#how come everyone else in heaven has purple eyes and silver teeth and gold on their forehead. and my boy had nothing….

[demonraphael]

I loved seeing Crowley as an Angel but like…get this bitch some gold.

[arashikitten]

Of Molten Gold and Frozen Silver- Part one

This is a collection of the first three chapters for my fic, “Of Molten Gold and Frozen Silver”, as celebration for me finally getting an ao3 account! Thank you to everyone who has read this fic, chapter 4 is coming along! Without further ado, here’s Of Molten Gold and Frozen Silver part 1.

   When Qi Xiaotian had gone to Flower Fruit Mountain that morning, he’d gone expecting either brutal sparring, grueling physical labor, or, if Sun Wukong was feeling particularly lazy, an hour or so of meditation.

   He had not been expecting to find Sun Wukong hunched over in pain, gripping his head and snarling like a wild animal. He also hadn’t expected to see a familiar bluish-white smoke slowly circling the Monkey king, accompanied by the very worrying sound of small, whispering voices that seemed to fill up the cave. Qi Xiaotian felt ice settle into his veins. He recognized this, he’d seen this before, just a week prior.

   Baigujing. The White Bone spirit.

   He should’ve run. The moment he’d seen the white smoke, he should’ve booked it to the hills, rushed back to the city to sound the alarm for everyone, to save as many people as possible from the oncoming rampage.

   But… he couldn’t. Sun Wukong, his mentor, his idol, was in trouble. He needed help, and Qi Xiaotian would be damned if he didn’t at least try to do something. Slowly, carefully, he reached out toward the shaking Monkey King.

   “Sun Wukong? Hey, um, are… are you-“

   “Run.” Qi Xiaotian froze, the air leaving his lungs as terror flooded his veins like ice. Wukong’s voice was raspy, tight with pain, and each syllable trembled in the musty air of the cave. This thing- this demon, it was hurting his mentor, and Xiaotian felt his heart wrench at the notion. He needed to help.

   “Wukong-“

   “Xiaotian, you need to run. I can’t… I can’t hold Baigujing back for much longer. It’s way...way stronger than before, I won’t last long. I thought, thought that I could handle it, but…” the monkey king gasped as his knees gave out, sending him to the hard stone floor. Qi Xiaotian rushed forward, even as Wukong began to growl like a rabid animal, tail lashing back and forth like an irate cat. He reached forward, almost touching Sun Wukong, when-

   “STAY BACK!” A pale gold force rippled out from the monkey king’s form, sending Xiaotian flying back. He winced as he slowly began to push himself up, a twinge of pain in his side confirming the presence of a quickly-forming bruise. He looked up at his mentor, questions on his tongue-

   When he finally saw Sun Wukong’s face. And every muscle, every nerve ending, went cold as terror crashed full-force into him like a tsunami, sending him plunging into the waves, too disoriented to know which way was up even as he was drowning in fear.

   Dark, empty shadows obscured to top half of Wukong’s face, leaving Xiaotian unable to see the familiar golden glow of his eyes. The bottom half of his face, the part Xiaotian could see, was pale and washed out, appearing a dusky gray-purple like that of a corpse. His mouth was twisted in an ugly snarl, sharp teeth glinting in the dim light of the cave. But that wasn’t what scared Qi Xiaotian.

   No, the thing that scared Qi Xiaotian was the singular, glowing blue eye that pierced through the shadows of the Monkey King’s face, pale smoke leaking from the outer corner like tears. And, despite the cruel snarl and the tense, aggravated posture…

   That eye was shining with fear. Sun Wukong… was scared.

   Sun Wukong. Who had fought countless demons. Sun Wukong, who had thwarted death countless times, becoming immortal four times over in the process. Sun Wukong, who had gone up against the entire Court of Heaven, and was only stopped by the Buddha himself. Sun Wukong, who was strong enough to lift an entire mountain with ease.

   Sun Wukong, who had saved his life…

   Was afraid. Was terrified of whatever was trying to take over his body, trying to trap him in his own mind. His mentor, his powerful, wise, unflappable mentor was scared, and Xiaotian could only watch in horror as he began to succumb to the demon.

   “Kid… listen… to me. You… you need to- to run. Go- go and warn the others. Please, before… before it’s too late.” Gods, Wukong sounded so desperate, so terrified, and it made Xiaotian’s heart crack in his chest. His throat felt tight as he held back a sob, praying to whoever was listening to please, please put a stop to this, please don’t let this be happening.

   “Sun Wukong, please, no…” it came out a whisper, trembling with unshed emotion.

   “Kid… run. Please. I don’t… I don’t want to- to hurt you. Not when… not when you’ve done… so much for- for me. Please. Run.” Qi Xiaotian gasped softly as he saw tears slowly trail down the Monkey King’s face, even as he could see the traces of his mentor began to leave that one blue eye…

   And suddenly Wukong’s face relaxed, a small fond smile taking it’s place over the snarl, that glowing blue eye filling with affection and kindness and love-

   Xiaotian’s breath stuttered as he stepped back. His eyes burned with tears that he refused to let fall, trembling hands covering his mouth as he began to sob. Wukong cared about him, cared about him not just as his successor, but his-

   Xiaotian turned and ran as fast as he could, eyes screwed shut against the pain and wind as he finally let his tears fall.

   Sun Wukong watched him go, smile filling with relief. And even as the White Bone spirit finally won, even as pain flooded every nerve ending, even as his heart started to shatter…

   He knew his kid was safe.

————————————————————————

   Sun Wukong was falling. He had been for a while now, the pitch dark that surrounded him obscuring any view of a potential floor or walls or anything. At first it had scared him a bit, but now…

   Now it was just straight-up boring. One can only stare at nothing for so long before their mind begins to wander, and Wukong really didn’t want that to happen. Especially not after…

   Wukong felt the fur on the back of his neck raise as he flashed back to what happened in the cave. When the Baigujing had first appeared, he’d attempted to destroy it like he had over four millennia ago. It should’ve been easy.

   But… something had changed. The Baigujing had vanished as Wukong had attempted to strike it, only to reappear right behind him. He’d attempted to leap out of the way, to fly out of its reach.

   He hadn’t been fast enough. Before he could even turn his head, the White Bone spirit had flown into his chest, drenching him in ice that seemed to fill his lungs. His vision had become a haze of blue and white, blinding him while insidious little voices whispered in his ears all of his doubts and insecurities-

   And then the kid had shown up. His kid had shown up. He hadn’t even noticed until the kid’s voice had cut through the whispers, sounding worried and confused.

   He’d been terrified then, terrified that the White Bone spirit would take him over then and make him hurt his successor, hurt Qi Xiaotian. So he’d begged the boy to run, to warn everyone in the city to evacuate. Of course, the Baigujing hadn’t taken to kindly to that, and another surge of it’s power had sent him to his knees.

   He recalled, vividly, the raw overwhelming terror on Xiaotian’s face as he’d turned to face him, recalled with painful clarity how tears had begun to form in the kid’s eyes as he pleaded with Wukong, begging him not to go. And when he had realized the fear in the kid’s eyes wasn’t because he was afraid of him, but rather for him…

   Wukong grit his teeth as he remembered his final words to Xiaotian, and the feelings that had accompanied them. There was pain and fear, yes but- there was something else, something that was new to him. It had roared within him like a blazing fire, sending beams of light through his soul like a miniature sun, a sudden need to protect his kid-

   Wukong was jarred from the memory at that. His what? He’d called Qi Xiaotian his- his what?

   My kid, and there it was, that warm feeling in his chest that screamed at him to find Xiaotian and wrap him up in a blanket and protect- Sun Wukong blinked. When the hell had that happened? When had he become so attached? When had he stopped viewing Xiaotian as his successor, and started viewing him as his kid?

   Sun Wukong thought back. These feelings… they’d been strong during their last encounter in the cave, too strong to be entirely new. But he couldn’t remember any other-

   Wukong’s head shot up. The Macaque. When he’d seen Xiaotian being pinned to the mountain by his own staff, the Six-eared Macaque looming over him, he’d felt that rush of protective instinct roar within him, screeching at him to get the kid out of there, to get him to safety, to get him away from that monster-

   Wukong shook at the memory, Xiaotian’s look of terror and betrayal from that day had been burned into his retinas. He hated that look, hated that the kid had been subjected to that kind of terror not just once, but twice now.

   But most of all, Sun Wukong hated that both times, Xiaotian had been put in danger because of Wukong’s own shortcomings. His kid, his kid, had been put in life threatening danger, and Sun Wukong had either been almost too late, or the direct source of that danger.

