#hopeful magic rewrite

[ryderdire]

Okay. Let’s try this again.

Everyone meet

FrostNight. Or her common name

The Queen of Frost

The evil magic version of flurry heart.

She’s known by the ponies of equestria only in legend

Which goes as follows

there was once a thriving empire in the north filled with happy and prosperous Ponies ruled by a princess and her daughter it’s said they had much magic their coats shined with it all thanks to the cyrstal heart. However one day the crystal heart disappeared. Along with the princess. panicked the daughter searched for a way to save the kingdom, it is said she tore out her own heart and used it in place of the crystal heart to protect the kingdom. She became cruel and callous eventually the ponies threw her out of the kingdom.

It’s said she now wanders the artic her magic slowly running out as she hunts for the souls of lost ponies to stay alive hoping one day to return to the empire for revenge.

-

I’m not going to tell you how accurate this is to what actually happened because I’m evil (:

I WILL Tell you flurry doesn’t full replace opaline here (I promise I’ll get to her redo next this is my first one but whatever) but you will see in time

[gracebethartacc]

more sombwa :3

also

[edwinisms]

wait yeah hold on how the hell did edwin open a door from hell to earth? like if powerful beings like the night nurse or certain demonic entities are necessary to open and close doors to other planes (especially hell where souls being trapped there is kind of the point) then what the fuck did edwin manage to pull off? did he somehow trick a demon or whatever into opening one? was one opened for one reason or another– maybe upon a demon’s return from retrieving a soul– and he timed it, booked it, and jumped in? there certainly isn’t just some constantly open ever-accessible door at the top of The Endless Staircase considering that would make hell kind of pointless. did edwin payne manage, somehow, over the span of 70 years, to figure out how to open a door from limbo/the staircase to earth by himself? am i just missing something here?

[ivy-creeping-ivy]

god loves you, but not enough to save you

[mlb-a-rewrite]

The miraculous magic system is fucked and so I've been reworking it. In the previous installment of "Ele Rages About Children's Show Logic" I talked about how miraculous work and how they affect wearers. Today, we are zooming out and looking at Miracle Boxes as a whole.

May I present:

A Guide to Kwamis and Where To Find Them

(Disclaimer I am a very white American. I don't know a lot about world history or cultures. I will be speaking in very vague terms as a result. The times I do get specific are either because a) I know a little bit about the topic and b) it relates to the original source material. If I'm wrong about something regarding the culture(s) discussed please let me know, I want to make this as accurate as possible).

Alright with that out of the way.

Miracle boxes are the housing unit for a group of miraculous. Miracle boxes encompass the foremost morals, ideas, and beliefs of a group of people. They form with the formation of culture and while culture fluctuates and changes over time, the miracle boxes do not. Once they are made, that is it, and each group only gets one miracle box. As a result, there aren’t many miracle boxes in the world and most of them have existed since the dawn of human civilization, leading to very little information actually existing about miracle box formations.

It is important to note that miracle boxes encompass the ideas and beliefs of a wide region of people. There isn’t a Chinese miracle box or a British miracle box, but rather an East Asian miracle box and a Western European miracle box. Because these regions are so large, miracle boxes encompass fairly vague ideas that are shared across their region. This also means there could be miraculous from different boxes that embody similar ideas since certain ideas/beliefs/morals are not unique to one group of people.

Each miracle box has a theme that each miraculous vaguely relates to. Each miraculous in a box represents a different idea but all of these ideas are unified under the overall theme.

Connecting to the previous post about miraculous and animal associations, usually, cultures will associate animals with different traits (like how many cultures view foxes as sly and crafty or owls as wise). If there is a certain animal that is widely associated with a trait is represented in a forming miracle box, then it is likely that the animal will be connected to the miraculous, but not guaranteed. If an animal is generally important to a culture it also has a higher chance of being featured in a box, but again, is not guaranteed.

Also, an important note is that although it is extremely rare, certain regions of the world have seen multiple miracle boxes created. For instance, there are two North American miracle boxes, one that formed when Native American tribes first began to establish themselves and one that formed during the Second American Industrial Revolution as a result of intense immigration forming an entirely new society and culture. Moral and culture beliefs changed completely, resulting in a secondary box to form.

Miracle boxes are the physical manifestations of a culture and thus, physically reflect this. For instance, a miracle box that forms from a region with lots of trees and woodwork would result in the miracle box being made of wood while a miracle box from an area that uses a lot of pottery and sculpting might have a miracle box made of clay. The design, shape, and function of the miracle box is all dependant on the culture and does not change over time.

While miracle boxes may have different forms from one another and encompass different ideas, each miracle box has the same basic structure of a First ring and a Second ring. If there are a lot of miraculous for one box there could, in theory, be a Third ring, although I see that becoming very complicated so third rings are not common, if they exist at all.

The first ring of a miracle box always has 2 miraculous that represent opposing ideas (Luck vs Unlucky, Creation vs Destruction, Tradition vs Innovation, etc.). The second ring is more broad and no miraculous has a direct opposite. The second ring will usually have somewhere between 5 and 7 miraculous, but there could be more or less.

[existentialcrisis-24-7]

Abridged and very hastily summarised version of my winx magic system

(There will eventually be a whole post going into detail but that day is not soon)

Okay so you’ve got your 3 alignments, you have to be one of these if you’re going to do magic frequently:

Witch: using negative feelings and emotions to channel their magic. There’s transformations

Fairy: using positive feelings and emotions to channel their magic. There’s transformations

Wizard: not using feelings to channel their magic, instead just relying on your connection to it. There’s no transformations

Spells can be cast in two ways:

Oral (chanting, writing, singing etc)

Kinetic (waving your hand, dancing magic, magic punch etc)

And there’s also 4 different types of spells:

Offensive

Defensive

Healing

[no name rn] which encompasses: practical spells, Enchantments/Curses and Charms/Hexes.

Then there’s the types of magic, the list is kinda long and I’m debating whether or not some types should stay and also the names of some types but for now here it is:

Water

Fire

Ground

Air

Ice

Floral

Faunal

Fungal

Sound

Electricity(?)

Mind

Light

Dark

Opposite

Form manipulation/shapeshifting

Space

Everyone is born with at least two magic types (their native magic) with the maximum being five and they have a primary and secondary (and tertiary, etc depending on how many they have) magic. Magic types tend to manifest by the time a person is five or so. Magic types can be inherited, though you’re also very likely to be born with a naturally occurring magic if your on a certain planet (eg: if your parents have light and dark magic, you still might be born with floral if you’re on Linphea).

You also don’t technically have to have a full connection to use a certain magic (example being Stella, who was born with light, dark and space magic but still knows a fire spell or two). You can’t preform any powerful spells if you haven’t formed a connection to it though.

The two following are sort of different types of magics, and they’re magics you can’t be born into either. You either have to be gifted the ability to use them or you have to spend years trying to find a way to connect to them

Primal (like the dragon flame, a very source of magic itself)

Wild (essentially chaos magic)

Nymphs are all born with a connection to Primal magic. And on that topic!

Nymphs! They’re sort of like fate assigned protectors of a world. They’re not so much there to protect the people so much as they’re there to protect the magic of the planet they’re on. Nymphs, once they start practicing magic properly will earn a form called Nymphix. Nymphix is the only exception to the alignment transformation rule, as nymphs who are wizards can also earn this. And again, they all are born with a connection to primal magic and 99/100 are born with the main magic type of a planet (eg floral for Linphea).

Transformations! List is incomplete and will be added to but this is what I have so far:

Base, Renamed to Winx after season 1, can be earned in a variety of ways, from just happening when your magic fully manifests to a moment of strong emotions. It makes magic outside of transformation weaker but when transformed it is significantly stronger.

Charmix can be earned by overcoming a fear or a flaw and generally improving yourself. The vast majority of schools that teach fairy or witch magic will have earning this as the final exam, generally to show dedication to magic, a willingness to improve and also because it’s the easiest transformation to earn that doesn’t take a huge toll on the body.

Each magic type has its own transformation (I’m not gonna list them all here, as I said this is the abridged version)

Each magic combo also has a transformation

There is a transformation (lacking a name currently) that is formed out of a deeper understanding of oneself and a stronger connection to the magic they were born with.

