#happy birthday to my darling ami

[shiningstarr15]

TODAY IS FLORENCE PUGH’S BIRTHDAY!!

Not only did I succeed in my filmography marathon this week ending tonight with Black Widow, I managed to get my drawing done for her as well.

I planned this for probably almost a year when I saw the prompt bc it was just so her 😆

This is my first time drawing Florence herself and I think she is quite adorable as a chibi lol. Scattered throughout the picture you will see references to some of the projects that she’s been in as well as just herself in general.

I actually contemplated DM’ing this to Florence on instagram but idk if I want to lol. Yes it is for her and I do plan to somehow give it to her in person someday but the thought of actually sending it to her directly scares me for some reason lol 😅 idk it’s just really elaborate and I just genuinely want her to like it 🥺💕

Well til she sees it I hope you all enjoy it! Blood, sweat, and tears went into this thing lol

[heysweetheart-writes]

Happy Wip Wednesday! I'm back baby!

I've had a few though days/weeks between political climate in my country and to top it all off, one of the worst birthdays of all times but here we are, right back at it! I'm very very thankful for Susan, my beta for Watermelon Sugar who you'll have to send a fruit basket at the end of this if you love it because it wouldn't be happening without her.

Many thanks to the lovely lovely people who kept tagging me. Know that you brighten my day by just including me in your little lists!! I still have a lot of reading to catch up on. But I'm kissing you all on the forhead: @getmehighonmagic @hgejfmw-hgejhsf @priincebutt @kiwiana-writes @suseagull04 @three-drink-amy (I freaked out ok?) @ninzied @firenati0n @zwiazdziarka @bigassbowlingballhead @happiness-of-the-pursuit @inexplicablymine @anincompletelist @theprinceandagcd @tailsbeth-writes

It's smutty and it's Alex with someone that isn't Henry (Henry is still very much there in this snippet) so I'm gonna put it under a cut, read at your own discretion please!! It's from, of course Watermelon Sugar and this features a bit that was suggested by my darling Jon who's been of so much help as well!

His own breathing picks up as well but not for the same one it always does when he’s about to blow Henry. Alex swallows and licks his lips, some slight nerves creeping up inside him.  “I haven’t done this in a while so, you know… Let me know if it’s shit.”  “Don’t sell yourself short, love,” Henry adds and Alex feels him move. Suddenly Henry’s weight is on the back of his thighs. Is he fucking straddling him? Dear God. “You have a very talented tongue.”  “Fuck.” This time, it’s not just him who lets out the curse with a heavy breath. He grins at Sam. 

I’m tagging both people I want to see what they’re up to and people I’m hoping will see this snip: @read-and-write- @daisymae-12 @cricketnationrise @clottedcreamfudge @myheartalivewrites @lizzie-bennetdarcy @callumsmitchells @raysletters @cultofsappho @notspecialbabe @onward--upward @nocoastposts @wordsofhoneydew obviously open tag, tag me back so I can see! Let me know if you want to be added or removed!!

[mynotsohealthyobsession]

Hello, I like the stories you create, especially the one about Bloodbound. Can you create a story about Adrian Raines, MC, and Zuri again? Thank you!

Hi darling! Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm truly happy you enjoy them! And... Omg, it's like you read my mind! I just finished this piece of them and let me tell you, be ready for an overdose of cuteness! lol (Or at least that it's how it felt while writing it!) I just love them together! Here hoping you enjoy it!

First birthday

Pairing: Adrian Raines x MC x OC Zuri (their daughter)

Warning: Just a tiny bit of angst but fluff fluff fluff!

Words: 1.133

As always, tagging in the reblog!

Amy turned around on the bed, surprised to see the absence of Adrian's arm around her and his side of the bed empty. She hadn't heard the baby monitor go off so she knew Zuri hadn't disturbed his sleep. She stood up and walked towards the baby's room first. When she pushed open the ajar door, a little smile blossomed on her face, watching Adrian attentively looking at their little girl. She tip-toed up to him and hugged his waist from behind, kissing his nape.

"Is she okay? I didn't hear her cry." Amy whispered as he turned, holding her back and kissing her forehead.

"She's fine, love. I woke up and took the opportunity to check on her." 

"And you? Do you feel alright?" 

"Everything is just perfect." She studied him for a bit before gently cupping his cheek, making him look at her. Zuri's first birthday would be in a couple of days and Amy was pretty sure what was going on in his mind.

"We are okay. Nothing bad is going to happen to her. Or me." Adrian paused for a moment with a serious expression, before sighing, his shoulders slumped a little and his brows knitting together. 

"It scares me to think that history repeats itself. To lose everything I love again."

"It won't." She knew that he had lost his son just a few days after his first birthday.

 "I will mentally torture anyone that even tries to touch her." His hands squeezed her involuntarily. "They can ask Gaius how that feels." He quietly chuckled, a bit of tension smoking away from him. "I promised you, when I woke up, that you will never lose me again. Let me add something to that promise." Their eyes fixed to each other, intensely and profoundly. "You are not going to lose her either, Adrian."

"It just… You two are everything to me." His voice was low but filled with emotion, directing his gaze back at Zuri, still asleep in her crib. "My whole world." 

"Do you trust me?" He turned to her, surprised at the question.

"You know I trust you more than anyone or anything, Amy." 

"Then trust me when I say that nothing bad is going to happen." 

"I'll try, my love." She brushed his cheek with her lips before detangling from his hold. "But it's not easy…"

"Of course it's not. But you have to try." Slowly and tenderly, she lifted Zuri from the crib, careful to not wake her, leaning her on her shoulder. Her little arms rested on her chest, her mouth slightly open while Amy gently patted her back. "You deserved to enjoy every second with her, to not be worried or scared." He kissed Zuri's small head.

"Believe me, I am." Careful to not disturb the baby, he sweetly took Amy's lips with his. "I love you, my eternity."

"Almost eleven years together and you still sound as cheesy as the first time." She said with a little smirk as he silently chuckled and leaned his head against hers. "I love you too, handsome."

"As if you don't like it." Adrian winked at her.

"Of course I do. I mean, there's a reason I married you." Zuri moved against her causing Amy to tighten her hold a little more. "Let's go back to bed. This lady can sleep with us for a few days." She moved to the door, quietly walking to their bedroom, Adrian turned off the dim light and followed her. Carefully, she lowered Zuri's tiny frame onto the bed, laying her down in the space between them. Amy smiled at her as she caressed her cheek with the back of her finger, getting comfortable beside her. "Having her in our lives still amazes me sometimes.”

"I know the feeling. She's positively extraordinary." He gently and protectively rested his hand on her belly, his thumb stroking her tummy below the soft light pink onesie with the print of a joystick and the quote 'Player 3 has joined the game' that Lily had given her. Amy moved her finger, leading it inside the tiny loose fist, holding her hand, and kissed the side of her head until she fell asleep once more, her face almost touching Zuri's. 

Adrian stood awake a long time, simply observing them, hearing their steady heartbeats and the soothing rhythm of their breathing. He knew Amy was right, after all it had been years since something dangerous had happened to them but no matter how hard he tried, the uneasiness was still there. Zuri gave a little kick with her right leg and he smiled at her. When they had decided to start the adoption process, he knew he would love them no matter what but he hadn't expected it would be this much. At that time, he had noticed how worried Amy had been for him, trying not to make him feel they were replacing his first family. And he loved her for that, even more than he already did.

Zuri's cry called his attention. He picked her up, activating the bottle warmer with the remote, going to the kitchen so Amy could keep sleeping. He checked her diaper just in case but it was completely clean. 

