#got to look at chad kroeger

[excelsior9173]

fuck i love nickelback

idk if i’ve ever yelled and sang as hard as i do at nickelback shows

time to pass out in the backseat of my car lmao

[annieqattheperipheral]

leno drive-by on davo & nickelback

every hockey interview should be lubricated by a charismatic friend great at media. No i used the exact word i wanted to use. hockey monotone is painful

Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Chad Kroeger // Boots & Hearts Festival // Aug 12, 2023

[xenosagaepisodeone]

it's so funny that this documentary exists. a retrospective on a band that has existed for nearly 30 years that is as tepid as said band's creative output. This is all clearly marketing for I guess younger post-covid nickelback fans who weren't old enough to participate in making fun of nickelback when it was the in thing, but ultimately the documentary has nothing to say because there isnt anything to say. a representative from their label accidentally alludes to this: for a time, nickelback's uncontroversial commercial sound was the only thing keeping the lights on at the studio, and the money they made went on to support the metal artists under the same label (take from that what you will). the beats the doc takes us through are the following: "were small town guys who aggressively marketed and got big because we were in spider-man" "we had some health problems, but we're fine now" "we were a meme and it kind of hurt our feelings, but were fine now" "we had some lows where things were difficult for us creatively, but were fine now". there's even a dramatic point where one band member talks about nervously going back to make amends with a bandmate they had to kick out and....it goes completely fine. No talk of struggles with sex or drugs or family, even! A largely safe, frictionless career, which is probably why this film struggles to escape the confines of it's blatant marketing framing. nickelback was monoculture without a brand in the 2000s (at least Here In Canada). This is How You Remind Me was smattered all over the radio for years (the documentary mentioned at one point nickelback would be played on the radio once ever 3 minutes in the US) but what was nickelback as a band? the exact same as seether or creed or 3 doors down...did I mention that their current drummer is actually the former drummer of 3 doors down? the film is painfully aware that part of the reason why it was so easy to take potshots at nickelback was because of this interchangeable identity but refuses to contend with it. as ryan reynolds proclaims at the beginning and towards the end of the film "it's time to admit nickelback is actually awesome", because if they sound good, what else do they need to really be, right?

if taylor swift is monoculture as horror then nickelback is monoculture as existential horror, specifically. at one point in the doc, chad kroeger says that he doesn't know what he is without nickelback, that the band is more or less his identity, and that all he would be without it is "the guy who makes jokes". this could easily be played up to give some semblance of heart, but I don't think it's necessarily dishonest. at a point, kroeger talks to his brother about how they can't rely on doing covers as often as they do. at his concert he wears band shirts for other bands (not a weird thing on its own btw just in this one context). Hes aware of being "nirvana-lite" and its likely the inspiration behind his infamous ramen hair/beard look. his mom says that being the face of the band is what repels him from getting married or having kids like his brother (do i mention that this doc barely gives a shit about the other members). they mention his brief marriage to fellow canadian export avril lavigne, who is the only person he or his wikipedia article ever reference romantically, and I can't help but wonder if there was some motivation to be a canadian musician power couple behind it all. the documentary predictably makes a big deal about the fact he's from canada, and with the lack of well, Self that is present here I can only assume that "canadian" was meant to fill the slot where "identity" was meant to be.

none of this is even me being mean. I like buttrock. when their songs from the aughts come on the radio, I go "mm...alright" and let it play like i do with old eminem or evanescence. my mom is a nickelback superfan (self professed #1 fan, even) and the copy of All The Right Reasons I bought for her birthday when I was 12 is probably one of the few non-burned cds she still has. and when I ask her what she likes so much about them beyond the passable rock angle, she goes "chad kroeger is so cute n_n"

[magic-crazy-as-this]

Our favourite emo baby // I heard a rumour they're killing him off again thoughts n prayers pls 🙏💕🙏 // There's Nickelback in here, I'm not sorry // Might re-order these later, it's kind of a mess

Hero - Chad Kroeger, Josey Scott But heaven no, heaven don't hear me / And they say that a hero could save us

Shimmer - Fuel All that shimmers in this world is sure to fade away again

The Devil You Know (God Is a Man) - Face To Face So you've tried, and you've made up your mind / Something's still not right/ The devil you don't know is still outside

Angels On The Moon - Thriving Ivory And don't tell me if I'm dying / 'Cause I don't wanna know

The Moments In Between - The Reign of Kindo My God, what have I become? / Feel this fire burn / Burn 'till I'm undone / Never to return.

Send the Pain Below - Chevelle I liked having hurt / So send the pain below / Where I need it.

New Divide - Linkin Park And your voice was all I heard / That I get what I deserve / So give me reason to prove me wrong / To wash this memory clean

Numb - Linkin Park And every second I waste is more than I can take

The Red - Chevelle So lay down, the threat is real / When his sight goes red again

Machinehead - Remastered Bush Tied to a wheel, my fingers got to feel / Bleeding through a tourniquet smile

Somewhere I Belong - Linkin Park I wanna heal, I wanna feel like I'm close to something real / I wanna find something I've wanted all along / Somewhere I belong

Smooth Criminal - Alien Ant Farm (ok this one's just a vibe)

You're Gonna Go Far, Kid - The Offspring With a thousand lies and a good disguise / Hit 'em right between the eyes, hit 'em right between the eyes

Freak On a Leash - Korn Sometimes I cannot take this place / Sometimes it's my life I can't taste

My Hero - Foo Fighters There goes my hero / He's ordinary

Kryptonite - 3 Doors Down You called me strong, you called me weak / But still your secrets, I will keep / You took for granted all the times, I never let you down

The Pretender - Foo Fighters In time, or so I'm told / I'm just another soul for sale, oh well

It's Not a Fashion Statement, It's a Deathwish - My Chemical Romance Promise me that when I've gone, you'll kill my enemies I will avenge my ghost with every breath I take / I'm coming back from the dead

I Never Told You What I Do for a Living - My Chemical Romance It ain't the money and it sure as hell ain't just for the fame / It's for the bodies I claim

The Sharpest Lives - My Chemical Romance Give me a shot to remember, and you can take all the pain away from me / Your kiss and I will surrender / The sharpest lives are the deadliest to lead

I Will Not Bow - Breaking Benjamin Watch the end through dying eyes / Now the dark is taking over / Show me where forever dies / Take the fall and run to Heaven

Headstrong - Trapt Back off, I'll take you on / Headstrong to take on anyone

Before I Forget - Slipknot I'm ripped across the ditch and settled in the dirt and I / Wear you like a stitch, yet I'm the one who's hurt

Prayer Of The Refugee - Rise Against Don't hold me up now / I can stand my own ground / I don't need your help now / You will let me down, down, down

Bullets - Archive Come touch me like I'm an ordinary man / Have a look in my eyes / Underneath my skin there's a violence / It's got a gun in its hand

Other Playlists

Unnecessary Feelings (Phoenix Wright x Miles Edgeworth)

Penelope Todd (Red Phoenix - Jason's sister)

[prometheanpiero]

Once More With Feeling

Characters: @netteliax & @prometheanpiero Song: Let Me Go, Avril Lavigne feat. Chad Kroeger (x) Note: These aren't starters, but muses are welcomed to reply to sing back

For the moment, as other music around them silenced, Prometheus remembered everything. And he backed away, staring towards his wife as a couple people silently wheeled in a piano with Isla played on it. Someone else joined in with their string instrument.

"Love that once hung on the wall," the avariel sung. "Used to mean something, but now it means nothing..."

Flora appeared, playing skillfully on the drums.

"The echoes are gone in the hall..." He turned away, looking around as though unseeing of the crowd around them. "But I still remember the pain of December."

"Oh, there isn't one thing left you could say," he continued, looking back towards Nettelia a few feet away from him. "I'm sorry, it's too late..."

The music swelled, the drums got louder and some background vocalists joined in - among them the Archdruids and Epi.

"I'm breaking free from these memories," he sung as he gestured in the air, gesturing as though pushing and washing everything away from him. "Gotta let it go, just let it go... I've said goodbye, set it all on fire. Gotta let it go, just let it go.

'Ah-ooh, ah-ooh,' sang the background vocalists as Prometheus approached Nettelia and they slowly circled one another.

"You came back to find I was gone. And that place is empty like the hole that was left in me... Like we were nothing at all. It's not what you meant to me, thought we were meant to be- ooh... There isn't one thing left you could say. I'm sorry it's too-" He cut himself off, shaking his head and turning and walking away as the background vocalists continued singing.

'I'm breaking free from these memories,' sang the background vocals with Epimetheus leading them. Prometheus is trying to walk away when he stops himself a few feet away while they sing: 'Gotta let it go, just let it go. I've said goodbye, set it all on fire. Gotta let it go, just let it go.'

'I let it go...'

"And now I know..." sung Prometheus.

'A brand new life...'

"Is down this road..." He continued, turning back to look at Nettelia.

'And when it's right...' As the background vocalists sung he walked back to her slowly and they met each other halfway.

"You always know," he sung as their eyes met.

'So this time...'

"I won't let go... " He reached out to Nettelia.

'There's only one thing left here to say,' Dionaeia sung from the background vocals. 'Love's never too late,' Epimetheus continued, pushing Prometheus forward with a smile. The avariel smiled with sadness and longing as he spun with Nettelia in a dance instead of falling against her.

"I've broken free from those memories," Prometheus sung. "I've let it go, I've let it go..." He sung desperately. "And two goodbyes led to this new life... Don't let me go, don't let me go."

'Oh-oh. Oh-oh. Oh-oh.... Don't let me go. Don't let me go, don't let me go,' sung the vocalists.

"Don't let me go," Prometheus sung to finish. The two slowed their dancing as the music softened. Now only Isla on the piano and a few other instruments played. The couple stared at one another as the instruments and vocalists finished the song.

Slowly, reluctantly, Prometheus looked away. In his eyes, in his every movement, he looked in pain as he let go of Nettelia's hand. It looked as if the last thing he wanted to do was back away, but he did.

[juulz]

I LOVE YOU MORE THAN THE SUN HOMIE.

You drew the lads listening to In This Moment on a walkman? The Official Misfits AU playlist includes Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains? Various songs I personally associated with your Silvers? You even took the time to share my playlist with other people???

I am touched. Thank you!

I've added your playlist to my library so I can start diving in and listening to the songs I don't recognize. I'm hella excited, I've been needing new music and I . Since you liked Johnny Hobo let me tell you about a band that I wanted to add but couldn't find on Spotify: Blackbird Raum. "Cities" is probably my favorite song by them. Also, on spotify, but I couldn't think of a song that would fit the playlist right off the top of my head, is the band Mischief Brew. OOH and you may like Dangerkids since they took inspiration from Linkin Park.