   And now he was stuck here in this endless void, a prisoner in his own mind, unable to protect the one person in the world that he cares about.

   “Well, well, well. This is certainly new.” Wukong started, head whipping around to see-

   The Baigujing’s glowing blue-white eyes stared out at him from the darkness. It took the form of a thin, pale woman in a flimsy sheer white dress, light blue markings in the appearance of bones marring otherwise smooth, uniform skin.

   It looked like a corpse.

   The Baigujing grinned, mouth stretching far too wide, showing off it’s rotten gums. Wukong felt ice flood his insides.

   “I never took you for the fatherly type, but three thousand years is plenty of time for change. Although, I do have to wonder: why him, of all people? He’s so… immature. Easily distracted. Demanding. Sloppy. The kids… pathetic.”

   Fury burned in Wukong at the words. Yes, Xiaotian was a bit immature, and he didn’t have much in the way of an attention span, but he was a good kid. He was smart even if most people didn’t notice, and he had a drive unlike any that Wukong had ever seen. And Xiaotian was far, far from pathetic.

   However, the fire of rage was quickly doused by the cold realization: Baigujing knew.

   It knew about Qi Xiaotian (the protective feeling started to grow in his chest).

   It knew about his relationship to Qi Xiaotian (that feeling grew brighter, hotter in his lungs like a bonfire).

   And it knew that hurting Qi Xiaotian would break him (the feeling was overwhelming him, consuming every other thought until the only thing that mattered was Xiaotian Xiaotian Xiaotian Xiaotian-

   Sun Wukong was consumed by golden light that shattered the obsidian dark like a mirror, and the Baigujing flinched back to shield it’s eyes from the blinding light. It felt it’s will being pushed back by the Monkey King, his bright white light stinging the dark tendrils of it’s control.

   For just a moment, Wukong was able to see. For a split, vital moment, he was in control.

   A moment was all he needed. He knew he wouldn’t last long. Already he could feel the Baigujing starting to take back control, could feel himself slipping from his own mind. He needed to slow the Baigujing down, just enough for Xiaotian to get help.

   Enough so his kid could be safe. He would not let him down this time.

   Sun Wukong braced himself as he grabbed a sharp rock and raised it above his head.

   He could hear the whispers of the Baigujing now, getting louder and louder-

   He saw Qi Xiaotian’s face, looking up at him with a happy little smile, eyes shining with warmth and admiration in a memory long past-

   Wukong slammed the stone into his knee, snapping it in two, right as he slipped back into the obsidian void.

———————————————————————

   Red son restlessly paced the unfinished halls of the new lair, dark red coat silently fluttering as he did. It was a nervous habit of his, something he’d developed fairly recently, and he felt as if he might explode if he stopped.

   The events of the past week were still fresh on his mind, and now played a starring role in his nightmares whenever he tried to sleep.

   His father- his dear, beloved father- had attempted to kill him. His father, whom he was absolutely and unshakably loyal to, had called both him and his mother traitors. His father had called him weak. Useless. A disgrace. And even though Red son knew his father wasn’t in his right state of mind, even though he knew now that his father had been possessed…

   It had begun to plant these seeds of doubt in him. After all, he’d had yet to reclaim the staff from that infernal Noodle boy, and the few victories he had were only achieved with the help of his mother or father.

   He’d have yet to win a fight entirely on his own.

   The thought stung, more than Red Son was willing to admit.

   Then there was the actual fight. The one against the Demon Bull king. The one with Qi Xiaotian.

   Qi Xiaotian. The Noodle Boy. The one who currently wielded the Monkey King’s staff. He had crashed into Red Son’s life with all of the reckless force and chaos of an out-of-control freight train, upending all of his hard work with a practiced ease. He frustrated Red Son to no end, and yet at the same time, Red son had found himself anticipating every fight against the Noodle Boy with a giddy, childish excitement.

   Of course, he’d still hated him. Despised him for even thinking that he could stand up to the might of the Demon Bull family, regardless of whether or not he had the power and yes, fine, skill, to back it up. It was an insult, for a mere mortal to even consider the idea that they could even begin to compare to him, the great Red Son!

   But now, everything Red Son had felt toward the loud, excitable man had been thrown into turmoil. And the worst part was that, looking back, Red Son could tell that this wasn’t just from the team up against his father. No, these complex feelings had been there, as far as Red Son knew, since the race for the immortal peaches. They had just been overshadowed by frustration and his preconceived ideas about the Monkey King’s successor. The fight a week ago had simply brought these feelings to his attention, strengthening them in the process.

   Which, considering what exactly these feelings were, and who they were directed toward, was not good for Red’s already strained relationship with his parents.

   Red son blushed as he remembered the fight against the Demon Bull King. He and his mother were crouched in a fighting position, his mother summoning her massive fan and Red Son already calling flames to his fingertips. His father, locked in the possession of the Baigujing, had charged at them, roaring like a wild animal…

   Until Xiaotian, in true Noodle boy fashion, came careening full-speed smack-dab in the middle of the Bull King’s path, not unlike their first meeting. Red son, despite past experiences with Xiaotian literally dropping in on him and his family, had been surprised.

   He’d been even more surprised when, without even thinking about it, he’d sworn to fight alongside the very person he’d been trying to kill not one week prior. He hadn’t even thought about it, hadn’t even been suspicious of Xiaotian at first. It had been a knee-jerk reaction, completely instinctual. That in itself was concerning, because his first, instinctual reaction to Noodle Boy showing up in their lair to fight his father should not be “let me help fight with you”, regardless of the circumstances. Granted, his mother had also agreed to help Xiaotian fight, but she clearly hadn’t been happy about it.

   Red son, on the other hand… despite his history with Xiaotian, despite their numerous past conflicts, despite the VERY IMPORTANT FACT THAT HE AND XIAOTIAN WERE SUPPOSED TO BE FUCKING ENEMIES, Red Son had felt his heart leap at the prospect of fighting next to the monkey kid, instead of against him. And he’d found that he’d actually really enjoyed fighting with Xiaotian, made even more alarming when, hours after the fact, Red son had found himself daydreaming about fighting alongside Xiaotian again, of sparring with him on the rooftops or in the mountains, of talking about old stories and myths and shows they like… of just being together.

   Of course, when Red Son finally caught himself, he’d denied absolutely everything, blaming it all on the leftover adrenaline and anticipation from the battle, telling himself that it was a one time thing, and nothing more.

   That argument had been torn to fucking pieces when, that night, Red son dreamt that he and Xiaotian had become friends, sparring together on the rooftops of the city and sitting together at a small cafe, chatting leisurely over coffee and tea. They had rented out a small apartment together, in between the old lair and that little noodle shop he knew Xiaotian worked at. In his dream, they had gone to the apartment and sat on a small, gold and red couch to watch some nonsensical movie. They had talked about something that Red son couldn’t remember, when suddenly he’d found the noodle boy leaning up against him, head resting on Red’s shoulder, fast asleep. It felt so… so normal, so calm and happy and warm, it felt like home. It made his heart race, made his stomach flutter like a hummingbird’s wings, and he couldn’t help the rising joy and affection and love-

   Red son had woken feeling more content than he had his entire life, and yet he still ached for more. Then he’d fully woken up, and that warm, brimming satisfaction was replaced with cold horror. This went beyond leftover adrenaline, beyond a stupid passing thought. This was real, this was serious. He liked Xiaotian, really liked him if that dream was anything to go by.

   But he couldn’t possibly like the Noodle boy like that: they were enemies, constantly fighting each other, constantly at odds. There was also the very important fact that Red son despised the Noodle Boy, and the noodle boy more than likely felt the same way about him.

   But even as Red son tried to argue, he knew that the first part, at least wasn’t true, and that it hadn’t been true since… since…

   Red son blanched. When had he stopped despising the noodle boy? When had the fiery, burning rage softened into something less, had become simple annoyance as opposed to withering vitriol? Most importantly, when in the fresh, ever loving fuck, did the idea of living with Qi Xiaotian become more appealing, more tantalizing, than the idea of ruling the world alongside his father and mother?

   It made no sense. How could he go from despising someone with every fiber of his being to… to… to whatever the fuck this was??? How could he go from wanting to from wanting to kill someone every time you saw them to wanting to live with them??? To wanting to spar with them, to wanting to go to coffee shops together, wanting to watch movies together, wanting to hold their hand and hug them and talk with them and….

