most people don't buy a perfume at first sniff (or shouldn't, at least). Going to a store to test fragrances is like going to a store to try on clothes. It's part of the process, you have every right to do that. So don't feel bad for wandering into a store to sniff two fragrances and then leave.

If the store is busy, you will most likely be left alone. If someone flutters by and asks if they can help you, you can usually fall back on “Not at the moments, thank you” (<- maybe you might want to strike up a conversation later? “Actually, I’m looking for a perfume that smells like clean laundry—“) and, ALWAYS: you’re looking for a gift for someone else. That way, they won’t be tempted to try and convince YOU the scent is perfect, because they don’t know the person it’s for (this works with anything btw, jewellery, bags…).

If the store is too boujee and the people working there are genuinely rude — fuck them. Not worth your time. You have every right to enjoy fragrances, they are not an authority on who gets to enjoy what based on the fact that they work in a store. Hello?! The nerve of some people. Don't let that get you down, it's them, not you.

If you’re uncomfortable going alone, you will most likely be left alone if you have a friend with you — and it might make you feel more comfortable.

[2.2]How to try a fragrance

Locate the tester strips, select one, and spray it once or twice. Shake the strip like you would flap a fan so the scent can settle (and you don’t get your nose wet when sniffing the paper). You can either sniff the strip of fan the tester in front of your nose so the scent wafts over. If there are no tester strips available or you’re in a hurry, you can also try sniffing the bottle cap (if available) — the scent has settled there and you’ll immediately get the full scent profile without waiting for it to settle and develop.

You want to try something but the store is overwhelmed with scent? Spray a tester strip and take it outside. You can spray multiple, too, and mark them (I usually rip off the end of one, fold the other, keep one as it was) — just be careful that you’re not folding them all up together in your pocket while they’re still wet, the scents might mingle too much.

Your nose will get overwhelmed if you try too many scents, even with the coffee beans they keep around, so really, you could walk in, locate three scents you’ve been meaning to try (or maybe you see a bottle that looks funky and you'd like to smell that one, too), and leave the store within 10 minutes. You don't have to spend ages in the store, is what I'm trying to say.

Outside, you can take a whiff from the papers.

[2.2]A last little add-on: Buying a fragrance

Always test a fragrance on skin before buying. It smells different than on paper. Also I advise you to always test a scent multiple times, on different days. A good salesperson will actually advise you to do that, too. “Walk around, come back later or another day” <- if they don’t suggest that, you can say it yourself. “Thank you for your help, I’ll see how it develops on skin :)”

This got very long and it still feels like there is so much left to say. I really hope it helped at least a little and somewhat answered your questions!! Please let me know if there is anything else, I'd love to help!! And I've been thinking - maybe a guide would be really helpful. The differences between fragrantica and parfumo for example, or what scent families there are, stuff like that was besides the point here but still important. I'm rambling, but this was over 1k of words and I was unsure whether it was enough haha 🌹 Either way, again: I hope it helped!!! Kiss kiss!!!!!!

#ask #flakon

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allthenobodyppl-fics · 2 months ago

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Arousal Poisoning (Chapters 1 to 3)

Fandom: MCU Loki

Pairing: Soft Dark!Loki x Reader, or Soft Dark!Loki x Original Female Character, depending on reader interpretation.

Other Characters: Mobius, B-15

Rating: Explicit

Status: Completed

Summary: This takes place in season 1, episode 2 of the Loki series; before Pompeii. Mobius takes Loki and a team of hunters to a Nexus event on some inhospitable planet. Mobius and Loki are supposed to investigate the event before the branched timeline collapse, but a trap poisons Loki and a (female) Hunter, causing them to fall into their baser instincts… Or, in other words, a sex pollen, drug-induced, rough sex smut fest.

Warnings: Soft Dark!Loki, Smut, Sex Pollen, Drugged Sex, Rough Sex, Consensual Sex, Slight Fluff

“Alright, team,” B-15 announced as a time door closed behind the last hunter stepping through. “This is one of the most inhospitable planets in this side of the galaxy, and the only thing here is this prison.” She pointed her thumb behind her where a formidable building lies. “This is where they chuck the most hardened criminals and toss away the key. Now, everyone inside is dead – they’re not supposed to be dead; that’s the Nexus event – so be prepared to see some horrible shit. The next guard shift change is in a week, so we have plenty of time before the branch collapses. We’re supposed to take readings and investigate the area; find out what the Variant took and why. Keep your eyes peeled and be careful of your surroundings. Let’s move.”

“How thrilling!” Loki quipped as he walked beside Mobius.

“Yeah, okay, calm down,” Mobius scolded, “don’t look so excited, you’re weirding everybody out.”

Loki huffed and jammed his hands into his pockets.

They entered the building and the first thing to grace their presence was a bloodbath.

One of the hunters whistled. “Yeah… everyone’s dead alright.”

A female Hunter made a soft sound of disgust at the back of her throat.

“Not used to the horrors of battle?” Loki mocked. “Thought you TVA agents have seen it all.”

“Don’t talk to me,” she deadpanned.

Loki’s shit-eating grin turned into a pout.

“Come on, Loki, make yourself useful.” Mobius pulled Loki further into the prison. “What do you see?”

“Death.”

“Yeah, no shit, Sherlock. What else? What was your Variant looking for?”

“How should I know?”

“Loki!”

“Fine, fine, give me a minute.”

The female Hunter followed along. “This doesn’t make sense,” she said. “The Loki Variant had been killing our people this entire time. They usually spared the people on the timeline. Why did they massacre everyone here?”

“Well, these are the worst of the worst, and I guarantee you the prison guards aren’t any better. Maybe… altruism?” Mobius replied.

The Hunter snorted, “A Loki? Yeah, right.”

Loki gave the Hunter a side-eye.

“Anyway, we’re not here to figure out why they killed everyone,” Mobius explained, “we’re here to find out what they took, why they took it, and what they plan to do with it.” Turning, he said, “Did you sniff anything out yet, Loki?”

“‘Sniff anything out?’” Loki spat. “What do you take me for? A dog? First I was a little pussy cat, and now I am a little lap dog?”

“Now, don’t get so sensitive–”

“I am not being sensitive, you are being rude–”

The Hunter left them arguing amongst themselves to take readings elsewhere. Her readings began to ping the closer she got to one of the hallways. There was… something… sitting on a table with a piece of newspaper covering it. She gingerly pulled the newspaper away and let it fall to the floor.

“The fuck?” she uttered. It looked like a huge flower bud the size of a basketball. The dark green sepals wrapping around the petals had golden veins running through them, veins that seemed to glow with a pulsing heartbeat. The very tippy top of the bud had some deep red petals peeking through. There was a sickly sweet fragrance emanating from the bud. Leaning closer, the Hunter could see a trickle of golden viscous liquid seeping from the top where the petals were. The bud twitched and the Hunter jumped back.

“Hey… guys?” the Hunter called out. “You should come check this out…”

Loki looked in her direction and his eyes almost popped right out of his skull. He pointed at the bud and screamed, “Stay away from that!”

Read the rest of the story at AO3 here: Arousal Poisoning (Chapters 1 to 3).

#loki #tom hiddleston #loki fanfic #tom hiddleston fanfic #soft dark!loki #soft dark loki #loki x reader #loki x original female character #loki x you #mcu #marvel #loki fanfction #tom hiddleston fanfiction #allthenobodyppl writes

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sorceresssundries · 3 months ago

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The Faerie Tale of Demelza Starsong

Chapter 1 of 2

I have written a very self-indulgent backstory for my new OC! Inspired by classic fairy tales. (I just had to get it out of my system)

She is a Wood-Elf Warlock, and this is how her story started.

Deep in the Neverwinter Woods, where the forest teemed with so much life that the wind that whipped through the trees could be mistaken for its very breath, a small community of wood-elves thrived.

Their world was vibrant and joyful. They prospered below the towering trees crowned by clouds and birdsong, and above water that gathered in pools so green and still, outsiders had mistaken them for sheets of untouched jade. Many times, the lost or the bold had been dragged into their emerald depths by creatures not even the most ancient of forest-dwellers could name. Often, as the elves bathed and the little ones splashed in the woodland waters, the bones of the covetous and curious crunched beneath their bare feet, destined to feed the floor of the land they had tried to pillage. To nurture the forest as unforgiving as it was beautiful.

In this place, a great beauty was born to parents who worshipped the hunter Mielikki. With hair as black as winter midnight, and eyes as gold as sun rays through shadow. The girl grew in peace and contentment, nourished by the warmth of her family and the sanctuary of the forest. She flourished, as the beautiful often do.

But…the brightest flowers are easily plucked, and so it was with Demelza.

As Demelza blossomed, so too did her pride and vanity. She became acutely aware of the beauty that set her apart and the adoration it stirred in others. Eyes that once merely passed began to linger, hungry and captivated, and what had begun as innocent gazes soon turned to greedy, covetous stares. Hands that were once respectful became bold, reaching out to touch her. She basked in it, revelling in the flattery, in the sensation of being wanted. She believed herself blessed with all that mattered, certain that everything else would follow.

But, it was never enough. She possessed the heart of a dreamer and the soul of the wild.

Restless and unsatisfied, Demelza sought solace beyond the boundaries of her village. The warmth of community no longer called to her—what was it compared to the thrill of romance and adventure? Many evenings, she would escape into the deep woods, climbing into the boughs of untouched trees, where she could be alone beneath the stars. There, she would gaze at the heavens, her thoughts flickering like the distant lights that peeked through the canopy. She bathed, unafraid, in the jade pools that few dared approach, her naked form glistening beneath the moonlight. Creatures that made mortal men tremble flitted about her, their dark eyes watching as if mesmerised. She laughed as they swam around her feet, her laugh a bright, clear chime which, eventually, summoned and enraptured a being of deep and ancient magic.

She was discovered by an Eladrin. A fae creature of beauty and grace who had been touched by the seasons.

He was tall and lithe, with skin green and soft as the year’s first leaves. His long, flowing hair was unlike anything she had ever seen. Lush and mossy green, threaded with delicate flowers —petals of pink, white, and lavender woven seamlessly into his strands. The fragrance of them clung to him, and the air was sweeter for it. His eyes were the deepest emerald, and as they gazed at her, she felt as though the whole forest had turned to look at her.

He was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen, and for the first time in her life she felt dull and grey in comparison. The air felt lighter, the colours of the forest sharper, more vivid. Demelza felt something stir deep inside her, a flutter in her chest that was new and exciting.

He told her his name was Panos, and like the spring he resembled, he brought her to life.

He spoke words made of silver and starlight. Of unending devotion, and unbreakable bonds.

They fell into love like a dream unfolding, slowly at first, then all at once.

He would meet her in the quiet places of the woods where even the wind held its breath. They shared hours beneath ancient trees, exchanging whispers that felt like secrets. They began to explore each other’s hearts - and, inevitably, each other's bodies.

One evening, under a canopy of blossoms that he summoned from the branches above, they laid together on a bed of soft moss. The air was thick with the scent of spring flowers, their petals drifting down like confetti. Their gazes met, and in that shared glance, something unspoken passed between them. His hand reached out, fingers tracing the line of her cheek, the curve of her jaw, before tangling in the dark waves of her hair.

Her breath hitched, heart racing as his touch set her skin alight, each brush of his fingers making her feel more alive, more desired than ever before. They moved slowly at first, exploring the contours of one another like explorers holding a precious discovery between their fingers. His lips, warm and soft, placed kisses along her neck, her collarbone, her chest, and to her it felt like worship.

Beneath him, Demelza felt herself unravel, her pride and vanity stripped away. His touch was different from the lovers she had known before - She could feel it in her soul and not just her skin.

She was not just beautiful to him; she was everything.

As their bodies intertwined, they moved in rhythm with the pulse of the forest. The soft rustle of leaves, the gentle hum of the night, mirrored the beat of their reckless hearts. Time felt as though it had slipped away, and there was nothing else but the two of them.

When it was over, they lay together, limbs entwined, her head resting against his chest as he wove his fingers through her hair. The stars above seemed brighter, the air fresher, as if the forest itself had blessed their union.

From that night on, they were rarely apart. They made love in hidden glades, beside the jade pools, and beneath the swaying boughs of the great trees. With each touch, each whisper of her name, Demelza felt herself fall deeper under Panos' spell, lost in a love that consumed her more with every passing day.

As their love deepened, Demelza began to pull away from the life she had known. The village that had once been her home, the family that had cherished her, began to feel distant and small. What were the simple joys of her people compared to the wonder and magic that Panos had shown her? She spent less and less time with her parents and her friends. Her bow gathered dust, and the songs of the forest that had once called to her now were only echoes of music heard countless times before.

Her new home was with him, deep in the untouched corners of the forest, where no mortal had ever set foot. Panos would tell tales of the Feywild, of its endless twilight and shimmering courts of faerie. He spoke of rivers made of silver, where the moon herself bathed, and meadows that bloomed with flowers painted colours mortals couldn’t even imagine. Every moment with him felt like a dream she could not bear to wake from.