There is a transformation that can be earned from finding a familiar, working name being Familiarix (the exception to this is if a familiar is found before someone’s magic is fully manifested. They’d have to some one on one bonding with their familiar to earn it in that case)

Enchantix, earned through sacrificing yourself to save someone. There’s a catch though. Most assume it has to do with home world, nah it’s just what magic you were born with, which conveniently, people of the same home worlds tend to share. This would mean that someone born on, say, Linphea had water magic and someone from Andros who also has water magic sacrificed themself for them, they would earn enchantix. It doesn’t happen a whole lot because most people don’t ever get in a situation where they need to sacrifice themself for someone, even rarer off your home world.

Disenchantix, same premise as Enchantix but you have to kill someone for someone else (of the same magic type).

Unfortunately that’s all I got for now (most of the cool names I had are for the magic-type transformations). There will probably be a Believix-esk transformation though it’s not gonna be earned the same nor will it have the exact same function, but because I haven’t ironed it out I’m not listing it.

Anyway as far as I can remember that’s everything, I know it’s very messy and disorganised but I like getting my thoughts out like this and then later returning and clarifying things.

[amphiptere-art]

A history of dragons, their culture in the locked door.

What the hell is the locked door?

Dragon culture has changed alongside it's history. So there are many versions of dragon culture and how it has changed. There are also many magical and physical abilities that dragons possess. Alongside species and elemental prowess. In order to smooth the reading process, and also to allow young users to understand.

Hey!

I will first talk about the The culture of the time, and the history that took place at that time. If there are any species related or magic related exclamations to understand that current culture. I will leave a recommendation for a book that should lead to that explanation.

The beginning times.

When dragons first appeared on this planet like many other creatures we were no more than animals. Simply fighting for a will to survive. The Artist decided to give us minds, so we would no longer fight our companions and be lost. Soon the draconic people begin to grow. Taking on many shapes and sizes. We were limitless in design and magic. The artist had yet to place strict guidelines.

That is until the great God Tick Tock, known more formerly nowadays as Clockwork, came upon The locked door. At first he was a wild dragon like the rest of us. But the artist gave him purpose. He was a living tool for a human adventure. But like many dragons he outlived the human story. Soon he was left alone without any story to progress with.

He had a different name? Tick Tock sounds so silly.

He saw our wild kin, and decided he wanted us to feel the tragic pains and the great victories of a story. So he called out to the creator that gave him purpose. The artist answered. He sacrificed his physical representation on this land to become her pencil. The one that creates all and strives to give everyone their story.

I've heard this kid's tail a thousand times. But this one makes a sound like we are nothing but characters in a storybook. It's weird.

Although he was underneath the Artist's hand, He was able to give his people the wishful mind and purpose that he wished. Any creature that had been given intelligence by the artist was crafted further by Clockworks pencil. Each and every one of them making cultures, stories, histories, and all matters of other things. The locked door was no longer a world of mindless illustrations. Instead it was a world full of wonder and people.

While Clockwork worked hard to maintain all the creatures' new purpose. He made sure his dragon brethren for his focus. They quickly developed into a complex culture. Dragon's designs were no longer mindless. They became focused and split into species. Magic was no longer a wild feat, but the elemental gods rose up and made them defined. Each dragon gained complete control over three elements. And all were blessed with the heated breath.

Why is a myth inside of a history book?

The first dragon culture.

It is here when many dragons started to finally write their own histories. And no longer must we deal with the cryptic words of myth and legend. Although any would be smart enough to realize it is real.

I'm supposed to believe that convoluted story of creation is real? Ha!

But now we can get onto concrete information More well known to the masses. Although if you are not an historian, I suppose this might be a mysterious time. It might have even developed into myth and been lost.

We'll see.

The first dragon cultures split themselves into elemental tribes. Dragons almost remotely lived on their main continent of draconia. With few venturing out to other lands.

As there are many elements I will leave a recommendation to read the elements and magic guide. As there were many more tribes than I am going to mention specifically.

Although let it be noted that all the tribes had tough relationships with each other. The only thing that stopped the tribes from ripping each other apart, was the tribe leaders and the monthly meetings.

Do I really have to read more books?

The tribe leaders were honestly over their heads. There are many dragons to each species and to each elemental class. Meaning that while they represented their people, They often only represented the people in their direct cities. Each tribe leader was blessed with the ability to never age. Not unless they gave up their throne or died in battle. They were immune to almost any disease, and of course they could not die to age. It was often a tribe leader would finally step down when their children outnumbered them to the point that they could not find mates.

While the dragons were not split by species. There was often a specific precedence between different elements. Many elements were expected to be paired up with a certain dragon species.

If you wish to learn about the different dragon species. Go read the book: dragon species and abilities.

Elements separated the dragons highly. While dragons themselves were allowed access to three elemental powers. These elemental powers were somewhat restricted in access. The first element is what usually defines the dragon's physical appearance and hot breath. With the other two magical feats being something that could be learned easier with time.

Due to the heavy separation between elements. There was a heavy prejudice between species. Fire dragons were wrongly called easy to anger. Water dragons were considered softer than they were. Rock dragons are always considered stubborn. But the biggest of these prejudices, The one that sparked a line of change. Was the prejudice that light dragons were good, and shadow dragons were bad.

Sounds sucky.

The Shadow wars.

Tensions were always high, but when an old light dragon King stepped down and was replaced with his son. Many things went wrong. The son had a heavy hatred of Shadow Dragons. Considering them evil and vile. It is not recorded why he hated them so much. Although some people believe it was simply a prejudice that went too far. The light dragon king convinced the other tribes that shadow dragons should not be allowed on their lands.

Despite protests from the Shadow Dragons. Not mentioning the fact that they had done nothing wrong. All the dragon leaders banded together to outcast their species. Driving them across the ocean and into the desolate Isle of the shadowlands. It was a cold place. There was barely any resources or sustenance to support them. Shadow dragons became desperate. And due to desperate actions, They soon became what the other dragons believed they feared.

Dude I have a shadow dragon friend and he is the nicest person ever. What were these guys thinking?

This terrible decision became a spiraling effect. While it might have casted dragon culture into a golden age, It was a nasty time. The old Shadow dragon King eventually died. There are many rumors that the Shadow dragon King's son killed them for the throne. As the new Shadow Dragons King. Going by the name Shadon, took his place upon the throne.

Shadon!? That evil sucker is real!?

Shadon was angered by their mistreatment. And while his anger was fair, He took it too far. Shadon wished to claim their territory back on the continent draconia. Leading his people on a war crusade. It just said the first night they invaded the sky was black. There was no sun for 3 days. The only thing that could be heard was the terrified screams of the dragons as the Shadow Dragons took back their place on the continent.

That really happened? I thought it was a myth.

Shadon was unfortunately not done with that. The dragon still resented The other tribes, Even more so after their aggressive overtaking. Given that they were still fighting tooth and nail to kick the shadow dragons out. Eventually Shadon commanded a borderline be made. It caused a resource supply shortage. As much like The Shadow Dragons before, The dragons of draconia could not go out and receive resources from other islands. He had made a continent-wide lockdown.

Shadon’s tyranny did not stop. Eventually his lust for revenge turned into a lust of power. He started to send out troops to other continents, other isles. Soon the whole world new shadow dragons as evil beings that would take over your home. Dragons became desperate to stop Shadon’s onslaught. So they performed a ceremony to summon the artist onto the land. Unfortunately, a creator cannot meddle with the universe they control. Although they did spark courage in another.

Why not? It sure sounds like they meddle with our lives all the time.

Shadon’s son shadow. While I have not spoken of them much. Shadon had two sons. One named Shadow, and the other named Viserin. Viserin was his eldest son, but was born with albinism. Something he hated and despised. In order to try and impress his father. He became the best assassination shadon had in his troops. His son Shadow on the other hand. Had no such special traits. He was scrawny, small, and had no battle training. Yet Shadon promised him the crown over his elder brother.

Ass.

The artist came to shadow when he was hidden away in despair. His father's violence was something unliked by the child. The artist spoke to him, and while the exact words are not known. They encouraged him to go against his father. That even despite his weak body, the artist would promise victory.

You beat him up buddy.

