#i have been informed that i spelled veil wrong

[star-the-gremlin]

Did I make a whole character sheet for Fallen Sera just so I could make a joke about Vels jaw literally falling off? Yes. Yes, I did.

[octolich]

I was Scared for Dragon Age: Veilguard.

I take it back, we are so back. The release date trailer fixes so many of the anxieties of this post, Im keeping it up because I ain't no bitch but consider this an archive post of sorts. Ima make a new one glazing the new trailer but for now this is absolute cinema. Nice going Bioware! Still not pre-ordering tho, fuck EA. I want to say before I state anything, I'm still buying the game, I just want to warn fellow DA Fans to be cautious about this game and its potential quality. I could be wrong and this could be game of the year, best in the franchise. I've just got a weird feeling about Bio ware's marketing that I want to get off my chest.

This is just a personal opinion and warning from a Dragon Age Fan. Disagree? You're probably right. Your opinions are valid and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

SPOILERS FOR DRAGON AGE SHTUFF.

TLDR: Bioware has been very sneaky with marketing as well as dodgy choices in design that I do not agree with. They keep on talking about how this is the best game in the franchise and how the characters are the most in-depth yet, but I personally am sceptical. I could be wrong and this could be game of the year, best in the franchise. I've just got a weird feeling about Bioware's marketing I want to get off my chest and warn others about. We're treating breadcrumbs as buffets. They refuse to show anything substantial off and rely too much on "The games good, trust me bro. we've got nudity!"

I love Dragon age Inquisition to death. Played through it multiple times over the course of 7 years (Necromancer homies rise up). I played Dragon age Origins a wee bit and really loved the freedom and gritty setting which was a complete 180 for what I'm used to from DAI. I didn't play dragon age 2 (sorry besties I'll try it at some point) but I've heard it introduced a lot of controversial concepts but ultimately "modernized" the franchise.

Now, I actually didn't mind the trailer! I was jamming to the bombastic song but found the dialogue in it to be extremely corny. It definitely is a major shift in tone from the other trailers but hey! Maybe it won't be like that in the game. Marketing can mislead the perception of a game through the trailer like with Dead Island (amazing trailer btw) But then I saw the gameplay preview.

I was quite shocked to see Minrathous! I loved the city's whole MagicPunk theme and with the floating Archon's palace in the sky? Even though it looked a bit... off, I still liked it. The city looks old, and powerful. I absolutely love that. But then we get to the immediete problem. The Demons. I believe I heard from somewhere that the artists designed them this way to be similar to that of the human nervous system. What I presumed to be despair demons looked creepy with this artistic vision, but the pride demon??? It just looked goofy and not intimidating at all. They really traded how unique each and every demon looked, and went with floating kool aid spirits?

Moving on, Dragon age Inquisition has 8 slots for abilities you can fill in, allowing you to combo them and have a wide arsenal at your disposal. But with Veil guards 3? It was an immediate red flag. Now, I heard from Bioware that Rook can have an ultimate ability, but that is still 4 out of the original 8 you could bring. Companions are said to have a fixed 5 but can only bring in 3. BUT, Bio ware has been said in the game informer to be encouraging combining abilities with other companions, and not with just your own arsenal. But I still don't like the change.

A 60 second cooldown though??? either the fights shall be long, or you'll be a sitting duck spamming basic attacks waiting for your cool spells. I suppose there would be ways to reduce the time with cooldown reduction perks, but again, I do not vibe with this. aswell as following to comment this:

Now, Im no expert on game design, but I loved the combat in DAI AND DAO, yes it had its flaws but I find it was a highlight, now a flaw of the games. To say that Combat was "Uncharitably meh" I find spits in the face of the philosophy of combat in the previous games. DAI was all about about levelling up to build complex arsenals of spells to combo with, and unlocking specializations which further added spells to play with. DAO was all about freedom, you can be a necromancer/pyromancer/blood mage/spirit healer and it would work! Im afraid that Bioware has forgotten why this was fun and risk the chance of making combat one of the worst aspects of Dragon age Veilguard.

Now, instead of Bioware talking about gameplay, they love to talk about companions, throughout all of the game informer articles they talk about Romance, nudity, character creation (I admit I'm a bit hyped about this one though), and the companions.

Again, the wordplay of how Veilguard is even better than all previous dragon age games doesn't sit well with me. Are the previous companions also not complex? Is Dorian not a man who's constantly fighting between hating his father and loving him, while this love is also reflected for his home land? Is Morrigan not a woman who is on a fight between the discovery of ancient magic, the love of her warden and son, as well as the fear of her mother?

I just find it so strange that they focus so much on the companions in these articles, while also keep quiet about the gameplay, spare the game preview (Basically a vague tutorial) and a few pictures. Now, again. They could actually be the best in the entire franchise. I could eat my words and these companions could shake the very foundation on what it means to be a companion, but I just don't buy this narrative bioware is trying to feed us.

"These followers or companions don't exist by themselves" "Your assembling a family." "Everything you do ties into the critical path" "things are done towards a goal." "In Origins things are done just to do them."

https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive-video/2024/07/19/the-making-of-dragon-age-the-veilguard (blue text is excerpts from this video. There's more but I can't be assed putting every quote into this. You may watch it yourself if you wish to see more)

They continue to use flowery language in these statements. How complex they are, how they're their own people. But where's the proof? these are all just words at the moment. In the 20 minute preview, I wasn't sitting there immersed in Minrathous, (still pretty gorgeous though, love you concept artists and 3d modelers xxx) or sitting there amazed at the characters. I'm just a dude sitting there watching some Batman Arkham knight look ahh combat.

The Video used above is just so much yapping, with re-used footage from the gameplay preview, trailer and images previously released. There is nothing new they are adding or introducing, only saying "The Characters and Story is good, trust."

Honestly? My theory is that this entire campaign is damage control. Lots of people who viewed the trailer immediately hated it (to be fair most of them haven't touched a single dragon age game in their lives) and the gameplay preview was a mixed review at best. After mass effect andromeda? I don't trust them. Not one bit.

I am going to buy the game and either enjoy it or hate it. I don't prefer gameplay over story, I'm a mix of both. I think one cannot exist without the other. I am just extremely worried for the future of not only Dragon age, but Bioware as a whole. I have a feeling that after this, if this game flops, Bioware is headed for the guillotine by the hands of EA (bunch of pricks).

One thing I will say is I like the skill trees!

This type of skill tree I think outdoes Inquisition's skyrim style perk tree, and really leans into the way Origin's does its abilities and perks (which I like more and Inquisition). From the looks of it, you can twist into what type of mage you are, as well as specialization. Control Death Caller? Burst Spellblade? Or maybe mash Control/Sustain together? It really beckons the imagination. THIS is what I want to see. Instead of words I want action! I want snippets! Not reused footage of the trailer or game preview, I want hard proof of how great this game is!

Not only that, but I do have to admit. the New UI puts all of the previous games to shame. I'm a big fan of the prismatic purple UI they've got going on.

I got to hand it to the Artists and graphic designers, It feels like the artists have fully realised their creative vision. I've never wanted a MagicPunk city until I saw Minrathous. I admit its a small thing to like about, but its the small things like these that can elevate a games quality. If there's one thing that I find that Dragon age Veil guard does better than the rest is the UI.

I post this out of love, not hate. I'm terrified that my favourite franchise is going to turn dogshit thanks to questionable choices. Bioware is doing nothing to comfort these fears by pumping out bloated statements like how the characters are the best in the series, and bringing up transmog and hyping up the character creator. Like, yeah? where is it then? are there no snippets? You're willing to post entire skill tree's why not post the character creator? or a sneak at the transmog?

After mass effect andromeda, my faith has been lost on bioware. But I still love the dragon age games. I just wish they do it justice. I will still buy the game, and leave a positive or negative review depending on the quality. If its good then ya'll have full permission to clown on me!

Im uh, still new to Tumblr so I don't know how to end this. Treat yourself to some water, maybe order just eats? Just treat yo self! Thanks immensely for reading this, hopefully you've learned something from this rambling. And hey! If you disagree, that's more than welcome! Your opinions are just as valid as mine. and I'd love to hear what you think and love about Dragon Age. Who knows? we might agree! (Lucanis is so handsome its not even funny)

[owlsandwich]

The Mechanics of Magic

Read along with me :D - Chapter 22

Chapter 1 | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Our first look into Oliver's mind.

A story about researching a book, along with all the cash on him, was enough to convince the bar manager to let Oliver down to the wine cellar. This had to be one of the oldest pubs in the city, and though he didn’t consider himself particularly tall, he still had to duck low as he made his way to the stairs. Centuries of spilt alcohol had permeated the wooden floorboards and beams, mingling with the sweat of packed tourists seeking relief from the heat outside. With any luck, the crowds brought by the anniversary holiday would keep the staff too busy to come and check up on him.

“This is the right place, Oliver.” His mentor, Ewen, must have picked up on his anxiety. As he bade farewell to the staff member who had escorted him to the dimly lit cellar, an image of the same room flashed briefly into his mind. One of Ewen’s memories. “I’m relieved to see no substantial change. You really should have made a point to keep track of this place.”

“You know that isn’t what’s bothering me,” Oliver replied, ignoring the thinly veiled criticism. “Something’s happened. This plan was tenuous at best but—”

“Panicking isn’t going to help.” Ewen’s thoughts were a calm contrast to Oliver’s racing heart. “Your job is to advise. We must now hope that the safety nets we put in place work as they are supposed to.”

“I should be there with him.” Oliver knew he had broadcast the thought, but it was really only for himself. He should have insisted on finding a way into the palace with Matthew, and the disapprovingly loud silence from his mentor showed he agreed. “Where does the passage come out?”

The reply came as swift as his thoughts in the form of another projected image from Ewen: a glowing, open door on the far side of the cellar, between two racks of barrels. The image was fuzzy and Oliver noticed that, in the present-day version of the room, the racks were no longer there.

“Not one of yours?” 

He felt Ewen’s confirmation more than heard it. “A predecessor’s memory of this place.”

With a deep breath, Oliver flexed the stiffness from his fingers. Ewen was right; all he could do now was hope. It was too risky to contact Matthew via the burner phone. The only information he had about what was going on inside the palace had been the simple text: Plan B. He settled himself down onto a sturdy looking wooden crate and waited.

After almost an hour, movement from the wall opposite drew Oliver’s attention. A tweak to an illusion spell had done enough to dim the electric lights in the room, ensuring he would avoid unwanted attention from upstairs. The darkness might give him an edge if he needed to fight, too. With a faint grinding of stone on stone, a rectangular door eased open, letting in a light that caused Oliver to squint. 

The entrance to the passageway was just as it had looked in the memory from Ewen. At any other time, Oliver would have relished the opportunity to observe it. Now, though, he barely gave it a cursory examination as he hurried towards the figures in the doorway.

“Hello?” Oliver found his own voice unnaturally loud after the silence. Alex was there, and Eira too, illuminated in the glowing light of the passageway. They both looked exhausted. He peered into the tunnel, breath catching in his throat as he noticed Matthew’s absence. “Where’s your dad?”

Alex didn’t reply. He was scanning the room and blinking, eyes unadjusted to the darkness of the wine cellar. 

“It’s okay, it’s just me. You’re safe.” Oliver stepped into the light. Recognition dawned, and Alex rushed into his arms.

“I didn’t want to leave, but we had to!” Alex’s words spilled out. “Tamara— the Head of Magic, she’s gone back, but they need help—”

Oliver pulled back, holding up a hand as his stomach twisted. “The Head of Magic?” Something had gone terribly wrong.

Eira moved to stand alongside Alex, and a movement behind them both stopped Oliver before he could ask any further questions. The door to the passageway swung shut, closing off the magelights from the tunnel and plunging them back into darkness. Alex flung himself towards it with a cry.

“No! We have to go back!” 

Oliver removed the dimming spells he’d set on the electric lights and saw Alex pawing at the wall in a frenzy.

“You can’t open it?”

Oliver stepped forward, running his own hand over the stone. But the gap where the door had been was now flush with the rest of the surface. 

“It makes sense,” came Ewen’s detached drawl in his mind. “Any entrance to the palace, even one only royal blood can open, is a risk to defence. A disgruntled cousin or sibling looking to stage a—”

“That is not helpful right now!” Oliver shut down his mentor’s explanation, just as Eira spoke. 

“Oliver, Matthew is with Morgan.” 

Icy panic flooded his body. He focused on keeping his voice level as he addressed them both. “You need to tell me what happened.”

A secondary wave of emotion from Ewen told him his mentor’s fear matched his own. “Matthew’s powerful enough,” Oliver thought, trying to reassure himself. “If he kills Morgan, then that’s another problem, but we can deal with it.”

“Morgan has killed powerful mages before.” The old Tactician knew far too well the threat that Morgan posed.

“They stopped us going out the main entrance,” Alex began, unaware of the conversation happening in Oliver’s mind. “We went to the throne room instead. That’s where the entrance to the passage was.”

Oliver listened as Alex explained. It was in line with what he had agreed with Matthew, though notably, Alex made no mention of Roy. “We were about to go through, but then Morgan found us. I’m not sure how—”

“He saw you?” Oliver interrupted. If Morgan recognised Matthew, it wouldn’t take much to make the connection. It was worse than anything they had anticipated.

“Yeah...” Alex glanced across to Eira, his expression morphing into one of concern. “Eira?” 

She was slouched against the wall, eyes glazed and unseeing. Without thinking, Oliver caught her as she slid limply towards the ground. 

“Eira!” Oliver heard Alex call again as they both crouched down, but there was no response from the girl cradled in his arms. “Uncle Oliver, what’s going on?” 

“I’m not certain.” Eira was breathing and Oliver could sense her energy, far stronger than he had ever noticed before. Had she fainted, perhaps? There was no sign of physical injury, but he was a competent enough healer should she need it.

“Ewen, ideas?” He shot the thought at his mentor just as Eira began to stir.

“Hey! Are you alright?” Alex leaned over Oliver’s shoulder as Eira pushed herself up. Her eyes were open now, but still held the dazed look they had possessed before she fell.

“Matthew? No, he’s not...” There was confusion in her voice and a growing sense of dread nagged at Oliver’s mind as he watched her. With a moan, Eira sunk forward, covering her ears with her hands. “No. I don’t know. Go away!”

“Eira, what’s wrong?” Alex reached out towards her, but Oliver was frozen in place. 

“He won’t stop talking! He keeps asking about your dad, and Oliver. I don’t understand.”

She looked at Oliver then, wide eyed and afraid, but he had no words of comfort to offer her. Instead, he dragged himself to his feet, slamming a fist against the closed passage hard enough that stinging pain shot down his arm.

“Alex! You have to open it again! I need to get through!” Oliver shouted. Not waiting for a reply, he hit the wall once more, this time with a jolt of magic behind it. It can’t be... He clawed at the stone, pouring his energy into half-formed spells that did nothing to the unyielding surface.

“That won’t work, Oliver.” Sorrow tinged Ewen’s thoughts, but Oliver couldn’t stop. “Exhausting yourself will achieve nothing. Alex needs you.”

“Matthew needs me!”

“He doesn’t anymore.” The blunt reply was a blade through his heart. With an agonised wail, Oliver sunk against the wall, letting the magic he was weaving fade away. At the edge of his awareness, he heard Alex trying to speak to him, but he ignored it.

“I won’t believe it. Perhaps it’s not what we think— It could have happened another way!” 

“The girl is Alex’s Friend. You know an Awakening when you see one.”

Oliver didn’t miss the honorific in the way Ewen said ‘Friend’. Images flashed through his mind, delivered by Ewen - all the memories he held of previous Champions awakening. Oliver simply remembered his own. The dizziness. The momentary blackout before he had returned to consciousness in Matthew’s arms…

Ewen’s warnings screamed through his mind. “You need to get them away from here!”

“I can’t.” Oliver sucked in a shuddering breath.

“Uncle Oliver...” Alex was waiting for a response, fear in his eyes. Beside him, Eira was watching with a new understanding in her expression.

“We need to go,” Oliver said, his voice cracking. “Come on. Dory - your mum is waiting for us.”

She would never forgive him, and he deserved that. He got to his feet and started towards the stairs that led back up to the pub, but neither Alex nor Eira followed.

“What? You’re not going to wait for Dad? Aren’t you supposed to be his Tactician or something? You can’t just leave!” Anger had replaced the fear in Alex’s voice and Oliver stopped, unable to look back. “Talk to me! I know who you are now. Who Dad is. Maybe if someone had thought to tell me before today, we wouldn’t be in this mess!”

“Alex…” It was Eira who spoke his name so carefully. “Let’s not do this here. We should go.”

“No!” Alex shouted. Oliver turned around to see Alex swat away her touch. “Eira, you were there! Tamara said she was going back for him. They need us!”

“I don’t think...” She trailed off painfully, and Oliver winced as her eyes met his.

She knows.

Oliver interjected before Eira said any more. “If you know who we are — who you are — then you must see that I couldn’t be the one to tell you.” He’d understood Matthew’s hesitation, even as he had advised against it, but it was always his friend’s choice to make. 

“But you can tell me what’s going on now, can’t you?” Alex’s glare did nothing to hide his need for reassurance. 

“I will.” Oliver walked forward and placed a hand on Alex’s shoulder. “Just not here. Please.” The priority was to get Alex and Eira to the safe house where Dorothea was waiting. When they got there... He didn’t know what he was going to do anymore.

Alex ran a hand through his hair. “You promise Dad will know where to find us?” 

Oliver swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded.

[lairofdragonagelore]

What if blights only happen as a built in protection from solas spell that created the veil? Like the veil senses when the local cultures magical sophistication approaches a point where it could threaten its unraveling so it creates a blight, that’s why blights happen at random intervals. And reinforces the theory that solas helped find the religion of the chantry and its subjugation of mages. Keeping them under a watch from advancing magic.

Thank you for sharing this thought. I’m not sure if you are asking me something in particular. What I can do is to offer what we have of the lore related to it [which also has some degree of reliability] to confirm or debunk part or these ideas. While writing these, I kept thinking in potential questions that were naturally triggered along the text, so I ended up making a post about Blight, mostly. This post contains the following brief topics:

What’s the Blight?

How was The Blight created?

Why do the Blights occur?

Why do Blights appear at random intervals?

Why the archdemons are dragons?

Did Solas create the Chantry?

First, what’s the Blight?

The Blight per se is not explained in “biological” terms. Like, is this a virus or no? We don’t know, and it’s ok, because it’s epic fantasy, not sci-fi. We do know it’s a disease carried by the Darkspawn that can infect every living creature. Dragons are [so far I know] the only creatures naturally resistant to it, but not immune, so eventually they turn into Archdemons  [read Josephine’s result in Learn More about Dragons].

Another creature that may be immune to the Blight are the Titans. But this is an implicit information non-confirmed so far. From the books and from the DLC: The Uncharted Abbys, Bastion of the Pure, we have the impression that the deeper we go into the Deep Roads, and the closest into a Titan, the less Taint and darkspawn we see. It’s almost implicitly saying that the Blight doesn’t have too much grasp onto Titans.

But on the other hand, we have the existence of Red Lyrium, which seems to be the result of Blighted “titan blood”. If Titans are immune to the Blight, we can speculate that to taint a Titan, one needs a strong magical spell to force it. This is a very curious and not clear piece of lore: are Titans immune or resistant to the Blight? The answer is said through the silent environmental telling.

The Blight also carries the “song of the Archdemons” and only blighted creatures can hear it. The song inserts itself in the memories of the creature with extremely pleasurable feelings and, slowly, makes them lose their minds. Proofs of all these things can be read in the section “Old Gods, Archdemons, and The Blight” in Songs and elements that sing and whisper in DA Lore.

The Blight also produces or allows to cast Blight Magic, a unique kind of magic that is not blood magic. We have this difference since the DLC of DAO [last section in Soldier’s Peak] given by Avernus: Blood Magic comes from the demons and the Fade and has to be performed by mages, the Blight Magic comes from the Blight within, the caster doesn’t need to be a mage but a blighted creature willingly to unlock it, and it has strange properties that feel closer to the properties of Titan blood and "Titan Magic" we see with Valta [in Songs and elements that sing and whisper in DA Lore, conclusion section, I even speculated that the Blight may have been an attempt of the Evanuris of creating elvhenan slaves in similar fashion as the Titans had the dwarves, originally]. Avernus also claims that the Blight carries a song that is not exactly coming from the archdemon, he perceives its origin coming from the Black City itself [more reason to suspect the Blight is related to the Evanuris].

How was The Blight created?

How it truly was created is still unknown to us. We have the crappy explanation of the Chantry we all know at this point, but we also know it’s wrong: it was not created by the Magisters that entered the Golden City and tainted it with their presence. The Blight was already there when they entered, the Magisters only embraced it [Corypheus’ memories in Shrine of Dumat]. So, its origin is Elvhenan or draconic or dwarven [the three ancient races of Thedas, so far we know]. We can be more or less sure that it was not human-made at this point.

On the other hand, thanks to all the information [codex and dev’s notes] from the mural “The Death of a Titan”, we already know that the Evanuris “may have unleashed a terrible evil” [textually: “What the Evanuris in their greed could unleash would end us all”] which can be associated with the Blight.

Besides this, we also have the unique and key narration of The Horror of Hormak, where we learnt that the Evanuris may have made experiments with the shape of their slaves. I have a long post of full hypothesis and speculations about it in “The Horror of Hormak [Personal Speculation]”. This sustains the hypothesis that maybe the Blight was created by the Evanuris.

