#i had prince be actually quite nice but THEN i remembered this is not married prince

[lincolndjarin]

Best Kept Secret ☆

A MANDALORIAN SERIES MASTERLIST

[ COMPLETED ]

✩ a bodyguard!din x princess!reader fic ✩

series summary :

Married off to a prince on a planet that you hate? New husband doesn't know you, and doesn't want to know you? New husband gifts you a personal Mandalorian body guard as a wedding present? Mandalorian is a wiseass who won't leave you alone? Lucky you.

18+ mdni

do you like kitschy, campy romance novels? if you're reading this, I hope so.

behind the scenes & chapter notes + other extras (spoilers) :

chapters 1-5

chapter 6-15

spotify playlists

Lysa & Elaine information

the bks screen adaption

bks q&a

bks what if's

reader is generally not described past being picked up a few times, and having hair long enough to be put up

✩ chapters containing smut!

chapter one : honeymoon (6.7k words)

[ Absurd.

That is the only word that comes to mind as you stare at yourself in the mirror. “His favorite color is blue.” ]

chapter two : silent treatment (7.4k words)

[ Something is wrong. You bolt up from the pile of blankets that you call a bed and your eyes dart around the closet as you furrow your brow trying to discern why you feel so much different. ]

✩ chapter three : the smitten paladin (4.6k words)

[ You’re starting to think the planet isn’t the reason you’re so hot all the time.

You had woken up this morning feeling a bit better than you thought you’d be, your stomach is full of butterflies but you're still standing and considering the night you had you’re gonna take that as a win. ]

chapter four : sarad'ika (6.8k words)

[ Sarad'ika. 

You won’t forget it this time, you can’t. So you write it in your book, just under Mando’s favorite color you write the two little words that have been keeping you up at night. ]

✩ chapter five : lunar interlude : just a man (5.0k words)

[ Absurd.

It’s absurd how much the job pays. Din’s not even sure he should take it at this point because it’s too good to be true. ]

✩ chapter six : torment (5.1k words)

[ Okay, maybe you didn’t think this through. 

You didn’t think he’d actually come in and now suddenly the door is shut and you’re alone with him. ]

✩ chapter seven : just friends (3.1k words)

[ Maker it feels like it’s been an hour and you’re both just laying here. He was just inside of you; it shouldn't be so hard to find something to talk about at this point. ]

chapter eight : solar markets (5.3k words)

[ It’s nice to wake up excited again. 

You wish you could say that it happened more often but hopefully it will from now on. It’s going to be your first time leaving the castle grounds since you got here. ]

✩ chapter nine : shuk'la rules (5.6k words)

[ You need sex.

Normally you would be satisfied for quite some time after getting off but for some reason with Mando it was different. But it’s only been two days and you need more. ]

✩ chapter ten : lunar interlude : briikase gote'tuur (4.1k words)

[ He’s grateful for the break from you, even if brief. 

That’s not to say that he doesn’t enjoy every moment he gets to be in your presence but the more time he spends with you the harder it gets to remember that this isn’t real. ]

chapter eleven : he loves me not (4.6k words)

[ Something is wrong. 

All day it’s been wrong. 

He’s different. Distant. ]

chapter twelve : pretend (4.4k words )

[ Two days.

That’s what you’re willing to give yourself. Two days to get over it. One to get it all out of your system and one to pull yourself together. ]

chapter thirteen : lunar interlude : vercopa (3.5k words)

[ He did it.

He did exactly what he knew he needed to do.

So why does he feel worse than ever? ]

chapter fourteen : condemned (4.9k words)

[ You’re having trouble sleeping. 

You have no problem falling asleep, it’s mostly staying asleep. There’s a million different things that consume your thoughts and everytime you drift into unconsciousness you find yourself jolting awake, barely able to stay asleep for more than an hour at a time. ]

chapter fifteen : two tea parties (5.4k words)

[ “What did you do to her?”

Her voice breaks through his sleepy haze as he sits up properly. 

“Excuse me?” ]

chapter sixteen : absolution (4.6k words)

[ There’s a visceral sense of dread when you wake up, for several reasons. 

The glaring obvious culprit of your discomfort would be the fact that today’s your husband's birthday. ]

chapter seventeen : the apostate’s cabin (3.5k words)

[ Just Din. 

It’s sinking in as you walk in silence, holding his hand tightly as he pulls you towards his home. ]

chapter eighteen : portrait of a man (5.4k words)

[ It’s deliciously warm when you wake. You can feel his heartbeat and you can feel the soft traces of sunlight dancing along your back. You stretch in his arms slightly but freeze up as you feel him nuzzle his chin into your hair, planting a kiss against your hairline. ]

✩ chapter nineteen : reverence (7.3k words)

[ You really want to. 

You couldn’t possibly want to more than you currently do. 

It’s actually a bit mean. That he’s left you here in this state. ]

✩ chapter twenty : like real people do (8.4k words)

[ Mando and Din. 

All you can think about right now is how there must be two of them. 

You’re playing with his curls. ]

✩ chapter twenty one : te mirci't (9.0k words)

[ “It means I love you.” 

You aren’t entirely sure how long you stare at him, looking rather silly with your jaw practically on the floor. ]

✩ chapter twenty two : it’s you that i lie with (11.3k words)

[ Naboo has several trading ports. 

You could get him on a cargo ship. That would be the most inconspicuous form of transport. It would help if he was willing to ditch his armor. ]

✩ chapter twenty three : lunar markets (15.0k words)

[ Sneaking out of the castle gets easier every time you do it. 

It only takes a few minutes and you’re walking outside towards the forest trail, Din’s hand in yours, still giddy. ]

✩ chapter twenty four : lunar interlude : riduur (7.8k words)

[ He doesn’t deserve this.

How could he possibly be deserving of you? Yet somehow you make him feel as if he is. With your soft touch and the way your eyes get just a little bigger when you see him. ]

✩ chapter twenty five : wedding bells (11.7k words)

[ Four days of Leo. 

You were upset that Din was leaving you but you got over it rather quickly with the promise of his hasty return. ]

chapter twenty six : crucifixion (12.7k words)

[ “My room is too big.” 

He bursts into genuine peals of laughter and you gently smack his arm.

“Don’t laugh, it’s a serious issue! My room is enormous.” ]

chapter twenty seven : the apostate (6.0k words)

[ Silence.

That’s all there is in his brain. 

It’s hard enough as is for him to hear. It doesn’t help when he’s been beaten half to death. ]

✩ chapter twenty eight : a place for us (8.4k words)

[ You’d spent the better half of the day trying to get on top of him. 

Every time you managed to get close he’d simply set you down on the nearest surface with a kiss on the cheek and go back to doing whatever he was working on. ]

chapter twenty nine : the best kept secret (epilogue) (6.1k words)

[ The morning sun is warm against your face, you bask in it, unmoving and only half awake until you feel a tiny hand slapping your cheek. The illusion of tranquility is immediately shattered as you softly laugh. ]

[lesbiansforboromir]

What are your thoughts on how they portrayed Fréaláf in War of the Rohirrim? I have questions about the backstory behind this exceptionally well put together guy who doesn't look quite like he matches the rest of the population of Rohan and goes by a matronymic surname. Did Hild marry a Gondorian Prince or noble, or perhaps did she marry abDunlending as part of a peace treaty and then fled back to Meduseld to raise her son when it fell apart. I love him but I want to know more about the decisions they made about his character.

NOW it's kind of funny because up until this ask my brain had just assumed it was declared somewhere that they had given Frealaf a gondorian father. But I actually cannot think of a particular instance where it is anything but implied... STILL I am fairly sure that was the intention.

His knowledge of the haradrim is probably the clearest nod to me, but there are all the wretched themactic implications they give him too. Like he's 'peaceable', softly spoken, he does not 'love war' 😒, he's basically a film-faramir copy-paste, except that he does display some prowess in combat and when he leads a charge of horsemen it's not at a brick wall. It IS down that goddamn horse-killing hill they love so much but we all have to suspend our horse logic for Tolkien media, it is known. So actually it's a little more book!faramir, Frealaf even gets his own watered down 'think better of me father' moment with Helm too, "my sword is yours if you ask for it 😔 it's so hard to be the most correct person in the room 😔 but I'm so noble and modest about it-" I have to stop being mean, he's nice I did like him.

ALSO it would line up with film!Helm's attempt to marry his daughter off to a Gondorian prince if he also married his sister off to a gondorian prince, and she was so '''safe''' and '''protected''' there as to encourage him to do it again.

Another reason I think he's supposed to be part Gondorian is because he takes the place of Gondor by the end of the film. In book-canon it's actually Beregond who breaks the siege on Helms Deep, whilst Frealaf is retaking Edoras. There is a significant amount of time where he and Beregond are working together to win what was almost a lost war in the rest of Rohan. BUT GONDOR JUST DOESN'T GO TO WAR EVER APPARENTLY SO HAHA WE CAN FORGET ABOUT THAT <3 uvu ... No actually this might be one of the only changes the film makes which I like, it is way more impactful and important for Frealaf to have this final victory. Kind of a no-brainer. BUT THE POINT IS it would be sort of a cohesive nod to book-canon for Frealaf to be part gondorian when he's taking gondor's place in thee narrative, if you see what I mean.

In terms of the matrilineal name usage, I do not particularly agree with it's being a term used for him pre-kingship. Like the reason he is remembered as "Hildsson" in the annuls of history is to define him as the beginning of the second line of rohir kings, ie not Helm's son, which would be a completely superfluous thing to do before all Helm's heirs have died. Honestly I still can't quite believe how absent Hild was in this supposedly feminist interpretation of this story, she is by far the character I want to hear from the most out of any of them. BUT YEAH LIKE, I guess within the narrative it's a useful way to convey information to the viewer and I should not be so grumpy about it.

The questions I have about Frealaf and his history that I most want answered are; Is his mother dead or just still living in Gondor? When did Frealaf come back to Rohan? WHY did he come to Rohan, was it a sense of duty? Belonging? What does his father think? Is his Father still alive? Or did both his father AND mother die for him to be fostered by Helm at a young age? I dont think so, since Frealaf is familiar with Gondorian military information (haradrim and so forth) so it feels like he is more familiar with Gondor in an adult capacity. But I do feel like his father is not alive? IDK!!

Later on Prince Thengel, Theoden's father, will run away from home and be fostered in Gondor because his father's a monster, and then marry a Gondorian noblewoman. But that is not for a very long time. So, depending upon how you read the historical relations between Gondorian and Rohir nobility, Frealaf's parentage could be exceedingly unique for the timeframe, and he would likely be oft compared to Eldacar in Gondor (King whose non-dunedain mother caused a civil war in Gondor incited by eugenicist outrage). So like!! Frealaf could have a lot of complex experiences and emotions surrounding his family, his sense of self, of who he is, of his attachment to one land or another. Like it was probably particularly painful for Frealaf to hear Helm tell him he was no kin of his, when the lingering dunadain supremacists in Gondor might have made him feel just as outcast there.

I hope there was a satisfying answer for you in there somewhere! :)

[vilandel]

Bedroom Birthday

Summary For the first time since his mother died, Nozel Silva finally got a real happy birthday...

A/N And another oneshot I once wrote for Nozels birthday, this one from two years ago 💜 Nothing much, just the Silva siblings being a proper family, along with Vanessa, Zora and Asta 💘 (I'm sorry that there is no Rosette, but back in 2022, I was just starting creating her, so... But trust me, she would have given Nozel some great gift)

Ao3 link

♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣

Due to the snow that wouldn’t stop falling since the afternoon, the bells of cathedral sounded like from far, far away. But still, Nozel could hear very well how many times the bells were ringing.

Twelve times.

Midnight.

The beginning of a new day, even though it was still night. 30th of December.

His birthday.

Nozel sighed. It wasn’t usually a happy day for him. Especially not since the day he lost his mother. He never organized a party for his birthday since, making it just a work day like any other. Oh, he got the nicely fake and flattery congratulations cards from other nobles, not to mention those disgusting marriage proposals. Royals birthdays always seemed like a perfect occasions for noble families to court, trying to marry into one of the three royal houses.

Fuegoleon, Kirsch and his Vermillion aunt always tried to make some birthday party or dinner for him, but he always declined. Nozel remembered what his mother used to do and sadness always filled his soul then. He never really got over his grief and his overwhelming guilt made him believe that he didn’t deserved it.

He really needed to work on his guilt issues… among other things.

But even though there wasn’t any party for his birthday, it never stop his siblings to have presents for him on that day. Nebra, Solid and even Noelle never forgot to get him something for his birthday. Oh, he never asked them, they never gave them to him in person and it never had been something they did together, of course. Nozel still wondered why his siblings would do it in the first place.

But still, at the end of the day, there were always presents on his bed. Although, while Nebra and Noelle actually always seemed to put some thoughts in it, Solids gifts were always rather useless. But all of them were precious to Nozel and it hurt for years, because he considered for so long that he didn’t deserve that kind of kindness.

He never supposed that it would change one day.

But it did. Over the past year and a half, many things happened to change his cold heart, to make him reconsider, to openly accept kindness others were ready to give him.

And one of those reasons was in his arms in this very moment.

“Happy Birthday,” Vanessa whispered, kissing him softly at the corner of his lips.

Nozel didn’t reply. He just closed his eyes and allowed himself a soft smile, savouring her presence, her touch, her hold… all of her.

He never excepted to fall in love. Especially with a person out of his circles. Even more that they came together in not a kinda classical way.

But love was something that doesn’t come in a logic way and it’s not something anyone can decide according to a plan.

They bonded over occasional talks, that came deeper over time. Something grow between them, deeper feelings than just friendship… and now, here they were. Together, in love, already having faced difficulties and hardships, ready to face others that surely would come.

Their relationship was now public knowledge and many nobles of course refused to accept that a prince would rather choose a Black Bull witch over many of the eligible noble candidates.

“You did promise me that you won’t spend your birthday brooding, like the other years, don’t forget.”

“It’s not like you gave me a choice.”

Vanessa laughed, her voice filling his bedroom with a joy he haven’t known for years.