Her parents noticed the change in her, but no words of warning could reach her. They pleaded for her to return, to remember her roots, but Demelza was lost. In her heart, she knew that she would soon leave her village for good, and the thought brought her no sorrow. After all, Panos had promised her a life of eternal beauty and love. What more could she want? She would often dream of the Feywild, imagining herself crowned with flowers, dancing through its endless forests, her hand forever in his. And every time Panos spoke of their future together, it felt as though the Gods themselves whispered his promises in her ears.

But there were moments - fleeting, like the shadows of clouds across the moon - when Demelza felt a strange unease. Sometimes, in the quiet moments when Panos was not speaking, when his touch lingered just a little too long, there was a darkness in his eyes, an unsettling depth that reminded her of the creatures lurking beneath the jade pools of the forest. But these moments passed quickly, brushed away by his gentle words and his radiant smile.

And so, Demelza remained entranced, unaware of the shadows his ancient light cast. For he was no ordinary Eladrin, he was a noble, an archfey, and a being of spectacular power.

One sweltering day in the height of summer, when the air hung thick with heat and the forest buzzed with the languor of it, Demelza flitted through the treetops like a wisp of wind. Her steps were as light as a shadow, the golden sunlight dappling the earth far below her. The canopy above whispered secrets only the wind could carry, and something caught her sharp eyes - a visitor.

A human. Young, awkward, lost.

Demelza could tell from the way he moved, uncertain and slow, his armour too large for his slight frame, clinking and groaning as he stumbled through the undergrowth. Sweat trickled down his neck, dampening the blonde curls that clung to his flushed skin. His expression was one of determination, but his steps were full of hesitation. She smiled to herself. How sweet he looked with his rosy cheeks and wide, sky-blue eyes, so out of place in the ancient, untouched forest.

Perched silently in the boughs, Demelza watched him for a moment longer. She could see the way his gaze darted nervously, how he wiped his brow in frustration. His lips moved in prayer - a plea to a God she did not know.

"A boy" she whispered to herself, though he was no child in the eyes of men. But, to Demelza, and in the world of the fae and the forest, he was something fragile - a leaf caught in the currents of a much older magic, blown far away from home.

Deciding she would help him, for he was no threat to her, Demelza descended gracefully from the trees, her feet barely making a sound as she landed softly before him. The human gasped, stumbling back, his armour clinking loudly in the stillness of the forest. His eyes widened at the sight of her - her black hair falling like night around her shoulders, her golden eyes molten and warm.

"Pardon me, my lady," the youth stammered, bowing clumsily, his armour creaking under the strain. His face flushed red from more than just the heat. "I did not mean to trespass... I would not wish to anger a nymph" His voice cracked with nerves. "I’m searching for my company, but I seem to have lost my way."

A nymph? How human, she thought.

Demelza’s smile widened. “Do not be afraid, sweet stranger,” she said, her voice like the rustle of leaves in the wind. “You are no trespasser here. Let me guide you.”

Her voice was the softest sound he had ever heard, and his anxiety melted away. He stared at her in awe, barely able to believe that such a creature had appeared before him. She looked nothing like the spirits of his stories. She was more radiant, more perfect than anything he had ever imagined.

Demelza extended her hand, gesturing for him to follow. The young man’s cheeks flushed deeper, and he nodded, unable to take his eyes away from the beauty of her. As they walked, Demelza guided him effortlessly through the dense undergrowth, her steps barely making a sound, while he stumbled and clanked in his heavy armour.

When they reached the edge of the forest, the young soldier hesitated, his gaze lingering on her, filled with the light of a first love. “Thank you, my lady,” he said, his voice thick. “Without your help, I would have wandered for days. I... I must repay you for your kindness. I am Jorge. My company is camped nearby, and we will be here for another tenday. Please, allow me to bring you offerings. I—" He hesitated, then added with an innocent earnestness, "It would honour me to see you again.”

Demelza’s grin turned soft, amused. “Your presence has been gift enough,” she replied, but he shook his head insistently.

“No, I must repay you,” he said, his eyes filled with devotion. “I will leave my gifts here at midnight, and I pray you will accept them.”

“Very well,” she agreed, indulging him. “I will look for your offerings, and I shall meet you here again, at midnight.”

With a clumsy bow, Jorge turned and walked back toward the world of men, leaving Demelza standing at the edge of the forest, her eyes lingering on his retreating form. It was a sweet, harmless encounter, she thought—a pretty distraction, nothing more.

But the forest had eyes, and not all of them were kind.

Over the next few nights, Demelza slipped away from Panos while he slept, making her way through the trees to meet the boy who wished to honour her. She had no need for his gifts—golden coins, silk, and shining stones—but she accepted them all with a playful smile. After all, she had done him a kindness, had she not? Surely, she deserved some small reward for her good deed.

Jorge would always be there, waiting for her in the moonlight, his face full of youthful devotion. One night, he presented her with a topaz, gleaming like sunlight trapped in stone.

“The colour of your eyes.” He said. “The gods themselves must be artists to create eyes in such a shade.”

Demelza’s heart thrummed with the thrill of being adored, “Keep it,” she told him with a smile. “As a reminder of me.”

She would stay with him for an hour each night, and he would tell stories of his home and his family who waited for him, he would read her poetry he had written - and his words shone with such fervour, she thought she had never heard such truth or beauty before.

“Read me more, please” She had asked as he rested against the trunk of a great oak, and she lay upon one of the boughs above him, her raven hair dangling down like sweeping tendrils of blackest willow.

“I will read you them all” He promised. “When I return, after the war, I will recite every work of the great poets. The ones who crafted whole worlds and endless magic out of ink and paper. Who have forged oaths and built cities for their beloveds out of nothing but words. I would read you the first letters of love ever written, and every one since - and it would still not do my feelings for you justice.”

He was only twenty, untouched by another’s heart or hands, and he believed, in the purity of his love for Demelza, that this was the happiest a person could ever be.

Demelza did not love him as he loved her. Yet she had enjoyed his company—more than his gifts, more than the trinkets and baubles he brought. It was his poetry, his stories, his innocent and unblemished adoration that had woven itself around her, like the softest silk, binding her to him in a gentle, fleeting affection.

And so, when the time came for him to depart, the boy from the city was stricken with grief. His heart was heavy as he wandered through the forest for what would be their last meeting. There were no poems on his lips this time, no glittering stones or silks in his hands—only the weight of sorrow. His wide eyes gazed up at the branches where Demelza had often perched, committing every detail of her home to memory, as if doing so might keep her closer.

He felt it then—a sensation of being watched.

“Looking for someone, young one?” a voice called out from the shadows.

Jorge turned and beheld a figure stepping out from between the trunks of two great oaks. Panos, shadowed and skulking, his eyes shimmering in the dark. Though the boy had never met him, the presence of the Eladrin filled him with awe - and dread.

Panos had changed. He was no longer the embodiment of spring with his fresh green hues and delicate blossoms. No longer the nimble figure of beauty that Demelza adored. Now he was summer, fierce and searing. His skin had deepened into a burnished copper. His hair, once a crown of wildflowers, now blazed like fire—a mane of molten red that crackled and shimmered as if alive. His once bright, chime-like voice had transformed into something darker, heavier—a slow burn of embers beneath a surface of smouldering fire.

"I… I am meeting somebody," Jorge stammered, his voice trembling. "My love. I’m… I’m bidding her farewell."

Panos smiled, though there was no warmth in it, only a thin curve of cruelty. "Ah, Demelza," he said softly, the name rolling off his tongue like a sigh. His eyes bore into the boy's, sharp as a dagger. "She does not love you. You are a fool to think otherwise."

Jorge hesitated, his confusion deepening, caught between the weight of Panos' gaze and the strange mixture of jealousy and something resembling pity in the Eladrin's words.

Panos stepped closer, his movements graceful, his voice now smooth and silken, wrapping itself around the boy’s mind like ivy choking a tree. Each word slipped beneath his skin, sinking deep, and squeezing his freshly-touched heart. The voice was no longer just around him, it was inside him—low, feral, an echo that rumbled through the tender caverns of his innocence and kindness. It scraped at those gentle parts, tearing them apart, shredding them into raw strips of pain and confusion.

"But you could make her see," Panos purred, his words like velvet over glass. "You could make her understand. Don’t you deserve more from her?"

The boy’s heart quivered. He loved Demelza with all the purity of youth, but this ancient magic, the subtle malice in Panos' voice, began to twist it. It began to rot. He no longer felt the sweet joy of loving her; instead, a creeping bitterness seeped into his bones.

"I… I don’t know," Jorge whispered.

Panos circled him like a predator, his gaze never leaving the boy, his words soft, darker now, almost a whisper in his ear. "You were nothing more than a passing fancy to her, a pretty trinket, a toy. Is that what you want to be? A discarded thing?" His eyes gleamed with a cruel light, "Or do you want more?"

Jorge trembled, his heart torn. This ancient, insidious magic, was too strong for one as soft as him. It dug into his mind, warping his thoughts. The pure, untainted love he had for her now festered, darkening into something light could no longer reach.

Panos' voice slipped deeper, each word like venom. "You deserve her love, her devotion. She should be yours."

"I just… I want her to know… how much it hurts"

"Then go," Panos whispered, his voice dripping with poison disguised as honey. "Go, and make her understand. Show her what it means to cast aside a heart so freely given."

Jorge’s eyes glazed over, the life and light that had once danced in their blue depths now dulled, muted, dead. His mind was no longer his own, fully entangled in Panos' thrall. The love he had once cherished had soured into vengeance.

With a final nod from Panos, Jorge turned and began to walk back into the forest, his steps steady, his heart twisted, his hand drifting toward the hilt of his blade. He marched toward the place where Demelza waited, all of his poetry forgotten.

#bg3 #bg3 oc #Demelza Starsong

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e-dubbc11 · 1 year ago

Text

In Bloom Pt. 2

Photos are not mine. They are courtesy of Pinterest/Google.

Pairing: Billy Russo x F! Reader

Warnings: Some swearing, fluffy bunnies and unicorns, mentions of PTSD, alcohol consumption, mentions of verbal abuse, Billy talks briefly about being a scout sniper

Word Count: 4.5k-ish

Summary: Continued from Part One. Read it HERE. Part 2 of 3. Billy and Reader’s first date. Almost a disaster but it’s oh so sweet.

A/N: Used a quote from Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven and a sorta quote from season 1 of the Punisher This chapter is fun and sweet and had me smiling the entire time writing it. I hope you like it too. I didn’t expect it to become a short series but here we are!

As always, thank you for reading! I appreciate it so much and comments, reblogs are welcome and encouraged. Don’t be shy to tell me your favorite part. 💕💕 💕

The smile on your face stretched from ear to ear. Billy had paid for your flowers for an entire month without question and seemed happy to do it. You were a little skeptical though, he appeared to be another Wall Street type with his fancy suit, charming smile, and a soft smooth voice.

Was this just going to be another failed first date? And where was he going with that bouquet of flowers?

Fuck, he was handsome though. It wouldn’t be the first time you completely lost yourself over a handsome face.

But you didn’t think Mr. Campbell would push you to go out with a guy that was just another asshole. Billy treated him so well, with so much respect, and their banter back and forth was so cute.

As you continued down the sidewalk, butterflies returned to your stomach and the cool breeze brushed by in just the right spot on the back of your neck sending shivers down your spine.

It had been awhile since you had gone out on a date, you just didn’t want to be let down again or hurt but you were willing to give Billy a chance.

Before you knew it, you had arrived back at home and there was fifty minutes left on the clock before you had to meet Billy back at Mr. Campbell’s shop.

Quickly, you switched out your old flowers for the new ones and placed them on your dining room table, the fragrance traveled rapidly throughout your apartment and the scent of hydrangeas was forever going to remind you of Billy Russo. His bouquet and yours had purple hydrangeas in them.

After being at work all day, you felt the need to freshen up a little before meeting him so you touched up your makeup, added an extra spritz of perfume, and made sure your hair was presentable even though it was going to get blown around in the wind anyway.

A familiar nervous feeling tingled throughout your body from the top of your head to your toes. It happened before every first date you went on but you were hoping this one would turn out better than the previous ones. It was just a drink but it was a drink with probably the most handsome man you’ve ever seen and he wanted to go out with you.

Your mind drifted to the bouquet of flowers he picked up. Did he buy flowers every Friday also? And who did he bring them to? It really wasn’t any of your business but it didn’t stop you from wondering who the recipient was.

Ten minutes was all you needed to walk back to the flower shop and now knowing Billy was in the service, he would most likely be on time if not early so you needed to leave in exactly fifteen minutes.

Pacing around your apartment, you tried to think of what to do for fifteen minutes before you had to leave. You decided to brush your teeth again because, well, it couldn’t hurt and then scrolled through your social media mindlessly for a few minutes, barely even paying attention to the images on your phone. It was just difficult to concentrate on anything except Billy.