I'm glad you liked Escape the Fate, I'm surprised you never heard of them given they were rather popular in the late 2000's into roughly the 2010's. Basically the tail-end of the Scene kids era. Another related band to look into is Falling in Reverse. Long story short, EtF's original vocalist, Ronnie Radke got kicked out of the band when he went to jail. He was replaced by Craig Mabbitt who had recently been kicked out of Blessthefall. When Ronnie got out, and didn't get his spot back in EtF, he created Falling in Reverse. There's beef there, but I'm here for music, not drama.

My Darkest Days never got big and it's a fucking crime. While they were founded in 2005, they didn't gain traction until they signed on to Chad Kroeger's record label and started opening for Nickelback between 2010 and 2012. They disbanded when their vocalist Matt Walst, brother of Three Days Grace's bassist Brad Walst, took Adam Gontier's position in 2012-2013.

(ﾉ´ з `)ノ♡

Heh, “Official” makes it sound so OFFICIAL, these are just my headcanons after all. Whore is def a Gold song to me.

There isn’t much as of now, but I’ll keep adding onto it.

Again, thanks for the recs! Blackbird Raum is a bit too folksy for my taste, but I’ll be checking out more of Mischief Brew and Dangerkids. Not sure how I’ve missed Escape the Fate either tbh, but could’ve just been the timing. Around 2008 I moved from emo/alternative onto punk and ska, so I quit following the new releases. Come to think of it, I haven't listened to a single Three Days Grace album since One-X (2006), despite really liking the band. Time to uh… catch up.

Upd as I got done writing this: actually that’s not true, just found a song from their 2015 album in the AWSB playlist, but got no memory of anything else. Guess 2006 is just the best.

Anyways, Escape the Fate and Falling in Reverse must’ve fallen through the cracks somewhere around there at the end of the decade, as well as My Darkest Days. Happy to have discovered them now!

There’s a bunch of stuff that’s not on spotify, namely more obscure/regional bands. It’s a shame when they’re not even on youtube. There was this shitty punk band called Big Dildos from my hometown - the lyrics were dumb, the sound was shit, but the shows were always a blast. Now I can find them pretty much nowhere, but my hard drive. Same old, same old everywhere. 

Out of the bands that didn’t make it into the playlist but I like the sound of I'd say - Chevelle, Coheed and Cambria. Altho the latter can get too concept-album’y to go into any playlist other than their own.

I also discovered this sweet channel dedicated to the UK82 era recently. Some of those are on Spotify, but some remain solely as demos. Digging it immensely.

That Walkman is 100% stolen.

[thebrookesnook]

Get To Know Me <3

> Three Ships: My current OTPs that I'm currently obsessed with are WangXian of MDZS and Shen Jiu with happiness of SVSSS. I literally cannot stop my love for the former ship and my desire to see the later be given the love he deserves. And for the third...umm well a comfort pairing of mine from South Park is Craig and Tweek. I liked their dynamic as friends who were unwillingly became basically a grade school relationship then actually became an actual couple at the end of it, but my love for these cute boys grew when they showed up as adults in the Post-COVID Movie still being together (I have no clue whether they're still in a romantic relationship but I chose to believe it). They're cute 🧡

> First Ship: Oh gosh. Um, the earliest I can recall shipping or actively looking for content for a pairing was ShadAmy from the Sonic series (*艸*). It was definitely my introduction to fanfics and fandom culture in general.

> Last Song: Into the Night by Santana ft. Chad Kroeger! The amount of nostalgia I got from listening to this song hits me hard every time!! It's a really good song to just imagine your favorite pairing meeting for the first time in a dance of romance trope.

> Last Movie: I recently watched Avatar (2009) because I had just watched the sequel without remembering much of the first movie. There was definitely flaws in the pacing and storyline of both movies but I still enjoyed it nonetheless because I love the worldbuilding of Pandora.

> Currently Reading: Other than fanfics, I'm still reading Origin by Dan Brown and so far I'm just so strung along like a fish. I AM HOOKED. The Robert Langdon series is one of my favorite book series ever and its because of the puzzles and mysteries I try to figure out, connect the dots y'know? I love solving puzzles, ciphers, and anything that gets my fish brain going. (Also keeping myself updated on Relic of the Stronghold by akali_mist on Webnovel 👀)

> Currently Consuming: If by 'consuming' in relation to food, I'm eating the nerds candy. Specifically the grape & strawberry flavor. In terms of fanworks? Anything MXTX and Criminal Minds flavored.

> Currently Craving: Noodles or pasta. It's late and I want pasta or spicy noodles.

-

Oh! A GTKM! :0

Thank you for the tag Emi @applepi00 ! ^^

I haven't done one of these in while because I don't have a lot active mutuals that I talk to often to tag in one of these anymore. (´∀｀；)

But this was simple enough so I decided to shoot my shot. I could only think of 7 to tag so I hope that's alright.

@imsickenedbutcurious @vestaldestroyer @quiet-resonance @akalimist @stargirl720 @solenechii @mikimooey

(For those tagged, feel free ignore this post and/or not to respond if you don't want to. (;^_^c )

[edsbacktattoo]

interview questions!

tagged by the perfect and wonderful @skysofrey

1. Who would win in a fight- Dr.Phil or Oprah?

Oprah no doubt. Dr Phil is a wimp.

2. What is the significance of a piece of jewelry you own?

i own a lot of jewelry but my favourite is probably the necklace that my partner got me for our first anniversary. It’s a tiny and simple little crystal heart on a silver chain. super dainty and sweet. and now we’ve been together over 9 years :)

3. What’s your favorite cover song?

this cover of Britney Spears’s ‘Everytime’ by Ethel Cain. fuckin stunning

OR!!!

this cover of Smashing Pumpkins’s ‘1979’ by The Contortionist. either of these

4. If you were a Care Bear, what symbol would be on your stomach? I guess this question could also apply to if you were a My Little Pony

i fucking LOVE care bears this question was made for me (my faves are bedtime bear, wish bear and grumpy bear btw. if u even care)

i could be a funny guy and say that it would be a clown, probably. big red nose and all

but if i’m being serious it would be a realistic human heart i think!

5. If you could relive one day of your life, what day would it be?

probably the night that i saw Gorillaz live last year! i got the set list from that show and when i realised what it was my friend and i spun around hugging each other and sobbing while the stadium emptied. probably just that moment specifically <3

6. What is your favorite book and what are you currently reading right now?

my favourite book is Frankenstein! not reading anything at the moment because i’m trying my hardest to finish a fic and i don’t want anything to distract me until it’s done but i’ll be tackling some books soon

7. What’s the most embarrassing song you listen to?

being embarrassed about the music you listen to is DEAD!!!! love things with your whole chest because that’s what we’re put on this shitty planet to do <3

but in the spirit of making fun of myself, my most embarrassing song in my liked playlist is absolutely ‘Hero’ by Chad Kroeger from the spider-man soundtrack.

^^ this song’s pussy doth pop severely

8. What question do you never want to be asked again?

i can’t think of any questions, but i statement i’d be pleased to never hear again is this classic: “i can’t even draw a stick figure!” after i show someone my art. drives me up the wall i tell ya. there’s only so many ‘awww i’m sure you can! :)’s I’ve got in me and i’m running the hell out

9. What’s the craziest rumor you’ve heard of yourself?

nothing really outlandish, but someone started a rumour that i had a crush on one of my friends in high school. 🤷 i absolutely did not i thought he was smelly but eh what can ya do.

10. Does a horse go to heaven?

??? bitch i hope so???

11. Which of the 7 deadly sins best describes you?

wrath :)

12. Which would you rather have as a pet, a Vampire bunny or a rabid unicorn?

vampire bunny. i’d name her Elvira i reckon

13. If you were a famous rockstar, what would be something you’d always take with you on tour? Nothing boring like your phone

my framed picture of Kim Kitsuragi. he keeps me humble <3

14. Chunky or smooth peanut butter? What kind of jelly?

smooth, for sure. and i like strawberry jam a lot! that’s usually my go to for a pb&j

15. What is one thing you love about yourself?

my optimism! it’s a difficult choice to continue to make, but I make it every day despite the odds. i’m proud of myself for that.

16. If you were an animal what would you be?

fruit bat!!!!! I love fruit and love 2 scream <3

this was fun! :D i’ll no-pressure tag these angels:

@tisziny @vampirebutterflies @jellybeanium124 @ella-doe and you. yeah you. looking at this. yea. go on. do it. tag me so i can read your answers <3

[fantasies-fairytales-n-fics]

Thranduil and Josie Pt. 124-Mephistophelian

Summary: Daddy's home with a whole new look. Garrett and Josie are in trouble. Josie finds one of her powers...and a new family member who has a lot of info. A kiss is shared. Thranduil holds onto his love for Josephine as Jareth now takes over. Josie panics over Legolas. Haldir takes some heat. Garrett saves a life and comforts another. Narcisse intercepts something of great importance.

*Warnings* Long and dark chapter, angst, violence, language, graphic depictions, torture,

Stories Stories Stories Masterlist

"My dad is here? Where?!" you asked Garrett in desperation and began spinning around searching for him.

"Daddy??? Are you here?? Where are you!? Garrett, come on, we gotta look for him."

"Yeah, umm, Josephine, hold on..." he said and grabbed your arm.

"Garrett? What are you doing?"

"Something don't feel right." Garrett muttered as his eyes darted through all the trees.

"Yeah, your hand on my arm! He could be out here hurt or something. Maybe that's why he's been gone so long??"

You pulled away from him and took off trotting through the forest with Garrett immediately chasing after you.

Julian watched from a tree above and then jumped out, doing an impressive flip and then landed right in your path, scaring you half to death.

You let out a scream and hopped into Garrett's awaiting arms as Julian stood staring at you with an expressionless face.

"Daddy? Oh my god, you're really here!"

You went to go to him but Garrett stopped you, snatching your arm and turning you back to him.

"Josephine...wait."

"Garrett, what are you doing? Let me go."

He leaned down to you and quietly spoke while still clutching your hand.

"Do you trust me?"

"Is that a rhetorical question?'

Garrett sighed and furrowed his brows.

"Ok..ok, yes...with my life, but that's about it after Raven... What is it Garrett?"

Garrett pretended he didn't hear her cringeworthy name. "Something is off. He...he don't...smell right....and look at his appearance, the drastic change." he whispered.

You were locked into Garrett's eyes and your intuition told you to listen to him. He may have done some stupid things but he would never let anything happen to you. Slowly, you turned to look at your father as you remained glued to Garrett.

""Garrett, what an unpleasant surprise to see you with my daughter as usual...you do recall that I am a witch and witches can change their appearance."

"Um.. right...and here I thought you just stopped off at the barber shop during your three week vacation that had your daughter worried sick when she just got you back from the dead after 9 years. What was I thinking?"

"Garrett, stop it." you snapped and nudged him.