"Sh sh, beautiful. It's almost done." He rocked her a bit, waiting the last two minutes until the bottle was ready, kissing her forehead. He took the bottle, offering it to her, smiling when she vigorously drank it, her bright eyes glued at him. "You and your mom are equally enthusiastic about food." Her gulps continued like that for a little while, becoming gradual until it finally stopped. Adrian left the almost empty bottle in the sink and gently leaned her over his shoulder, clapping her back softly, waiting for her burp. The little belch echoed in the kitchen, making him smile, and wiped her mouth with the towel he was holding. He gently lay her over his arm, calmly passing around, until her eyelids flushered, beginning to close again. "Time for bed, little angel." He returned to the bedroom, grinning at Amy profoundly asleep. By the time he sat her down on the mattress, her cute snores had begun again. He took the hem of the cover and pulled it up, making sure that neither of them were cold. As he looked at them he thought of all the years of darkness and pain, all the times that he had felt empty or lost. Of course he would never forget those years but… If it meant being this incredibly happy again, he would definitely go through all that again. Because they are definitely worth it. As his own eyelids started to close, a smile curved his lips up, noticing how Amy's finger, somehow, was in Zuri's grasp again.

💗

[toomuchracket]

thinking abt birthday party!matty doing skin to skin after baby amy is born 💔

omg. in the other skin to skin blurbs for the other au's, it's been matty holding the baby while you sleep, but i think in this au it would be cute if you just watched the loves of your life together while you laid down and had a rest. you're like "matty, baby, do you want a bit of time holding our girl?", and he gets all blushy like "i do, yeah" and unbuttons his flannel upon the midwife's suggestion - you make a joke about "that's what got us into this predicament" as he does, and matty giggles but says "not in front of our baby! she doesn't need to hear that!", and you're like "nah it's good for her to hear how in love her parents are". matty's like "ok true", as amy settles on his chest; she rests her head on his tattoo, which has both you and matty near tears (you're fragile ok!!), and she looks up at him fairly alert when he speaks to her like "hi, darling. s'good to finally see you". you're like "oh, she recognises daddy's voice", and matty tears up but keeps talking like "you've got your mummy's nose (she crinkles it exactly the same way you do when he lightly touches it 😭), and it's sooooo cute. you've got my eyes, though. sorry about that", and you're like "matthew healy don't you dare. your eyes are my favourite - i am so so glad our daughter has them too". matty smiles like "mummy's determined to make me cry today. so are you, actually, just being so tiny and so real. got my work cut out for me with my girls, don't i? but i love you both so much, more than anything. would do anything for both of you, anything at all to keep you safe and happy. and i will. i promise, darling" aaaaaaand i need to stop there or i genuinely will cry. adorable!! <3

[chronicbeans]

Wally Darling with a Restoration Project Reader (part 3)

It's been a few weeks, now... You feel like something is wrong...

TW: Mentions of Hacking, Scopophobia/Eye Imagery

🗞️ Daniel has been having more and more mail sent his way. The time you all spend in Finn's house, restoring Welcome Home merchandise and media, is getting longer and longer. Your mother has been getting more and more snippy about it all.

🗞️ You grab an old book titled "Happy Birthday, Barnaby!" Opening it up reveals how it's Barnaby's birthday and Wally, Julie, and Sally are all planning to throw a surprise party for him. What you have found with almost every single item that has Wally in it is that he is, most of the time, looking at you. Well, the person looking at the material. Even on the page where everyone is telling Barnaby happy birthday. The rest of the neighbors are all looking at Barnaby, smiling and clapping as he blows out some birthday candles. Wally, however, is looking at you. His body is turned to face Barnaby, but his head is turned towards you, his eyes locked onto you.

🗞️ You put the book down, asking the rest of the group "Wally seems rather odd, huh? He's like... my favorite, but he is very eerie. Do you have any theories as to why he stares at us?" Amy makes a face of concentration, before saying "Well, Wally is meant to make a connection with the children watching the show. It is probably because they want to emphasize that connection, or make it stronger through eye contact." She then clasps her hands together, continuing "I really wish they did that with Julie! She is so cute!" "HOLY-! WHAT?!"

🗞️ Everyone looks over to Finn, who has been looking at the Welcome Home Restoration Project blog on his laptop. His eyes grow wide as he says "Y'all, I think someone has hacked us or something! Look! I found this link beneath the Wally character file on the neighborhood page! It leads to... this..."

🗞️ He turns the laptop around, showing you all a dark page. After a few moments, an image fades in of Wally, sketched in red, facing one of Home's windows. Home's large eye shakes, with red seemingly leaking from it. Wally's kneeling down, his left arm outstretched.

🗞️ You can't help but watch and think. Why is Wally kneeling like that? Why is Home watching Wally so intently? Is Wally inside or outside of Home? Why is it so dark? You ask Finn "Was there anything else odd on our blog?" Finn nods "A bunch of out of place letters."

🗞️ Daniel looks around, before saying "I'll check it out. Maybe this could be the work of whoever is sending us this stuff? The letters could mean something. Amy, you continue working on restoring the art. (Y/N), you can manage the guestbook. We can all work together to try to figure out what this all means."

🗞️ Amy tilts her head, before asking "Should we all like... I don't know... pick a set of characters to research? I feel like it would be difficult for any of us to remember so much about every character when we are learning about them through little dribbles of content. We might get confused and mix them up with one another." Daniel thinks about it, before looking over to you. "What do you think about that idea? I don't want to just say yes to it. This is all very interesting, so I don't know if focusing on a couple characters will make some of us feel left out..."

🗞️ You find yourself immediately responding. It is almost as if it were an instinctual reaction. "I will focus on Wally, Home, and Barnaby." Daniel's eyes widen a bit at how blunt and quickly you responded to his question. He slowly nods "Alright... I'll focus on Frank, Howdy, and Eddie..." Amy decides to focus on Julie, Sally, and Poppy. Finn shrugs, saying that he will just stick with the blog, and that any remaining characters you all find out about will fall onto him.

🗞️ You take some of the restored media with you when you go home. It is all about Wally, Home, and/or Barnaby. Your mother seems to have already gone to bed by the time you get to the house.

🗞️ Quietly stepping up the stairs, you enter your room. It's a bit of a mess, due to how you spend all your free time at Finn's house these days. You keep forgetting to clean it. Placing the pile of papers and books onto your desk, you get a text from Daniel. It simply reads, in all capitals, "GO TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD PAGE ON YOUR PHONE."

🗞️ You quickly do so, the unspoken rule between the group being that texts in all capitals conveys an extreme seriousness that must not be ignored. In cases like these, it is the equivalent of STAT.

🗞️ You go to the neighborhood page on the blog. You are shocked to find that every link is messed up, almost as if they were moved upwards. The image of Home, as well, has been moved to reveal a dark void either behind or beneath the red house. Within that void is a small, white spiral.

🗞️ You don't know why, but you feel a chill looking at it. You can't look away, either. It's kind of like it has infected your brain, causing your mind to spiral, as well. Thoughts and questions fill it to the brim. It is so hard to do so, but after a few minutes, you manage to break yourself away from the void, and go to bed.

[jellibuns]

WIP Wednesday

Thank you @kiwiana-writes and @piratefalls for the tag!!

