#gerrin

[wally-b-feed]

Anthony Fineran (B 1981), Hans Gerrin Tos, 2023

[captain039]

Part 2 Stains of red

Astarion x omega!reader

Warnings: Vampire things, blood, light gore, witch things, fantasy things, swearing, age gap, heats, smut, shameless flirting, virgin reader, indulging in pleasure xD, pining, jealousy, possessiveness, angst, masturbation

Previous part <-

Astarion was there the next day some strange glint in his eyes as he sat boredly at your table.

“If you are bored, go elsewhere” you stated reading over a book and organising some herbs.

“The villagers are dull” he stated finger on his lips as he watched out the window.

“Did you hear someone died?” He asked and you froze looking to him.

“No, gods, another one? who was it? What happened?” You asked attention on him as he seemed unfazed. He smelt awfully fresh also, clean water and soap, a little too clean.

“Butchers boy, I don’t know his name” he shrugged and you frowned.

“He was here yesterday” you stated.

“Was that him?” He questioned still overly unfazed and you frowned at him, studying.

“Your witch powers won’t work ok me darling” he grinned standing up and peering at the book you were reading. He stood awfully close and you held your breath, glancing to the puncture scar on his neck. He always tried to cover them up with ruffles and high collars, for some strange reason your own teeth ached. You breathed out and stepped back, shaking your head.

“I’ll head to the village tonight, say my respects” you said brushing off the way your heart pounded.

“You will not” Astarion said too quickly and angrily eyes narrowing.

“It’s just the village I’ve been there plenty of times, it’s not like you’re my father!” You huffed at him hands of your hips.

“It’s the right thing to do” you added going to your room to pick an outfit. You heard Astarion growl and leave making you frown and watch his form disappear in the forest, why was he acting so strange?

Over the last few years members of the village have been found dead, brutally or strangely, the guardian of the dead did not share his input either on such things as he usually did.

Astarion had hung around like a fly, trying to concentrate with him around was hard. You hated how your body would go warm whenever he was near, or your mind would wonder to such dirty thoughts whenever he was close. You were thankful for magic, you blocked your thoughts from anyone and anything that wanted to peak inside, a safe in your mind where all your darkest secrets lied. You began to prepare dinner, the funeral would be tonight no doubt, you were also in need of supplies. Astarion was reading a book by your table, head resting on his hand which leant against the table, you wondered what he was thinking.

“After dinner I’m going to get ready, stay, leave or come with me I do not mind” you stated eating your stew. His face turned in a scowl and he snapped his book shut making you jump slightly b

“I’m hungry anyways” he grumbled and left making you huff at his behaviour.

You headed to the village after eating and getting ready. You headed to the funeral fire and saw the villagers already gathered around. You stayed back a bit listening to the speech the elder gave before the young man’s body was a lit with fire and sent to the gods. You said a small prayer wishing him safe passage to the after life. You headed back to the village, Gerrin was usually open till late anyway. You headed to his shop, ears sharp to the sounds around you. A little too sharp when you heard a moan. You froze and glanced to a dark alleyway, two people were there a woman pressed against the wall and a man against her. You flushed seeing his hand clearly down her skirt, her hips stuttering against his hand. Gods you didn’t mean to stare, but Ruby eyes looked your way with a blood stained mouth. You flushed and quickly darted down to Gerrins shop.

You panted as you slammed the door, leaning against it, unaware of Gerrins odd look.

“You alright?” He asked cocking his head.

“Huh?” You said dumbly cheeks a blaze. Gods why did you wish it was you against the wall. You shook your head furiously going around the shop and picking up what you needed.

“Ten gold” Gerrin said and you handed him ten gold coins and thanked him quietly.

“Goodnight” you nodded your head before leaving in a rush. You glanced down that same street, sighing in relief when you didn’t see them there. You rushed back to your cabin and closed the door a little harshly before sighing. You rested your basket on the table and groaned as you flopped into bed. Between your thighs was hot and slightly wet making you flush and bite the inside of your cheek. You stood, closed your windows and locked them, blew out the candles and stripped before lying on your bed and getting under the covers. You clenched the sheets mind replaying the scene you saw only putting yourself there. Your hand trailed down your stomach and to your cunt, you bit the inside of your cheek as you imagined Astarions slender fingers sliding through your folds, whispering about how wet you were for him. Your back arched slightly as you slowly began to finger your self hearing Astarions voice echo in your mind.