It had been a little while since your last relationship. Actually, your previous relationship was almost your very last relationship but you called off your wedding three weeks before it was supposed to take place.

It was probably the most difficult thing you’ve ever had to do but it was definitely for the best…he was, for lack of a better term, a monster.

He had never put his hands on you, but his words cut you more deeply than anything he could have done to you physically. Maybe you would have preferred he hit you than say the horrible things he said.

He would say things to purposely hurt you, almost like he loved making you feel bad about yourself. And he could make you feel bad or guilty about anything…the way you looked or the way you acted but he especially loved feeling superior to you.

He called you “dumb,” “stupid,” and said things like “how do you not know that?” He had been your first long term relationship, you didn’t know any better. Maybe all relationships were like this? He tried to tell you who you could and couldn’t be friends with, didn’t like the fact you had male friends and he tried to forbid you to see certain people.

And after he slept through the day he was supposed to pick you up to go get your marriage license, you took that as the final sign that you were not supposed to marry him. Falling to his knees, he begged you not to leave him, told you he could change but you stood your ground and didn’t let him manipulate you anymore.

You gave back the ring, sent back all the wedding presents you had already received, and tried to make it as painless as possible although he didn’t let you go as easily as you wanted him to. But you were finally happy to have him out of your life.

Oh shit. Time to go.

One last mirror check before you stepped out into the hallway. You looked cute but not like you were trying too hard, and hopefully Billy wouldn’t be able to sense how nervous you were.

Your stomach dropped as the flower shop came into view, Billy was already there, standing outside his car, waiting for you. A wide smile stretched across his face when he saw you walking toward him.

That smile could melt your insides.

“I know I’m not late.” You said with a smile of your own.

He chuckled a little. “Oh I know. I’m just early. Ready?”

Billy opened the passenger side door for you. Before getting in, you spotted Mr. Campbell in the doorway of his shop, giving you the thumbs up from behind the glass. In one motion, you waved and got into the car while Billy closed the door behind you.

“So where are we going?” You asked as Billy got into the car.

Raising his eyebrows and smiling that perfect smile at you, he said “It’s a surprise.”

Mr. Campbell was still standing in the doorway watching the two of you in the car before you pulled away from the curb. Billy just shook his head and smiled.

“He’s a nosy old man, that’s for sure. But he is one of the best people I know.” He said.

You nervously picked at the lint on your coat. “I love getting flowers every week but part of the reason I go there every Friday is because I just want to see how he’s doing and talk to him about his week. He loves to talk to people but most of them don’t engage and I always wonder why they don’t. He’s just the sweetest man.” You said, biting down on your lower lip.

Quickly glancing over at you, Billy smiled again. He really needed to stop doing that, you couldn’t stop yourself from blushing.

“Well, Luther can’t say enough good things about you.” Billy said.

Warmth rushed to your cheeks. “Did he volunteer that information or did you ask him about me, Billy?”

“A little bit of both.” He replied. “He did tell me you enjoy bourbon though, so I thought I’d take you to a whiskey bar, if that’s alright. And I guess it’s not a surprise anymore.”

“Well he’s not wrong, I do enjoy a good bourbon…and that sounds great, Billy.” You said.

The bar was a couple blocks from where he parked so the two of you had to walk. You observed that he walked very close to you and on the outside, closest to the street.

It was almost as if he was protecting you, making sure you were safe which you thought was sweet and chivalrous of him.

His voice was soft and smooth, like warm honey. It was also incredibly sexy, you could hear the slight New York accent when he would say certain words and he never ran out of questions to ask you but he didn’t make it easy to ask questions about him. You didn’t have the opportunity to find out anything about Billy beforehand from Mr. Campbell like he did about you.

The bar Billy took you to was called the Brandy Library in lower Manhattan. Just looking at it from the outside, you felt a little out of place, like it was too fancy for you. You were used to little hole in the wall places with cheap beer and pool tables.

Suddenly, you felt very underdressed and self-conscious. As you stood outside, frozen in place, Billy took two steps toward the door but turned around when he noticed you weren’t next to him.

“Y/n? Are you coming?” He asked, taking your hand in his.

Stumbling over your words, you tried to answer him. “Oh! I-I’m sorry, Billy. I don’t really think I belong in there. It looks really nice and I feel quite underdressed.”

His other hand brushed your cheek. “I think you look perfect, I reserved a corner table and I asked for limited interruptions because I just really wanna get to know you. Ok?” He said with a kind smile.

You nodded nervously and he ushered you inside.

“Reservation for two…name is Russo.” He said.

The host brought the two of you to a table in the corner, Billy pulled out your chair for you before taking his seat. The dim lights softly illuminated the endless bottles of spirits that lined all four walls of the bar.

Looking around at all the different bottles of liquor, it was all very overwhelming and you started to feel warmth rush to your cheeks once again. The nerves in your stomach were building with gradual intensity and your heart fluttered rapidly for the first time in a long time.

Billy tried to ease your nerves.

“See, y/n…you’re not underdressed, look at everyone else around you.” He said.

With your head on a swivel, you took a quick glance around the room. He was right, everyone was dressed leaning toward the casual side which seemed to calm your nerves a little.

When the server came over, Billy ordered a flight of bourbon and a couple of small plates of food.

“I thought we were just having a drink?” You asked with a sly smile.

He chuckled a little. “Well if I want to know everything about you, we may be here longer than just ONE drink.” He said with a wink.

“Ok, but what about you?” You asked.

He shrugged. “What about me? Fire away, what do you wanna know?”

“What did you do in the Marines?” You asked.

“Scout sniper.” He replied.

His response shouldn’t have turned you on but it did. The tingle in your stomach dropped to in between your legs and a wet spot quickly formed on the front of your panties.

You felt a little embarrassed but you were thankful that he couldn’t tell…at least you hoped he couldn’t tell.

“So…you’ve…killed people.” You said softly.

His eyes darkened and narrowed slightly.

“According to my file, I’ve killed 134. Most of those were in one night.” He said.

You were intrigued. He was handsome and charming but he had secrets hidden behind those intense brown eyes of his.

He continued.

“We spent that night trying like hell not to die, although I was prepared for it. I didn’t have much of a life before the corps. anyway. I would have been proud to die with my brothers and for my country out there but there were other plans for me, I guess.”

He passed you the first glass of bourbon in the flight after taking a sip then went on to explain each one that he ordered for the two of you to taste, but you couldn’t stop thinking about the look on his face, the sound of his voice as he bit off the words to his story, and his expression was slightly distant.

“You had other things left to do, like explain all this bourbon to me.” You replied, with a smile and taking a sip from the first glass.

“Ok, well that got deep, really quickly…so Luther told me you haven’t had a date in awhile.” Said Billy.

Completely mortified, you covered your eyes with your hand. “Ugh, he told you that?” You asked. “Well, that’s humiliating.”

“Can I ask why?” He asked.

You inhaled sharply then let out a long exhale. “Well…I recently called off my wedding and the dates I have been on have all been with self-absorbed assholes.” You replied.

“Why did you call off your wedding?” He asked.

You smiled. “Ah, Mr. Russo, I don’t think I’ve had enough bourbon to talk about that yet.”

“Fair enough.” He said.

The evening continued with Billy asking you other questions, the two of you discussed all of your favorite things, and he told you about good times he had overseas. Billy and his best friend Frank loved to prank their fellow marines. “I mean, what else is there to do right?” He said.

It sounded like they had a good time together.

Before you knew it, three hours had passed and you were pretty sure you had answered every question under the sun. You loved listening to him laugh, he had a great laugh although he didn’t do it very often.

Billy suggested one more drink at his penthouse which you gladly accepted. You were having a wonderful time and on the car ride back to his place, he asked you “So which bourbon was your favorite?”

“Hmmmm…I think the third one. It was darker than the others and a little sweeter.” You said.

Billy started to laugh a little.

A smile stretched across your face. “What’s so funny?” You asked.

Billy reached for your hand while keeping the other on the steering wheel, he brought it up to his lips and kissed your knuckles.

“For someone who’s not used to drinking expensive bourbon, you sure have expensive taste y/n.” He said. “That was the most expensive one.”

“It was?!! That seems to happen a lot with me, like when I go shopping. I’ll see something I really like and wonder ‘oh, how much is this?’ And it’s the most expensive thing in the store!” You exclaimed.

Riding the elevator up to the top floor was a little exciting. Billy grasped your hand as the elevator doors opened and gently ushered you out in front of him.

“Why did he have to be so charming?” You thought to yourself, watching him unlock the door. You were a little anxious to see what was behind that door.

Billy escorted you inside and your eyes suddenly went wide and your jaw dropped. It was beautiful inside. Your eyes fixated on all the dark wooden furniture, the rich brown leather couches, a couple of stray hard cover books stacked on top of each other on the coffee table, but it did have a little bit of coldness to it.

There weren’t any photographs anywhere, just a few art pieces, a laptop lay closed on the dining room table with some papers neatly piled next to it, and his refrigerator didn’t even have any magnets on it.

It was all very beautiful but isolated at the same time.

“Have a seat, beautiful. I’ll get you that drink.” He said.

You hung your coat on the coat rack and took a seat on the couch, trying not to stare at everything around you but you couldn’t help it. You noticed that the flowers he bought this afternoon were nowhere in sight so he obviously brought them somewhere else.

Billy handed you a drink and he sat down next to you, your body turned slightly to face him as you clinked your glasses together and took a sip.

“So…” Billy said, resting his drink on the table in front of you. “We’ve had a couple of drinks, now can you tell me why you called off your wedding?”

Tilting the glass back and forth, you let the bourbon roll around on your tongue, really tasting it before swallowing hard.

Narrowing your eyes but smiling at the same time, you replied. “You’re very nosy, Mr. Russo. But since you asked nicely…”

You launched into the whole story of you and your ex-fiancé, Billy listened intently, shifting a little in his seat when you talked about the verbal abuse, the way he talked down to you, and when he would call you names.

Glancing down at the amber liquid swishing back and forth in the glass, he would take a sip, gnash his teeth and press his lips together in anger.

“…and that’s when I realized I just couldn’t do it anymore. He pushed me too far and I wasn’t going to let him try and control me anymore.” You said.

“Did he ever put his hands on you?” Billy asked, gripping the glass a little tighter until his knuckles shown white.

You shook your head as you answered him. “Oh no…no, Billy. I’m sure if I stayed he would have eventually.”

Billy inched a little closer to you and eased his grip on the glass. “Most people don’t have the guts to do what you did. They would have just gone through with it, hoping it will get better but it never does.” He said.

“Can I ask you something now, Billy?” You asked.

He nodded. “Sure…I think I’m prepared.” He said.

“What were you like when you were young?” You asked.

That question, you could tell, struck a nerve. The muscles in his jaw tightened before his lip curled back revealing clenched teeth. His eyes were wide and unfocused.

“Lonely.” He said, trying to laugh it off but then his expression hardened. “I, uh, grew up in the system alright? I don’t really wanna talk about it.”

The air in the room immediately became thick and heavy. You had no idea he would react that way and the alcohol obviously didn’t make it any better, so you tried to ease the tension. Reaching for his hand, you tenderly brushed his knuckles with your fingers, barely touching him as if not to scare him.

“I’m sorry, Billy…I—I’m sorry. Just forget I asked.” You said, timidly.

Every muscle in his body tensed. Carefully, you moved your hand back to your lap as he sat in silence. You really didn’t know what to say so you set your drink on the table and started to walk over to where your coat was, maybe it was best if you just left. You could catch an uber back to your apartment.

Pulling on your coat seemed to snap Billy out of his anger fueled trance.

“Wait…y/n. Where are you going?” He asked nervously, standing up and walking toward the door.

“I’ve upset you, Billy. I think it’s just best if I go.” You said.

Furiously shaking his head he said. “No…you can’t go!”

Now you were getting upset. “Obviously, I asked the wrong question which really doesn’t surprise me, seems to be the theme of my life. Thank you for a lovely evening, up until this point I guess.”

You turned the door handle, tears started to sting the back of your eyes as you headed for the elevator. This was all your fault and the last thing you wanted to do was upset or hurt him. You weren’t angry at him, you were angry with yourself.

His long fingers wrapped around your wrist and he spun you around to look at him but you didn’t want him to see you cry. You burst into tears anyway and buried yourself against his chest, he smelled like fresh linen and spicy cologne.

“I’m sorry, sweet girl. I’m so sorry…I don’t want you to go. It’s not your fault. This is the best date I’ve been on…probably, ever.” He said, slowly stroking your hair as he held you flush against his body.

“I didn’t mean to upset you, Billy. I’m so sorry.” You said.

“I told you, it’s not your fault. Come back inside…please?” He asked, cupping your face and staring down at you with his ink like eyes. “I really don’t want you to leave but I just don’t want to talk about my childhood, not…yet anyway. OK?” He said.