I've been a bit distracted with irl figure skating (Worlds was WILD woo boy) but now I'm back to writing about my fictional figure skating boys!! Inspired by Alex's birthday today, here's a snippet from a later chapter (I swear there's more to this fic than direct parallels to the book haha)

Alex steps through the door of the hotel room and instead of the expected sensation of Henry’s lips immediately on his, the room is dark, the only source of light coming from a small candle atop a slice of strawberry shortcake. Henry stands in the center of the room, giving Alex a soft smile. “I know it's probably not in your approved diet, but I thought a birthday would be as good an excuse as any to break it.” Alex is struck speechless. Henry's hair is still damp, seemly freshly showered, wearing nothing but an old pair of sweats that barely cling to his hips. Alex has been looking for those, but he can't bring himself to be mad, he’s never seen anyone more beautiful. “You may want to make your wish darling, the candle is starting to melt.” Alex manages to shake himself out of the trance long enough to close the distance between them and quickly plunge the room into darkness with a quick puff. “Happy?” “Depends on what you wished for.” “Baby.” Alex chuckles, he can hear Henry’s shuttered exhale at the nickname, it never gets old. “I didn’t need to wish for anything, you’re already here.”

a few no-pressure tags @three-drink-amy @cha-melodius @indestructibleheart @wordsofhoneydew @firenati0n and anyone else!! please tag me, I'm in desperate need for more fic friends to follow!

[blindmagdalena]

Merry Christmas Amy! I know Lana Del Rey has been mentioned here before on the topic of Homelander songs (also, your blog title), but when it comes to demos, JFK is definitely my top pick. One of my favorite scenarios to imagine is a love interest signing it during his birthday special. I think he’d be quite happy to be compared to JFK (even though, to my recollection, he’s not a historical figure Homie has on his list of presidential blorbos… but then again, it’s Homelander.)

ALSO, this lyric:

“You know that you can always come home To the one who gave you your name”

That always makes me think of someone helping him give meaning to the name “John” and just AGBYBRYINWDTBYNRUMW

I love him.

hello, my darling! merry christmas!

yeah it's no secret i'm a big Lana girlie and i definitely associate my fair share of songs with HL. JFK is SUCH a good pull!

You've got it and I want it Late summer nights in July, flaunt it You know that you can always come home to the one who gave you your name ‘Cause I see a light in your eyes It’s so bright and the skies, they open wide for you So come to me, my baby You've got a way like JFK When you do it, the way that you move it Spins me round like a record, baby And you’ve got a soul like no one I know You’re so new at it, the way you see through that shit Breaks my heart and it drives me crazy

uuggghhhh, this is PERFECT. i've got some asks/wips in the wings that specifically focus on an s/o with a lovely voice singing for Homelander, and god, this would be such a good fit for that. i love the lazy way she sings 'that's my baby,' it just works perfectly.

thank you for sharing!

[allamericansbitch]

Hi everyone! Here’s the newest addition to my Creator Shoutout Series (december 31- january 7)!  I want to appreciate editors and their creations that i love from the past week. To track this series or look at previous shoutouts, please check out the tag on my blog *creatorshoutouts.

priscilla gifset by @waymond-wang

paramore: a year in review gifset by @userparamore

barbie 2023 gifset by @blackthornluce

assorted artists + new years gifset by @antoniosvivaldi

taylor swift: new years day graphic by @evermqres

saltburn: elspeth catton gifset by @moxyphinx

favorite albums of 2023 by @dilettanteblog

hunter schafer: birthday gifset by @jabberwocky1996

the ballad of songbirds and snakes gifset by @maliagf

taylor swift: new years day gifset by @bazkrekkers

the ballad of songbirds and snakes gifset by @siobhans-roy

high school musical: troy bolton gifset by @stydixa

maisie peters: the good witch gifset by @tbosas

taylor swift: seven graphic by @itsdelicate

halsey gifset by @h-f-k

stranger things: steve harrington gifset by @imgonnaeditstuff

megan thee stallion: not my fault music video gifset by @venka

taylor swift: the eras tour gifset by @h-f-k

severance: helly riggs gifset by @trueloveistreacherous

stranger things: max mayfield gifset by @forbescaroline

saltburn gifset by @userfefa

priscilla edit by @daughter-rhaenyra

taylor swift: the eras tour gifset by @tswift

saltburn gifset by @riickgrimes

priscilla gifset by @henricavyll

yellowjackets gifset by @bellamysgriffin

taylor swift: happiness graphic by @cruellesummer

barbie 2023 gifset by @weirdobarbie

high school musical gifset by @madscline

the ballad of songbirds of snakes gifset by @alinaastarkov

yellowjackets gifset by @girlbutcherwife

the bear: carmy and richie gifset by @fkmylif3

mulan gifset by @gloriapritchetts

saltburn gifset by @rosamndpike

priscilla gifset by @madscline

brooklyn nine nine: amy santiago gifset by @jakeyp

taylor swift: midnights redesign edit by @ohgaylor

halsey: darling gifset by @tolerateit

talk to me gifset by @thesoldiersminute

[sitp-recs]

Happy happy birthday darling @wolfpants! I’m so excited to be finally doing a reclist with my Wolf faves. I still remember the sense of awe I felt reading the magnificent Hollow (my very first Remus/Draco, so brilliant and poignant it got me immediately sold on the ship and also obsessed with that verse). Whether it’s Drarry or rare pair goodness, Wolf always delivers top notch cottagecore porn romance with gorgeous settings, captivating characters and a perfect mix of angst, fluff and smut, what else could we ask for? I’ve had so much fun selecting my own favorites for this list. The Drarry section might look small but that’s because I wanted to give a massive shoutout to Wolf’s delicious catalogue of rare pair shorts, which seems to be carefully crafted to meet my personal tastes (you’ll find that I got a soft spot for age gap and Ron thirst but I’ve tried to include a bit of everything and there are quite a few treats from Wolf’s stellar Kinkuary23 collection 🔥).

Dear Wolf, thank you for sharing so many great stories with us. We’re so lucky to have you on this fandom! It’s been amazing to follow your work as you evolve as a writer and explore my most beloved characters and tropes in your unique, creative, fun and self-indulgent way. I hope you’ve had a lovely day and ami excited to see what this new year brings you next! 🎉💜

🐺 Drarry:

Edges (E, 1.5k)

Draco explores the limits of Harry's edges. Harry lets him.

The Farther I Fall, I'm Beside You (E, 2.3k)

What happens when you accidentally kill your friend during a birthday prank gone wrong? You ask your Master of Death boyfriend for help, of course. Check out @getawayfox’s gorgeous art here.

The Holly and the Ivy (E, 4.6k)

This year at the Annual Ministry Yule Auction, Magpies Seeker Draco Malfoy's time is up for sale. When Harry places the winning bid, will their contracturally-binding weekend together heal old wounds, or worsen them?

Look For Me In The Sun (M, 9k)

Harry and Draco are on the run in America after a mysterious string of werewolf-like attacks in the Muggle community causes the Ministry to impose new and harsh anti-werewolf legislation. Giant trees, crashing waves, seedy motel rooms, and the long and winding coastal road awaits them, but will they ever be able to go back home?

Under Giant Mountains (E, 33k)

Harry doesn't know where he's going. Everyone else has their life paths figured out; he doesn't even know where his map is. Who'd have thought Draco Malfoy bathing in a Norwegian forest would be the guidepost Harry needed?

Pages of You (E, 101k)

Summer, 1980. Harry is floating between university and becoming a Real Certified Adult. He's not ready. He really isn't. In a desperate attempt to have the Best Last Summer ever, he takes a casual job at his godfather's bookshop in London, starts an illicit pen pal affair with a wordy posh boy that he's catching feelings for, all while dealing with the son of Sirius's business rival, one Draco Malfoy, insufferable know-it-all extraordinaire. Check out @homoaesthetics ‘s fabulous rec post for this fic here.