   Red had been so caught up in his head, so caught up in his thoughts about the Monkey kid, that he hadn’t even noticed that he had been walking to his makeshift room until he was standing at his new desk (there were already some darkened scorch marks from when he’d caught himself daydreaming about Xiaotian again, as Red had caught himself wondering what it would feel like to kiss the spiky-haired younger man. The memory still brought a harsh flush to his cheeks.), holding a small messy sketch that he’d done a couple of days ago. It was of Xiaotian, who, in the sketch, had the staff leaning against his left shoulder, one hand in the pocket of that gaudy orange hoodie, and a wide, easy smile on his face.

   He’d hidden it in the small, hidden drawer on his new desk, to ensure that his mother didn’t find it. He’d been unable to bring himself to destroy it, and had taken to storing it in one of the pockets of his trench coat. He often found himself taking it out to stare at whenever he was feeling particularly stressed, or when he felt as though his parents were whispering about him behind his back, scorning him for being weak and a disappointment and-

   No, Red Son growled to himself. They do not hate you. They do not think that of you, they love you, they support you, they are proud of you. But there was still that doubt, that lingering fear that the Baigiujing had planted, and for some reason, that little, shoddy, rough sketch of someone that should only serve to inflame those feelings of inadequacy was now his main source of comfort.

   How strange, that his family was now the cause of his fear while his enemy was his source of comfort and warmth? But then again, Xiaotian had been turning Red son’s world on its head since that fateful day, when he’d fallen from the sky as though the Buddha himself had plucked him up by the hood of his hoodie and plopped him right into Red son’s life.

   Perhaps he had. After all, Xiaotian was the Monkey King's successor, and he’d shown up at the exact moment that the Demon Bull king had been freed, and the staff along with it.

   Red Son sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he shoved the Xiaotian sketch into his coat pocket. Clearly, he’d been cooped up for too long.

   Perhaps a nice walk through the edge of the city would do him some good. Besides, what were the chances of him running into the noodle boy there?

—————————    —————————   —————————

   His lungs burned as he ran, heart pounding in time with his footfalls. He couldn’t stop though, not until everyone was safe. And that meant running with everything he had, if only so he could get to the city in time to warn of the incoming threat.

   Tears stung his eyes again at the thought. His mentor, his idol, had become a monster right in front of him. And the worst part, the worst part was that there was nothing that Xiaotian could’ve done to stop it. In that moment, he’d been nothing but a bystander, unable to do anything but sit by and watch as one of the most powerful beings in all of China, his mentor, was possessed by a demon.

   Gods, Wukong had been so scared in that moment. Xiaotian had seen the small tremble in his paws, the way he’d recoiled from Xiaotian’s touch like a wounded animal.

   And then there was the screaming. Xiaotian had gotten maybe 10 miles away from the mountain when it had started, loud and high and pained, a polyvocal screech that dipped between Wukong’s lower roars and the high raspy cries of the Baigujing. It had been close, too, no more than a few miles back, sending terror shooting through Xiaotian so hard and fast it had made him nauseous. He’d been rooted to the spot, eyes wide and hands clenched into trembling fists, tears starting back up and making his vision blur. He had stumbled back, shoulders shaking with quiet sobs that burned his lungs and made his throat tighten almost like a noose around his neck.

   Wukong was hurt, and if the polyvocal quality of those screams was anything to go by, he trying to fight back for control. But eventually, Wukong’s voice had died out, submerged under the raspy, high voice of the Baigujing, and Xiaotian had to turn and run toward the city. The Baigujing was coming after all, and this time…

   This time Xiaotian wasn’t sure he could win this fight.

   So he’d continued to run, the constant mantra of don’t let them catch you don’t let them catch you the only thing keeping him from collapsing where he was. His mind kept playing tricks on him, too, with small wisps of translucent blue-white teasing the edge of his vision, and every dark shadow and oddly shaped log appearing like Wukong to Xiaotian’s tear-blurred eyes.

   By the time he could finally see the edge of the city, Xiaotian’s nerves were raw and frayed, his lungs burning like they were on fire. There was no time to stop though. The possessed Wukong couldn’t be that far behind, and there were so many people he needed to get out…

   But even as Xiaotian barreled toward the skyline, he had a realization that made his stomach drop like a stone: even if he was able to evacuate everyone in time, how in the hell was he gonna get anyone to believe him? Sure, the Gold and Silver demon brothers caused some issues every now and then, and the Demon Bull family had wrecked the city on more than one occasion, but Sun Wukong hadn’t been seen by anyone but himself for at least the last 300 years. On top of that, Sun Wukong was supposed to be one of the most powerful beings in all of China, preceded only by Guanyin and the Buddha himself. Something like the Baigujing, which had been considered a low level demon before now, should not have been able to take control of Sun Wukong so easily, or at all really.

   So how, how was he going to get anyone besides Zhu Dachu, Long Xiaojiao, Tang Shifu, and Sha Wujing to believe him? And once he did that, however long it would take, how was he going to be able to evacuate the entire city before the Baigujing got here-

   Xiaotian’s train of thought was abruptly derailed when he slammed into someone at full speed, bowling whoever it was over and sending Xiaotian himself skidding a good few feet in the dirt. He gasped in pain as his already bruised side slammed into the ground, no doubt aggravating the injury even more. He winced as he sat up, head spinning slightly as he did. Xiaotian lifted his hand to his forehead to assess the damage when the person he’d slammed into finally spoke.

   “I ought to burn you to a crisp, you filthy peasant! Look what you did to my coat! How dare you- wait a minute. Qi Xiaot- I mean, Noodle Boy? What are you doing here?” Xiaotian froze as dread flooded him. No. No no no nononono. Why, out of everyone in the city, did I have to run into the one demon that tries to murder me on a regular basis?

   Of course, out of the 20+ million people that Xiaotian could’ve bumped into, Red Son was the one person in his way.

   Great.

—————-  —————-  —————  —————-

   Of course, out of everyone that Red Son could’ve encountered, it was the damned Noodle Boy who had come barreling into him like a bat out of hell, jacket and pants torn and muddy (there was also a small red stain on his side that Red chose not to think about at that moment). The force at which the boy had slammed into him had sent Red Son flying, landing on his back with a thud and tearing up his once pristine trench coat.

   That alone had incensed Red Son enough that he didn’t realize who had run into him at first. It was only when he turned to see that familiar orange hoodie, that signature bright red headband, that he had realized that it was Qi Xiaotian.

   He’d been so shocked that he’d almost accidentally called him by his actual name, a slip up that he made sure to rectify quickly as possible. Couldn’t have the Noodle Boy thinking that he was important enough for the great Red Son to know his name, after all.

   He watched as Xiaotian froze upon hearing his voice, and worry started to knaw at him when the usually confident and boisterous delivery boy started shaking, dread filling his eyes like tar.

   It made something in his gut clench, seeing that look on Xiaotian. It reminded Red of war refugees, with their wide eyes that weren’t seeing anything that was truly there, lost in a world ravaged first by fire, then machine gun fire, then missiles. It was a look that spoke of horrific, monstrous things, things that would take even the most resilient of men and empty them until they were nothing more than husks, their spirits broken by the relentless waves of death and destruction.

   It was a look that Xiaotian never should’ve had to wear, but here he was now, right in front of Red Son, beaten up and covered in dirt and bruises and cuts that he did not know the origins of.

   Red Son was shaken from his musings when the Noodle Boy had jumped up, one hand reaching back for the staff and the other hand reaching out flat in front of him. He had already started to back away, and Red Son was struck again by just how haggard the usually energic boy looked then.

   “Listen Red Son. I’m not here to fight right now, ok? I know you probably couldn’t care less, but there’s a very powerful demon coming at the city right now, and I don’t know if I’m gonna have enough time to evacuate everyone as is, so if you could please just-“

   “What do mean, ‘a powerful demon’? Shouldn’t you be able to handle it, what with having all of Wukong’s powers and whatnot?” At that, an almost pained look flitted across Noodle Boy’s face, and the hand that had been going for the staff suddenly went to his side.

   “That’s…. that’s the- the problem.” Dread turned to alarm at that. What the hell did that mean? Surely there wasn’t a demon powerful enough to take down Sun Wukong in their own, right? Not even his whole family could claim that, and they were one of the most powerful demon families around.

   “It’s… the Baigujing, it…. it escaped to- to Flower Fruit Mountain.” Red Son’s stomach dropped like a stone. Shit. Shit. His father had been a tough fight under the influence of the White Bone Spirit, and had it not been for Xiaotian’s arrival, there was a very good chance he and his mother would not be alive today. If the Baigujing had possessed Sun Wukong….