You looked up at him through your long dark lashes, a look of pain washed over him and his eyes were wide with worry at the thought of you leaving. In the softly filtered glow of the hallway, he again pulled you close to his chest. You could hear his heart racing as he continued to whisper in your ear “I’m sorry…I’m sorry.”

Relaxing in his embrace, you didn’t want him to let go but it also didn’t stop your mind from wandering. Growing up in the system couldn’t have been easy for Billy. Did he stay there until he aged out? Was that when he joined the Marines? What happened to his parents?

You had so many questions for him but for now you respected that he didn’t want to talk about it but hopefully sometime soon, he would change his mind.

**********

Billy laced his fingers with yours and led you back inside. The conversation flowed like it had before and you were enjoying getting to know him. He loved being a marine. It took awhile but Billy built his company piece by piece and didn’t rest until all of the bank loans were paid back and his private security firm was the best in the city. He was now reaping the rewards from all of his hard work.

It really was difficult to stop yourself from asking personal questions, you left those questions for him to ask you, for now. You really saw how much it pained him when you asked about his childhood, the bitterness in his voice when he said he didn’t want to talk about it, and angry enough to spit daggers. But you felt pain for him, knowing he was hurting and dealing with all of that all by himself. All you wanted was to understand him better and maybe try and help in some way, if he wanted you to.

Billy told you he loved to read, it’s what he did to pass the time overseas, and he had the perfect voice for audio books (you’d save that compliment for another time). You were a little embarrassed asking him to read aloud to you but he gladly indulged you.

“Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.”

You listened carefully as the poetic words rolled off of his tongue. His voice was soft and melodic in combination with his heartbeat, they lulled you to sleep on his chest and you thought you heard him call out your name. Was it a dream? “Y/n? You awake, sweet girl?”

And before you knew it, the book had tumbled to the floor and he was asleep too, his chest made a perfect cradle for your head. It had been the best sleep you’ve had in a long time and you knew it wasn’t because of the alcohol.

Rubbing the sleep out of your eyes, you couldn’t see anything because of how dark it was in the room. What time was it? Billy squeezed your hand. He was awake too.

“Hey there, sleepyhead.” He whispered.

“Billy? What time is it?” You asked, your voice still a little raspy from being asleep.

He brushed his knuckles against your cheek. “It’s 2 am, sweet girl.”

“2 am?! How long have you been awake?” You asked.

You could feel him shrug his shoulders. “I dunno, an hour or so?” He replied.

Shooting bolt upright on the couch you said with a raised voice. “An HOUR?!!! Why didn’t you wake me up, Billy?! That was probably really uncomfortable for you.”

Billy sat up and moved in close to you. “I didn’t want to disturb you and I’d sleep in every awkward position if it meant I would get to sleep next to you. You have the cutest little snores when you sleep.” He chuckled.

Well that’s embarrassing.

“I think that’s the bourbon’s fault.” You said.

He took your hand in his. “I will say, that’s some of the best sleep I’ve ever had. I didn’t even have—.”

He stopped himself from finishing that sentence.

“Billy?” You asked, a little confused.

“It’s nothing.” Said Billy.

Smoothing your hair, you said. “I guess I should go…let you get some sleep.”

He cupped your cheeks, leaned in even closer and was just about to press his lips to yours when you stopped him.

“You sure you wanna do that? I could already have morning breath.” You said, trying to stop yourself from giggling.

Even in the dark, you could see that perfect smile of his. Still cupping your cheeks, he softly pressed his lips to yours. They were firm but his kiss was gentle, you could feel the warmth of his skin through his shirt, and your fingers weaved their way into his raven colored hair. The bristles of his beard lightly scratched your soft cheeks.

“Stay with me, I’ll bring you home in a few hours. You can even sleep in my bed and I’ll stay out here.” He said.

You shook your head. “No, I couldn’t do that to you, Billy. I’m fine out here, go sleep in your bed.”

“I will if you come with me. Just to sleep, I promise.” He said, holding up his hand.

Billy gave you some sweats and a t-shirt to sleep in and as he curled up next to you, he thanked you for staying and for giving him one of the best nights he’s had in a long time.

You were thankful that it was dark and he couldn’t see the tears that had welled up in your eyes. It had been a long time since you had smiled this much, your cheeks actually hurt and it felt really good to laugh again.

But as much as you got to know Billy tonight, there was still a lot of layers to peel back. Like what was he about to say after the nap the two of you had but stopped himself before he finished his sentence? Does he normally not sleep very well? He was a combat veteran, maybe he has some form of PTSD? Does it give him nightmares?

As you slowly drifted off to sleep, you felt the gentle rise and fall of Billy’s chest underneath you and smiled against the soft fabric of his t-shirt. This really was one of the best dates you’ve ever been on and you were hoping that he’d want to see you again because you definitely wanted to see him.

And you were sure that Mr. Campbell would want to know all about what happened tonight.

“Goodnight, beautiful.” He whispered and gently kissed the top of your head.

You whispered back with a slight smile.

“Goodnight, Billy.”

Tag List: @mindidjarin @saintmurd0ck @wheresthesunshinesblog @rafaelakelley @idaoftheburningmind @snowkestrel @xdervyxccgh @mattmurdocksscars @fakehappy27 @music-indie-tv @fictional-hooman @kayhi808 @munsonownsmyass @gijos @celestialams @idek-what-to-put @anastasianeedstoread @ratsys @k-marzolf @nutmeg17 @rosaleenablack @vaguekayla @qu1etwolf @danzer8705

Others that might enjoy: @itwasthereaminuteago @fluffyprettykitty @jvanilly @simple-lovebot @russosafehaven @mrsbillyrusso @imagine-a-fictional-boyfriend

If you’d like to be added (or removed from) my tag list(s) for the ever so handsome Billy Russo, just let me know and thank you again for reading! 💕💕💕 If I tagged you but you didn’t want to be, just let me know and I’ll never do it again.

#billy russo x reader #billy russo fluff #billy russo fanfic #billy russo imagine #billy russo angst #billy russo fanfiction #billy russo

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oxyvouge · 1 year ago

Text

ᝰ roadtrip, autumn leaves and you .ᐟ ꩜

summary: you're an artist travelling to a village that's hidden within a forest somewhere in the countryside to paint a certain flower that could be found there only. along the way, you came across a certain someone from your past.

━━ ✦ pairing(s): remus lupin x evans!reader

━━ ✦ au where everyone is alive and happy

━━ ✦ word count: 1.5K

⟢ chapters: 1, 2 (upcoming)

AUTHOR'S NOTE: bcz my fave season of the year is coming, heres a remus story for you. if u aren't ginger do pretend so bcz its a evans reader 😭😭

FIRST CHAPTER

AUTUMN ARRIVED WITH A FLOURISH. The trees that were once painted in the finest of green shades were now adorned in a symphony of russet and amber, their leaves gently fluttering to the ground like confetti at a celebration of the changing seasons. Sunlight filtered through the foliage, creating dappled patterns of warmth on the car's dashboard. The autumn's embrace grew even more enchanting as the month of welcoming it is almost passing, ready to welcome the month of October.

Everything around you seemed to remind yourself of a person you had spent your entire life with. A certain fiery red head twin with the name of Lily Evans, now Potter.

Your hair flows with the wind like a flower that wasn't tucked within your headscarf, you're wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes against the sunlight. The music blasted against the winding road playing "Take Me Home, Country Roads" from the radio and falling leaves that made their way into your roof-free convertible. The air that flowed through you carried the crisp fragrance of fallen leaves, mingling with the distant scent of wood smoke from cottages nestled amidst rolling hills reminding you of a certain scarred Gryffindor.

The nostalgia of this season always took you back to your days at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Memories of walking through the corridors with your friends, casting spells in the courtyard, and attending classes flooded your mind.

As you drove down the scenic, tree-lined road of 1985, You couldn't help but smile at the thought of everything. The adventures were etched in your heart, and even now, you could almost hear the mischievous laughter and witty banter that echoed through the pages of your memories.

Years had passed since you crossed paths with most of the people from your past, except for the Potter couple. The memories of that time had become distant, with only the Potter duo consistently present in your life. The last gathering you attended was Lily and James' wedding, where you stood as Maid of Honor. And the latest encounter you had with them was last July, when you popped by to deliver a birthday gift to your nephew, Harry, the birthday boy.

When you arrived to drop off Harry's present, your twin had already been waiting at their front porch. "You're not planning to stay?" Lily inquired, a slight frown creasing her features. She knew well that her younger twin sister wouldn't be partaking in the celebration for Harry's fifth birthday, unlike the others who were yet to arrive.

You chuckled softly as you scooped up the giggling 5-year-old Harry into your arms, playfully tickling his neck. "Sorry, dear sister, but I've got an artwork I need to finish before the looming deadline next week," You replied with a mischievous wink. "I promise, I'll make it up to Harry next year."

Lily shot her a skeptical look, her eyes narrowing. She wasn't convinced by the younger's nonchalant demeanor. "You've been saying that for the past four years, Y/N," she pointed out, her tone wary. "Don't tell me you're still clinging on to the past about Remus?"

Lily's suspicions hit closer to home than you were willing to admit, but for now, you played it off with a playful smile choosing to ignore what she said. "Well, Lilykins, I would've been hanging out with Harry today if you didn't deny my request to take him with me for a road trip."

"I can't leave Harry with you for the entire day," you gasped, taken aback by your twin's lack of faith in you. "You spoil him way too often, and don't get me started on how you're purposefully ignoring Remus!" Lily yelled, her index finger accusingly pointed at you, to which you responded with a dismissive scoff.

"Auntie Y/N, why are you not talking to Uncle Moony?" Harry inquired with a sweet voice, making you turn your grumpy noise into a nice smile 'cause it made you feel better. "Did you both have a fight?"

"Who's fighting who?" James emerged from the house and encountered a duo of redheaded twins. Lily, pointing an accusing finger at the you who's hip holding Harry, turned her attention to him and handed over your neatly wrapped gift for Harry. "Well, hello there, sister-in-law."

You couldn't help but roll your eyes. "Aren't you supposed to be at work?"

"Getting into another fight, Slythia?" James arched an eyebrow, wearing a mischievous grin as he playfully addressed you by the nickname he had given you based on your Hogwarts house.

"Well, Y/N here is still holding a torch for Remus," Lily remarked, gently coaxing Harry to let go of her embrace, but the little boy shook his head, clearly spoiled by his aunt's attention. "And aren't your arms getting tired from carrying Harry?"

"Seriously? A torch?" You asked Lily with her use of metaphors.

James burst into laughter at Lily's words about you and Remus being in the same sentence. "Really?"

"Of course not, it's been years since I last saw him and I have moved on." you replied, though your intention wasn't to be humorous, the married couple found it hilarious, sharing a laugh. "I'm serious!"

"No, you're not," James countered, grinning broadly. Damn, this joke never gets old.

Lily pointed out, "It's been years since you last saw him because you've been avoiding him," as she took Harry from her arms and set him down, causing the young boy to pout, prompting James to scoop him up instead.

Defending yourself, you retorted, "I do not!" However, when you looked around, you couldn't deny how tired your legs were becoming, so you straightened your back and glanced at your wristwatch. "Would you look at that, I'm running late. See you!"

Thinking back, are you still really — you shook your head about the thought and looked straight to the road. Not a chance. You let out a scoff, "Please — it's been years."

You look into the rear view mirror to take a look of yourself and back into the road but suddenly someone emerges from the trees and speeds towards the road. You immediately hit the breaks in shock causing your chest to hit the wheel with force narrowly avoiding a collision with the person. Your heart raced. "Bloody hell — ARE YOU TRYING TO GET YOURSELF KILLED?" You pushed your sleek sunglasses up and walked out of your car where the person was crouching holding a baby sloth. "Sir, you need to look at me." Your voice mixed with irritation and concern.

When the man looked up at you with slight widened eyes your breath hitched. "Y/N?"

"Remus?" Your irritation turned into shock at seeing your ex here in this situation. "What are you doing here? Why did you — I could've hit you!"

"I was traveling, and I saw the sloth—" Remus stumbled on his words as he still can't process seeing you here of all people. "Wait — How — What are you doing here?"

"Wasn't I the one who's asking you that?" Your voice carried a mix of relief and concern.

Remus, still clutching a sloth in his arms, looked shaken but managed a weak smile. "I suppose you're right," he replied, his voice a tad shaky. He carefully placed the sloth on the grassy roadside.

You quickly parked your car, your concern growing. "Nevermind," you said, shaking off the earlier irritation. "Are you alright?" You extended a hand to help him up, realizing he must have sprained something during his heroic rescue of the sloth.

Remus winced as he tried to stand, clearly favoring one leg. "I think I might have sprained my ankle," he admitted, trying to put weight on it but wincing in pain.

With a concerned frown, you gently supported him and helped him stand, careful not to put too much pressure on his injured ankle. "Let's get you back to my car," you suggested. "There's a store not so far from here, I think I can temporarily take care of that."

And you carefully guided him back to your car, "You're a witch, Y/N." Remus reminded but you shook your head.