👖 Rare pairs:

The Classics (E, 1.1k) - Draco/Sirius

Sirius gets more than he bargained for when he heads to bed after a long day and night in Grimmauld Place.

Viridian (E, 1.7k) - Draco/Blaise, implies future Harry/Draco/Blaise

There’s just something about Draco. Blaise can’t quite put his finger on it, but it’s—an impulse. To poke, to prod, to pick his delicate wings off. To teach him some humility.

Love is a Verb (E, 1.7k) - Harry/Teddy

These days, Teddy loves and hates being alone with Harry. He craves it, and he dreads it, and he thinks Harry’s starting to notice. He wants him to notice.

Hymn to Apollo (E, 2k) - Teddy/Scorpius

It's the night of Harry and Draco's wedding, and Teddy learns Scorpius has an enormous crush on him.

Seat You Higher than the Stars (E, 2k) - Rarry

When Harry tells Ron he's ready to reveal their relationship to their friends, he lets out another confession: that he wants to be completely vulnerable in bed.

Yours & Mine (E, 2.3k) - Dron

Just another Sunday lunch at The Burrow. Featuring French dessert, fond Molly Weasley, flirty Drarry, and Ron's incredulousness.

Like A Brother Would (E, 5k) - Rarry

Ron wants to tell him, again, that he’s not focused, that he’s not planning this whole thing through properly, that he keeps missing things. That they need more structure, that he wouldn’t have lost his temper like he had if only they had the safety of a strategy.

A Bigger Splash (E, 7k) - Dralbus

It's his dad's 45th birthday in rural Sicily, and all Albus wants is to be seen by Draco Malfoy.

The Hollow (E, 12k) - Remus/Draco

They both drink, and Remus wonders how much longer he can stay here. His eyes are already moving around slowly, looking for an escape. Anything to get away from the eerily familiar slope of Draco’s cheekbones, from the richness of the voice that sounds so much like the ghost inside his own head.

Trillium (E, 13k) - Dronarry

Harry and Draco are shagging. Ron’s got a hunch, and the only way to find out is to volunteer his services alongside Harry’s in the Big Malfoy Manor Cleanup of 2010. What could possibly go wrong?

Precious Metal (E, 28k) - Dronarry

Precious metal awaits in an abandoned, cursed cottage on the Isle of Jura. Ron’s illegal hunting ring is on it, but disaster strikes when he runs into a jumpy and suspicious Draco Malfoy, camped out where the treasure is hidden. What happens when they accidentally unleash a bond curse when both of them harbour feelings for the same man?

Tiny Home (E, 30k) - Dronarry

Harry and Ron left the Aurors years ago to travel the world and make up for lost time. When they finally decide to settle roots back in England, together, building a tiny home in the Lake District by hand seems like the perfect plan. What they don't realise is that Draco Malfoy already lives on the plot of land that they choose to build on. Check out @slytherco’s scorching art for this fic here.

[squirrelthewriter]

How I met you again- A PJO and KotLC crossover

Chapter 3: A flashback leading to tears

Sophie's POV

My heart pounded so hard I could feel my ribs moving as all the memories I thought I had lost hit me.

 F L A S H B A C K  

        I exited the door to go skipping into the neighbor hood, the ice blue packaging in my hands.

        Today was the day where I got to I give Annabeth Chase the birthday present I had bought a few months back. The one I had pleaded my Mom to get at the store, because I thought it suited her so well.

        But today was not only Annabeth's birthday, but mine as well. Which meant we would be able to spend the whole day together without our parents coming to annoy us.

        Of course, I had the choice between spending my birthday with my best friend, and my parents alongside Amy. Annabeth was a million times better. And I think Annabeth thought the same thing.

        Other than Annabeth, I didn't have any friends, but she was just enough for me.

        I rubbed my temples, feeling the mental bombardments seemed to attack my brain as people passed by.

'Why do people have to think so horribly loud?', I thought to myself, trying to shield myself from the attacks.

        Annabeth was the only person who’s thoughts didn’t blare into my brain constantly. Her thoughts were quieter, and I didn’t always hear them.

        I still hadn't brought myself to tell her I could hear what people said in their heads.

        What if she called me a freak? What if she wouldn't want to hang out with me if I told her?

        I was interrupted by the sound of a door closing and a blond little seven year-old walking our of it.

        Her eyes were a stormy gray that darted around and looked like they were processing hundreds of things at once.

        Annabeth Chase, my best friend.

        She squealed when she saw me and sprinted to me, with her hair bouncing in the wind behind her.

        I hid the ice blue package I had in my hand behind my back as I greeted her.

“Hey! Happy birthday!!” we exclaimed at the same time, before giggling at our twinness (A/N: Is that even a word?).

        I looked at her hand, which, identically to me, was hidden behind her back.

“Wat'cha hiding?” we asked in unison.

        Annabeth had apparently seen my hand.

“Nothing,” we replied simultaneously.

        I cleared my throat responsively.

“Okay,” I said, “How about you show me what you're hiding, and then I'll show you mine?”

”No, I’ll think I’ll let you go first,” she said, her voice sweet.

I placed my free hand on my hip, replying in that same sugary voice,

“Oh no, darling, I insist! You must!” I told her.

“Truly? Don’t you want to reveal your secret first?” Annabeth teased.

“I-Secret-Uh-No,“ I stuttered, shook for a second. I quickly recovered saying, “Oh, no, you go, you absolutely should show me! I simply cannot wait another minute!”

Annabeth giggled. If she noticed my slip-up, she didn’t say anything about it.

”Ready?” She asked.

        Nodding vigorously, I watched with excitement as Annabeth removed her hand from behind her back. Her hand uncurled to reveal a package carefully wrapped in gorgeous paper, bold brown and gray lines imprinted on it.

“For you!” she exclaimed happily, handing me the gift.

        I gawked at her.

“You didn't have to!” I said, taking it in my free hand.

“I took both our eye color for the wrapping, and I think they go really well together!” Annabeth said proudly. “And of course I had to get you something, you’re my best friend forever!!” She added.

“It looks amazing, thank you so much! I'm actually scared of ripping it!” I laughed.

        She shrugged.

“It doesn't matter if you rip it.” she said smiling.

        I smiled back and thanked her again, before putting my own present at my feet. I unfolded the wrapping paper delicately.

        It revealed the same box as the one in my hands at the present day.

 E N D   O F   F L A S H B​​​​​​ A C K  : 

        I blinked very hard as I took the necklace with my shaky hands. It was as beautiful as it was the day Annabeth had given it to me.

        I slipped it around my neck and continued to rummage in the backpack.

        Where was the friendship bracelet I had given her that same day?

        Did Annabeth still have hers?

        I sighed in relief as I found a small bracelet.

        Looking at the half-heart and the little elves and owls that adorned the jewelry, I smiled at the memories of Annabeth Chase. 

        But where were the other halves?

[okay-j-hannah]

Hii hannah! I'm bout three months late because i had exams going on, well, I still have exams going on but I decided to not procrastinate and just write this.

Thank you so so much for writing my tenth doctor and rory requests. you don't know how much it means that you took time out of your life to write my requests. when I first started watching Doctor who, barely a season in, i stumbled upon your blog and read your dying girl story, i didn't even know anything properly bout doctor's character or other companions but your fic though! it captured doctor's character so well! It was in May I read it and started watching the show and I now always connect that time with doctor who and you and your fics haha. 