‘Such a pretty thing’ he’d whisper in your ear, gently kissing down your neck. You added a second and sighed continuing the scene.

‘I wouldn’t want to hurt you sweetheart, relax for me’ you whined softly pressing your thumb to your clit and slowly rubbing.

‘You can do it’ his voice whispers in your mind.

“Come for me’ it added as you quickened your pace and felt your stomach coil and release. You moaned quietly and panted as you felt yourself orgasm fingers still slowly moving before you pulled them out. You were in a slight bliss before reality came back, your cheeks on fire again as you stood and grabbed your gown on shaky legs. You washed your hands and sat at the table suddenly guilty about what you had done. Unaware of who lied in the forest.

Next part ->

[speakingparts]

poster art by Gerrin Tramis

Perfect Blue パーフェクトブルー 1997 Satoshi Kon

[tiikerikani]

Throwback Not-Thursday (2012 v 2024)

Gerrin Goblinkicker, Dwarf Hero (sculpted by Bob Olley)

This was the last figure I painted before starting up again in 2020.

I'm known to be insufferably/irredeemably stuck in the past, so unlike normal people who might strip and repaint their earlier figures, I painted a whole other copy. This dwarf figure is still in production, so I didn't need to wrangle one from eBay at stupid prices. I even happened to have a matching base (they had come in a 3-pack and I still had the other 2—these are discontinued).

On the old version the middle of the shield is just off-center if you look at the model from that corner and it just feels like something is wrong. For the new version I decided to place him along the diagonal of the base instead of the side. I think this way it is clearer which direction he's facing—though it's actually the feet that are aligned to the diagonal and not his face, so it's still kind of off.

I considered painting a whole pattern onto the shield instead of leaving it plain wood, but I didn't want it to be too different from the old version, so I just changed the shield boss to brass/bronze for contrast.

I had placed him too far forward too; I think I was trying to center the feet on the base instead of the figure overall.

I used the same static grass from a plastic film container of it that I got from somebody. I have no memory of where it's from and this is the only figure I have that uses it. I wonder if it's from 2000/1 when I'd just learned to paint, since a pinch of grass on the base appears to have been typical on Warhammer figures from that era. Maybe I used it on Battletech figures I painted for my classmates at $5 a pop. Anyway, it sits on a bed of green stuff instead of a thick layer of PVA glue (which shrinks so you'd need a lot of it to fill up the hollow base, but that's how I did things back then. didn't know any better).

Recipes

The base blue paint on the old model was Ral Partha's Dragon Blue (highlights in Sky Blue). I still have the Dragon Blue pot and wanted to use it but the paint doesn't stick to the primer anymore so I guess it's dead. It's a bit drowned in black wash on the 2012 model, and here's what I did on the new one:

Speedpaint Beowulf Blue (as you do because, you know, vikings). I didn't shake it enough so it came out a bit purple

Thin layer of Ultramarine Blue

Wet blend Wolf Grey into Ultramarine for first highlight

Gorgon Hide for second highlight

The green base was a bit trickier since the Army Painter Warpaints do not have a match for it (maybe the new Fanatic line does, dunno). But I made it work with a solid coat of Greenskin and then Speedpaint Shamrock Green (the latter of which is a decent match).

P.S. The old Ral Partha Bronze paint is really more of a brassy color. It's not orange-ish at all.

Bonus: Super-black background tutorial (kind of)

When you take the photos, use a sheet of black velour / flocking as the backdrop; Green Stuff World sells these in various sizes but the material is originally used in other things that need to be super dark, like telescopes, so you can probably find it in places where astronomy stuff is sold.

You'll never get all the dust and speckles out of it with a tape roller so just remove as much as you can.

Editing the pictures—I use GIMP:

(Optional) Crop your image. You can do it now, or at the end like I do.

Adjust levels and do color corrections as needed.

Fuzzy select the black area around the figures. 10% tolerance worked for me, but go lower if the figures are dark. You want to avoid picking up parts of the miniatures.

Invert the selection.

Copy and paste to a new layer and put it at the top. This layer will be transparent and contain just the figures and a lot of dust speckles.

Create a new white layer and put it under the transparent layer. Now you can see all the speckles against the white background.

Clean up background with eraser tool.

Hide the white layer and create a black layer. (Or just put the black layer above the white one.)

Clean up any stray dust with eraser tool.

If fuzzy select was overzealous and took out too much (you can flip the solid layers on and off to check), copy/paste those areas back in from the original picture.

