#i hope her wisdom can help you along the path as it helped me.

[feleshero]

◇

Why Aren’t We Roleplaying? Well, according to @redhead-reporter ◇ - Other/idk just wanted to say hi

Y'know? This actually reminds me of a parable my great grandmother Veronique Reillance Magdalene (No relation) used to tell me in my most feverish of DMT Trips. Would you like to know what she said to me, Shaye?

She used to say to me: Hey. Listen... Sometimes? It bes like that. And you gotta let it bes like that. But when its no longer like that? You'll feel it, and you won't even be able to remember a time that it wasn't like that. Now roll over onto your side, baby, you shouldn't be on your back right now in case you start coughing.

[thesweetestdevotion]

Hiii can you read about what d.o and youngji think of each other after making a song and being on youngji program? Thank youuu

Hey!! I saw a clip of them hanging out and they were so goofy lol, I didn’t know they had a song together it’s so cute!! Let’s get into it:

D.O. and Youngji, What They Think of Each Other:

What Youngji Thinks of D.O.:

Dice: 8th House, Sagittarius, Saturn

Tarot: Page of Swords Reversed, The High Priestess Reversed, Knight of Cups, Six of Wands, The Empress Reversed, Seven of Coins, Eight of Coins

I think she sees him as a teacher or mentor, because Sagittarius is the guru of the zodiac. I don’t know if he’s much older than her or what but she feels like he has a lot more years or experience than she does, and she’s excited about the prospect of working with him and him guiding her in her career. She thinks he’s a dedicated and hard working person and really admires this about him, it even inspires her to be that way as well. On the other hand she feels like he’s a bit too withdrawn and cold. I think she sees that he’s very emotional within but has trouble expressing this outwards, maybe he can come off as a bit of an icy person but she’s not put off by it, instead it makes her want to bring him out of his shell and show the world his hidden personality. I think she might want to do this because she feels the world is missing out by his withdrawing from it. She thinks he could be more in tune with his emotions, and stop being so logical all the time. She really admires his talent and success and probably sees his achievements as goals she also wants to pursue, which is why she likes that he sort of guides her in many ways. I mostly see a platonic dynamic here on her side. I think she respects him too much to think about him otherwise. She’s just really inspired and feels really lucky that she gets to work with him and that they get along well. She seems so sweet and youthful, maybe she is much much younger than him.

What D.O. Thinks of Youngji:

Dice: 8th House, Sun, Gemini

Tarot: Queen of Wands, Two of Coins, King of Cups, Ten of Swords, Four of Wands, Ten of Wands Reversed, Ace of Wands

I think on his side there might be a little crush. Just a little though as he really puts importance in guiding her and inspiring her artistically and creatively. He loves working with her and feels she’s a force to be reckoned with. He likes her commitment to her work but worries about backstabbers getting in her way, which is why he wants to use his wisdom to guide in a way that allows for her to keep herself safe. King of cups tells me he likes that she’s more open with her emotions and is able to help him bring his own out. he’s very fond of her, and honestly if she’s ever interested in starting something romantic he would totally be down hehe. But I don’t think he’d make a move on her first, only if he caught a vibe if you get what I’m saying hehe. He thinks she’s at the verge of something great and that her career is on a good path. I think he trusts her creative vision and even is refreshed by her youthful perspective on things. Though I do think he plays more of the mentor role than she does, she unintentionally ends ups teaching him many things as well. He admires her ability to shoulder a lot of work and balance a lot responsibility but he worries that she might overestimate her strength and end up burning out and hurting herself physically and mentally.

I think between them they have a very lovely dynamic. Sagittarius (the teacher) and Gemini (the student) are sister signs, which match their respective roles in this dynamic. Overall they are very in tune with each other and work very well together, i do see them working together again in the future and staying very good friends and colleagues. I think their energy is very sweet honestly, it’s so refreshing to be in hehe. I kept giggling to myself throughout the reading they felt like such cute besties. Anyway hope you liked this reading!! xxx

[coolkat223]

Genshin Impact characters react to the reader that can talk to ghost of their love ones.

~Getting Closure~

Venti would be overjoyed to communicate with the spirit of his dear friend, the nameless bard, through the reader's abilities. He would eagerly ask questions and share stories, cherishing the opportunity to reconnect with his lost companion.

"Ah, to hear my old friends voice once more, regaling me with tales of wonder - you have my eternal gratitude, friend. Though the pain of loss may never fully fade, this moment has brought solace to my restless spirit."

Zhongli, usually stoic, would be deeply moved by the chance to converse with Guizhong's spirit. He would listen intently, treasuring every word as he longs to understand her wisdom and perspective on the current state of Liyue.

"Your gift has granted me a chance to bid a proper farewell to my dear friend Guizhong. For eons, I have carried the burden of her sacrifice. Now, I can honor her memory with a newfound sense of peace. You have my sincere thanks."

Xiao's stoic demeanor would melt away as he reunites with the spirits of his adeptus siblings. He would be filled with a mix of joy and sorrow, seeking closure while cherishing this rare opportunity to reconnect.

"I...I never imagined I would have this opportunity to atone to my fallen siblings. Their spirits can finally rest, and so too can the weight on my conscience. This closure is a debt I can never repay, but you have my deepest gratitude."