 I got so obsessed that I made this dying girl reader universe in my head with headcanons and stuff and started associating songs to the reader and fic ; i know they are like kinda popular cliche songs but snowman by sia and never be the same by camila cabelo really reminds me of the amy and rorys wedding scene with reader and doctor dancing (was it real or I made that up in my head?) and memory of reader practising mind reading thing and seeing memories of Doctor and she's like who's this beautiful person in his memories and doctor is like that's you love <3 moonlight serenade, spring waltz, we'll meet again, moon river, across the universe are some other songs I associate with them,, you didn't even ask for playlist but here I'm sharing it just because lmao 

and then you wrote my ten request and added it dying girl universe, when I tell you actually started screaming from excitement when I saw it! I really wasn't expecting it, i was so so happy! And Idk why but I just feel so honoured that my request was added into the "official" dying girl universe masterlist! and the rory fic too, it was so sweet! you wrote it exactly as what I had in my mind when I sent you request, tysm for that! 

Ngl I always checked your page once in a while when you were on break because I just looked forward to your writing so much and in January, around my birthday, found out you were active again and posted my requests and gotta say, best birthday gift even if it technically wasn't lol. I wonder if you've finished twelve's episodes, you mentioned how it is hard to "let go" of a doctor and I completely agree,  I finishesed twelfth doctors episodes in December and God was it hard to say goodbye to him, I know I can rewatch but it won't be like first time :'( you know, the "i love my current doctor so much" feeling?

I've started thirteen but it doesn't feel the same, especially without murray gold's music and well, moffat and rtd. so glad that rtd is coming back for new seasons though!

Oh and have you read love is a choice fic on tumblr? it's a mostly eleven but also kinda thirteen x reader multiple parts series and tbh, one of the only fic that made me laugh and cry like dying girl series did. if you haven't i hope you check it out, it's a great read!

Kinda unrelated but can I just say ty to that person who sent you ask related to will turner, i recently watched one of the potc movie for the first time because i thought the will turner guy looked cute from the ask and now ive fallen down a rabbit hole lol I finished your will turner fics and now im searching up tumblr for more will turner x reader, it seems he's my new hyperfixation 😭 anyways ty again to that person and you ofc for the fics, and this is not a official request(it could be ig) but I hope you write second part to the merchant/pirate will fic!

And I've sent you two requests this time too, hope you'll like them enough to write it! I know I've said it lot in this single ask but Again thank you so much for everything and it's great to have you back on here and I hope you enjoyed your break, remember to take them again if you need to <333

My darling, my dearest, my love, you're making my heart so so happy!

I love that you took off with the Dying Girl universe because honestly that's what it became for me while I was writing it. It became so big I knew I could write so much about what happens in between the parts, and your request fit perfectly there.

Thank you for the playlist 😂 it does kind of bring the characters more to life when you associate them with things like songs. And you definitely didn't make up the wedding dancing scene, that happened in Part 6: The Lost Shoes!

I totally understand finding yourself fully immersed in a story, even if it is fanfiction. When that happens to me I just write and post it on here 😅 That's happened with the Dying Girl and the episodic series I started for the Eleventh Doctor and the Samwise Gamgee series and this Mandalorian one I'm starting.

My brain is hardwired to come up with these random tangents to canon stories, and they end up becoming these elaborate fanfictions.

I'm so glad you liked your requested fics! I had a lot of fun writing them. The Domestic fic was so fun to get back into the Dying Girl universe. I wouldn't mind writing more about their in between adventures. Happy belated birthday!

I have not finished twelves episodes - I'm still on his last season. Just like I wrote on our last conversation, I'm terrified of how sad I'll feel when he leaves because ten and eleven were real heartbreakers. I agree, I love him, and I'm so excited you requested something for him.

And I'm also so stoked for the new seasons with RTD and the 60th specials with ✨David Tennant✨ I'll have to finish twelve and thirteen before that comes out at the end of this year.

I haven't read "Love is a Choice" but I immediately looked it up and added it to my likes, so perhaps it'll be the fanfics I read when I try to sleep tonight lol

And I'm sorry... you hadn't seen any of the Pirates of the Caribbean!? I've been watching those movies since I was like seven! It's such a great fandom and Jack Sparrow is such a mood and Will Turner is such a dreamboat.

I'm almost honored that my blog prompted you to watch such an excellent franchise. I also hyperfixate on new characters and fandoms I love. I do have one request in my inbox for Will Turner and I've gotten multiple messages to write a part 2 for A Merchant Sailor, so perhaps when I finish this batch of requests I'll add it to the list.

So do expect more Will Turner fics to come 😘

I love that we have this little pen pal relationship where we just write each other letters 😂 It's honestly really good to hear from you, mysterious anon. I'm happy to have you as a reader and fandom friend.

Thank you for reaching out! I definitely love your requests! It'll just take me a while to get to all of them with my busy schedule, but I will write them in due course.

Have a lovely night and a good morning!

Prologue: The Dying Girl

Part 1: The Sun God

Part 2: The Tonic 

Part 3: The Ending Song

Domestic: The Doctor returns to spend a few ‘human’ days with you {Set during Part 3}

Part 4: The Dream 

Part 5: The Regeneration

Part 6: The Lost Shoes

Epilogue: The Vanishing Act

Finale: All Of Time And Space

A Merchant Sailor: Pretending to be a merchant, you befriend Will Turner as you keep your pirating a secret, until your brother forces you to reveal the truth

Blacksmith’s Hands: While visiting Tortuga, you find yourself injured and in the capable hands of a shy Will Turner

Lovey Dovey: Jack has never been overjoyed at the thought of you and your boyfriend - especially when you’re kissing on his ship

Sea Salt: On a mission to get you back, more might happen between you two than expected

[0721am]

(Sending you a virtual bouquet and a cake!)

16th July, 2023

Dear gentle Ami,

Your lovely friend has returned with the letter for your birthday. how have you been, darling? the year has been a journey, full of tides, ups and downs. yet, that smile of yours never disappeared. indeed, the very charm of yours is that serene smile.

I hope your heart is at peace. 🤍

Yesterday, I perused the previous letter and realized I am writing my fifth letter to you. The number 5 signifies the middle point of anything. Now, I am closer to a decade than before. In complete sincerity, I can not wait to see how much will change in these letters and our lives.

Let's go for a ‘10!’ 🤍

Now, you shall start the new season with my letter.

Dearest, Happy Birthday! Welcome to 24. (Perhaps, should I welcome you to a mid-life crisis? I rather not!) I hope you had a lovely day. I sincerely wish all your wishes come true.

However, there is one wish which I want to come true — Meeting you. I have no idea kab, kaise, aur kahan — but I really want to meet you. Countless times, my mind filled with the thoughts of our meeting — from what we would have dressed to the kind of hangout we would have. I want to hold you close and cherish your presence. I need to know what it is like to be in your presence. Hopefully, soon, this wish of mine come true! 🌹

Spring Sunshine.

You're so cute. Each and every time I see your stories on Instagram, my first thought has always been, “You’re so cute like a button!” I must say, as the days go by, you get cuter. Despite the thorns you faced, the rose bloomed within you. 🌹

You're the cutest muffin evah! 🤍

With all my heart, I thank you for listening to my concerns and softening them for me to cope. I felt lighter.

So, Thank you, darling!

Since you've been learning Korean for the past few years, I found this poem for you —

꽃은 시들 줄 알면서도 핀다 그래서 사람들은 안다 지금 피지 않은 꽃이 있다 해도 곧 활짝 필 거란 걸

❝Flowers bloom even though they know they will wither

So people know

Although there are flowers that are not in bloom right now

They will be in full bloom soon.❞

Though this poem speaks about the light within the soul, I felt this poem may resonate with you in terms of dreams, dearest. We dream and put in the effort, knowing they may or may not come true. Yet, we continue to dream. For the inner child who has been wounded by 23, I hope 24 brings the marham she longs for.