"New cologne too? Interesting scent." Garrett continued, completely ignoring you.

"You're one to talk, Danny Zuko. Is that whom you wanted to be when you grew up from the class clown to the comedic blood sucker?" Julian snarked as he leered at the vexed vampire.

You couldn't help but snicker at your dad's remark in which Garrett gave you a raised eyebrow of disbelief.

"Well...the Zuko part was kinda funny." you concurred. Garrett then shook his head at you.

"Oh look at that, your dad's got newly acquired joking skills as well. Great movie by the way, one of my favorites, although I think I'm much better looking that John Travolta and would have made a better T-Bird. I can totally sing greased lightning way better too. What about you Chad Kroeger? Is this how you remind me of what I really am?"

"Garrett Lee!" you said with a low emitted bellow through your teeth.

"What? He started it."

After rolling your eyes at Garrett's typical behavior, you looked back at your dad, realizing his behavior wasn't so typical.

"Daddy, where have you been? Garrett is right, I was so worried about you. You just vanished and never told me you were leaving."

"I apologize Josephine. I had some business to attend to."

"Ok? Umm, since when do you call me that?

"It is your name is it not?"

"Well...uh...yeah..but...you always call me Jo...Daddy, is everything alright?"

"Never better. Come give daddy a hug. I have missed you my love."

Garrett's hand squeezed yours, begging you not to do it.

You peered up at Garrett with a now worried look.

"Jo, my sweet girl, don't you want to give your father a hug?" Julian asked in a sincere like tone. You smiled as that sounded more like your dad's words and let go of Garrett.

"Josephine..." Garrett urged, his eyes full of concern that were now his defensive red.

"Hey...calm down. He's not going to hurt me, he's my dad?" you softly told him and then went to Julian. The closer you got, you began to pick up the scent Garrett was talking about. You didn't know how to describe it, only that it was unsavory. Not a lick of his usual chamomile aroma was there at all.

You hesitantly hugged him and he even felt different. Julian picked up on how tense you were.

"Oh, there now. Daddy's got you. If there's anyone you should be weary of my child, it is the living dead boy you are sweet on."

You immediately released your father and gave him a wide eyed stare.

"Dad...why would you say such a thing to me??"

"Were you not about to play tongue twister with romancing Roman over there or did my eyes deceive me? A few more minutes and he would have been eyeing your jugular."

"First of all Julian, my name is Garrett and secondly, I do not desire Josephine's blood and she knows it. What is your problem man?" Garrett reeled as he came up behind you and intensely glared the warlock down.

"It seems it would be you. You had no problem letting Jo feed you her blood at Lestat's or has that slipped your mind. I stood right there and viewed the entire display of affection. Tell me, did Thranduil know about that? Oh, that's right, he was probably already dead by then."

"DADDY!!!!" you shouted in horror as Garrett secured you against him.

"She gave me her blood because I was dying. Caroline had almost depleted all of my blood or has THAT slipped your mind?? And what a shitty ass thing to say to her. What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"Nothing is wrong with me. I am simply stating facts. How sweet, how you both share each other's blood now, I mean, since you forced her to drink yours at one time, among...other things you made her do. I made it clear to you more than once that I would never except you as a part of Josephine's life, so my words should be of no shock to you."

"And they're not, but the ones you speak to your daughter ARE! I think you owe her an apology." Garrett snapped and moved you behind him as he stood in attack mode.

"I really thought this was going to be simple, but you just had to interfere like always. I am getting quite tired of your existence...and so is Jareth. He knows about your little roll in the hay with Raven, so I'll be doing him a favor in taking you out for him. I promise, it will be much quicker and less painful if I do it." Julian said as he walked over to an enormous rock that stood at least 20 feet tall and half of that wide. With one unexpected and effortless push, Julian tipped it over, aiming it right for Garrett as you helplessly watched.

Garrett could have zipped away, but it wasn't his style. Instead, he wanted to show his power and raised his hand, obliterating the massive stone into kibble that showered over the dismayed warlock.

"Daddy STOP!! What are you doing???!!!"

Ignoring your cries, Julian then raised his hand and whipped Garrett against a tree, pinning him there.

"Be still blood sucker."

"Daddy let him go!! NOW!!"

"I'm sorry dear one but I cannot do that. Now, where were we?"

"Josephine, get away from him!"

You headed Garrett's words and slowly moved backwards towards the vampire.

"D...d..daddy, what are you doing? Why are you acting this way?!"

"Be still girl. This can all be over if you just give me what I want."

"You can have whatever you want, just don't hurt Garrett...please!"

"No! Josephine, do not give a warlock something of yours." Garrett warned.

You turned to look at him and then suddenly Julian was right behind you.

"Too late. She already offered to me anything I want."

You gasped as Julian ripped the moonstone from your neck. He grinned from ear to ear as his hand lit up...which also freed Garrett in his distraction.

Garrett powered towards him and this time Julian flashed a fireball at him.

"How about a little fire scarecrow??"

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" you screamed as you whipped around to see Garrett's jacket consumed in flames.

Since you had no powers to shield him, your instincts went wild as you charged at Garrett, plunging into his chest and catapulting him through the air, straight into the bay's large inlet of water.

"GARRETT!!!" you gasped and cried as you stared at the ripples where he went under. Rage now tore through your veins as you turned to your father with a death glare, desperately trying to find the powers Amara said you still had.

"Who are you??? because you are NOT my father!"

Julian began walking towards you with a sinister look upon his face. You began to tremble profusely as you stumbled backwards, falling onto your back.

"How slowly you catch on. You really should have listened to him."

"Daddy, stop this! Don't make me hurt you!" you sobbed and shook.

Julian chortled. "And how are you going to do that? You are powerless and I have the moonstone."

Panic and fear took over you as your eyes dashed about, looking for something, anything. Your eyes locked on to a large tree branch that was splintered at the end as you thought of your daughter and getting back to her. You could hear Garrett's voice from when he trained you to use your powers, telling you to focus. The branch began to move and then it broke, plunging down straight through Julian's backside and into the ground.

You sat there in shock, shaking so bad and whimpering like a frightened child as you stared at your father's limp body hanging over the wooden spear with your necklace dangling from his hand.

"D..ddd..daddy???" you stuttered and steadied yourself onto your feet, then slowly stumbled over to him. "I...I..I didn't mean it daddy....wake up."

You nudged his shoulder but he didn't move.

"Daddy wake up!!!" you shouted and shook him, but still, there was no movement. "No...no...no..no...no..noooooooo!"

You still bore the emerald around your neck which you had put on a longer chain so it wasn't visible to those that desired it, otherwise you were certain Julian would have taken that too. You quickly pulled it out and pressed the gem against his chest. Nothing happened....just like with Thranduil. You then dropped to your knees in front of him and bawled.

"Why won't it work??!!! I'm so sorry! I love you so much."

After a few moments, you wiped your eyes, then took his hand and kissed it. You then reclaimed your pendant and wobbled off in disorientation to look for Garrett. He couldn't be gone too. He just couldn't....

As you got a few feet away, you heard a noise from behind you. Slowly, you turned around to see your father stand up and move right through the stake.

"Oh my god...daddy!!"

You went to run to him but someone stopped you. Someone you had never seen before in your life. The short blonde haired man stood about 6 ft., dressed in all black and appeared to be about your age.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you Jo." he bluntly stated as he glared at you.

"Wait....what...who..."

"Long time no see Jace." Julian snidely said to this herculean man that was a complete stranger to you who but bore a rune on his neck similar to yours, but much larger.

"Too long apparently. It seems my father has gotten to you."

"I am merely who I was born to be. He did me a favor. I'd like to stay and catch up, but I have to finish my errands. Josephine, I believe you have something that belongs to me."

Julian stepped towards you holding his hand out.

The man he called Jace pushed you behind him.

"You will not go near her."

Jace's eyes turned a fiery orange as he glowered at Julian.

"Would someone tell me what the fuck is going on?" you blatantly insisted as you pushed your way back around him.

"Wow. Language...and feisty too. Your reputation precedes you."

"Excuse me??? Just who the hell are you.....Jace??"

Julian took advantage of the situation and flew off.

"Well that's just GREAT! Thank you for that. If you could have just kept your mouth shut for two seconds, I could have contained him and may have been able to undue what has been done to him." Jace raged at you.

You sarcastically laughed in utter shock of the nerve this man had.

"I don't have time for this. I have to find..."

Your words were cut short as Garrett appeared from the trees, smiling at you, his hair back to it's usual shaggy state and carrying his half melted leather jacket.

"Oh my god!!!" you cried and raced to him, jumping into his arms. "Are you alright, are you hurt, are you burned??"

You frantically ravished his body with your hands checking him over to make sure.

"I'm fine Josephine, thanks to you and your quick thinking...and this jacket believe it or not."

You placed your hands on his cheeks and closed your eyes.

"My god, when I saw the fire...I...I....just...don't you ever do that to me again!"

"What did I do? Your psychotic father set me on fire. That wasn't my fault."

"I know I know! Just....shut up..."

You planted your lips upon his and held them there. Garrett was stunned. He dropped his coat as he closed his eyes, then wrapped his arms around you, parting his lips and kissing you deeply.

You whimpered as your lips slowly detached from his and you both stood in a dazed eye lock.

"Not to interrupt your sweet little moment but it is not safe for you to stay out here. Julian will be back to obtain that which he came for. Your gem and that book."

"I'm sorry....who the hell are you?" Garrett rudely asked as his eyes glowed red and walked right up to Jace, towering at least 6 inches over him.

"You can tone down the hues bro. I'm not your enemy."

"And I'm not your bro, bruh."

"Jo, can you call your hellhound off before I hurt him?"

"Jesus, will you both stop?? And you....JACE...answer his question. Start talking now. Who are you?? and how do you know me or my father??"

"Which one? I guess that don't matter. I am related to both of them. Julian is my uncle. Jareth is my father."

You gasped, remembering the Seelie Queen's words, that there were two others that shared your blood sibling wise....and then you saw it...Jace's eyes.

"How...how did I not notice....your eyes...one brown...one blue...just like Jareth's...you mean you're my......."

"Brother. Yes. But I will put this out there right now. I am nothing like Jareth, nor do I associate with him...or my mother....except that I am a warlock. Jareth and Harker, they got to Julian. My guess is Jareth tortured him with his ring and that's why your father isn't himself."

"His ring?"

"Yes. The citrine gemstone. It has great power. Terrible power when in the wrong hands, just like Ashmole...and that's what Julian was here for...and your moonstone. There's three stones they need, along with that book for Jareth to do some serious damage and also to protect himself from destruction. I am certain my father has two of the runestones in his possession, one being his ring and the other a hexagonal crystal. Then there's yours and Thranduil's ring."

"Wait, what? how do you know about my husband's ring?"