[johnny-dynamo]

Spawn by Gerrin Tramis

[444names]

Names generated from American, French and German forenames, including the letter sequence "Rr"

Alarrame Aleorry Alerrine Alivanarred Alterriann Aluderryl Amerranne Angeorra Angerrah Anlougerry Annierry Annikerre Aricarry Arrene Arretercurt Arrey Arrien Arryllin Arryndy Arrystinaom Asterrekke Aumerric...

Barriebhan Barrya Barryllie Beacharry Berberry Bermarry Bernierred Berra Berrah Berre Berren Berrene Berrenri Berret Berrey Berri Berria Berric Berrie Berrier Berrilhera Berrina Berrine Berry Berrya Berryadie Berrylainer Berryler Berryllyne Betterre Betterrent Betterrith Boberry Borri Broséverry Calvinerry Carlorria Carre Carredne Carreg Carren Carrenton Carres Carrine Carrise Carry Carrya Carryanett Carryl Carrylvin Charre Charri Charris Charry Chelherrise Chermarra Cherreney Cherry Cherrya Chierry Chriamerra Clannerryn Clarrienzo Clierrenn Colarry Correnneric Corrie Corrinie Corrya Corryleth Cotharrice Dacharry Damarry Darredra Darres Darrie Darrya Debkerryst Derra Derrace Derresier Derriette Derry Desterry Dierry Ditherry Dorry Ederred Elberry Emarrent Emarriam Emarry Erederry Ermarry Erred Erredin Errenn Errenzo Errete Erretha Erricard Errie Errind Errisa Errisbennah Erritte Erryandy Errynna Ertherry Erverre Eterry Everris Everry Faberreen Faberry Faberryss Fellerris Ferre Ferreenn Ferrice Ferry Floditterry Florgerre Florrystick Freingerry Fritheorry Garra Garrin Garrittley Garrya Geborrie Gelmarry Georriquel Gerierry Germarria Gerrah Gerram Gerre Gerreendie Gerremari Gerren Gerresina Gerret Gerri Gerria Gerriane Gerricher Gerrichris Gerrik Gerrikt Gerrind Gerrine Gerrinevie Gerry Gerryand Gerryl Gerryll Gerrystieck Gleterry Glorry Gorredar Gorrie Gorry Grafaberry Gredwarre Gwerry Gwerrylva Harrah Harregfray Heithmarry Heorry Herra Herramar Herre Herred Herren Herrene Herrenith Herrenn Herret Herrey Herriane Herrick Herrie Herrine Herrinean Herrisanio Herrithmard Herry Herrya Herryan Herrystéph Howaytorre Huarry Hugerryl Iderry Idgerry Iditharre Imberril Ireterrie Irlherrine Isterrin Istierrie Jacharry Jacherrie Janierralie Jarra Jarrey Jeacherry Jeangerrene Jearomarry Jearrene Jearry Jearrya Jeatharry Jefforri Jerredona Jerree Jerreita Jerren Jerrene Jerretha Jerretherie Jerrith Jerrya Jerryla Jerrynes Jilorry Jimerric Joangeorra Joderred Jodorrekke Joharra Jorredrie Jorridia Jorry Jorryle Josemarry Joyderryle Juadarry Juangerrya Juterry Jörgierryl Karra Karreanne Karree Karrene Karreth Karrette Karrine Karry Karrya Katharryle Katiferry Keharram Kelberry Kerrices Kerrya Kiebharre Konierry Kriderrie Larrie Larrya Lerrene Lerry Liedaverren Lioliverris Listerrick Listerry Lorre Lorren Lorriche Lorry Lutherry Lyssierred Maberry Maberrya Marmarrysta Marra Marram Marrang Marraudwig Marre Marreane Marred Marreen Marren Marrene Marrenie Marresielf Marretel Marrettam Marretto Marri Marridia Marrie Marriliane Marrista Marrister Marristim Marry Marrya Marryanesl Marryany Marryl Marrylvale Marrylvie Marrynne Marrys Marrysta Marryste Marverry Mausterren Merrah Merrené Merria Merrice Merritz Merry Meselerry Meslinarry Mierrena Mierrice Mirgerra Moharrie Monarriecky Monicherred Morrenatyrt Morrie Mélilterry Nansterres Nicherrinie Norrich Odnerlherry Odorry Ollausterre Orrethant Orryan Otterry Patederral Pegorrinath Pherrine Pieterry Ramarrella Rannerryl Rebarrene Roberriene Roberry Rogerralyd Ronicarren Ruberra Rémerre Saberred Saberry Samerierrey Sanerresla Sangerria Sarrya Scarry Scasterry Serre Serreda Setcherremi Sharred Sharretthy Sharria Sharrinanne Sharrinrane Sharryston Sherred Sherren Sherriette Shlerrithy Sierry Sirlorrya Sopharry Starrya Starrylvin Sterraque Sterrie Sterrist Sterristéph Sterry Storredwar Strunorry Sverredd Sverryl Sverryllen Sébarrie Terred Terrewaler Terrya Terryleste Thellerryle Thergerry Tomarrette Tonierryla Topatharry Trickarry Trietterry Triserrie Ularreath Uwerrincil Verre Verretin Vessierraud Vierry Vionadarren Warregfrene Warrie Warrisa Warryadrent Wericherry Werra Werracque Werredres Werrie Yverre Yverrel Yverry Yverrya Étaberrysth