May your soul and dream bloom courageously, despite.

My love...

Welcome to the thirst trap section! 🤍✨

How can I end the letter without involving THE KIM TAEHYUNG!? Huh, that's impossible. I shall make you sinner with my curation.

Allow me to spice up your new season! ✨

Amisha, my munchkin, I hope you enjoyed a delightful time reading the letter. Pardon me if this did not meet your expectations! I still have not recovered from my writing block. However, writing a letter every year means a lot to me. This is an important business!

Honey, once again, Happiest B'day! 🤍✨

— yours, Teeeeee! 🌼

[enchanted-prose]

#11 Playing a Game, Solving a Puzzle

 I am publishing a chapter featuring thE BIRTHDAY QUEEN, PRINCESS AMARINDA OF BULTAIN!!!!

Word Count: 4,203

Characters: Amarinda, Tobias, Queen Danika’s Inquisitors (Original characters), Ayvar (Original character), Lord Feall (Original character)

Notes: Edited! I hope you really enjoy this one because I HAD TOO MUCH FUN WRITING IT!

ENJOY!

“That’s Falstan Stead, Cornwick, and Riverfront,” Amarinda sighed, crossing three town names off her list. She stretched out her gloved hands. “That’s everything, aside from Drylliad.”

Tobias tipped his canteen towards his hand, and wiped water across his forehead, “I’d be willing to go with you to Tithio if that’s what you wanted.”

A tempting offer, but Amarinda shook her head.

A gusty breeze whisked through her horse’s mane, the trees and their rustling leaves seemed to agree with her thoughts.

The scent of horse and her own unwashed body added to her frustration.

Come to think of it, her frustration was a large, decorative cake. The kind of cake with lines and lines of spun sugar, and tiers and tiers of cake itself. With each inconvenience, Amarinda was quietly adding a decoration to her frustration creation.

Oh how she longed to be rid of it; the cake had become extremely distasteful early on.

Fatigue was threatening to overtake her.

It was time.

It was time to return to Drylliad. Time for a hot bath, something with cream, and a few minutes of frustrated emotional release. She’d be prepared to handle all other situations after that.

Time to throw away her gaudy frustration cake.

Her riding boots became a little too tight the moment she thought about being able to take them off and walk through the castle lawns.

She’d ridden out with Queen Danika’s seven investigators two days before, and Tobias went with her without hesitation.

Together, they’d combed through every village within a reasonable radius of Drylliad, asking if they’d seen anyone fitting the predicted description of any surviving Thay member.

They heard a wide variety of rumors, but only one of them had enough credibility to almost be true.

Supposedly, Graer Thay had gathered an army, and he was somewhere in Carthya looking for his daughter too.

Too many theories cluttered Amarinda’s head. She prided herself on being perfectly organized, but without a clear path, she’d fallen into disarray. Tobias made her write everything down at one point. It helped, in a way. Having everything out in the open made thinking much easier.

Amarinda spent hours pouring over her decision. Though she’d come to Carthya at a tender age, she still had memories of Bymar. Still remembered learning how to fence with her cousin, Princess Eline, and Eline’s ladies-in-waiting.

Mireldis Thay was one of them.

Too much time had passed since Amarinda last saw Mireldis, she doubted she would recognize her.

The Thays were ghosts.

Rumors people clung to, a scapegoat the sixteen other noble houses dragged around to put their faults on.

A pin was coming loose from Amarinda’s hair. She shoved it back in, but to no avail; the pin only shifted.

Everything was much more enticing than admitting that they’d gone on a wild goose chase. Amarinda studied the patterns on her riding skirts. Studied the creases in her tan gloves. Studied the well kept road that would take her and her party back to the castle.

She’d stepped out on the stage, sang her magnificent aria, and took her final bow. The final encore was playing, it was time to face the music.

“I think it’s time to admit that we’re just chasing ghosts,” murmured Amarinda.

“Sounds like you’re saying Thay are ghosts,” Tobias grinned, eventually breaking into a stifled chuckle.

She couldn’t prevent her own smile. “That was clever.”

“I don’t like seeing you defeated, figured you needed a pick-me-up.”

His ability to notice her distress was comforting in a way. He was too good at making her understand that she was safe with him. “And what about you, Tobias? Are you in need of a pick-me-up?”

“You’re my pick-me-up, darling.”

“If you’re not careful, my blush will match my skirts.”

“I do like seeing you in that color.”

Amarinda shook her head, a laugh falling from her lips. She welcomed the play on words. She appreciated Tobias’s attempts to keep her happy.

But she was wasting time.

Even if the Thays were alive, they didn’t want to be found.

Who was she to take that from them?

The investigators, a little too slouched in their Bymarian uniforms, were waiting farther up the road. Their horses pawed the ground. Not one person called out a greeting.

Amarinda couldn’t blame them.

They were supposed to be scouring the countryside with Feall, not her.

However, she knew her value, and she still deserved to be treated with respect. The hairs on the back of her neck began to rise despite the sun shining on her back.

“Was anything found?” Amarinda asked, guiding her horse to the front of the group.

One of the investigators, a tall woman with pitch black hair, shook her head. “Thay must have known we were coming for her. I’m afraid she might have fled the area.”

“I would’ve fled the country,” muttered Tobias.

Which was probably what Mireldis Thay did, if she was alive. Amarinda was learning that she was ready to let the dead remain at peace. It wasn’t fair to drag memories through the mud.

“I would like a combined report from all of you that I can look over,” ordered Amarinda as she motioned for the investigators to follow her lead. “It seems our quest has failed.”

“We did make really good friendships,” Tobias argued, gesturing to the scowling investigators behind him.

His quiet humor really did manage to bring a lightness to any situation.

“You know, I think it would do good if you spoke to that young woman, Ayvar,” he mused.

“I know, I know. I wanted to participate in the investigation myself before I spoke to anyone. I was hoping we’d find Thay. Too many people are all too willing to impersonate royalty when given the chance.”

Tobias shrugged, “I can’t correct you there, and I’ve been in a similar situation.”

“That was insensitive, I’m-”

“Oh, don’t apologize, it was completely out of your control. Your statement is correct, and I wanted to attest to that. There was an opportunity to impersonate a missing person of power, Jaron, and many people seized that chance.”

“Conner’s gamble played out in Jaron’s favor,” Amarinda wrinkled her nose.

She hated admitting that her mind moved too quickly, hated admitting that sometimes she brought up old memories completely by accident.

Hated that she still said foolish things despite her training.

Hated that she inadvertently made connections.

Patterns were easy to her. She recognized patterns in history, and did her best to incorporate them into the present. Sometimes, Amarinda felt her head split into two sides.

One side was completely dedicated to her friends and family.

The other side was bent on finding every correlation imaginable.

It had taken years of practice to avoid bringing up Darius in a roundabout way in front of Jaron.

And she was still practicing the art of tenderly respecting the horrible game Bevin Conner forced her husband and two dear friends into.

“Now that you bring that up,” Tobias tilted his head. “I can see your concern. Why you would avoid bringing it up around Ayvar.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Oberson was involved somehow.”

“How so?”

How?

So many, many, many ways to usurp a kingdom-state, especially when there was already a family name taking all of the blame.

Bloody ways, stealthy ways, peaceful ways.

Too many ideas. Amarinda had to pick one. “Maybe he’s trying to put a puppet princess on the throne of Idunn Craich, marry her, kill her, and take the land. He’d be king over two kingdom states, it would be easy for him to lead an uprising against Queen Danika and King Norman.”

“Do you think Oberson is really capable of that?”