When we talk to Solas in Tresspasser [Elven Ruins], he says he created the Veil because it was the only way to avoid the destruction of the world. Something that the Evanuris did [which killed Mythal at the same time] “unleashed” a terrible Evil, and this is the reason he created the Veil. He also did it in a city [the Black City], and isolated it with a “deeper" barrier. I say this because the Veil is not a “big deal”. You can dream and cross it without much trouble, but nobody can access to the Black City, neither from the Waking Wold nor the Fade itself. This is the big defence barrier he crafted to isolate a terrible thing inside the Black City. I personally think that, considering the mural “The Destruction of the Veil“, the Blight has a good chance to be the “terrible thing” that the Evanuris unleashed [the other alternative is the Red Lyrium, but I’m not much inclined to this option because Solas has shown in several opportunities that he doesn’t understand/know how Red Lyrium works, while he has a deep knowledge of the Blight and its magic; for details, read “Solas sharing Lore: Part 1 - Part 2”].

If we keep in mind that The Horror of Hormak explains about the horrors that Elvhenan mages did by modifying the shape of creatures and combining them to create abominations, and we combine it with Zathrian’s Quest, which shows that forcing some [shape] bindings with blood magic can produce “curses” that behave like diseases; one has all the lore hints to speculate that, maybe, the Blight was a more accidental consequence of the Evanuris when they were making these experiments of the shape than a real goal of them [maybe they wanted to create a slave race or a dragon shape for themselves]. The creatures were unwillingly to pass through this transformation, and this kind of magic and binding can produce curses, as we saw in  Zathrian’s Quest [which produced lycanthropy].

We also have to remember that when the Evanuris were still free, Andruil may have been Blighted, because she wanted to hunt the Forgotten Ones, who where hidden in the Void [maybe deep into a Titan’s body? A corrupted Titan?]. She always came back from this journey suffering madness. She also made “an armour of Void and weapons of darkness, and plague extended on her lands” [potential interpretation: an armour of Lyrium and weapons with the Blight, so we can see that the potentiality of creating Red Lyrium is there too]. Fearing she could hunt down the other Evanuris, Mythal turned into a great serpent creature and fought Andruil, removing her knowledge of how to reach the Void. So, there is also a chance that the Blight already was underground [the Void], and Mythal was protecting that no one would use it. For a broad, detailed collection of information about Andruil, check her section in the post Evanuris.

I like this speculation because it’s a clean Occam’s razor [the main principle I try to use in all the speculations I’ve been working]

Another possibility is that, in binding the Evanuris and sealing them against their will in the Black City, Solas caused a situation like the one of the Lady of the Forest, and from that, the Blight appeared as a side-effect curse. Solas realized about this and isolated the city before further spreading. This hypothesis assumes that the Evanuris were causing another kind of big Evil that was not the Blight but it was equally disastrous, and from the lore we only know there exist only two big dangers for Thedas: The Blight and the Red Lyrium.

If the Veil has mechanism that produce Blights when in danger, it is not something that I’ve found in the lore so far.

Why do the Blights occur?

They are explained in the lore clearly, and we even have the proof via the Architect in the book The Calling: the Blights occur because thousands of darkspawn look for a blighted dragon. This dragon is sleeping underground until they awake them. From that moment on, a Blight starts [details in Archdemon section of Songs and elements that sing and whisper in DA Lore]. So far, Thedas expects 7 blights. In DAO we had the 5th one. This information seems pretty reliable so far, it’s the core itself of Dragon Age’s lore.

We also know a detail which is very curious: the Grey Wardena always knew the location of all the archdemons. They even had a map [now in possession of the Architect, source: the book The Calling], but they could never access to them because they needed armies to go underground since there was a lot of darkspawn to fight. The fact that someone knew the location of each of the Archdemons shows that there was knowledge of these creatures even before the Grey Warden were created [this implies that these locations were known even before the First Blight happened, and these dragons had a function that demanded to know where they were located]. So these dragons were in those places for another reason [maybe religious ones? Maybe to sustain a spell?]. I speculate about these possibilities in the lore section of The Silent Grove , Those Who Speak, and Until We Sleep.

Why do Blights appear at random intervals?

Mostly because the darkspawn have to travel, they tend to be mindless [with the exception of the Architect or the Disciples] and have no map with the location of the dragons [until now]. They usually have to dig with their own hands only guided by the song in their heads. The 5th Blight happened very soon from the moment The Architect got this map with the location of the Archdemons. He confessed in the game that he caused the 5th Blight by accident, when he was trying to perform a spell to make his people free from the song of the Blight.

What all this lore implies is that the blighted Dragons were already there since long time ago, sleeping. I talked about the potential relationship between Great Dragons as “guardians” or “feeders” of the barrier that isolates the Black City in the post  “The Creation of the Veil”. In short, we can speculate that Solas used great dragons to contain the Blight of the Black City, taking advantage of their natural resistance to it. For some reason, they are underground, but we have to remember that the Void where the Forgotten Ones were hidden seems to point out the Underground too as it does the “deeper Fade” [details of these off-topics in Ancient Elven codices, Temple of Mythal, and Ancient Elven codices; Vir Dirthara]. So, there is a very bland suggestion that maybe the Dragons that awake as Archdemons are the mysterious Forgotten Ones; they were never elvhen, they were Dragons [Hence Mythal/Flemeth's interest in protecting Urthemiel]. And who knows? maybe they were the original gods that the Elvhen worshipped at first until they managed to claim Divinity for themselves.

Why the archdemons are dragons?

Blighted Dragons are sleeping underground. In the comic The Silent Grove we learn that some people created this grove in order to protect some Great Dragons, which came to hibernate underground. They seem to be under some magical effect that only their own blood allows them to awake. This procedure seems to be similar to the bound magic that kept Corypheus trapped for centuries: the seal was strengthened years later by Hawke’s father and required the blood of Hawke to break it. Meanwhile, in his sleep, Corypheus could call Blighted creatures, commanding them to unleash him. As we can see, the procedure is similar to Blighted Dragons too: they call in their sleep to other blighted creature so they can awake, and according to Avernus, this song in fact comes from the Black City. I assumed that maybe some darkspawn had dragon blood, but maybe it’s the Blight itself what awakes them once they are bligthed. In The Silent Grove we learn that only Alistair, who has Calenhad's blood, and therefore, great dragon's blood, is the only person who can awake a Great Dragon.

All this also suggest that the Forgotten Ones may have been Dragons and not elvhen [this also makes sense with the DLC of Hakkon when we find the codex of a Forgotten One called Geldauran whose spirit form is of a dragon, details in Elvhen Tomb]. So the fact that Andruil went to the Void [underground] to hunt the Forgotten Ones, makes sense with the fact that many great dragons are sleeping for centuries, under the protection of the underground. So the mysterious Forgotten Ones may have been the Great Dragons worshipped later as Old Gods by the Tevinters too.

In the codex of the mural  “The Death of a Titan”, we know that Solas and his people collapsed caverns and sealed the Deep Roads with magic. Similar imagery is seen in The Horror of Hormak. Maybe the Black City is in two places: one in the Waking World, underground, collapsed and sealed by Solas, and protected by sleeping Dragons who are resistant to this disease, and another barrier was set in the Fade, around the Black City, to prevent anyone from seeing the reflection that the Fade has about this place. After all it’s clear [via codex and dev’s note] that Solas wanted this place to be forgotten because he wanted to “make sure nobody ever would find what the other gods were doing”, probably, to avoid new people trying to reach this power again.

Did Solas create the Chantry?

No. I don't think so. I think Solas is very out of the human history of Thedas simply because he was slumbering. From the moment he created the Veil until a year before the Inquisition, he was just resting [he says so in Elven Ruins, read section “The Shrine to the Dread Wolf”]. It is true he may have had some agents, like Felassan. He may have given orders through the Fade, but the hints we have so far suggest that his agents were always more involved about the location of artefacts: the eluvian network and the orb of Fen'Harel. In The Book of Tevinter Nights, his agents are looking for more artefacts such as the Red Lyrium idol.

Also, as a person whose actions are all about the respect of the free will of the people [read Solas' opinion about the Qun in "Solas sharing Lore: Part 1 - Part 2" to have a broad image of it], Solas would have never created the Chantry in that way. In fact, he has several lines energetically disgusted and against the treatment that mages receive in the Circles, and he appreciates the way Avvar treat their mages: they are free until they have some symptom of corruption, in which case, they are killed in their sleep [details in Stone-Bear Hold Avvars - Part 1].

I don’t think Solas may have any interest in creating or even supporting the Chantry, which uses a lot of his own personal history as part of the tale of the Maker. He never wanted to be a god: he, even as Fen’Harel, never wanted that title, which was imposed to him by the Evanuris [read Elven Ruins,]. What I’ve said before in posts like “The Chantry and the Mythology of the Chant of Light” or in the deep analysis of the Chant of Light [Part 1, Part 2] is that, if you see the context [which is vital to analyse all this information] of when some events happened and how after that some verses raised and were incorporated to the Chant, one has the impression that Fen’Harel’s romantised history was spread by those who loved him as a rebel leader [we analyses this in Ancient Elven codices; Fen’Harel’s mountain ruins] and his story was later taken and modified by the Chantry to create their own Maker, who trapped/banished “evil” spirits underground. The Chantry wanted to capture the faith of the former slave elves coming from Tevinter in their Halamshiral, after their fight beside Andraste. As usual in DA lore, it’s always a matter of co-opting culture and culture assimilation.

In my opinion, it’s more about the natural anthropological evolution of tales and legends from a culture to another [I explained this broadly in “The Chantry and the Mythology of the Chant of Light”]. In our real world, specialists on this can track a tale that changed along the continent, and could guess how a certain population migrated and was absorbed into another thanks to the changes suffered in their tales and faith.

Think in the context: Elves that were free of the Evanuris, were turned into mortals after the creation of the Veil and became [or their children] slaves to Tevinter. Slavery removed any chance for cultural preservation, so they may have kept the few rebel stories they could via oral transmission. The accuracy of the tales was destroyed in this process. That’s how by the time of the Third Blight, the words associated to Fen’Harel stopped being related to “rebellion” and changed into “betrayal”. There was manipulation of the fragmented elvhen tales in order to spread a bad image of the Dread Wolf. Somehow, later, the Chantry took the pieces of this tale that were appealing for the Elves and turned it into “the Maker” as the foundational myth of its faith.

That’s a different thing to think that Solas actively created the Chantry and its perverse Circle system.

Another argument against it: If Solas truly created the Chantry, it would not be so ignorant of how to treat spirits. If you pay attention to all what Solas says about spirits and their nature [Solas sharing Lore: Part 1], all what the Chantry does is exactly the opposite of how to cultivate and protect good spirits without perverting them and how this attitude makes mages more susceptible to possession than in any other culture. Mages are a danger in Thedas because the Chantry treats spirits and mages in a way that keep feeding the terrible ones: pride, rage, hunger, etc while destroys the good ones [if you meet a Wisdom spirt and you truly believe it is a demon, the spirit will try to reflect that belief, destroying its own nature of wisdom].

A bit long, but a nice mixture and combination of topics in one.

[the-rollerchloster]

I posted 2,869 times in 2022

That's 1,575 more posts than 2021!

161 posts created (6%)

2,708 posts reblogged (94%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@thigholstercas

@likeaclassic

@wigglebox

@mattzerella-sticks

@green-blue-heller

I tagged 2,649 of my posts in 2022

Only 8% of my posts had no tags

#destiel - 648 posts

#lol - 358 posts

#cockles - 302 posts

#beautiful art - 223 posts

#dean winchester - 218 posts

#beautiful gifset - 212 posts

#jensen ackles - 167 posts

#wow - 164 posts

#😭😭😭 - 147 posts

#beautiful fic - 116 posts

Longest Tag: 139 characters

#i'm also undecided whether soldier boys definition of raising his sons to be men would have included the beatings his father couldn't be...

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

129 notes - Posted November 29, 2022

#4

I honestly don’t care if Jensen and Misha have never actually seen each other naked (I don’t believe that to be true, but if I were to be proven wrong somehow, I’d accept it)… what keeps me in the cockles dumpster is their complete devotion to each other. They love each other deeply, and respect each other, support each other, develop each other in sooo many ways that so few ever get to experience, and I just think that love is beautiful 💙💚

178 notes - Posted November 15, 2022

#3

Sometimes I wonder if we (as a fandom) have over-analysed scenes to the point that we’ve forgotten what we were actually watching.

Most of our favourite parts of Supernatural, the mothership as it were, are our favourite bits because they’ve been analysed and broken apart and put back together so many times that we can create this bigger picture that is further moulded by our own headcanons and fic plots and playlists. And that’s what makes Supernatural great.

I’ve seen a lot of #thoughts on The Winchesters now that the pilot is out, and I know that not everyone thinks it was a winner - the jokes were cheesy, the CGI looked terrible, it didn’t feel right, whatever else - but I’d argue that’s because it’s being compared to the Supernatural in our heads, not the Supernatural that aired on television.

I’ve said it before and I still believe it with my whole heart… Supernatural should just be a mediocre watch and forget network television show, but it’s not because of the passion of the people it sweeps up under it’s spell and the little bit of extra magic each and every person who gives it a little love sprinkles on top. This new passion project just needs the same magic.

231 notes - Posted October 13, 2022

#2

Some new information has been presented to me by a friend who attended this past weekend's Supernatural convention in Las Vegas. Cue too many coincidences for me to not talk about it...

Last night, after the con had ended, I received this picture of the Las Vegas Eiffel Tower lit up in blue and green:

This morning, Misha Collins himself, has drawn attention to the very same structure by nose-fucking it with a thinly veiled sex joke.

See the full post

396 notes - Posted March 8, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

“YOU HAVEN’T SPOKEN FOR HOURS”

I’m sorry, what? You’re telling me that Cas just sat with Dean while he drove to process the loss of his brother for hours in silence?

😭😭😭

461 notes - Posted August 13, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[wendydurmaz]

[ Aslıhan Malbora. 21. female ] Was that just WENDY DURMAZ, I saw walking through the city? The WITCH is known to be CREATIVE, but SHE could also be HOT-HEADED. Unbeknownst to everyone else, they’re hiding a secret: SHE IS THE WITCH THAT BROUGHT BACK THE DEAD. Time will tell how well they fair in New Orleans… [ sarah. 29. est. she/her ]

GENERAL INFORMATION;

FULL NAME: Wendy Elnara Durmaz AGE: 21 SPECIES: Witch PRONOUNS: She/Her/Hers ORIENTATION: Heterosexual MARITAL STATUS: Single OCCUPATION: Define “Job”?, Magical Freelancer, Student LANGUAGE(S) SPOKEN: English, Turkish, Latin

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES;

FACECLAIM: Aslıhan Malbora HAIR COLOR: Brunette EYE COLOR: Brown HEIGHT: 5'6" BUILD: Slim TATTOO(S): N/A SCARS(S): N/A

PERSONALITY TRAITS;

POSITIVE: Imaginative, Determined NEGATIVE: Destructive, Impulsive, Self-Serving GOALS/DESIRES: To learn more about prison worlds, the Geminis, the ascendant, and what the French Quarter coven regent is up to. FEARS: Being trapped in another prison world HOBBIES: Practicing magic, reading, traveling, listening to music

RELATIONSHIP MATTERS;

FATHER: Eldar Durmaz MOTHER: Liliana Durmaz SIBLING(S): N/A PET(S): N/A SIGNIFICANT OTHER: N/A ENEMIES: An ever growing list CLOSEST FRIEND: TBD

EXTRA STUFF;

Wendy is of Turkish descent. Her father moved to America when he was young and fell in love with a woman who he subsequently married.

Her mother grew up in Mystic Falls and belonged to a coven of witches, resulting in her daughter having the gift as well.

Over time, Wendy’s parents felt as if she was becoming increasingly out of control, specifically with her magic, and so they sent her to the Salvatore School when she was a young teenager.

Falling into the wrong crowd, and as a result of her bad behavior, Wendy found herself thrust into the 2018 prison world at the hand of Alaric Saltzman alongside fellow students Jade and Diego.

It was in the prison world that she met Kai Parker and the two formed an unlikely bond. They found common ground in their magic and spent time working together to find a way out.

It wasn’t until years later that a way out was discovered. Wendy found a way to commune with her ancestors, powerful witches that were willing to help one of their own. There was a catch however, Kai couldn’t accompany her. It was blood magic and was only available to someone living of their bloodline.

Surprisingly, Kai still helped her with the spell, only with the promise that Wendy worked to help him escape once she was out.

Once free, Wendy held up the end of the bargain. She spent copious hours studying her craft, learning about the geminis and prison worlds. She even tried to recreate the ascendent. But nothing was working. She didn’t give up however and even traveled to Portland, the home of the Gemini coven to try to find answers. She may have been morally gray but she was still a woman of her word.

Eventually she found her way to New Orleans, an epicenter for all things supernatural. There she worked her way into being a member of the French Quarter coven, hiding within their ranks and learning of all the magic she had to offer.

She highjacked one of the regent's spells and kept her word, bringing Kai back to the land of the living, free from a prison world.

Without meaning to, she ripped a whole through the veil which allowed many others to return as well.

With the Salvatore School's college branch now in town, she has enrolled and hopes that without Alaric Saltzman looking over her shoulder she will be able to grow in power like she was always meant to back in Mystic Falls.

[cosmicangel888]

Healing Abuse in even the most Subtle Ways ~ Arise 5D ~ Be the One that Speaks

What would happen, if instead of being petty, getting one over on another; you tap into the abuse wounding, the rejection wounding, the degrading wounding, and show yourself the love, attention, forgiveness, that those have not showed you?

When you show yourself love, the body heals, the mind sharpens, the world around you opens up; love and patience, inner softening clears the outer ~

None have any right to abuse you - if you feel like you have to walk on egg shells to keep the peace, it is destroying who you are as a creative expression on the inside~ disease, imbalance, mental, emotional disorders, for there is only so long a natural divine spirit being can be in such darkness and degrading imprints, and words before it breaks;

Self Mastery is that which is what you are shown, intuitive surity, clarity, and speaking on it, so that you can make a difference, for if you are being mistreated, then others are - your life story is exactly what you will use to help others, help a new path for earth, and those that are using our spirited gifts to live in new realms and new ways; of self love, self honour, self value, and self importance ~

All will know, see, and the truth will be unravelled, and how, in what ways systems and those within it abuse the public to run their own corrupt manners and thwarting innocent people - corrupt souls, spirits, disconnected and not feeding their own inner realm; will create, meet with others, cults, groups that set up pyramids, schemes, scams to take and confuse others - masked churches, and businesses and spirituality, fooling impressionable minds, souls, and taking light, energy, choice, and sway the collective energies - by mind-scraping, spirit veiling, breaking confidence and self confidence of the inner self; narcism and corruption of the inner self of the balanced ones by falsifying all that is involved;

Pulling others in, gang-stalking, systematic deceit, manipulations, and the mind, emotional, spiritual games get more subtle and payoffs to those in systems; and it is seen, brought forth by the year; so be the one that speaks, be the one that stands up and speaks for what is unfair and unjust and know there are innocent people that do not have a voice and you are the one that will ~ we are our new systems and we are the new earth ways of all are valued, all life is sacred; be the one that speaks and acts in peace and commitment to knowing life is sacred; outer false value, taking, scheming, and gang-stalking bullying while they steal your ideas, content, make money and residual off of your work, and you are blamed, targeted, blasphemed, and sent spell work daily to cease and give up ~

Looking into my own past city, where all the issues began of bullying for speaking truth, using my own human and spiritual rights, I recently read the government pledging $53M to help the city fight gang and corruption. While I have been speaking, helping other women, innocent, people that are merely being truthful and those with titles, power, and knowing who to call on, who and how to pay, so that whatever documents are tried to falsify and misleading and false information on the innocent will be brought down and truth will be prevailing - Truth will prevail -

Every person in their community deserves safety and liberation of expression and when we are bringing information forth; to have all parties look into it with equal eyes, equal due diligence; women's voices matter, psychic and mediumship and those that speak in truthful sacred tongue truly matter - deceit and wrongful abuse of occult gifts, tools, and offerings that harm, confuse, and how those that choose to use their gifts and help cities bring corrupt to healing and bring those abused to their justice; will be our 5D earth and I will not stand down.

Those on the inside of the game, will fall and break their paid off false bonds, and promises made to falsely bring down the innocent, because remember, every day, guides, teams, God, spirit, is all working on awakening with light, and when you awaken, you remember who you are and no amount of money, to sell your soul, your life away to cover for someone that is corrupt in their greed, and selfishness that will be your next partner in your next life, or your mother or father -

All that belongs to such groups, are also awakening; you understand the cycles of abuse and how it will return; and how your own free will that will be affected and the torment you participate in, will be enough to break free of the fear bondage and bring truth to the innocent being abused; that is clearing your karma and making way for what is right;

The constant inhumane punishment simply because someone will not stand down, someone continues to seek divorce and liberation from the toxic, corrupt, shady and selfish lack of self that will do anything to take, bring down, and harm the innocent only because they feel that someone is so different and pure and that triggers their darkness and then behave and act in bullying and haste because their own sense of self is being questioned; then go in and heal = you are worthy to carry yourself in anew; never surrender to lesser; hold a higher standard for your life and how others treat you -

Spirit sees and knows all - nothing, and not one will escape the choices, the slight of hand, the payments, and the deceit; none will be missed; and every time you bring falseness and pain, suffering to the innocent; all will return and receive - why such underground and corrupt groups will eventually impale and break inward; there is no where for darkness to go ~ someone will break and someone will know that spirit, light, love and their own knowing of what their next month, year will look like and how their own health, mental awareness, and all that is will show them a new level of worthiness ~ pure heart mind body and soul - life is sacred.