And so Shadow went against his father. While many proclaim the victory under his claws. Shadow was indeed not strong enough to defeat his father. Instead it was his brother Viserin that killed the tyrant. Ending the suffering of many. And while the tribes accepted the shadows back on draconia, It was more so out of fear.

Shadow led a peaceful life. Light dragons still hated Shadow Dragons with a passion. But the other tribes eventually let go of their grudges. Realizing that Shadow and many other Shadow Dragons had no true evil hearts. Shadow element is in fact not an element casted only with hatred. But it is a sign of lower motions such as grief and sadness. Something one needs in order to recover from events.

Correct. And these old dragons were dumb for believing otherwise.

Shadow unfortunately did not continue his bloodline, as he believed it tainted. Instead when he had gotten the kingdoms to a relatively peaceful state, He asked all the shadow dragons of that brooding season to give their eggs up to the castle and one would be picked at random. The egg that was picked was indeed two twins. Marking another era and unfortunately another war.

So Shadon's line doesn't exist anymore? Just gone?

Dragon culture after the first Shadow war.

The culture still remained relatively the same. They were still cut up as tribes, and elements still held precedent. Although due to shadons crusade, It was quickly taught that you should never judge an element. Although in some tribes this was looked down upon. As tribes such as the light dragon's still heavily practiced prejudice. Something that still heavily impacted the shadow dragons.

The light Dragon and Shadow Dragon war.

The two twin leaders both still felt the tension of the light dragon's kinds rage. The light dragon King still protested against their presence. And while the sister of the twins simply wished to encourage shadows peace. The brother wanted to put the light dragons in their place.

It is unknown exactly how the discussion went. But the sister and the brother split. The sister went into hiding among the tribes, while the brother stayed and led his kingdom to war against the light dragons. While it was only against the light dragons, the light dragon's alliance with other tribes nullified this idea. The brother still refused to hurt or fight the other tribes. But his people would defend themselves nonetheless, and it was believed he'd become another tyrant.

Ohhh. Sibling fights.

While the brother led his war. The sister found a prince of the same age from the light dragon King brood. Soon they grew a relationship. Although both knew they would have to hide it from the light dragon King. They formed their own mini alliance. Shadow dragons and light dragons that disagreed with the hatred between the two tribes joined them. Along with some other elemental dragons that were tired of prejudice impacting The Shadow and light Dragons lives.

This joined alliance fought against not only the light dragon king's warriors, but also the Brothers warriors. Causing not only for the sister's and the prince's affairs to be revealed, but also proving that light and Shadow Dragons could work together. The fighting unfortunately did not stop for some time. Compiling in a battle where the sister herself fought against her brother. The sister using the ancient fire wing technique to take him out.

Well that sounds sad.

If you wish to read about the fire wing technique. Please read dragon species and abilities book.

When the dust had settled the sister cried over her brother's death. As while it is unknown what specifically the brother said to the sister while she drove him to his death. She swears upon her life and it was an apology for all he had done. While the light dragon king celebrated victory. The sisters alliance and the Shadow Dragons mocked him for causing so much pain across species. This mockery spread around the tribes. Although there was still nothing to be done about the segregation between shadows and light dragons.

This dang gon light dragon King sucks.

Dragon culture after the light and shadow dragon war.

Again not much changed after the shadow and light dragon war. Although due to the sisters' alliance, some Shadow dragon and light dragon cities allowed the tribes to walk among each other. Some of these cities the treading was equal. In others, It was not, unusually there would be some segregation over what uses and areas the other species would be allowed.

Will this story of them just fighting ever end? I've gone through half of this book and I feel like I've just heard the same thing like three times.

The New Age.

While the world still lived in misery, The sister and the prince's affair soon became a partnership between the two. The two mates had a son. The first tribe hybrid in years. They named this son Trygan. And with the help of this tribe hybrid, a new age would finally come upon dragons. The age that many would recognize.

I know Trygan! Finally somebody that doesn't sound like a thing from a myth!

Trygan lived among the world where he was not quite one or the other. He lived with both the distrust and the acceptance of multiple tribes and cities. It was confusing for the young dragon at first, but eventually he came upon the same realizations as many shadow dragons had come on to him before. This has to end. But Trygan knew the consequences of war. While it had gotten some results, It was terrible and caused a bunch of bloodshed. So he instead sought to follow his mother's footsteps. Making an alliance that was even stronger than the light dragon king could ever anticipate.

Unfortunately Trygan was not a man of words or politics. His father and mother could only teach him so much. Although luckily he had help from the most unseen places. The God clockwork and finally decided he was done with all this ruckus himself. Whether it was his own need for peace between his own kind, oh perhaps simply wanting to illustrate a new world, is unknown. All that is known, Is that clockwork came down upon Trygan, and offered his services in not only creating the new world, but ensuring that he had the backing of all the tribes.

Oh so now he's meddling.

It is then that Trygan started a different type of crusade. A crusade of letters. Millions of letters he wrote with Clockworks pencil. Sending them not only to the tribe leaders, but also to the mayors and influencers of different cities. It is around this time when Trygan met a female undead dragon. One that was of a species that was not expected of her element. A wyvern. With her help, and many other dragons that searched for him after their letters were given, scoured across the land speaking of peace for not only the shadow and light Dragons, but for all the tribes.

Yeah!

The light dragon King was of course upset by this. As many of his own people had joined to Trygan and his alliance. Only the cities he visited often seem to stay by his side. Although he was foolish and believed that the tribe leaders would still follow his word. Trygan was not a tribe leader yet. So he thought that letters would be unheard by the tribe leaders.

That was until the Shadow dragon king, Trygan mother. Stepped down so that he could have a personal word with the Lord's. It was considered the youngest Lord that had ever stepped down. Sending not only the Lord's ideas of their immortality being utilized. But also to face the fact that Trygan's letters were now official.

So the current King just gave up their immortality just so Trygan could make their point? Ha!

Many of the leaders had already indeed heard of Trygan’s letters. Some who are not stuck up with pride had also read those letters. Trygan had already a heavy group supporting his side. So when he came into the tribe meeting, there was no question who was going to win the argument. Trygan stated the facts clearly. It was the light dragons fault that all of this had started. It was all of their thoughts supporting this prejudice. They all wanted out of this torment, and he had a way. Proudfully explaining that he had the God clockwork on his side already with the solution.

He's got the power of a god and the tribes on his side!

While many agreed. The light dragon King and a few others protested the idea. Calling him a fool for believing he could talk with a God. Mocking the god clockwork as something old and foolish. Proudfully announcing that if this was something they all believed in. They would go to war for it. A while to Trygan did not wish to go to war against the light dragons for another time. The roar of his supporters and the words of clockwork made him accept the challenge. Stating this would be the last war Shadow Dragons would ever do as a tribe.

And so the war commenced. It is recorded as the longest and most strenuous of the wars. Elemental tribe against elemental tribe. While Trygan's alliance held more people, It did not have the rage that the light dragon King and his alliances had. As Trygan still did not wish to bring death upon the land. His alliance left many injured but alive. This continued until Trygan and the light dragon king met in combat. The two battled until Trygan won.

Get screwed sucker!

When the battle was finally over. The God clockwork finally revealed themselves. Commanding that a new order be made. No longer would they separate themselves by elemental tribes. Instead, They will separate themselves into their cities. Their clans. The most respected and loved of the dragons would become king, not some lineage or pure bloodline. These kings shall be marked by a crown of horns. Showing the new order by making try again the first dragon King. Gaining of crown of beautifully twisted horns. Marking the new era.

This is a weird representation of how the war ended. Most books describe Trygan stating these rules. Not Clockwork.

Dragon culture as we know.

It is finally after years of war and struggle. That we get to how dragons are now known to function and operate. There are not as many wars to note after the beginning of a new era. As it was firmly established that elements would no longer act as prejudice, and it is heavily frowned upon to treat a species in a similar matter. Plus for the first couple years the God clockwork used Trygan as a physical vessel to spread the word.

Wait. So was it Trygan walking around or was it Clockwork?

Onwards to the discussion. The history and the myth of Clockworks words is pretty straight on. The dragon tribes split and dismantled. Dragons were told to mingle among whoever they wished. While at first elements still banded together, It allowed other dragons to greet other elemental dragons. And soon many others followed in that path. Rulership was no longer continent wide. Instead they usually ruled areas of land where a certain city or home was established.