She had been quite shocked to learn how he used to spent his birthdays. Almost offended even, Vanessa always said that birthdays were one of the most important dates and she refused to let him continue to be sad to every 30th of December. Not on her watch, she had said.

Since dating Vanessa, Nozel knew it was pretty useless to say no to a witch. And he loved her too much to continue to feel he didn’t deserved it. Vanessa helped him to finally start to forgive himself. Nozel was still cautious with that and it was still a work in progress, but Vanessa was always there to help him.

He had no idea what she prepared for his birthday. He hoped that it was at least not something crazy, knowing Vanessa. But Nozel knew one thing. This birthday wouldn’t be sad and filled with guilt. To be honest, deep down, Nozel was also done spending his birthdays like he used too. In the end, it was draining and not only made him unhappy, but also people he cared about. He needed time to admit it, but he had enough.

“It feels really nice to be first one wishing you a happy birthday, honey,” Vanessa giggled, cuddling against him. Nozel sighed, holding her closer to him, diving his face into the soft curls of her hair.

How strange it was, giving his siblings a hug still felt awkward, not wrong, but awkward and still trying. But with Vanessa it just felt so natural, it fascinated him.

“Thank you.”

“What for, honey?”

“For… being there. Not just today, but… in general. I mean… for helping me, for giving me hope. I don’t know if I can put everything in words.”

“You don’t need to. And thank you as well, because you do the exact thing to me. We carry each other, after all.”

Nozel wondered sometimes how he, of all people, carried the most joyful and loving woman he knew. He knew about her tragic past and he did his best to help her cope with it. If he did fine, that was another question.

“You should try to get some sleep, for now,” Vanessa said in a smile, lying down on the mattress, pulling him with her.

“Did you organized something crazy for the day?”

“Oh no, don’t worry. Although… for you Silvas, it doesn’t need much for something to be considered crazy.”

Nozel scoffed. It was a simplistic way to put it, but she wasn’t wrong.

Still, he closed his eyes and hold his beloved tightly against him. He felt her warm breath against his skin.

Vanessa was by far one of the greatest gifts he ever got in his life.

He felt her shifting a bit in his arms, only to hear her whisper in his ear., “You are loved, Nozel. Never forget that.”

When she was saying it, it was so easy to believe.

♣♣♣

“Alright, little Eagle, time to wake up.”

Nozel still kept his eyes shut, mostly to tease her. He didn’t often had the occasion to tease Vanessa and sometimes it was just a too perfect opportunity to miss.

Not to mention that it always made Vanessa laugh.

She indeed she giggled, before actually climbing on him to shake him even more.

“Come on, birthday child, let’s not making them wait-“

Vanessa squealed as Nozel suddenly pulled her down to him, kissing her passionately. He was so used by now to first kiss her when he woke up.

“Good morning,” he said after they parted, finally opening his eyes.

“My, you just can’t wake up properly without a kiss. That’s almost naughty, honey.”

She lied on him, giggling, before she stood up. For some reason, she turned around, almost dancing. Her nightgown float and turned around her with every step, looking almost like a giant white rose. It suited her.

Vanessa usually never wore and even own any nightgowns, preferring to sleep either naked or in her underwear. Which pretty much startled Nozel at the beginning of their relationship.

But that nightgown here, she loved it and that meant so much for Nozel. Because this nightgown once belonged to his mother. It was one of the few things from his mother he kept, unable to throw it away. There was an entire box of his mother’s belongings in his closet and he only recently started to use some of those.

His mother loved that nightgown, even though it had been a bit too big for her. And that she stumbled more than usual when she was wearing it, due to the layers. But it was Aciers favourite nightgown and like every memory he had of his mother, he cherished those bonded to this piece of clothing.

Nebra and Noelle never wanted it, it wasn’t their type of nightgown. But after years in the box, Nozel decided that he couldn’t just let it in there. He wanted that this nightgown was used again, binding new memories with the old ones. And so, Nozel decided one day to give it to Vanessa as a gift.

Despite how hard it was to let go of something that belonged to his mother, he never regretted that decision. Vanessa loved that nightgown, it even fit her perfectly and she took special care of it. He told her that it came from his mother and it meant so much to Vanessa that he gifted her something like this.

“Honey, you look dreamy again. Am I really so breathetaking wearing an old nightgown?”

“I’m sorry. It just looks… indeed breathetaking on you.”

“Thank you, handsome. Well, I don’t mind if you’ll look at me like that for the day, but other people are waiting outside, for your special day.”

She laughed again and went to open the door.

“Vanessa, I REALLY hope you weren’t joking when you said it was okay to come in MY brothers bedroom on his birthday in pyjamas!”

“Sweetie, what you’re wearing is a nightgown, not a pyjama.”

“Details, I’m still wearing sleep clothes. Ah, Nozel, why are shirtless? Don’t answer, please!”

Nozel had no idea if he should be surprised or not. Well, it was a sight he never saw before; his siblings and his sisters boyfriends in his bedroom, only wearing their sleep clothes.

Noelle and Nebra were in elegant nightgowns with simple spaghetti straps, although it irritated Nozel that Nebra’s nightgown was maybe a bit too short. Noelle’s had the perfect length, stopping right at her ankles. As for Solid, Nozel still debated with himself if he should tell his brother or not how ridiculous he looked in those chequered flannel pyjamas. Well, at least Solid was wearing pyjamas, Asta and Zora just had some shorts and big shirts. Were those the kind of clothes peasants usually slept with?

Well, he wouldn’t criticize. First off, Nozel usually slept with only his pyjama pants on, preferring his bare chest for the top. And second, he already made so many efforts to accept and even appreciate the men Noelle and Nebra chose to grow old with. He would never throw those efforts away.

Nozel looked at Vanessa, who was giggling, apparently happy with this surprise. Of course this was her idea. Neither his siblings nor Asta and Zora would have come up with something like that. And he couldn’t help but love her more for this idea.

“It wasn’t our idea to appear like this in your bedroom, brother,” Nebra said, trying to hide her blush while she put something on his desk. “It was Vanessa’s, of course and she wouldn’t let us in peace until we accept it. And sorry that the peasants show up like… that. Noelle and I tried to clothe them in some acceptable pyjamas, but they just refused to listen to reason.”

“Don’t complain, your Highness,” Zora immediately fought back, of course. “At least, what we’re wearing is better than the clown outfit your lil’ bro is wearing right now.”

“It’s a pyjama, made on the finest flannel in the kingdom,” Solid replied weakly, while looking down unsure at the blue and cream chequered fabric.

“Still a clown outfit. And the other bro doesn’t even have a pyjama top.”

“I prefer to sleep like that,” Nozel just said. He wasn’t even upset at the remark.

Not to mention that Vanessa loved that he slept shirtless.

“Really? That is cool, sir! If I knew, I would have come bare chested too!”

“Don’t be so loud, Asta. And don’t you dare taking your shirt off! One is enough, I can’t handle more! Um, no offense, Nozel.”

“None taken, Noelle.”

Nozel smiled. Honestly, it was already such a great gift that he had finally a proper sibling relationship with Noelle. With Nebra and Solid as well. Not to mention that his siblings were also on much more better terms with each other. There were still some awkward moments, especially with Solid, but less sad than just ridiculous. Nozel could live with that.

Should he also consider as a gift that he was getting along quite well with Asta and Zora? And that those two and Vanessa were now on good terms with each of his siblings? He probably should and he was.

“Thank you,” he whispered, holding Vanessa closer to him by the waist.

“You’re welcome, birthday boy,” she replied, putting a peck on his cheek.

“Ugh, gross.”

“Shut up, Solid!”

Nozel couldn’t help but chuckle. Even though Noelle still get flustered and Nebra rolled her eyes when they saw Vanessa kissing him in front of people, even if it was just once in a while, they would always get a Solid when he dared to say gross to the very same thing. Or when Asta and Zora happened to be affectionate in public, which was strangely rarer than for Nozel and Vanessa.

“With what should we start? Cake or presents?” Asta asked and it was only then Nozel saw the… package in his hands. He didn’t know how this was supposed to be a birthday present, it looked like nothing he knew, was wrapped in some brown paper and the rest of old newspaper and the ribbon was… a bit of rope?

But Asta looked so proud of his package and knowing him, Nozel was certain that he didn’t had any ill-mannered intentions. Not Asta.

“We wish him a happy birthday, of course, idiot!” Noelle scolded her boyfriend, before looking like she just realized something. Nebra and Solid as well.

“Happy birthday, big brother!”

All three spoke at the same time, before eyeing each other vaguely irritated. Nozel just looked at his siblings, touched and surprised at the same time. Vanessa giggled, Zora snickered and Asta just looked at the three younger Silva siblings back and forth, trying to understand something.

“I obviously said it first,” all three said, again at the same time. Vanessa now took a pillow to muffle her laugh.

“It’s difficult to say, your royal highnesses,” Zora snickered, clearly enjoying the situation. “It took me so much concentration to recognize each voice that I couldn’t tell which one was the first to be heard.”

“That’s mean, Zor,” Vanessa said, only to muffle her laugh again in the pillow.

“It’s fine. I… like that you said it altogether.”

What was wrong with him today? Or rather, what was the matter with him today? Whatever it was, it just didn’t feel wrong to Nozel.

Noelle, Nebra and Solid just looked at him, clearly flustered. Nozel hoped that he hadn’t embarrass them too much.

Asta looked like he was more than happy with what just happened, Zora snickered but somehow softer and Vanessa just gave Nozel her gorgeous smile. Seeing her smiling, Nozel swore that time just stopped for a moment.

“Okay, you know what, let’s start with the presents, because some people in this room are just too impatient to finally give them to Nozel already,” Nebra finally said, flicking her hand. A clear indicator how flustered she was.

“You more than anyone, my royal, glorious and annoying girlfriend, you just couldn’t stop talking about it for weeks” Zora snickered, before turning towards Nozel. “Captain Braids, you better gonna love what your sis got you, because who’s going to endure the complaints if you don’t? Dear old me.”

“Don’t go all dramatic, Zor. Nozel loved his birthday presents every year, there is no reason he won’t love it today.”

“He did?” Noelle asked, looking all excited, relieved and grateful.

“Geez, Nozel, you’re really serious with her,” Nebra said, trying to make it sound like a complain, but it sounded more like gentle teasing. “You showed her our flower garden, you gifted her mother’s favourite nightgown and she’s wearing it right now, she already knows that you loved the past birthday presents and she organized this crazy bedroom birthday party. Seriously, when are you going to propose?”

“We’re not there yet,” Nozel replied, deeply flustered and he could see that Vanessa was also blushing.

“Yeah, let’s take time with that matter,” Noelle said, also blushing, before actually gave Nozel her present. “For you, big brother. I hope you like it.”

Nozel just nodded, unable to put his thanks into words. It was so foreign to open his presents in front of his siblings. But it shouldn’t be. This was something he finally came to understand and today, he’d rather get over his stupid embarrassment than going back on that lonely road.

He still opened the present slowly. Still because he was flustered or rather because the savouring the joy a bit longer? Nozel honestly couldn’t tell.

Noelles present was a volume of one of their favourite poets. Poetry was one of the first topics he could discuss freely with his sisters without feeling awkward, so the gift was especially meaningful to him. And looking at the volume, it seemed that it contained all of his favourite poems of this specific poet.

“I… thank you, Noelle,” Nozel just said, putting the volume softly on his bed, like it was one of the most precious treasures. Well, it was for him.

“You’re welcome, Nozel,” Noelle replied, shyly but visibly happy.

“Please, open my next!” Asta screamed excitedly, putting his package into Nozels hands.

It took some time to pull the rope away and to get rid of the thick paper, but Vanessas and Zoras help, Nozel managed finally to open it.

Astas gift was… quite something. Some kind of ugly, purple bird figurine, although it wasn’t clear if it was an eagle or a vulture. When you pushed on the head, the figurine spread the wings(?) let go a strange bird-like noise, that only stopped when you pushed the beak.

“It’s so cool, right? I tried to find it in silver, but there wasn’t any and thought purple would be fine too. And it can move the wings too, maybe we can make it fly with some mana!” Asta exclaimed. He seemed so genuinely happy about his present that Nozel couldn’t help but find it touching. Although he wouldn’t say that out loud. Yet.

“That’s not how it works, dumbass.”

“Zora’s right, so let’s not risk to destroy one of my brother’s birthday gift today already,” Nebra said while rolling her eyes, before handing to Nozel her own present. “There you go and you better be happy about it, since I give it to you in person for the first time.”

She was clearly flustered. Nozel just smiled as he opened her gift, which was far easier to achieve than with Astas package.

He was quite surprised and even happy when he hold a volume with the complete novels of Janet Ausen, one of their mothers favourite authors.

Solid took a glance and of course, immediately made a face. “Aren’t those romance novels?”

Zora immediately snickered again, “Uh, nice leverage. Who would have thought captain braids has a thing for romance stories?”

“Good romance novels, if you please,” Nebra protested. “Janet Ausen was an amazing writer and just so you know, she was our mother’s favourite author.”

“Okay, I take it back. My bad, little Miss Royal.”

“Well, my darling peasant, how about you stop being so smug and reveal your present now?”

Which was an eagle plushie. A big one even.

Nozel suspected that Zora meant it like a joke, given the way Vanessa, Noelle and especially Nebra glared at him. But Nozel wasn’t offended. He didn’t wanted to, anyway, it would be draining and the joy of having his siblings, his girlfriend and even his two future brothers-in-law with him today was too big.

Besides, that eagle plushie reminded him somehow of the one his mother gifted him one day, when he was still a little boy…

Solids gift was, of course, something completely random and useless, like every year. This time, it was some kind of rubber duck with a crown, with a spoon added at the end.

Nozel took his best efforts to not laugh. But honestly, he had no idea what was even exactly funnier. The fact that it was such a ridiculous gift or the fact that he wasn’t only used to Solids questionable present attempts, but was also really touched by it.

Vanessa took a pillow again to hide her laugh, while Zora of course didn’t hold back his own. Nebra and Noelle just took a look at the rubber duck before apparently starting to scold Solid and making him a lesson how to choose a proper birthday gift. Asta was the only one present who actually seemed to like that silly duck.