"I'm not a healer, Lupin, unless you know a healing spell for that." Suddenly, you felt like you were being hit by a stray rock. "Oh right. Ferula." You conjured the bandaging charm, wrapping them around his ankle.

Remus nodded, appreciative of your help. "Thank you," he said, his voice tinged with gratitude. "And thanks for not hitting that sloth. They're not exactly the fastest creatures."

"How could I not stop when you darted out from the forest, trying to take that hit instead?" You shook your head in disbelief at his recklessness. Despite your astonishment, you gently tucked him into the car seat and made sure he was securely fastened by the seat belt. You closed the door and walked to your side of the car and shut it too before starting your car again.

"I can do that, you know?" Remus stated about how you secured him with a seat belt.

You nodded. "I know." You gave him a quick glance, and started to maneuvering the wheel. "So, where are you off too?"

PS. if yall have other title ideas other than this, do tell bcz i suck with them

NEXT CHAPTER >

#marauders #marauders fanfiction #the marauders #marauders era #hp marauders #remus lupin #remus john lupin #remus lupin fanfiction #remus lupin x you #remus lupin x y/n #remus lupin x reader #oxyvouge writes

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doodle-pops · 2 years ago

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Eönwë Avian Traits Characterisation

Part 1: [Wings, Behavioural Habits, Courting Ritual and Courting] | Part 2 |

A/N: I had these thoughts a pretty long while ago and believed it was best to compile them so everyone can follow and understand where and why Eönwë does all these gestures. Due to the headcanons being incredibly long (because I went into heavy details), Pre-heat, Mating and Post-heat would be in an entirely separate post. I did so much research for these sobs. So, this is the first part. It's all fluff. So, here are my characterisations of him and what I use to write my fic.

Warning: nothing but just fluff and jealous Eönwë fighting more birds.

| Wings |

His wings are the replica of the Stella Sea Eagle, huge but just fluffier and whiter.

The outer coat of feathers has a silvery sheen that becomes obvious when sunlight reflected off them. It gives off a tiny iridescent glow with the sun setting.

Has the ability to release his feathers, meaning he can detach his feathers one by one and still have control over their motion (just like Hawks from BNHA), though he takes an excess volume of time to regrow them when damaged.

Like birds, he also goes through the process of moulting before the mating season which means he sheds his feathers and regrows them. Thus, there would come a time when you would see some of his feathers appearing dull and new, while his wings also appear empty.

While moulting with regular birds can take up to months, with Eӧnwё, it’s only a few weeks or up to two (2) months, given his Ainur abilities. His plumage would symmetrically fall off and renew itself.

During this time, his wings become extra sensitive, so moving around and lying on his back becomes impossible and painful. Even the muscles closer on his back around the base of his wings become awfully sensitive and painful.

Also, because his wings are a part of him, when he’s shedding and they grow lighter, he loses his balance. His wings are essentially his equilibrium, so losing them or losing the weight throws him off and he gains wobbly legs.

| Preening |

By nature, Eӧnwё is highly serious about his appearance and is considered one of the most pristine and cleanliest Ainur, second to Manwё of them all.

Always cleaning his feathers for any dirty, small pebbles, mud or any ruffles of the sort, even for bugs that may have attached themselves to his feathers throughout his flights.

He has an entire day dedicated to cleaning his wings. Mostly performed in one of the private pools or hot springs, he’ll gather a bunch of oils and sweet-scented fragrances to help make his wings appear shiny and pleasant.

One by one, he releases his feathers and lay them out to be cleaned using a soft cloth and gently scented soaps. He prefers the scent of peppermint and vanilla.

Not only does he focus on his wings, but he also focuses on his body, his hair, nails and skin. He places the same volume of effort on his wings on the rest of this body. Always tidying and adjusting some part of his appearance or clothes.

Adorned mostly in blue, white, silver and cream, Eӧnwё keeps to his colours, not liking the idea of breaking patterns and keeping true to his instincts.

The only extra he'll adorn himself in are flowers, like flower crowns that you would have given him or the little elflings gave to him.

| Regular Behaviour |

He’s a lively person by nature and he’s always singing and dancing, whistling some merry tune.

Bobbing his head to the beat of drums or swaying lightly on his feet to the sound of harps in the distance. Like most birds, he does personal aerial dances but that’s for when he’s impressing his mate.

Naturally loves sparkly objects and would collect and store them away. He has a private collection of rocks and little broken jewellery pieces, just anything sparkly.

Furthermore, he loves to accessorise with sparkly items; from necklaces to bangles to circlets and hairpins. Eӧnwё adores making himself appear glittery, though he sometimes gets mesmerised and plays with them (like some cat).

On the regular, he stretches his wings by going on flights. Flying to great heights and soaring with all the other birds, feeling the wind between his wings and basking in the sense of freedom.

Along with his avian tendencies, he is a social person by nature, always hopping around and curious. Interacting with others and learning, mimicking and engaging. Learning any new pieces of information, never knowing when they could be useful.

He is also a tidy person when it comes to his nest, and not in the manner of mating but in terms of cleanliness. He hates the idea of mess and will spend hours even up to days tidying his home.

| Jealousy |

Eӧnwё’s avian behavioural traits are very similar to those of an eagle, thus, high-key territorial and refuse to share his space with other birds, but this only becomes so when he has a mate.

On the regular, because he does have compassion and understanding, he doesn’t have a problem interacting with other birds, playing or feeding them, evening going as far as to preen them.

However, when he does have a mate, his jealousy is unmatched. He doesn’t even allow for another bird that’s your pet or friend around you. Thus, smaller birds become terrified before him when he’s radiating his jealousy.

Chirping and snapping at each other, as much as he does have Avian tendencies, he is also Ainur with people-person-like behaviours, so he’ll use some of those as well when arguing with the birds.

Flares his wings and fluffs them to appear more presentable in your eyes when other birds are around. Would go as far as to wrap his wings around you to shut them out (you always have your fearless birds).

When jealous of others who aren’t birds, he is territorial still, but his feral side is riled up a lot more. He knows that those other birds can’t compare, but actual people can so Eӧnwё just might engage in an actual fight.

Now, his jealousy isn’t sudden, this occurs when he’s approaching mating season, or you are ovulating. Thus you don’t have to worry about him randomly snapping at people, though it’s best when the mating season approaches to stay indoors.

By avian nature, he is jealous, but when he’s just being himself, he’s rather chill and relaxed. He understands that you have friends and desires to interact with them.

| Pre-Courting/Attracting A Mate |

Very similar to my Ainur Simps headcanons, Eӧnwё has no problem when it comes to swooning you with all the tricks up his sleeves.

From singing to dancing, whistling a merry tune whenever you’re around and fluffing up those feathers.

He spends extra time preening himself to ensure that he’s looking spick and spank just you for, and when your eyes do fall on him, please compliment his appearance otherwise he feels as though all his efforts went to waste.

When being around him, you need to do lots of research on avian behaviours otherwise when he performs all his little gestures, you would be clueless and reciprocate wrongly.

This being said, his love for collecting shiny objects will increase he would pass them to you whenever he returns from trips. Do not throw them away because it would break his heart and cause him to believe you had rejected him a long time ago.

Store them in a safe place and show him one day all the collectables you saved he gave you and watch as he melts completely. In his head, he’s singing about how he can’t wait to marry you.

It is a part of his courting ritual to gift his mate with presents/gifts as a token of love and to prove that he can provide and swoon/be romantic. At the same time, he does present you with actual gifts like jewellery, hairpins, and necklace (sparkles).

Incredibly protective in this stage and will ward off any and all potential suitors because he is already your mate. He’s growling and pushing people away as well as ruffling in his feathers and fluffing them as a warning.

He loves to take you on little walks to open areas where he can perform aerial dances for you— only the best dances saved for you. Clap and applaud him as well as give him praises; his feathers shine a lot more.

| Courting |

Now that the both of you are courting, Eӧnwё’s form of affection will amplify. At first, he begins by holding your hand, nuzzling into it and enjoying your scent.

He’s always attached to your side and it’s to mostly rub his scent all over you to ward off any birds, other persons with animalistic traits and unwanted suitors. He even takes no chances when it comes to his Lord Manwё, knowing that he has avian traits as well (bird-brain thinking).

Whenever you are visiting, he does extra tidying and adds lots of flowers to sweeten his home for you. He likes to sneak in the little question “Do you like it?”. Your answer does have an effect on him.

Yes, means that it’s a piece of additional information for preparing for your future home together— anything to make his mate happy. Do not tell him no, I will find you if you break his heart.

Speaking of cleaning, when it comes to preening, he does enjoy it when you assist him. It did take him a while to welcome you into his type of intimacy because they’re his wings and a part of him.

Eӧnwё will take his time to show you all the proper steps when teaching you how to care for his wings. How to part the feathers, how to wash them, which direction to wipe, everything.

This also leads to him allowing you to wash his hair as well— when you’ve made it to that stage, that’s when you know Eӧnwё is comfortable with you. Preening with him takes place quite frequently and sometimes on purpose, he will dirty himself just to feel your hands on his feathers.

When you are cuddling, he would enclose his wings around you both, cocooning you from the rest of the world and it’s just the both of you. He loves to coo and chirp for you as signs that he’s happy.

Slowly closing his eyes and opening them, nuzzling into your hands when you rub his head (swear he’s a cat).

He always leaves a feather behind when he’s going on trips; a piece of him for you to keep. He can hear the vibrations of your voice through the feather when you speak, but sadly, he can’t communicate through them to you.

Also, know that he will also cook for you, an ability as your mate which is important to possess. Showing you that he can feed you, so you’re getting home-cooked meals.

Taking you on flights, sorry if you’re terrified of heights because it’s an excuse for you to cling to him. Just joking, he wouldn’t take you on flights if you’re terrified. But if you’re not, he’ll show up on your balcony at ungodly hours of the morning to take you to watch the sunrise.

Picnics in Yavanna’s flower fields, swimming in Ilmarin’s pools, requesting for gifts from Aüle or asking Manwё to make you a cloud so you can sit on because he’s that whipped for you.

He’s serious from start to end about courting you and his façade never drops because he’s true about his feelings and love for you.

Masterlist

Taglist: @edensrose @cilil @eunoiaastralwings @noldorinpainter @ranhanabi777 @spidergirla5 @lilmelily @someoneinthestars @mysticmoomin @aconstructofamind @starborne0661 @floraroselaughter @the-phantom-of-arda @rain-on-my-umbrella @singleteapot @wandererindreams @asianbutnotjapanese

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bigfrozenfan-fanfics · 7 months ago

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Chapter 81 - Things To Come

Links: Chapter overview, Character list, Map, Glossar Rating: M over all Publishing cycle: around every 2-3 weeks

Remarks: all my chapters contain carefully selected music tracks (try to use headphones). It’s your own decision if you want to use them or not while reading. The purpose is to musically support the respective mood of the plot. If you can please use a browser for reading (not the Tumblr app) due to the text formatting and music.

Three months later …

Spring had finally arrived in Arendelle, painting the landscape with a vibrant palette. The last snow in the lowlands and valleys had almost completely disappeared, revealing a carpet of green. The first harbingers of spring, especially Arendelle's landmark, the crocus in its various blossom colours, were in full bloom. It was the season of renewal, sprouting the first buds on the trees and dappling the hillside above the town with bright colours in the light of the morning sun. The citizens were delighted by the colourful little flowers in the planters outside their windows, which exuded their delicate fragrance, permeating the air throughout the city. It was still very chilly, but the sisters were already looking forward to this season and had the windows in the castle dining room wide open as they and Kristoff sat cosily together at breakfast.

“It's barely spring and the work is already piling up on my desk again and I can hardly get out of the castle to enjoy the season to the full,” Anna lamented, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration, “Some of the farmers can't agree on anything regarding the new crops to sow and are arguing with each other. I wonder if that will ever stop?”

“Well, sis, that sounds very familiar to me. There's never a dull moment when you're the queen. The work usually doesn't finish until late in the evening, as I'm sure you remember well from my time as queen, back in your current study,” Elsa said, her voice filled with shared understanding. Anna nodded, her eyes reflecting the bond and empathy between them.

“Honey, I got an idea. I could go up to the farmland with Sven, maybe I can find a solution or two and help these farmers in their dilemma,” Kristoff suggested. “Then maybe we could undertake something together?”

“That's sweet of you, darling,” said Anna, who was sitting right next to him, and gave him a peck on the cheek. “That will definitely help me and …”

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Out of nowhere, a sudden a gust of wind suddenly swept through the room, sending the sisters' hair flying. But it didn't stop there, because Elsa's long, golden braid lifted into the air and made it dance up and down.

“Gale?” Anna asked in astonishment, “What are you doing here? Hello, my windy friend!”

Elsa closed her eyes briefly and then said, “Not only is Gale here, Nokk has also just arrived and is waiting for me down at the little jetty. I can feel that I'm needed, Anna. He wants to take me to the north.”

“Has something happened at the Northuldra?” her sister asked anxiously.