"Jo, respectfully, everyone knows of King Thranduil and his moonstone ring. It's a key crystal. On the backside of the stone is a hole in which your stone was created from and also in which it fits together, making it whole again. When Thranduil had it made for you, well, word traveled about it. The thing is, I don't think Jareth is aware of that part and that both would be needed for what he plans to do. Your stone alone will do them no good, which can buy some time. But we need to find that book before Julian does....also...where is Thranduil's ring?"

You had trouble finding words after that revelation. You knew your stone was made from his, but you didn't know about the key factor.

"Uhhh...it's...I believe it's in his halls....I..."

Your eyes began to cloud over with tears as you turned away.

"Jo...I am sorry for your loss. I truly am. I had much respect for your King. Mostly because all feared him and I mean that in a good way."

"I...I understand. Legolas will be returning there at some point and I will ask him to try and locate it. But....the book. You said Julian is here for that too? You mean to tell me it's here in Dorwinion somewhere?"

"I am certain of it. Julian and Narcisse are best friends and have been for ever since I can remember. I don't know if Narcisse knows it is here, but what a better place for Julian to have hidden it, in a place so obvious, no one would think to look."

"Ok..ok...but...there's also three pages my father took from that book and hid elsewhere. He said the book is useless without them."

"Yeah about that...Harker has them. I have been tracking the three brothers, it's what I do. Your dad was at your old home. That's where he hid the pages, but Harker was also following your dad and was able to overpower him there and took them from him."

"So, you followed him there and you did nothing to stop it??!"

"It's not like that. I followed Jareth and he met up with Harker and an already injured Julian. I heard their conversation about it all. I could not take the two of them on alone, especially when Jareth has that ring. I might be his son, but that don't matter to him. I would most likely be in the same predicament as Julian if I had tried."

"I guess that makes sense because I certainly know Jareth don't give a shit about me either. He tried to trade me for Raven back at Lestat's before he turned into some ungodly beast and torched the place."

"The Balrog. The ring gives him that power. You may be pleased to know that Jareth got his karma for that. Dragons attacked his kingdom and burnt it down, well the visible part on top of the mountain anyways. Jareth still has his labyrinth inside the Misty Mountains as a sanctuary."

Your mouth dropped open as you began to slowly pace.

"My god....my dream...."

"What do you mean?"

"I...I have prophetic dreams...they..they don't always make sense but almost always come true and...the other night...I dreamt of dragons and....someone playing a violin..."

Jace's eyes widened as he whispered in shock. "The song that summons them. No one dares play that or knows how to, except...."

"Thranduil and Lestat......Jace...Thranduil played it in Laketown when Smaug was a threat....and Lestat...he..he has this violin that he guards with his life...I have heard him play it, it's so intoxicating. My god, do you think he did it? For revenge? I mean...Lestat has made it clear he don't settle old scores, he harbors them...but...we all know it couldn't be Thranduil so...maybe Lestat was just pushed over the edge after all that happened? God, I just saw him awhile back. He had come here to see me and bring me some items of mine that weren't destroyed in the fire and he didn't seem vengeful, but I suppose he wouldn't tell me if he was. Crazy isn't it? Mine and Thranduil's chambers were untouched by the fire...."

"So...does anyone here want to fill me in on where Julian is after the wicked witch set me on fire?" Garrett asked.

"After that, he...he came after me and I...I was able to conjure up enough power to stop him, accidentally I plunged a tree branch through his body...and I tired to save him with the emerald but it wouldn't work...but then it must have because he was suddenly alive again, and that's when Jace showed up and my dad flew off, but I was able to get my moonstone back before that."

"No, the emerald did not save him Jo, because he wasn't dead. It's not exactly that simple to kill a warlock."

"What I don't get though is why it didn't work on Thranduil, because he was....gone when we found him. My mother claimed she had placed some curse upon it working on his bloodline, but yet it worked on Legolas at a later time that night...maybe because the curse was broken when she died? but...she was also dead before I tried it on Thranduil so that can't be it. God, nothing makes sense anymore!" you cried and burrowed yourself into Garrett's chest.

Your words suddenly had Jace's mind spinning in thought and theory, but he didn't dare tell you any of it without being sure....for he too, like Lestat, now wondered if it were possible that Thranduil was alive.

"I...I have to get back to my daughter. We must have been gone at least a few hours now, and then I need to find Narcisse and ask him about that damn book. I honestly don't believe he knows where it is but I am about to find out."

Jace accompanied you and Garrett back to the castle.

"Will I see you again Jace? I mean...it's not everyday that you find a long lost sibling you didn't know you had for 24 years."

"Of course you will Jo. I haven't known for long about you, but when I found out, that's when I started following Jareth which eventually led me to you. I won't be far or gone long, but there are things I need to look into. Do not leave this castle for any reason. Not with Julian on the loose now too."

There went your plans of going to Lorien and now you had to explain that to Haldir.

"Jace, whatever you do, please don't hurt my dad. This isn't his fault. All that he has ever done, it was for me."

"I think you know I wouldn't do that. Julian is one of the good guys. We will get him back, I swear to it."

You gave Jace a hug and then he left.

"I suppose that's my que to leave too." Garrett sadly said.

"I'm sorry. If I could let you stay here, I would."

"Well, you know I too will not be far. I don't mind hanging out in the trees." he chuckled. "I'll be that guard dog Jace referred me too."

You threw your arms around him and held him tight.

"Don't you ever leave me again Garrett." you mumbled into his neck.

He brought his hand up to the back of your head and cradled you so gently, then kissed your forehead.

"I'll see you soon beautiful. Call to me if you need me."

He caressed your cheek and smiled, then left.

"I love you with a soul that has lived a thousand lifetimes, always waiting to meet you again. I can promise to be yours forever." Thranduil muttered as he lied on the cold stone floor barely conscious, trying to hold onto his feelings for you, picturing your face and imagining your touch.

"Clink clink clink clink clink clink."

Harker trailed around the iron bars with Thranduil's sword, startling him into a gasp and bringing him back to his living nightmare.

"Wake up Elvenking. It's time for your therapy. This time I brought a special guest who would like to assist in your treatment.

Thranduil's swollen eyes crept open into narrow slits as Jareth's face came into focus next to Harker's, both warlocks smirking at him.

"Welcome back elf king. It's time to pay your dues." Jareth taunted as he held up his crystal ball.

"You have torched my castle and played with my queen, and for that, death should be your punishment, but death is too kind. I have much better plans for you. You see, soon I will have everything I need to rule all of middle earth, a true king. Even you will answer to me. With that being said, I believe you and I will come to a mutual understanding and both still reign in our realms, but that is the only power you will have. I will be God and you will be a soldier under command. Your love for my daughter will be ancient history, as if it never existed. The memories you have of her will mean nothing to you. She...will mean nothing to you. I am going to bring back the Elvenking's heart of stone that he had for many millenniums before you even knew her....and that's not all I am going to bring back. I will wake the dead just like I was awakened...and they will become the evil dead, just as I am. Does that make any sense? If it is still not crystal clear...it will be. Look here, you will see."

Jareth squatted down and held the crystal ball between the bars.

Thranduil squinted his eyes shut and turned away.

Jareth lowered his head and heavily sighed.

"If you insist on doing things the hard way, then so be it. Harker?"

Harker came up behind the bars where Thranduil leaned and grabbed each side of his face.

"LOOK at the ball sprite." he snarled into his ear as the citrine ring glowed and shocked Thranduil which forced his eyes wide open.

What Thranduil was made to see sent tears flowing down his dirt ridden cheeks. It was so horrendous and emotionally painful that he passed out.

"Well that was useless." Harker griped.

"Oh no my brother, it was quite effective. His reaction is exactly what I wanted to shrivel his heart and turn it black as coal. Even the grinch will have nothing on him when I am through. We will return later tonight and give him another round. In the meantime, stay here and when he awakens, continue to inculcate him with the crystal Julian had and find out where Thranduil's ring is."

"I thought it was not needed, that Josephine's moonstone would be enough?"

"The more, the merrier. I want that ring."

So did Harker, and he planned on getting it for himself, but agreed to follow Jareth's orders, for now.

You sat in your room holding Leean after you fed her waiting for Haldir to come in who you had sent Lola to find. You really wanted to speak to Narcisse about the book and your dad and also about allowing you to stay.. but Lola had informed you that he had went to the city on business, so now you would have to wait. You also wanted to see Legolas so bad, but were scared to. You thought it best to let him come to you in his own time, for you had deeply and unintentionally hurt him.

Haldir came in and sat down on the foot of the bed as you laid Leean back in her cradle.

"You requested to see me?"

"Yes...I have much to tell you."

You went on informing Haldir of all of the day's events, well, most of it. You were brief on the Seelie Court, leaving out the game of kisses. You didn't want to further humiliate Legolas and it really was no one else's business but yours and his.

Haldir was stunned by your revelations and actaully shocked you by understanding that you could not leave for Lorien with him now... but was confused as to why Legolas came back without you, so he asked.

"Jo...Legolas came in earlier in a state of...well...rage I suppose. What happened? And do not tell me you don't know."

"Haldir...I do know, and I don't want to discuss that with you, or anyone. It is between me and Legolas. So...obviously, he didn't tell you, but...did he say anything at all?"

Haldir's eyes lowered and now you were worried.

"Haldir?? What are YOU not telling ME? Where is Legolas???"

"Jo...he did not say much. He...wanted to be left alone. Quite literally."

"What the hell does that mean?"

Haldir sighed, knowing what he was about to tell you was going to set you off.

"Jo....Legolas left for Mirkwood."

For a few seconds that seemed like minutes, your ears went deaf as your heart palpitated, it's strong beat pulsed through your head and your airways tightened. The next thing you knew, you awoke in Haldir's arms as he sat on the floor holding you.

"Haldir...wh..what happened?"

"You fainted my lady. Are you alright? You scared me half to death."

You sat up in shock. "I...yes, I am fine. I must have had a panic attack. Please tell me I was dreaming and that Legolas is right across the hall in his room."

"I am sorry Jo. He is not. It was no dream. My god Jo, what did you do to him?"

You were instantly offended and stood right up.

"And why would you just assume that I did something to him???"

"Because Jo, he refused to speak of you and would not even even say goodbye to Leean. Correct me if I am wrong, but beings Garrett was with you, I am willing to bet he has something to do with it."

"No more. This conversation is over."

"Jo, do not o this. Talk to me."

"I want you to leave Haldir."

"Jo, I am sorry if I hurt you, I was not trying to do..."

"Get...OUT!"

Haldir pursed his lips, spun around and left with you slamming the door shut behind him. You leaned on the door and slowly slid to the ground in tears.

Night had fallen and there was light snow as the crow had made his way into the Dorwinion realm with Thranduil's letter clamped tightly in his beak. A small group of Narcisse's guards were outside partying with the wicked ale, which the mice liked to do when the big cat was away.