[thegreatimpersonator]

RAVANATION AND GERRINATION WE'RE THRIVING

[childofbraindamage]

You have walked this earth since it’s beginning being cursed by the creator of this universe recently in the fifth world war you’ve been in,you got shot in the head,then started shooting back. You thought no one saw get shot but then commander stark screams “WHAT THE HEeLL!!!” Having no room to stop, you yell back “I’ll explain once we’re out of this area”! After blocking a few shots for Gerrin and Hartama, you have marched through the last of them and you all get to the camp your alliance has placed a misf(3.4km from your original language )past the battle field

I’m not gonna finish this right now remind me and I will

you are soldier who served in every war known to man you are immortal one day in the middle of WW III you were shot in the head thinking nobody saw you continue firing until your commander yells “what the hell”

[solidsurfboards]

Best Surfboard For Intermediate | Solidsurfboards

Gerrin Tramis offers the Best Surfboard For Intermediate Surfers. This board is perfect for those who have some surfing skills and want to improve. It is easy to control, stable, and helps you catch more waves. Enjoy smooth rides and better performance with this top-quality surfboard designed for intermediate surfers.

[alejoochoaa]

gerrin

[jaydee-wasnt]

Important information here: isobel is a half elf. Her mother died when she was young, and she doesn't talk about siblings at all. Here's my theory:

Ketheric Thorm marries a human or half elf worshiper of Selune. Has one daughter, loses both. Turns to Shar. Takes another wife, meant to keep up appearances or even secure alliances. Has two children, Gerringothe and Isobald. Feels nothing for them, sees them only as tools to employ. Another commenter pointed out that Malus is his uncle, or perhaps brother, depending on who he means to be his nephew.

In a lore scrap you find in the Waning moon, Thisobald refers to Gerrin by first name only. That strikes me as a sibling relationship, rather than an aunt and uncle one, especially in a household as strict/harsh as the Thorm family's

I spent my day thinking about Baldur's Gate lore...again *sigh*

So, let's begin...

I see people talking about Ketheric having more children than just Isobel.

What I understood is that Malus, Gerringothe and Thisobald are his siblings, and he had only one child: Isobel. 

I doubted this when Thisobald called him “Father Ketheric”, but it's probably just a title since he is head of his family ? Ketheric doesn't talk about other children, and I read nowhere informations about this. Added to this: we can’t really see it with Thisobald but him, Malus and Gerringothe are way more older than Isobel, they could be her uncles and aunt, but probably not her siblings. (That’s just my opinion and they're undead, so it's hard to judge. What is sure is that their relationship with Ketheric and Isobel is unclear.)

Also, I think it would have been weird for Ketheric to never talk about other children while his deep love for his family was proven many times, and it's what drove him through years of difficult life (and death), being a chew toy for Gods. (I mean…even Shar, a literal goddess, couldn’t erase the memories of his wife and daughter’s death…).

I would really like to know more about this story, firstly because I love reading lore (I WANT KNOWLEDGE, ANSWERS, GIMME EVERYTHING), and secondly because it would be useful to know for writing...👀

So what's your thoughts ?

[trolloled]

Hand holding gets derided as a meme like ‘haha hand holding wow so disgusting’ or whatever but I think it’s Neat.

Gerrel liked holding Katrin’s hands. He liked to intertwine fingers with her and hold them tightly, reassuringly. Like an anchor that would never let go no matter how rough the water got. He liked the blush on her face when that happened, he thought she was cute.

He’s still working his way up to holding hands with Villoh - forget the part about being a rainbowdrinker, he has to figure out the Right Moment that physical contact is acceptable. No, the brief hug didn’t count! That was special!