All life is affected by the environment, not solely becoming it, for you affect the environment, period; but most are simply not self masters to shift, uplift, and turn-upside down what is abusive and devaluing overnight -

Know that the Universal beings, Gods legions, and your spirit guides will match you - hold yourself most high; speak, act, never give up and know your inner peace, stand in your power, and your light, with integrity and know all is a vibration to know we are worthy of all living in peace, living in our creative expression, living in our heights and peace, love and grace; we have our rights to bring light, love, clarity to what is soaked in corruption;

Never surrender to a lesser story, or making of you - Stand in your light and show yourself, show your higher self, spirit, that your body, mind, spirit and soul matters; all your chakra's are there to help you inspire and infuse the power within to without - stand up for your perfect child, love yourself when others do not and know that is all that is needed before you see Source, God place synchronicities before you to move out and beyond darkness ~ ©

You do not have to surrender to the darkness - stand daily and spell love into your life, your body, your environment - not forcing an outcome, or others, but spell the light, the playfulness, the creative expression - none have rights over your expression and if you are around those that choose to think, and behave in such; that is their wounding of not enough, and insecurity that you are brighter, more solid, sure, clear about you - which they, all compare who they are in reflection of you -

We have been taught from the earliest of ages to reflect and observe outer to assure we fit, we get along, or belong, and most are not aware enough to know it is only a reflection and acceptance of how unique we are; not to be robotic and be like any - but to simply accept; all is the all - and you can act, love, express, explore, experience yourself as all - ©

The soul growth, and soul fulfillment, your destiny is......

You are here to explore all that you within the all

You are here to express all that you are within the All

You are here to experience all that you are within the all and you get to choose in all moments that creates your reality and health, what is manifested

This is your reflection with Spirit, Angelics when you pass over - 3 days of review and life reflection at the moment you pass; to offer, review, observe a life review of the above to take in the life's lessons for your soul;

did you practice patiences, tolerance, honouring all, releasing judgment, honouring of land, seeing all life as new and sacred, wakening to oneness and choosing in oneness, was I a master of me, or did I surrender my value, importance to follow, did I speak and live in my truth, did I value and honour others, did I build and create in my alignment - did I love more, did I forgive quickly

Did I hold all life with compassion - how can I create, be the art of my life so that all moments, I am soft, honouring, yet standing firm in who I am; because I love my uniqueness - my light, my offering, my creative spark is just for me of me - that is why I was here, am here - ©

Blessings be for your life review in all moments - live deeply, richly, and spirit will show you the way,

Joanna

#5Dleadership #5DNewEarth

JoannaCosmicAngel@yahoo.com

#ascension #awakening #God #source #CreationalReality #ascensionbooks #healinghumanity #healingourchildren #healingtoxicity #BeyondtheBeyond #5Dearth #5Dbooks #PTSD #healingtrauma #healingabuse #healingbullying #selfconfidence #healingpsychicattacks #healingblackmagic #5Dconsciousness #Consciousness #soulgrowth #destiny #fate #soulpurpose #divinity #creation #calgarycorruption #calgarycrime

[angrykittybarbarian]

Writing an opinion since it's like 5 in the morning over here and I can't sleep.

This is based on approximately 8-9 hours of gameplay I watched on youtube so take it with a grain of salt.

From what I have seen so far it's not your chosen dialogue options. The game really does lack the depth for what it is trying to convey.

Take Hawke for instance. I almost only chose the purple options in DA2 because the conversations become fucking hilarious yet you could always feel the actual impact of the given situation and that's because Hawke's sarcastic remark still adressed the severity of the given moment and your companions and npcs acted in a fitting and appropriate manner.

What I noticed in Veilguard however is that your companions especially seem so unfazed by the supposed end of the world. Rook drops this info about the elven gods and no one loses their shit eventhough they have just heared life altering and world changing revelations.

The andrastian humans don't care that the Chant of Light is partly true and wrong at the same time. They don't care that elven belief has a center of truth and how it affects their belief in the Maker. The Maker and Andraste have been mentioned a suspiciously little amount to begin with, at least in the first 8 hours or so.

The dalish elves are so non chalant about the fact that their creators have returned and are the complete opposite of what official dalish stories claim. Rook tells them 'Hey, two elven gods are about to destroy the world.' And Bellara, Davrin and the Veil Jumpers go 'Welp, gotta stop the gods then.' without questioning Rook even once.

They also seem to know what's really up with the Evanuris which begs the question of where they got this information from. The tyrannical nature of the Evanuris is not commmon knowledge. The only ones who know are Solas, who was there, the Inquisitor and their inner circle.

The dialogue seems generally unrefined and childish. It lacks subtlety in a way that it has to spell out the obvious while also withholding information where more context is needed. The voice acting seems to make a point of slow and overly clear speech as if to make sure the player will understand the very obvious meaning. The interactions become unnatural and result in this cringe feeling many players describe without specification. This also subsequently makes it harder to care for the story.

These are of course my personal observations. Different perceptions are naturally entirely possible.

The game made me kill two dragons in one battle and still it didn't feel exciting or perilous.

I did feel some kind of feeling while we were, again, losing grey wardens (though every time it happens I want the canon to remember that Ferelden was once saved by only 2,5 wardens and maybe, just maybe the orden could idk draw some inspiration from that).

Also I want to ask, have I chosen too many funny opinions, or it's just the game written in this quirky silly style and I don't mean quips here and there, but most of the conversations sound like this game doesn't allow to take itself or the things in it serious.

In all previous games you could feel the doom looming over you and the world, you were allowed to see everything crumbling down and feel dread and grieve. Here... Idk it's a silly joyride and nobody can keep their jokes to themselves. It just doesn't feel like the same setting, the same series. I wonder what older fans think about it.

At this point I just want to know what the blue idol is doing and am I or am I not locked out of the romance because I have exactly the same amount of people telling me different things.

[gangrenados]

Sinful tragedy

Summary: Demystifying an old myth becomes a difficult task when you come face to face with it. Jason is a demon as old as time and will do anything to have you at his mercy.

(Demon!Jason Todd x reader)

-@astroherogirl ! Ilashka, my dear, thank you for being my right hand with this😚💖

-@me0nji thank you for letting me use you absolutely beautiful drawing 💖💖💖

Warning: since this is inspired in this picture it will contain certain topics that some people don't take too lightly and I understand, that's why if the church, nuns, demons and all that aspects makes you uncomfortable, please do not read this.

Also dub-con, blood, sex and possibly death, but in a kinder note it's not that kinky 🤷🏽‍♀️

This a more slutty Jason cuz I just got those vibes

 You clutched at your jacket once the windy weather became too cold to handle. Nothing was more pleasant than walking by your own on the empty streets of Gotham on such night that gave you goosebumps anytime you looked at your sides.

People like you didn't last long in this city, they were easy prey for those who didn't care about others.

Both the living and the death haunted the fools who thoughts that just because the vigilantes lurked on the shadows their lives would be safe.

It was such a pity that tonight you belong in that vulnerable group. But you knew your friends weren't that far away, you could call for help and there would be an slim chance that you'll be okay.

Besides that, haunting for spirits was the most unreal thing in the world. It was a vain child tale, nothing would happen when you show up to the supposedly enchanted church.

The old myth of a demon as old as time that marauder the place looking like a nun was just that: a myth. The church looked like any normal church during daytime and it would be the same right now.

But your friends wanted more than that, they wanted to know the real thing. They convinced you to go there, swearing that you'll be watched on and will act if anything seems remotely wrong.

After all, the tale just talked about one person confronting the entity, one person to drive crazy.

You shook your heard, this stupid thoughts were tricking your brain into giving it power to something that didn't even existed. You made it clear to your friends you'd only do this to shut them up, after this they better get over this demon nonsense and get on the line.

But now that you were face to face with church you're will power dropped to the floor.

Underneath the pale moonlight it looked impressive, not even the scarred paint, fallen walls and graffities that adorned every surface could take way it's terrifying look.

You wanted to go back home, this was too much to handle; your whole body was starting to tremble, but you felt lured to go inside. It was like someone took over your body and made you walk, you were just a observant of your own actions.

Anxiety was starting to clog your mind, your breathing hitched on your throat as you found yourself in the mildly broken altar.

Dust covered the whole place making you not want to touch anything, but you still had the duty to prove if the myth of the nun was true or just an old tale.

"Fuck..." you said under your breath while finding the little to not  will you had to start the call for old entities. You set your bag in the dusty floor and looked for two red candles and a little knife.

The light would bright the path between life and death, the red candles meaning your want to call out for the underworld and your blood an offer to the old demon. The only thing you had to do is cut your hand and pour the blood into the soft fire, but it was easier to say than done.

"Beneath the darkness within us, I call you to be proven" your words echoed on the building, making the fire fickle a little. You hoped you wouldn't forget the spell and the fire to not die so easily. " To show that I'm pure and worth of the heavenly kingdom above mortals..."

"Come and feed of my flesh and blood to see that I am not going to break in front of temptations." Your eyes danced across the hall, looking for a sign that this foolery was making effect. Nothing happened between the seats or beyond the building, everything was as calm as when you entered.

You couldn't deny that you felt silly for even thinking this was going to work, but still keep looking for something and the few paintings on the walls were something you couldn't take your eyes off.

A weird feeling grew on you, something was off and the way the fire died so abruptly was a clear prove of it.

"You know it's rude to stare?" That voice almost gave you a heart attack, you jumped backwards lightly as you hold your chest tightly.

A young man appeared from the sacristy, he walked up to you with a haughty, almost cheeky attitude and you could only  frowned when you looked him up and down, the  looked so out of place between the religious enviroment

His strong ars werecovered in fine black lingerie giving him a classy aspect, while the kinky black leather hugged his body perfectly, resalting his chest in a way that it made you wonder how it must feel dragging your fingers against his abs and pectorals.

He showed it proudly, making you feel shy around his boldness and the thoughts that crossed through your head, however, you couldn't hang your head, too embarrassed to see  what's beyond the hips.

The stranger tapped impatiently against the chipped wooden floor, he dragged a puff from his cigar and exhaled the smoke slowly in the air." So, what are you doing here?"

You could ask the same question to such a particular man, although you rather hold that information on yourself and save the mockery. "It's not your business."

You sharp tone made him scoff, "So we have a fighter here!" the man said in a joyous tone that caused you to frown." It's been quite a while since i have seen one, but I'm not complaining..."

"The fuck you mean by that?"

He shrugged off as he throw the cigar on the floor and stomped it."Now you're forgetful? You called me, sweetheart."

Your heart felt to the floor as those words left his mouth and echoed in your head in painful motion. "So you're real?"

"Yes, and the name's Jason." The demon nodded, exposing a smile that you could spot two White fangs you guessed were Sharp enough to cut through skin."I know some people want to keep this nameless and shit, but I don't give a fuck if I'm being honest."

You were trapped surely, but you hadn't promised anything to him yet and maybe you could save yourself if you just leave before making a mistake. "Well do you wanna have some fun?" Jason took you by the waist, pulling you closer to him.

"I wanna make you happy, be your whore and let you do whatever the fuck you want to me." He whimpered wantonly as he took your hands and dragged them down his torse.

"I can be your little slut and you can be mommy..." A shiver ran down your spine when you had finally the chance to look him. The demon was beautiful, there was no lie about it.

His eyes looked benevolent as they shined brightly thanks to the faint light of the moon and the candles; also the few strands of white and black hair that escaped from the veil gave him a boyish look, but his smile was wicked. It made you feel preyed on even when he showed himself so submissive in front of you.

"I-I need to go...".You barely managed to stammer, pushing him away in a shy demeanor.

you were afraid of losing control in front of someone as dangerous as him. But Jason didn’t gave up easily. "No, baby!" he complained with a pout." I promise I'll be a good boy, just for you!, but don't leave me here all alone..."

Trembling, you shook your head. It was hard to get your words out of your mouth in such situation like this, you were unsure that this demon was stable, maybe he would throw a tantrum if you turned him down, however, you were too scared to the core to think about his feelings.

"I shouldn't be here, okay?, goodbye."

Faith returned to your senses as you could walk a few steps freely, the door wasn't far away from you and you could see the bright streetlights now.

By tomorrow this would be only a story you could tell to your friends, maybe the media would want to talk to you about the horny demon who begged to get down and dirty and quickly you'd writing a book.

But you had to push harder and it didn't matter how hard you tried to run, the hallway always expanded until it looked infinite.

"You're not going anywhere." Jason said behind you, capturing your wrist and yanking you backwards.

He trapped you between his arms in an iron grip, forcing you to look up to him; his features were hardened, the charming and slutty guy who welcomed was long forgotten and the only thing you could do was pray for it to come back.

"You wanna be with me right?" Jason asked  in a wannabe sweet tonee that caused your stomach to twist.

It didn't matter how much you tried to fight the effect his eyes were luring you to give in." I want us to have a good time, can you do that for me princess?"

He caught your lips in a deadly kiss that you inly could return. Your mind was screaming, but you didn't care as long as your body felt good, and the way his hands roamed your body fire didn’t help either to keep your cool since it only build up a burning desire that the man who was holding could only extinguish it.

"I can do that." you assured with a ditzy smiley, finally losing any control over your actions.

You kneeled in front of Jason, your whole being foggy with the happiness of blowing him soon. So your hands graced softly the ropes on his stomach, tugging at the clips to the let go.

"C'mon, do it." Jason encouraged, running his gloved hands through your hair while  you pulled down the leather clothing, letting his cock free for your delight.

You liked the shaft tentatively, swirling your tongue on the tip before giving it a cheeky kiss. Without wasting any more time you took his cock in your mouth.

 You bobbed your head up and down softly tpo get adjusted to it, spittng saliva to make it more easier for you to go down.

It was encouragin the way Jason grabbed your hair, taking a fistful of it as he quick up the pace. “You take me cock so well, fuck...”

You wanted so bad to rub your throbbing pussy, it was becoming harder and harder to ignore. So clumsily, you decided to rub your legs, wishing the friction would ease the ache.

Jason chuckled lightly when he saw you." Do you want more?"He forced you to go deeper, grunting when you swirled your tongue on his dick." Do you want me to fuck that little cunt of yours?"

You locked him up with tears pricking your eyes, Jason was delighted to see you in such estate. He wondered how you would look with his cum covering your face.

He pushed you away, a string of saliva connected his cock to your mouth which broke the instant that the demon pushed you to the ground.

You pushed down your pants and panties inmedialty and pulled your legs apart.

Jason shook his head, "I want you to take everything off, sweetheart." He took the hem of shirt and pulled it up.

Taking advantage of the closeness, you took Jason's face in your hands and steal a kiss that quickly became a more heated one.

"I want you to fuck me." you said breathlessly as Jason went down to kiss your body, nibbling and licking a trail of sloppy kisses that went from your neck your breasts.

The air got caught in your throat when his fangs brushed against your hard nipple. "Fuck!" you gasped as he sucked at the tiny bud graciously while he rubbed your soaked core.

You moved your hips up unconsciously, you wanted to feel more than just a simple heat wave.

His movements were a dirty torture on your clit, it was not enough and the question of how his cock would feel inside you gnawed at you.

"Please Jason" you asked in a muffled groan, he just nodded without stopping masturbating you. "Fuck me."

"whatever you want, babe" He pecked your lips softly as he rubbed the tip of his cock in your cunt.

"No more teasing!" your cries were quickly interrupted as he pushed his dick into your throbbing cunt in a slow way.

You let yourself hang when Jason started to thrust, it was slow even gentle pace at first just making sure you got adjusted to his size. However, it didn't lasted much longer as Jason started to speed up.

You were moving back and forth roughly, luckily you had your legs wrapped on Jason's torso to keep balance because.

Jason was fucking your mind away, nothing more than his moans and your pleasure that was slowly pushing you to be at his mercy.

It didn't matter that this man was an underground creature as long as he keeps fucking you like this.

However, the faint eyes of the saints were seeing you straight in the eye, following any move you made like they were judging. They felt sorry for you, a poor sould doomed by it's ego and need to prove themselves to others.

They prayed for your sould to get saved from the claws of that monster.

The moment your blood poured slowly to the floor you locked gazes with the only virgin who lasted through all this time of root in this dammed church, she was smiling softly with her arms open.

The only pure light within the darkness.

"You look so pretty like this, being a cock whore suits you well..." He chuckled in a low tone, quickly followed by a few grunts." Do you wanna be my slut forever, sweetheart?"

You felt pathetic at how quickly you nodded. Yeah, maybe you were too deep in his control to think by yourself, your mind was fogged and the only straight thought you could make out was the way this demon was fucking you silly.

You needed more of this, you wanted to be his own toy regardless of how hard that might be.

Jason shook his head with a cynical smile, overjoyed by your enthusiasm.

It was nice to have someone to play with after a long time. You could be useful as a fleshlight whenever he gets bored, and if he gets tired of you then getting ride of that issue wouldn't be that hard anyway.

"You're so doomed, baby." he graced you cheeck whit his thumb and you leaned to the touch, glad to make happy your new master.

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[tanyawritesstories]

Frozen Miracles | The Mandalorian x reader

My first Din piece! I wrote this awhile ago before season 2 ended and only now am publishing it. Hope you enjoy 😊

Word count: 5.4k

Warnings: fluff, pregnant reader, detailed descriptions of birth, Din frustration, the child isn't chaotic for once

•••

He stood watching the Krayt Dragon meat roast, waiting for Peli to get done talking to his informant. He shuffled around impatiently, watching as the child stared longingly at his dinner.

Needless to say, Din was frustrated. The only lead he had on finding others like him had evaporated the second that marshal removed his helmet. He knew immediately that all the time and energy he spent getting to this point was a waste. By the end of that journey he had: saved a community, restored peace between cultures, slain a dragon, and acquired the imposter’s armor to return it to it’s rightful owners. It was by no means an unsuccessful mission, it just wasn’t the outcome he expected.

He was snapped out of his reverie by Peli shouting at her droid. She approached, telling him about the nearby covert within the sector. He absorbed her words, committing them to memory and hoping that this lead was more promising.

“I just have one favor to ask,” Peli added. Din merely turned his head towards her to show he was listening. “There is someone who needs a ride off this planet.”

His hands returned to their place on his hips, “What’s that gonna cost me? I’m not a taxi service.”

“I know, I know,” she said, “But they’re willing to pay you to take them to the nearest civilized planet.”

He sighed softly, looking at the ground. “What’s the catch?”

“No hyperdrive.”

His helmet snapped to look at her. “No, that’s a deal breaker. Hyperspace is the only thing keeping me safe. I can’t do it.” He gestured.

Peli sighed right back, putting her hands on her hips. “Look, the nearest habitable planet isn’t far away. Surely you can manage that? They won’t be difficult.”

“Why no light speed? What’s the reason for it?”

Peli turned and beckoned whoever this passenger was to come out from her office. Din didn’t know what he expected but it certainly wasn’t who came walking into the hangar.

A woman stepped out into the sand, looking cautiously at the two of them. She looked young, quite a bit younger than him. She was dressed in tan clothes, a floor-length skirt and a poncho that looked a few sizes too big, it hid the outline of her frame and made her look like she was drowning in the clothing. A thin sheet of cloth was draped on top of her head, falling over her shoulders like a veil, tied loosely under her chin, leaving her collarbone exposed and some of her hair visible.

Peli waved her over and the young woman slowly approached. Peli put her arm on the woman’s shoulder in a comforting gesture. “Her husband died eight months ago and she wants to get off Tatooine and start over somewhere new,” she explained.

“Why me? There are transports that can carry passengers,” he replied.

“She doesn’t trust them and she said you seemed safe,” Peli answered for the woman, who still hadn’t spoken a word.

Din’s silence left an unspoken question lingering in the air. What makes her think I’m safe? The woman seemed to sense this and began signing with her hands, using hand signals that Din could decipher.

I’ve read about Mandalorians before, and you have a child. You seem trustworthy.

“She says you seem trustworthy because you have a child with you,” Peli translated, “And she’s read about Mandalorians before.”

“Why can't she talk?” He asked.

“She hasn’t spoken since her husband was killed. I’ve known her for years, she used to talk all the time, she was really happy,” Peli said, a sympathetic expression coming to her face. The young woman looked at the ground, her face was emotionless and cold. She looked void of all happiness, empty and hollow, her lips set in a straight line that hadn’t curved into a smile in a long time.

“You never told me the reason for no hyperdrive,” he restated.

Peli and the woman made eye contact and the older woman nodded to her. The younger woman slowly lifted the bottom of her poncho to expose her swollen stomach. She was pregnant.

“Hyperspace could harm the baby, even kill it. She just wants to get off this planet, too many memories of her husband," Peli explained for the woman.

Din turned away, contemplating and weighing his options. The sound of credits jingling together made him turn to face them again. The young woman held a small, worn leather pouch out to him. He took it in his hands and opened it, revealing a large amount of credits.

"How much is this?"

The woman began to sign and Peli watched in order to translate, not knowing Din already knew what she was saying.

It's 5,000 credits. It's all I have.

"Five thousand credits," Peli said, "It's all that she has left."

He looked between her and the pouch of credits, closing it and tucking it into his belt. "Alright, let's go."

The young woman turned to Peli and gave her a quick hug before walking up the ramp into the Crest.

Din watched her as she disappeared within the metal hull of his ship.

"Hey."

Din turned back to Peli, who had begun gnawing on a piece of meat.

"Take care of her," the older mechanic said, "She's been through a lot. Don't get me wrong, she's tough, but that baby is the only good thing in her life right now."