The moon was full and illuminated the grounds as if it were day, making the crow visible as he tried to make his way around the castle to your balcony. The rowdy and unruly guards saw him and began pelting large stones at him as they laughed and cheered for him to be taken down, calling him a beast of the devil. A rock nailed him hard in the head, disorienting him and causing him to drop the letter as he let out a shrill squawk. Blood trickled over his eyes blurring his vision as he tried desperately to make it to you. He flew erratically all over the place and eventually slammed right into your windows. You jumped out of bed with a hard gasp, staring at the balcony doors. The crow began cawing non stop in cries for help. You raced to the doors and whipped them open to find him flapping around on the ground covered in blood.

"Oh my god!!! What has happened to you??? It's ok, it's ok, calm down, I have got you." you told your feathered faithful friend as you picked him up. You saw his injury and it was bad.

Garrett came swooping in as he had been just across the way watching your doors from a tree just like he said he would do.

"Josephine, what happened??"

"Garrett, I don't know! I don't know what to do, I have no powers. We have to help him, we just have to after all he has done for me!"

"Shhhhh, little one. Give him to me."

You shook and cried as you handed the bird to Garrett. He cradled the crow in his palms and closed his eyes. His hands began to glow a soft yellow and within seconds, the black bird was on his feet, cawing at Garrett while tilting his head to eye him as a gesture of appreciation.

"Oh my god, you did it. He...he's alright? You're...you're alright aren't you?" you asked your friend.

He cawed once for yes as he then eyed you.

"What happened to you? Can you find a way to tell me?"

He jumped on Garrett's lap and cawed at him, then flew to the balcony rail and cawed at him again. Garrett looked at you in confusion.

"I...I think he wants you to follow him."

Garrett chuckled. "Ok? Guess I am going to go be a pet detective. If I'm not back in five minutes, just wait longer."

You giggled. "Alright Ace Ventura...I'll...just wait here."

That five minutes went by and you were getting anxious while staring out into the darkness in search for either of them. You then heard the crow caw and he and Garrett landed back on the balcony with perfect grace.

"We couldn't stay out there long because Narcisse just returned from wherever he was at..and he looked like he was on a war path....but...from what I have gathered...the warlock guards were juiced up on grandpa's ol' cough medicine and dick measuring by throwing rocks at him to see who could take him out. Like, he literally showed me by picking up stones in his beak and whipping them at my leg."

"Wow...well look at you two, go scooby and shaggy!"

The crow cawed as you and Garrett laughed.

"So...you know Josephine, I can take care of them for what they have done. Bad people is my thing remember? They're no better than that piece of shit Asher. Narcisse seriously needs to reassess his staff."

"Garrett, no!! Narcisse will figure out that it was a vampire attack and you don't want to be on his bad side again. He is far from stupid."

"Whoa whoa, hold up. I didn't mean I was going to kill them...well, not suck style anyways...I was thinking more like scooping them up one by one and dropping them in the middle of the cold black treacherous Rhun. Narcisse would probably just think they drunk drowned, that is if they don't become shark bait first."

"Oh my god, no Garrett. I will inform Narcisse what they have done. You know how he feels about animals, even ones that are deemed to be evil or unlucky such as this sweet fella. They will definitely pay for this."

"Curses...foiled again! Thanks Daphne."

"Ha...ha. Funny, not funny. Ok, so...my little friend, why have you come?" you then asked the crow.

The crow just cocked his head. He had no idea of how to tell you because you couldn't read his mind like Thranduil could.

"Did you have a message for me?"

"Caw!" he answered once for yes.

"Ok...good news or bad news? Once for good, twice for bad."

"Caw!"

"Lord knows I could use some good news....but how is he going to tell me what it is about?" you asked Garrett who was astonished over the fact you were speaking with a bird.

"I don't know...charades?"

You laughed so hard. "Well...wow. I haven't laughed that hard in a very very long time. You know Garrett, you're the only one who makes me laugh like that."

You gasped as you heard your bedroom door open and close which startled the crow and he flew off.

'No...wait! Shit!"

"See ya later Eric Draven!" Garrett yelled.

"SHHHHHH!!!!" you hissed and smacked his arm.

You peeked inside and saw Lola.

"Ok...stay here and I'll be right back....and BE quiet!" you whispered adamantly to Garrett.

He then sat in a dark corner and made the zipper gesture across his lips as he gazed at you.

You smiled and went inside....then came back a few minutes later.

"Ok, she's gone. I asked her to give me a night of privacy, that I just wanted to be alone.....but I don't...not really. Garrett...Legolas left. He went back to Mirkwood and didn't even say goodbye to me and so now, here I am with no one but Haldir and Narcisse, both of which I am pissed at...and now I'm stuck in a castle with a crazy bitch as well who likes to put dead rats in my bath water, and my alter ego dad is out there somewhere just waiting to come back for my stone....would you...stay with me tonight? Please? I mean...just so I can sleep. Nothing more. I'll lock the door... and...I..."

"Of course I will Josephine. You do know, you can always come stay with me."

"Garrett...at this point, I would...but...you have to know I cannot take my daughter into a vampire coven...I just won't do it."

"I understand that. But if Narcisse sticks to his guns and feels you must leave because of Catherine, where will you go??"

"I'm sure it will still be Lorien but I don't want to think about that right now. I am so tired and it feels like my brain is melting after all it's been subjected to today."

He followed you inside and you climbed in bed as Garrett went to lay on the couch.

"No...Garrett....over here. Please? Hold me?"

The vampire seemed to have went into shock as he exhaled a deep gush of air and just stared at you.

"Garrett, if you don't want to, it's ok. You can just stay there."

'No..no...it's not that I don't, I mean, ...uh...umm..err...ok."

He came over and laid down beside you, his body stiff as a board, his eyes wide and frozen upon the ceiling as you cuddled up next to him, laying your head upon his chest.

"I...I can hear your heartbeat." you whispered as you closed your eyes.

"Ummm, my little one, that's not possible."

"Yes it is. I hear it in my mind.....goodnight Garrett."

He smiled and wrapped his arm around you.

"Goodnight little one."

"So let me see if I understand this correctly. I go into the city for a mere few hours, trusting that my guards will faithfully do their jobs as they are paid to do, and I return to my kingdom to find all of you incompetent fucking losers boozin it up on the front lawn and acting like a bunch of obnoxious imbeciles! Your actions reflect back on me! Do you have any idea what this makes me look like?? More importantly, there is a woman and her child inside that needs protection from a very notorious and dangerous warlock, which I know you're all aware of. If something were to happen to either of them because shenanigans such as this, every single one of you shall breathe no more! I need men for this job but it appears I have employed nothing but a bunch of delinquent little boys! Someone enliven me now what all the frolicking was over!"

"My...my Lord...th..there was...a...a..."

"If you cannot speak, you cannot serve me! Get him out of my sight Bash."

Sebastian had assumed Asher's position and was now Narcisse's deputy assistant and right hand man.

"Now, is there anyone else here that has grown past the age of 4 that can tell me what the commotion was about?"

"My Lord Narcisse. There was a crow. We were trying to bring it down with rocks as the filthy creatures bring evil and bad luck with them, for they are of the devil."

"You are about to find out who the real devil is around here. No one...no ONE here hurts an animal unless it is trying to kill you! You foolish and credulous dullards! Sebastian, have them all taken to the court. Strip and stone them, then find me a lineup for new guards for this sector that are worthy of the position."

"My Lord, stoning seems a bit extreme for..."

"Are you questioning me or my methods Bash?! Did I make a mistake instating you as my deputy? Shall I have you join the others?"

"No! My Lord, I will do as you wish." Bash quickly replied, bowed and left with the group of frightened warlocks.

"My Lord Narcisse." his coachman called to him.

Stephane rolled his eyes and turned around with a sigh.

"What is it now???"

"I found something on the ground just over the way. Beings that it is white, I could not help but see it. It appears to be a letter which could be of importance possibly?"

"What makes you say that?"

"Well...the thumbprint my Lord. It's..."

"Elven..." Narcisse whispered.

@redeemer46

[author-a-holmes]

Shuffle your favorite playlist and post the first five songs that come up. Then copy/paste this ask to your favorite mutuals. 🎶🎧💜💙🤗

Is it sad that, despite being best friends, I read "send this to your favourite mutuals" and my instant reaction was:

*Pleading Face Emoji* I'm a favourite?!

Rofl!

ANYWAYS My defunct brain patterns aside, I fucking love sharing my playlists. I know you know this, so thank you for the ask <3

I've not gone with a Work In Progress Specific playlist, mainly because Changeling doesn't have one, and Darkling doesn't have enough songs on it yet, so instead I've chosen my general playlist for 2023. It includes all my current favourite songs, and any new music I find this year that I want to add to my playlist soup.

If I'm looking for a new song for the next chapter, this is the playlist I shove on shuffle.

So without futher ado, 5 songs beneath the cut...

Taylor Swift - Style

I don't know why, but ther way this one is sung just sounds super flirty, and gives old school, silver screen, holywood love story vibes.

You got that James Dean daydream look in your eye And I got that red lip classic thing that you like And when we go crashing down, we come back every time 'Cause we never go out of style, we never go out of style You got that long hair, slicked back, white t-shirt And I got that good girl faith and a tight little skirt And when we go crashing down, we come back every time 'Cause we never go out of style, we never go out of style

2. Nickelback - Someday

One of my favourites of theirs. Which is saying a lot because there's not many Nickelback songs I DIS-like. But I love how the song lyrics make you think one thing, and then you watch the video and it's even more heartbreaking and tragic than it sounds. It really made my appreciate Chad Kroeger as a lyracist.

Well, I'd hope that since we're here anyway We could end up saying Things we've always needed to say So we could end up staying Now the story's played out like this Just like a paperback novel Let's rewrite an ending that fits Instead of a Hollywood horror

3. Demi Lovato - Heart Attack

I cannot believe this one shuffled onto the list of over 350 songs I'm using. It's my THEME song for Reilly Mosswolf from my book, Stolen. When I need to get back into Reilly or Stella's headspace I'll listen to this song or Stella's Theme "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten.

You make me glow But I cover up, won't let it show So I'm putting my defenses up 'Cause I don't wanna fall in love If I ever did that, I think I'd have a heart attack

4. Blake Shelton - Honey Bee

Bloody Hell. My love of cheesy country music is showing here. I'm a closet romantic and Country Music really touches on that romantic streak in my, particularly Blake Shelton's songs. Plus the music video is cute as fuck.

You'll be my sunny day I'll be your shady tree You'll be my honeysuckle I'll be your honey bee. Yeah, that came out a little country But every word was right on the money And I got you smilin' honey right back at me

5. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)

You can't do much better for a power balland than Clarkson, and her lyrics are usually on the empowering side. This isn't one of my favourites from her, but it always manages to put me in a kickass kinda mood.