This I know.

Within each of these little communities, there would be one dragon that would grow an excellent twisted pair of horns. These horns could either be twisted or be intertwined with others. This dragon would still be given immunity to age and sickness. Although it did not last forever. After a good 20 years that immunity was on the line. If that king decided to be unruly, they're horns would fall off much like a deer's antlers. Not only marking them as a foul tempered dragon, but making them lose their status as king. It is then within the ranks of the clan, another dragon would grow a twisted pair of horns. Marking them as the new leader.

I have to remember that the word King refers to any dragon that is in a rulership position. Some of these kings might have been females.

Unlike in the old times where a king could step down. Dragons of the New era were unable to do such a thing. Although many found ways around it. Different clans would form different rules. Ones of which the king was unwilling to rule, would often form communal groups that would basically rule alongside them. Often naming Sir Kings.

Yeah and it's the best job to have.

Due to the fact that dragons usually rule in clans. Rules will differentiate. Although there is always a couple that are steadfast.

Oh dear goodness here is the boring list.

The first rule is that the dragon with horns is always the king. If conflicts or meetings should arise between clans, It is their duty to deal with such arrangements. Whether that be by themselves or by working as an advisor with their people.

The second rule is that if a messenger or a letter is given to a clan from another clan, They must read and receive it. While they do not have to accept anything within the letter, They must read or listen to the other clans demands or pleads.

A third rule is that bloodshed stays between the fighting clans. While clans that have good alliances with each other are allowed to support with resources or pleading words to the enemy clan. They are not allowed to shed the other clans' blood. Although sometimes this is circumvented by alliance clans declaring their own war against the one that is fighting their friend clan.

A fourth rule is that dragons must be allowed to leave their clans if they wish. There will be no restrictions trapping a certain dragon with a clan. The only time this is allowed is when holding another clan's dragon as prisoner. Of which either that prisoner has to be released or killed at the end of the conflict.

A fifth rule states that no dragon should be judged for their element or species. There are some clans that still do not follow this rule, but this often leads to war with other clans. These clans often also do not have king dragons with as brilliant twisted horns. Some of these clans not even being ruled by a dragon that has twisted horns.

These rules usually keep the clans in peace. Although there were of course conflicts that arise. Usually determined by differentiating rules between clans. Sometimes also created out of territorial disputes. Dragons for the most part live in peace between each other. There is only one dragon species that does not quite live by these clan rules.

That is the dragon species Amphiptere. While they still follow the same rules, It is uncommon they will mix with other species other than a simple clan alliance. Amphipteres as the gods clockwork chosen dragon, usually have heightened numbers and a unique species like system.

If you wish to read about this specific system. You can read Dragon species and abilities book.

But know that Amphipteres have an extra rule that prevents them from fighting other species or clans unless it is in self-defense. I suppose it is Clockworks way to circumvent the fact that they are not communal with other species in a clan-like fashion.

Why do they get a freebie from the clan rules? Just cuz they're special?

Now. The next book in this series goes over the different dragon species and their abilities. And as you can see from my many footnotes, It is heavily suggested that you read that book after this one.

I don't want to read any more books!

[beezonia]

When Marion met Oritel

A little, Winx: The Magic Retold fic!

[not really any warnings just a bit of awkwardness]

You’d think she’d be able to control her magic better then this. She was the Crown Princess of Domino for dragons sake, Marion should be excelling above her peers!

Yet she’s not, the teen can’t really figure out why and it’s annoying her.

Alfea had brought most of her doubts to life and it hurt Marion to see that she fully didn’t believe in herself.

That’s why she’s alone, extra morning training so the fairy can finally get stronger. But actually she’s not alone, Marion can feel someone else’s presence in the back of her mind.

She chooses to ignore it because, why should she acknowledge it if they aren’t a threat to her.

The targets are set in front of her, all she has to do is set them on fire and some slow progress will be made.

So Marion continues to breathe in and out, concentrating her magic so it comes out in small bursts. The bright orange flames weave in and out of each other, slowly but surely reaching their target.

What she fails to consider is the sound of footsteps nearing her, another teen up at the early hours of dawn.

“Hello?”

Marion physically jumps, the large flames bursting from her hands towards the voice.

SHIT

The teen watches as the boy barely manages to dodge the burning flame.

He’s alive at least.

“I’m really sorry about that, didn’t mean to startle you.”

He’s scratching the back of his head, a sheepish smile on his face.

“It’s not your fault. I should have better control of my magic.”

A pause, Marion turns back towards the targets not wanting to dwell on the fact she nearly killed someone.

Gosh, Luna would have a field day with this if she had been there.

“You’re the Crown Princess of Domino, are you not?”

Her eyes narrow. She hates it when people stated the obvious, but at least he wasn’t treating her like glass.

“Yes. Now I’d rather you leave before I hurt you again.”

The boy sighs, he’s contemplating annoying her even more or just giving up. Most usually just give up, not wanting to deal with her cold attitude.

“I’m Oritel, it’s nice to meet you!”

Before Marion can stop it she realises there’s a small but visible smile on her face.

Which should not be there at all, yet she still humours him by introducing herself.

“Marion, but I’m sure you already knew that.”

Another, longer pause.

Marion goes back to channelling her magic and ignoring Oritel like her life depends on it. But wait, wasn’t he one of the Red Fountain students who were visiting?

Marion was sure she had seen him before when the fairies last visited.

“You’re a Specialist?”

Another pause, Ortiel seems to be trying to figure out what to say.

“Training to be one.”

Ahh yes now Marion remembers where she had seen him before!

He was the youngest son of the Steinhold family, a prominent name in the Domino royal court.

Marion remembers seeing him a few times at the council meetings her mother had forced her to sit in.

Another Dominon, how nice. Maybe she’d finally be able to talk to someone about her homeland for once!

The girl had just let Luna do all the talking about Solaria most of the time.

It’s silence that follows, Oritel watches intently as her flames weaves in and out of each other, reaching it’s target in record speed.

They do end up chatting every now and again, Oritel overshares about his Specialist friends whilst Marion just listens.

What else would you expect, they were teenagers for dragons sake.

“It was nice talking to you, I should get back to the dorm though the boys will be waiting for me!”

The Princess turns back to face him, while she was quite annoyed that Oritel had distracted her from practice, Marion had forgotten about her woes due to this.

She was extremely thankful that he had stumbled upon her when he did.

Marion would have gone into her usual cold state if not.

“Likewise, enjoy the rest of your stay here. Maybe you’d like to join me again?”

A wolffish grin appears on his face. He’s happy? Oh, was he just like the rest vying for her attention just for power? Or was Oritel a decent human being?

“I’d love to! Maybe you can show me some of your fairy tricks or something?”

Marion laughs, oh this was going to be fun!

“I’ll be here same time tomorrow, see you then.”

She waves him off, turning towards the northern entrance.

That’s how Marion met Oritel.

[butterflyeffectiooon]

This is not the thought I had when I started writing this post but I think, in retrospect, last twilight was never as magical as I once thought, and furthermore I think that the magic was actually jimmy and sea the whole time. I would maintain that the story started off strong and the blossoming romance was extremely well executed, but there were always flaws in the writing and it was always shown that day had a lot of work to do and. well. wasn’t doing it. I don’t think I was picking up on it because sea made day so unbelievably endearing even as a supposed asshole that I either didn’t notice the red flags or ignored them. You have to understand, I was not a jimmy nor sea nor jimmysea fan before I started watching last twilight. I had not already seen vice versa and wai was so long ago that I don’t even remember having an opinion of him. I had never heard of the first show sea was in. I had not been anticipating this show since the pilot trailer and wasn’t even planning to watch it. I didn’t watch it when it came out. I think I waited like two weeks before I started it. I went into it with no feelings about jimmysea, I had seen criticism of jimmy’s previous performances and I didn’t know anything about sea other than him being jimmy’s branded partner so if anything I was… prepared for them to not do all that well. I wasn’t expecting much I guess. This is the first time I put on my clown makeup. Like I said, sea as day was so endearing to me from pretty early on, maybe not ep 1 but by ep 3 I was like that’s my baby!!! I don’t know why or how but he made me fall in love with day so bad, and nothing day did (until… u know….) ever made me love him less. I really can’t describe what about him I found so lovable especially when he was definitely an asshole and wouldn’t stop with the “u have zero tenderness in your body” nonsense lmao. I think sea just has some je ne sais quoi about him or something that’s like captivating. I did watch vice versa at some point while last twilight was airing and I found talay endearing too. Even though he was more mature or like. didn’t have such a spoiled baby quality to him, so I think it’s just something about sea idk. Hell I’m already endeared to his character in the trainee from bts footage and promo pics alone 😭 ok hopefully point made bc this post is already really long and I have a lot more to say lmao.