   “When I… when I got there this morning for- to train, with, with Wukong, it was already…. it was….” Xiaotian was shaking now, and Red Son hated just how much he understood the pain in Xiaotian’s eyes. After all, hadn’t he been in the Noodle Boy’s exact position not even two weeks ago? Hadn’t he known the terror, the betrayal, of seeing the person he looked up to more than anyone else on the planet turned against him, becoming a monster under the influence of some monstrous demon?

   Hadn’t he watched as his father, his loving, caring father, for whom he had dedicated his life toward, came rushing at him with the full intent to kill?

   If Xiaotian hadn’t shown up then, Red would be dead. As much as he hated to admit it (his heart jumped in spite of himself), he owed the Noodle Boy. He owed him so, so much, more than he would likely ever know.

   Sun Wukong had been possessed by the Baigujing. Xiaotian had, more likely than not, seen it happen. Sun Wukong, possessed by the Baigujing, was most likely heading toward the city with the intent to level everything within a 10-mile radius, and then some. If they wanted to limit casualties, then they either needed to evacuate everyone…

   Or, Xiaotian would have to face Wukong outside of the city. On his own. Where he would most likely die, scared and confused, murdered by his idol.

   Absolutely not.

   Before Red Son could reconsider, before he could even begin to think about the implications of what he was about to do, Red Son held his hand out to Qi Xiaotian. Determination burned in him, chasing away the icy tendrils of dread and replacing them with the barest glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he could do something good for once. Maybe he could fix his mistakes, become better than what he was

   Maybe he could become someone worth loving.

   And it was with that final thought that Red Son reached out to his enemy-turned-rival-turned-something else, one hand gripping the small sketch still in his pocket, and said

   “Let me help.”

[hayley566]

I was watching Lavendertowne make her own versions of the seven deadly sins as demon girls and decided to give it a try myself. For info on each picture and why I chose to represent each sin as such, look under the cut.

GLUTTONY

I chose gluttony as the first one for two reasons. 1.) The misconception of gluttony only meaning overeating. Gluttony is overindulgence at the risk of ones own health or well being. This can be overdrinking, overeating, excessive drug use, gambling, etc. Basically, you're harming yourself just to make yourself feel good for awhile. 2.) In Christianity, it's seen as a sort of gateway sin or a way to coax one into far worse sins. In a story from the bible, a man was forced to chose one of three sins to commit when he made a bet with a demon. These were rape, murder or gluttony. He chose gluttony in the form of drunkeness and drug use, hoping to trick the demon and keep his soul clean enough to go to heaven. However, in his inebriated state, he had stumbled into his parents home on accident instead of his own. His mind was so fogged that he thought his sleeping mother was his wife and he proceeded to have sex with her. When his father came in and saw this, he tried to pull his son away from his wife and ended up getting killed when his son reacted violently. Not only was the man now damned but he had committed rape, incest and murder through his gluttony. As for the design, the pattern on her dress and her blood are meant to invoke the color of red wine. Her claws are meant to invoke syringes as well. I chose this pose to show that she cannot even stand because of how drunk/high she is. Since gluttony is basically overly harming yourself for the sake of pleasure, I had it be that she stabbed herself not only with her own claws but with a playing card(to represent gambling) to consume her own blood to get more high and because she loves the taste. I kept the overeating aspect by giving her sharp teeth and a grotesque tongue.

-

SLOTH

For Sloth, I thought it would be cool to have her hair be so long that it's like a blanket/cocoon around her. When you don't take care of yourself, your hair gets long and unkempt. The strands sticking out are actually what is holding her up and I thought it was cool that they also resemble spider webs in a way. Sloth's hair moves for her and is how she travels. Her feet are too weak to stand on and even if they weren't, she'd still refuse to move. If a human touches her hair, they lose the will to live or even move, just laying on the ground waiting for death.

-

LUST

For Lust, I wanted to make her both appealing but also like someone you should keep your distance from. Since sexual harassment is a form of lust, I made her hair into these groping hands the fondle her and want to grab you and pull you close. I wanted to sorta encapsulate the uncomfortable feeling of always being touched and never left alone. Where her heart should be, there's a mouth that wants to only eat flesh. Lust is when you only want someone's body and that can be taken to extreme cases where you sexually abuse someone and "consume" them.

-

ENVY

This is definitely the sadder of the demons. She's insecure and constantly wants what she can't have, constantly chasing perfection. Her abdomen has no organs and is squeezed tight with bandages to give her the body she wants. Because she constantly wants what others have, she takes them. She carves skin or desirable body parts off of her victims and sews them onto herself to be perfect but it's never enough. Since jealousy is also called the "green eyed monster", I made her eyes very noticeable and glowing almost radioactively.

-

WRATH

For Wrath, I went for a more animalistic look since wrath can make you lose all rationality and lash out like an angry animal. To add to the animal theme, I had her feet and hands sorta resemble an animal's and made it that the only thing covering her naked body is her long and wild hair. I also made her blind as a nod to the term "blind rage" and to show how wrath can make one blind to reason. Alike the other demons, she behaves more like a feral animal, attacking others she hears comes by, walking on all fours and only speaking in angered yells and screams.

-

GREED

For Greed, I wanted to go for a sleazy businesswoman sorta vibe. I feel like the worst examples of greed are scam artists the take advantage of people who don't know any better or, even worse, will kidnap and sell others just to make money. that creepy reading made a good video about despicable people like this here.

I gave her a snake-like appearance because another name for a scam artist is a "snake oil salesman" and gave her these grotesque golden arms to reference the story of King Midas. She's supposed to be reaching out to shake hands and "close the deal" with you, tricking you into touching her hand and turning you into gold. I also made her hair and outfit the colors of silver and gold since those have been the form of currency for ages and since those things are still sought after today.

-

PRIDE

I chose purple as the main color for pride since it's used to often represent royalty. I had her constantly be held up since pride involves putting yourself above others. A really creepy idea I had was to have mirrors be embedded into her eyes so that she can't see her own flaws but can have others have to see their own when they look at her. Her "crown" is another piece of shattered mirror that's stabbed into her scalp. To me, pride is dangerous when someone becomes so prideful that they start putting others down just to elevate themselves more. I gave her a sorta prom dress because I was a little inspired by the movie "Carrie" and how the villains were a group of popular girls that constantly tore down Carrie and I feel like if Pride would basically be a mean girl that thinks she's better than everyone else and treats those around her like trash. Constantly pointing out their flaws and making them feel worse about themselves while she treats herself like a queen.

[gildedink]

The servants robotically dressed the boy, never looking at his face. He stood still, lifting his arms as needed while the ceremonial robes were placed on him. Once again the King had told him he was to give prophesy. Normally this would irritate him but today was a bit different. A tension hung in the air around the palace. The boy himself had slept and eaten poorly the last month, avoiding dreams. He didn’t want Esfir’mya’s gift. Not this time. There was a sense in his gut that, once this prophesy was said, something in the world would change in a way that could never be taken back. The cords tying his shirt closed were tightened.

As he looked out to the window, the grass swayed. The Spirit Orchid. The cause of all his problems. Of his whole bloodline’s problems. As the anklets and bracelets were placed on his body – pale jade with stunning flowers carved into them – it was like feeling the weight of gold chains. Sometime the boy wonderer if slavery was better; at least the slaver didn’t pretend you were something else. The necklace that was put around his neck felt like a diamond noose.

With the coffee brown veil placed on top of his head, it was finished. One of the servants went to the door and knocked. “The Oracle is ready.” The door opened to show two royal guards. His escort and protection. Both men relaxed a little, seeing that the Oracle’s face was veiled. They didn’t have to be skewered with the those unnatural purple-pink eyes. The boy followed willingly. Down wood corridors whose floors shone with daily scrubbing and smoothing wear. Designs were carved into the doors they passed. Some depicted animals, some nature scenes. Some were adorned with scenes of the heavens, wispy clouds and birds in flight.

Instead of the usual path, the boy noticed he was being taken somewhere else. He looked around, alert. Fear shivered down his spine; was he to be executed? But no, he dismissed the thought. The idea of the King killing him in such a manner were absurd; the arrangement of his psudo-slavery is why the Gorseŏn Kingdom was flourishing as it was. His words brought money to the king’s coffers in addition to the boost in prestige; prophesy wasn’t free after all. He took a few breaths. As they rounded another corner the King himself was there, waiting in front of the ornate double doors flanked by another pair of guards. “Finally.” The man loomed over the boy, white peppering his neatly trimmed and shaped beard. His dark brown eyes scrutinized the boy before grabbing the other’s chin and making him look up. “Be on your best behavior Keun. I will not tolerate humiliation. Not in front of these men.”