But Nozel didn’t focused much on that ridiculous birthday gift anyway. He didn’t show it, but he had been waiting to open Vanessas gift since he woke up. Which wasn’t since too long ago, granted. But it was the first birthday gift Vanessa had for him and that fact alone really made it special.

“Wait… it’s that a blanket?”

“A huge blanket.”

“But why? Nozel already has so many blankets, he doesn’t need another one.”

“Shut up, Solid, that is not a nice thing to say!”

Noelles, Astas, Solids and Nebras voices were just mixed up in a chaotic discussion, while Zora laughed smugly over their antics.

Nozel just shake his head. Weren’t all of them supposed to be grown adults? And today, he somehow didn’t mind it. Maybe such silly, light moments were was the Silvas lacked and needed. He was sure his mother would have loved it…

“It’s a cuddly blanket,” Vanessa giggled, interrupting the discussion.

“A cuddly blanket?”

“Yep, and it’s so big because I made it for two persons. Just look.”

Vanessa took the silver and burgundy fabric from Nozels hands and draped it around the two of them. It was really fluffy and warm, but Nozel couldn’t tell if it was the blanket itself or more Vanessa, who made him blush and his heart race so easily.

“Thank you, Vanessa. I… I really love it.”

“Well, you’re welcome, honey.”

Without letting go of the blanket, Vanessa turned in Nozels arms and gave him a soft kiss on the lips.

“Ugh, gross.”

“Shut up, Solid!”

“Oh my, the prince and the witch are getting naughty.”

“What do you mean, Zora? They’re just loving with each other.”

Vanessa broke the slowly, so that Nozel could still savour the lingering of her lips on his.

“So, until now, do you like it, handsome?” she whispered, so that he was the only one to hear her.

“Yes.”

Vanessa smiled, before turning around and clap her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Okay, people, he opened all the presents and now it’s time for cake.”

Nozel smiled. He just felt so happy, like he never did for years on his birthday. Honestly, he would love to have something blissful like that again next year. All seven of them together, so casually and genuinely happy.

They started eating the cake and ended up spending the whole day in his room.

[cowboypossume]

the swing and cinderella 2015

ok hi :3. i got a hyperfixation in art history last year because i had a rough go of it teacher wise and had to basically teach myself and entire ap course! yippie!! (i did have a lot of fun but AH). so i'm going to take what i loosely remember from that class (alongside being an aide for it this year). and ive had a specail interest in cinderelaa 2015 sense 2015. so we get to put these ideas together into that one scene in one of the best live action cinderella.

in art history i learned this painting.

the swing.

i saw a post calling out disney for always using it, and if i find it i'll credit it here, but in Cinderella 2015, I think it's actually referenced to quite well.

Before i get into how, a brief context on some of the themes in this painting (we think. this is art history and almost everyone is dead so what can't ask if this was how they intended it or pretentious people reading too much into things):

a woman in a vivid pink dress is married and is having an affair

pink pink dress + floofy skirt + swing = wealth and class (historical context)

husband is kinda hidden and affiar is "brought to light"

the swing is breaking so maybe marital troubles? finical stress? both?

ankle exposed = sexual

she's looking at not the husband so odds are she doesnt like him that much. especially because she's doing this in FRONT OF HIM

but disney takes this idea and flips it in a way that really works for these characters.

if you want to watch the scene here you go

(sorry for the quality i am eepy and not gonna find better photos)

"I've never shown this place to anyone." "A secrete garden? Oh I love it."

instead of like a 'secrete' affair the original painting is trying to show, there's more of an innocent wonder to it in the movie. this is the price's space. his. in choosing to let her in and let her see this, he's choosing to show cinderella parts of himself so maybe he'll get something from her, like a name even.

he shows her his space, and she reciprocates by looking back and forth between him and the space saying "i love it." because she loves him!! and he loves her, and they're figuring out what that means.

which is why the eye contact here is so important here and the painting. because it's showing who she (the subject) chooses, and in this moment, cinderella chooses the prince.

"I shouldn't" "You should" [it repeats for a bit] "I shouldn't." "You should." "... I will :)"

look at her little smileeeeee. you kind of see this in the painting, but here it feel so much more genuine. she is choosing to get on the swing. she is choosing him and his lifestyle, the wealth, the support (literally. that swing is not going ANYWHERE) which is so much different than what she has, that it takes a second of reassurance that she's not a burden for wanting this nice things.

she looks at him !!! "may i?" "please"

sidugf6ewfguAGDUIOS

they're literally infatuated with each other are you kidding me. look at how dgew6g6qud adg6ew7udhjawosdk'sl

this isn't something she's ashamed of or trying to hide. he is taking up more of the screen than her (unlike the painting) and you can tell she doesn't mind

also. he asks for consent. he doesn't assume it's his right to push her or support her or anything; he wants this to be as much her choice as his, and with the 'please', it is. so he does.

the camera changes showing that he is The Pusher

if we were back in the painting it's meant to show that the husband is kind of clueless. some might argue that in this scene he really doesn't know much about her, so that's why the shadow is next to her, and i will!!

he's going into this kinda blind, hoping to learn about her, but in this moment he doesn't.

the shoe falls!!

so the movie is shot here to more focus on the emotional beats of their faces, so this is the best we're gonna get to get my point across. this part helps to do three things.

the first is kinda a "duh": its cinderella so obviously a shoe's gotta fall or something (an ipod) is gonna fall. secondly, the shoe is flying in the original painting, which is an ohmage to what this is referencing my most favorite though: we get a transition!!!! he's established that he likes her, she's shown interest by making eye contact with him and giggling, so now he's taking a dramatic step. he's going to try to have a relationship with her.

it's small, and they have a cute little banter, but then The Moment comes to make his move and...

[there's not a good screencap you have to just trust me]

"wont you tell me who you really are"

GAH I JUST DSAIFGERWDG they SO could have made this a wink wink sexual thing (that's literally the painting) but like! they didn't!!! she swings towards him, kinda laughs and blushes, and when there's a pause that almost any other media would have!

its all the right beats and all the right pauses, but instead he wants to know her. he doesn't want to rush ahead, as we saw with the idea that pushing the swing and putting on the shoe requires moments of pause and a "is this ok?", kissing would be too much. it's too soon. not without some kind of opening up first on her end. so i think that's part of the editing of this scene.

he's NOT the guy "ruining a marriage" or having a casual affair with a married woman. he's a man of honor trying to become at least freindly with a woman he likes

AND THEN HEENDS THE SCENE BY ON THE SWING DEGW67GD78shn

he sees them as equals and he's smiling !!!! he got something !! it makes no sense but he knows a little more now

[desolateddreamur]

Dear Diary

Stan x reader

Story: Stan goes through your diary

Female reader!

Requested? No!

TW: Death, illness and the fact it made me cry a little at the end

Fun fact: on the speech to text entries, I actually used speech to text over my phone and then just added the name thing at the end.

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•

10/25

Dear Diary,                                                  

Mom wants me to start a diary since Im in a new town. So I'll introduce myself.

My name is Y/n Heeler and I moved to South Park at the age of 9 from my home in Alaska after my dad. Mom also came to the realization that she liked girls so we moved to a more accepting place.

I met a really nice boy named Clyde when I got lost and met his friends. They showed me around and told me about how weird the town actually is.

I think I saw a boy in an orange jacket die. There was a guy in a green hat and two in red coats (one was fat as hell) standing near him.

The one in the beanie with the puff ball is cute...

Mom said I shouldn't be friends with his group because of how strange it is. But I like them. They're quite charming!

- Y/n

11/01

Dear Diary,                                                

I met my classmates. It's the boys I saw and the ones I met! Along with a lot of others. The guy in the puff ball beanie is named Stan. But he's with a girl named Wendy so I guess being friends is the better shot?

She's really nice, but immediately seemed to not like me when I said Stan was cute. That's how I found out they were dating. I told her I wouldn't do anything to get between them.

She seemed to like hearing that and calmed down.

Fatboy asked if I spoke English because I was Alaskan during lunch. Probably because I didn't talk during class at all.

Mom said she'd talk to his guardian.

Next thing I know she has a date planned with his mom. It really pisses me off!!

- Y/n

Stan snorts. He looked back to how much arguing occurred before Liane and Miranda got married. It was even worse when Cartman and Y/n had to start living in the same house. Then came the chaos of being step-siblings... That was a fucking nightmare.

He skipped a few pages til he came up on a date he remembered clearly.

3/16

Dear Diary,                                                    

Wendy broke up with Stan.

I saw him stumbling around the street drunk so I went to help.

He said Wendy never helped him when he drank his sadness away. I asked if there's anything I can do and he asked if he could spend the night at my place and I tell him a bedtime story.

Good thing Mom was on a several day long date with Liane. I said yes and took him home.

I wish he had someone who took time to care for him. I wish it was me...

I told him the story my mom always would when I couldn't sleep. It's the story of two princesses that fall in love.

The prince never came to rescue one so his princess sister came to her rescue instead.

She saves the locked away princess and they fall in love because unlike him, she took action.

He seemed to like the story and fell asleep.

I think I'll tell him that he can stay for the next few days if he'd prefer to be monitored and have space. Just so he doesn't get into fights with his friends or drinks again.

- Y/n

He gave a soft smile, remembering that night. It was embarrassing, sure, but he had a great time when he spent the next few days there.

"And so, princess Penelope and princess Autumn lived happily ever after. The end."

The girl smiled down to the half-asleep Stan. He mumbled a "Love you so much..." That she didn't catch before falling asleep completely.

He flipped a few years further, passing the fifth grade pages, moving into the seventh grade.

3/20

Dear Diary,                                                    

I feel funny whenever I'm with Stan.. Mom says I'm in love. I think she's right. He's been on and off with Wendy so I might have a chance... I hope I do.

I think I'll try to hit on Stan tomorrow. Make it real subtle so if Stan does like me he'll catch on and Wendy won't.

School has been rough as ever, what with how I'm in several clubs. Chess, soccer, art, and year book. It's really overwhelming but I have to make dad proud. I miss him.

His deathiversary is coming up next week. I'll probably get him his favorite flowers. If South Park even has lilies of the valley.

I'll check over the weekend. Maybe take Clyde with me so we can hang out afterwards.

Wish me luck with Stan, diary!

- Y/n

He fondly sighs. She really struck him with her devotion that day.

"Nobody gets me like you do, Stanley... You wanna just call in sick tomorrow to hang out? Cartman is out of town and our mothers are on vacation.."

She leaned her head on Stan's shoulder and closed her eyes. It was a move she did often but after what she said the gesture held so much more meaning.

4/05

Dear Diary,                                                   

I don't feel good. I feel sick.

I can't walk, I can't get up, I can't stand, I can hardly breathe and I'm having a hard time talking and writing. I'm scared. I'm really, really scared.

I don't know what I have. We're getting me checked to tomorrow. Cartman is actually worried for me.

It's surprising how much compassion he really has. I have to stop writing now.

He eyed the pages and how the next one wasn't hand written. It was a printed sheet of paper with text taped to the page.

April 17th Dear diary I can't believe what I was diagnosed with apparently I have Duchenne muscular dystrophy I'm scared it'll kill me and I don't want to die I'm only 12 I want to tell Stan I love him but I don't have the energy to call him I hardly have the energy to even speak that's what I'm doing this I'm using voice to text to put in my next entry I wish I had a better chance at life I'll never get to graduate high school or go to college or get married or have a family I hope they just treat me like a dog and put me down out of my misery signed Y/n

He released a shaky breath. She didn't show up to school that day. She didn't show up to school ever again after that either. He skipped quickly to the final entry which was only a few pages off- about two years later.

July 22nd dear diary I think this is my last few days the doctor only said I have 2 weeks left to live I want to tell Stan I love him but I still can't form anymore words I'm scared hardly even speak to write this entry for Stan I leave my diary to tell him how I feel Shelly I leave my phone Kyle I leave all of my books and all of my art supplies for Ike for Kenny I leave my bank account and my piggy bank and all of the money I have hiding in my room to Cartman I leave my room itself and all the stuffed animals in it to Liane I leave all of my college credit that I have that I have gained throughout the years and that you can use it to get a truly stable job of yourself just make sure to change it to be under your name instead of mine and to my mother I leave with an I love you and that I will be with Dad I know that he is proud of us and he is proud of you and Liane I'm going to miss you all but I know I have to be brave signed Y/n

Stan, on his bed, broke into loud sobs and weeps. Tears streamed down his face as he closed the sparkly f/c diary and clutched it to his chest. He cried and cried, the sound of his sorrow the only sound in the house.

Shelly, now no longer bearing headgear for her beautiful smile, slowly opened the door and made her way over, promptly sitting beside him. He flinched at her proximity, expecting to be hit for being too loud. But he wasn't. She simply gave him a tight hug.

The ravenette tensed in confusion before relaxing and leaning into the hold of his older sister, ignorant of the wet droplets from her face that fell onto his head as she held him tightly. She lost just as much of a friend as he did.

And though she made no noise, she cried as hard as her brother. Long into the night, far into the morning.

Up in the clouds, a h/c man with enormous wings and h/c teen with cupid-sized wings were cuddled together, watching over Stan and Miranda as they spoke fondly to one another.

Even if you lose someone you love, you must always know that they loved you just as much as you did and that they will always, always be protecting you, whether or not they are there in spirit or in new form.

[aestheticaxolotl]

WORST TIME FOR ME TO ASK BECAUSE THE POST IS TWO YEARS OLD BUT ,, ໒꒰ྀི ∩ ⸝⸝ ∩ ꒱ྀིა you should totally finish ur dashivy headcanons!! haven't looked at the carmen sandiego for so long but i remember being the biggest dashivy enthusiast :(( + used to have a fic for them on my deleted acc

Bro you are so right- I'll do that right now actually

So Dash and Ivy, Dash is an on-the-run criminal and Ivy is the ACME golden girl. This shouldn't work but it kinda does.