*I promise I know how to write proper paragraphs I just am trying to type what I wanna say before my brain moves on to a new thought lmao but let me give a line break for readability*

Let me try to talk about jimmy without waxing poetic. I had pretty low expectations for him bc I had seen ppl criticize his work before so how did I end up loving him so bad!!! The answer is he’s just good at what he does!!! Was he always this good? I didn’t have any qualms about his performance as puen and I can’t remember wai. I think he was also a minor character in enchante but I didn’t watch that. Anyway, if he used to suck he doesn’t anymore!! His growth is especially impressive bc acting isn’t even his main profession!!! I don’t want to harp a lot on why last twilight disappointed me bc I want this to be a jimmysea appreciation post first and foremost but the problem with mhok that jimmy obfuscated was he really didn’t have much to him. He had a tragic backstory that was never fully explored but aside from that it was just day on the brain all day every day how can I serve day how can I help day how can I care for day how can I make day smile like girl stand up 😭 jimmy somehow managed to make mhok (to me but I’m biased) the most compelling character in the show with just his eyes!!! His eyes held SO MUCH EMOTION that it made mhok feel like a much more substantial character than he ended up being. Trying to be short and to the point now bc this is getting out of hand but I want jimmy on my screen forever, he is so special to me!!!

Last point: mhok and day did not have en equal or super healthy relationship so why did it hurt sooo bad when they broke up? Again, it was jimmysea magic masking the flaws. The chemistry was undeniable and they seemed so in love! They were always so happy to be together that you almost didn’t notice how one sided their relationship was becoming. Their comfort in each other was so real and believable bc evidently that’s not acting! It’s clear that jimmy and sea enjoy their paired roles and enjoy working together in general. I’m not thinking of anyone in particular but I don’t think all pairs could sell this natural comfort as effortlessly bc they are not…. this naturally comfortable together lmao. Jimmysea’s innate charms are exponentially amplified when they are together. I firmly believe that if jimmy wasn’t mhok and sea wasn’t day then last twilight would not have been this loved (until it got to where not even jimmysea magic could salvage it 😭)

TLDR it was jimmysea magic that masked last twilight’s flaws so well that we were dumbfounded by that ending

[tea-cat-arts]

For today’s 3:30 am Honkai rewrite pitch: the Honkai

It’s just an energy created by the friction between the imaginary tree and the sea of quanta

It’s not exactly sentient, but it collect memories from everyone who is infected by it and store them in the cocoon of finality

Because the people who are infected by the Honkai tend to be those who can’t avoid contaminated area (ex: poor areas like sundown alley, or any area where their was an unexpected eruption) or people who were intentionally experimented on, and the infection itself tends to make the victim pretty ill, a lot of the memories in the cocoon of finality are pretty awful

Any sentient being who’s infected by the Honkai gets their brain connected to the cocoon of finality as sort of a collective consciousness

It’s sorta alive but not (like the Promare)

Part of the reason Honkai infected tend to be violent is cuz their brains are hooked up to billions of other people’s traumatic memories, causing them to lash out in fear

Instead of having a complete brain override, Herrschers are more like the host’s original personality+ the collective consciousness, but there is some variation

Early Herrschers are less influenced by the cocoon given that their just aren’t any memories in it yet (hence why Elysia and Joyce more or less got to be their own people)

Later Herrschers can overcome the cocoons influence if they have some sort of strong attachment keeping them grounded

Herrschers that are isolated for too long may completely loose the hosts personality and become just an extra powerful Honkai beast

In the PE, the cocoon of finality existed inside a person (Kalpas) like any other Honkai core, but Mobius removed it and Dr. MEI sealed it inside Prometheus in hopes it would end the Herrscher cycle and stop finality from appearing spoiler: it didn’t work

Idk man, I’m just trying to recenter the power system so love genuinely is the answer to saving everyone

[martianbugsbunny]

Idk if I'm strong enough for either canon Kalluzeb or Kalluzeb getting destroyed

[yumeyleo]

asa mitaka ame-chan lain homura akemi

explain your gender in 10 words or less without using boring words like “male”, “female”, “nonbinary”, “masculine”, “feminine” or “androgynous”.

go!

[bonkbobl]

hello !! i'm excited to hear that you have a few pieces in the works :D i'm so sorry to hear that one of the drafts didn't save, that sounds horrid 😭 i noticed your mention of your semester beginning (i start mine next week oml) and i just wanted to wish you good luck !! i hope the semester treats you well and everything goes by smoothly. i also wanna say that i understand if you need to prioritize school over frequent posting!! don't stress yourself out too much and do take care :) us readers much understand, so take your time with things if you need, no pressure :) hope all's well on your side! — 🩰 anon

you're legitimately the light of my life 😭 BAHAHAHAH no its literally my fault because i know tumblr's software isn't as reliable as using the burner account that i used to have for fanfic google docs but it was more convenient. i was lazy and i paid for it :(

it's going really well. i was nervous because the courses i'm taking are supposed to be more rigorous but they're chill so far. i'll still try to post. maybe like once or twice a week. thank you so much for checking in.

[viktortittiforov]

on the subject of old ships DO YOU remember our old drrr ship. mikado x aoba. i still have fanarts saved somwhere i think

YEAHHHHH ofc i remember!!! also kida x mikado for me ahahaha oh man :") i still have a tender spot for these ships too......... never 4get

(also the fact that toyonaga toshiyuki voiced both mikado and yuuri is NOT lost on me lol I WONDER IF IT'S A COINCIDENCE THAT I IMPRINTED ON BOTH OF THESE CHARACTERS HMMMMM)

[witchesverse]

house wife

pairing: dark!50swanda x fem!reader

summary: after wanda meets you in her hex, she decides that she wants to keep you as her own.

content: noncon, heavy manipulation, degradation, mention of murder, crying, cheating (kinda??), nipple touching, fingering, clit rubbing, spitting, face slapping, mention of training.

a/n: half way writing this i realised wanda didn't have her children in the 50s so just pretend she did so i don't need to rewrite it :(

masterlist

The moment she met you, she was hooked. Everything about you drew her in. It made her heart flutter at how you genuinely cared for others and that beautiful, shy smile that would spread across your face at one of her compliments.

And it made her stomach flip at how utterly perfect your body was.

When she created the hex, it was out of grief and the yearning for a family with her dead husband, Vision. But once she met you, that idea was disregarded, and then her children and Vision disappeared.

She didn't care for her family's disappearance. She was too focused on the fact that she could finally have you.

The real you.

"Oh, hiya, Wanda!" Your cheerful voice brought a smile to her face.

You stood at your front door, holding a cookie tray with an apron wrapped around your waist. Wanda thought you looked adorable.

"Oh no, I hope I'm not intruding on your baking time, sweetheart." Wanda's voice was laced with faux concern.

You immediately shook your head, seemingly baffled by the question Wanda had asked. "Of course not! Your presence would never intrude on my time. In fact, why don't you come and sit whilst I finish baking?"

"Are you sure? I don't-"

"I insist."

Wanda bit her tongue, holding herself back from snapping at you and spanking your arse over her thigh. How dare you cut her off.

You stepped back, letting Wanda enter your house.

Your house was big for one person; it makes Wanda think someone else lived here before the hex.

"Make yourself at home!" You gestured to the living room, "I'll just pop these in the oven."

Instead of sitting on the couch, Wanda followed you to the kitchen and watched you. She held back a moan at how perfect your arse looked as you bent down to place the cookies in the oven.

She wanted to be slow and give you time to warm up to her, but you looked too perfect to resist, especially with how your dress revealed your panties to her.