The boy smiled, odd eyes burning with hate. “What, should I make something up again? That seems to be your favorite game to play; pretend.”

The King sneered, resisting the urge to hold Keun’s jaw harder and leave bruises. Only the looming thought of the men in the other room stopped him. “My pretend at least will not require your mother to whore herself out. Or should I remind you what happened to your grandfather?”

“Don’t bring him into this.” Keun hissed.

“Then be obedient. Stupid child…” he muttered in disgust at the end, letting go. “You don’t understand power and you never will. Common filth like you.” The king turned and nodded to the guards. As the heavy doors were pulled open, Keun tried to school his features into serene calm. He knew power. He knew its taste, its touch and its scars. He followed the man into the room. Once in he realized where he was; the throne room. The Queen sat in her seat, face hidden by a jade-plated fan, hair in thick plaits coiled in intricate patterns and secured with gold ornaments and brightly colored silk ribbons. Arranged in front of the throne in an open semicircle were platforms with cushions and low tables laden with food and drink. Foreign men sat, whisper in their language as to make the large room buzz. Each table held one man that seemed to be the center of it all with a guard and translator at their right and left hands. With a shock Keun realized those seated were not dignitaries nor diplomats; they were the kings themselves. Kings, Emperors and leaders of all empires within the world. Now he understood the tension; this place was a powder keg of politics. One slight, one insult, could start a world war. For once, Keun truly would be on his best behavior. Not out of obedience but out of self-preservation.

The king glided to his seat. “Gentlemen! Thank you for your patience.” The translators at each table quickly translated. Several men nodded in acknowledgment. Keun followed the king and stood to his left. “This is a most trying time, filled with fear. But worry not, for the Oracle has heard your cries and comes to soothe your people’s worries.” The men nodded, some smiling. They were confident the Oracle would assuage their fears. If only Keun could explain that wasn’t how it worked. Sometimes not knowing the future was far better in the long run.

“And you’ll make a tidy sum in the process.” one of the men said through his translator. He was draped in buttery yellow, ivory and a touch of crimson, robes threaded with gold and silver lacquered thread. “Spare us the theatrics.”

“Emperor Mengyao, I speak nothing but words of experience! So many have come for the Oracle’s words and have left lighter of heart.” the king of Gorseŏn replied.

“I did not know King Byeong-Ho was a poet.” another man said with a sarcastic smile. The ivory of his teeth shone against the mahogany of his smooth skin. “Perhaps he writes the verses himself?” Several men laughed.

King Byeong-Ho’s smile was tight. “I assure you I write only love poems for my darling wife.” Keun knew for a fact he was fucking a maid bought from the slave docks last week.

“To business please. Time is precious now should even a fraction of what we have all be hearing be true.” another man said. His long black hair shone with health, thin figure hidden by the layers of his colorful, gilded kimono.

“Yes, quite prudent as always Emperor Yuuto.” King Byeong-Ho agreed. He waved for the servants to bring in the stool Keun would sit on as well as the concoction he would drink to induce his visions. At least that was the story. In reality it was just bitter tea laced with foul-smelling herbs.

“Have him show his face.” Everyone turned to the tallest in the group. Keun had seen only a small handful of those from this man’s empire. His skin was painfully pale, eyes like chips of amber and hair a pale chestnut tree bark brown. His beard was neatly groomed. Unlike most he was dressed in simple travel clothing, a thin gold circlet on his head studded with diamonds. Tsar Peter of the Far North Peoples; what he lacked in ornamentation he made up for in exuding pure power. “How do we know you are not swindling us?” All the kings in the room turned to the throne. No one else spoke but the message was clear; prove what you have.

Keun heard his king sigh. “Unveil yourself Oracle. Let them look upon the face of Fate.” He did as instructed. Many gasped, mostly the guards and translators of the world’s leaders. Many of the kings leaned back or flinched at the sight of his eyes. “Now then. Let us be-.”

“He is a child.” It was Tsar Peter again.

“Do not be fooled by appearances, King Peter. He sees more then you or I will ever experience in our lifetimes combined and extended by a thousand years.”

“Where is his mother?”

“Does it matter?” Emperor Mengyao snapped. “I want to know and if a child has the answers I would not turn my nose at it.”

“Did I say I was?” was the clipped reply. However, the tide had turned and the Tsar knew when to silence himself. Keun took this as his cue to sit on the stool. He did so and was handed the bitter brew. He stared into the steam wafting up, letting his mind open. Show me. If there is something these men must know, show me Esfi’mya. The reply was almost instant and Keun could feel phantom vines winding around his limbs in memory.

‘You have kept yourself too long from me. Do not do so again. It hurts me. And it puts you humans at risk. Now… speak my words, darling bud.’ Keun’s eyes rolled to the back of his head before he could lift the cup to his lips. The porcelain fell to the floor with a crash as Keun’s body stiffened. Smoke poured from his lips and the voice that spoke was too deep and too powerful to be coming from a boy not yet beginning manhood.

Until the Balance is restore Humanity will perish, be nevermore So heed words well, I speak them once To ease the err and distribute bunce The Land of Zhohang houses the Golden Bird But split in two; which one, I won’t say a word The Shark swims alone forging its own path Away from the Sea, for it has earned his wrath Together the three shall find the Eye And the hero will lead, soon the Mountain shall die But a word of caution to this happy tale; If the lovers cannot speak, you will ultimately fail.

There was silence as Keun felt Esfir’mya leave him. He blacked out and fell off the stool to the cold floor with a hard thud. Everything was still. Then everything was in chaos. The men began to fire off question after question before their translators could even finish them. Only Tsar Peter and Emperor Yuuto stood up and went over to Keun. The two picked the boy off the floor, checking his head for any injuries and his wrist for a pulse. “What are you doing?” King Byeong-Ho’s voice cut through the din when he noticed two two foreign kings near is coveted Oracle.

“He is a child!” Tsar Peter growled. “How can you be so ill-prepared?! He could have cracked his head open!”

“Who are you to touch the Oracle?!” the man on the throne snapped. “What give you the right to touch him as you do now?!”

“It seems to me,” Emperor Yuuto said quietly. “that you treat him like a slave. Not a holy thing.”

It was quiet for a bit, everyone squirming guiltily in their seats. “Do not act high and mighty, Yuuto.” a man said. His thick hair fell down his back in thick braids. “You are as willing to use him as we are. As we all do.”

“Do not put-!”

“-words in your mouth.” the man cut off. “I am not. I say what we all think. What we all do. At least be honest about it.” Nihoka’s Emperor said nothing. “Now Peter over there? He’s allowed to do so. Priss that he is.”

“I am a father, Lord Ganbataar.” Peter replied. “This tugs at my heart.”

The bulky man snorted. “Maybe sew up that bleeding heart of yours. Then your people will actually grow in that Gods-forsaken place.” Several men laughed. But despite the biting humor, Lord Ganbataar was just as shaken as everyone else. A male servant came and took Keun’s unconscious form away. As soon as the servant and guard were back in Keun’s quarters, they haphazardly deposited his body onto some cushions on the floor and left. The servant would be scrubbing his arms raw for a week, hoping to get the feeling of the other boy’s weight off. A small orchid plant, white and cheerful, waved in the breeze, whispering to its mother, father, creator, of Keun’s return.

Taglist: @omgbrekkerkaz @ikilledmyocs @nepeinthe @hollenzwei @ecririe @writeblrnet @sadragons @hazeywrites @the-ichor-of-ruination @thethew @nerocael

[rannadylin]

💬 💬 for PoE, 💬 for Critical Role, 💬 for Dragon Age and 💬 for Tolkien, have fun rereading your fics :D

So much to reread, oh goodness… XD It was fun though! So here’s my picks:

I’m always especially proud when I manage to choreograph an action scene well, because those aren’t my typical thing and I’m happy when I can pull it off, so for the two PoE quotes, here’s Vi and team chasing a psychopathically Awakened preteen in Clan & Court, chapter 4:

“I would notrecommend eating that,” Anselm nodded to the bun on his own plate.“Violet…pardon me, but my conclusions which I discussed earlier with you seemto have been off. By one small degree.” And his glance flicked again to theboy, who was now nearly to the door leading down to the farmhouse’s cellar.Beside Xipil’s chair, Yaotl gave out a low whine.