He nodded, letting her know he had heard her words. He turned again to look at where she had entered his ship, wondering what he had just gotten himself into.

~~~~

He settled the Razor Crest into space and set a course to the nearest safe planet, a moon called Nexlar. Despite it being close it would still take several hours to get there, especially without the use of hyperspace.

His passenger had decided to wander down into the hull as soon as the ship was stable. He tried to stop her but it was of no use.

He climbed down the ladder and turned to face his bunk, pressing the control panel letting the door slide up.

"Kid?"

He turned around to look for the little green troublemaker, only to find him standing on a crate next to which their guest was sitting on the floor. Her back was to Mando as he watched her feed his miniature companion pieces of a juicy pink fruit. He took silent steps towards them and observed their interaction.

The child cooed and giggled happily with each morsel of food she fed him. He always ate so much, Din swore his stomach was a bottomless pit.

He watched the expressions on her face, however small they were. She didn't look as helpless or as sad. She almost looked happy and he saw the corner of her mouth twitch up when the child reached out for her.

She continued to feed him until she didn't have any more, holding her hands up to show the youngling that she was empty handed. The child made a sad whining sound, his ears drooping in disappointment and her eyebrows reacted with sadness at seeing him upset. She reached out and pressed a feather light touch to his little green cheek before picking him up and setting him down on the floor.

She must have seen Mando’s boots when she put the kid down, as she jumped back in surprise, a little gasp escaping her lips.

“Hey, it’s ok,” he said calmly. Even with him being slow and calm she still pushed herself away from him.

“I’m not gonna hurt you.” It took him a second to realize that she might think he doesn’t understand her. He didn’t exactly make it known that he knew her every word back at the hangar. So he took to her form of communication, signing with his hands as well.

Thank you for feeding him.

He could see the gears turning in her head through the expressions on her face. Starting on shock going to realization then to relief and maybe something akin to thankfulness.

You are welcome. I read that that specific fruit was healthy for children. She signed back.

“What’s your name?” he asked out loud. She signed individual letters until it spelled her name. “Y/N, is that right?” She nodded, the corner of her mouth turning up into a small smirk again.

“I’m going to hit the rack, why don’t you head up to the cockpit and try to get some sleep. That chair is much comfier than the floor.”

She began to get up but with most of her weight in the front she was having trouble. Din bent and reached out, grabbing onto her elbows and helping her to stand. She grunted with the effort of trying to stand while being pregnant. She held onto her stomach when she had made it to her feet, wincing in what was either pain or discomfort. Din made sure she could stand on her own before letting her go and watching to make sure she got up the ladder alright. He retrieved the child and set him down in his hammock before crawling beneath his hanging bed and laying down to get some rest himself.

~~~~

Din was woken up by the blaring alarm sounding from the cockpit. He rushed out of his bed and up the ladder, planting himself in his chair and flicking off the alarm. He turned to see the woman- Y/N - with a concerned look on her face, staring out the viewport. He followed her gaze to see the two X-wing fighters on either side of his ship. They were comming him.

He answered reluctantly, giving them the information they needed and hoping they would then leave him alone.

They didn't.

He was doing his best but wasn't good at lying under pressure. There was still some hope he could get out of this confrontation. That was until they asked about the prison.

Din forced the Crest into a dive towards the unknown planet they were currently above. He heard her gasp from behind him and brace herself against the walls. He was trying to lose them, he knew he couldn't outrun them.

"Hold on!" He said, veering towards an opening in the frozen cliffside.

He shot around the corner and disappeared into the cave, praying that the X-wings didn't see him. One of the engines hit against the side of the cave as it got narrower. He was going to have to put it down, there was no other option. The keel of the ship hit the ground and they slid, spinning until they were facing the opposite direction. Din was trying his best to get the thing under control but he was losing fast.

The Crest went over a rut in the ice and was launched several meters high before it crashed down to level ground again. Finally stopping when the stern collided hard with a solid wall of ice. They were all jolted forwards in their seats and their backs hit the chairs as it stopped.

Din rapidly hit switches and pressed buttons trying to discover the state of his ship, he got no reaction from his vessel but continued to try regardless. The woman groaned and he turned to look at her. She laid her head against the wall, her face contorted into an expression of pain. Both her arms were wrapped around her enlarged middle, her hands trembling.

The open comm crackled as the faint voices of the X-wing pilots faded out of range. Din tried more controls, failing to notice that his passenger had unbuckled herself and moved to try and check on his child.

The Crest lurched forward as the ice underneath it gave way. She stumbled and was thrown into the back of his chair, in turn making him jolt forwards. The entire ship began to move as the ice broke and soon it was falling through. Everything seemed to slow down as the Crest descended into a chasm. It hit the floor with astounding force and noise. It’s occupants were thrown around hard and the last thing Din remembered was the sound, before he was thrown forward and knocked unconscious.

~~~~

He came to, slowly moving his head a little, then his arm, then his whole body. Feeling returned to his limbs as he woke up. How long had he been out? It was freezing and frost had accumulated on his armor. He tried and failed on the controls, the Razor Crest wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

In his haste to figure out what had happened and attempts to find a solution he had forgotten about his passenger. A low groan reminded him that she was there. He turned around in the chair to see her body limp at the foot of the door. The tip of her nose and fingers were tinged a light blue and he noticed the draping had fallen off her head. Her clothes weren’t cut out for the cold, they were thin to combat the hot Tatooine temperatures, she would no doubt freeze to death if she didn't warm up soon.

He only had to take a couple steps to get to her, crouching down and shaking her gently. She opened her eyes and he grabbed under her arms, lifting her up. Even with his thick gloves he could feel how cold she was.

"You're freezing, we need to get you warm. Stay here, I'll find some blankets."

He set her down in a passenger seat and dropped down the ladder to inspect the damage. Luckily, the kid had stayed in his hammock, Din grabbed him and all the blankets he had and returned to the cockpit. She was shaking from the cold and had one hand pressed to her temple the other on her belly.

Din set the kid down in his chair and draped a blanket around the woman. She winced as she pulled her hand away from her head, blood covered her palm.

"You're injured.." he said. "I'll get a medkit, stay there." He dropped into the damaged hull once more, retrieving the medkit and crouching in front of her to check her wound.

"Let me see." He gently pushed her hand away to reveal a cut on her left temple, going into her hair. He inspected it, thankfully it wasn't deep and she appeared to not have suffered too much damage.

She pulled the thin shawl off where it fell on her shoulders and wiped her bloody hand on it. She held it out to him and motioned to her head. "Ok," he said, taking the cloth and carefully wiping away what blood he could. He cleaned her wound before applying a small bacta patch.

"That should do it," he said. He packed the medkit back up and tossed it behind him. She still looked to be in pain, now both her hands were on her stomach. "Is the baby ok?"

She moved her hands around, sighing in relief shortly after, then nodding.

Just kicking. She signed.

Before Din could do anything she took his hand and placed it on her belly. Through her layers and his gloves he could feel the small jolts from the life growing within her. There was something so intimate about it. He felt like it was something he shouldn't be witnessing, it was too personal and he was a stranger. She let go of his hand to sign.

Can you feel it? She asked with a smile.

"Yes," he answered, "that's amazing." Despite having let go of his hand, Din kept it in place, feeling as the rowdy little one settled down.

"I need to patch up the hull, I'll be right back," he bid.

I'll watch him for you. She signed, pointing to the child who was playing with a switch.

"Thank you."

Din set about fixing his ship as much as he could, it was in worse shape than he thought. What felt like a couple hours passed and he stopped to take a break and warm up inside. As he walked back around to the front he noticed footprints in the snow leading towards an opening in the cave wall. He looked inside the ship and saw that the kid was sleeping soundly in his bed, wrapped in blankets. She was the one who had left.

Din followed the footsteps into a path of ice tunnels, looking around cautiously. He touched the side of his helmet whenever he could no longer see her tracks. His HUD illuminating her imprints in thermal colors. He continued to follow for what felt like a long time, how far in here had she gone? He hoped nothing had happened to her.

That hope disappeared when he heard a yell come from further in. Din broke into a run, sprinting towards the noise. He rounded a corner and stopped dead in his tracks.

Y/N was sitting waist deep in a small pool of steaming water. She had stripped off her skirt and was only wearing her shirt which was off white and wet to above her stomach, nearly see through. She was in immense pain, her face contorted into agony. She leaned against the edge of the pool, her head resting on the cold snow. One hand gripping the edge so hard her knuckles turned white, the other on her stomach, which looked to be the source of her pain.

He rushed to her side and kneeled in the snow. "Are you alright? What happened?" He asked, looking her over frantically.

She didn't sign, just put her finger on her stomach then dragged it down and pointed out. It suddenly became obvious what was happening to her.

She was in labor.

Din tried not to panic but he was having a hard time. He had no idea how to handle this situation.

“Uh, what can I do?”

She signed quickly and her hands moved so fast and were so shaky that Din almost couldn’t understand her.

I can do this. I just need you to do one thing.

“What, what do you need me to do?”

Her response was clear.

Catch.

She shifted herself and Din helped her so her legs were pointed towards him. “Uh, um, ok. I think I can do that.” He hoped his voice didn’t come through the modulator as shaky and nervous as he felt like it sounded.

She continued to groan and shout in pain and Din wished he could do more. He hesitated to touch her but wanted to support the woman and give her strength, he gently placed a hand on her bent knee.

"C'mon, you can do this. Remember to breathe," he encouraged.

He also didn't want to look down. The water was murky but shallow and he had briefly glimpsed her lower nudity when she turned towards him. Knowing that he would have to reach down there and literally catch her child soon was making him sweat underneath his armor.

Catch, he was going to have to use his hands. He looked at his gloved hands, the gloves had been everywhere and were no doubt dirty and not safe for a newborn. He couldn't touch her with them. Din took a minute and shucked off his gloves, setting them beside him. He reached over to her pile of discarded clothes and grabbed the blanket she'd had around her, setting it between his legs to place the baby on right away.

He made sure to keep his own breathing steady as he looked down, seeing the head of the baby slowly coming through her opening. He took a deep breath and urged her on, watching in mild horror as the child came through more and more.

Din put his hands into the water and helped get the baby’s shoulder through, as she had instructed him. Part of him wished he hadn’t taken his gloves off as his hands were now coated in slimy liquids.

With a last strong push her baby came all the way out and into Din’s hands. He gasped on reflex, it was smaller than he thought it would be. He quickly raised the baby out of the water and wrapped it in the blanket. He pulled his vibroblade out of his boot, about to cut the cord. He looked to her for permission, getting a nod and a warm smile from the exhausted woman.

He broke through it, finally severing the connection between mother and child. She sat up all the way and reached out to him, Din put the babe in her arms and sat back in the snow, almost as exhausted as her.

He looked over at the woman, cradling her baby against her chest, a huge smile on her face. She looked at him, signing.

It’s a girl.

“Congratulations,” he replied.

Thank you, for everything.

“You’re welcome,” Din sighed. “What are you going to name her?”

The woman thought for a moment before looking at him with a smile.

Mandi, after you.

Din’s eyebrows raised under his helmet. “Me? Why me?”

You helped deliver her. It's the least I can do.

Din stared and she paused, both of them thinking.

I will get you more credits when I'm settled, I know this wasn't part of the deal.

He sighed again. "Don't worry about that right now, we need to get you two back to the Crest." She held her child out to Din and he carefully held the tiny girl in his arms the way she showed him. He turned his back to her so she could dry off and dress, meanwhile also becoming enamored with the baby in his arms. Her small pink face peeked through the warm confines of the blanket, eyes closed, peaceful. It all suddenly became real to him.

This was another man's child that he helped bring into the world. A tiny human that he physically saw come to life in his hands. He felt honored, this experience should have been for someone else, the man she loved. But he was gone and Din was, for now, his replacement in a life changing event. Din reached a bare hand up to touch her cheek. The newborn stirred but didn't open her eyes. He held her tighter, having a sudden urge to protect her and keep her warm and safe. She was only about 20 minutes old and already had Din wrapped around her tiny fingers. This must be the same thing that happened when he'd found his child. Almost like a kind of hypnosis, drawing him in, bringing out a side of him he hadn't known he had.

He heard a pained groan and snow crunching and swiftly turned around, finding the woman was fully clothed and had fallen. She was still recovering and her body was too weak to walk just yet, she had tried and fallen when her limbs gave out. He kneeled beside her and she held his gloves out to him. He thanked her and took the gloves, transferring the child back into her arms. He donned his gloves and tugged off his cape. Since using her blanket for the baby, Y/N was left without anything to keep her warm. Din wrapped his cape around her and picked her up like a bride, carrying her back to the Crest.

Thankfully, his own little one had stayed put the whole time but was now awake and rummaging about. Din set her down on his bed and got her more blankets. He wagered he could get some more repairs done and wandered outside again.

~~~~

The sun was going down and it was getting colder than it already was, Din stepped inside and sealed the ship as well as he could for the night. He walked to his bunk to check on his passengers. He found her laying on her side, fast asleep. Mandi laid in front of her, also asleep. He also found his own son, asleep, on the other side of Mandi. Y/N had an arm lightly wrapped around both children, each of them had ahold of one of her fingers. If it wasn't so cold, he might've melted at the sight. It was so pure, so domestic. Something he never thought he'd see in relation to him. The thought of them all belonging to him passed through his mind briefly. He knew that could never be a possibility, especially for him.

He grabbed some food for himself and made his way up to the cockpit, finally intent on eating something. As soon as he made it up there, he heard a baby crying from below. He quickly made his way back down to find Mandi crying and wiggling around in her mother’s arms. Y/N stirred in her sleep and Din carefully scooped the baby into his arms, not wanting her tired mother to wake up, she needed sleep. Din could watch the baby for a while, he could deal with his child, and he was much worse than Mandi. Din rocked the little girl in his arms until she stopped crying, which wasn’t long. He carefully climbed back into the cockpit and laid the baby in his son’s crib. He wasn’t using it right now. He rocked the floating bed and Mandi’s face softened into calm.

“There you go, all better,” he said softly. He took one hand out of his glove again and ran his thumb over the back of her hand. Her skin was smooth and warm against Din’s blaster calloused hands.

“You need some sleep, tiny one, so does your mother. So you’re stuck with me right now.”

Din continued to talk to the tiny girl until he was sure she was sleeping. He then removed his helmet and was finally able to eat. He was nearly finished when he turned to reach across the controls and bumped his helmet, causing it to fall and hit the floor with a loud clang. Mandi was immediately woken up and began crying. Din reacted fast and took the baby into his arms, rocking her again.

"Shh, shh it's ok. I'm here, you're safe."

Din allowed a smile to spread across his exposed face, able to see how precious she was without his helmet in the way. He simply couldn't resist the sight of this perfect little one in his arms. He lowered his head and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Just as he pulled back, the little girl opened her eyes and looked up at him. He was shocked for a moment, this was the first time he'd seen her open her eyes and she was looking at him...without his helmet.

Din looked around to find it lying on the floor near his feet. He wondered if this was technically breaking the Creed since he knew the baby would never remember what he looked like. But nevertheless, he picked the Beskar barrier up off the floor and set it on his head. For once, he was hating having to put it back on.

~~~~

Din didn't remember falling asleep in his chair in the cockpit, not to mention with little Mandi cradled against his stomach, also asleep. He looked around, how much time had passed? He wasn't sure. He thought he heard a faint sizzling sound and his helmet enhanced his hearing. It sounded like someone was welding.

Din got up and set Mandi back into the crib without waking her up. He climbed quietly down into the hull and found the kid asleep in his hammock, but the woman was missing. The sizzling sound was louder and came in increments. Din exited the ship, following the noise to the other side of the ship. There he found the woman kneeling in the snow, tools in hand, repairing his ship. He was stunned, she had just given birth not even 24 hours ago and here she was fixing his ship, and doing a great job as well.

He cleared his throat to get her attention and she looked to him and smiled.

"What're you doing out here?"

Fixing the ship.

"I see that," he replied, "You should be inside where it's warmer."

But I can help, Peli taught me everything she knows. Let me help you.

Din sighed. If this woman was right and she could help fix the Crest then he wanted her help, but he also wanted her to stay safe. “Alright, I’ll start on the other side. If we work together we might get this done before nightfall.”

The woman nodded and got back to work, Din grabbed more tools and started on a different part of the ship. They worked, taking breaks when too cold, and made huge progress on the Crest’s repairs.

~~~~

“I think that’s all we can do with the tools we have,” Din surmised, “We need to get to a hangar and have someone finish the rest.”

The woman stood next to him, looking over their work with a proud look on her face. She had fashioned a sash out of a blanket that went across her torso, Mandi was nestled safe inside, held against her mother’s chest. Y/N also had his little womp rat balanced on her hip.

They had welded and wired everything as best as they could, and managed to patch the hole in the hull with spare durasteel panels.

Shall we get off this frozen rock now?

“That sounds good to me,” Din agreed.

They boarded the ship and Din took the kid while Y/N climbed into the cockpit. He went over the hull again before joining her, setting the kid in one of the passenger seats. He turned and saw her in his chair, flipping switches and pressing buttons. The engines roared to life and she checked out the viewport to make sure they were working correctly. He watched her as she got the ship ready for takeoff, another thing he didn’t know she could do. He was pleasantly surprised.

Over the last few days he had learned she was a great mechanic, took amazing care of both the kids, and now he learned she was also a pilot who knew her way around a ship. He put one arm on the headrest of his seat the other on his hip as he watched her expertly handle the machinery. She was just about to grab the steering handles when she stopped herself and looked up at him. She looked apologetic and began signing to him.

I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself. I haven’t flown a ship in so long I just got excited.

She bowed her head at him and got out of the chair, taking one behind him. He chuckled. “It’s ok, maybe as we get closer to Nexlar I’ll let you pilot.” He looked back in time to see her face light up with excitement. He smiled under his helmet and turned back to get the Crest in the air.

He was able to get out of the cave and back into the blackness of space with more ease than he expected. He breathed a sigh of relief when everything held and he was able to set their course for the destined planet.

She tapped him on the shoulder and signed that she was taking the kids down into the hull to try and get them to sleep. He thanked her and watched as she climbed down the ladder, handing the child to her once she was down.

It must have only been about half an hour before he heard someone calling him.

“Mando!”

The voice was broken and strained, whoever was talking was having a very hard time with it. He turned to face the doors.

“Mando!”

A little louder. It was a woman’s voice, she was talking, calling for him. She called him again, panic in her broken and unused voice.

Din jumped out of his chair and quickly climbed down into the hull. Y/N was standing at the foot of his bunk, staring down the length of the ship. He followed her gaze to see all the storage crates and lose equipment suspended in mid air, floating with nothing holding them.

He walked to his bunk only to see his child sound asleep in his hammock. If it wasn’t him then who…

He looked at Y/N to see her concerned and panic stricken face, they both looked down at the same time. Little Mandi was awake and smiling gleefully, waving her tiny limbs around, the suspended cargo moving with her small motions.

“What’s happening?” Y/N croaked out, scared and worried about her baby.

Din sighed as the information sunk in. Not another one.

[has-gilgamesh-doneanythingwrong]

Learning how to use the runes with Caster Cu (FGO)

I spent 6 hrs writing the most shamelessly self-indulgent headcanons ever Here, Caster will teach the FGO master the basics of the runes. Follow the master as they learn a bit about their origins, face rigorous testing, make their own set of runes; and use them for the very first time!

*Disclaimer: These headcanons will focus on the use of the Elder Futhark runes. (In fgo, they use both elder and younger futhark) As I’ve only been researching the Nordic runes for around 9 months, please take these headcanons with a pinch of salt! (also, fgo master will be gender neutral! Please enjoy.)

As soon as you broach the topic to him, Caster Cu’s face pales considerably; as images of Odin hanging upside down on the world tree for 9 days permeate his mind. Hopefully you weren’t asking him if you could do that... you weren't, right?

‘Shit...I knew this day would come.’ Awkwardly lowering his hood over his face (so then he can avoid looking at your expectant expression); Caster sighs. “Ah, yeah...Rune magic. Sure, I’ll teach you later...yeah, later.”

Hoping that his bluff is successful, he tries to dematerialize away as fast as possible. However, once you latch onto his pale blue coat to ask what you should do first, he finally caves in; knowing that there’s no way for him to worm his way out of this perilous situation.

“You know, you could try asking Skadi. Or how about Shishou? There’s a hell of a lot of other servants who know bits and pieces about the runes as well. How about you give ‘em a try first?”

When you admit that you want to learn from him, due to your deep appreciation for his extremely flashy use of the runes; Caster stifles a laugh. Yep, there really was no room for escape now.

“Well, I can’t fault you for that; I do look pretty damn cool in action!” Twirling his staff, Caster strikes a pose. “But I don’t get it. You’re already training in other arts. Why would you wanna load rune magic on top of that? You like drowning yourself in work or something??”

As you excitedly flapped your arms around, explaining how you liked watching him trace sparkling runes with his hands; and wanted to take his tree branch summoning skills for yourself, his eyes widen with surprise. He wasn’t expecting you to be this observant.

“Ah, you mean the Berkana/Berkano (ᛒ) rune? Yeah, that one represents the birch tree, so I can summon it. It also commonly symbolizes new beginnings and fertility...” Caster trails off as your braincells physically implode at his explanation.

Berkana? Birch trees? Fertility?! You had no idea what he was talking about right now. As a dour silence weighs heavily upon the two of you, a lightbulb of inspiration strikes Caster right in the head.

“Oi, master. Read up a little on the runes, and remember at least some of their names first. As your new teacher, that’ll be your first assignment. See ya!” And with that, he was gone, vanishing into thin air. Realizing that he had just agreed to teach you, your face sparkles with glee. Clenching your fists with all of your might, you march towards the library. Time would wait for no man!!!!

Exchanging friendly greetings with Murasaki, as you trundle through an entire emporium of books; it takes hours for you to find a book on the runes. Many of the books were in a language that you couldn’t read, however this one looked rather easy on the eyes.