“I don't think so, but I don't know for sure. The nature spirits don't talk to me the same way we talk to each other, instead it's always just feelings and images. But it's still easy for me to understand.”

While her sister pondered this new information, Elsa fell into concentrated silence for a moment with her eyes closed. Anna now knew what the expression on her sister's face meant, that she was communicating mentally with the two nature spirits right now. Kristoff was also aware of Elsa's behaviour, which was still somewhat unusual. Then Elsa opened her eyes.

“Ahtohallan needs me and I must answer the call, guys. I'll try to be back as soon as possible.”

She stood up and the two others did the same.

“We'll accompany you to the castle garden,” Anna said with an inviting sideways glance at Kristoff, who nodded, “I haven't seen Nokk for a few months.”

A little later, as they stood side by side on the jetty, the water spirit rose majestically from the harbour basin and stepped onto the fresh, short grass with his typical elegance, but dripping wet. Elsa grabbed his head and rested her forehead against his in greeting. Instead of speaking, she thought her following words, “Hello, Nokk. I got the message and I'm ready for the journey.” In the next moment, she used her magic to make the watery nature spirit take on a more solid form and swung herself skilfully onto his back.

“One day I'd like to ride it too,” said Anna, a little enviously, looking admiringly at the horse with Elsa on it in her spirit dress.

“You will do that, sis, I promise. See you both soon, then.”

“But please promise me not to do anything on your own if the worst comes to the worst, Elsa; we're here for you, as you know. Take good care of yourself!” Anna called after her as she turned Nokk round and rode off splashing. Elsa turned back once more and waved. Gale said goodbye in his typical manner and disappeared too. After that, everything was as if nothing had happened. Only a few guards on the southern rampart had been watching everything and were now watching Elsa on the fjord as she sped away at breathtaking speed.

“Yes, you can get envious,” Kristoff admitted and put an arm around Anna's shoulders. “This connection between your sister and the nature spirits is truly remarkable. Nothing will happen to Elsa today; she is now back to how she was before, with all her memories and powers back. She'll be back soon, don't worry, darling.”

~~~

Elsa had rarely thought of Ahtohallan since she had decided to stay in Arendelle at her sister's side. But she was still the fifth Spirit, and since their enemies had all been defeated, the bridge between the magic of nature and the humans had been restored, with Anna on one side and herself on the other. Elsa therefore did not rule out the possibility that she would be on hand immediately should she be needed in the enchanted forest. Just not all the time and being separated from her sister. A lot had changed for her in the last few months and now she was eager to find out why Ahtohallan had summoned her.

It had to be something important and Nokk hadn't told her, or rather couldn't show her in clear pictures. This was regularly the case when it came to matters concerning Ahtohallan itself, which didn't happen very often in the past. As expected, they did not ride to the upper beach near the Northuldra camp, but further north, directly towards the glacier.

As soon as Nokk had dropped her off in front of the entrance and they both bowed briefly to each other as usual, she remembered the last time she had stood here completely naked and freezing to the bone. But that was because she had lost her powers or no longer knew how to use them. Everything was back to normal this time and the cold no longer bothered her. Furthermore, the path to the triangular entrance was now clear again and nothing stopped her from going inside.

She entered the glacier and walked to the junction that ultimately led to the hall of memories. As always, the ice walls lit up before her and showed the way. She slid down the narrow corridor to the abyss, where the pilons she had created still towered. However, this time she didn't jump from one to the next to get to the other side, but created a narrow surface while still gliding along, which connected them all. She was over there in no time at all and entered the vestibule.

Elsa hurried ahead and finally reached the Great Hall of Memories, which was still in darkness. She stepped onto the glowing surface with the symbol of the fifth spirit in the centre. At the same moment, the whole dome lit up and the image of her mother appeared on it, just as it had on the day of her appointment to the fifth spirit.

“Mother!” cried Elsa in surprise and took a few steps closer.

“Hello, my little snowflake. It's so nice to see you safe and sound again. A belated happy birthday to you too!”

“Thank you very much, I'm very happy to see you too, Mama, but tell me, why don't you appear to me like last time and are only visible as an image on the dome instead?”

“Well, we're not here in the intermediate world where our consciousness is directly connected. This is the real physical world and therefore the only way for me to communicate with you here. I am in direct contact with Ahtohallan today.” Elsa realised and nodded.

“I see. So you are Ahtohallan's voice today and it wants to tell me something very important?”

“Yes, Elsa, that's right. Ahtohallan has not yet been able to thank you for his liberation and, as you can imagine, has not been able to help you with the prophecy because of the magical wall of mist, as its connection to the world was cut off. You can therefore be sure of its great thanks and apologies, which also applies to Anna. It is pleased that you could fully regain your powers and memories and that Anna did everything in her power to help you. It also understands your promise to your sister to stay by her side in Arendelle.”

“Thank you for that, but surely that wasn't the only reason I was here today, was it?”

“Indeed, for Ahtohallan has a new mission for you as its fifth Spirit, Elsa. It is something extraordinary. To be honest, I'm very excited about what I'm about to tell you.”

Elsa took a step closer, full of curiosity, and her nerves were now stretched to breaking point.

“However, there is one thing you should know about Ahtohallan first. As you know, Ahtohallan was and still is a river of memories and the source of your magic. But there is more and that is why you were summoned.”

‘Here it comes’; Elsa thought to herself and clung to Iduna's lips.

“Ahtohallan can not only see into the past, but also into the future and wants you to stay by Anna's side in Arendelle for the time being and support her in what will happen there in the near future.”

“Something is going to happen in Arendelle? When? A new threat?” Elsa asked, worried about Anna and her friends.

Iduna smiled sympathetically at her, “Not what you think, Elsa, nothing bad. Still, Anna will need you very much.”

“But I'm not supposed to know exactly what's going to happen yet? Please, Mama, I need to know! Especially when it comes to my sister.”

Iduna smiled sympathetically and nodded. “Perhaps it's better if I show you Ahtohallan's visions and explain what the images of the near and distant future are all about.”

At the same moment, moving images appeared all over the high dome, showing scenes from different time periods and locations. Iduna explained exactly what was happening and her gaze on certain scenes helped Elsa to understand. Elsa stared at the visions open-mouthed in complete surprise and suddenly understood the deeper meaning behind them and why she was the only one who could help Anna. Ahtohallan had undoubtedly made the right decision and suddenly everything made a lot more sense. Elsa began to smile.

“Thank you, Mama, for showing me the future. I now understand Ahtohallan's decision and I promise to take care of it in time.”

~~~

Elsa talked to Iduna for a while afterwards and asked many questions before letting Nokk take her to the upper beach. She had seen many more pictures of a future that showed her the events of the next two years, but had nothing to do with the other matter.

The beach was not empty and she saw Joná and two other fishermen unloading their morning catch from the boats. Everyone watched her with wide eyes as she stepped down from Nokk, bowed to him and the mighty nature spirit dissolved into the sea immediately afterwards. She greeted Joná and asked him how things had gone with his fiancée. He told her enthusiastically that everything was fine and that he would finally be able to marry Ikka in autumn with her parents' approval. Joná could hardly wait and was visibly excited.

When Elsa passed the weathered tree trunk a little later, she couldn't help but think of Honeymaren. She mumbled to herself as she thought back to her dream and imagined what Maren was doing, “I hope you're well, Maren. I'll see you again in six months' time.”

Elsa took her time and when she smiled as she walked into the Northuldra camp, she was greeted happily by everyone. Many of the children noisily unringed her and asked her all sorts of questions. She was eventually invited to lunch and met Yelana at one of the campfires.

“Hello, Elsa. I did not expect to see you today. You look very happy today, how come?”

“Oh, I've just heard something exciting from Ahtohallan. It wants me to stay in Arendelle because of it.”

“So it's finalised now and you're no longer planning to stay in the forest with us,” Yelana said a little sadly.

“Yes, it is and I'm looking forward to it. But when I look around here and see the faces, I notice that your people are doing very well and everything is as it was before. That's good. But don't worry, of course I'll always come to visit and help immediately if something happens that requires the fifth spirit. Honeymaren will be back soon too and will take over your role, Yelana.”

“Yes, that's true, but it was also good that I was here for the last few months and was able to experience the turn of the year with my people. We've discussed a lot of things since then.”

“By the turn of the year, you probably mean the solstice, right? What did you do on that day?”

“Exactly, and that was also your birthday, as I remember. Happy birthday to you. Well, we had a bonfire at our sieidi, we made offerings for a good future.”

“You call the four monoliths a sieidi now?”

“Since Alena, we now know the name for it, before it wasn't necessary and we only knew this one sacred place. But since the fifth monolith was uncovered, it has become something extraordinary. Alena is a noaidi and knows all the rituals like no other. She had told me all about sieidis before she left for the north and, above all, about the incredible number of other places with such a sacred site. There are many hundreds of them, can you believe it? The sieidis are everywhere in nature, in different regions and in the most diverse forms, as special stone formations or as old trees. To be honest, I've never given it more thought than necessary since I was young.”

“That gives me an idea, especially because Ahtohallan knows your plan for the new meeting house in Arendelle and wants this building to be completed as soon as possible.”

Yelana's jaw dropped. “Ahtohallan knows about my idea? That's …” She was at a loss for words and shook her head in amazement.

“Yes, and there's even more. A good reason why we should talk about it in Arendelle soon.” Then Elsa grinned, “Which brings me to the next question, Yelana, because you were planning to return this month.”

“You amaze me today, Elsa, but you're right. Until Honeymaren returns, I have chosen some of the oldest, wisest and most trusted persons in our community to take my place until that day. I was planning to leave for Arendelle in three days.”

“Well, then I have a surprise for you, if you like at all, of course. That's entirely up to you.”

“But now you've made me curious, and as you know, hardly anything can surprise me.”

Elsa laughed and then asked bluntly, “Fancy riding back to Arendelle behind me on Nokk? I'll make sure he's not too fast for you.”

“You would do that for me? Really? Nokk has helped some of our people cross a larger body of water from time to time, but none of us have ever ridden him. It would be the greatest honour and, to be honest, it would be a great dream come true for me at the end of my days!”

“So it's a deal then, I'm glad. I can tell you more about the news on the way. When do we want to leave?”

“I want to say goodbye and pack my few things. In the afternoon?”

“Of course, Yelana. I'm also going to have a chat with your people, especially Ryder and Linnea. Honeymaren's brother might also have an exciting job in the future, but I'm not telling anyone yet.”

Yelana paused for a moment and thought about what had been said. Then she looked round for a moment, leant over to Elsa and asked quietly, “Ahtohallan showed you the future? That's possible?”

“I didn't know it until now either, Yelana, but it's true. But this must remain between us, yes? No one must know about it!”

Yelana nodded thoughtfully and made a rarely used Northuldra gesture, indicating that her lips would remain sealed.

~~~

Another three months later …

Early summer in Arendelle brought visitors arriving on large ships. They were invited guests from the most distant kingdoms of Chatho, Eldora, Selinia, Zaria and even Yuwabe, who had set sail a little earlier in order to arrive in time for the big wedding. However, the date was still a whole week away, so Anna had to assume that they must have planned a stay in Arendelle.

After Anna had greeted them personally, she ensured that all the delegates were accommodated correctly and provided with everything they needed in the castle. Most of them were already familiar with the capital from previous visits, while others had barely left the castle before their departure and were now able to explore the city and the surrounding area.

Just two weeks earlier, Anna had been busy planning her wedding and reading many books about traditional wedding rituals. Most of them were about wealthy farmers who spared no effort to organise everything for the occasion and actually celebrated for up to seven days. Of course, everything was organised in a strictly regulated order and with the necessary seriousness behind the festivities.

This would all be far too stressful for Anna and she didn't need to imitate it for a royal wedding. A formal monarchical wedding was strictly regulated, but nowhere near as exaggerated and extravagant as a wedding in the countryside, where the focus was on having fun. She read the journals to see how her royal predecessors had handled it. The further back she turned the pages, the stricter, but also the more boring it became. Sometimes she wondered whether the weddings of monarchs were done out of love at all and not purely for the purpose of forming a necessary alliance with other kingdoms.

It had probably been the same between her grandfather and Rita, about which she could hardly find anything in the journals. One day Rita simply disappeared and was never seen again, that much Anna knew. Runeard was furious and banned everything that reminded him of her from the castle, even going so far as to impose draconian punishments on anyone who said a word about Rita or even mentioned her name. Anna was sure that her grandmother did not marry out of love, but was forced into it. She had been heartbroken about this throughout her life in Arendelle, as she later learnt from Peterssen's diary, which she read with Elsa. It also reminded her of certain terrible details in Runeard's notebook, which they had discovered in the secret room, and made her sad.

It was extremely interesting to see what Lord Peterssen had witnessed back then and where he himself wanted and had to intervene. All for the good of the Crown, of course. He also wrote about Anna and Elsa's parents, but especially about her mother. He knew about her secret from the very beginning and had advised her, or rather forbidden her for the good of the kingdom, to ever speak about it, not even to King Agnarr.

When Anna and Elsa were still little, their father had told them about the enchanted forest and his mysterious saviour. But he hadn't known about Iduna's secret, that she was a Northuldra and had saved him. Mama could have told everyone back then, the whole family. After all, she had sat on the bed that night when Papa told his epic story; Anna thought and sighed. But Iduna had kept quiet and most probably took the truth to her watery grave during the shipping accident.

However, in the end, their parents' marriage was the complete opposite of any previous royal wedding and the sisters were delighted to read page after page of the diary and discover many an unknown secret. Mama and Papa had married out of deep love for each other and conventions about how and why had not mattered to them. Even the guests they invited were limited to Arendelles citizens. They had been closer to the people than any other royal couple before them.

Anna was keen to emulate one of Arendelle's old traditions, namely raising the first Kransekake ring with Kristoff. Anna wanted at least the same number of rings to remain on the first one, if not one more. But that depended on chance.

“And what will you do if you only lift a single ring?” Elsa had asked and she had only looked at her sister seriously and replied, “Then Kristoff will get a beating from me!”

They laughed heartily at her joke, but Anna was serious about having more than one child. She hadn't yet decided on a name either, although she had been thinking about it for weeks.

Anna leant back in her armchair and closed her eyes. If it was a girl, maybe she would name her after her mother, who knows, and if it was a boy then maybe … she just didn't know. Let Kristoff choose and I'll just say yes or no to it, she thought, putting the problem aside for now. There was still enough time for that.