Violet exchanged a glance with Edér, seated beside her, hisexpression confirming that he’d caught on at about the same time she had. Ather grim nod, he launched from his chair and around the table toward the cellardoor. Eadric was through the door by the time Edér, now followed by a train oforlans and one hound, got there. Wilfrith sat sputtering in surprise for amoment as they all disappeared down the cellar steps, then got to his feet andhurried in their wake.

They chased Eadric through the ancient passageways, finallycornering him in the chapel hidden among the catacombs. Edér barrelled throughthe doorway just as Eadric grabbed a handful of candles from the altar, theirlittle flames flickering and half of them sputtering out before the boy slammedthem down onto the weathered old tome of Eothasian prayers that lay open amidstthe lights. “Wait!” Edér shouted, even as the boy, teeth bared and handsclenched in fists, turned to face him from across the altar with its bookquickly catching fire. “Eadric, what do you think you’re doing?”

“Let it all burn!” the boy rasped in a voice not quite his own.“You want the light? I’ll show you light!”

As Edér tried to edge around the altar to get to him, Eadricgrabbed more candles, first holding them out as if to fend Edér off, and thenstarting to fling them at him, one by one. Edér swore and ducked the littleflames, which guttered out quickly on the stone floor if not in midflight. Thenfrom behind him, a greater light suddenly glowed, and he felt a tingling warmthmove through him as a ball of glowing energy, the timbre of a winter morning’ssun upon fresh snow, passed silently by with the aroma of icicles. At a glancehe saw Violet behind him, palm out towards the altar, frowning in concentrationwhile her siblings – and of course Anselm – fanned out to either side of thealtar to help Edér intercept Eadric. Looking forward again, he saw the lightshe had projected, still in the rough form of a ball of energy but he couldswear at its heart he saw a figure of light, crowned. As it moved over thealtar, one candle after another winked out and the flames playing over the bookfinally died down, replaced by a layer of frost.

Eadric was staring agape at Violet’s slowly advancingprojection, lit only dimly by the candles still burning along the walls of thechapel, when Edér finally leaped over the icy altar and tackled him to thestone floor.

And from Soul & Shield, Chapter 15, here’s the fight scene that surrounds the activation of the Haven: (gonna put the rest of these behind the cut, this is getting long…)

Anselm? Lenneththought desperately. Hi! Trouble! She dodged as one wizard’s magic missiles slammedinto the cobblestones where she’d been standing, ducked and rolled as thesecond wizard loosed a cone of ice her way. From the marketplace, she heard asudden commotion and glanced that way just long enough to see several moreattackers closing in – but behind them, several familiar faces. “Ha!” Lennethcheered, then shrieked in pain as one of the wizards caught her in a ray offire that went on burning even as she darted forward with her knives out,gritting her teeth against the pain, in hopes of stabbing at its source.

A pillar of light slammed into thefemale wizard, knocking her to the ground. The fire went on blazing. Lennethleapt for the male wizard, who threw up some sort of flaming shield just as herknives reached him, leaving her burnt once again as she struck. Lenneth growledand danced to the side as he began an attack spell, but from behind her came asudden bolt of arcane energy, knocking him off balance before he could finishcasting. Fire be damned: Lenneth danced in and finished him off, feeling theheat of his shield once more and grimacing at the scent of the ends of her hairburning, along with a bit of the skin at her elbows where her bracers ended,probably – but as the wizard dropped, so too did the ray of fire that hadlatched on to her. She stumbled back to see that the female wizard was caughtin some sort of stasis field: perfect, excellent, the whole point of luringthese people in to attack her was to capture one, right? So she turned back tothe reinforcements – both the enemy’s and her own – that had turned up at theentrance of the alley.

They were fairly evenly matched,though it looked as if the other side had brought mostly casters this time:more wizards, what looked to be a priest wearing a symbol of Magran (great,more fire was all she needed now), and an orlan whose mace glowed with the samepurple soul whip she saw now wreathing Anselm’s sword. But Lenneth’sreinforcements had multiplied to include a handful of Itzlis, Edér, and Xipil’sdog, who was now tearing into the throat of an enemy archer.

This might just work.

She kept to the shadows, takingopportunities to strike where it would do the most damage. She flung Nochtaca’spowdered chilis into the enemy cipher’s eyes, sending his mace off course justas it was about to slam into the back of Violet’s head. She tripped one of thewizards and was about to cut his throat, when all of a sudden the sky above litup like noontide.

Everything seemed to slow.

Everything from the cobblestonesbelow to the laundry lines strung overhead across the alley glittered in arcanelight.

Lenneth glanced to Violet, thinkingthe priest had invoked some sort of Eothasian thing, but Violet looked ascaught off guard as everyone else. Her hands were raised as she recited abattle prayer, but the look of resolution on her face slowly shifted toconfusion when nothing much seemed to happen.

Leneth looked around to see thesame confusion spreading among the enemy casters – and Anselm, Aloth, Lottie,all baffled as their spells failed to take effect.

Lenneth looked up to the sky, notrosy at sunset as it should be but brighter than the dawn. It was…not the skyitself that glowed, she realized. And then the memory struck.

“By all the gods,” she gasped. “TheHaven! Who invokes the Haven?” Visions overtook her: Citlatl, but smaller;temples, half-built; the light, powering up and spreading over the whole city,even the parts not built yet. But not like this. It was too much;it could not sustain such light. She shook her fist at heaven, blinded fromwithin as the battle raged around her.

Until it was Lenneth herself whowas being shaken, and she snapped out of the memory and looked down to seeViolet peering at her in concern.

“It’s all right,” the little priestsoothed. “It’s over. You’re all right, Lenneth.”

Lenneth gasped and crumpled to thestones at her feet, jostling one of the burns on her arm from the wizard’sattacks painfully against the ground as she landed in an awkward crouch. Violetknelt down with her as the rest of her allies gathered around.

For CritRole, I think I’m actually proudest of the very first thing I wrote for the fandom - Cards & Choices, a mini-fic inspired by the soothsayer’s cards drawn for Vex’s question in episode 65. It’s tiny, so I’m just quoting it all here…

I.

Vex’ahlia dreams of the sun, rising over mountains.

At first it is the stylized imagery of the soothsayer’s card, bright with exotic paints more vivid than ever seen in Tal’dorei, or perhaps just more than seen in her waking life. Somehow then the flat peaks spread out and fill out and it is now the Alabaster Sierras over which a brilliant sun rises, a new dawn chasing away the last of shadow as she stands hand in hand, face warmed by Pelor’s rays, and as she turns to say something to her companion she –

Wakes up.

II.

Percival dreams of hands.

He had only a brief glimpse of the cards the soothsayer drew for Vex’ahlia’s final question, but the coppery leaf decorating the lines of fingers interlaced stands out clearly to his slumbering mind. First it is the very hands from the card, clasped in symbolic unity and lined in metallic leaf. When the image shifts – clever fingers manipulating gears; slim hands, nails bitten to the quick, grasping a bowstring – the glint of the leaf remains at the edges, now copper, now silver, now brass, no matter how lifelike and familiar the hands become as the scene shifts, as he weaves his fingers with hers, gunmetal grey edging to glittering gold. He sees his fingers tremble as he slowly raises hers to his lips and –

Wakes up.

For Dragon Age, there are lots of favorite scenes in all my Fenhawke fic but I’m particularly proud whenever I feel I’ve gotten character voices right, especially Varric’s in the fic about Varania after her confrontation with Fenris, Beneficium Accipere Libertatem Est Vendere. Here’s one fun snippet with the dynamic between Varric and Hawke, and Varania, as they gradually befriend her over a game of cards.

“Need I remind you,”said Varania, returning her eyes to her careful stitches, “that I have no moneyand would be foolish to gamble it if I had.”

“Fiddlesticks,” Varric retorted with a wave of his hand,producing a deck of cards from where she could not see and beginning toshuffle. “Who said we’d play for coin? I fancy a game of Tell Me Truly.”

“Oh, Maker, Varric,” Hawke groaned, “not that again!”

“Come on, Hawke, you’re as curious as I am.”

“Yes, but last time - oh, bother, fine then. Go on.” Shesignaled to the waitress for drinks while Varric began dealing the cards.

Varania looked from one to the other of them suspiciously. “Whatis this game?”

“Wicked Grace, actually,” the dwarf said, “but instead ofwagering coin you wager truthfulness. Winner gets to ask the loser anyquestion. The more truth in the pot, the more audacious aquestion the winner can ask and the more honestly you have to answer.”