"Come here," Wanda spoke with such authority that you immediately obeyed.

She softly grabbed you by the chin, forcing you to look at her. She smiled at how easily you complied.

Such a dumb, pretty thing.

She dragged her thumb over your lips and your mouth dropped slightly. Her chuckle brought you back into 'reality'.

"Um," You cleared your throat and stepped away from her. Wanda hid the anger in her face.

She stepped forward, sandwiching you between herself and the kitchen counter. She placed one hand on the counter and the other on your temple.

She lifted the spell.

Your eyes widened and your sweet, soft look was replaced by pure fear. You tried to run, but Wanda prepared for that and her magic kept you in place.

"Y-You did this," You whimpered "Please, let me go. I'll do anything, please."

Wanda smiled innocently, "Anything?"

"My wife-" You gasped, "Is she here? God, I haven't seen her in weeks. Please let her go if she's here. I promise-"

Wanda covered your mouth with her hand. She didn't want to hear about your wife. She wished she trapped your stupid wife in her hex so she could kill her.

"If you comply, I promise I won't hurt her." It was a simple lie, but you believed it.

She used her thumb to wipe your tears away. She couldn't have you crying already.

"Strip for me."

She watched with an amused grin as your brain struggled to process her request, but when it did, heat rose to your cheeks. With shaky hands, you removed your clothing until you were bare and on complete display for Wanda.

Wanda's fingers brushed against your erect nipples and her other hand wrapped around your throat, pushing you onto the counter. You whimpered as your back hit the cold counter.

"So perfect," Wanda muttered, more to herself than you.

Her fingers dragged down your stomach, goosebumps rising, until she stopped at your cunt. She lightly circled your clit and you whimpered in response.

Then, her fingers went lower. She tsked, shaking her head and brought her fingers up. They were drenched.

“I’m not…” You swallowed, unable to finish your sentence.

“You’re not what? Enjoying this?” Wanda rolled her eyes “Don’t give me that bullshit because you’re drenched.”

You looked away, tears filling your eyes. You were embarrassed.

Wanda sighed. She had a lot of behavioural corrections to do.

She grabbed your chin, turning you to face her. You watched with teary eyes as Wanda spat on your cunt, spreading her spit with her fingers.

One of her fingers slowly entered, curling upwards and pulling out. She kept a steady pace, figuring out what made you scream. It was understimulating.

"More,"

Your demand was whispered and weak, but Wanda heard it.

"Say it with manners."

"Please, can I have more?"

You nearly cried. The guilt of begging another woman to fuck you ate you up, yet you couldn't stop yourself.

Wanda rewarded you with another finger, stretching you out. Your hips desperately rutted into her palm, chasing the pleasure. It was brain-numbing how good her fingers felt.

She slipped a third finger inside. It was embarrassing how drenched you were. You could feel your slick dripping down your ass and were positive it was dripping down Wanda's arm.

Your orgasm hit you suddenly. Your back was arched and your toes curled. Your eyes fluttered closed and your mouth dropped open, letting out the sluttiest moan.

Wanda captured your lips with hers, muffling your moans.

"Can't have people knowing what a whore you are." She mumbled.

You shuddered, wanting to say something snarky in reply but words fell dumb on your tongue.

"My wife-"

Wanda pulled back, anger evident on her face and her palm met your cheek. It wasn't a hard slap, but it made your heart drop and tears fill your eyes.

"So much training is needed."

Her fingers touched your temples and you were put under her spell again. She stepped back and sucked her fingers clean, watching your reaction intently.

You cleared your throat and looked around, confusion written on your face. You ran your hands over your naked body and jumped when you noticed Wanda standing there.

"My goodness!" You picked your clothes off the floor, shielding yourself from Wanda. "Sorry, Wanda. I-I don't remember getting naked but give me three seconds to tidy myself up and I'll meet you in the living room!"

Wanda grinned as she watched you walk away.

Brainless little plaything.

[dancingbirdie]

Okay so on Astarion, I was reading this fic about him not knowing Tavs true intentions with him and it bothering Astarion a lot, so what if he goes to some mage or magic user and asks them to show Tavs true intentions to him, when he does the vision he sees is just... being snuggled. It's Tav on top of him and the both of you are falling asleep, his hands are under your shirt softly petting your skin as your sleepy self is contently snuggled up to him. I just start crying about him finding out that Tavs DASTARDLY and EVIL plan with him, their greatest desire from him... is to simply be held. 🥺

Hi @goblin-creatcher! Thank you so much for this BEAUTIFUL prompt. I, uhh, kind of took it and went a million miles an hour with it. This is honestly one of my favorite things I've ever written. I hope you enjoy it as well! xoxoxo

Something Imagined / Something Real

Word Count: 3.9K

Rating: Mature

Pairing: Astarion x f!Tav

Warnings/Tags: Brief but detailed description of rough consensual sex, descriptions and references to Astarion's trauma/trauma responses, minor Act 1 and Act 2 spoilers, FLUFF, angst

Suggested Song Pairing: Slow Dancing in A Burning Room (Stripped) - cover by ST LUNA

Summary: Astarion has been suspicious of Tav’s true intentions toward him. He persuades Gale to cast a spell and reveal her motivations. ANGST and FLUFF ensue. A rewriting of Astarion’s confession scene from Act 2.

The sun had just begun to set on the campsite when Astarion decided to put his plan into action. He had waited until Tav departed with some of the other party members before making his way over to the wizard. Gale was too busy reassembling the bookshelf inside his tent to notice Astarion’s approach. It wasn’t until he gave a polite cough that Gale jumped and whirled to face him. 

“No, no, no,” he began all at once, hands raised in a sort of shooing motion. Astarion stared at him in confusion. “I can respect Tav’s indulging in your need for blood, but as I’ve said before: I taste terrible.” 

Astarion scoffed. “Charming. Actually, wizard, I was coming to request your aid in a different, though somewhat related, matter.”

“Really? Care to elaborate?” Gale responded, still somewhat wary. It wasn’t often he found himself alone with the vampire. 

“Testy, I see,” Astarion crooned teasingly. His knee-jerk response to people treating him like a monster, to behave in the most false saccharine sort of way. 

But he drew up short, censoring himself before saying anything else he might regret. He knew he needed to get on the wizard’s good side if he had any chance of getting the answers he sought. 

“I was hoping you knew a spell to reveal someone’s true intentions. Their… motivations for behaving in a certain way, so to speak,” he finished more seriously. 

Gale pondered the question for a moment before answering. 

“Hmm… yes, there is magic to determine that sort of thing… Although it’s been some time since I practiced it…” He trailed off, rubbing his chin in thought. 

“Why are you asking for such a thing?” he asked suddenly. 

Astarion had been prepared for this question, of course. No one did anything for free, no questions asked. He delivered his explanation perfectly, as he’d been rehearsing in his mind.

“One might say our dear sweet Tav and I have been growing a bit… closer these days, but I can sense a master manipulator when I see one. I just simply want to ensure their intentions toward me - toward the party - are true,” he replied with mock innocence. 

“Ah, yes,” Gale nodded. “I gathered as much when the two of you slipped away from the tiefling’s party a few nights ago.” 

“But,” he continued on,”I needn’t think you should worry when it comes to Tav. She seems about as transparent as they come. I’m sure any intentions she has toward you are true.”

Yes, but the best actors always mask their motivations behind innocence and transparency, Astarion thought to himself. I should know. I’ve been doing it for centuries.

After the party’s unfortunate meeting with that Gur in the Sunlit Wetlands, Astarion realized he would have to take potential threats from Cazador even more seriously. He wasn’t about to lose his freedom, not now that he finally had some small taste of it. 

It didn’t hurt to be more suspicious of everyone he encountered, even the sweetling Tav. Anyone could be an operative sent by Cazador, and the best ones would be as skilled as he was in the art of manipulation. It was well-known at this point that the person he’d grown the closest to on their journey was their brave party leader, Tav. Unlikely as it may be that she was scheming for his master, Astarion’s paranoia wouldn’t let him indulge in interactions with her a second longer unless he knew how she truly felt. 