Thanks to you I got a new thing started Thanks to you I'm not the broken hearted Thanks to you I'm finally thinkin' 'bout me You know in the end the day you left was just my beginning

I've got over 350 songs on this list, so for anyone additionally curious about my music tastes, I'll link the full playlist HERE.

[landscapeinsight]

The current relationship status of the lead vocalist of Nickelback, Chad Kroeger.

Who is Chad Kroeger's current girlfriend? Chad Kroeger is a Canadian singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the popular rock band, Nickelback. With over 25 years in the music industry, Kroeger has made a name for himself as one of the most successful and influential rock artists of his generation. Born on November 15, 1974, in Hanna, Alberta, Canada, Kroeger grew up in a musical family and began playing the guitar at a young age. In 1995, he formed the band Nickelback with his younger brother, Mike Kroeger, and the group quickly rose to prominence with their hit single "How You Remind Me." Since then, the band has released several critically acclaimed albums, won multiple awards, and sold over 50 million records worldwide. Aside from his musical achievements, Kroeger has also been the subject of media attention for his personal life, including his past relationships and marriages. In 2023, the status of his romantic life remains a topic of interest for many fans, so let's take a look at who Chad Kroeger's girlfriend is in 2023. The singer has been known to keep his personal life private and has not made any statements or appearances with a significant other. Kroeger was previously married to Canadian singer Avril Lavigne from 2013 to 2015. The couple met while recording music for Lavigne's fifth studio album and got married in July 2013. However, after two years of marriage, they filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences and their relationship officially ended in 2016. Since the split, Kroeger has focused on his music career and has not been linked to any other significant others. He has not made any public appearances or statements about his relationship status, and it remains unclear if he is currently in a relationship or single. Chad Kroeger, Nickleback's lead vocalist. As a public figure, Chad Kroeger's personal life often attracts media attention, but he has not made any recent statements or public appearances with a girlfriend. Until there is any official announcement or confirmation, the status of his relationship remains unknown. It is important to note that Kroeger's personal life should be respected, and he should be allowed to keep his private life private if he chooses to do so. Despite this, his fans and the public remain interested in knowing more about the singer and his romantic life, and any future updates on this topic are sure to attract a lot of attention. In conclusion, as of 2023, Chad Kroeger is currently single. The lead vocalist and guitarist of Nickelback has kept his personal life private, and it seems he is currently not involved in a relationship. Whether or not Kroeger is in a relationship, his fans and the public continue to appreciate his talent and contribution to the music industry. Read the full article

[landscapeinsights]

The current relationship status of the lead vocalist of Nickelback, Chad Kroeger.

Who is Chad Kroeger's current girlfriend? Chad Kroeger is a Canadian singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the popular rock band, Nickelback. With over 25 years in the music industry, Kroeger has made a name for himself as one of the most successful and influential rock artists of his generation. Born on November 15, 1974, in Hanna, Alberta, Canada, Kroeger grew up in a musical family and began playing the guitar at a young age. In 1995, he formed the band Nickelback with his younger brother, Mike Kroeger, and the group quickly rose to prominence with their hit single "How You Remind Me." Since then, the band has released several critically acclaimed albums, won multiple awards, and sold over 50 million records worldwide. Aside from his musical achievements, Kroeger has also been the subject of media attention for his personal life, including his past relationships and marriages. In 2023, the status of his romantic life remains a topic of interest for many fans, so let's take a look at who Chad Kroeger's girlfriend is in 2023. The singer has been known to keep his personal life private and has not made any statements or appearances with a significant other. Kroeger was previously married to Canadian singer Avril Lavigne from 2013 to 2015. The couple met while recording music for Lavigne's fifth studio album and got married in July 2013. However, after two years of marriage, they filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences and their relationship officially ended in 2016. Since the split, Kroeger has focused on his music career and has not been linked to any other significant others. He has not made any public appearances or statements about his relationship status, and it remains unclear if he is currently in a relationship or single. Chad Kroeger, Nickleback's lead vocalist. As a public figure, Chad Kroeger's personal life often attracts media attention, but he has not made any recent statements or public appearances with a girlfriend. Until there is any official announcement or confirmation, the status of his relationship remains unknown. It is important to note that Kroeger's personal life should be respected, and he should be allowed to keep his private life private if he chooses to do so. Despite this, his fans and the public remain interested in knowing more about the singer and his romantic life, and any future updates on this topic are sure to attract a lot of attention. In conclusion, as of 2023, Chad Kroeger is currently single. The lead vocalist and guitarist of Nickelback has kept his personal life private, and it seems he is currently not involved in a relationship. Whether or not Kroeger is in a relationship, his fans and the public continue to appreciate his talent and contribution to the music industry. Read the full article

[jellogram]

Do you ever just have one little nagging thought and your brain decides it's going to get to the bottom of it so you spend an hour googling the names of all the D-list celebrities who ever appeared on MTV's Cribs in the hopes of figuring out which one you remember watching about thirty second of in 2005 and the entire time you're googling you realize this a stupid task and the next thing you know you're on a Nickelback fan page that hasn't been updated in years because it's the only place that has Chad Kroeger's episode and you think it might be him in your memory only you wouldn't have remembered that because you didn't know who Chad Kroeger was when you were seven and you realize it wasn't him but it might be this other guy so you scour the internet trying to find a clip and end up watching home videos on youtube from the 00s with 60 views that people made as Cribs parodies and uploaded titled as real episodes for the joke and maybe it was funny at the time but they didn't expect someone 13 years later to be looking for a clip with the same title as their video and you can't find clips of anyone who isn't still a big celebrity and you think surely there's got to be some list somewhere of all the MTV Cribs episodes that had scenes with trampolines but there's not because you are literally the first person to have a need for such a list and now you're beginning to wonder if your memory is even Cribs at all or if it was some other similar show and you just thought it was Cribs and why were you watching MTV in the second grade anyway and good fucking lord is it that late? You want to stop but you can't, not until you've gotten to the bottom of this, but you know full well that if you were able to stop looking for even ten seconds you would completely forget that this was ever even a goal but you can't stop, you can't get out of the loop because the entire world ceases to exist until you find this one specific clip of MTV's Cribs and you're begging yourself to stop googling BMX riders and forgotten guitarists because there's so many better things you could be doing but it doesn't matter because you're in the Zone once you get out of the zone you will never return to it so you have to figure this out now and please god tell me someone who read all the way to the end of this monster paragraph understands what I am talking about

[nehistripesseattle]

Remembering Vinnie Paul who we lost 4 years ago today. • Via ABC Radio June 26, 2018 during the Rainier Fog tour. • Alice in Chains guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell has written a tribute to Vinnie Paul, who died last Friday at age 54. In the piece, published on RollingStone.com, Cantrell recalls how he met Paul and his brother “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott after a Pantera show in 1985, before he even met the other members of Alice in Chains. “I was mesmerized by Darrell, and I loved how Vinnie played,” Cantrell recalls. “I remember we talked a little bit after their show and we just hit it off.” Cantrell stayed close to the Abbott brothers throughout the years, and would often visit them in their hometown of Dallas on his way to see his father in Oklahoma. “I always looked forward to that time in Dallas,” Cantrell says “Because with both of those guys, Dime and Vinnie, it was always an adventure. You didn’t know where it was gonna end up when you got on their train, but you knew it was gonna be fun and it was gonna be interesting.”Cantrell also remembers Paul as “extremely driven” and someone who “completely influenced a whole generation of drummers.” “The way he played, the way he sounded — he had a kind of industrial sound to his drum — nobody else was like him,” Cantrell says. Whatever Paul did in his life, Cantrell remarks, he did so “unapologetically.” “I always respected that about him,” Cantrell says. “He was a guy who achieved his dreams, and worked his a** off to get there. And he always tried to have a good time doing it.” “Vinnie was always consistent,” he continues. “He was someone I could rely on — a friendly pair of eyes. Every time you’d look in ’em, they’d look the same looking back at you. I’m gonna miss the hell [out] of him.” 📸 Ethan Miller 8/25/05 Gene Simmons birthday party. Also pictured Chad Kroeger (Nickleback) #pantera #aliceinchains #vinniepaul #jerrycantrell (at Seattle, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfHkPu4vqTj/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shanaraharlyah]

I posted 1,194 times in 2021

210 posts created (18%)

984 posts reblogged (82%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 4.7 posts.

I added 1,876 tags in 2021

#dragon age - 308 posts

#dragon age fanart - 257 posts

#dbz fanart - 230 posts

#dragon ball z - 204 posts

#yamcha - 201 posts

#yamucha - 182 posts

#<3 - 171 posts

#dragon ball - 163 posts

#tien - 80 posts

#tenshinhan - 80 posts

Longest Tag: 137 characters

#got a bunch of green in his belts/boots that i will have to mix or else decide on a trip to the warhammer store for more miniature paints

My Top Posts in 2021

#5

Never Gonna Be Alone part 2

“Oh, You've gotta live every single day, Like it's the only one, what if tomorrow never comes? Don't let it slip away, Could be our only one, you know it's only just begun Every single day, May be our only one, what if tomorrow never comes? Tomorrow never comes

Time, is going by, so much faster than I, And I'm starting to regret not telling all of this to you.

You're never gonna be alone! From this moment on, if you ever feel like letting go, I won't let you fall, When all hope is gone I know that you can carry on We're gonna take the world on I'll hold you 'till the hurt is gone ”

~Chad Kroeger & Mutt Lange

---

Part 2 of my Dragon Age Inquisition Trespasser fic snippet below cut for possible spoilers.    Takes place during the time skip between cutscenes at the end of the DLC.  

Dorian Pavus x Kartaelin Lavellan

@14daysdalovers Prompt: Breathless Kisses

Image setup and Rendered in DAZ Studio 4.15.  Postwork in Photoshop Elements 8.0.

Bigger Here

Part 1

From behind the pair, two sets of footfalls rushed toward them, one heavy, the other fleet, and The Iron Bull and Sera soon came around into view.

"Hey, Boss.  Looks like you made it in time."

"Hi, Bull, he was here for me, he never needed our help.  He tipped us off in order to save the South from the Qunari attacks and to get me here, to save me."

"Shite!" exclaimed Sera as she came around in front of the pair sitting on the ground.  "What happened to your arm?  Dorian, how can you hold it against you like that!?"  Her face scrunched up aghast at the sight of it.

Dorian raised an eyebrow at the crude elf, "That's where you draw the line, is it?  You'll hand someone a glass of piss to drink for shits and giggles, but you can't abide the touch of a friend's ghastly wound!?"

"I'll have to remember that one," Sera giggled with a grin on her face, "but no, that's not what I meant, and you know it.  Ugh!  Frustrating people are... frustrating!"