Titled ‘Easy Rune Magic for Modern Mages’, you flick through a rather simplistic guide that provides you with the names and a single definition for each rune; but it provides you with little to no information on how to truly understand their meaning. With subheadings such as ‘How to use the Fehu (ᚠ) rune to generate wealth to pay for your magecraft PHD at the Clock Tower’ and ‘Is Thurisaz (ᚦ) more effective to use as a defensive spell or curse spell?’ you were officially BAMBOOZLED. Tired, you decide to throw in the towel for today.

However, on your way back to your room, a stroke of excellent luck manifests itself before you. Situated upon a sturdy pine table are none other than Sigurd and Byrnhildr, who are reading together. Although you find this scene to be rather adorable (seeing as they were both entirely intact, with no stabbing wounds to be seen); you decided to interrupt their date anyway.

“O-oh, master...” Byrnhildr blushes, as Sigurd waves politely. “What brings you here today?” Slamming your hands on the table, you passionately declare that you wish to learn more about the runes, but can’t understand them without gaining some insight into their history first. As Brynhildr’s eyes glimmer with a sense of appreciation at your open display of interest of their culture, Sigurd haphazardly pulls out the chair next to them.

“I’m glad to see you profess such a profound interest in the runes, master. Please sit down and join us.” Glasses sparkling ominously, Sigurd explains a little bit more about how the elder futhark runes work. He not only explains how Odin discovered their wisdom after hanging from the world tree Yggdrasil; but also tells you about how Odin shared their power with humankind, making him none other than the ‘Allfather’ of the runes.

At the mention of his name, Byrnhild’s expression sours somewhat; making you realize that the two most likely share personal ties with him.

“They’re a special alphabet that we can use to invoke the power and wisdom of the Norse gods, so be careful with them.”

Sigurd then goes on to explain how all 24 runes are separated into three Aetts- which are basically a means of dividing the runic characters into different categories.

“Each rune comes with a short poem. That way, you’ll be able to understand them and their context a little more.”

Once you thank him for the information, he replies with a “I hope I was of use. I’m very proud of you for asking us for help.”; as Byrnhildr returns with an entire truckload of books tucked within her arms!!!

“These books will be helpful! This one’s about the myths associated with the runes, and this one is a practical guide that’ll help cultivate understanding. As for this one, it explains their etymology.”

Byrnhildr chuckles at your gobsmacked expression, as the two of them heap the books into your own arms. “You don’t need to know everything about them, but it’ll be handy for you to develop a little bit of historical and lexical knowledge as well.”

‘I thought I only had to know their names and descriptions...!!’ Tears pooling within your eyes at the mountain of books, you thank them for their help and leave, as they wish you all the best with your studies (and prayed that one day you’d wish to speak to them in the language as well. They couldn’t wait for that opportunity!)

Sighing all the way back to your room, you gasp in surprise as you bump into none other than Skadi.

“Oh, good timing.” Passing you a bundle of golden-trimmed strips of ancient paper, Skadi smiles vigorously. “You can use these as flash cards for your rune training, as well. I’m surprised that you didn’t ask for my guidance, but that may have been for the best. I would’ve trained you thoroughly in the arts.”

A chill jolts through your spine at that. Who knows just how hard she would’ve trained you? Part of Skadi was Scathach, after all. Thanking her for her assistance, the two of you split paths.

‘I seem to be bumping into a lot of people today...’

Was this a mere coincidence, or perhaps something more?

A busy month full of book reading and writing notes onto your flash cards passes within a blur.

Mash had also shown great interest in your studies, and would help test you with your flashcards every day! However, you were still pretty confused about how long this stage of research would last for.

Whilst reading up on how runes could also be used to predict the future and provide advice for one’s dilemmas; and how the Nornir (3 deities of fate) determined this form of divination, you groan.

All of the people within the books had their own sets of runes, which they would use to communicate with the gods.

In other words, they could be used for divination as well as magic.

‘Why can’t I do that yet?’ You pout indignantly; snapping the book shut.

If Caster wouldn’t teach you rune magic, he could at least teach you about divination! Patience running thin, you decide to leap back into action.

It was time to confront your teacher, once and for all.

However, as soon as you exit your room; you are greeted by none other than Caster himself.

Almost tripping onto the floor with surprise, you gawp in shock at his appearance. With his staff and a mouth-watering cup of Darjeeling tea he had brought from one of Marie’s posthumous tea parties in his hands, Caster smirks. “Yo, master. Looks like I came just on time.”

As the two of you settle in the canteen for class (?), after a bit of small talk; you declare that you want to learn how to use the runes for divination. “If you won’t teach me magic, then I would like to learn how to communicate with the runes first, please!”

At this, he lets out an unusually loud guffaw of laughter. “Ahaha, so you finally worked it out, huh? Before you can use their magic; you gotta understand and communicate with the runes, as well. You’re a faster learner than I thought you’d be.”

Unsure whether this was a compliment or not, you enquire as to what he means by that. “It’s pretty simple: you can’t cast these bad boys without building a relationship with them first. On that note, let’s see how much you’ve learnt from your studies.”

His test is a nightmare.

As he barks the name of each rune from the First Aett (the first eight runes), you are forced to draw each and every one. If you get a rune wrong, he repeats it consistently until you draw the right alphabet for each one.

Afterwards, he takes you through a hellish journey as he asks you to provide at least one definition for each rune.

By the time you are done, night has already swept its veil over Chaldea; the halls devoid of any signs of life.

In other words, the two of you had been at this for the entire evening, which had definitely garnered you both the attention and pity of many staff and servants.

Stomach rumbling, you beg Caster to finish class for today.

“Yeah, sure. Whoops, looks like I got a bit carried away right there.” He has definitely inherited his deadly teaching style from Scathach.

When you ask him if you’re ready for the next bout of training; he frowns. “Nope, that was only the First Aett. You’ll only move to the next stage when you’ve memorized all THREE. In other words, get to learning all 24 runes!!” As you cry in despair, Caster shoots you a mischievous wink as he helps himself to the bar.

The dreaded tests continue on a weekly basis.

Not only do you have to deal with the challenges of the saving the world, helping out your allies and maintaining your own health; you also have to leap into the hellish jaws of rune testing with Caster Cu.

Albeit suffering greatly from the challenge, your spirit was also greatly roused. Learning about the runes was fun!

So much fun, that you’d often dream about them, and see their shapes in the food that you ate; and would even accidentally use their names in conversation sometimes, like saying: “Oh, I’m sure the energy of this rune would help with your headaches,” to a very bewildered Mash; or comparing the sunrise to the runes (which confused Shakespeare and Hans greatly. Actually, they are now worried about your health).

All in all, your studies were starting to take effect!!

It was finally time.

As Caster more or less yelled the name of each rune at you, your response was astounding. Not only were you able to draw the shape of every rune in a matter of seconds, you could also provide multiple readings for all 24 of them.

Eyebrows quirked with surprise, Caster sighs with relief. ‘Phew. Looks like class will be shorter than usual today.’

“Holy shit. You’ve done a damn great job, master. You got them all right!” As you roared with joy, pumping your fists into the air with glee; Caster almost fell off his chair- clutching his sides as he tried (yet failed) not to laugh. “Alright, buckle up. We’re gonna get you a set of runes now.”

A set of runes?! Your eyes sparkled at the prospect of finally being able to have runes of your own. It was about time, as well. You had grown sick of using your flash cards, you wanted the real thing!

However, you were confused about the concept of needing your own set. If Skadi and Caster Cu could manifest them just by using their hands, and magical devices; why would a person need to have a set of them? As you expressed your concern, Caster nods his head in understanding.

“I see your point. But even I have a set of runes, you know? It’s every bit as useful a method.” Unleashing a small, worn-out felt pouch; glimmering gems -whose rune inscriptions were engraved upon them in gold- splashed across the dining table. They were beautiful. “’Sides, there’s something exciting about making your own set.”

Your mind swims with excitement, as he describes the different materials that runes can be made from: bones, metal, gemstones, pebbles, glass, clay...there were endless options.

However, when you asked him if you could use your collection of Evil Bones to make a rune set, he chokes on his coffee- pure horror drenched across his features.

“No way in hell! You trying to get yourself killed? Never invoke the power of the runes on cursed items, master.” 

Then how about using QP or Mana Prisms as a base to inscribe the runes instead? Once you suggested this, his face paled somewhat. “Yeah, about that...don’t even think about it. You need those materials, you know.”

Grumpily threading his hands through blue locks of hair, he sighs. “Look, I’ll help you find some materials. Guess we could rayshift the next time I’m free or something...” As you cheer exuberantly, he can’t help but crack a small smile.

Being a teacher was a lot more amusing than he originally anticipated it to be. There was something fun about departing his knowledge. Besides, he had dedicated himself to becoming the guiding light of Chaldea anyway. ‘A little teaching hurts no-one.’

Using the light of the Soliwo (ᛊ) rune to guide the way, the two of you traverse through a forest heaving with verdant green trees and wildlife.

No matter how many pretty trees and tumbled pebbles you found by the riverside; you weren’t sure if they were the right material for you.

Just when you were about to give up, a powerful jolt of electricity beckons you; almost as if it’s calling your name. As soon as you alert Caster of your instinctual powers, he looks rather flummoxed at first; but is somewhat awed once his Soliwo rune’s light begins to shine in exactly the same direction as the one you’re pointing in!

‘Huh, that sure is weird.’

Things only get weirder, once you both come upon a ginormous slab of Labradorite. Situated neatly upon a bed of leaves. Placed carefully within the middle of the forest.

This timing was too good to be true.

As the electricity coursing through your veins triples in intensity, Caster has to hold you back before you cut loose. “Oi, wait up. Let me test this stone for safety first.”

Placing an Algiz (ᛉ) runestone in your hands to guarantee your protection, he saunters towards the massive hunk of Labradorite.

Chanting an incantation beneath his breath, the forest glows in an eerie blue light; as a pale magic circle glimmers beneath the stone. “Yeah, it’s safe. Pretty strange for it to be out here, though.”

As he sketches Thurisaz (ᚦ) (which not only symbolizes thorns, defense and danger, but can also be used as a means to channel a power akin to Thor’s hammer, mlonjir) onto his staff, he smashes it against the mass of Labradorite; splitting what was once an enormous rock into 24 neatly divided; brilliant blue gems.

Gathering them up, he thrusts them before you. “Here you go. That was a pretty lucky find, if I do say so myself.”

You thank him for your help- making sure to also pay homage to the awesome power of your intuition at the same time, which tickles Caster right in the funny bone.

As soon as the stones drop into your hand; they crackle with an immensely powerful energy, as if these gems were waiting for you!!

As you turn them onto the side; you are gobsmacked to see rune inscriptions already engraved onto each and every stone, as if they were reacting to the mana flowing within your body.

You ask Caster to take a look at this strange phenomenon for you.

“Whoa, are you kidding me? That’s pretty awesome. Let me take a look, too.” As you gently stretch your palms towards Caster- trying to keep the runestones steady in your hands- he gently takes your palms, leaning towards them.

As he catches sight of the engravings lying upon them, his crimson eyes widen with bewilderment. “Holy shit...I think the gods just made you an offering. You’re secretly packing a shitload of power in there, ain’t you? Great job!”

Ruffling your hair, Caster grins. “Think you’ve got time for more teaching?”

As you nod your head, anticipation clear on your features; he plonks onto the ground, handing you a felt pouch. “Put them in there. Try doing your first reading, see what rune speaks to you first!”

Eagerly plonking all 24 runes into the sparkly pouch, you close your eyes and concentrate; beseeching the contact of the gods. Imagining yourself encountering the Nonrnir, as you visualize dropping into the center of the world; you place a hand within your pouch.

Rummaging around the bag, a single rune sends energy rippling through your fingers. That was the one! Pulling it out of the bag, you grin excitedly...only to see that it was none other than...

Nauthiz (ᚾ).

‘Aw shite...’ Disappointed by the rune, you sigh. You wished that your rune could’ve been a more positive one! However, Caster’s reaction was rather different to yours.

“Hey, it’s not as bad as it looks.” Figure illuminated by the sun, he looked much more chill than usual. “Nauthiz is all about your needs, you know? With all the singularities popping up recently, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re pushing yourself too far.”

“But this rune is basically saying ‘lol you’re suffering’...It’s frustrating.” You counter him.

You knew all too well about the massive strains your body was going through, the transformations you were forced to undergo. Sometimes, it was just too painful for you to bear. Seeing this rune only served as a reminder of that fact.

“How about you look at it from a different perspective? Even though things are way outta wack for you, a small fire still burns. Doesn’t Nauthiz look a bit like two twigs that you’d see in a fire?” Now that was a funny observation. As you smiled at that, he continued. “It just means that no matter how hard things become; all you gotta do is balance your needs and continue to fight. Nauthiz is also screaming ‘oi, damnit! Don’t give up here, you can survive and make it out the other side sparkling like brand new, you hear me??’”

You were very grateful to hear that. Now you realized that even the most ominous of runes also came with signs of fortune and peace.

In other words, they would be there to support you all the way. Thanking him for his great insight, he replies with a simple “Well, I’m the wise one you know? Anyway, you know the saying. Even the coldest of ice thaws someday.”

As you correctly link his adage to the runes, he claps with pride. “Nice, nice. Well, that’ll be all for my teaching. Soon you’ll be able to do readings with nine or more runes!”

But once you yell to him about how you want to use runes such as Kenaz (ᚲ) to fulfil your long-standing desire to set shit on fire; his expression hardens.

“I ain’t teaching you rune magic until you learn how to master rune divination. Don’t push your luck too far~ Come visit me again once you learn how to read the past, present and future with them!” As you indigently complain about how you still want to summon birch trees, and about how difficult it was to learn about the runes; he bursts into rancorous laughter. “That’s not my problem! C’mon, lay off a little...”

Frustrated, you finally give up, asking for one last request. “Caster. What rune will you get if you do a single reading? I would like to see.”

Begrudgingly adhering to your request, he unearths none other than the Ansuz (ᚨ) rune.

“Ah, my favorite. Well, that’s it for today. Let’s go back.” As he turns away, a frightening wind blows through the trees, as a dark shadow drifts over his figure.

In that very moment, he becomes a dark specter within a bountiful forest filled with brilliant light; as his form briefly flickers and shifts, melding into an entire kaleidoscope of distinct beings.

But all it took was a single blink for his form to return back to normal again.

How strange...Was that none other than an illusion? Were your eyes playing tricks with you? Silently trailing behind, you contemplated the meaning behind the rune he had drawn.

Ansuz...It commonly symbolized communication, breath, and chiefly of all...it was the rune that represented none other than Odin himself.

In addition to that, you saw how the rune landed on its side when Caster drew it, and the mysterious glint in his eyes.

Was Caster hiding something? You couldn’t quite put your finger on it.

‘Just who is Caster Cu really?’ Such a thought weighed dangerously heavy within your mind as the two of you took the steep path back home.

By learning more about the runes, you may have unlocked the door to an endless chasm of mysteries; one that had ties directly linking to the deeper truths lying behind Chaldea...

THE END

Omg this was only meant to be like 1,000 words. But I got extremely invested within this concept and was burning with great excitement, which lead to this becoming SUPER LONG XD Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this ;; Also dw learning runes in real life isn’t as hardcore as this, I promise you!

[besanii]

So in SM Mo Xuanyu always talks about how wwx gets worse in winter and I was wondering if maybe, could we maybe, get a little 🗡 🗡 🗡? as a treat???? Especially if we get any hint about what happened to wwx during the war, please and thank you - bows-

There is something wrong with Wei Wuxian.

He’s not sure what it is exactly, but there is something wrong in the way he holds himself as he stands on the wide landing of the grand staircase at the centre of the room—his fingers tremble ever-so-slightly around the dizi, and his brow is furrowed in more than just concentration. No one else in the room seems to have noticed, lulled as they are by the beautiful melodies he is coaxing from the fine instrument, but the feeling of unease remains with Lan Wangji as he watches the performance from his private table.

It isn’t often Wei Wuxian appears in public like this, without a veil to obscure his face from view, so Caiyun Pavilion is understandably more crowded than usual. Everyone wants to catch a glimpse of Wei Wuxian’s famed beauty without having to empty their purses for it, even if it is only for the scant few minutes it takes for him to play a song, so they cram themselves into the main hall as best they can, sharing tables, sitting on the stairs, leaning over the balconies from the upper floors. The space feels much smaller now, more enclosed, and even Lan Wangji, whose table has been cordoned off from the rest and placed closest to Wei Wuxian, finds it stifling.

The song ends on a long, tremulous note that lingers in the air even after Wei Wuxian lowers his dizi. A soft smile graces his lips as he dips his knee and inclines his head at the audience, but the muscles in his neck are taut and strained. Lan Wangji’s hands curl into fists on the table and he shifts in his seat, ready to head upstairs as soon as Wei Wuxian takes his leave, the disquiet growing louder in the back of his mind the longer they stay.

And then the room breaks into thunderous applause as the audience awakens from the spell of Wei Wuxian’s music. It’s overwhelmingly loud, punctuated by cheers and whistles and calls for more, and Wei Wuxian—

His eyes are squeezed shut, his face turned away to hide its sudden, ashen hue; his knuckles are white around the dizi held to his chest. Mo Xuanyu is at his side in an instant with a hand under his elbow for support as he turns to leave, climbing the staircase with slow, deliberate steps. The audience doesn’t notice the obvious strain in each of his movements, too busy falling over each other to get his attention, but Lan Wangji is out of his seat and heading for Wei Wuxian’s private room the moment the man himself is out of sight.

It’s quieter back here, darker, a stark relief from the bright lights and noise in the main room. One of the maids bursts out from the room at the end of the hall, expression frantic. She almost runs into Lan Wangji on his way past, but catches herself at the last moment, bowing low at the waist.

“Wangye,” she gasps, flustered.

“Is Wei Ying alright?” Lan Wangji asks instead. Her eyes dart back over her shoulder, but doesn’t respond. “Answer me!”

“Gongzi just needs rest,” she assures him. “Please, Wangye, it would be best for you to return to the main hall. I must go to the kitchens.”

And then she’s running past him and down the hall without a backward glance. Lan Wangji quickens his pace towards Wei Wuxian’s room, dread pooling in the pit of his stomach as he reaches the open door and steps inside.

The room is almost completely dark, save for the few candles placed strategically around the room casting just enough light to make out the two figures hovering around the bed.

“Dieyi,” Madam Zhang says without turning around, “put the extra coal on the brazier—”

She turns around and freezes when she sees Lan Wangji, grabbing Mo Xuanyu by the arm. He gasps when he turns and they both hastily sink into low bows, shuffling closer together to block the view of the bed behind them.

“Wangye,” Madam Zhang says, hurrying forward to put herself between him and the bed. “Our apologies, but Xian-er has suddenly taken ill and will not be able to entertain you further tonight. Please, follow me back to the main hall…”

But Lan Wangji easily steps around her—she can only do so much against the Emperor’s brother—and finally, finally sees what’s going on.

Wei Wuxian is writhing beneath the covers, his knees tucked into his chest. His hands grab at his own shoulders, those long, slender fingers bent like claws as he scrabbles for purchase against the fabric, gasping and shivering in the stifling heat of the room. The tendons in his neck are pulled taut, straining against the skin when he throws his head back with a gasp, his whole body twitching and convulsing.

The dread that has been building in him since Wei Wuxian had appeared in the main hall morphs into horror.

“Wei Ying!” He drops down to sit at the edge of the bed, his hands hovering over Wei Wuxian’s body, unsure of what to do. “What is happening to him?”

Madam Zhang and Mo Xuanyu exchange nervous looks.

“Wangye,” Madam Zhang ventures. “Xian-er has been feeling ill these past few days. It is an…old ailment. We can do nothing but wait for it to pass.”

“An old ailment,” Lan Wangji repeats flatly. He turns on the two of them, eyes blazing. “How long has he been like this? How did this happen?”

They drop to their knees, trembling under the force of his fury.

“Begging your pardon, Wangye,” Madam Zhang says. “We are not sure of the cause, only that he has been like this for as long as we have known him.”

Lan Wangji braces one arm on the bed to avoid falling over in shock. Beside him, Wei Wuxian lets out a guttural moan and goes limp; the twitching subsides, but the shivers begin anew, and he huddles beneath the blankets again. When Lan Wangji rests a hand against his cheek, he immediately leans into the touch, subconsciously seeking the warmth his body so desperately craves.

Madam Zhang looks him over carefully, resting a hand on his forehead and taking his pulse, before sighing.

“The worst has passed,” she says, relieved. “He only needs to rest now.”

“Wei Ying…” Lan Wangji whispers, stroking his thumb across his lax cheek. What happened for you to be like this?

“Wangye…” Mo Xuanyu says shakily from where he’s kneeling by the bed. His eyes are wet, and he hastily wipes his tears with the back of his hand. “Xian-ge is really sick. He wouldn’t let us tell you, but—”

“A-Yu!” Madam Zhang snaps. “Don’t!”

“Wangye deserves to know!” Mo Xuanyu protests. “If Xian-ge has agreed to let Wangye take care of him from now on, he deserves to know!”

He turns back to Lan Wangji with a determined set to his jaw.

“We don’t know what exactly happened to Xian-ge,” he says. “He won’t tell us the details. But all the physicians who have seen him suspect he has been tortured, extensively.”

Lan Wangji inhales sharpy. “Tortured...? But this doesn’t—what sort of torture can do this to someone?”

Madam Zhang closes her eyes and turns away.

“He was brought in by Wen soldiers,” she says heavily. “Broken, weak, barely clinging to life. The physicians at the time said that his symptoms are akin to someone who has been in water for too long: muscles wasted, open sores on his skin. But that isn’t all.”

She takes a deep, shuddering breath and looks down at Wei Wuxian, resting a hand on his head in a maternal gesture. 

“Poison,” she says, the flintiness of her tone belying the gentle way she brushes the hair from Wei Wuxian’s forehead. “Every physician, without fail, saw these seizures and agreed that they align with the symptoms of qianji poison.”