For the longest time after their meeting in the watch store, ivy makes it her GOAL to catch the dapper hatter. And Dash makes it his goal to try and get her to date him

They literally have had 'dates' across the world, Paris, Germany, London, and all those good tasty places

More often than not they kinda call it quits at the climax of every battle and go get coffee or tea or something like that.

This ends in them just chatting and getting to know each other on a personal level. It's nice, and lots of people mistake them for a couple. Ivy hates this more often than not until one day she's just like-

"Yeah- He's quite the prince charming-"

Dash is shook.

I could not begin to describe HOW they came up with their dynamic, but Dash became the stay-at-home (with an inheritance in his back pocket) and Ivy is the Breadwinner.

If you think Ivy isn't wearing the pants in this relationship, you are wrong.

Ivy works and Dash pays for ALL the expenses. They casually date and live in the same place for like five years.

It's freaking ZACH that asks if they're gonna get married.

Both respond no, they love each other but marriage isn't something that either of them is prioritizing, it's not for them.

They file their taxes (Ivy makes dash file) as domestic partners

It just works

[dwightinshiningarmorfan]

So for Shining Smooch Week last year, I actually planned a full fic to correspond with each of the themes, but I never got around to writing it and I'm not sure if I'm going to find time to do it so uhhh... Here's the outline I had prepared for One Big Happy Family.

Day 1: Yesterday

Dwight and Gretta reminisce on the adventures that everyone forgot, and the adventures that they got to remember.

In the end, Dwight proposes to Gretta

“We are the adventure I want for tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and forever.”

Day 2: Marigold 

The day after their engagement, Dwight and Gretta leave marigold flowers on the base of the Queen Tree.

When they return later, marigolds have sprouted and have a subtle glow.

Day 3: Crown

Dwight and Gretta get married! During the ceremony, Queen Britta walks in and congratulates them both

Queen Britta crowns Queen Gretta and Prince Consort Dwight with marigold wreaths. 

Day 4: Gothic 

Dwight and Gretta move into a different house down the road, leaving the old castle in the capable hands of Baldric and Hexcela.

The house has gotten quite crowded after Baldric and Hexcela had twins [Cordelia & Cassandra].

They quickly find out that the house is haunted

The ghost is a very nice old woman who died of tuberculosis in the 1800s

Dwight gets Gretta to agree that the ghost is welcome to stay and even arrange a room for her. 

Day 5: Heart 

Baldric and Hexcela have told Chlodwig that he has to move out. 

He asks Gretta to stay in her hermit hut, but she informs him that they don’t have a hermit hut and a ghost is sleeping in their guest room.

Chlodwig wanders into the Swine & Slosh Tavern

He tells Jacopo about his plight and Jacopo suggests he rent a room in the upstairs apartment. 

Chlodwig takes him up on his offer and moves in the next day. 

He doesn’t have a bed to start so he and Jacopo have to share.

Chlodwig’s heart beats like crazy all night.

Day 6: Wanderlust 

Chlodwig wanders to the forest the next day to gather the materials to stuff his bed. 

He ends up walking aimlessly for awhile.

As night approaches, Jacopo crashes through the forest and drags Chlodwig back home, grumbling the whole time.

“I know that you have nothing between the ears but at least you should have the sense to be home ah-before dark.”

Chlodwig is touched that he came looking at all

Gretta would have left him to his own devices.

Day 7: Hero

While Hexcela is at work, Baldric is watching the twins.

Cassandra has a minor meltdown and while he is dealing with the temper tantrum, Cordelia wanders out of the house, follow Cordelia POV

Cordelia walks down the road and watches Dwight and Gretta as they are hanging lights on their house. Dwight falls off the ladder and Gretta catches him. They start laughing. 

Cordy giggles and waddles away. She runs into Jacopo a few blocks away and he picks her up and brings her to the tavern.

Jacopo presents the toddler to Chlodwig and tells him to find the “witchy woman” so that he might return her. 

Chlodwig takes Cordy and balances her on his hip with practiced ease and she gives him a big hug. 

Chlodwig pretends to choke and laughs good-naturedly.

Jacopo is staring at the exchange like Chlodwig grew two heads. 

When Chlodwig asks what’s wrong, Jacopo turns red and runs away.

Chlodwig carries Cordy home. They meet Baldric halfway and Baldric is so thankful that she was found by someone safe. 

Baldric and Chlodwig take the girls home. 

That evening, Hexcela returns home and asks Cordy about her adventure. 

While Baldric is blanched in the background and asks how she found out.

“Jacopo and I have tea after work twice a week, darling.”

[yuutheschooltheraphist]

Twst AU Scandal Characters: Leona,GN!Reader,Falena, Cheka, Lilia,Queen Maleficia and Malleus Chapter 1~? Readers background information: *Reader is Yuu Married with Malleus when they were 20 *Reader's last name before marrying malleus was Fairytale but it was originally Verline they changed it from the bad relation with their father *Reader is 22 has an older brother and bad relation with their father and biological mother died when they were 5 *Reader convinced Malleus to have training on Sunset Savanna and was assigned to be cheka's caretaker *They will be taking care of Cheka because reader's father family side has a close friendship with the Kingscholars *The reader's mother's side had a close friendship with the Draconias *Cheka is 10 years old in this time *Malleus still didn't announce that reader and him are married for the reader to be safe *Reader is crowned as the ruler of Briar valley since they have married malleus *Queen maleficia has given the crown that means he is now the king of the Briar valley *We will be explaining by reader's being on reader's POV

Chapter 1:"Leaving the crown with him"

~Queen Maleficia gave my things to me while saying her farewell "Dear please be careful out there and I wish for your safety remember send messages you know my grandson would if you won't send any, Farewell dear" i answered my grandma-in-law "Ofcourse I'll be fine your majesty and I promise to bring surprises" "My world!!" Malleus hugged me tight not wanting to let go "Mal.. I promise I'll be fine " Malleus suddenly spoke "Who knows what will happen to you my love... And Kingscholar is there..! What if he... " "Mal..! Nothing will happen and me and Leona are more rivals dear..and I'm loyal to you " Malleus finally understanding my thoughts and was ready to let me go "then farewell my world.. " he kisses me one last time and I finally left.

Chapter 2:

"Meeting with the Kingscholars"

~I finally have arrived the servants have guide me to the throne room to meet the king himself "Yuu right? " the king has spoken with such bright and strong voice "Yes your majesty.... " "No need for formalities your family and my family have been friends for a long time and you should really meet my younger brother Leona you and him are 4 years apart" his majesty suddenly spoke "I... " I stand beyond shock so shock actually... He introduced his self "I'm Falena the King of Sunset Savanna and may the servants please bring my brother" "Oh no your majesty it's fine for the formalities I'm working under you anyways and no need to bring him..." Until he appeared the one I'll be taking care of... Cheka he is hiding behind Falena's back he seems shy and he looks quite older since I saw him "Oh... Hey Cheka I'll be your new caretaker and also be teaching you about magic" Cheka has gone out to Falena's back to introduce his self "I'm Cheka Kingscholar the crown prince it's nice to meet my new caretaker!" He introduce himself just like his father that's until someone quite familiar walked in "Leona... " I whispered to my self he introduced himself"Leona Kingscholar.... And your..! " his obviously shocked when he saw me it's been a long time... Since I have saw him... My rival... But why was he my rival...?

Chapter 3: "The past between us"

~The first time I've met him was in the Botanical Garden I accidentally stepped on his tail by that time "HEY! " He said angrily since I stepped on his tail by accident that time I was really impressed for how beautiful he is... No way he is the successor of the king of beast fate I was expecting worse... I will not lie he seems like a jerk but times past by, his quite reliable we always hangout together in the Botanical Garden I always rambled many things that happened to me and he listens to me. Leona respect anyone on there way and a feminist I don't see many guys like that he is interesting well he might not care about me but someday maybe I could hope. Cheka his nephew is so sweet but the more time past I can't wait anymore I need to confess to him maybe it's time.. ! The admiration is too much for me I will not lie I kinda relate to him, having an older brother is quite hard since.. You'll always be the second best not the Golden Child but just a silver win prize and every moment we spent alone was special. I've always wanted someone to relate but here he is now but when I confessed.. "I'm sorry.. But I don't like the same you do.. And your just some young 16 year old that is magicless I can't be with you.. you'll ruin my reputation and I don't care that much about you.. " he doesn't care... But I didn't stop I keep showing him my best, affection and even trying to show my worth ... But it was all for nothing.. Maybe I'm just nothing for him...maybe I'm nothing to everyone...."Child of man!" Until he came to notice me more than nothing he was there for me he comforted and loved me for time pass by I didn't continue 4th year and spend my time him heproposed and we got married me and Leona never met again after I confessed we stopped talking after that too and started to rival but I'll guess we will start a new start....

Chapter 4:"We have met again"

~"Your... " He just stand there stuttering "Oh! Brother this is Yuu Solaria Verline! " I coughed at that that stupid last name that his majesty just used on me I changed the last name to fairytale but right now it's Draconia but they can't know that I'm married to Malleus "It's Yuu Solaria Fairytale" I answered sarcastically his majesty seems to have remembered something "OH! I'm sorry!!! You changed your last name to fairytale right.. " his majesty looks really sorry "it's fine your majesty" I smiled at him it was just an accident after all,Anyways... "Leona nice to see you again" "you guys know each other? " Falena asked me "Yes they do!!!" Cheka answered his father I think his remembering the times I use to take care of him since Leona just keep throwing him away "They and Uncle we're friends" Cheka added if he just knew we had a quiet of history "his right your majesty" I agreed with Cheka since I don't want any trouble at all "I... " Leona just there just stuttering by himself. Ugh.. I need to break this tension "Anyways your majesty.. How about Leona give me a tour...? " I asked this place is kinda big I might get lost if I don't know this place "Leona you wouldn't mind right..?" "R-right.. " his still stuttering...? Well it's been 6 years since we saw each other. Well after a few hours of touring around the castle it sure is big but not as big as my husband castle well.. I miss him a bit.. Enough about my husband anyways we we're walking the castle "Herbivore long time no see" he said that with a stern voice is he getting serious about this.. ? "Stop stuttering I see" "Yeah... Just a total shock... I wasn't expecting you" he spoke so stern again why is he getting serious about..? "What are you getting serious about??" I leaned in closer to him mischievously "Uhh!" He seemed shocked he used to be not so jumpy of a guy.. "Leona look let's forget about the past and I already have move on" "Herbivore I.. " "Stop stuttering!! It's time we can get back on rivaling each other!! " "I'm sorry for hurting your feelings" "It's fine.. So... Let's be rivals?""Yes" we shake hands this is the first time in years we finally made up so this is a start of a new beginning...

Chapter 5: "I've missed your touch"

*Malleus POV*

~I've missed them so much... Grandmother has been worried everything is just working as it is.. But without you I can't think straight I just crave for your lovely voice which always wakes me every morning dawn, Your smile which rival the suns flare, Your eyes that sparkles not like any gem, Your scent that lingers around the letters you send every dark of night and, Your touch which I crave the most I missed the moments being by your side whatever you're doing right now I hope for you to come back to my arms and embrace me I crave you because.. Your my spouse, My king/queen, my sun, my moon, my rain, my star and my world, I hope you for your safe return my love. "Your majesty you should really stop worrying about they're highness" Lilia I know your telling me to stop worrying but I can't "Lilia I don't think I can it's been months I miss them I really have a bad feeling about Kingscholar That's right I need to worry about him too.. My world used to love him something might possibly can happen but sadly I'll just need to wait for them to come back.

Chapter 6: "The history of our memories"

~It's been almost 8 months since I stayed here Cheka is very energetic but sometimes skip my tutor... "Cheka!! Where are you?" I suddenly heard murmurs.. Oh it's Cheka And his friend, I should go and get Cheka "Cheka you were here" "Oh Yuu!! I'm sorry I skipped!!" "It's fine I guess but let's go now" Gosh.. He sometimes reminds me of his uncle.. Me and Cheka have lots of memories together I took care of him when Leona and I were on campus I used to remember him asking if I should be his consort ofcourse I denied since I'm quiet older than him he was a cub back then but now his a growing up to be a lion like his father "Yuu remember when I asked you to be my consort?" I was shocked he still remember it "Ofcourse you were so cute back then!! " "Well yeah.. " he was flustered he seemed embarrassed "Yuu your right you are quite older than me to be my consort but won't you give unca Leona a chance?? " I'm shocked I know I didn't tell them I'm married but this is too much to handle! "What made you think of that Cheka? " "Well you used to liked unca Leona back then why not give him a chance??? " "Well I don't anymore.. " " Did something happened??" "Well I don't like your unca Leona anymore I long for someone else" "Who!? " I suddenly felt a bad feeling someone is staring "Let's go Cheka! " we left and I never bring up that conversation ever again.

~To be continue ~

[waitingforwinterwinds]

ASOS; Steel and Snow: 19 TYRION III (pages 254-272)

Tyrion gets new job as Master of Coin while the Council divides their new lands, then Tywin vies for Westeros' Biggest Pile of Trash Disguised as a Father award, while Cersei and Tyrion learn of his plans to marry them off.

-

Tyrion had claimed Pycelle's old place by the foot, propped up by cushions so he could see. (...)The Grand Maester was a shambling skeleton, leaning heavily on a twisted cane and shaking as he walked, a few white hairs sprouting from his long chicken's neck in place of his once-luxuriant white beard. Tyrion gazed at him without remorse.

Good. Now push him down some stairs. A stolen chair is not enough.

Mace Tyrell spoke up. "Is there anything more pointless as a king without a kingdom? No, it's plain, the boy must abandon the riverlands, join his forces to Roose Bolton's once more, and throw all his strength against Moat Cailin. That's what I would do."

yes, well... we have (not so) conflicting reports on your intelligence, so excuse us if we don't rush.

(advance warning: I am Very mean today. I have a headache. get so many, at this point you could call me Rita Repulsa... pfff. Reader Repulsa XD)

... Mace Tyrell and Littelfinger, Shuttheduckup Challenge 2023.

"A Lannister?"Tyrion had a bad feeling about this.

*gasp* we're in a Star Wars!