"It's alright, Sera," interjected Kartaelin, always the calming voice amongst his friends.  "You don't have to touch it.  Solas removed it to stop the anchor from killing me."

"Double shite," replied Sera.  "So... you're okay now, yeah?  It still doesn't look like it's good, is all.  So, what's next?"

"We need to get him back to Orlais, and to a proper healer," answered Dorian.

"Can you walk, Boss?" Bull asked.

"I think so.  The anchor is no longer wracking my body, there's just a throbbing and occasional pain when I move my arm.  It's odd, there's a distinct sensation that it's all still there, but then I remember..."  Kartaelin moved to get up, but the Tevinter would have none of it. 

"You're in shock, I can't have you falling down the stairs and cracking your skull on the pavement on our way out of here.  Can you imagine, walking into the Winter Palace, 'Where is the Inquisitor?', 'Oh, we allowed him to lead us back after having his arm amputated, and gee, well, he fell down the stairs and into the abyss.  Can you believe it!'  Leliana and Josephine will have all of our heads after the effort they've put into saving this organization.  So, no, I'll carry you.  Bull, can you gather his things?"  Dorian sighed, “Sometimes I feel like I should be in the one in charge."

The Iron Bull nodded and gathered the Inquisitor's belongings.  

"I like it when you take charge," said Kartaelin huskily, the familiar lopsided grin that had been absent these last few days finally returning to his face.  

Knowing where this was headed, Bull ushered Sera toward the stairs amidst loud protests.  As much as he'd also like to stick around and enjoy the show, he knew they needed to get back to the Exalted Council and the healers at the palace, and the only way to hurry the two love birds along was to leave them behind.

"Festis bei umo canavarum!" exclaimed the mage, wiping the remaining tears from his eyes.  "Is this really the time or place for this?  ...You're just lucky that I love you so much."

"I am," Kartaelin replied coyly, wrapping his hand in his lover’s leather collar and pulling him closer to him.  He craned his neck until his lips met Dorian's and he peppered him with soft kisses.  It was the least he could do after worrying him so terribly.  They'd both feared his impending doom on account of the mark, and Dorian took it especially hard.  He'd put up a wall around his heart a long time ago to prevent himself from being hurt by anyone, but the Inquisitor had broken right through, and the thought of him being taken from him so soon tore him up inside.

Slowing his ministrations to one final passionate kiss and savoring the moment, Kartaelin pressed his forehead to Dorian's.  "I'm sorry I worried you so much, ma vhenan.  I never wished to cause you hurt."

"I know, amatus.  I just... I couldn't bear to lose you like this," Dorian replied, choking up again.  "The thought of the one bright spot in my life being ripped away by ancient elven magic, just..."

The Inquisitor reached up to cup Dorian’s face with his hand, tenderly caressing his cheek with his thumb.  "It's alright, Dorian, I'm safe now.  Solas has bought us time, but we have more work to do.  We should get back to the council.  I'll fill you in on the way."  He leaned in for one more kiss before the Tevinter could reply, taking his breath away.

Pulling back slowly, his lip caught playfully by the Inquisitor, Dorian gently gathered the elf into his arms.  "You are right of course, but what's all this 'bought us time' business?"  With a grunt he stood, the Inquisitor held tightly against his chest, "You are heavier than you look.  Eating too many of those fancy tea cakes Solas likes so much?"

Kartaelin let out a hearty laugh, "I suppose there's no chance of you changing your mind about letting me walk out of here under my own power then?"

"Not a chance," Dorian smiled, heading back toward the stairs and the exit.

"Well, we could ask Bull to carry me if I'm too heavy for you," Kartaelin smirked.

"Truly?  This is how you treat me after the moment we've just shared!?  I should drop you right where we stand," Dorian replied in mock irritation.

"And what would the others say?" Kartaelin teased.

"They'd agree with me, you little shit!" countered the mage.  "Then they'd come back to get you anyway....  Remind me again, why is it that I love you?"

"This IS why you love me," Kartaelin sassed.

Dorian sighed, "Well, you're not wrong.  Tell me, were you always this antagonizing?"

"It's just for you.  You bring out the best in me, Dorian," the elf responded.  "Or the worst, depends on how you look at it.  Either way, you wouldn't want it any other way."

"Maker, what did I do to deserve this!?" Dorian mused in exasperation.

Kartaelin just smiled.  Pressing his injured arm against his own chest, the Inquisitor placed his hand over Dorian's heart and rested his head against his shoulder.

"Oh, the things I'm going to do to you tonight," the Tevinter mage muttered under his breath.

"I look forward to it," Kartaelin quipped, nuzzling the jaw of the man he adored.

"Of course, you do," Dorian breathed.  He still worried about the ‘bought time’ remark, but he trusted the elf wouldn’t keep him in the dark for long.  He had to accept that right here, right now he was holding his amatus in his arms and they were both alive and safe for the moment.

37 notes • Posted 2021-02-15 01:18:20 GMT

#4

So, it’s literally been 7 years since I drew anything seriously.  x.X  There were a couple Dragon Age Inquisition and a few other unfinished sketches since then, but everything else has been 3D renders.  This one is another illustration for the fic I’ve been writing which I’ll post below.  As far as pencils go, this is done.  Now I’m just debating on whether I should print it on bristol/watercolor paper and paint it.  I don’t think I’d have the patience to ink and paint it in photoshop, but you never know.

Anyway, the fic follows the previous two parts I posted and takes place at the end of Trespasser.  It starts after they arrive back at the Winter Palace and the Inquisitor has seen the healer for treatment.

Pairing: Dorian x Lavellan

@14daysdalovers prompt: Promises

Word Count: 3124

Dorian Pavus and Dragon Age Copyright Bioware and EA

Kartaelin Copyright Courtney Leibig

---

“Would you mind accompanying me back to my room, Dorian?  There’s something you may wish to see.” 

“Is this like that time in your quarters?” Dorian smirked, following behind the Inquisitor.

Kartaelin laughed, “Not quite.  Not yet, at least.  We still need to return to the council and I need to change first.  I…,”  He hesitated, ashamed to ask,  “was hoping you might help me with that.”  

The mage was a bit thrown by the question.  Normally he’d take it in jest assuming it was a sort of foreplay the elf had in mind, but the request this time was much more serious and somber.  “Of course, Amatus, it would be my pleasure,” he replied with a smile, coming up beside him and squeezing his hand.

Kartaelin turned his head to look at him and offered a halfhearted smile, his cheeks still flushed with embarrassment.

In an attempt to lighten the mood, Dorian inquired, “So, what is it you have to show me in your quarters?  Is it some one of a kind tome or trinket our Spymaster acquired for you?  Hmm?”

Entering the palace and turning toward the guest wing, the elf flashed a teasing grin, “You’ll just have to wait and see.  We’re almost there anyway.”  

The pair climbed the flight of stairs and turned the corner.  Approaching a door at the end of the hall, Kartaelin began to dig through a belt pouch and produced a key which he handed to the Tevinter.  “Go ahead, open it,” he coaxed, gesturing to the door.

The mage looked at him, one brow raised.  “What!?” exclaimed the elf, “It’s not going to bite you.”

“Now you’re making me even more suspicious,”  Dorian replied.

Kartaelin chuckled, “I assure you, there’s nothing to be wary of.”

“Famous last words,” the mage answered, looking at the elf dubiously.  The Inquisitor slapped his hand to his face and shook his head.  Dorian grinned and turned back to unlock the door.  Opening it, he stepped inside to find a large luxury suite.  Not quite as lavish as the estates back home, but fairly impressive for the south.  Ahead of him were two semicircular couches arranged around a low table for entertaining guests.  The room was ringed with high windows, all open, overlooking the gardens, with a central door that led onto a balcony.  The windows were hung with curtains that could be drawn when needed for extra privacy, though the room’s position on the upper floor would afford them much already.  To his right, there was a ceramic bath recessed into a raised stone platform.  Beneath the platform, was set a fireplace for heating the water.  A hot tub!  Dorian had never seen one outside of Tevinter palatial homes.   To the left stood a fireplace and chaise piled with luxurious blankets, and beyond that another door, likely leading to the bedroom.  How in the world had the Inquisitor procured such a suite?  It was certainly a testament to how far the Inquisition had come over these past 3 years.

“Is this..?” Dorian began, but the Inquisitor, who’d walked past him into the room a moment before cut him off.

“The suite with the wyvern down bed?  It is indeed.  After you’d mentioned it in the courtyard, I’d asked Josephine if she could procure one for us for the night.”

“You are an absolutely magnificent creature, Amatus!  You know that don’t you!?” the mage exclaimed, sliding his arms around the Inquisitors waist and nuzzling the back of his ear.  Kartaelin leaned back into the embrace.  The heat of Dorian’s breath on his neck and the feel of his body pressed against him distracted the elf from his obligations, and they stood there preoccupied with one another for a long moment, until the memory of his responsibility came back to him.  

Kartaelin sighed and turned around to face his lover, slowly taking a step back and taking the mage’s hand in his, as Dorian’s other hand trailed down the elf’s body to alight on his hip.  “As much as I wish the rest of this evening was ours alone, we still have business to attend to before we can retire here for the night.  Come, help me dress for the council,” he said nodding toward the room at the other side of the suite.  He turned and made his way across the room to the bedroom.  His formal wear was laid out on the bed where he’d left it before they’d headed through the eluvian.

Dorian followed him in and, sitting down on the edge of the bed, he untied the belt of the skirt and began to loosen the bindings of the elf’s corset.  While the mage worked, the gravity of his injury finally set down on the Inquisitors shoulders, and a situation that normally would have led to arousal and playfulness instead led him to a spiral of despair.  He could barely undress himself with just one hand, how would he ever get past all those damned belts that Dorian typically wore?  Would the mage truly still want him now that he was broken, or would he let the distance be a balm allowing him to break it off more easily?  The elf, who had been such a strong leader for the Inquisition and the glue binding it together, was now filled with doubt and uneasiness about the future.  There was nothing he could do to stop himself from breaking down in the presence of the man he loved.

It started with a soft sob that lightly shook his body, but the perceptive Tevinter noticed immediately and looked up from the task at hand.  “What’s wrong?” he asked, concerned.  He pulled open the corset and let it fall to the ground before placing his hands on the elf’s waist to steady him.  Kartaelin could hold back the floodgates no longer and collapsed into Dorian’s loving arms.  He cried into the mage’s shoulder, his arm slung around his neck.  Dorian pulled him close and slowly, rhythmically rubbed his back in an attempt to console him.  “Where did this come from, Amatus?” he whispered soothingly into the elf’s ear, but the Inquisitor was unable to respond, as he was lost in fear and doubt.  All the Tevinter could do was hold him tight and offer calming words.  