“Qianji…” Lan Wangji whispers, horrified, sickened. “But qianji poison doesn’t last this long. He should be—”

Dead. The word chokes in his throat, sharp and painful.

Madam Zhang laughs without humour, her face bleak.

“Yes, he should be, if they had been merciful,” she says. “But if it is given in small doses, it will only appear as you have seen here tonight. Spasms, twitches, fits, headaches. Painful, prolonged, but never enough to kill. Whoever it is wanted to prolong his suffering for as long as possible.”

Lan Wangji’s hand tightens where it is twisted on the bedsheets, his other hand trembling where it rests against Wei Wuxian’s clammy skin.

“What about the antidote?” he asks. “Surely there must be—”

Madam Zhang shakes her head.

“We have tried many different antidotes, all designed to treat qianji,” she says. “They have alleviated the worst of the symptoms, but none of them have managed to purge the poison from his body completely. Whoever created it must have added something different, changed it somehow, but none of the physicians we have asked can work out what was changed, what the formula is. Without it, they cannot create the true antidote.”

“Wangye!” Mo Xuanyu cries, grabbing the hem of Lan Wangji’s robe and pressing his forehead to the floor by his feet. “You have been so good to Xian-ge, please help him this time as well! Please help us find the antidote!”

Lan Wangji stares at Wei Wuxian for a very long time, not trusting himself to speak. Wei Wuxian’s breathing has evened out in sleep, but cold sweat still clings to his forehead, his brows furrowed in discomfort. Madam Zhang looks over at him seriously.

“Xian-er was very clear that he did not want you to know, Wangye,” she tells him. The admission sends a sharp pang through his chest. “Please do not mention this to him, nor that we were the ones to tell you. We only ask that you please take care of him in our stead.”

As if Lan Wangji would not have done so regardless. 

He nods.

“Thank you for entrusting this information to me,” he says sincerely, his eyes never leaving Wei Wuxian’s face. “I will take care of him now.”

Notes:

There may be some differences in symptoms that WWX demonstrates here compared with true strychnine poisoning. This is in part due to 1) creative licence, 2) qianji poison not only consisting of strychnine, and 3) WQ modifying the recipe under WRH’s orders.

// buy me a ko-fi //

Master Post is here

[abizarreyodelingincident]

Our Nightly Confidant 4

War Games

Warriors needs fresh air.

The hand resting in the crook of his elbow is soft, but its grip is threatening to cut off the blood circulation to his hand. The pain has steadily numbed as the ladies exchange thinly veiled insults about this or that province and this or that financial ruin.

He used to like this.

The attention, the admiration, the glory! When did it start to taste like ash in his mouth?

If his queen heard that thought, she'd have another one of her brutal truths for him. 'When war stopped being a game and became a duty.'

When he realized that not even being the Chosen Hero of Courage would shield him from the game. That it made him twice the target every other soldier was. When the bodies of fallen comrades couldn't go past the numb exhaustion that took him every evening.

“Lady Farosh, Lady Ordonas, if you'll excuse me for a second...” he says, flashing them his flashiest smile.

Lady Ordonas brings out her fan to hide her rosy cheeks and agrees with an obvious giggle. Lady Farosh, whose fingernails are on the verge of piercing skin, delays her reply by the barely polite amount of time.

“Oh, Captain Link, you cannot abandon me so swiftly,” she tries, eyes flickering to her father, an esteemed general in discussion with Impa.

“But of course not, only a second to freshen up.”

The instant she releases him, he pulls away and bows. Though, despite his instincts screaming at him, he doesn't run a straight line for the glass doors of the Queen's ballroom. Lady Farosh would take it as an insult. He weaves through conversations, dropping the minimum expected of him here and there, snarks at a Legend that looks ready to murder Lord Lonnayru (and Warriors wishes him to succeed), never touches a drink or bite offered that he did not pick for himself, and eventually reaches freedom.

The cool night air is a balm on his skin as it strokes his hair and face.

Even the small, military tents he's slept in during the campaign didn't feel half as stifling as that ballroom. And some of the tents, he couldn't even stand up inside!

Above, the moon shines its silvery glow down to the garden's fountain. With the ball in full swing inside, no one walks the peaceful path of stone amidst the roses and the arches. Shame. It's a beautiful place. His first stroll there had been a pleasant experience, though not his first conversation with his queen. Impa had chased away the rest of the escort and glared the patrolling guards into submission. Any attempt to bargain had been met with stony silence and a dare to prove themselves worthier of the Queen's protection than her Sheikah general and mentor.

Warriors stops by the hedgerow. If he focuses, he can see the spot where Zelda sat down, where she picked a rose for him, and pinned it on his breastplate.

They had had hopes for the future. Have. He still has hopes. Don't get him wrong. But he's a little more tired than he used to be. Where had the time gone?

'Captain Link, I must introduce you to my daughter.'

Must. Must. Must. Always a 'must', never a 'may'. Duty traps him and the wild beasts know it. They sniffed his blood long ago, and he can only ever bandage the wound so much before it becomes infected.

Traipsing around with the heroes of previous eras is a blessing and a reward that Hylia offered him. A thank you, he feels, and perhaps the beginning of an apology.

“You shouldn't be out there on your own, Captain Link.”

Those are normal words, spoken with careful reverence. Nothing about them should bring his walls up this quickly. But Warriors is no longer accosted by the common soldiers. Hasn't in a long time.

The cracks on his heart spread just a little further. Deeper.

“Someone might try to hurt you, sir.”

The reverence is gone.

And the spear points straight at his chest.

He doesn't have time to bring out his sword.

A snarling mass of fur tackles the traitor, and by the time Warriors can react, the cry of fear stops abruptly. In its stead is a steady gurgle, a fading wheeze. A limb that thuds against the garden grounds.

Warriors doesn't flinch. He's seen worse.

Once his prey has been deemed sufficiently mauled, Wolfie turns to him, muzzle dark with blood, and worry clear in his eyes.

“Good boy,” he says, absentminded, a hand ruffling through the beast's sinfully soft fur.

It's a testament to his companion's state of mind that no warning growl responds to the familiarity. Warriors doubt he would hear it anyway. He's staring at the dead body.

The guard was young. Maybe... Hyrule's age. He must have hated the war, if he'd gone to the front lines. Hell is hardly enough of a description for the dance of bodies and hacked limbs. He had probably lost a brother or a father or a cousin to the fighting, if he was earning his keep in the Queen's castle at that age. Maybe Impa had taken pity on him.

“Simple-minded fools who can't resist basic mind magic,” Warriors repeats, a wobbly chuckle in his voice.

Wolfie noses his hand, and the little shock of cold and wet jolts enough that he can avert his eyes from the traitor. Defeated, the events of the night all playing on loop, he drags himself to a secluded spot by the hedgerow. One from which he can see people coming, with his back to the branches. Wolfie plops down next to him.

“Mind magic. What I wouldn't give for that to be the case,” he confesses to the wolf-like companion. “Hylia. I'd take cowards over this. I'm not asking them to fight my battles for me. Not even fight by me. Just...”

His fingers curl into his scarf. Holds onto the lifeline.

“I just want to be able to turn my back on the people I protect. Is that really so much to ask for?”

Soft fur fills his sight. He ought to resist the urge. An officer must be strong. Cannot let the soldiers down. Fear spreads like wildfire. One spark, and the whole army goes up in flame.

He knows this.

He knows, and he sobs anyway. Farore, please, just for an instant, allow him to be weak.

He buries his face in Wolfie's shoulder, relishes the warmth and protection that comes from the sacred beast. It doesn't matter that some blood splatters might stain his official knight armors. It doesn't matter that for a split second, he doesn't scan his surroundings for exits, potential ambushes and traps. He gives the taut ropes of tension inside him just enough relief.

Until he pulls back.

Sniffs twice, wipes his face once and plasters the charmer smile.

“I'm alright, Wolfie... I'm alright.”

Wolfie doesn't buy it. Makes an inquisitive little whine. A question.

His hand trembles in the fur. “I am. I will be.”

Wolfie turns, quick not to notice one's tears. Strange for a wolf, but he doesn't pounce on their weaknesses. They trust he never will.

Silly as it sounds, there's more than a few noble daughters in that ballroom that could take lessons in civility from Wolfie. At least, in his presence, he doesn't feel like a bloody piece of meat dangling in front of a pack of wolves. Now, that's irony.

“You know... you kind of make me miss Midna.”

Warriors jumped back when Wolfie suddenly straightened, his eyes laser focused.

“Yeah, I know her,” he said, feeling a hint of a real smile. “We have a statue for her in the Temple of Souls. Hell of a woman.”

His hands went to his sword the second his ears picked up a low growling noise, only to realize it had come from Wolfie. Was... was their canine companion protective of the Twilight Princess? Or, Hylia forbid, jealous? Goddess, that was too cute.

“Shh, don't alert the others,” Warriors said, hands held in front of him in mock surrender.

Wolfie, with very Hylian-like intelligence, puts a paw first on his muzzle, then scratches one of his ears. It's a good point. He'd know first.

Warriors relents before Wolfie starts nipping. He remembers Time's mud bath. “She mentioned you too. Called you her favorite pet.”

He hadn't know what disgruntled looked like on a wolf before, but now he had the perfect picture. No wonder Midna had loved to tease him.

“She went into battle with this shadow spell. Wolf-companions.”

Wolfie's interest shifts into disguised wariness. There are hints that he might like to pull back a bit, but Warriors' hand remains firm on the back of the wolf's neck.

“Called her main one Rinku,” he adds, waggling his eyebrows. “Reminds you of something, huh?”

Wolfie blinks. Then blinks some more. He's almost completely frozen, like he has no clue what to make of that information. Or is trying to choose the right way to react. And when he does, Warriors bites down on a burst of laughter.

The puppy eyes. The good boy smile. It's worrying how they almost work.

Almost.

Warriors keeps a sly grin on his face and waits. He's in no hurry to return inside the palace.

It takes another change of beat in the music coming from the ballroom before Wolfie gives, and shadows swallow him.

“Since when?” Twilight says, sighing.

Warriors' smirk is immensely punchable, he's aware. He loves to live dangerously.

“Are you implying that I would deliberately play dumb so that one of my fellow Hero of Courage would act like a dog when he doesn't need to? That I knew from the very beginning and asked Wild to take pictures for posterity? For shame, Twilight.”

A vein twitched under Twilight's jaw. “No, I wasn't implying that. I was saying you're an asshole, Wars!”

Warriors fails to dodge the lunge, half-paralyzed by muffled chuckles. The momentum throws them on the grass, and there's a split second of disorientation before his back hits the ground, and a weight lands on his chest. A heavy weight. Goddesses be good, the farmer lifestyle paid, huh?

“Twilight, move your fat ass.”

The mullish expression on his brother's face would have made a raging moblin sweat. “No. We're still doing this. I have a great track record, and I'm not letting you narcissistic goatfiddler break it by being your usual self. Talk.”

His eyes widen in alarm. “Really? This is the setup? Me, suffocating, and you, thinking of a place to hide my body. What is this, a deathbed confession?”

“You could have had the amazing emotional support of everyone's favorite wolf. But noooo, you're too good for that, so spill. Better be fast, because I had double serving of Wild's chili. Gives me gaz like thunder.”

“You. Wouldn't. Dare.”

The silent glare he receives is all Time.

Warriors squirming renews. “Farmhand, I will skewer you on the Master Sword myself if you don't-”

“Why would you go off on your own like that? We were all in the ballroom. You could have gotten any of us.”

“Let's not reverse the roles here,” Warriors hisses, one eyebrow raised. “I'm not the one playing double-life around our group. You can't talk about trust when you constantly hide in plain sight. You want trust? You tell me why.”

The boyish, almost light air between them breaks. Guilt blooms on Twilight's face. He can't meet Warriors' gaze and doesn't even try.

“... It's Dark Magic.”

“I couldn't care less. I've fought amongst noble fighters with dark magic and against monsters with the opposite. Next.”

Twilight's ears droop slightly. It's dog-like, and amusingly fitting for a moment of hesitation. Every second that passes without a word hammer the fact that 'dark magic' is the surface excuse for Twilight's shifty dealings about their group. Warriors tries not to be angry. Twilight did just save his life with that very secret.

“I've had...” Lips mull the words for a few seconds. “Mixed reactions.”

Warriors feels himself frown. “Mixed how?”

“You know me, the country boy, raised in the small farmer village lost in the woods. Country bumpkins, the lot of us... You ever heard what they think of wolves?”

His breath hitches. Slow dread creeps on him. He hates the ease with which images come to him. He's never seen Twilight's hometown, never met any of his family, but he's suddenly overwhelmed by the idea of a mob of pitchforks and pickaxes held high, of dogs barking through the woods as a grey wolf scampers. Narrowly avoids a bear trap snapping its deadly maw on thin air instead of a limb. Overhears angry grumbling about making a pelt out of his skin.

They should be farmers, but he sees old faces instead. Soldiers. Commanders. Officers. Brothers-in-arms he's long trusted. Thought he could trust.

“W-what do they know about those majestic beasts?” he says, jokingly because he's afraid to let the mask slip an inch. (It'd fall a mile, shatter too hard for him to ever glue back the pieces.)

“My father threatened to skewer me,” comes the quiet admission, less than a whisper.

Warriors' heart squeezes. “Twilight.”

“Didn't know it was me though,” Twilight adds, failing at even a small smile. “To him, I was just this wild animal circling the village right after most of the children had been stolen. He... he only threatened me. Just words. Nothing like what you had to deal with.”

“The words are the worst part for me,” Warriors hears himself say. “I hear them in my nightmares, even if I forget what they tried to do. Couldn't tell you who came at me with a spear, with a sword, with a dagger. But I see their eyes in the mirror, the hate as they died.”

“The fear. The 'Get back, beast!' and the screams.”

“'It's your fault!'” Warriors repeat, the same tone that echoed in his head. “'You should have died instead!'”

Twilight's face twists, and there's a split second when Warriors thinks his heart will give out. Even the shadows of Twili magic can't compare to the darkness that covers the blue of his eyes. But Twilight turns his head to the side and spits in disgust.

It hits the traitor's cooling corpse.

“Bastards,” he says, venom lacing his tongue. “Should have made that last.”

He says, with blood all over his face , Warriors thinks dryly.

It's a sharp contrast, that violence on him. Twilight has always had that air of earnest, straightforward honesty. One look at him and strangers will put their trust in him without hesitation. He lacks the battleworn scars (at least where it's visible), is old enough to be taken seriously and his bumpkin accent breeds familiarity with most commoners they meet. Warriors himself has to deploy all his charms to get the same results, and he's still being glared at by a lot of the men.

They peg him a charmer, and not without reason.

“I don't like it either,” Warriors says, quiet.

“What?” Twilight replies, an eyebrow raised.

“The knight act, you know.” And before Twilight's mouth can drop – “At least, some of it. The game. The doublespeak. The mask. It all feels pointless sometimes.”

“I... really?” Twilight's baffled words hurt, just a little.

Warriors scoffs. “Yes, really. I'm not meant to play knaves and daggers. I'm a soldier. An officer. I'm meant to be out there, defending the kingdom I love. Inspiring the people to fight back against darkness, to stand up for their lives. To be at the front of an army, to lead as one amongst the great... it's incredible. It's what I was born to do, I know it in my bones. The act is necessary. But by the Goddesses do I wish I could live without it.”

He sees the way his meaning worms itself past Twilight's gaze, understanding dawning on him. “No matter where one goes, huh?” Sheepish ruffle of his own hair. “Is it something in the water?”

“Like they'd lower themselves to drinking water,” Warriors sneers, a smirk hidden underneath. “Wine only, my good sir. And only the finest year, from the finest yard. Vintage, my good peasant, it's all the vintage that shows breeding.”

“They do know that for everyone else, breeding is something you check for your horses and your dogs, right?”

“I... couldn't tell. I've stopped listening a while ago. I just nod and play my handsome part. It is the only use for a Hero once the King of Evil has been defeated, it looks like. I don't know if I even should call myself a knight anymore.”

“Wild was touched, y'know?” Twilight says, looking up to the moon. “When you called him an honorable knight,” he adds with a sigh. “He's always associated his life before the Calamity to knighthood, to that incredible soldier that had trained for a decade before facing his destiny. Someone whose shadow he chased for months, not realizing it's his own. You might have been the first to call his current self a knight.”

“He is!” Warriors near jumps to his feet. “Wild may be unorthodox, but he is a loyal, devoted man that served Hyrule to the best of his ability despite having lost everything but his life to the cause. Most generals in my army could not even measure up to his standard.”

“Should have seen the look in his eyes when I mentioned it.” There's a hint of sadness beyond the pride and joy of this memory.

He hates the curdling feeling that brings forth. “Remind me to knock a couple of heads together next time we visit his Hyrule, would you?”

Twilight's chuckle is fond, gentle. “Yeah, that's what I meant. I never thought to tell him in those words. To me, he was always good enough. But you saw that side of him too. You know what it's like to want it. I can't relate that well to this, but... well, anyone under your command has to look up to a guy like you.”

Hands ball into fists. Eyes drift to the corpse. “Not everyone does. Obviously.”

Twilight bumps shoulders with him. “I'm sorry, pretty boy. I'm sorry these assholes think they have any right to blame you. To resent you. You're an amazing leader. Much better than me. I... I honestly admire you and your skill.”

Warmth settles in his stomach. He can't... For a second, he needs to blink away tears.

“So he admits it.”

There's a wry, wolfish quality to Twilight's grin. “You speak a word of it, and you'll meet an unfortunate fate, Captain.”

“As if anyone but my Queen could make me fall in battle,” he laughs, pushing Twilight's shoulder, hard.

“Careful there.” His brother's grin sharpens, and the returning shove almost sends Warriors crashing into a bush. “You might touch my cursed stone, and then you'd be stuck as your true self. What would your queen think if she saw a plague-ridden rat try to command her armies?”

Laughter bubbles in his chest. “Be happy to send the rat to infect the goat-loving hillbillies before they spread out of their mudholes! Imagine the half-goat, half-hylians that would invade Hyrule!”

Twilight's gauntlets fall to the ground. Knuckles are cracked. “A'right. Someone needs an asswhooping.”

He could not stop smirking if the Goddesses ordered him to. “Bring it, dog-boy. I'll put a collar on you.”

Taunts, past this point, become superfluous. The breath they would waste could be better utilized trying not to die (lose) against this moblin (his brother) and his freakish strength (no, really, he pushes giant metal crates on ice, the goron-born idiot). The honor of Hyrule rests on his victory.

At some point, they roll over in the fountain.

This does not, in fact, stop their roughhousing.

                                                    ***

 “Should I ask why you both have black eyes and split lips when no one noticed any monster for miles?” Time wonders at his seconds-in-command. “While we were attending a ball?”

“No,” they growl with a ferocity to chill bones.

“Not fair!” Wind protests, to the nodding of most. “Why did they get to have all the fun?”

Ah, youth.

[akabluekat]

Delicate - Rain Outtake

I’m posting this for @anna-phora for her birthday. Anna is an excellent human being and a wonderful OC writer (go read her stuff, it’s adorable) and someone I’m glad to have as my internet friend. Happy birthday, Anna!

I’d mentioned in an ask that there was a deleted scene in Delicate where Fred and Maggie got caught in a rainstorm while trying to pickup the flowers for the wedding. Anna was like “You should post this for science” and I was like “I will post it for your birthday and have it be a surprise!” So, here it is. Some of the dialogue in this ended up getting incorporated into the Wedding and Champagne chapters, but other bits were going to end up on the cutting room floor. I added a bit of an ending for the sake of not having it cut off in the middle of a sentence, which it did originally. Hopefully it doesn’t disappoint.

(If you want to read the fic that this is from, check out Delicate on Fanfiction.net, AO3, Wattpad, or HarryPotterFanfiction.com).

“Maggie!”

I glanced down the hallway and saw Aunt Lynn striding briskly toward me, looking a little harried, but no worse for wear.

“I’ve just realized—hello Fred, don’t you look smart—” She was talking quickly, a sure sign that she was stressed. “I’ve just realized Alicia never got the rings over to Lee, did she?”

“Already delivered,” I said, gesturing to Fred, who produced them from his pocket.

“I’ve even promised to be very responsible with them,” said Fred, giving me a quick wink that did no favors for my racing pulse.

Aunt Lynn’s shoulders sagged in relief and she gave a laugh that felt a little strained. “Brilliant. Well, that’s one thing off the list.” She sighed, shaking her head. “This was supposed to be easier than having a big wedding at home, wasn’t it?”

“That’s the theory,” I said. “I hesitate to ask, but—”

“How are the other disasters getting on?” asked Aunt Lynn with a bit of a smile. She took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of her nose between her thumb and forefinger in a way that reminded me very much of my mother. “Well. The good news is that the flowers are ready.” She dropped her hand, her mouth twisting into a rather sour expression. “The bad news is that they put us down for in-store pick up.” She flung her hands up at the ceiling in a plea to some higher power. “Why they would think any sensible human being would want anything but delivery for wedding flowers is utterly beyond me.”

I frowned. “Yeah, that does some odd.”

“Of all the things to go wrong, that might be the silliest.” She sighed again. “And of course, they can’t spare a delivery person until after the ceremony and they’ve advised not Apparating to avoid damaging the flowers, so that’s going to take twenty minutes and Pete still can’t find his wallet and the concierge advised speaking to the local Auror office straightaway—”

I put my arm around her shoulders and leaned into her. “Why don’t I go fetch the flowers so you and Uncle Pete can sort out the problem with the wallet?”