[raitrolling]

Katrin, you make Gerrel feel nervous and regretful :(

( 'M... Not s'prised. )

( I thought he'd be happier once he didn' h've t' worry 'bout me 'nymore, but... He d'serv'd a lot bett'r th'n wh't I d'd. )

[pixalry]

Resident Evil 3 - Created by Gerrin Tramis

You can follow the artist on Instagram.

[444names]

animals + american forenames + languages

Agliva Alail Aldrede Alene Alixie Allawna Allie Allina Altois Alvali Amaggy Ambar Amina Aminny Ancecia Ancia Andian Andilve Anianue Aniell Anthon Apreil Apyton Arcucke Ardormi Aridog Arjoe Armat Arricen Ashel Aspane Aurtne Aurtons Backin Badrut Bathar Beanna Beard Beeff Beliany Berri Bettan Bette Birilly Blawna Bluewt Boben Bresie Brister Brolian Calrus Candark Cangon Cankey Carie Caroace Carryl Cartne Casna Cathael Cawnal Chalici Chanth Cherie Chilla Chine Chophid Chove Chrilda Clamsea Clandes Clareth Clarona Cobca Colgark Conie Coodie Corack Coren Coucky Couth Cowla Crant Criandy Crich Cronn Cudreek Czella Dacel Dandy Darlyn Darnet Daver Davey Davive Deago Deerpie Delion Dencer Derfish Derilin Dernia Detnet Dince Ditorim Donie Doray Dorep Dorweah Dowla Drane Duance Duarmic Ducia Dusta Dwaty Dwish Edorace Edort Eettip Ellaula Ellaver Ellia Emmardo Emurey Ennak Erobele Esshele Esuel Eulat Evene Fanie Fanne Feregh Ferise Ferna Ferth Fertna Fisald Flord Fowlank Froke Frubear Galauli Garan Garge Garidie Gazell Gelenny Gelly Gelora Geopam Gerrin Gerthel Glack Glawn Gonne Gorre Gramin Gredi Grele Grete Griet Gristil Groat Groyd Guain Guandam Guttind Gwenig Hadin Haeleon Halody Hecke Herne Hertrie Hidna Hitall Horice Hovam Humarly Hundra Indol Inguth Irgian Ivianie Jacatt Jacel Jacian Jackark Jackri Janthy Jassada Javie Javio Jayton Jeafowl Jeana Jefle Jefowl Jelina Jence Jeren Jerin Jesna Jessh Jessian Jesta Jimark Jodyss Johnne Joray Jorey Jorra Josnat Juailie Juancy Julin Julish Karay Karguy Karlee Karma Karold Karose Katamy Katig Kattah Katte Kelix Kence Kenda Kerack Koaden Koary Komird Komma Krayfis Krian Krild Lacky Laitab Laitah Larubed Laulix Laurene Laurk Leassie Leell Leettia Lence Lenne Lenton Lesill Lianda Liant Licker Llaura Lores Loven Lovene Lucki Luelf Lupine Lyndy Mackoat Mackyl Macon Madaria Manda Manna Mannie Marce Marcin Mariony Marlia Maroma Maron Marook Martab Martlew Massan Materya Mathye Maurt Maxin Maxis Maxisy Megaron Megoo Melain Melia Melsa Micatsy Migue Minter Mitty Moleri Molona Monke Moody Mosey Mouite Mouruis Naker Nalba Neffel Nicany Nienna Nitaiia Nosease Olgaley Ollon Orette Orgibug Orguish Oroos Osaar Oshawn Ossally Ossia Paciss Pamelex Pamsta Panie Paris Parjohn Pather Paudy Peady Peane Peddi Penia Perfla Perhew Pidea Pidger Pindory Polga Porice Poshar Posti Potail Potelaw Prace Prannie Prettie Price Racyn Ranalew Randon Ranzee Redie Relia Riantle Riter Robbie Robby Robcani Robcath Rockyle Rocus Rodne Ronnor Ronyak Rotherk Roucia Rourt Roxan Rusie Ryakel Saler Samel Sammy Saroy Sconie Sealan Seffist Shandy Shard Sharle Sharre Shean Shiton Skiwi Sluelia Sonelie Sonnish Sopon Spalf Spamina Spigue Spira Squanic Squarly Squel Squer Stanne Stelse Sumart Sushon Swalisa Swarley Swingor Talvine Tarti Ternet Tertai Thance Thell Thent Thove Tiely Tinet Tinguan Toina Tonie Troman Turett Turth Turusie Uzaril Velyn Viandys Viant Vicin Vidna Vionack Virand Walber Walie Walvia Warie Washer Wayth Wedus Wifor Wifowl Wigerie Wolie Wolle Worant Worish Yvoly

[carterashofficial]

Lil scene of Fiika’s mother and toddler Fiika, with unpleasant backstory about Fiika’s biological father.