“It’s going to be alright, Taelin.  We’ve made it this far thanks to your leadership.  You can tell me anything.  I’m here for you, always.”  It was distressing to see the elf like this.  Through everything they’d encountered, his strength had remained a constant, bolstering and guiding everyone around him.  Even when the anchor was tearing him apart, he’d done his best to shield them all from his pain so as not to worry them.  But Dorian did worry, and it hurt when he realized Kartaelin hadn’t allowed him to share that burden, even if there was little he could do.  “Tell me, what can I do to help, Amatus?”

As the Inquisitor finally regained some measure of control over his emotions, he looked up into Dorian’s eyes, “I don’t know how I’m going to make it through, Dorian.  I can’t even dress myself.  How am I going to survive?  I’ve never felt so helpless in my life.  And you’re leaving me for Tevinter tomorrow.  I don’t even know when I’ll see you again.”  His tears continued to fall, streaming down his face and soaking his leather armor.

Dorian brought one hand around to wipe the tears away and smiled affectionately at the elf.  “I was saving this until the council was over and I’d spoken with our advisors, but, from the look of things, you need to hear it now.  I’ve decided to delay my return to Tevinter temporarily,” he paused watching for his companion’s reaction.  The elf’s eyes widened in surprise, though still rimmed with tears.  “I can’t stay indefinitely, but I won’t just leave you like this.  We’ll work through this together, Amatus.  I do love you, you know, and I have confidence in your ability to convalesce.”  Kartaelin nodded, a halfhearted smile crossing his face. 

This man will be the death of me yet, Dorian thought as he tenderly wiped away the tears from his companion’s eyes again.  But you wouldn’t have it any other way, he answered himself.  

“After the council, I’ll have a raven sent to Maeveris to inform her that I’ll be returning in a months time and asking that she keep me apprised of the situation in Tevinter.”  He paused to allow the Inquisitor a chance to respond.  “Does this help?”

Kartaelin let out a shaky sigh and readjusted into a less precarious position on the mage’s lap. “Dorian, thank you,” he said, reaching up to caress the Tevinter’s cheek.  “I… I was just overwhelmed by everything that’s happened.  I guess the realization of what I’d lost and what I was about to lose finally hit me all at once.”

“You’re not losing me, Taelin, I’m just going to be further away, that’s all, and the sending crystal will help with that.  You know we both have work we must do, and I can’t do what I must without returning to Tevinter.  I wish there was another way, but we’ll make it work.  Besides, no one will be able to stop you, anyway when you decide you need to see my beautiful face and you charge into Tevinter on your white horse,” he said with a smirk as he curled the ends of his mustache in his fingers and raised an eyebrow.

The Inquisitor’s signature grin returned to his face and he replied in a husky voice, “You’re right.  Nothing will stop me when I come for what’s mine.”  He gripped the mage’s collar and pulled him closer, while wrapping his legs around his waist.

“Ooo, possessive are we?” Dorian purred.  “My how the tables have turned.  A magister, slave to a strapping young elf.  Scandalous!  What will they say?”

“It will be Mother Giselle all over again.  You know how that ended,” he replied, reaching up to run his fingers through Dorian's short hair and pressing his forehead to his lover’s.

The Tevinter chuckled, “Yes, well, that might not work quite as well for us in my homeland.  It’s not ordinarily that easy to intimidate one's detractors in Tevinter, nor to ignore them.  I live there.  I know.  It’s cutthroat.  Commendable effort though, Amatus.”  He planted a tender kiss on the elf’s cheek before moving on to nuzzle his ear.  “Now, where were we?  Ah, yes, helping you change for the conclusion of the Exalted Council.  Come, lift your arms so I can help you with the top.  The sooner this is done, the sooner we can pick up where we left off,” he said with a wink.  The Inquisitor was clearly disappointed, but Dorian knew he would thank him after this was over, in more ways than one. 

Unwrapping himself from Dorian, Kartaelin slid back off of his lap and raised his arms so the mage could undo the unnervingly warm leather cuirass.  Tossing it aside onto the bed, the Tevinter took a moment to admire the toned, lean body of his lover, absently tracing a scar that ran down his chest.  “Dorian,”  the elf interrupted, bringing him back from his reverie.

“Right,” he replied, sitting back down on the bed, “boots next.”  He bent down to unbuckle the straps allowing the soft leather to fold down, making it easy for the Inquisitor to step out of them.  While Dorian undid his boots, Kartaelin went to work on untying his breeches, he would need as much practice as he could get and this was a simple start.  Gently tugging the lace released the knot and as Dorian finished with his boots, the loosened breeches slid to the ground and the elf stepped back out of them.  Dorian caught him by the hips and pulled him back toward him, placing a kiss on his lower abs then wrapping his arms tightly around him.

“Dorian,”  the Inquisitor repeated.  He truly enjoyed his love’s attention and wished it could continue, but he knew the longer they dallied, the higher the tension at the council and the more pressure on Josephine and Leliana who were trying to keep the peace in his absence.

Looking up at the man he adored, he acknowledged, “I know, Amatus.  This day has just been too much.  I’ll be glad when it’s settled and we can get back to some semblance of normalcy, though what that might look like I’ve no idea.”

“You’ll get no argument from me, ma vhenan.  Let's just get this over with so our evening can begin.”  He smiled down at Dorian and stroked the back of his head.  

The mage smiled back at him and handed him the trousers that were laid out next to him on the bed, “Here, see if you can handle this.  You’re going to need a pin for the sleeve of the jacket, so let me see what I have in my bags.”

“You can check my things as well, Dorian,” responded the elf as he sat on the bed next to him and began pulling on the trousers.  The button closures were a bit tricky with just one hand, but he managed without too much trouble.  As he picked up the jacket and pulled it over his injured arm, Dorian placed a hand on his shoulder, “I can help with that.”  

Kartaelin looked over at the mage while he slid his right arm into the other sleeve.  “Yes, please.  I may be able to get the buttons, but I need your help with the sash and this,” he said, gingerly waving his left arm, the half empty sleeve flapping around with each movement.

“Before we button it, let me deal with the sleeve.  I found this to pin it with,” Dorian answered, placing a small metal brooch into the Inquisitor’s hand, and going to work on folding the sleeve.  The elf turned it over in his hand examining the intricate metalwork and small inset stones, the craftsmanship was superb.  There was something familiar about the design.  Where had he seen it before?  His thought was interrupted by his companion, “Does this feel okay, Amatus?  I don’t wish to pin it too tightly.”

The Inquisitor pulled the jacket closed to make sure Dorian had left enough slack for him to be comfortable.  “This is fine, Dorian, but this brooch… is it…?”

The mage cut him off, motioning for him to hand it over, “Yes.  I had it fashioned after the Pavus Birthright, my birthright, for you.  The craftsman completed it just in time for my return for the council.  I… was planning to give it to you before I left for Tevinter.”

Kartaelin’s eyes widened as he handed it back, “Dorian, are you…?”

“Proposing?” Dorian finished the other man’s thought.  “How astute of you.  Think of it as a promise.  A promise that I remain loyal to you, no matter how many miles lie between us.  A promise that we will be together again whenever it is safe to do so.  And a reminder that you are mine and I think about you daily.  It is not a ring, and it is not marriage, but it is what I can safely offer you right now.  I love you, Amatus.”  He reached over, tilting the elf’s chin up slightly and softly stroking the short, stiff hairs of his beard, before leaning in for a tender kiss.

Kartaelin reached for him, alighting his hand on the Tevinter’s upper arm, one of the few places he could have contact with him through the set of armor he wore.  He squeezed his triceps reassuringly while the kiss lingered.  When they’d come up for air, the elf breathed, “Ar lath ma, vhenan.”

Dorian smiled, “I know, Amatus.”  Sitting back, he opened the brooch and passed the pin through the fabric of the coat sleeve, hooking it into the closure and doing his best to straighten it.  When he was satisfied, he moved on to buttoning the jacket.  Kartaelin just watched the handsome mage work, admiring his beauty, grace and kindness, things he’d rarely encountered in a human before becoming a part of the Inquisition.  To be fair, even now, it was still a rarity.  Dorian reached for the sash and shook it out.  “Stand, please,” he ordered while getting up himself.  

The Inquisitor obeyed and lifted his arms to allow the mage to work.  A smile spread across his face, “Wait until Cassandra finds out.”

Without missing a beat Dorian countered, “What?  That you’ve enslaved a Tevinter magister to do everything for you, including change your small clothes?”

The elf burst out into a hearty laugh.  “She already knows that!” he exclaimed with a mischievous grin.  “No, about the promise, the brooch.  Varric had her all riled up before the council, telling her that you would propose to me today.  She was giddy, but concerned for me.  She won’t even be able to take it.”

“Ah,” the mage replied, tying off the sash and kneeling to help the Inquisitor with his boots.  He motioned for him to sit again, “She is a sweet girl beneath that rough and hardened exterior.  But perhaps you should wait until after the council to inform her.  She’ll want to gossip with you for hours and get all the juicy details.  By the time you’re done, there won’t be an Inquisition left to save.”

Kartaelin chuckled, “You’re right, it doesn’t have to be tonight.  I’ll inform her in the morning, it will give us something to gossip about over breakfast.”

Dorian shook his head as he moved to get up, “I swear, sometimes the two of you are like little school girls.  What am I going to do with you?”

“Indulge me,” the elf replied, getting up and leaning against his love’s chest.

“You know I do,” cooed the mage.  He gestured to the bed, “Glove.  It’s the last thing, then you need to get to the council, and I need to change.  Can you imagine?  Me, walking into the council in ancient elven armor?”

The Inquisitor grinned, moving to pick up the glove and handing it to Dorian, “It suits you, being that you are ‘slave’ to an elf.”

Dorian groaned while sliding the glove onto Kartaelin’s hand, “You really are too much sometimes.  Now go, get this over with so we can indulge a little.”

“Don’t forget, it was you who suggested it,” the elf replied with a wink.  He turned and started for the door, Dorian following behind.

“Yes, yes, blame it on the mage,” the Tevinter sassed, knowing full well it was his comments that got him that remark.

38 notes • Posted 2021-02-22 01:33:43 GMT

#3

We are currently this far into our current run watching Dragon Ball.

41 notes • Posted 2021-02-23 23:31:03 GMT

#2

Magister Dorian Pavus

The lovely @tessa1972 asked me about my Dorian test renders and since I haven't finished anything I have planned for Magister Dorian yet, I decided to do a portrait of him. Hope you guys like it!

Setup and rendered in DAZ Studio 4.15 Public Build Beta.

Postwork in Photoshop Elements 8.0.

67 notes • Posted 2021-11-14 22:07:27 GMT

#1

Trying out a few different hairs on magister Dorian.  Just test renders so ignore all the hair clipping through his coat.  XD

123 notes • Posted 2021-02-22 23:03:59 GMT

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