Aunt Lynn let out a long breath and hugged me back. “That would be so incredibly helpful, my love.” She looked at Fred. “Probably you’re going to need two sets of hands—I imagine you’ll have at least two boxes and they can be rather unwieldy.”

“Incidentally, I have a set of hands and no pressing plans,” said Fred. “I also bring a wealth of experience in the area of carrying things from one place to another. In fact, I may be overqualified for this task.”

It was a relief to hear Aunt Lynn laugh. “We’ll talk about other opportunities for advancement once you come back with the flowers,” she said, patting Fred on the shoulder. “Let’s go speak with the concierge and see if he can get you directions.”

*

It turned out that the florist was a little over four blocks away, so Fred and I set out on foot in all our finery, drawing curious gazes and amused looks from passersby. My pulse hummed in my throat, the same way it always did when I was alone with Fred.

“I meant to ask—are you feeling better?” he said as we made our way up the street.

My cheeks burned as the scene from last night played over again in my mind—that moment where everything felt intimate and still, then the boom of that first firework flinging me back to that day in May and dredging up memories that I wished I could forget.

The subsequent sex dream.

I cleared my throat. “Oh, I’m fine,” I said breezily, though it only felt half true at best. “I probably should have anticipated that, honestly. It’s just one of those things…” I trailed off and shrugged, feeling oddly embarrassed and vulnerable, like I’d offered up more than I really wanted to say.

“You know,” he said, a hint of a smile in his voice that made goosebumps creep up the column of my spine, “you’re not nearly as good at lying as you think you are.”

My stomach tied itself into a knot as all the heat rushed to my face. Somehow, he must know about the sex dream. “What makes you think I’m lying?” I said, trying to keep the tone of my voice even.

“I don’t think you feel fine about it,” he said gently. “At a minimum, I suspect you feel embarrassed and you’d probably have apologized for it had I not previously threatened to throw you into the ocean.”

I almost laughed from relief: he didn’t know about my sex dream. Of course he didn’t. There was no way he could. I was being irrational. The pressure in my chest eased just a little.

“You’re awfully sure of yourself,” I said.

“Well, I’m awfully familiar with that feeling.”

It was like someone had struck a tuning fork that made my skeleton ring and tremble inside of me. There was something wonderful and oddly disorienting about these moments with Fred. I had grown so accustomed to managing on my own that there was some part of me believed that I was alone in how I felt and alone in all the ways that I was broken.

“You have a rather uncanny knack for saying exactly the right thing, did you know that?” I said after a moment. I risked a glance at him and gave him an extremely serious look. “It’s extremely irritating, to be honest.”

He grinned and I had to look away to keep my legs from turning to jelly. “How can it be the right thing to say but also be irritating? Bit contradictory, don’t you think?”

“You also have a rather irritating habit of asking me questions that I can’t answer.”

“Just trying to keep you on your toes. I think this is the place.”

He grabbed my elbow and gently steered me toward the doorway of a tiny flower shop that I had almost missed.

I tried very hard not to think of his hand on the bare skin of my arm.

The florist was extremely apologetic about the mix-up and had Fred not tactfully informed him that we had a ceremony to be at, I suspect we still might be there listening to him apologize. All told, there were three rather unwieldly cardboard boxes to contend with. Fred took two and I took one and we set off again before the florist could start another litany of apologies.

The sky had been looking overcast for our entire journey to the florist, but it only really started to look like rain was imminent when we stepped back outside.

“This doesn’t look promising,” said Fred with a frown.

“Yeah, we should probably hurry.”

Fred felt the first raindrop about a half a block away from the florist and made me stop under the first available awning. Our timing was impeccable—the moment we stepped under the awning, the sky opened up and the rain came pouring down in sheets.

“Well, shit,” I said.

He grinned at me and leaned in so I could hear him over the roar of the rain. “How’s your Impervius Charm?”

I shrugged. “I mean, it’s not the strongest spell in my repertoire, but it’ll do.”

“Not to brag, but I’m quite good at it. If you can hold the boxes for a moment, I’ll get us sorted.”

“Sure.”

He carefully shifted his two boxes into my arms and took out his wand. It took a few minutes to cast the spell on me, on each individual box, and finally on himself. We stuck our hands out from under the awning to test the spell, raindrops pinging off our hands.

“We might want to wait a moment,” he said, taking the boxes back from me. “Even with the charm, it’s coming down hard enough that I think it’ll be hard to see.”

Almost as if he had summoned it, the downpour increased dramatically, thunder rumbling in the distance.

“Now look what you’ve done,” I scolded. His laughter mingled with the sound of the driving rain sent another shiver up my spine and even though nothing would come of this little interlude, it was all rather desperately romantic.

We were both quiet for a moment as we waited for the rain to let up. I fidgeted, trying to not let my nerves get the better of me.

“I always liked the idea of rain on my wedding day,” he said after a moment.

I raised an eyebrow. “Bit unconventional of you.”

He grinned. “I dunno. It rained on my parents’ wedding day. There’s a photo of them dancing in the rain together and I’ve always liked it.”

“Why’s that?”

“Mum’s not exactly…” He chuckled and shook his head. “She’s not exactly the carefree, whimsical sort, my mum. Lovely woman, absolutely no appetite for nonsense.” His expression softened a bit. “But in that photo, her veil’s floating in a puddle and she’s laughing while Dad’s spinning her around and they both look like they wouldn’t want it any other way.” He paused, giving me a rather careful, intent sort of look that very nearly made my heart stop.

“That sounds lovely,” I said.

“Yeah.” He was holding my gaze and there was a flicker of something in his eyes, a resolve that I didn’t quite know how to read. He took the boxes from my hands and set them down carefully on the ground.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“What I should have done days ago.”

And before I could say another word, he pulled me to him and kissed me while the rain poured down all around us.

[spidernerdsblog]

Love Is The Biggest Spell : Chapter Four

A/N : Chapter four is here. I know I'm late with the updates blame it on my lazy ass. A near death experience and a heartbreak triggers the witchy side of yours as the day of you getting back your powers approaches near. Hope you like this chapter. Feedbacks and suggestions are always welcome. Happy Halloween!

Pairing : Warlock Tom Holland x half mortal reader

Summary : Witches are forbidden to fall in love with mortals. But what if your long lost love returns to you as a mortal, can you defy your heart? Any spell any magic seems useless in front of the magic of love. Let's join our lovers in their magical conquest beyond life and death as they fight for their love unravelling dark mysteries of the past along their way.

Warnings : just witchy stuff.

Mini Playlist : Secret love by Little Mix

The song ended and you were brought back to reality. You slipped away from Tom's embrace averting your gaze.

“I think I'm drunk enough for today.” You smiled awkwardly face flushed red. 

"Yeah, you should go home now it's already quite late. I can drop you if you want." He offered. 

"No it's fine I can go with Jane."

"Okay then goodbye."

"Yeah goodbye and be safe." he cautioned. 

"Yeah I will." Giving him a tight lipped smile you went to the counter where Jane was sitting and watching you both the whole time. 

"That didn't look like your boyfriend." Jane quipped. 

"Shut up" you scoffed. 

"Where is he by the way?" 

"Probably drunk somewhere. Can we go now?" you paid for your drinks and headed back to your home. You both walked down the street giggling while gossiping about your life problems.

“You know you can’t string along to both of them, you have to let one of them go.” Jane said out of nowhere.

“I'm not stringing along anybody.” 

“Yes you're Cole has always been your backup plan if things didn't turn out well with your other flings. Think about it carefully Y/N. Stop wasting your time in a relationship that has no love in it” You listened to her quietly because it was true you were confused and had no idea what to do. You reached the crossroad from where one path leads to Jane’s house and the other to yours it was time for you both to say goodbye.

"See you tomorrow at the shop. Give me a call when you reach home" Jane said

"Yeah bye." You waved her a goodbye and continued walking. The road to your home brushed past a short stretch of the mystic forest. It was quite late so the road was pretty isolated. It may appear a little scary for the weak of heart but the dark never scares you. You enjoyed it's mysterious anonymity. But tonight it was different because tonight someone was waiting for you, hiding behind the veil of darkness lurking around those huge trees with your death sentence. 

"There she is. She does look like Amber." Laura remarks. 

"She is Amber, Laura." Angourie rolls her eyes. 

"Let’s finish the job we came for shall we?" Zendaya said with a menacing look in her eyes. Three of them held on to each other’s hands and chanted the incantation closing their eyes. 

"Vos omnes ministri odey et destructiones et seratore discorde. Et qui libiter opera facitis et tractibus, quod eat noce. Vos conjurae idec nos conjuo et odit fiat mier alve, Y/N." 

"Coming back in a mortal's body, poor choice Amber." Zendaya tsked sighing. 

"Let's see how many days this weak body of yours can sustain." She gave a devilish grin. The spell started doing it's job as you suddenly started to feel a little dizzy, stumbling a little while walking but you somehow managed to reach your home. Next day you weren’t still feeling any better but went to the cafe anyway. 

"You look like shit, everything ok?" Jane quipped pointing at your tired appearance. 

"Yeah I’m fine just a mild headache, still a little hungover I guess." You said busy wiping the counter. 

"So what’s the plan for Halloween?" 

"What are we five that we will go trick or treating?" 

"No but you are turning 25." Jane reminded you. 

"I don’t know, I just don’t feel like celebrating, birthdays have become really boring for me." You shrugged. 

"Hey girls." Your two new regular customers walked in with a jovial smile on their faces. 

"Hey," you said weakly. 

Jane and Harrison went for a kiss which soon turned into a passionate one. 

"Ugh! Guys get a room." You scrunch your face disgusted. They pull away laughing. 

“This is exactly how I felt when I used to be stuck between you and Cole.” Jane giggled. You scoffed rolling your eyes.

"So what’s up?" Harrison chirped 

"Nothing just that our girl is turning 25 this Halloween and she’s been a buzzkill because she doesn’t want to celebrate it." 

"Your birthday is on Halloween?" Tom's eyes lit up. 

"Fascinating isn't it? The spookiest birthday one could imagine."

"It's indeed special and this year there is going to be a blood moon on the night of Halloween which occurs every 25 years." 

"There’s still time for my birthday guys and before that we have our decade dance at the college. And the theme is the good old 90's" you sighed with content. 

"Yeah the minimalist era, quite liberating." Harrison agreed. Meanwhile Jane noticed something as she looked at you with a worried face. 

"Y/N your nose, it's bleeding." Tom and Harrison's attention shifted to you. 

"What?" You raised your finger and swiped it near your nose to find blood on it. 

"Are you okay?" Jane placed her hand on your shoulder with concern.

"Yeah I guess so."

"Wait let me see." Tom cradled your face with his large calloused palms surprising you with his sudden move. 

"Did something like this happen to you before?"

"Not that I remember." You looked at him totally weirded out. He let go of you, realizing that he was making you uncomfortable. 

"How are you feeling?"

"Tired and sleepy." You closed your eyes, holding your head sighing.

"I think you should go home and take some rest. We can drive you home." 

"No it's fine I'll be ok." 

"Y/N don't be stubborn Tom is right, I'm here I can handle it for today."

"Okay let me go and change then." You went back to the store Jane accompanied you. Tom turned to Harrison. 

"It's a blood curse." 

"But who did this?" 

"There's only one who I know is capable of doing this actually three." Tom ticked his jaw frowning. 

"We need to break the curse or she will grow weaker."

"A regimen of salt water baths and reversing candles over the course of a couple weeks would do the trick. But the problem is she doesn't believe in these things and will think we are crazy."

"Then we have to find someone whom she will listen to without saying a word.''

"It has to be her mother. Haz once we take her home whenever you get the chance use compulsion on Mrs. Warren and compel her to  persuade Y/N to follow the ritual. I know it's wrong but we don't have any other option."

You walked out changed from your uniform to your normal clothes Jane was holding you. 

"C'mon love I got you." Tom wrapped his arm around your shoulder and took you to his car. He made you sit in the back seat then he sat beside you. You leaned your head on his shoulder closing your eyes as Harrison drove the car. The whole drive Tom had his hand wrapped around you in a comforting manner as he frowned deeply with concern in his eyes. Reaching your house he helped you get out of the car and carried you inside. 

"Oh my God! What happened?'' your mother panicked. 

"She wasn't feeling well." Tom informed. 

"Take her to her room." she ordered. 

"Sure Mrs. Warren." Tom carried you to your room. 

"Sorry but who are you guys?" Martha directed her question to Harrison. Before he could think of an answer Erica answered for him.

"They are Y/N's new classmates, aunt I have already met the other one you weren’t here that time."

"Oh I see thank you for bringing her safely back home."

"Oh no need to thank us she is our friend it's our duty to look after her."

Tom made you lay down on your bed tucking you inside your blanket and gently stroked your forehead as you fell asleep. After making sure that you were sleeping soundly Tom got up and went to your bathroom and dipped his hand in the water of the bathtub swirling it in a circular motion and chanted. 

"If truly she is cursed today, let water wash the hex away. If truly she is cursed today, let water wash the hex away.'' 

He stepped out of your bathroom  and saw Harrison standing beside your bed. 

"Job done." Harrison reported to Tom. 

"Yeah I also enchanted the water now only she needs to take a bath as soon as she wakes up." 

"I think we should go for now."

"Yeah I also have some unfinished business to attend." Tom looked at you for one last time placing a soft kiss on your forehead. 

"You will be as bright as the sunshine tomorrow, my love. I'll never let any harm come your way in future." Saying that he left with Harrison. 

"I’m not leaving them so easily Haz. They are going to pay for what they did to Y/N." Tom grumbled while he searched for a perfect spot in the forest to execute his plan. 

It was around evening Laura was strolling in the forest. An eerie silence prevailed; only the distant calls of coyotes could be heard in short intervals. Tom and Harrison were hiding behind the trees waiting for Laura to approach the exact spot where they wanted her to be and the moment she was at the spot. 

"Abi in malem cursem." Tom muttered.

"Aaaahh!!!" Laura screamed in pain as she felt something pierce her foot holding her to the ground the more she struggled to set free the more it hurted and blood came gushing out her foot. Tom and Harrison appeared from behind the trees.

"Tom what the heaven!! Why are you doing this to me?" Laura cried out in pain.

"You know very well why!" He barked.

"We did what was needed to be done, that half breed doesn't deserve to be alive. She's a disgrace to our community."

"If she doesn't deserve to live then so do you!" Tom focused on the trap which doubled up the pain making Laura scream on the top of her lungs. 

"Tom let go of my sister!" Zendaya yelled panting as she came running to her rescue.

"Give me one good reason for not doing the same to you." he spat. 

"Tom have you gone out of your mind! You will go against your own kind for a mortal?" 

"You know very well what I'm capable of Z which includes draining every ounce of blood from Laura's body."

"The coven will not spare you."

"So will you for trying to kill an innocent girl and you know the punishment Z."

"You're not gonna do that, are you? She asked in disbelief because in spite of the sour relationship with the mortals the coven had set rules against hurting innocent humans. 

"Oh I might take this matter to father but I have a better offer. Let's make a deal I leave her and you have to do what I say." 

"What do you want me to do?" 

"You are in position to question Z. Just say yes or no."

"Okay fine, I'll do whatever you want me to do. Now let her go." 

"Good." 

Tom mumbled a reversing spell which set Laura free from the trap. She collapsed on the ground holding her foot Zendaya ran to her aid. 

"And stay away from Y/N because next time I will not be this generous." he warned and turned to leave. 

"You are making a grave mistake Tom trying to protect that weakling.'' 

"That’s none of your business Z.'' 

After you woke up your mother under Harrison’s compulsion made you complete the curse removal ritual, you were now sitting in your bathtub body dipped in salt water surrounded by numerous scented candles with an utterly bored expression on your face.

"I'm never going to get drunk again." You muttered to yourself picking up an extinguished candle in your hand from beside you. You zoned out eyes trained on the wick of the candle and suddenly the candle caught fire, you snapped out of your daze as the flame flared in its intensity. 

"Holy shit!!" you shrieked dropping the candle in the water panicking. You blinked a few times holding on to your head. You tried to convince yourself that you were just tired and seeing things as you got out of the water hurriedly. 

..............

The next day you were fresh as a daisy, full of energy. You went to visit your dad at the registrar in the morning. 

"Hey dad what's up?" 

"Nothing peanut just editing and stuff with the articles." 

"Can I help?" 

"Yeah sure why not this is all gonna be yours after a few years anyways." You sat on a chair and started arranging the articles in order. 

"This case is really blowing my mind though!" Fred blew out his cheeks in agony pacing back and forth in the room. . 

"What case?" you frowned. 

"These." He placed some police investigation reports on the table in front of you. You examined each of the reports. 

"People going missing in mystic woods, what's so tricky in this?" 

"Observe the pattern of the incidents it's always once in a month and the place of disappearance all near the Runeshire winery which are jointly owned by the Holland's and Osterfield's. I suspect they have something to do with these missing people."

"Holland as in Tom Holland?" you questioned him. 

"Yeah how do you know him?" 

"He is in my class." 

"What?!" 

"Yeah he and his best friend Harrison joined our college a few weeks back. But they seem to be really good guys."

"Appearances can sometimes be deceiving, always remember that Y/N."

"If only I could get access inside their estate and try to find some evidence." He mumbled. 

"I can do it for you. I have books to return to him anyways." You offered. 

"Honey they are kind of shady. I can't allow you to go there all by yourself."

"I'll be fine dad. Tom is a good friend of mine and I trust him. And I also believe they have nothing to do with these cases. But for your satisfaction let me go and check they will not suspect anything if I go so just tell me what I need to do." and as per your father's instruction you were now standing in front of the Holland's residence. 

Ivy and ferns grew through the crevices of the old winding stone path, which led directly to the colossal structure. The mansion loomed proudly behind creaky iron gates, flanked by rows of skeletal trees crowned in crimson, swaying gently to the chilly autumn wind. You walked inside admiring the surroundings at its threshold stood the delicate marble fountain, the soft gurgling of the clear water melodic as it resonated in the surrounding silence. It was a big mansion more like a palace from Victorian times quite old which gave out some eerie vibes. You took a deep breath gathering some courage and rang the doorbell. The door opened and a young boy appeared from behind. He was most probably in his teens and shared the same facial resemblance to Tom. Must be one of his brothers you assumed as you introduced yourself.

"Umm Hi I'm Y/N Y/L/N. A friend of Tom. We are in the same class. I came to return these to him." You showed him the books.

"Who's it Paddy?" You heard a male voice enquire from inside.

"Umm one of Tom's friends."

"Which friend?" Harry walked to the front door and a wave of shock coursed through his face seeing you as if he saw a ghost. His eyes were slightly widened still trying to process what he was seeing.

"Hello." You greeted the curly haired brunette timidly.

"Oh hey! Y/N!" Harrison chirped from behind breaking Harry from his daze.

"Hey Haz." You finally felt relieved seeing someone familiar.

"Come in!" 

"I thought you would never ask." You quipped giving a quick glance to Harry and Paddy. Harrison led you inside the house and you were stunned at the grandeur of the interiors. The house was stashed with exquisite and expensive articles each item worth hundreds of thousands of dollars you thought. 

"Is this a living room?" you questioned in disbelief looking at the size of the room.

"Living room, parlour whatever you want to say." Harrison half shrugged. 

"Dude two of my houses could fit in here." You chuckled.

"Tom's in the shower you can wait here or I can take you to his room if you want." he gave a sly smirk. You understood the reference a sly smirk forming on your face as well. 

"No thanks I'm fine waiting here Harrison anyway I had some work on this side of the town so thought to stop by and return his books that's all." 

"As you wish." he shrugged. 

"I heard we have a very pretty guest in our house." You turned to look at a red haired middle aged woman, a warm welcoming smile adorned her face. 

"She is Tom's mother." Harrison whispered in your ear. You straightened yourself. 

"Hello Mrs Holland nice to meet you. Sorry for dropping in without prior notice didn't mean any trouble."

"It's totally fine dear. It's good to meet you."

"And I really want to thank you too for lending these books. They came really handy with completing our assignment." 

"I'm glad they came into good use." Her eyes twinkled as her gaze shifted behind you. 

"Oh Tom! look who is here." You turned to find Tom coming down the stairs. 

''Hey Y/N" he said breathily. His eyes sparkled seeing you all bubbly and cheerful after last day’s incident.

"Hi Tom." your heart fluttered as you soaked in his freshly showered appearance. He looked so radiant in trousers and a black shirt sleeves rolled up giving quite a view of his strong veiny arms, his hair slightly wet beads of water dripping from them. He smelled good which intoxicated your senses. You shook off your thoughts and spoke up. 

"Just came to return these sorry for not calling you beforehand." Before Tom could say something you were interrupted by another male voice. 

"That's fine dear you are always welcome at this house." You turned to find a middle aged man. It wasn't hard for you to deduce that he was Tom's father. Tom was having a hard time at your sudden visit to his house because nobody knew about you as well as of him venturing out to the mortal world in search of you. He gulped nervously seeing his father. 

"Let me introduce myself Dominic Holland, owner of Runeshire winery and Tom's father."

"Nice to meet you Mr. Holland." You gave a wide smile. 

"Tom why don't you go and give a tour of our winery to your lovely friend."

"Sure-sure father." Tom stuttered. 

"Come with me Y/N you'll love it.”

Tom gave you a tour around the whole estate. You walked past some picturesque vineyards chit chatting about his family history and how they started this business. Then he took you to the warehouse where their intoxicating delicacy is being produced and stored. Lines of barrels of wine stacked together a fruity aroma looming in the room which itself gave away about its best quality.

"And this is what we make our living out of." Tom announced proudly as you looked around intrigued.

''Come with me, I'll show you something" He showed you a wooden door which led to a secret cellar downstairs. 

"You sure you aren't going to kill me for dropping by your house unannounced?" you joked looking at him skeptically. He rolled his eyes and shook his head smiling. You followed him downstairs. The cellar was filled with more barrels of wine. 