“That,” Varania said, tossing her head in affront, “isridiculous.”

“Yes!” Hawke shouted, so loud that heads turned. Quieter, shecontinued with a jab of her elbow at the dwarf seated beside her, “See? I’m notthe only one, Varric.”

Varric chuckled. “Sore loser. And I promised that story wouldstay out of the book.”

“What story?” Varania asked, blinking at them innocently.

Hawke exchanged a panicked glance with the dwarf. Varric’s grinwidened as he turned back to Varania. “You want to hear the story, elf, you’regoing to have to win a round.”

And finally, for Tolkien, a snippet from In the Mirror, the tale of a haunted mirror in the Prancing Pony, as told by my lore-master Lennidhren at a long-past episode of Ales and Tales…

“My good Elf,” saidthe innkeeper almost apologetically, forgetting my name as he ever does, “sosorry to bother you, but I wonder if I might ask a favor of you.”

“Gladly,” I replied, rising to greet him.

“I was hoping,” he continued, “you could take a look at thismirror for me. Being a – what is it they call you – a scholar and such, withall your book-learning –”

“A Lore-master,” I provided the term he was hunting for.

“Yes, yes, quite,” said he; “being so good with the lore andsuch, it might be perhaps you’d know something about a piece like this. Fellerjust brought it around with a lot of other little things to sell; not much tospeak of, the most of it, but this one caught my eye. Looks fairly old, don’tit? I’ll wager you’ve seen a thing or two of its sort before, with your loreand all, and maybe you can tell me what sort of a bargain I’ve made.”

I thought better of explaining to Master Butterbur thedistinction – faint though it may be – between a Lore-master and a dealer inantiquities, and simply took the mirror from him. ’Twas old, indeed! Seldomhave I seen bronze-work of that sort; but once in a book I glimpsed a sketch ofthe doors of the king’s house in the city of Gondolin long ago, and the motifworked there was worked in miniature on the border of the mirror in my hands.

So I told the innkeep of my suspicions, and oh, did he preen tothink that a thing from that glorious city should have passed into his keepingover the course of so many years! But it puzzled me. “Gondolin lies now beneaththe wave,” I reminded him. “How came this thing here? I wish you had stayed theman that brought it to you. I should like to ask him where he got it.”

Yet that opportunity was beyond us now – if not quite as farbeyond us as the land of the mirror’s making. Barliman made the rounds of thecommon room, for it behoved him to tell the tale again and again to every oneof his guests, and to show off this marvel of a mirror. Then as the night grewlate and the folk, tired of hearing how Barliman Butterbur paid a pittance foran Elf-king’s own mirror (so grew the tale in the telling), departed for theirown homes or to their hired rooms in the inn, Master Butterbur produced aladder from some back room and climbed up to hang the mirror right above thefireplace.

[tsghamptonsnewyork]

Scouted LOCAL Holiday Gifts

Grab your favorite warm bevvie, curl up in a comfy chair, and get ready to take down some notes, because we’ve scoured the Hamptons and have come up with 72 incredible local gifts, for all sorts of people, at all different price points. Many of these shops even sell online, so click right through and add-to-cart! We hope these gifts will inspire you to shop local this holiday season, at these stores and so many others, and maybe grab a little something for yourself while you’re at it...

STOCK UP FOR ALL YOUR HOLIDAY PARTIES!

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2. COMERFORD COLLECTION in Bridgehampton is incredibly sophisticated with a mid-century inspired, yet completely unique vibe all their own. These matchsticks have a wonderful back story, go in and ask them how the wood gets its incredible texture. 

3. DESTINATION HAUS in Amagansett is like a beachy-modern art gallery come to life with decor and gift items galore. These statement candles will thrill any hostess with their unique simplicity.

4. SEA GREEN DESIGNS in Southampton is packed full of sustainably designed goodies for the home. Shannon, the owner, works from a place of true respect for our beach environment and an incredible eye for beach home style.

5. WÖLFFER ESTATE wines are always a hit during the holidays. This Merlot has intense, concentrated flavors, balanced with great elegance, finesse and depth, and incredible aging potential. 

6. Coconut at Christmastime? You better believe it! You won’t believe how quickly these TATES Coconut Crisp Cookies will become ‘the best Christmas cookies you’ve ever had’. And with a gluten free option, every hostess can indulge a little. 

7. Pick up a copy of renowned local architect firm Bates Masi’s book at SOUTHAMPTON | SAG HARBOR BOOKS and discover how they developed their signature style, not around an aesthetic, but around a method. The perfect Hamptons coffee table book.

8. If you bring a hostess flowers, do it right. Order a beautiful custom arrangement from SAG HARBOR FLORIST in a container, not wrapped in paper. This way you’re not giving your hostess extra work, and the statement will be very well received. 

9. An elegant spin on a hostess favorite, these twig salad servers from HOMENATURE in Southampton make a beautiful statement that compliments any decor.

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY!

1. L & W MARKET in Bridgehampton has so many house made local preserved goods in beautiful packaging perfect for gifting to your favorite local foods loyalist.

2. You can’t go wrong with these 14k gold leaf wine glasses from Amagansett treasure DESTINATION HAUS. Perfectly elegant and luxe.

3. Baked, packaged and sold by adults with special needs, SOUTH FORK BAKERY is a wonderful local non-profit organization, providing skills, employment and a supportive environment for its employees. Plus the baked goods are beyond incredible. 

4. SEA GREEN DESIGNS features beach house decor with both traditional and modern appeal. Just imagine how charcuterie and fruits will pop against this sleek white board. Gorgeous.

5. When buying a gift for someone too sophisticted for words, hit up MONC XIII in Sag Harbor. From the outstanding facade, to the incredible treasures beyond, the most discerning recipient will be quite pleased. Serving a lobster bisque with fine sherry and truffles? This is the ladle for the job.

6. Simple, clean and utilitarian. GANSETT LANE HOME in Amagansett is full of gifts like this decanter, that can’t miss.

7. Launched this past summer, The Bridgehampton Inn Cookbook is already a treasured favorite everywhere. Did you catch Jimmy Fallon raving about the book and the Van Kempen family on the Tonight Show? And LOAVES AND FISHES is a must-go for any foodie on your list.

8. We bought these beautiful little utensils last summer and we use them all the time! THE WEATHERED BARN in Greenport is chock-full of unique artisan and in-house designed treasures for just about everyone on your list.

9. STICK + STONE in Amagansett shares the space in the back of the applied arts building with GRAIN SURFBOARDS. Aynsley and Brian are so talented and down to earth and the treasures you’ll find are true artisan quality. Whether you hit one of their holiday markets or just pop by, make this a must-go stop on your holiday list.

A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE LADIES

1. SATORI has been in Sag Harbor forever, and Lee Ann Bulgin has done such a wonderful job with the space. Open, clean and inviting, and full of finds like this soft-as-heaven purple hat.

2. HIDDEN GEM in Southampton isn’t just home decor and art, you’ll find some gorgeous little accessories there too!

3. NATUROPATHICA started in East Hampton about 20 years ago and is now a nationally renowned brand. The calendula cream is epically luxe and their gift sets are priced right. A perfect introduction to the brand for a beauty aficionado.

4. We’re so lucky to have DR. KEN MARK right here in Southampton. Nationally celebrated for his innovative skin cancer and cosmetic dermatology practice, he has also designed one of the most advanced and effective skin care lines available. Stop in his office to discover what all the local celebrities are raving about.

5. Local favorite clothing store GLORIA JEWEL was the dream of hard working womanpreneur Megan Chiarello. She makes you feel so welcome, and helps you find all the perfect gifts for your loved ones (and maybe a little something for yourself too)

6. We love WÖLFFER, everyone loves WÖLFFER. Have you tried this playful pink gin? Made with the skins of harvested grapes, without too much juniper, it has a delicate yet complex palate. Perfect for a dry Holiday martini, and that label though, divine. She will love it.

7. We just can’t handle the beauty of this purple pom throw by SHED TEXTILE. It’s just beyond words, and is destined to be a treasure for any lucky recipient.

8. Every girl deserves a little boho shimmer during the holidays. These knotted bags at JOEY WÖLFFER in Sag Harbor are selling out fast, so get over there now!

9. These INTO THE WOODS gems were the ‘it’ bags of the summer, but don’t write them off for winter! These deep jewel tones are stunning paired with cashmere and fur. And she can bring them along on her winter vacation too!

HORSES AND PUPPIES AND BIRDS, OH MY!