“Mummy. Mummy. Mummy!”

Gerrine Allos awoke with a start to find a pair of hazely-gray eyes inches from her nose. Her heart skipped a beat- those eyes were his eyes- before her daughter whispered insistently again.

“Mummy!”

Gerrine pulled Fiika up into bed alongside her. “What is it?”

Fiika’s feet were cold and missing socks. She had to have been standing next to her bed for ages. “I- I had a nightmare.” Her voice warbled. “An’... an’ it was scary, Mummy.”

“It was?” She made sure Fiika was covered by the comforter and had the good pillow. “Do you want to tell me about it?”

“I- No.” Fiika gasped. “Mister Booper! I- Mummy, Mister Booper’s in- in-” Her hands were waving in the general direction of the bedroom door, fear choking off her ability to speak.

Gerrine sighed inwardly, now true and fully awake. “Mummy’s going to get him, alright?”

Fiika nodded. “Good, Mummy.”

She slipped out of the bed, cursed inwardly at leaving her slippers not where she’d thought she’d left them, and shambled down the hall towards Fiika’s tiny room.

It was just for that mere split-second, where she’d woken up suddenly to see those eyes-

Gerrine hissed a curse under her breath. He had no way of finding them. Or rather, her. He didn’t know about Fiika.

And never will.

She paused in Fiika’s doorway, bracing herself for the light. It was still blinding. Her thoughts continued to parade through her head, ignoring the opinion that they were more than unwelcome, much like he was.

Gerrine would die before she let that malicious bastard of a man near her daughter. Her daughter, not theirs. He didn’t know, and what he didn’t know he couldn’t hurt. That was why she was hunting through tangled baby blankets and a foul children’s comforter with ugly cartoon flowers in florid colors stitched into it.

Her daughter deserved no father who would treat her as he treated her mother when something went wrong.

Oh, how nice it had been at first. How charming he’d been, playing me like I play the synthharp. Damn him to hell.

Gerrine scowled as she watched Mister Booper fall into the crack between mattress and wall.

Why is he on my mind? Stop it.

Perhaps it was that parade through the capitol earlier that day. Fiika had wanted to go and see all the fireworks, thanks to that man Luuko at the bakery who mentioned them, and Gerrine had given in, bundling them up against the cold.

The Naval force was out to show itself off against the latest victory in the war with the Republic. Fighters hung in the sky, executing loops and showing off. Officers were given medals and awards for whatever bravery they’d done, not that Gerrine had listened.

She’d been too busy keeping Fiika close and keeping an eye out for him.

He wouldn’t be in the messy, slummy part of the capital, but she was paranoid. He wouldn't even suspect she would be in the messy, slummy part, either, but leaving everything had a cost and she happily paid for it so Fiika would never know him.

Gerrine hefted the cheap bedframe and shifted it over a foot. Mister Booper was staring mournfully up at her from apparently where all of Fiika’s socks had gone.

“Oh, love, you kick them off, don’t you?”

Mister Booper didn’t answer. But it made sense, Fiika went to bed with socks on and usually ran into her bedroom in the morning without them.

Gerrine decided to move the bed back in the morning after she consigned the socks to the laundry. That would be tomorrow’s problem. She flicked the light off and blindly headed back to her bedroom with Mister Booper clasped close.

Moonlight filtered in through the grimy window. One of Ziost’s rare clear nights, it seemed. Fiika was sound-asleep in her mother’s spot, blond hair sticking up on one side of her head. Gerrine tucked Mister Booper in next to her, and smiled to herself.

This.

This was why she’d ran when she’d discovered her pregnancy. To protect her child from that horrid monster. To keep Fiika safe, to keep her happy. She wouldn’t have this quiet little moment with that leech of a bully around.

Gerrine slipped under the covers on the other side of the bed, pulling her daughter close.

“I love you.”

Fiika rolled over and whacked Mister Booper across her mother’s face.

“And I love Mister Booper too.” She kissed Fiika’s forehead and fell back into the pillows, feeling safe and secure.