"These are the finest wines of our winery aged to perfection and only reserved for the family and inner circle." 

"Great!" 

"Wanna taste?"

"Am I allowed?" 

"You are kind of an inner circle now, so yes." He shrugged. He went to grab two wine glasses and ran the tap from the wine barrel to fill the glasses. He handed you one. You clink your glasses and take a sip from it.  You never had anything like this before in your life, the rich taste just touched your soul,

"Mmm this. is. so good!" you praised.

"Here." He handed you a bottle of wine.

"What's this for?" you knitted your brows. 

"I went to your house that day empty handed, not a nice impression in front of your parents I guess." 

"You are not my boyfriend Thomas." You narrowed your eyes smirking.

“But son of the owner of the Runeshire winery kind of against our reputation.” he grinned.

“Okay I’m taking it.” It was time for you to leave your job of sneaking around them was done and you were more than relieved that you didn't find anything suspicious.

"It was nice having you here wish you would have stayed for lunch."

"I would love to but not today I promised my mom to return early. Maybe next time. Bye then see you later." 

"Bye love." He walked you back to the front gates and bid you goodbye.

Tom entered his house blushing smiling to himself you just made his day  but the happiness was short lived because he was met with questioning stares from his family wanting explanation of what just happened. 

"So when did you plan on telling us?”

"Father, I just thought it wasn't the right time."

"How can you be so irresponsible, Tom , going into the mortal world? and you took Harrison with you too." 

"Father it's Amber I had to go."

"I know you have a soft spot for her but she is a mortal."

"Half mortal father, she is a half witch too."

"That doesn't change the fact that she is not one of us, mortal blood runs in her body she will age and die eventually one day. What will you do then?" 

"Dark baptism." Agatha interrupted in between. 

"What do you mean Lady Layman?" 

"Get her baptised in the name of our Dark Lord, I’m sure he will grant her powers and she will be just one of us."

"She would never agree to this." Tom said dismissively. 

"Then you have to make her agree to this Thomas or else you have to forget her forever." Tom's father gave him an ultimatum. 

..............

Tom and Harrison were sitting in his room thinking about what to do now as Zendaya appeared.

"Well well all this hush hush to keep her a secret gone to waste. Guess what Amber just blew her cover herself oh sorry Y/N was it?" Zendaya jabbed. 

"Z for once in your life can you stop being a mean bitch you are?" Harrison scoffed. 

"Aww can't my ex would be fiance's lady love do this much for him? oh sorry my mistake she already has someone else in her life."

"Are you done?" Tom asked irritatedly. 

"Because I think it's time for you to do what I said." 

"What do you mean?" Zendaya frowned.

"Did you forget about the deal we had? It’s time.'' 

"What do you want me to do?"

"Nothing you don’t like. Just need to see how good your seduction skills are." 

"You are not serious are you?" Tom just stared coldly and she got her answer.

"Okay fine." 

It was the day of the decade dance at your college. Everybody dressed themselves taking inspiration from the 90′s era neon colours, halter neck crop tops, slip dresses, skater dresses, button down shirts, drainpipe jeans etc. You were sitting alone at the bleachers because your boyfriend was nowhere to be seen after he left you to get some drinks. You watched Jane dancing having fun with Harrison. You felt happy that finally she found her the love of her life.

Secret love playing......

“What’s with that long face?” Tom quipped.

“None of your business.” you snickered.

“To that I would like to remind you that I'm always ready to be your boyfriend’s replacement.” He offered. You arched a sly brow at him.

“Shall we?” “Okay fine.” you sighed holding onto his hand.

When you're with him, do you call his name Like you do when you're with me? Does it feel the same? Would you leave if I was ready to settle down Or would you play it safe and stay?

You weaved your fingers into his long slender ones another hand holding on to his shoulder. His other hand went to hold you around your waist swaying sideways to the music.

Girl, you know this We got a love that is hopeless

Jane's words kept replaying in your mind. “You can't string along with both of them you have to choose.” but you can't be unfaithful to Cole. He doesn't deserve this. It is a passing affair you will get over it, you have to you thought. You witnessed the lifestyle Tom is used to and you are no match to him. So thinking of a thinnest possibility that you can be together is futile. 

Why can't you hold me in the street? Why can't I kiss you on the dance floor? I wish that it could be like that Why can't we be like that? 'Cause I'm yours

Tom was happy for a reason. After tonight one of the bonds that's keeping you tied up to this world will soon be torn apart. The only remorse he feels is that you will get hurt in the process. He is being selfish he knows, he was always selfish when it came to you. But he knows whatever is going to happen is for your own good. You promised him you would come back and that is what he is doing bringing you back to your real self, to him. The music stopped and you stepped away from him.

"I think I should go and find Cole its being quite long he didn't return." 

"Yeah sure." You went to look for Cole but he was nowhere to be found. The only place left for you to check was terrace on the West Wing. You went their and saw Tom walking back from that direction

"Hey!" you called out .Tom was startled at first then he questioned you back. 

"Hey where are you going?" 

"To see if Cole is there or not. I couldn't find him anywhere.'' 

"I think you should not go there." 

"Why?" 

"Uh nothing just some couple making out quite passionately, really weirded me out.” He chuckled.

“let's go inside Y/N, Cole isn't there." He ushered you back to the hall.

"It's okay I don't feel awkward with  people making out. I'll quickly just go and check." 

"But Y/N! Wait!" Before Tom could stop you the damage was already done. You couldn't believe what you were seeing. It was Cole with some girl, their lips practically glued to each other, tongues slipping into each other's mouth moaning and panting. You felt disgusted at the view. Never in your life you thought that Cole will do such a thing to you. Jane was right you were wasting your time on him. All this time you were questioning your moral compass for having feelings for another man and he turned out to be the unfaithful one. 

"You bloody cheater!!" You spat. Cole was startled as he broke the kiss bug eyed to find Zendaya smirking devilishly at him wiping the corner of her lips with her thumb. 

"Who the hell are you?!" He pushed her away. He looked between you and Zendaya in confusion. 

"But- but how can this happen? It was you then where the hell she came from?." 

"You fucking Liar! Just stop with your good act already" you snarled

"Y/N I swear I don't know where she came from." Cole grabbed onto both of your hands desperately trying to make you understand but you were overcome with anger as you pushed him hard. 

"Go to hell!" You stomped off from there with Tom following you. 

You were fuming with rage. And getting drunk you thought was the last resort to get over this heartbreak. You walked up to the drinks counter and started gulping down shots one after the other. You felt that wasn't enough for you as you took a whole bottle of vodka and started drinking from it. 

"Y/N wait no!" Tom snatched the bottle from your hand. You glowered at him angrily. Which made him step back from you in fear, your eyes scared him. They weren't your usual eye color instead they were replaced with burning red hot fiery orbs. He remembered Helena's warning about not to instigate you and the dangerous consequences it can lead to. He quickly hugged you, caressing the back your head soothingly and pecking your forehead. 

"Ssh, Ssh It's alright love.”

“I don't know what's happening to me.” you mumbled face buried into his chest.

“There's nothing to get upset about, calm down, everything will be fine. He doesn't deserve you. I'm here don’t worry" He whispered sweet nothing in your ears trying to cool your temper. You eventually were back to your usual self making Tom heave a sigh of relief. But you were still drunk as you were blabbering random shit. 

"That's enough for today we should go home now." He dragged you out to the corridors. 

"No!" You snatched your hand from his grip. 

"C'mon love, don't be so stubborn let's get you home. You are not in your ownself." He frowned. You walked up to him stumbling a little looking at him with doe eyes. Tom hold on to you trying to steady you down.

"Has anyone ever told you how ridiculously cute and handsome you are?" Tom found the drunk you cute and funny as he played along.

"Yes, you Y/N 25 years ago." he chuckled. 

"Really?.. Then did I kiss you after saying that?" 

"No, Y/N."

"Then I definitely owe you a kiss, my cutie honey bear." You grabbed his face with your hands pouting your lips to kiss him. 

"Y/N you are drunk we should not do this." he pulled his face away.

"Why not? If that moron can kiss someone else, why can't I?" you whined.

"And I know you want this too, what do you think I don't get why you're always there around me? We girls know way before when a guy is interested in us." Tom gulped nervously and suddenly you felt nauseous as you threw up near the bushes outside the corridor. After you were done your body was totally drained out Tom picked you up in princess style and carried you back to his car and took you home.

Tom carried you his hands across your body as you leaned onto him. He rang the doorbell and Erica opened the door. She tsked rolling her eyes seeing you in such a disoriented condition. Without a word she motioned Tom to take you inside. He carried you to your room and laid you on your bed and then stood outside the room so that Erica could change your clothes. Erica came out after a while. 

''You have kind of become a body bearer." Erica chuckled making Tom smile. 

"This is what I was warning you, she is a little impulsive when she gets upset. Thankfully uncle and aunt are not here to see her like this" she sighed. 

"She's just angry. Cole shouldn't have done that." 

"Thanks for looking out for my sister." 

"She's a good friend of mine" 

"Oh C'mon stop with the good friend act already, I know you like her."

"Uh no, no it's - it's nothing like that." he stammered. 

"You really think I'm gonna buy that." Erica arched her brow. "That longing stares, that mutual pining I have gone through it all at one point of my life honey, I know." 

"Gonna say your goodbyes?" She asked. Tom scratches the back of his neck unsure of what to say.

"Go ahead." Erica said assuring him. He walked inside your room and sat beside your sleeping figure. 

"Hey darling." he cooed softly placing his hand on your cheek gently brushing your hair away from your face. You looked so innocent and pure which melts his heart. 

"Sleep well and I'm sorry for tonight." he turned to leave but felt a pull in his hand as you sat up grabbing on to his wrist. 

"Stay. Pleaase…" you made a sad face. And how can he leave you like this. Without a second thought Tom got in the bed lying down beside you. You snuggled close to him resting yourself on his broad chest holding on to his hand. He cradled you in his arm gently threading his fingers through your hair. He stared at you intently. His face dropped as he sighed deeply, a sense of guilt growing in him. Because he was the one behind your bitter fallout with Cole. As per their deal Zendaya with the help of glamour spell turned herself to look like you and lure Cole out. Poor Cole never got the slightest hint that it was Zendaya who was dancing with him the whole time not you. 

"You're being extra clingy tonight Y/N." Cole chuckled. 

"Not my fault if my man looks extra delicious tonight." You said with lust blown eyes. 

"Just wanna savor onto these tender lips" you kissed him fervently. And then dragged him out of the hall to the terrace and grabbed onto his shirt slamming your lips to his devouring him. But alas if he would have known that he is being tricked so that his image gets maligned in your eyes. So that you start hating him and break up with him.

He knew whatever he did today was wrong he hurt you but your bonds with the mortal world had to be broken because as soon as they will come to know about your true identity they will try to kill you and he won’t let that happen this time. And after what he witnessed tonight, the slightest hint that he got of that your powers are soon going to come back was enough for him to know that he can't risk it anymore. The door was open as Erica came in to check up on you and found you two all cuddled up. She tapped on the door gently with a smirk. Tom was snapped out of his thoughts as he hastily tried to sit up. But Erica stopped him waving her hand and mouthed to him. 

"It's ok.. Take care of her." he nodded smiling. Erica went away closing the door. Tom sighed, turning his attention to you, still gently stroking your hair and closed his eyes dozing off to sleep. After so many years he is finally going to have a good night's sleep in your warm embrace . 

……….. 

You squinted as the sun rays hit your face, fluttering your eyes open. The sheets were cold as you got up to an empty bed. You went downstairs and heard some noise coming from the kitchen. You made your way to the kitchen to find Tom cooking breakfast.

"Am I still drunk or my sister turned into you." You joked. 

"Good morning." 

“Morning” you yawned. “Didn’t know you were a chef too. I'm a horrible cook by the way.” you chuckled.

“Yeah Tom offered to help and I couldn't refuse the offer of getting one day off from cooking duties.” Erica chuckled from behind. You went up to her and whispered in her ears.

"Why is he here?" 

"Because your clingy ass didn't let him go. Thank God your parents are nit here."

“You let us sleep together on the same bed?” you seethed.

"You know he seems to be a nice guy." 

"Seriously I just broke up with my long time boyfriend last night and you are trying to set me up with another guy the next day?"

"And I’m glad you finally broke up with that dumbass. And I also know you secretly like Tom. C’mon I’m just being a supportive sister."

“You're unbelievable” you scoffed and went back to the kitchen 

"Hey I don't remember much of it from last night but if I did or said anything wrong I'm sorry."

"Hmm apart from trying to kiss me and almost puking on me it's ok I don't mind." your face turned red in embarrassment.

“It's okay darling, glad to know that you find me cute.” he handed you your breakfast giving you a subtle wink mischievously.

“That cheeky bastard” you thought.

…………………………………………………………………..

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Taglist: To be added send a message or ask I'll be happy to add you in the following chapters.

[luminashdawnwing]

Trading Favors (Part IV)

Part I, II, III

(Note: The story thus far takes place between the opening of Revendreth and the end of the leveling story)

Luminash had ample time to take in the rugged - he could not call it beauty necessarily, though it had its grandeur nonetheless - crags and valleys of the Ember Ward while he waited on the Sinfall overlook. His companions, Nelyne and Grigori, had gone below with the chest of sinstones they had pilfered from the house of Lord Bloodwatch. Evidently, he was not permitted entry just yet, something about the Prince - word was that he had only recently been snatched back to safety from the Maw itself! - and his favored preparing some great endeavor.

The Light that beat down upon the land and all who dwelled there felt, in its essence, the same as that of the Sunwell. A sense of warmth, yes, but there was something else: a distinct sense of wrath, of righteous indignation that made what should have offered hope and solace an oppressive burden, even to the magister himself. He found himself squinting, blinded not only by the Light, but by its reflection off the bleached, dusty canyons below.

Sinfall, in comparison, was positively dreary, at least what he had seen of it. The Ember Court had no doubt been impressive once, but it was now merely a ruin, crumbled and nearly forgotten. Only a few lingering Venthyr measured their steps among the ruins, shaded by their ornate black parasols. They moved quickly and with purpose, clearly none too eager to be in this Light-blasted place.

He was broken from his reflection on his surroundings by the crunching of footsteps behind him. It was a curious mixture of boots on cobblestone and the grinding of soles on coarse pebbles, the Light-scorched soil blown all about by the winds of the valley and gathering even here.

“Follow, magister,” came Grigori’s voice, an aristocratic tone spoken much through the nose, “That is what you said you were on our way here, no?” He did not wait for a response, knowing full well his question scarcely required one, “Nelyne is still below with the Prince. All will be departing soon, but before that, we may have information you might find useful for your…” The Venthyr waved his hand vaguely, a gesture Luminash himself chuckled at, so commonly did he do the same, “Ah, trading deal with the Brokers.”

Turning and falling in behind Grigori, Luminash raised a brow, curiosity piqued, “And what might this information be? If you have a decent idea on how to both obtain a Maldraxxi phylactery and the wing of an Ascended of all things without finding myself tossed into the Maw, please, do share.”

Grigori turned over his shoulder to look sidelong at the elf trailing him as he spoke, cool and calm, “I can, in fact, share that information. You have come to the Shadowlands at quite an eventful time. The word is from Oribos that Maldraxxus and Bastion are at war of all things! Though I am unsure how accurate this statement is. Some of those visiting the Eternal City seem intent on little more than sightseeing.” The Venthyr cleared his throat, “Regardless, the Houses are at odds, with the Houses of Constructs and Rituals making some sort of alliance. Gossip is that one has made away with the bodies of many fallen Ascended, the other… Well, I need not spell it out.” He narrowed his eyes, their golden glow reduced to a thin line, “Or so I hope.”

As the magister listened, he grew visibly more relieved, “So a trip to Maldraxxus is in order.”

“It would seem so. Then, however, it would be...pleasing to us,” Grigori added, his voice dripping in thinly-veiled sarcasm, “If you were to return and join us here. Though the Prince and his loyal Harvesters will be away, the Accuser has a request of you.”

The magister followed Grigori down a series of stone-hewn, unspeakably ancient steps, down away from the Light that beat down much as the sun at summer’s height. The air here was blessedly cool.

“I should specify, for the...uninitiated.” Grigori permitted himself a brief bark of laughter, “The Accuser is Prince Renathal’s right hand, the Harvester of Pride. She wrings the souls of our charges dry of their hubris and redeems them.” A pause, “Or they are torn apart, or cast into the Maw, unrepentant, but this is - was - rare. Now?”

“They are yet more fuel for the fires of the Maw, aren’t they?”

The Venthyr nodded, “Just so. They are cast in without a fair chance to save themselves, to change. That is who we are, magister, we are the changed.” He held out his left hand, as if feeling the weight of something, “Crushed under our crimes, our selfishness, we are brought here.” His right hand now, giving him much the appearance of a scale, “In the end, we are cleansed, freed from the burdens of our past - do not tell those insufferably smug Kyrian a Venthyr said such a thing! - and serve in our way, here or elsewhere.”

“The Accuser, then, has need of these souls. I think I know where you are going with this, Grigori.”

“Indeed.” The Venthyr stopped at a curtained alcove in the crypt-like hall winding down into Sinfall’s depths and waited for Luminash to arrive before drawing back the curtain and ushering him inside, “And we believe that the item you aim to procure from the Brokers may help us find them again - them, and perhaps a few of these as well.” Within the alcove was the chest of sinstones recovered from the Bloodwatch estate. It appeared to be emptier than before, many of the fragments having been removed, it seemed.

“The true names of your resistance, have I remembered correctly?” Luminash slid into the room, followed by Grigori, who let the curtain fall behind them.

“These? No. Those we have already removed and hidden for ourselves. These are names unknown to any of us here in Sinfall. Which begs the question of whose, precisely, they are. Given Ivan’s desire to weed out traitors to our fool of a Master,” Grigori positively sneered as that title left his lips, his eyes just short of a derisive roll, “We’ve our suspicions.”

Luminash rested a hand on the lip of the chest, head canted as his eyes skimmed over the sinstones, their names, and especially - with a morbid curiosity - their crimes. A multitude of crimes, lifetimes upon lifetimes of hubris, “Who are they?”

“The way the Accuser sees it, and I see no fault with her reasoning, is that they are the Avowed. Those loyal to Revendreth’s heart, our ideals, who continue to cleanse and redeem the souls entrusted to us.” Grigori leaned against the cold stone wall, clawed fingers drumming against it.

“Yet you disagree?”

“I never said that!” The Venthyr snapped, shaking his head, “Ah, no, I do not disagree exactly, only think it might be that - or another possibility - or both, even.” He pursed his lips, “I knew Ivan once, long ago. An arrogant fool, obsessed with his own standing, a perfect image of everything now going wrong with Revendreth. He was never loyal to the Master. He was loyal to himself.”

Luminash’s lips curled into a smirk, “And so he had a bank of blackmail against the Master’s loyalists too, didn’t he? Which may just conveniently give us - or you, I should say; I’ve agreed to nothing of yet - a list.”

“Sinstones are linked inextricably to the soul of those whose crimes they bear, and if your Broker device can follow, as you say, the strands of anima…” Grigori shrugged, eyes following Luminash’s hands as they ran along the damaged sinstones, “Then a list, as you say. You can tell, I do hope, what one might wish to do with either our Avowed allies or our loyalist enemies.”

While they spoke, Luminash felt as if a stone had dropped into his stomach. His eyes had caught a name etched into one of the stones, and the hand that had been so idly running along their broken edges stopped. In barely enough time for the magister to take in what was carved into the stone, with movement so fast he could scarcely react to pull his hand away, the chest was snapped shut, Grigori looming over him. He could not be sure, but Luminash thought he saw a hint of fear in the Venthyr’s eyes.

“Go to Maldraxxus, complete your deal with those charlatans. Then return, if you see fit. Know, though, that what we offer may be the greatest use of your skills, and the broker bauble of yours, that you will find here, hm?” Grigori met Luminash’s eyes, whatever passed for fear replaced once more by a calm, measured gaze.

                                           **************************

In his hand, Luminash turned the relic of the First Ones over, again and again, its delicately carved geometric insets pressing against the magister’s palms. A dagger traded, Cartel Ta’s damage control done, the door was his, yet the key remained. An excursion to Maldraxxus, a delivery to Ba’net in Bastion, and that too would be his. With the proper scrying, it might well be a door directly to all the souls lost in the Nazmir muck, a lifeline, a blessed tether that might bring them if not back to their families, at least to where their proper afterlives.

On the other hand, the Venthyr certainly could use the aid, Luminash knew. Souls in need of redemption lost to the darkness was a worthy cause, especially as the Master’s loyalists bolstered themselves against what passed for resistance at Sinfall.

Or could it even be a more personal obligation? Luminash felt the weight of the stone pressing against his palm, fingers tracing the honeycomb geometry. There had been the matter of that final sinstone and its crimes, its words seen but for a brief moment burned all the same into the magister’s mind:

A researcher whose instruments charted the skies and the stars of the Great Dark, he advanced the cause of his science and all knowledge. Knowledge everywhere is power, and power was his true reward.

Honorable and honest in all his public dealings, his name became a byword among his peers for unwavering character. In private, his unblemished word was replaced with a bloodied dagger, leaving none left to question him.

Dedicated to his family, his keen political mind led his family to the heights of power and prestige. Loyal beyond all else to his Queen and his legacy, in her name he sent his family hurtling from the heights into the abyss.

Scholar; brute.

A man worthy of trust; a knife in the back.

Loving father; traitor.

For his intellect, his virtue, and his service, he deserves redemption. For his avarice, wrath, and pride he has come to us. Let these be washed away and let him be made anew.

Lanestrian Dawnwing.