1. You never know what you’ll find at ENGLISH COUNTRY HOME in Bridgehampton, but what we do know is that you’ll find some of the most elegant, unusual and precious home decor, new and vintage, that you’ll ever see, like this butter dish.

2. Local artist JACKIE MALONEY is a nature lover and it shows. Her watercolor prints feature birds, fish, and all sorts of local wildlife, and they’re incredibly affordable so grab a few!

3. Feuds are ‘for the dogs’, but not when It’s Boston vs. NYC in the cutest way possible. ACK V HAMPS is notorious for their playful Nantucket vs. The Hamptons watercolor art, and this sweet print takes it next level. Woof!

4. The folks at SYLVESTER & CO in Sag Harbor definitely have a thing for dogs. If you love your furry friend, or you’re shopping for someone who does, get over there and check out their adorable wares like this set of mugs. Obsessed.

5. RUBY BEETS in Sag Harbor is full of breathtaking vintage finds and custom pieces. This Hobbyhorse would make a stunning addition for any home.

6. Newcomer BOWTIE PET CLUB has some truly adorable finds for your furry friends. Woof Cliquot anyone? Don’t mind if we do!

7. Know someone who has a resident dog, and an empty coffee table? I think you’ve found the perfect match. HOMENATURE in Southampton is full of nature inspired treasures and some cute canine finds too.

8. You don’t have to be an equestrian to appreciate the style of this chic wrap bracelet. THE TACK TRUNK in Amagansett has so many brands and items you won’t find anywhere else in the Hamptons, so get over there for your favorite horse lover quick!

9. Who doesn’t love MECOX GARDENS and their grand, garden-chic decor? Want to splurge on your favorite canine enthusiast? These greyhounds are royally elegant, yet simultaneously adorable.

THE KEY TO HER HEART...

1. Is there anything cooler than fossilized, prehistoric shark teeth covered in silver and gold? We think not. FIN Montauk has you covered.

2. JENNIFER MILLER opened her Southampton boutique in 2004 and since then has acquired a loyal celebrity following. Her upscale, yet super wearable and fun designs are always treasured. 

3. LOVE ADORNED in Amagansett has the sweetest most delicate, hand crafted pieces at all different price points, like this ring. It’s the perfect stop for a little something special for that special someone.

4. GLENN BRADFORD in Southampton has very cool designer vintage pieces mixed with his own designs, with themes ranging from spiritual to tattoo like this key charm (each charm sold separately).

5. Local boho chic royalty, JOEY WÖLFFER, mixes a curated selection of awe inspiring pieces (like these earrings) with her own designs at her shop in Sag Harbor. Plus her authentic and cool vibe keeps her fanbase loyal.

6. Some pieces, like this LOVE necklace, are just so perfect and sweet you want to wear them every day. Megan Chiarello of GLORIA JEWEL is so good at finding the things that make you feel good inside and out. 

7. Local artisan BLUE FEATHER WEATHER handcrafts classic sterling and turquoise jewelry by hand. These Pilot Mountain Turquoise rings are made with beautiful stones harvested in Arizona. Reach out through IG for purchase info.

8. Eleni Preston of MADE SAG HARBOR is a goldsmith with GIA accreditation who has been working with Biwa, Keshi and natural pearls since 1980. For her, making jewelry is a holistic way of producing from a pure material, precious and non-precious stones, in a circular, regenerative way.

9. From internationally renowned jewelry designer TAMARA COMOLLI, this Mikado Flamenco in the color story Sky consists of light blue Sky Topaz, electric Swiss Topaz and moody London Topaz. It perfectly captures the deep and endless feeling of blue skies.

PARENTS WILL APPRECIATE THESE GIFTS AS MUCH AS THE KIDS...

1. PETIT BLUE in East Hampton has a wonderfully curated selection of gifts for kids of all ages, We’re obsessed with the style of this ride on, it will instantly elevate any playroom, besides being a ton of fun.

2. Don’t forget to grab you some Freezy Freakies at FLYING POINT SURF! Just took you back to childhood for a minute there didn’t we?

3. ETHEL + ROW in Sag Harbor has a wonderful selection of gifts that will make mom and dad just as happy as the wee ones. Every playroom needs a teepee for hiding, reading and storytelling.

4. FLYING POINT SURF always has great stuff for the kids so we had to pick 2 loves in this category, this little hoodie is nothing short of adorable.

5. GOOD Westhampton has gifts for everyone on your list including the wee ones. What’s cuter than a tiny Hamptons onesie? Not much.

6. STEVENSONS in Southampton has an incredible selection of wooden toys, classic stuff, popular and unique toys, plush, ride ons, legos, puzzles, stocking stuffers and so much more. This house is destined to be a hit.

7. This critically acclaimed children’s book by Jimmy Kimmel will bring the silly out of any serious goose. BOOKHAMPTON has a gift for everyone on your list.

8. EGG New York in Southampton has some of the cutest baby duds around and this little love hat is no exception.

9. The 3 young opera singers who launched THE OPERA DOLLS this summer started it with the goal of making opera tangible, relevant, and accessible to young audiences and beyond. Follow their adventures in Kenya and Europe on social media.

STUMPED FOR WHAT TO GET HIM?

1. If your dude is a dad, aspires to dad fashion, or just really likes MONTAUK HARD LABEL WHISKEY, then this hat is the gift for him.

2. Is he feeling a little cranky and rough around the edges? Soften up your man with CBD salt scrub from local MMJ pioneers HEMP IN THE HAMPTONS (by Hampton Medi Spa)

3. Does your guy live in Quogue, live near Quogue, or just love Quogue? Then you need to swing into THE QUOGUE SHOP. They have all sorts of cute and preppy Q items, like this belt, for your favorite “west of the canal” dude.

4. Morris & Sons in Southampton has some seriously dapper duds. We’re obsessed with this hunter green tie.

5. WHITEWATER OUTFITTERS isn’t just for hard core fishermen (I mean, it’s for them too) but you can pick up all sorts of cool gear and accessories for your manly man there. We love this Grundens Cap and he will too.

6. Is your guy elegant and manly? Or does he aspire to be? This Yak Horn from DESTINATION HAUS is about to make his desk, or bookcase, or nightstand the coolest spot in the house. 

7. Has he been good this year? I mean, really good? Let the friendly staff at LONDON JEWELERS help you pick out the perfect timepiece for your perfect gentleman, we happen to be fans of Panerai.

8. Is there anything tougher and cooler than a good Carhartt? He doesn’t need to be outdoorsy or mechanically inclined to enjoy the warmth and ruggedness of this classic jacket. Keep it local and pick one up for a good price at FISHER SIGNS AND SHIRTS in Southampton.

9. Again, for the win, SYLVESTER & CO in Sag Harbor has gifts for dogs and dudes too! This Man Can is perfect for when you’re feeling stumped.

10. We’re all stoked about the return of the Sag Harbor Cinema, and you can find branded goods throughout the village but even bigger names are getting in on the action. This cap from BONGIORNO supports the restoration project and flaunts your love of local.

FOR THE QUIRKY, WILD, AND YOUNG AT HEART...

1. A first edition JRR Tolkein? C’mon, you know there’s someone in your life that would give their first born for this one. Find it at SOUTHAMPTON BOOKS.

2. The Holidays are a great time to get a book that helps you recover from over indulging. 

3. Morgan & Kydd makes the most beautiful handcrafted paper goods, this just might be our favorite card this season.

4. For a textile based company, St Frank definitely has a quirky affinity for the unusual. This one is for the sophisticated yet slightly dangerous crowd.

5. Wyeth has incredible style, and these bookends are no exception. An elegant statement for the bold aesthete.

6. RBG on the tree? Count us in.

7. Could anything be more seasonally appropriate and less cliché at the same time than Nordic Tales? This book is a stunner.

8. Subtle and earthy, this keychain from LOVE ADORNED pays homage to the 60′s and/or maybe your high school days. Yup those are magic mushrooms. 

9. LEVAIN BAKERY in Wainscott has the biggest, softest gooiest cookies on the planet, and they ship!

10. The overlap area between entertainment and decor is a sweet spot for everyone. MECOX for the Domino game win.

So that’s it folks! One thoughtful gift is always better than a bunch of big box sale stuff. There are great gifts to be found all over the North and South Forks at all different price points. Buying locally is a more enjoyable experience than the big chains, you find better, more unique stuff, you get to meet interesting people, hear stories about what you buy, and you actually help your community. Keep the following “Pick 3 Spend 50″ rule in mind as you shop this month, and always...