A direct reference to Oberson’s obvious disdain for physical activity.

People were both predictable and unpredictable all at once. Watching a grown adult behave in a position of power was almost the same as watching a toddler be left in a room with sweets.

“Not exactly, but it is a start. It’s also a coincidence that he’s here in Carthya, don’t you think?” Amarinda rolled her shoulders. “I’m excited to sleep in a real bed again.”

“Ah, I see where you’re coming from, spreading rumors about how much he fears the bloodthirsty Mireldis Thay and then lift her up to become his bride. It would make quite the romantic ballad. A disgusting one at that.”

“Hardly romantic to force a young woman to marry a man the same age as her grandfather.”

“Which makes Oberson’s theoretical plan all the more despicable.”

Amarinda’s skin was crawling. “We’ll put that on the extreme end. I shouldn’t even be judging him.”

“True,” Tobias nodded. “But you also know Bymarian politics better than anyone I’ve ever met, including King Oberson and Lord Feall.”

Warmth spread through her ribs. Spread through the entirety of her body, and burst out through a smile. "You're getting quite good at the game too, you know."

"I do try," Tobias chuckled. His dark hair was flopping across his eyes. "I still think you should speak with Ayvar. I know I will, but it won't be anything about politics. Or at least state politics, more along the lines of, and I can't believe I'm saying this, criminal politics. This is much more Roden's expertise than mine."

"Roden's got a lot on his plate at the moment, you're a good friend to help him out."

"Anything to keep him out of the alehouse. I haven't had to prescribe any tonics for him in almost four weeks!"

"That has to be a lie," teased Amarinda, but deep within her heart of hearts, she was happy to hear the news.

It wasn't her place to instruct a person's life.

But it was her place as a friend to be concerned.

A pair of pink roses bloomed on Tobias's pale face. "No, no, I'm being completely serious. And same with Jaron, as well, he's been doing much better now that he has multiple puzzles to play with. Although I suspect that he may have an allergy pertaining to, ah, Imogen's new feline friend."

"And what can we do about that?"

"Not much, except get rid of the cat," Tobias steepled his fingers, and tapped them against his nose.

The little gesture was all too recognizable. Amarinda pointed to her head, "Have you got a brilliant idea for me, love?"

"I do, actually. Oberson is the cat, and you are Jaron-"

"Hopefully I don't look like Jaron."

"-you're absolutely stunning, and if Jaron were a woman, he'd wish he looked like you, but I have a different point. Oberson is the cat, you are Jaron, who is quite possibly allergic to cats. You're allergic to Oberson.

"Think about it, Ami, we didn't have the Faola to worry about before Oberson arrived. Mireldis Thay was resting in an unmarked grave. Oberson is the one we should be worried about. Nobody ever suspects the older man with a-," Tobias arched backwards, and rounded his hand over his stomach. "I think there's more than what we see. A lot more."

"You're right, you're very right," Amarinda shoved her loose hair pin back into place. "I pride myself on locating similarities but I can't do it right now."

"In your defense, you're a part of the puzzle, not the person putting the puzzle together."

"Thank you, I think?"

As odd as his words were, Tobias's analogy made sense.

If Amarinda was a part of the puzzle, it would be much harder to see the grand picture. Even then, there would still be parts of the puzzle missing, as she doubted the puzzle was put together. The whole ordeal was making her head spin.

Making her head spin with no apparent direction.

Plans were essential. Jaron would argue that point at every turn, despite having plans already twirling around in his head. Things rarely ever worked out in the way people hoped, but plans provided stability.

There was typically an outcome various parties hoped for.

Not anymore. There was no grand ending to plan for.

No end goal.

There was no end goal to even think about.

Was it even there?

Was the end goal not something Amarinda could grasp?

That made her stomach tilt. It was dangerous, keeping harmful secrets. She was beginning to realize that maybe she was being stared in the face by an enemy she’d talked with before.

Perhaps they knew what the end goal was.

Aware of her scowl, Amarinda forced her face to relax. The birds were singing despite the rising heat. Everything was bursting with life, with the promise for a bright, wonderful day.

She clung to that promise.

“Tobias?” Amarinda asked, urging her horse to go just a little bit faster.

He followed suit. “Yes?”

Large stones marked the road, pointing the way to Drylliad for weary travellers. Dozens and dozens of people walked in lines towards the city.

At their head was a large man riding an even larger golden horse. He waved a greeting, and soon turned his attention back to the lines of people.

“I just want you to know that I love you.”

“Have you done something wrong?”

“Why is that the question you ask me?”

“Jaron tells me that he loves me each time he does something he knows I’d get mad about.”

Amarinda’s polite giggle soon turned into a struggle to keep herself from snorting. It made sense, as she’d seen Jaron walk up to Tobias covered in chicken feathers with a declaration of love on his lips. Her battle to contain her ungraceful laugh failed.

“No, no!” Laughed Amarinda, her eyes welling up. She was painfully aware of how her giggles were gaining pitch with each escaped sound. “I just- I just wanted to tell you!”

“I love you too, darling, and I haven’t done anything wrong either,” Tobias’s chuckles were far more contained.

It wasn’t quite fair, Tobias’s perfect laugh.

He was her best friend above everyone else.

Which was why it was so painful to know how close he’d come to harm because of that girl who’d attacked Feall.

So painful to know that no matter how hard Amarinda tried, there would always be something she couldn’t control. Something that would come hurtling toward her, and only damage Tobias in the process.

-----------------------------------------------------

Her skin had been scrubbed of dirt, sweat, and its own top layer. Made her skin smart, of course, but it was better than walking around in a disgusting travel gown with sticky hair.

And it was definitely better than being trapped in a large meeting room, flanked by virtual strangers.

Amarinda tucked her hair behind her ears. Lines and lines and lines of words were beginning to blur into the same excuse.

Tobias sat to her right, holding eerily still. The investigators sent from Bymar to find any living member of House Thay were seated at the same table. Each one of them bore the same black hair and the same royal uniform of blue and white. Not one person said a word as Amarinda read through their report.

“You didn’t find anyone,” Amarinda sat as tall as she could. “In all of your findings, you found no trace of Mireldis Thay or her father.”

“I’m sorry, Ambassador, we searched as well as we could,” said one of the investigators, a tall man with his hair tied back. The pins on his shoulder distinguished him from the others. He was of higher rank.

“I understand, it’s difficult searching for people who’ve grown used to keeping their names hidden. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mireldis wasn’t even here.”

A clatter of opinions burst from the investigators, all of whom were trying to argue that Lady Thay was most definitely in Carthya.

“Did you take a chance to visit the girl who allegedly attacked Feall?” Tobias murmured, he’d reached for Amarinda’s hand beneath the table.

They’d only just gotten back from their travels. Or at least that was the excuse Amarinda had drafted up during her long break before the meeting.

His grip helped her stay firmly planted. Amarinda sighed, “I-, no. I haven’t, I’m afraid of going. . .”

“And seeing the wrong girl there?”

“I’m more afraid of finding the right girl, Tobias. The Thays were good friends to Danika, they were there when I left Bymar for the first and last time.”

“Queen Danika is pushing for their pardon. Or at least that’s what I’ve been able to gather,” Tobias muttered, his eyes glued on Amarinda’s face.

“That’s what’s been said, but there’s no telling how true that is. King Oberson, he, ah, he’s terrified of Mireldis Thay, and it’s very likely that everyone else shares that view. I’ve sent a letter to Queen Danika to prove that she sanctioned this, but haven’t received anything in return.”