"- Why should we pay for what he has given us for free? The best thing to do about our lord of Pyke is nothing, in my view. Granted enough time, a better option may well present itself. One that does not require the king to give up half his kingdom." Tyrion watched his father closely. There something he's not saying. He remembered those important letters Lord Tywin had been writing the night Tyrion had demanded Casterly Rock. What was it he said? Some battles are won with swords and spears, others with quills and ravens... He wondered who the "better option" was, and what sort of price he was demanding.

I hate Tywin. I think it might be worse that he's clever enough to shuffle plans like this.

The enmity had waned a bit after Dorne became part of the Seven Kingdoms... until the Dornish prince they called the Red Viper had crippled the young heir of Highgarden in a tourney.

"red viper"? isn't that the Mandalorian one... Oberyn? The one coming for the Seat? Ohhhhhh. >:3c I sense Drama.

The eunuch drew a parchment from his sleeve. "A kraken has been seen off the Fingers. (...) Not a Greyjoy, mind you, a true kraken. (...) Sailors from the Jade Sea report a three-headed dragon has hatched in Qarth, and is the wonder of the city-"

So the three-headed dragon is actually Dany's triplets, obviously, but are we sure 'true kraken' mean an actual tentacle waving, cephalopodal kraken and not, say, Euron. ... !!! Oh no! terrible thought: Euron with a pet kraken.

... Tyrion all like "let's not mutilate men, and send them to the penal colony instead because the folks there aren't completely awful and I said I'd send men," Tywin all like "No, they hurt my feelings, so now they will rue the day."

Tywin's death was so justified.

... Ah, so Petyr told the Lannisters about the Sansa/Willas plot. Do you think he knew that it would start the Sansa/Tyrion ship line? or did he just think they'd flat shut the Tyrells down on that one and keep Sansa nice and toasty for Petyr's convenience? (I just feel like it's a hidden theme, characters like Sam and Sansa being smarter than they give themselves credit for, while men like Petyr and Renly are less clever than they think they are.)

"So long as you remain unwed, you allow Stannis to spread his disgusting slander," Lord Tywin told his daughter. "You must have a new husband in your bed, to father children on you." "Three children is quite sufficient. I am Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, not a brood mare! I am Queen Regent!" "You are my daughter, and will do as I command."

Look. Cersei is a horrible person, but on this one... *Slams the steel chair into Tywin's head so hard his skull cracks like an egg with calcium deficiency.*

Urrgh! That's just like, the Whole Thing, though, isn't it? Cersei is the most powerful woman in the Seven Kingdoms (team Lannister edition) and it's still worthless next to Tywin. It's still not enough for her to be in control of her own life and choices. Cersei is Not a Good Person, but I can see so clearly how she got here, and I feel so sorry for her.

"His Grace the royal pustule has made Sansa's life a misery since the day her father died, and now that she is finally rid of Joffrey you propose to marry her to me. That seems singularly cruel. Even for you, Father." ... "She is no more than a child."

It's nice that you're aware. But I've heard that might not last very long, so I'll savour it while it's here.

Tywin: I keep trying to marry you off, but it turns out every lord in the Seven Kingdoms is as ableist as I am, so forced child bride who has no ability to refuse it is. She even comes with a castle of her own, sort of, so I don't have to give you mine.

"Tywin Lannister." That's a strange way to spell "abusive crapwad." This man is trash. complete trash, and not even the classy kind you're supposed to recycle.

... *bops Tyrion with the steel chair for his reaction about Lollys*

"- And the grandmother was some woman he'd brought back from the east. (...) no one could pronounce her name. -"

Because they were racist and didn't bother trying? Or because their accents garbled the pronunciation so bad she told them to stop trying?

(I actually read a story about a young woman in... a student exchange program I think it was, and she was in... America? One of the English (as the primary language) speaking countries and she took on a localised nickname right away, because she was aware they couldn't pronounce her name correctly, that they'd have trouble with the pronunciation. Except for this one boy, who was convinced he and he alone could pronounce her name correctly, so he harassed her until she told him what her birth name was, and then he confidently proceeded to call her by that instead of the nickname she asked to be called for months. And yes, he was saying her name wrong the entire time, refusing to listen when she said he wasn't and wanted him to use her nickname instead. And like, I know that doesn't sound like it should be all that annoying, people say words with accents all the time and it's either funny or sexy, but it is annoying, trust me. Having your name mispronounced repeatedly and confidently like it's no issue is so freaking frustrating. My irl name isn't even uncommon, I'm from Australia, so you can imagine how bland my name is, it's a generic western name, but I had this teacher once, who was from America, and she had the heaviest twang in her accent, and she would always, always, always stress the first vowel of my name as a hard vowel when it's a lazy vowel. And technically she was using my name, but that is not how you pronounce it and therefore that is not my name!! Stahp!!!)

"- Maegi they called her. (...) Half of Lannisport used to go to her for cures and love potions and the like."

Wonderful, bring even more doubt and concern into the Robb/Jeyne relationship. (Like I have no doubt Robb could have been seduced easily in his medicated and emotionally compromised state and then had his sense of honour drive him to marriage, but I guarantee this line has had a small handful of people go "it was love potions 100%, no other way such a Good Boy like Robb could have done something so silly." Despite the fact the series is all about people making dumb choices with the best intentions.)

... oh right, Tywin committed genocide against entire families and is the reason we had The Rains of Castamere.

[maleyanderecafe]

What do you think about the game "A Tale of Other Worlds and Demons"?

I actually did play this a while ago and it was pretty fun! A Tale of Other Worlds and Demons is kind of like an isekai story except if you had three worlds pushed together. The story is about a girl named Faire who lives in a more medieval world, and meets a steam punk scientist named Astrifer and Leon, from the modern world. Along with the knight Gawain, the four explore the different worlds, and uncover theplot of Lucius, a possessive prince who is hellbent on marrying Faire and destroying the worlds if she does not comply. It's a bit more complicated than that considering the various routes, but they do go to the modern world and go to a renaissance fair (which is actually where I learned about renaissance fairs, go figure) as well as go to the steampunk world while trying to travel through universes.

The artwork in this game is pretty cool, it's done in a fairly painterly style, and as I recall, the backgrounds are fairly different with each other when it goes between worlds, which is pretty neat! I like how when they go to different places, it's watching a small adventure as the four of them bounce off of each other and learn from each other.

Personally I thought it was really interesting and really fun how each character goes through each of the different worlds. The various romances that Faire can have with the other characters are quite nice (from my memory, I think Leon's was pretty interesting) and just seeing the different characters come together and interact is pretty fun to see. The yandere in question is Lucius, since he does basically attempt to get married with Faire, threatening not only her friends but also her world, but as I recall, he also seems to be the type that will hurt Faire and feels more like seeing her as a possession rather than be in love with her than an obsessive type is like. He is the main villain of the game, and a pretty good one.

Like I said though, it's been a while since I played this game, but I do remember it was a good time and very different from other visual novels that I've played.

[frombirkhallwithlove]

So I noticed on your wife’s blog that she mentioned that you also associate Taylor Swift songs with Charles and Camilla so I was wondering which ones you thought are most like them??

Thanks so much for this wonderful and inspiring question! In fact, I think that quite a lot of Taylor songs could actually be written for / about Their Majesties (they most certainly aren't but I think they "pitch perfect"). A couple of months ago, I started a little something I haven't posted anywhere yet but I'm happy to share it here (and please do let me know what you think! 🥰)

Charles & Camilla's love story in quotes from Taylor Swift songs...

"We were both young when I first saw youI close my eyes and the flashback startsI'm standin' there..."

~ Love Story (obviously 🥰)

"And I got a boyfriend, he's older than us. He's in the club doing, I don't know what"

~ Gorgeous (Camilla about Andrew... I mean he IS older then them 😅 and I'm afraid the second part was just like that as well...)

"Walked in expecting you'd be late

But you got here early and you stand and wave

I walk to you

You pull my chair out and help me in

And you don't know how nice that is

But I do

And you throw your head back laughing

Like a little kid

I think it's strange that you think I'm funny, 'cause

He never did

I've been spending the last eight months

Thinking all love ever does

Is break and burn, and end

But on a Wednesday in a cafe

I watched it begin again"

~ Begin Again (because Charles treated her so much better than A. and sadly she hadn't only spent eight months but in fact five years with him at that point 👀)

"And I don't know why

But with you I'd dance in a storm

In my best dress

Fearless"

~ Fearless (for when Camilla found herself in love with the Prince of Wales... )

"But you know what they say, you can't help who you fall for

And you and I fell like an early spring snow

But reality crept in, you said we're too different"

~ I bet you think about me (for when they split (?) in December 1972 and Charles left to join the Navy... I do indeed bet they thought about each other all the time... 🥺)

"It turns out freedom ain't nothin' but missin' you

Wishin' I'd realized what I had when you were mine

I'd go back to December, turn around and make it alright

I go back to December all the time"

~ Back to December (for when Camilla realised that A. wasn't going to change even after their wedding and she might or might not have started to regret going back to him after Charles joined the Navy in December (!!!) of the previous year 💔

"It's nice to have a friend..."

~ obviously 🤭 (for the time they rekindled their friendship after she had married A.)

"And when I felt like I was an old cardigan

Under someone's bed

You put me on and said I was your favorite"

~ Cardigan (because he still managed to make her happy and feel good about herself while A. still treated her... well, the way the did...)

"And when we've had our very last kiss

My last request is

Say you'll remember me

Standing in a nice dress

Staring at the sunset, babe

Red lips and rosy cheeks

Say you'll see me again

Even if it's just in your wildest dreams"

~ Wildest dreams (before he married his first wife 😭)

"She floats down the aisle like a pageant queen

But I know you wish it was me

You wish it was me

Don't you?

Don't say yes, run away now

I'll meet you when you're out of the church at the back door

Don't wait, or say a single vow

You need to hear me out

And they said, "Speak Now""

~ Speak Now (if only I could go on a time traveller and do exactly that on a certain day in July '81)

"You've got a smile that can light up this whole town

I haven't seen it in a while since she brought you down..."

~ You belong with me (... 😔)

"She said "James, get in, let's drive"

Those days turned into nights

Slept next to her, but

I dreamt of you all summer long"

~ Betty (for when he realised he still loved her 😭)

"'Cause there we are again when I loved you so

Back before you lost the one real thing you've ever known

It was rare, I was there, I remember it all too well"

~ All too well (for when they finally got back together ❤️)

"Make sure nobody sees you leave

Hood over your head, keep your eyes down

Tell your friends you're out for a run

You'll be flushed when you return

Take the road less traveled by

Tell yourself you can always stop

What started in beautiful rooms

Ends with meetings in parking lots"

~ Illicit affairs (for obvious reasons, around the late 80s/ early 90s

"Just grab my hand and don't ever drop it

My love

They are the hunters, we are the foxes

And we run

Baby, I know places we won't be found and

They'll be chasing their tails trying to track us down

'Cause I, I know places we can hide"

~ I know places (for back when they could only meet at "safe houses" from a handful of friends 🥺)

"And your secrets end up splashed on the news front page [...]

Another name goes up in lights

You wonder if you'll make it out alive"

~ The Lucky One (for 1993... 😭💔)

"My castle crumbled overnight

I brought a knife to a gunfight

They took the crown, but it's alright

All the liars are calling me one

Nobody's heard from me for months"

~ Call it what you want (for when Camilla more or less had to go into "lockdown" following the "revelations" 😔 Glad they did NOT take the crown, though)

"I've been under scrutiny

You handle it beautifully

All this shit is new to me

I feel the lavender haze creepin' up on me

Surreal, I'm damned if I do give a damn what people say

No deal, the 1950s shit they want from me

I just wanna stay in that lavender haze"

~ Lavender Haze (for the mid-90s)

"'Cause baby, I could build a castle

Out of all the bricks they threw at me

And every day is like a battle

But every night with us is like a dream"

~ New romantics (mid-/late 90s)

"Seems like there's always someone who disapproves

They'll judge it like they know about me and you

And the verdict comes from those with nothing else to do

The jury's out, but my choice is you

So don't you worry your pretty, little mind

People throw rocks at things that shine

And life makes love look hard

The stakes are high, the water's rough

But this love is ours"

~ Ours (for when they finally "went public" from 1999 onwards 🥰❤️

"Romeo, save me, I've been feeling so alone

I keep waiting for you, but you never come

Is this in my head? I don't know what to think

He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring

And said, "Marry me, Juliet

You'll never have to be alone

I love you and that's all I really know

I talked to your dad, go pick out a white dress

It's a love story, baby, just say, "Yes""

~ Love Story, for when he finally asked her and she agreed 😍😍😍😭

"But in your life you'll do things

Greater than dating the boy on the football team

But I didn't know it at fifteen"

~ Fifteen (because I think our darling girl really had no idea that she was going to do MUCH greater things in her life than dating/marrying a certain Cavalry Officer even at 25... and probably not even at 57, when she finally married her Prince 🤭)

"I don't wanna look at anything else now that I saw you

I don't wanna think of anything else now that I thought of you

I've been sleeping so long in a 20-year dark night

And now I see daylight, I only see daylight"

~ Daylight (because she was finally married to the love of her life and slowly but surely began to discover her potential and became more and more confident in her role 🥰)

"Stick with me, I'm your Queen."

~ London Boy (for when destiny fulfilled itself and she did become his Queen... 🥺😭)

"Long live the walls

We crashed through

How the kingdom lights shined

Just for me and you

I was screaming long live

All the magic we made

And bring on all the pretenders

One day we will be remembered"

~ Long Live (because the kingdom lights will shine for them on May 6th 😍😍😍)

[asoulofatlantis]

Its so cute to see Estelle go over from the sibling zone to the realization that she has fallen in love zone. Its a nice and slow transition.

It looks like Joshua has given up here but can you blame him? Estelle had that really loud outburst in the hot spring that I am pretty sure Joshua heard, making it look like he was fooling himself believing that she could ever fall in love with him.

Plus, it is kind of funny to see the situation reversed now XD

But Sanktheim is boring!

How are we saved by the very same man that will be our demise eventually? Well almost our demise... but you get what I mean, right? I mean, he is from Ouroboros and all, but isn't it weid that he helps us? Why let us win this fight against whatever happens with Richard just to get Joshua in that awful position?