~~~

Then the big day finally arrived and both Anna and Kristoff were more excited than ever. Kristoff had been practising dances for the ball for weeks and had taken every opportunity for dance lessons. He wanted his wedding to be perfect, had had his hair cut, his fingernails manicured and practised his oath over and over again for when he would walk down the aisle as Crown Prince of Arendelle with his beloved Anna by his side. The closer this hour approached, the more nervous he became.

Anna, on the other hand, was not a bit nervous, because everything was finally in order, including her white wedding dress with the rose crown, from which hung the long, semi-sheer and delicate train with embroidered crocus. She also wore a sølje, a brooch made of silver. She stood in front of the large standing mirror and admired herself in Maren's latest masterpiece. She tidied her crown and an unruly strand of her loose hair. Then she nodded contentedly and thought about everything again.

While Kristoff had chosen his friend Ryder as best man, for her it was Elsa, her sister and the only remaining member of the royal family besides herself. Kai would act as master of ceremonies for the celebrations afterwards and had already taken care of everything important in advance. The palace staff had been instructed and the two large halls had already been prepared for the onslaught of illustrious guests. Even the seating arrangements had already been organised and small signs had been placed at the place settings. There would also be enough ushers in livery for the delegates and special guests.

As a large number of citizens were expected, the staff had set up tables in the castle courtyard along the covered walkways to the front and left of the castle, which would later be filled with all kinds of delicacies, cakes and drinks for the visitors during the celebrations and also offered enough space for gifts for the bridal couple. For the traditional ceremony after the wedding, a table with the large Krumkake would be located between the chapel and the castle entrance to minimise the distance for Anna and Kristoff and so that everyone could see it clearly.

What else would there be to think about? Had she perhaps forgotten something? But nothing could be changed now anyway, she realised and took a deep breath as she looked at the smiling faces in the mirror, those of her maid and the bridesmaids standing behind her.

Anna smiled contentedly and walked slowly towards the window to look down. Her dress rustled softly on the carpet.

The town was bursting with visitors from near and far. The shopkeepers were undoubtedly doing the business of their lives. The streets and houses were a sea of flowers; there wasn't a single spot in Arendelle that wasn't decorated. A multitude of different ships were anchored in the harbour and even in the Arenfjord, adorned with the colourful flags and pennants of all kinds of countries and kingdoms. The fishing boats of Arendelle even had to make way for them and now bobbed moored at the end of the harbour.

Anna was mesmerised as she looked down from the window and observed a vast throng of citizens, visitors and royal guards from the castle guard. “Kristoff, you wanted a big wedding? Now you're getting one!” she giggled softly to herself, trying to imagine his face when he saw that down there.

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This was their day! At last!

Then the longcase clock behind her struck eleven o'clock in the morning and Anna turned round, beaming with joy. The time had come and it was time to go downstairs!

Elin's proudly smiling face gazed back at her as the girl and the other two grabbed Anna's train and held it up. Elin had immediately asked Halima if she could be one of Queen Anna's bridesmaids as soon as Halima had told her about the custom. Anna had of course agreed and now bent down to Elin.

“Elin, my dear, I have another special task for you when we all stand at the altar later. You are allowed to hold my bridal bouquet during the ceremony so that I have my hands free. Afterwards, you simply hand it back to me before we leave the chapel. Would you do that for me?”

“Really? I can hold your bouquet?” Anna nodded with a smile. “I would love nothing more for you, Anna! You make me very happy, you know?”

“Well then, it's settled. But we should go downstairs now, I'm sure everyone is already waiting for us.”

When Anna opened the door, her sister was already standing in front of it, grinning at her from ear to ear. Olaf stood next to her and beamed at her excitedly.

“Well, nervous or just happy?” asked Elsa.

“Well, what do you think? Happy, of course!”

“That pleases me, Anna. You look beautiful, by the way. Kristoff will be out of his boots when he sees you.”

“Well, I hope he's wearing normal shoes this time,” laughed Anna.

When they stepped out of the hallway onto the top of the stairs to the small hall, her groom was already waiting at the bottom with the bridal bouquet in his hand. Ryder next to him, in his Kofte festive attire, saw Anna first and immediately gave his mate a shove that made Kristoff look up, startled. His adoring look at her was priceless; Anna thought to herself and beamed at him.

Kristoff was not only wearing normal shoes, as Anna had hoped, but also a full traditional bunad that was undoubtedly tailor-made for him. Over a white linen shirt with a wide collar, he wore a green woollen waistcoat with two rows of silver buttons. Over this was a double-breasted coat with as many silver buttons, knee breeches over white woollen stockings with colourful pompoms on each side, and black leather shoes with silver buckles. Finally, Kristoff also had a flat hat on his straw-blonde hair and the crocus symbol of Arendelle was embroidered on the lapel of his coat. Anna was very impressed and thought that Kristoff looked rather well dressed.

As she walked down the last step beside him, she told him so.

“And you look just fabulously beautiful,” he replied quietly, handing her the bouquet and admiring her from top to bottom. “I'd love to just kiss you to the ground right now,” he joked.

Anna leant towards him and whispered with a grin, “Later, my darling, later.” They gazed into each other's eyes for seconds, enamoured.

“Come on, you lovebirds, the wedding guests and Bishop Ulriksøn are already waiting in the chapel,” Elsa reminded them kindly but firmly and gave a wave to someone near the entrance.

The bride and groom's faces flew around in surprise as the lilting notes of a Hardanger fiddle rang out and the musician began to play the traditional wedding march. Behind him they could see the crowded castle courtyard and every citizen there craned their necks to get a good view of the bride and groom.

Anna wondered if this was her sister's idea, glanced round at her briefly and saw her nodding and winking with one eye. Anna had to laugh. Apparently Elsa had read the same book.

Kristoff held out the crook of his arm for her to hook under and Anna immediately complied. The five of them, including Olaf, then walked down the wide staircase with measured steps and smiles and were greeted with applause.

An alleyway formed among the many people, without any help from the castle guards. Flower children came running up, scattering white and purple crocus flowers on their way to the chapel as they followed the fiddler. The fiddler kept happily turning round to them as he played, while the audience started clapping to the beat and now singing the traditional rhyme. Their best men and Olaf hurried ahead

Then they entered the packed chapel with all the delegates, invited guests and good friends of the bride and groom. The fiddler interrupted his playing. Instead, the choir took over and sang an equally traditional wedding song. They walked slowly towards the altar, where Bishop Ulriksøn was already waiting for them on the platform with a narrow, open book in his hands.

Elsa and Olaf stood to his right, opposite Ryder on Kristoff's side. As the bride and groom were about to walk up the steps to the altar, Anna handed her bouquet to a beaming Elin, who, looking at the smiling faces around her, jumped up and down a few times in happiness and then looked back at Anna. Then it became quiet in the hall, the bridal couple had stopped and were now looking intently at the bishop.

He looked first at his queen, then at Kristoff. His penetrating gaze lingered on him for seconds, then he looked back at Anna without saying a word. He blinked briefly, then raised an eyebrow questioningly, exchanged quick glances between the two and cleared his throat quietly.

Anna looked over at her fiancé, puzzled, and then realised what the bishop was trying to tell her.

She gave Kristoff a light kick and whispered to him, “Kristoff, your hat!”

Kristoff startled in sudden realisation, said with a sheepish grin, “Oops …”, took off his hat and handed it to Ryder.

Ansfrid Ulriksøn nodded in relief and began his lengthy speech from his book, which, in addition to the religious aspects, also dealt with the royal house of Arendelle and the bride and groom standing before him and their love for each other, until he finally came to the crucial part of the vows and closed his book. He handed it to his waiting young altar boy and said, “Please join hands now.” They turned to each other and did as he asked. Then he placed his own hand over it and spoke solemnly in a loud voice, “Kristoff Bjorgmann, will you take Queen Anna of Arendelle as your wife to live with her in holy matrimony, to love, honour and comfort her and to stand by her in sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live? So say “I do”.”

After Kristoff had said the words, the bishop repeated the question to Anna and she also said “I do” without hesitation.

The bishop released his hand and recited the usual marriage vow, starting with Kristoff, who not only repeated it word for word loudly and flawlessly, but also went down on one knee in front of Anna, looking at her enamoured but serious at the same time and placing his other hand over hers. Kristoff even went one step further and added his personal oath to Anna, adding a little more quietly, “You are my life, Anna. I will always be there for you, love you and - if necessary - defend you to the death with my life. I swear that to you!” He then stood up and a tear ran down Anna's cheek as it was her turn to repeat the bishop's words.

“Now put on your rings and repeat after me …”

In keeping with tradition, Kristoff and Anna slipped the rings from their left hands onto the ring fingers of their right hands and repeated the bishop's words simultaneously, “I give you this ring as a sign and pledge of our enduring loyalty and lasting love.”

“Now join hands. By the power vested in me by the laws of the Kingdom of Arendelle, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss.”

The moment Anna and Kristoff kissed and embraced, the audience rose to their feet and a standing ovation erupted, which spread out into the castle courtyard as soon as the sound reached the outside world. Everyone there immediately began to cheer loudly. Elsa, Olaf and Ryder were the first to congratulate the bride and groom and they hugged each other.

Anna now looked at Elin and nodded to her. The little girl handed her the bouquet and immediately helped to hold up the train with the other two bridesmaids. As they stood outside, they let the remaining guests stream past them from the chapel and received congratulations from everyone.

Anna's thoughts now turned to the Kransekake's rings, but first she had another tradition to fulfil. She wanted to throw the bridal bouquet, which one of the unmarried ladies was supposed to catch, thus promising a possible next wedding according to custom.

She took a few steps forward and everyone made room for her, while Kai took care to guide the female guests in question behind Anna, at least those who wanted to. Anna turned round after them briefly and looked into their expectant faces. She also spotted Princess Mari among them, who looked a little apprehensive, but nevertheless stood by and surrendered to chance. When their eyes met, Anna smiled sympathetically at her. Then she turned around, closed her eyes and threw the bouquet in a high arc behind her.

Everyone in the castle courtyard followed the trajectory eagerly and “oohs and aahs” could be heard. When the next round of applause could be heard, Anna turned round and saw Mari's stunned face as she held the bouquet in her hands in disbelief. Before looking round, she gave Anna a reproving look, but then laughed when she saw Francis' benevolent face in the crowd and her father, King Jonas, standing not far from him, smiling and applauding her. Finally, she approached Anna, who immediately embraced her.

“Congratulations, Mari, you really did catch it.

“It was well aimed of you, I just had to spread my hands.”

“Oh no, just pure chance,” laughed Anna, but she wasn't so sure, as she was always very accurate when throwing snowballs and using a bow and arrow. But she was glad that it was Mari and no one else. She knew that Francis and she had become close and their strolls had become longer in the recent months.

“But since we're on the subject and coincidence seems to have played a part … what do you think about accompanying us to Brinnon? The baron has offered to take us on his ship and provide an escort later. Kristoff and I will be there incognito for a fortnight on our honeymoon and he would like to take the opportunity to show us his country estate. Wouldn't that be a good opportunity for you to get to know Francis better?”

“Well, I have to say, Anna, you're not a bit sly, are you?” They both laughed out loud and Anna could only shrug her shoulders with a grin.

“I didn't mean it like that, of course, but I've noticed that you two seem to get on well. Francis is a real gentleman. He is handsome and charming, but that is not all, he has powerful connections not only in the royal house of Brinnon, but in their parliament as well, to boot. I think you two are a good match and if you think about it, a chance like this and a real baron on top of that is always better than a stupid, immature Westergaard prince you don't know at all, isn't it?”