The arguing grew louder and louder, much unlike what Amarinda expected from Danika’s representatives. Her aunt ran a strict court, and had no time for gossiping in her presence.

Perhaps the investigators who’d been sent weren’t even members of Danika’s court.

It wouldn’t be shocking if that was true.

In silence, Amarinda and Tobias watched the men and women rise to their feet as they began to yell at each other.

“I know Thay is here! She’s going to slit our throats in our sleep!”

“And how do we know you’re not Mireldis Thay?”

“Because you were with me on that-!”

“You’re fools! All of you!”

Dots were appearing. Dots that needed to be connected. Amarinda shut her eyes for a moment, remembering the days of her childhood when she’d visit Drylliad. When she and Darius were calmly discussing the matters of whether or not fruit teas were legitimate, and he’d begin to fidget.

Just like his brother.

Darius would flick ink all over a piece of parchment, and then begin to connect dots until he’d made a picture.

He could do that no matter how dispersed the dots were.

Saints, Amarinda needed that ability.

She needed to connect these seemingly unrelated dots.

Oberson’s arrival, the rise of the Faola, the rude investigators Danika had sent, the sudden rise of interest in a young woman who’d vanished four years ago.

But how?

“I want to go. I want to go see her right now,” Amarinda decided.

She was choosing to pursue the more likely lead.

Choosing to connect the dots.

Besides, she’d been riding with the investigators all day, she knew what they’d seen.

Amarinda stood tall, Tobias standing ever so slightly behind her. She clasped her hands, “Noble lords, ladies, I appreciate what we’ve done and your efforts. I do believe that our search was thorough despite not finding what we wanted. Please leave your reports here so I can read them. As of now, you are free to return to Bymar.”

“With all due respect, Ambassador-.”

“There will be absolutely no arguing on my decision. My word is final, good sir.”

The silence that followed as she left the room had the power to choke a horse.

Think, Amarinda!     Think!

Dots, dots, dots. Put them into boxes. She needed to put them into boxes, organize them by size, frequency, and their first appearance.

Tobias padded along beside her, his hands clasped behind his back as the pair of them began the long descent to Drylliad's dungeon. No words needed to be said.

Amarinda was facing her fears, and deep down, she knew that she would find at least one piece of information before the afternoon was through.

King Oberson, a lesser king from Bymar. Amarinda had met him before while she was a child. She remembered him as being large, kind, and a little afraid. He brought presents to certain children in the court, but always kept his gift giving a secret. Pleasing others was always his priority.

Now Feall.

Feall was unpredictable, Amarinda had barely known him, as he'd risen to power just as she was fully embracing her role as Carthya's future queen. But she'd written to Danika and Danika's daughter, Eline, all about him.

He was a kind man with a strict outline for order.

He was one of the brave cavalry members who'd come to Carthya's aid during the Avenian war.

His presence with Oberson wasn't unexpected. Feall was a noble, yes, but not a king. He provided safety to those who sought it.

However, Feall and Oberson's involvement with Danika's investigators was enough to raise alarms. Amarinda didn't want to confess out loud how much she'd disliked their company.

She was supposed to be kind.

If it weren't for Tobias's steady hand, Amarinda would've walked into a stone wall. He continued his silence as he guided her down the grand staircase.

Then came the matter of Mireldis Thay.

Mireldis, daughter of Graer Thay, a man who'd earned the title of vagabond with his frequent travels. The Thays had been dear friends of the crown for generations following a marriage of two people from years and years ago. Their loyalties ran deep enough that the Thays frequently provided their children to pose as decoys for the crown's heirs.

Amarinda had known Mireldis.

They'd played together with imported dolls, fabricating elaborate stories that rivaled the dramas of court.

It had taken much on Amarinda's part to finally figure out what happened.

She could still remember the night that she read Eline's letter, explaining that the Thays knew about Avenia's plan to ravage Carthya, but didn't say a single word to Danika.

The Thay's kingdom-state was pillaged while Danika's soldiers were in Carthya.

The entire castle had been gutted, members of the family butchered, save for Graer's wife. She managed to rebuild as much as she could.

Rumors spoke that she'd kept Mireldis alive, but when Danika came to find out the truth for herself, she'd been informed that Mireldis died; murdered by those who hated her family.

Grief didn't pick and choose the people it affected.

Amarinda hadn't seen Mireldis in more than a decade, but her heart still broke.

Her heart broke that night knowing that there was no proof of what had actually taken place that merited the slaughter of a family.

The torches guiding the way down to the dungeon flickered. A shiver ran down her spine, and she gladly took Tobias’s hand when he offered it.

Four guards had been posted at the outmost door. Only one spoke, asking minimal questions before letting both Amarinda and Tobias in.

Sunlight poured into the dungeons in patched gaps. Several of the prisoners inside only moved their heads as Amarinda and Tobias reached the bottom step.

A figure was already standing outside of the last prison cell.

The cell belonging to the supposed Mireldis Thay.

Heart in her throat, Amarinda forced herself to step forward. What would she say if it was Mireldis?

How could she apologize for the atrocities of the past?

“Didn’t expect to see you here,” Feall said. “Not that I don’t welcome your company.”

“We’ve just returned from searching for Mireldis Thay,” Amarinda stood tall. “There was no sign of her.”

“I can imagine it was surprising when word got out that Mireldis was here in Drylliad.”

“Is it true?”

Feall stepped aside, “See for yourself.”

Amarinda inhaled, clasping her hands behind her back as she looked over the girl in the cell.

Long red hair, bright green eyes, freckles that rivaled the stars. Her face was perfectly devoid of scars and blemishes. She wore trousers and a long black shirt. There was something fiercely confident in her stance.

This girl knew her value.

“It’s-,” Amarinda began, releasing the breath she’d been holding.

Feall was nodding. “I know.”

Was it wrong how relieved her heart was?

Was it wrong that she was happy for the answer she’d been given?

“Is it what you wanted?” asked Tobias.

Amarinda squeezed his hand. “That’s. . . That’s not Mireldis Thay, love.”

“Somebody recognizes it,” the red haired girl wrinkled her nose. “I keep telling everyone my name is Ayvar, and they don’t believe me.”

“People thrive on gossip, I’m sorry for the mixup.”

“I don’t mind, I’d be a fool to get angry about being mistaken for a princess. . . And I’d be a fool for not being angry about being locked in here.”

“Banditry and attempting murder is-,” Amarinda began, but Feall shook his head, stopping her argument.

“Ayvar knows the man behind the attack.”

“And?”

“And she was innocent,” Feall gestured to Ayvar. “She is the Faola who fought with me against my attacker.”

Tobias nodded in agreement. “He’s telling the truth, there was one who broke away from the group to help him.”

She nodded, “And what do you propose?”

“I haven’t run this by Captain Harlowe yet, but I think it’s unfair to Ayvar to be trapped here despite being innocent of what she was arrested for,” explained Feall as he crossed his arms. “I’d like to promise freedom to Ayvar if she helps us capture the bandit who came after not only me, but your husband, a noble regent, might I add.”

A noble proposition indeed.

And yet, Amarinda was still unsure of how she felt about relying on a criminal for information.

People would do anything to get what they wanted.

[blindmagdalena]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMY MY BELOVED ❤️

TARA MY DARLING. thanks to you the party has officially begun. thank you!! 🖤🖤🖤

[jabberwocky1996]

Happy Birthday to Amy Lou Adams (August 20, 1974)

[wovenstarlight]

@lisawilbourn HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMY U BIG GAY NERD WE LOVE YOU

here’s ur birthday present from horizon and me feat. the dallon sisters

sketch by @horizonthetransient, lineart and colors by me

(don’t tag as ship)