Oh hunny, you have no idea what this man is capable off. He can put you through hell with his lies... you and us and the whole Trails-Fandom, for that matter XD

Oh for the love of Aidios... Kloe! Please! Save us from him! If he becomes King of Liberl we are all doomed!

Seriously tho... Liberl would be part of Erebonia or Calvard by now if he would have taken over the throne ^^'

*achem* Excuse her. She is as clueless in seeing the value of Oliver hier, as she is in understanding Joshuas, let alone her own feelings.

So... I will do this the right way in her case: "OH GOD! *squeals in fangirlisch* ITS OLIVER!!! ♥" XD This is how we do it, Estelle!

Moving on...

Yeah... no... ^^' I don't think you are quite there just yet Olivert... XD

Where has that flirty attitude actually gone to? I can not remember him actually flirting with any girl in Calvard. Not seriously enough for me to remember at least. Did Killika actually reign him in somehow despite them not dating? Faszinating.

I do not know what to think about the fact that they force me to watch all those fights ^^'

Once again, that man has learned NOTHING under Cassius. As stupid as Olivert seems to be right now and as useless as his prince title as a bastard may look like, he is a force to be reckoned with and I am pretty sure Cassious would have noticed that immediately. So choosing Olivert also Klaudias future Husband to... uh... weaken her position or something is actually a pretty stupid Idea.

All that aside. Can you imagine Olivert and Kloe getting married? I mean... he would have made a fine King of Liberl and all... but they both would have been so unhappy in this marriage and Olivert would never be happy behind the chains of a crown on his head. So thank the goddess that this nightmare never came to fruiten and instead our dearly beloved debaucherous prince could marry the love of his life instead while Kloe... well Kloe... well at least she didn't get stuck in an unhappy marriage ^^'

You say that but... you have no idea of all the secrets this boy has.

URG! I hate stealth missions. I suck at them so darn badly!

Funny... for me it also feels like its been ages ago XD

The trick is to beat Loewe... uh... I mean the second Colonol *cough cough* as fast as you can. As soon as he is out and stays out, you are good to go.

Its not just that. Dorothy made photos she will very likely publish in an official paper. Olivert has no regard for his reputation OR his god damn safety ^^' Poor Mueller. He has it rough.

That is her, right? The one in that Liberl-Shop we found in Calvard, correct? My... there really are a lot of familiar faces in Kuro, aren't there?

This makes it even weirder that Joshua and Estelle are not among the returning characters in Kai. Thats wrong. Just absolutely wrong!

There is a bit of a hole in tha story. The empty seed would have been Oliverts, if he had attended so there should have been another chair for the Colonel. But everyone is wonder who the seat is for, even tho it made absolut sence that there was an empty seat and that they might have put the dishes there because I can imagine not every stuff-member could have been informed of Olivert not attending.

But... oh well...

[wyrmfedgrave]

Pics: Extra pics & notes from our last posting.

1. A Hollow Earth Maze? Cool!!

2 & 3. Covers of fairy tale collections presenting "Prince Fickle & the Fair Helena."

4 thru 7. Other characters from the Japanese Harem genre.

1st, some gals from the Monster Musume manga.

Then, 3 single portraits of more monster gals...

8 & 9. Harems. The 8th is an art print. But, the 9th is a colorized pic of a real harem.

Notes: From "De Scriptore Mulieroso."

1. Had some 'fun' with this title.

In most languages, moving words around or removing letters can result slightly different meanings.

Here, this title means "About the woman writer."

But, a 2nd look gave me "About the writer's women."

This connects quite nicely with HPL's intent, so I can accept it as what he meant.

But, I tried 1 more modification & got this surprising definition, "About the writer (of the mule)!!"

Ouch.

Lovecraft, really...

2. This was John Russell, whose use of satiric verse was important to HPL's growth as a poet.

So much so, that Howard felt himself compelled to respond in kind.

These letters are now considered the 1st examples of Lovecraft's ability with poetry.

This satiric material has poetic merit & emphasize HPL's growing writing skills.

3. Here, Howard is speaking of women in a general way. He really couldn't be any better at this - due to his own lack of experience.

Weird Bit: There's a German fairy tale called "Prince Fickle & the Fair Helena."

The story has 2 different sections.

In the 1st, a cruel stepmom imposes impossible tasks upon her step- daughter.

These tasks are actually completed by a helpful fairy.

Investigating 1 of these completed tasks causes the death of the stepmom.

The 2nd part is about Helena's love for Prince Fickle, who promptly forgets her!!

Searching for him, Helena becomes a "herd girl" in a foreign country.

There, she learns that Fickle is getting married!

So, she dances with him 3 times during some festivities.

But, Fickle only remembers her when, at the 3rd party, she kisses him!

(Sort of a 'sleeping' beauty type deal.)

In the end, he drops his wife-to-be to marry the 'fair' Helena...

PS: There is also a short film called "Fickle or Fair" (2013).

The plot's about "a daughter's life becoming confused, when her parents remarry - on her mom's birth- day."

Answer: Bring gifts for both, a birth- day & a marriage!!

Problem solved?

4. As in Note #3, Lovecraft was actually a virgin & had "never been kissed" by somebody who wasn't a family member.

All that he knew of love & sex, was from his readings of British classics & American pulps.

5. Fred Jackson, the target of HPL's fed up 'romantic' ire, was a writer of adventure tales & novels.

Ones where the hero 'got' the gal. By any means necessary...

Jackson would move to Hollywood, making movies as a writer & director.

He would also write some plays.

6. Again, as in Notes #3 & #4, HPL was talking about things that he had yet to experience himself.

Lovecraft could only write from the outside, looking in...

7. Harems are supposed to be secluded living quarters used by wives, concubines & female servants & family members in a Muslim household.

Weird Bit: In Japan, a harem genre exists - for all sexes! - in their manga books & anime shows/movies.

The strangest yet, has to be Monster Musume, where the harem is made up of different female monsters!!

Yikes...

[sunnyrosewritesstuff]

@ragsweas​ and @fantasyinallforms​ you guys are really too kind. 😭 So since you BOTH have tagged me, I’m going to give 3 self-recs and 7 other author recs, and I invite ALL MY OTHER BAGGINSHIELD WRITERS to do the same. And I made sure they were all completed fics since OP asked. 🥰

Self-Recs:

Guardian of Kings- Basically, word around the mountain is Thorin is Bilbo’s damsel in distress, and then when Bilbo comes to Thorin’s defense he has to prove it in an Honor Duel. (Rated: G, Little over 30K words)

One More Little Adventure- After a fight that resulted in a broken acorn Bilbo and Thorin are in for a ‘big’ surprise considering they have shrunk to only a few inches tall. To get back to normal, they will have to work together and share the truth in their hearts. (Somehow this became more dramatic then my actual summary🤣. Rated: T, Little over 20K words)

A Smile for a Cold Spoon- And finally we have my little one-shot where every person in Middle Earth is blessed with a “Calling” but they are linked to either ‘warm’ emotions or ‘cold’ emotions, and no one quite knows how to handle Thorin, Prince of Erebor being blessed with TWO Callings but both of them are cold. (Rated: G, not quite 2K)

NOW, for these other talented writers I have the privilege of following on this hellsite:

Take Me Back To (The Night We Met) by @lordoftherazzles​- Now OP, you need to know that you can’t go wrong with a Razzy fic and several of her incomplete bigger fics are some of my PERSONAL FAVORITES OF ALL TIME. But this is one of those cozy ‘Bilbo and Thorin meet before the quest’ fics that you absolutely can’t pass up. And the emotions of the finally chapter are practically gut-wrenching (in the best possible way). (Rated: G, a little over 25K words)

Secret Angel by @domesticgoddesswriter​- Now you want to talk about monster WIPs...I wish I had DG’s stamina!! However, I have just recently read this one-shot and I was blown away. I didn’t even know it was something I needed to read, but I couldn’t put it down, and then stared longingly at my phone for more to appear afterwards. It’s an ‘angel’ Thorin fic (though probably not what you’re imaging when I say angel) stuck in a lab with Bilbo as the researcher sent to make nice with him and THE TWIST ENDING you’ll just not quite fully prepare for. (But spoiler, I got it from DG directly, Myrtle the cat does make it out okay.) (Rated: T, a little over 30K words)

When the Sun Rises, I Will... by @ragsweas​- I’m quite sure I literally made Rags be my friend after this fic. Bilbo and Thorin are secretly married prior to the quest, and so the entire journey is them juggling their marital problems around Thorin trying to regain his kingdom while their history is told in these HEART-WRENCHING backstories.🤧 The best part is the focus on Thorin and his family and making that coexist with his husband. SUPER INVESTED TO THIS DAY in the sequel. (Rated: T, I will give a warning in this one for miscarriages, and it’s a little short of 155K)

Mercy at Your Hands by @fantasyinallforms​- Fantasy accuses me of posting spicy fics at inopportune times, but I WAS IN THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE READING THIS and MY GOSH. Good smut with Bilbo and Thorin experimenting in toy play...in public spaces.😏 And all I can say is the shit-eating grin Thorin gives at one point literally floored me! (Rated: E, definitely explicit, and a little over 2K)

you know i’m coming back to you by @ahufflepuffhobbit​- There’s so much smut to chose from the Smut Queen, it was almost too difficult a choice. But once again, I had to go back to my ‘this is what I remember you for and wanted to be your friend’ fic. Just a cute little modern AU where Bilbo works at Lush and Thorin is the idiot who keeps coming back for products because he’s too scared to go ahead and make a move. (Rated: T, there is a little bit of smut at the end, and it’s a little over 15K)

Roses of Iron by @porphyriosao3​- Porphyrios has some REALLY AWESOME Bagginshield AUs, but this is one of my favorites. Thorin comes back to the Shire for Bilbo because he’s literally dying from being away from him for so long, and it’s just such a fluid love story from there. I love the additions of Shire culture (including the little hobbit, Freddy, who they all but adopt). And then there’s the little interlude where they go to Ered Luin and basically prove they are Ones which was such powerful and compelling set of scenes to me. (Rated: M, a little over 150K)

A Marriage of Convenience by @thorinswaggerson​- This is such a fun accidental/arranged marriage trope where Bilbo and Thorin grow from the disasters that they are into actual husbands without fully realizing it. There’s also some fun adventures between the Shire and Erebor, like idk if I’ll ever fully get over the troll scene in this one. 🤣 And I LOVED the addition of the King’s Road that Elrond grants them access to. (Rated: M, a little over 60K)

Ive been reading bagginshield fics for days now on ao3 and I want some recs!!! I’ll take any type from laughing out loud funny to shattering my heart and putting it back together

[jupitermelichios]

So I’ve been playing a lot of skyrim lately, because it’s video game comfort food, and I decided it was time for my Redguard Dovahkiin to settle down. (Actually I specifically just wanted to be able to adopt some of the random orphans you meet because I felt guilty about them, but you need to be married before you can do that so that there’s someone at home to take care of the kids while you’re off galivanting).

So I travelled around a bit, chatting up likely looking npcs until I found one I both liked and didn’t feel guilty about marrying (I feel bad if I marry one of the warrior adventurer types, making them be a stay at home mum) and settled on an obnoxiously cheerful argonian called Shavee because her life was frankly shit, and I thought she’d probably be good with kids.

So off I go to Riften to the Temple of Mara to arrange the wedding. I book it in for the next day, realise I didn’t bring anything nice to wear, and spend the night before the wedding robbing every house in the city in the search for something to wear. Eventually decide everyone in Riften has terrible fashion sense and break down everything I stole into raw materials and use them to craft myself an outfit and some jewellery that i’m pretty happy with. I even carefully pick out my fanciest looking sword to wear.

(don’t know why I bothered, frankly, shavee turned up wearing a shirt covered in suspicious stains and weilding a pickaxe, it’s like she doesn’t even care about this marriage)

(also for comedy purposes, bear in mind I play with survival mods that mean my character needs to eat and sleep to live, and I literally spent the entire ingame night on this and forgot to eat and drink anything either and then just downed four bowls of wolf stew right before entering the temple so I didn’t starve during the ceremony. also I discovered during the wedding that I am dying of rockjoint, which I contracted from sleeping in a pile of hay on the floor of a skeever infested cave, so even being six foot tall and jacked can’t make up for the fact that I am exhausted, running a fever, and probably covered in wolf which I spilled because my joints are slowly atrophying, and even the fanciest clothes in the world aren’t going to cover that up)

so I enter the temple, and my finance is there, and Lydia my housecarl, and some random NPCs the game thinks are my friends because I did fetch quests for them

One of the random NPCs is Lisbet. Atfter I did her fetch quest, I then did another quest in which I discovered Lisbet is secretly a cannibal and part of a demonic cult that worships the daedric prince of decay by kidnapping priests, sacrificing them, and then eating their corpses. Raw. I think the raw meat is the sticking point for me here honestly.

I ultimately decided not to sacrifice the random priest to a daedric prince in exchange for one magic ring and all the raw human I could eat, because frankly, that doesn’t sound like much of a deal to me. I was expecting there to be some kind of dialogue choice where I could nope out at the last minute, but it turns out there isn’t one, so after they drugged the priest and tied him to the altar, I just got out my sword and started swinging.

I killed most of the cult (including the town butcher, because I had brought meat from him before and was extremely pissed off that he might have been secretly feeding me humans) but a couple of them got away, which I figured was fine because they weren’t trying to kill me.

Except it turns out, if any of them escape, then every time you see them in the future there’s a random chance that they’ll fly into a violent rage and try and murder you.

Lisbet is at my wedding. Lisbet decides that clearly me marrying this random argonian woman with two lines of dialogue is the happiest day of my life, and she cannot allow me that happiness, when I’ve taken so much from her.

So she tries to kill me. Only she can’t, because I’m stuck in a pre-rendered wedding animation, and also she’s sitting next to Lydia, my faithful retainer and owner of a really big axe.