Mari was speechless, but realised that Anna was absolutely right and had also judged her interest in Fran quite well.

“Let's both go over to the Kransekake table for the ceremony. Wish me luck, Mari,” Anna said without waiting for her answer and put her arm around Mari's shoulder in a companionable manner.

Kristoff, Kai, Gerda and Olina were already standing there waiting and smiling at them. All the other onlookers made way for their queen and wished her good luck.

Anna finally stood in front of the big cake, Kristoff right next to her. They were both smiling in great anticipation, although Anna had the impression that he was very nervous.

“Nice and slow, darling,” she whispered to him as she placed her hand on the first ring and he did the same on the opposite side.

They both took a deep breath and when she said “Now” they slowly lifted the smallest ring. The second ring moved and caught on the first, then they moved on. But just as it looked like it was going to be two Kransekake rings, it half detached and finally fell back onto the pile.

Olina and Gerda called out the result almost simultaneously, so that everyone around them who didn't see it themselves knew that an heir to the throne had been predicted.

��Anna grimaced in disappointment for a split second, but immediately smiled again and everyone around her congratulated the bride and groom.

“I'm sorry it wasn't two or more, darling,” Kristoff whispered to her.

She nodded slightly, not letting on, and whispered back, “It's not your fault, darling. Apart from that, it's just a custom and the prediction often doesn't come true. Besides, we both make our own destiny, darling.”

Then she turned round and exclaimed loudly, “Thank you for coming for our celebration. Let's get this party started! Have fun, everyone!”

~~~

It was planned and customary for a royal wedding that the celebrations would last three days and that the bride and groom would not only be present in the castle at all times, but would also be seen in the city on the third day at the latest.

Tomorrow was also the second most crucial event after her coronation, which meant that Kristoff had to be elevated from commoner to noble status. Not only would he be officially presented as Crown Prince of Arendelle in front of all the dignitaries from the other kingdoms present, but he would also receive honours and a title. He also had to swear an oath to the crown and in front of all those present. In the future, Kristoff would be addressed as Royal Highness.

Anna had to smile, because for him this also meant that the serious tough side of life was about to begin and with it a whole host of new duties. But she was sure that he would fulfil all the requirements needed - certainly not immediately, but definitely over the coming months and years.

But first they would have a party, celebrate the wedding dance and have a lot of fun tonight.

~~~

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The wedding celebrations lasted past midnight, but at some point Anna's feet started to ache from standing for so long. Kristoff kept asking her to dance, partly because he was keen to try out all the dances he had learnt with her and the other reason was because he felt a little uncomfortable at the table among all the guests and they were constantly being asked to kiss in the traditional way.

The latter was Elsa's idea, which she had read about in one of Anna's books on old wedding customs. Not that Kristoff and Anna had anything against it, quite the opposite. His desire for Anna’s lips was like an everlasting flame, but the pressure to kiss in front of everyone started to be uncomfortable for them both. He preferred to be alone with his new wife for such intimacy and enjoy the rest of the evening with her dancing, twirling her around, and holding her close, enjoying every minute of their wedding celebration. Something that both had desired and wanted for many years.

In the end, they were both relieved that most of the guests had finally gone to bed. This was also gratefully welcomed by the somewhat stressed castle staff. After saying goodbye to the last few remaining guests and they could finally go to sleep in their room and snuggle up together under the duvet. They were just too tired to do anything else, even though they really wanted to.

Early in the morning, there were several knocks and when Anna finally said 'Come in' with sleepy eyes, Elsa entered the bedroom.

“Good morning, you two,” she called cheerfully as she went to the window to let the bright and warm sunlight into the bed chamber.

Kristoff grumbled as the morning sun shone directly on his face, turned round and snuggled up to Anna. By now she was sitting up in bed with the covers pulled up and yawning unroyally loudly. As usual, her long hair was all tousled.

“Morning, Elsa, can’t we have just some minutes more of sleeping? I was having a pretty good dream,” she said and blinked at her sister with a grin.

“Oh Anna, something never changes, even after being married …,” Elsa chuckled. “It's already eight o'clock on this beautiful sunny morning. Maybe that's why you should get up, because we have a full agenda today, as I'm sure you know, sis,” Elsa said with a playful tone, casting a knowing glance at Anna's newlywed husband.

“Yep, that's it,” Anna sighed with a smile. “We'll be right down for breakfast.” She gently shook Kristoff and teased, “Come on, dreamy boy, time to get up!” Then, she carefully freed herself from his embrace to get dressed.

Elsa only now realised that Anna was totally naked before her sister hurriedly disappeared behind the paravent. At the same time, Elsa’s face turned red, and she decided to flee the room before seeing her brother-in-law suddenly stand naked in front of her too.

Elsa cleared her throat, “See you soon, I'll go ahead. Don’t be late.”

“All right, sis, see you later … but it may be a while yet.”

Elsa giggled softly and closed the door audibly behind her so that Kristoff could hear. But deep in her thoughts, she realized why Anna and Kristoff were exhausted after a very ardent night, just saying for herself: 'Newly married couple, I bet that that’s normal. At least Anna is happy.'

Three quarters of an hour later, the newlyweds finally entered the dining room. Elsa was already drinking her third cup of tea, but hadn't touched the food at the table because she wasn't hungry.

Kristoff turned up for breakfast in his new dress uniform and Anna wore her royal gown with the train and crown on her head to match the occasion.

“We're not really hungry, Elsa … after all the cake we ate yesterday,” said Anna, demonstratively holding a hand over her stomach.

“I can understand that, but I'm not really hungry either. How about we head downstairs after you've had a cup of tea with me? The celebrations are going to continue in the afternoon. Our citizens brought so many presents in the form of cakes and biscuits yesterday that I'm starting to wonder who's going to enjoy them all,” Elsa giggled.

Anna joined in with a laugh. “We've still got Mattias and Halima's wedding in two days' time, so their guests could also enjoy it.

“Well, let's see … and who knows what other sweet desserts will be added today.”

“By the way, have you seen all the presents our guests from faraway kingdoms have given us?”

“Not yet, Anna, but we can have a look together this afternoon. I bet there are some really cool dresses in there, right?”

Anna nodded, “I wonder if there will ever be a suitable opportunity to wear them?”

Elsa gave her a playful wink and said, “Who knows… maybe you could try some of these on for your honeymoon. I'm pretty sure your husband will love the idea, don’t you think, Kristoff?” After taking the last sip of tea and standing up, her eyes were fixed on Kristoff with a grin. “Ready for your big moment, Kristoff?”

He knew, of course, that he was to be officially presented as crown prince to the delegates and closest trading partners present today, and nodded cautiously. But he didn't know the exact procedure, if he was honest with himself. At the latest when his wife laid his new uniform on his bed earlier, he knew that it was not going to be a normal day. Afterward, he had to swear a public oath before the people of Arendelle.

He hadn't wanted to research all these details in the Crown's records in the days before, and it hadn't occurred to him to ask Anna either. The anticipation and novelty of it all made him decide to embrace the surprise and maintain his composure for the occasion. It seemed like Anna sensed his apprehension and gave him a reassuring peck on the cheek while softly saying, “Don't worry, darling. You'll be fine.”

~~~

The small hall was almost empty, with the exception of a few servants who were already setting the table for lunch. The high doors to the throne room were closed and two castle guards stood on either side. It seemed that all the ceremony guests were already inside, which made Kristoff a little nervous.

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“Would you wait here for a moment, Kristoff?” Anna asked with a hand on his forearm. He nodded and she signaled to the guards, who promptly opened the doors for her and Elsa, then closed them again. Kristoff caught a glimpse of a few people holding glasses, looking towards the royal sisters. He also spotted the bishop's red bonnet. This sight puzzled him. Why was he there; Kristoff wondered.

It was another fifteen minutes before one of the doors opened again and General Mattias came out.

“Your Royal Highness, everything is ready. The Queen and the distinguished guests await you now. Please follow me,” he said with a bow.

Why was Mattias suddenly so formal with him? He had been quite different before to me, Kristoff wondered, raising his eyebrows as he pondered while he followed him closely. The sound of closing doors added to the tense atmosphere. Further ahead, two dozen high-ranking guests from distant kingdoms stood with serious expressions, making the situation even more intense for Kristoff.

Anna was seated regally on the throne, her hands folded composedly in her lap. Elsa stood at her left, while Bishop Ulriksøn stood at her right, holding a precious cushion with a few unrecognizable gold objects. Behind the bishop, additional items were on a chair, and a red silk cushion lay gracefully on the floor in front of the throne platform, seemingly intended for Kristoff. Kristoff pondered what awaited him on this significant day.

Kristoff stopped right in front of it while Mattias now joined Elsa's side. Kristoff looked around and now recognised Yelana and the treasurer of the crown, all members of the royal council, which was still incomplete but nonetheless fully present. There was a tense silence and many turned their heads to the queen, who slowly rose and moved towards Kristoff. Kristoff had never seen this expression in Anna's eyes before.

The gazes of the foreign diplomats and royal council members were locked on them as Anna glanced at him with solemnity and regal dignity in her eyes and then spoke solemnly, “Kristoff Bjorgmann, royal ice master and supplier, and now crown prince of the kingdom of Arendelle, please kneel before your queen and all present here to receive your honors and titles, to swear the sacred oath of fealty to the crown and to receive the blessing of the church.”

Kristoff swallowed nervously as he knelt on the scarlet cushion before her.

Anna accepted a ceremonial sword from Elsa and gently lowered the blade onto each of Kristoff's shoulders in turn, bestowing her recognition and promotion.

“Rise now, Lord Kristoff of Arendelle, Aide-de-camp of the Royal House, Lord of the Valley of the Living Rock, Knight of the Order of the Crocus and Crown Prince of Arendelle.”

Anna now had Bishop Ulriksøn hand over to her, one by one, what he had so far held ready. She first took a narrow golden crown from the pillow and placed it on Kristoff's head, a moment that filled her with pride. Then she slipped a signet ring with Arendelle's crocus symbol onto the index finger of his left hand, a gesture that made her heart swell with hope. Next, Mattias put a belt with a sword on him, a symbol of his new role, and Kristoff felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. Mattias then had a short royal cloak handed to him, a weight that he was ready to bear. and put it around Kristoff's shoulders. Finally, Anna put a sceptre in his right hand and the orb in his left, and Kristoff felt a surge of responsibility and determination.

General Mattias, as a senior member of the royal council, now stood before him, unrolled a parchment and read out Arendelle's royal letters patent, which listed the crown prince's future titles and officially confirmed him in them after he had taken the oath.

“Kristoff Bjorgmann, are you ready to swear the oath to the crown? Now take it before your Queen and the witnesses here present, and from this moment on you shall be addressed as Your Royal Highness.”

With the moment finally arriving, Kristoff confidently recited the words he had diligently memorized. His heart pounded, but he took a deep breath and spoke loud and clear.

“I, Kristoff Bjorgmann, solemnly swear that I will be faithful and loyal to Her Majesty Queen Anna of Arendelle, her heirs and successors. I promise to live and, if necessary, to die defending Her Majesty and the sovereignity of the Kingdom of Arendelle with all my heart. So help me God.”

This was the sign for the bishop to pronounce his ecclesiastical blessing on him.

Now Anna smiled and some of the dignitaries present applauded him. Kristoff, his disbelief slowly transforming into joy, couldn't quite believe it yet, but a stone had just fallen from his heart, because now it was official. He gave Anna a loving look.

What was still missing was for him to appear before the people and officially recognize himself as crown prince. But first, the hall was buzzing with anticipation as everyone wanted to shake his hand and congratulate him.

But it was Elsa, always one step ahead, who reached him first. Her hand on his shoulder, her eyes locked with his, she smiled and said, “Congratulations, brother-in-law. Welcome to the royal family!”

~~~

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Remark: I hope you have enjoyed this chapter! Please leave a comment if you liked the story, I would be pleased to read your opinions, even criticisms. If you want to be tagged as soon I publish the next chapter please let me know, except you are already tagged :-)

Note: Sorry that i was late with this chapter but life came inbetween. This was the final chapter of "The Broken Bridge", which will be followed by the epilogue and my afterword in a few days.

Additional note: In the Norwegian tradition, the engagement and wedding rings are usually one and the same and made of gold. During the ceremony, the engagement ring is then transferred from the left hand to the ring finger of the right hand. I didn't realise this in chapters 61 and 62 and described it in the wrong way. It is now correctly described here.

The last two scenes have been a co-writing of me and my betareader HeinrichVSA, who helped me a lot on this topic, as an historian.

The last picture is my version of "The Accolade" and it took me two full days to create it. I hope you like it.

Tagging: @true--north @annaofthenorthernlights @dronning-formynder05

#frozen #frozen2 #frozen3 #fanfic #epic novel #the broken bridge #chapter 81 #bigfrozenfan #Youtube

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