Given Gale’s hesitation, Astarion knew he would have to kick his acting up a notch. Press on that wizard’s heartstrings. Touch the one nerve he knew he was sensitive to.

“Gale, darling, from one literally damaged soul to another, indulge me just this once,” Astarion beseeched him. 

The wizard glared at him a moment, before finally relenting with a heavy sigh. “Fine. Fine. But I want it known that I don’t agree with this so-called solution one whit,” he grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose. 

“Yes, yes, noted and formally documented, on my word as a former Baldurian magistrate,” Astarion replied cheerily. “So, let’s hop to it then, shall we?”

“What, right now?” Gale asked, shocked. “Shouldn’t we be, I don’t know, a little less conspicuous?” 

“What better time than now?” Astarion responded. “Tav’s out gathering firewood with Wyll and Karlach. They won’t be back for some time. As for Lae’zel and Shadowheart, well…” he paused, gesturing over his shoulder. 

Said two were engaged in a heated sparring session on the outskirts of the camp. Snarls and curses could be heard emanating from both warriors as they tried, and failed, to gain the upper hand against their opponent.

“That lovers’ dance could go on until morning,” Astarion finished. 

“Fair point,” Gale admitted begrudgingly, grimacing at the sound of swords clashing violently. “Very well. Let’s get started.” 

Clearing his throat, Gale began to utter a series of phrases completely foreign to Astarion. He watched as the wizard began moving his hands in a wavelike pattern, forming a circle before them. Suddenly, a mist began to form from seemingly thin air, taking shape according to the boundaries Gale’s hands were creating. The mist grew more and more opaque until it appeared before them like a clouded mirror. 

As the fogginess of the ethereal magic began to clear, the “mirror” became a confusing blur of scenes whipping by, too fast for Astarion or Gale to really comprehend. There were flashes of Tav and Astarion, together and separate, but they disappeared too quickly to ascertain their context. It was as though the spell was shuffling through the entirety of Tav’s thoughts, assessing each one at breakneck speed. 

Finally, the spell slowed to a halt, stopping on one scene in particular. Astarion was struck speechless by what began playing out in the foggy portal before them. So distracted, he didn’t even notice Gale’s tight cough, or how the wizard suddenly became intensely interested in a copse of trees nearby, rather than the revelation the spell was revealing.

Not that the scene was especially profound, objectively speaking. In fact, to anyone else, it might be viewed as the least revelatory thing possible that the spell could have shown. Boring. Inconsequential, even. But to Astarion, it was almost earth shattering. 

He saw himself - he could see his face! - with Tav, lying tangled together in some immaculate four-poster bed. 

That was the first shock that coursed through him, nearly causing his knees to buckle. He was seeing himself for the first time in over 200 years. Or at least, he was seeing himself as Tav saw him. And… the person he saw… Well, he was gorgeous. White blonde locks, curled and tousled in a devil-may-care sort of way. A strong, patrician nose that suggested good breeding. High, sharp cheekbones. Full lips, upturned in a thoughtless grin. Red eyes bordered by long, sweeping lashes. Delicately pointed elven ears. Smooth alabaster skin, without blemish or spot. 

Astarion could scarcely believe his own eyes. 

The second shock to his system was the nature of their activities. He would have been less surprised had the vision shown them fucking. Him taking her roughly from behind perhaps. His name a cry of ecstasy from her lips as he pistoned in and out of her with a feral sort of determination. 

Fantasies of lust, of total domination, now those were things he was familiar with inspiring in the minds of the victims he had taken as lovers. It was what he strove for, in all honesty. Desire like that all but ensured he would capture his prey and live to serve another day for his master. 

But nothing of the sort was occurring between vision-Tav and himself. Instead, they were just… embracing? What in sweet hells was this?

She lay halfway on top of him. Her hair was mussed, perhaps from sleep or perhaps from previous lovemaking. One hand was drawing absentminded shapes across his chest, her lips trailing behind, leaving kisses in their wake. He watched as vision-Astarion chuckled softly, as his hands slipped beneath her sleepshirt to caress her waist, as he placed an innocent kiss on the top of Tav’s head. Eventually, she reached for his hand. They both watched their fingers intertwine, blissfully content.

It was the purest, unadulterated expression of affection that Astarion had ever seen. Something in his heart quaked at the sight of it. He wanted that moment. He envied, he hated, vision-Astarion for enjoying such apparent happiness.

So absorbed in the vision and its implications, Astarion failed to notice the soft padding of feet that indicated someone’s re-entry into the camp. 

“If the two of you are quite finished poking around in my head,” an angry voice suddenly spat from behind them, “I’d appreciate you preserving what little privacy I have left and shutting that damn spell off.”

Mortified, Astarion and Gale turned to see Tav, arms crossed and visibly seething with rage. Gale quickly dispelled the magic with a flick of his wrist. A blush was slowly but surely rising up Tav’s neck to reach her cheeks. Whether from rage or embarrassment, Astarion couldn’t be certain. 

“Tav, let us explain-” Astarion started.

“It was his idea-” Gale blurted at the same time, pointing at Astarion. 

Both paused, glaring at one another. But Tav would have none of their feeble attempts at backpedaling. 

“The explanation doesn’t matter. Whose idea it was doesn’t matter. The fact is that both of you violated the privacy of my mind, which I’ll remind you, has ALREADY been violated by having a bloody tadpole forced inside of it!” Tav shouted. At their words, the camp became enveloped in a heavy silence. Even the crickets ceased their chirping.

Astarion cringed inwardly, knowing the other party members could plainly hear this altercation and had likely stopped whatever it was that they had been doing to listen in. He noted the sounds of swords clanging together had ceased. He was certain Lae’zel and Shadowheart at least were aware of what was happening. Nosy bastards, all of them.

But what disturbed him even more was the realization that Tav’s eyes were welling with tears. She was too proud to acknowledge them or wipe them away. Such was her nature. But they were there nonetheless, and the knowledge that Astarion had brought her to the point of tears was enough to spur a rush of utter self-loathing inside him.

Without another word, Tav turned on her heel and marched stiffly out of camp, toward the direction of a nearby creek they’d identified as a water source earlier in the day.

“I can’t believe I let you convince me to perform that spell,” Gale said as she disappeared between the trees. He dragged his hands down his face. 

“How could we have been so doltish, forgetting that all of our privacies have already been violated with this tadpole business?”

Astarion didn’t have an answer to that. At least, not one the wizard could possibly understand. 

The thought hadn’t occurred to Astarion, he realized, because violations of privacy had been something so intrinsic to his being for over 200 years. He didn’t even recognize it as something abnormal. Like a fish unaware that the water surrounding it is, in fact, water. 

Violations of privacy were a part of life, at least for him. So much so that his request for Gale to perform that magic hadn’t even occurred to him as an overstepping of boundaries. To Astarion, it had simply been a matter of survival. He had needed to know another potentially manipulative person’s true intentions, and so he had found a means to uncover it and maintain the upper hand. 

Belatedly, he also realized that Gale’s hesitation to cast the spell had had nothing to do with being inconvenienced for the evening, but because the wizard had known that it was improper to do to another person. If he had misread that, Astarion wondered, then what other truly benevolent behaviors had he mistaken as pragmatic manipulation?

“I need to go find her,” Astarion murmured, clenching and unclenching his fists in an uncharacteristic fit of uncertainty. 

“Yes, you do,” Gale asserted. “We both owe her a sincere apology… if she’ll even accept it.”

“I’ll see if I can convince her to come back to camp,” Astarion replied, making to leave in the direction Tav had stormed off. 

“Wait,” Gale said, a hand on his shoulder. Astarion turned to meet his gaze. 

“Look, well, I’m obviously not an expert in healthy demonstrations of affection. But I do think it’s obvious from what you saw in that spell that Tav well and truly cares about you. In perhaps the purest way possible. Treat that carefully.”

Part of Astarion wanted to laugh aloud in utter hopelessness at the wizard’s advice. Someone cared for him? Truly and purely? No hidden games, no strings attached? Oh certainly, that wouldn’t be a problem for Astarion at all. Obviously, his 200-year existence as a master-manipulator-fetch-hound for a power-hungry vampire lord had perfectly prepared him to respond to this situation in a healthy manner. Obviously.