It also turns out that Lisbet is essential, meaning she can be knocked unconcious but not actually killed because she’s needed for some quest or other. And the minute she wakes up from unconciousness, she tries to kill me again, so Lydia knocks her unconcious again, and I’m stuck, I can’t move, because I’m supposed to be in the wedding animation.

Except Shavee has, not unreasonably, see all this and decided that she doesn’t like me enough to risk getting murdered, and has done a runner, leaving me at the altar, but more importantly, leaving me trapped in a broken pre-rendered animation, so all I can do is stand there at the altar, staring at the space where my fiance was supposed to be, listening to the sounds of Lydia trying and failing to beat a cannibal to death behind me.

Okay, I think, clearly this wedding isn’t going to happen, I’m going to go for the registry office option and complete the wedding using the dev commands. I do this. The priest gives me a wedding ring, and I can finally move again. I chase after Shavee, who has an impressive turn of speed on her, and eventually catch up right by the city gates. I try to talk to her.

Apparently using the console has completed the wedding for me, but not for her, because she still only has the same 2 lines of dialogue she usually has.

Clearly this is working, I can’t leave my kids with someone who can only say 2 things and doesn’t even know she’s their mum, that’s irresponsible.

I try loading from inside the temple. I get the same problem.

Eventually I figure out that I need to use the dev controls to disable Lisbet’s entire existence in the universe.

Shavee and me get married. As the priest reads the vows, I stare at Shavee and wonder why she couldn’t even be bothered to put on a clean shirt. I wonder what kind of mother she’ll be.

Once the ceremony is over, and I’m happily married to the dirty green lizard of my dreams, and we’ve agreed that until I can make her recognise my extremely nice modded house exists I will share her single bed in the unheated flophouse in Windhelm she calls home, I re-enable Lisbet, because I’m worried I’ll forget if I leave it too long.

Fun fact about skyrim, it loads in quite a lot of npcs and objects by dropping them from the sky. I have no idea why this is the case, but it’s objectively the funniest way to load in objects.

I re-enable Lisbet. She falls from the sky, clips through the roof of the temple, and lands in the pew beside Lydia, stands up, draws a knife, and is immedately beaten unconcious.

I no longer care, because Shavee now has all the exciting new spouse-only romantic dialogue options like “Could you cook something for me” and “have you made any money lately”, and I know she’ll be a great mother.

I limp to the door of the temple, while around me the guests not involved in the Lydia-Lisbet murder cycle scream and duck for cover.

I open the door to the temple, immediately collapse and ragdoll down the steps, which is how I discover I am dying of rockjoint.

I limp to the orphanage down the street, adopt two kids, and then finally remember that I’m carrying garlic bread, which as we all know, cures all known illnesses.

When I emerge back into the street, full of the joys of motherhood and garlic bread, I find the town in disaray. Lydia is chasing Lisbet through the streets with an axe and a dragon is circling overhead, burning npcs to death. People are running for shelter, screaming, while the guards try to take down an entire dragon using only the worst bows and arrows in the game.

I decide that as a parent, I have to think of my own safety first and leave them to it.

I head out of the city, intent on returning home and figuring out why Shavee refuses to move in with me. A man hanging around the stables challenges me to a boxing match. For want of anything better to do, I agree.

Halfway through the fight he dodges at the wrong moment and I punch one of his horses in the head.

Two guards attack me while I desperately try to surrender. My kids will miss me, but I’m prepared to go to jail for my horse crimes, I’m an honest citizen. Also my horse crimes seem somewhat less important than the dragon.

The guards refuse to accept my surrender. I am stabbed to death. As I collapse in front of the indifferent horse, Lisbet exits the city, followed by Lydia. The last thing I see before I die is Lydia swinging her axe at Lisbet’s face.

[raspberryfingers]

A Lion in the Garden -Tywin Lannister x Reader- (Part 10)

With the war over, the mood within the Red Keep seemed generally improved. This was especially true for Tywin and my grandmother, who no longer had to strain their pockets. Of course, the Lannister mines still supplied tremendous wealth, but why spend money when it’s not needed?

More than anything, I’d been happy to report the news back to Tywin.

I could recall vividly returning to the Red Keep—with nobody except for my family and Tywin being aware of why I’d left at all—and making my way up the stairs in the Tower of the Hand.

When I’d been let into Tywin’s office, he had looked at me with an almost relieved face.

“(Y/N), you’re back. When I hadn’t received a raven- well it had made me nervous,” he’d said, rising from his desk and making his way toward me.

“What happened? You got here quicker than any spies could have.”

When I had merely smiled at him, he’d instantly understood. He had smiled at me then, and he took me into his arms.

“I told you I could convince him, Tywin.”

“Oh I know, dear girl. I never doubted you. If anyone in the seven kingdoms was going to convince Robb Stark, it had to be you,” he’d whispered, admittedly making me blush.

“You flatter me, Tywin.”

“I’m merely telling the truth. I’m proud of you. What other man or woman that you know could’ve done that? Ended a years long war overnight. Only you, (Y/N). My nightshade of the garden.”

And even besides Tywin, I had received thank you’s from everyone but Cersei. Even Joffrey had called me into the throne room and told me I’d done a good job. Though, he did say he would’ve preferred Robb Stark dead, but I was saving him money. It was abundantly obvious Tywin had told him to thank me, but at least he’d done it.

Still, it did not make me hate the boy any less. Especially when I remembered he was going to marry Margaery at the end of the week. It was that event which had brought all sorts of people to King's Landing, and had made living in the Red Keep miserable.

Although, I was informed that the Red Viper, or Oberyn Martell, was present in the city. After learning that, a genius idea sparked in my head. When I presented it to my grandmother, she approved wholeheartedly. And so now, I found myself in Littlefinger’s brothel, hoping to have a nice conversation with the prince of Dorne.

Thankfully, when I walked in, everyone still had their clothes on.

“Prince Oberyn?”

A head shot up from among the bodies, and everyone else on the bed seemed to notice I was there.

“I am Prince Oberyn, who are you?” He asked, sitting up and looking at me.

“I’m (Y/N) Tyrell, your grace. I’ve come here to speak with you about something rather important,” I announced. He gave me a contemplative look, and then motioned for everyone else to leave, including a woman who he kissed rather passionately. I assumed that was Ellaria Sand.

When the room was empty, he sat at the edge of the bed and raised an eyebrow.

“What is it you’ve come to discuss, Lady (Y/N)?” He asked, reaching for his glass of wine and taking a sip.

“It’s less of a discussion and more of a proposition for you, Prince Oberyn, as your hatred for the Lannisters is rather well known,” I began, taking a seat on a nearby couch. I tried not to think about it too much.

“Are you here to blackmail me? Everyone knows you and Lord Tywin are quite close,” he remarked, crossing his arms and sighing. I chose to ignore the last comment.

“No, I’m not. I’m hoping this will be beneficial for both of us, granted you’re bold enough to do what I’d like you to,” I said, watching his curiosity be piqued.

“And what is that?”

“Prince Oberyn, I’m sure you’ve heard all the stories about our king. He is cruel, stupid, and unwilling to actually rule Westeros,” I began, giving some context for what I was going to ask.

“Of course.”

“Let me ask you, would you want your sister to marry someone like Joffrey?”

He sat up straighter, and his eyes darkened.

“No, but it’s not as if she could, because under someone’s orders, the mountain murdered her and her children.”

“I’m aware, Prince Oberyn. That’s why I’ve come to you, because you have quite a lot of reason to want revenge on the Lannisters, and I want Joffrey gone,” I said, hinting to him what I needed.

“You want me to kill the king?”

He did not sound surprised, or shocked. In fact, a small grin began to tug at his lips.

“No. I want you to take responsibility for it. Well, unless you’d like to kill him yourself, then be my guest. You see, originally my grandmother thought we might work with Littlefinger himself, he’s got quite the network and would naturally be able to help us. However, with my brother married to Sansa Stark, that was no longer a viable person for us to reach out to. Or rather, for my grandmother to. When she revealed the plot to me, I assured her I’d be able to take care of it myself. I’ve got quite the knowledge of poisons, and I wouldn’t have a hard time getting my hands on some if I truly wanted to. So I did,” I began to explain, gauging his reaction as I spoke.

“However, therein is the problem, I’m already known as the nightshade of the garden, and Cersei does not like me very much. If her son dies of poisoning… well, I’m sure you understand how that would look,” I said, to which he nodded.

“The blame will be on you, of course.”

“Exactly, and that trial would not bode well for me, not to mention ruin nearly everything for my family. But you. When I heard about you being in Kings Landing instead of your brother, I was overjoyed. As I said, you famously hate the Lannisters for what happened to your sister, and I-“

“Not all the Lannisters. Just Lord Tywin,” he said, a slight venom in his tone. I smiled, knowing he wished to make me uncomfortable for associating with him.

“You know, Prince Oberyn, it’s a funny thing. When Lord Tywin and I first began interacting with each other, I detested him. He and I had quite the argument, and your sister was the primary reason. Yes, I have come to enjoy Lord Tywin over time, but there are many things we heavily disagree upon, and there are many things that I hate him for. What happened to your sister is in that category, and I do not blame you for hating him for it. That’s why I’ve come to you with this proposition. To kill his grandson right under his nose would infuriate him, it would make him look weak. To him, that is worse than dying,” I explained, watching the thoughts process in his head. His posture was more attentive, and I could see that slowly he was being convinced, though this conversation was clearly not over.

“Yes, it would embarrass Lord Tywin, and I would have my head removed. Because that is what you want, right? Me to admit to his murder so that you are not blamed?” He clarified, raising an eyebrow at me.

“Not necessarily. You wouldn’t have to admit to it until later. Perhaps- well, let me explain what would happen. Joffrey would be poisoned, either by you or me, at his wedding. He’d die, Cersei would be furious, naturally. Depending on how long it takes her to actually start thinking, my time is limited, but the hope is that I somehow manage to find Tyw- Lord Tywin and tell him I believe it was you. I can explain my reasoning, say that I wouldn’t have done it with poison for it would’ve been too obvious. But, if Cersei does figure it out quickly I suspect he’ll come visit me in the cells anyways. He’ll want to know if I’ve truly betrayed him that way. Which of course, I have, but it’s not for him to know,” I began, explaining the first several steps in my plan.

“But, either way, I would install the thought into Tywin, give him-“

“You keep calling him Tywin. Just Tywin. You are close to him, aren’t you?” Oberyn interrupted, beginning to grin. I took a deep breath.

“Yes, I am. I suppose I might as well just admit that I’ve fallen in love with him, as everyone else seems to have figured that out too,” I said with a sigh. Prince Oberyn chuckled.

“You’re in love with him, yet you desire to betray him. Why?”

“I don’t desire to betray him, but I will. For my sister, I will. I refuse to see her married to Joffrey, to see her harmed and used by him. His younger brother is far more agreeable, and will make Margaery much safer and happier. For that, I would do anything,” I admitted, pressing my hands together and hoping he would understand.

“You are much like I am, then. When Elia was alive, I would’ve done anything for her. She was always my favorite, always my dear sister,” he said softly, looking down and smiling solemnly.

“And that is why I’m giving you the opportunity to kill the mountain without any consequences.”

His face shot up at that, confused and curious. I smiled.

“I will instill the thought that you’re guilty into Tywin’s mind. You will leave another crystal of the poison where you sat, and will naturally be arrested. Once this happens, you will be given a trial. At that trial, don’t say a thing. They’ll ask you questions, don’t answer. Demand a trial by combat,” I said, watching as it fell into place for him.

“The Lannisters will pick the mountain to fight me, and if I win, he’s dead and there are no legal consequences for me,” he finished, making me nod.

“Exactly. Granted that you do live, of course. That is the only risk, and what I believed you’d be most hesitant about,” I reasoned.

I watched him think, and the room was silent for a good minute.

“I will beat the mountain, and I will poison Joffrey myself, that way I am truly responsible for the crime,” he finally said, looking over at me. I nodded.

“Thank you, Prince Oberyn. When you do it, do it in front of everyone. Go up to Joffrey and Margaery, both of them will have an additional glass of wine, a different kind meant for dessert. Put the poison in Joffrey’s cup, it’ll be larger than Margaery’s. Make small talk with them, come off as offensive, perhaps smell the wine and comment that it’s quite nice, then pour the poison in while he’s not looking. The point is, let people see that you were near him and touching his cup,” I explained, already having everything perfectly envisioned.

“What if the cup should spill?”

“My grandmother will have a backup. I’ve picked out The Strangler for our king,” I revealed, making my way across the room and handing Oberyn a small, purple crystal. He looked up at me and raised an eyebrow.

“Have you ever seen this poison in action before?” He asked curiously.

“No, but I know what will happen. I don’t mean to be cruel, but I already knew where to find some of this, not to mention it will dissolve perfectly in his wine,” I said, watching Oberyn get up and store it in a small box, which he locked afterwards.

“Can I tell you something, Lady (Y/N)? Since we are being honest with each other,” he asked, facing me as he leaned against the wall.

“Of course,” I said, wondering what I might hear from him.

“I was going to poison Lord Tywin. Slowly, so he wouldn’t notice, but I intended to kill him,” he revealed. My mouth fell open, and a certain fear gripped me. I would not allow Tywin to be harmed, no matter what the cost.

“Don’t worry, I haven’t done it yet, and I don’t think I will. You’re right, this embarrassment will be worse for him. And, you seem to be a reasonable woman, from all that I’ve heard and my impression of you from this conversation. You’re smart. If you are in love with Lord Tywin, I will leave him be, simply out of respect,” he said, smiling. I still felt unnerved, but I nodded.

“Thank you, Prince Oberyn. I hated Tywin for years, nearly half of my life, in fact. As I said, he’s done things I’ll never forgive nor forget, but the man he is with me… he’s not Tywin Lannister, Warden of the West and Lord of Casterly Rock. He’s just… just Tywin,” I said, thinking about the times I’d seen him engaged in politics versus how he was with me. They were two different men.

“And I would wager that to him, you are not the Nightshade of the Garden, or Lady Tyrell. To him, you are probably just (Y/N),” Oberyn replied with a smile.

“And what makes you think that?”

“You become the best version of yourself around the people that you love.”