But all that was too much to reveal to someone he barely knew and too heavy to say aloud. Rather than giving some smarmy retort, Astarion opted instead to give a stiff nod and continue walking toward the edge of camp. He had no idea how he could make things right with Tav, but at the very least he could try. 

***

He found Tav sitting on a fallen tree near the edge of the creek bed. Her legs were drawn up to her chest, arms wrapped around them as she rested a cheek to her knees. In the waning twilight, she reminded Astarion of some misbegotten gargoyle perched on the roof of a temple, solitary and so very sad. 

Her ears twitched as she noted his arrival. Astarion wasn’t trying to be stealthy. On top of everything else, the last thing he needed to do was scare her. 

“Can I join you?” he asked softly, wincing to himself at the awkwardness of the question. 

The reality was that there was no way to broach this conversation without some stilted beginning, and he hated it. Navigating tricky conversations was normally something he excelled at. But as he was quickly finding, when it related to Tav, nothing in his past life had prepared him to respond to her well. 

“If you’d like,” Tav answered tonelessly. 

Knowing it was probably the best response he was going to get, Astarion swallowed thickly and moved to sit down on the log next to her. 

“I… wanted to… apologize for what you saw, back at camp,” he began.

“Apologize for doing it, or apologize for getting caught?” Tav asked as she turned her head to look at him, resting her other cheek on her knees. 

Astarion balked at the question. Her piercing gaze unnerved him. He hadn’t really thought that far. 

“Both, I suppose?” he answered honestly, although it sounded more like a question to Tav. She huffed a laugh.

“You know, part of me really wants to yell at you. Scream in your face. Tell you off proper,” she mused.

“So why don’t you?” Astarion asked, perplexed. 

Tav didn’t respond at first, just sat there studying him. As if by staring at him long enough, she could project the answer into his mind. 

Astarion didn’t interrupt her, much as he would have liked to. Part of him always bristled when people gazed at him for too long. It was unfair that they could study him, when he hadn’t been able to so much as glance at his reflection in over 200 years. 

Finally, Tav released a heavy sigh, her body curling further in on itself. She closed her eyes as she spoke.

“Because then I would be just like every other bastard in your life who’s mistreated you.”

Astarion flinched in surprise. Those had not been the sort of words he’d been expecting. The truth of them cut deeper than had she raged at him like she wanted to. It left him feeling even more vulnerable, and that in turn made him want to retreat into the comfort of viciousness.

“I don’t need you to pull any punches,” he scoffed, glaring at her. “Go ahead and say what you will.”

She straightened up at his tone, opening her eyes and returning his glare. 

“No. I don’t want to,” she said testily.

“I don’t need your pity,” he hissed. “It’s insulting.”

“Gods damn it all, Astarion!” Tav exclaimed suddenly, causing him to jump in surprise. She threw her hands up in defeat. “I’m not doing anything out of pity! I don’t want to rage at you, because I know that whatever I say right now, I won’t mean it come the morning!”

Astarion blinked. Once again he was left feeling flat footed by the turn of the conversation. Sensing his surprise, Tav continued on with her deluge of words.

“You hurt me tonight, and I’m angry at you - and at Gale, for that matter - for what you did. But you’ve shared enough of your… history… with me, that I realize your behavior is just… just a byproduct of centuries of abuse and manipulation you’ve endured! And I won’t be another abuser in your life. I won’t,” she asserted. 

Astarion continued staring at her, as if she were some otherworldly creature that had just wandered across his path. He watched as Tav inhaled a deep breath, releasing it shakily. She turned away from him to peer out into the forest, uncertain. She opened and closed her mouth several times before actually speaking. As if whatever she was about to say was more intimidating to her than anything else she’d said tonight. 

“I… care deeply for you, Astarion,” she said quietly. “You obviously saw that in the vision. I’m not playing any games. There’s no hidden motive. I’m not trying to manipulate you.”

She turned to look at him again before continuing, her breathing a bit unsteady. 

“I didn’t sleep with you that night of the tiefling party as some sort of maneuver to gain your trust. Although I understand if that was your motivation for doing so.” 

Astarion’s expression morphed into one of guilt. But Tav nodded soberly, as if she had already expected it, before continuing on. 

“It’s okay. I’m not angry. But I’m putting all my cards on the table now, so to speak. Actually, your decision tonight forced my hand, but I had been planning on telling you soon anyway. So, there you have it. The truth of my intentions. What you do with that information is up to you.”

She turned back to gaze out at their surroundings. Like she was giving him the opportunity to bolt away without her watching him. As if she expected him to flee from her confession. 

But Astarion didn’t flee. He remained seated, staring at her in complete wonderment. 

“Why?” he asked quietly.

She looked back at him again, confusion evident on her face. 

“Why what?”

“Why do you care for me? You’re so… well-adjusted. And I’m well… this,” he finished lamely, placing a hand on his chest. 

Tav pursed her lips. “It would be a mistake to misconstrue my empathy for you as me being well-adjusted. Everyone has their own demons, Astarion,” she murmured. “Mine just look different from yours.”

Astarion mulled her words over in his mind, considering them. He leaned forward to brace his forearms on his knees, his head drooping slightly. 

“I…,” he started, unsure. “That vision… what it implied… You deserve something real, Tav. You’re incredible… truly.” 

Tav closed her eyes, bracing for the fallout. Even though she would accept his decision, whatever it was, she didn’t think she could bear to watch him deny her. It would hurt too much. 

“Look. When we met, I had a plan. A nice, simple plan,” he blurted all at once. Rising swiftly to his feet, Tav watched as he began to pace before her, near to bursting with frenetic energy. 

“Seduce you, sleep with you, manipulate your feelings so you’d never turn on me,” he counted off, laughing half-heartedly. “It was… easy - instinctive. Habits from two hundred years of charming people kicked in. All you had to do was fall for it. And all I had to do… was not fall for you… which is where my nice, simple plan fell apart,” he finished, stopping to stand before her. 

She held his gaze, speechless. 

“I want you,” he whispered fervently. “I want what was in that vision… I want us to be something real.”

Never in a million years had she thought he would respond to her like this. She opened her mouth to speak, but Astarion cut her off with another sudden exclamation. 

“I just don’t know what real is,” he confessed, his tone a touch hysterical. Tav knew from his body language that being this transparent was completely out of Astarion’s comfort zone. 

“Being… close to someone - any kind of intimacy - was something I performed to lure people back. For him. Even though I know things between us are different, being with someone still feels… tainted. Still brings up those feelings of disgust, and loathing. I… I don’t know how else to be with someone. No matter how much I’d like to,” he finished, staring at her with beseeching eyes, willing her to understand.

Tav rose to her feet, coming to stand before him. 

“I don’t want you for your body,” she whispered. “Or to perform any acts of intimacy. We can be together, without sleeping together, for as long as you need.”

“Really,” he asked softly, his voice pitched low, rough with emotion.

“Really,” Tav asserted, giving him a small smile. “Would it be all right if…” she paused, conflicted. He eyed her curiously.

“Could I hug you?” she whispered.

The fact that she asked before doing so caused a well of emotion to spring up inside him. Eyes watering, Astarion nodded. 

Slowly, Tav moved forward to wrap her arms around his waist. Her head nestled into the crook of his neck and shoulder. A perfect fit. He felt her exhale a deep sigh.

Tav hugging him was a sensation unlike any he had ever felt. At least, any he could remember feeling. The act of being touched, embraced, without any desire for something more. She just wanted to hold him, feel him close to her. It was incomprehensible to him, but utterly enjoyable, at the same time. 

Slowly, ever so slowly, Astarion raised his arms to return Tav’s embrace. Drawing her even closer, he bowed his head to rest his cheek against her hair. It was soft, like the finest silk. He closed his eyes as he inhaled deeply, appreciating her sweet, floral scent.   

She made to pull away after a moment, not wishing to overwhelm him. But Astarion gripped her more firmly, a silent urge for them to stay that way a little longer. 

“This… this is nice,” he whispered. 

He both felt and heard Tav hum contentedly in response. 

It wasn’t identical to the vision from Tav’s mind that he had seen, but Astarion reveled in their embrace nonetheless. It felt like the beginning of something new. And for the first time in his very, very long life, Astarion felt excited at the prospects of what would come next.