—————

I had returned to the Red Keep, excited to report my success to my grandmother. However, when I arrived at her room, she wasn’t there. According to her guards, she was waiting for me in my room.

I sighed, wishing she’d have told me that before I’d bothered walking all that way. It was curious, too. Why would she go to my room? She knew I was going to speak with Oberyn, but I hadn’t told her before I’d left.

When I got there and went inside, I found her sitting at my table with a letter in her hand. I didn’t think much of it yet.

“Grandmother. I went to your room first, I wanted to tell you that Prince Oberyn has agreed, we had quite the conversation about it, and-“

“(Y/N), dear.”

I paused, eyebrows raising as my grandmother addressed me.

“What?”

“Come sit down with me, please,” she said softly. There was a look of sadness in her eyes, and I felt my heart drop. I had no clue what to expect, but regardless I was terrified. Had something happened to Tywin?

“What is it, grandmother?” I asked, hurrying to sit down and praying to the gods it wasn’t horrible. Or at least, something so horrible I might cry. Was it Loras? Had something happened to the Starks?

“Your father came into my room about an hour ago, far happier than he ought to have been. He gave me this,” she said, handing me the letter.

I unfolded it and immediately began to read, my throat dry and my hands shaking slightly. If my father had been happy about it, I knew it could only mean one thing.

—————

I was running up the stairs, skirts clutched in my hands and tears running down my face. My grandmother had tried to console me, but it was useless, I’d run out of the room anyways.

I nearly tripped as I tried to make my way up all the stairs in the tower of the hand, which certainly weren’t easy to climb in my current condition. When I reached the top, I was somehow sobbing even harder.

All I wanted was to see Tywin.

The guards outside his office recognized me by now, and when they saw my tears, they only looked between each other awkwardly and opened the door.

I burst in, body racking with sobs as I made my way toward Tywin. He was sitting at his desk, but when the door opened and he saw me, he instantly rose and rushed toward me.

“(Y/N)?”

I said nothing, but threw myself into his arms. I heard the door close behind me, and I finally let myself fall apart. My face was buried into his chest and gods I couldn’t stop crying. I felt his arms wrap around me, and one hand came to my head while the other was holding my waist on the other side.

“What’s wrong, (Y/N)? What happened?” He asked softly, petting my hair as I wept.

“M-My father,” I managed to get out, choking on my tears and pushing my face into Tywin’s neck. It was warm, and his scent brought a great comfort.

“Your father?”

“Walder Frey- Walder Frey sent him a letter, r-requesting that I marry his eldest son,” I cried out, clutching Tywin for dear life. In all honesty, I believed my life was over. I’d told Tywin I’d need to marry soon, but I certainly hadn’t expected it to be now, nor to a son of Walder Frey of all people.

I felt Tywin inhale, and he pulled me back to look me in the eyes.

“Don’t worry yourself about it, (Y/N), I’ll convince your father not to. I’ll convince him to-“

“No! No, Tywin, that’s just it, he’s already sent a reply and he’s accepted!” I choked out, hot tears still streaming down my face as I shook. I pushed myself back into his arms, disconsolate and an absolute mess.

Tywin was silent, and normally I would’ve thought it strange, but I was in so much distress that I couldn’t even be bothered to think about it.

“Father believed it would cause conflict to say no, especially because Tyrion is marrying one of Walder Frey’s daughters. So he sent the raven without even bothering to tell me,” I said between sobs, wishing more than anything that I could just stay in Tywin’s arms forever, that I wouldn’t have to get married to anyone.

“(Y/N), you mustn’t worry.”

“I don’t want to get married, Tywin! I don’t want to get married and I don’t want to marry one of Walder Frey’s sons. I don’t want to- I can’t- I can’t…” I was beginning to hyperventilate, so distressed at the thought of being shipped off to live at the Twins. And once that was dealt with, my name would fade away just as every other woman’s did.

“(Y/N) listen to me, I’m going to speak with your father and convince him this isn’t wise,” Tywin said, stepping back and lifting my chin so I’d look at him. I shook my head.

“That’s just it, Tywin. My father doesn’t listen to anyone. He does whatever he pleases, he’s not going to- to listen to you or me for that matter,” I said, sniffling as Tywin brought his hands to my cheeks and wiped the tears away.

It was useless, of course, they just kept falling, and I kept spiraling. My gaze fell and I continued to hyperventilate.

“I don’t want to marry Walder Frey’s son. I don’t want to marry at all! There’s only one man I’d ever marry and it’s most certainly not Walder Frey’s son! I just want to be left alone, I want to stay the head of the Tyrell army and live in peace!” I spewed, hardly even processing what I was saying. Tywin’s eyes went wide, though I hadn’t realized what I’d said yet.

“(Y/N), breathe!” He said sharply, taking my hand in his and pressing it to my chest.

“Take deep breaths. Calm down,” he said softly, watching me try to take slower, longer breaths through my tears. When I no longer sounded erratic, he dropped his hand.

“I would rather kill myself than marry him,” I whispered, lip quivering. Tywin sighed and wiped my tears again. When he finished, looked down.

“You’re not going to, I’ll make sure of it.”

“Tywin, my father-“

“I’m not going to try and convince your father. I’m going to take care of Walder Frey’s son,” he said. My eyes shot up, and I was certain the surprise I felt was painted all over my face.

“Tywin… he doesn’t need to die. I don’t want to marry him but he doesn’t- he doesn’t deserve that,” I said, truly hoping he wouldn’t do such a thing.

“I don’t care. You can’t marry a dead man. Your father can arrange as many marriages for you as he likes, I’ll make sure none of them happen. I will have every single man in Westeros murdered before I see you married to them,” he said, hand coming under my chin. My heart began to skip, and my tears were ceasing to fall. What was he insinuating? We were both silent, simply gazing into each other's eyes.

“Tywin…”

“I will never let another man have you, (Y/N). Do you understand? You may not want to be mine, but until the day I die, you will be no one else’s. I could not stand to live and watch another man make you smile, to watch him hold you and kiss you. And more than that, I won’t stand by and watch you be miserable with Walder Frey’s son. I won’t see you happy with someone else, (Y/N), but I can’t see you unhappy with anyone at all,” he whispered, hands coming to both of my cheeks as he looked deep into my eyes.

My lips parted, and my entire body felt hot. My heart would not stop racing, and I feared I must’ve looked like a fool, because I felt another tear slide down my cheek. I was utterly overwhelmed.

Tywin was in love with me?

He was gazing at me with all the love and passion in the world, and I’d never seen him look so gorgeous. His eyes were the same turquoise blue they’d been in the sept at Loras’ wedding, but he looked as if he might cry. He looked so overcome with all of his feelings, just as I was with mine.

“Tywin…” I whispered, feeling two more tears fall. He looked terrified, as if he was waiting for me to be disgusted with him. I noticed it then, a tear falling from his own cheek.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry, (Y/N), please… forgive me,” he whispered. His hands fell from my face, and my heart dropped as I watched him take a step back with his eyes on the ground.

He thought his feelings were unrequited.

“No! No… Tywin… Tywin, I love you. I love you!” I managed to gasp out, my throat dry and emotions a mess. I couldn’t let this slip, I couldn’t ruin this. He’d just admitted he felt the same way I did, I needed to do something.

When he processed what I’d said, his eyes widened, and he looked me in the eyes again. I watched his lips part, and he exhaled as if he’d been holding in a breath. There was a moment of silence, and I suddenly saw something spark in his eyes.

Tywin inhaled, and stepped back towards me. One of his hands came to my face, and he was so close I could hear his breath shaking. He moved his other hand, and licked his lips nervously as if trying to figure out where to put it. All of his actions were quick, and my heart was pounding so much I thought it might explode.

His other hand settled at my waist, and when he looked at me again, I knew.

Tywin hesitated for two seconds, and then—in one swift movement—pressed his lips to mine. I instantly kissed back, and I was so relieved I thought I might sob. I brought one hand to his face, and let the other come to the back of his head and bring him closer to me.

His lips were the closest to heaven I suspected I’d ever get, and I could feel his stubble brushing against my face. The hand on my hip pulled me closer, and for a moment, we broke apart and took sharp inhales. Our eyes caught each other, and we couldn’t keep ourselves from staring and trying to catch our breaths.

“Tywin…”

“(Y/N)…”

Both of his hands came to my face now, and he simply looked at me. I wished, in that moment more than ever, that I could know what he was thinking. But he smiled at me, truly smiled, and that told me all I needed to know. I smiled too, of course, and let my eyes close as he leaned back in and pressed a soft, sweet kiss to my lips.

“Tywin I never thought you’d- you’d feel the same,” I whispered, thinking about all the times I reprimanded myself after wanting to hold him or kiss him.

He laughed, and gave me a look that said ‘really?’

“You never thought I’d feel the same? You can imagine how I felt. Most of the time I wondered if you still hated me, I-“

I gave him a look, and he realized how ridiculous he sounded.

“Yes, I apologize. I’m aware I was quite unfair to you,” he said, making me giggle with satisfaction.

“When did you- when did you realize?” He asked after a moment, swallowing anxiously.

“Well, I realized the day we discussed my brother marrying Sansa. My grandmother was prodding me about my relationship with you, and I- well, when I really thought about it I realized she was right. But I’d- I’d had feelings for you long before that. My feelings developed when we went hunting together, but I’d say I fell in love with you the day we went to the smith. You told me you’d cut that man’s tongue out, and you began to pull your sword at those men on the street. You made me- you made me feel safe, you made me feel cared for,” I admitted, trying hard to think about it. He smiled softly and kissed my forehead.

“I’ve had an attraction towards you since you yelled at me in the garden. I needed that, and it was almost like a challenge. I wanted to make you like me, simply so I could prove you wrong, and it piqued my interest. I fell in love with you the day, or rather the night we went hunting. You were asleep, and I had to move you to your blankets. You were so light in my arms, and I gave you another blanket so you wouldn’t be cold. Normally I wouldn’t even have considered something like that,” he said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

I smiled and buried my face in his chest, wrapping my arms around his torso. Gently, his arms came around me. By the way he was breathing, I could hear him smiling. One of his hands came to pet my hair, and I felt content.

“Tywin, I don’t want anyone else to know. I just want it to be us,” I said softly, lifting my head to look at him. He nodded.

“I was going to suggest the same. I don’t want my children getting involved, nor do I want others to know I have a weak point. It’s safer if we keep it a secret, at least until- well, until our relationship is more defined,” he said, eyes scanning my face.

“How do you mean, more defined?” I asked curiously. He seemed awkward as he tried to figure out a response.

“When you said there was only man you’d ever marry, who were you referencing?” He asked suddenly. I hadn’t even remembered saying that, but as I thought back, it hit me. It had been him I was referencing, of course.

When I looked up at him with a nervous face, he only smiled.

“You mean we’d only tell people if we were to get married?”

“Ideally, yes. Of course, relationships are much different than friendships, but I hope that eventually… well, it would just be smartest to do it then, should we be compatible and willing to marry each other,” he said, taking my hands in his. I thought I must’ve been dreaming. Perhaps Robb Stark’s best wishes had been fulfilled.

“O-Of course. And I’ve- I’ve truthfully never been in any sort of, well, committed relationship. So I was hoping you’d be patient, and perhaps more understanding,” I said nervously. He gave a small chuckle and kissed my forehead.

“Of course, my dear.”

That was new. Though, I rather liked it if I was honest.

When he pulled back, a question seemed to be on the tip of his tongue. I raised an eyebrow, motioning for him to ask it.

“What is the most you’ve ever done with a man? I don’t mind, I’d just like to know what I should be more… gentle with,” he said softly, giving my hand a squeeze.

“With a man?” I teased, watching a bit of shock settle into his face.

“Have you been with other women?”

“Not sexually, I’ve never been with anyone sexually. But I’ve kissed them once or twice, and perhaps I can see why men like it so much,” I admitted, gauging his reaction. I wondered if he might get upset. For a moment, he almost looked jealous.

“You’ve truly kissed other women?” He asked again. I nodded.

“I’ve told you before, Tywin, there’s nothing wrong with it. In the grand scheme of things, who cares? We live such short lives compared to all of history, why does it matter what we decide to do? The gods made our bodies beautiful for a reason, they gave us pleasure for a reason. If the gods cared so much, they wouldn’t have made us this way,” I said, cupping his face.

“You know, I’m surprised nobody has given you the title of bladed tongue yet. By all accounts you must be the most persuasive woman in all seven kingdoms,” he muttered, putting his hand on top of mine and kissing my palm.

“Thank you. And if it makes you feel better, Tywin, I prefer kissing you to anyone else. You’re the first person I’ve ever truly longed to kiss. Among other things,” I said, muttering the end to myself. If he noticed, it wasn’t obvious.

“Then kiss me again,” he said softly, gazing at my lips. I merely smiled and reached for his collar, pulling him toward me and doing as he’d suggested. He was so warm, and the feeling of butterflies in my stomach was still there. It was made even worse when his hands met my hips, his fingers gripping there and pulling me closer to him.

He broke away suddenly and inhaled, looking away.

“You blow on the fire inside of me, (Y/N). You make me need you,” he whispered, bringing his eyes back and gazing down at me. There were a lot of things I could’ve said, but I decided on this:

“Good. I want you to need me.”

As I said it, it was almost as if I saw lust sparking in his eyes, and it made me smile. I placed a gentle kiss on his cheek, and then began to walk out. When I reached the door, I turned and found him still standing there, looking at me in awe.

“I’ll see you soon, Tywin.”

“Of course, my dear.”

I smiled again and left the room, unable to keep myself from laughing when I’d shut the door behind me. I was positively giddy and over the moon with what had just happened. In fact, so much so, that I wouldn’t even remember why I’d gone to see him until the next time I spoke with my grandmother.

I did not want Walder Frey’s son to die, but in some cruel way, the thought of Tywin killing a man just so he could have me to himself was attractive, and dare I say even erotic.

I wanted to feel worse about the whole thing, but I simply couldn’t. I was Tywin’s now, just as he was mine. From that moment on, the two of us wouldn’t let a single thing stand between us. We loved each other, let the fearsome consequences come.

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