Diluc and Kaeya, despite their strained relationship, would put aside differences to speak with Crepus' spirit. Diluc would seek fatherly advice, while Kaeya hopes to understand Crepus' past decisions that shaped their lives. Along the way they mended their brotherly bonds with one and another.

"For years, the rift between Kaeya and I seemed irreparable - a wound that would never heal. But you...you allowed us to confront the past, to find peace with our father's memory. More than that, you helped us remember what it means to be family. Words cannot express my gratitude for this gift of reconciliation."

"Hah, who would have thought the key to burying the hatchet with my hot-headed brother lay in conversing with ghosts? But there's no denying the weight that has been lifted from us both. Thank you, friend, for showing us the path to forgiveness and allowing these broken bonds to finally mend. You have my sincerest appreciation."

[dailyadventureprompts]

I was wondering if you could do something of a Monsters Reimagined for Luthic. It always struck me as odd that even though she is a deity of childbirth and fertility and motherhood she is evil simply because she is an ORC deity.

Monsters Reimagined: Luthic, Cavemother

There are no easy births: it always a matter of blood and broken bones and shit and curses and pain in the desperate hope of getting through it alive and maybe bringing something good into the world in the process. It would stand to reason then that the god who claimed birth as her domain would have to be strong, hopeful yes, but tough as old boot lather and not afraid to get her hands dirty.

Luthic is that god, who lends her strength to those who bear life as the process threatens to rip them apart, who councils with midwives, grannies, bonesetters, and village witches who keep the hardwon knowledge of the fever-herb and staunching poultice.

It is said that before she took her current form Luthic was a god of the dark and secret places of the earth, who first encountered mortals when they sheltered in her caves from the bickering of other gods and their aims during the primordial dawn age. The mortals were new, not yet knowing the design of thier own bodies, and when it came time for the first generation to give birth to the second, someone had to step up and help them through it. Like any mother Luthic encouraged them through their explorations, as playing with sticks led to spears and tools, and painting on stone walls led to art and language. When they were ready, she brought them blinking into the light, and then retired to a well deserved state of distant reverance as her adopted children took their place in the world above.

Adventure Hooks:

Like the great bear that is her crest, the cavemother likes to keep to herself much of the time, unless some idiot stirs up enough of a ruckous to wake her from her hibernation. This time it's some upjumped priest king that's convinced that if he can just impregnate the right woman he can sire a word redeaming chosen one. The only problem is that he's not giving the "right woman" much of a choice in the matter, and has decided to invade the party's homeland to search for and capture her. Luthic isn't going to stand for it, and appears to the party in the form of a local medicine woman to set them on the right path and patch their wounds along the way. Once they've earned her trust, she'll put an ancient bone knife in their hands sharp enough to cut through an army of zealots and imply that they should use it to feed the priest king his own cock. Something about a lession in not sticking it in where it's not welcome.

The caves marked off as sacred to Luthic are wellsprings of primordial power, resounding not only with the wisdom of previous generations but the energy of creation itself. Its said that if you pilgramage into their dark depths one might emerge remade, free of illness or debilitation, or reborn into a body more fitting of who they truely are.

Seeking the holiest of holy places to consummate his marriage to his longtime rival and off again on-again flame, an orcish champion has sought out a long-abandoned mountain temple dedicated to the Cavemother. His dreams of altartop honeymooning has been shattered however as he's discovered that the temple and surrounding highlands are overrun by the brood of Shub-Nuggrath and her cultists. Having perhaps bitten off more than he can chew, he requests the party's aid in ousting the "goatfuckers" from the region.

Titles: Cavemother, She of the Bitter Roots, Bellycarver,

Signs: Unnatural darkness, Rumbling in the mouths of caves, clawmarks in stone, particularly angry bears.

Symbols: The Orcish rune for cave entrance, The Cavebear, or the Jawbone of one.

Despite not being one of the more widely published deities Luthic has been one of my most requested gods to rework, and after I published my take on Gruumsh my inbox I got even more. Normally I won't go into the racial sub-pantheons more often than not because of how conceptually thin most of the entries are, but the asker (and a few others) rightfully noticed the oddness of having Luthic be marked out as an evil goddess despite her domains being centered around fertility, birth, healing, and the earth... all classic mother goddess stuff we could imagine any good aligned druid talking about.

It took me a little while to understand that Luthic's evil was strictly rooted in the idea that she was helping more orcs be born, orcs being a primary enemy of all good people and thus contextualizing a wholly unselfish and natural action as something counter to the forces of good. Remember kids, dig too deep into d&d and you WILL find genocide apologia waiting somewhere under the surface. The same goes for her healing aspect, which is repeatedly brought up as being crude and inferior to the medicine of other races (Her priestesses carry dirt to rub into the wounds of those they care for, because even though it's healing it needs to be gross and inferior because they're orcs and orcs are a standin for anyone the writers subconsciously think are gross and inferior).

That said, removing the one conceit that Luthic is evil ( and all the misogyny baked into her original writeups) we're actually left with a very interesting addition to our pantheon: A goddess who presides over the unpleasant and frequently gruesome process of pregnancy and birth, a fact of life for the historical-ish settings that most d&d campaigns but one that is seldom touched upon. I can easily imagine Luthic's acolytes being the ones to hand out herbs that deal with unwanted pregnancy or to be called for in the difficult case of a breach birth. Luthic likewise being the god who presides over caves because most of the more well-known deities that deal with the underground are specifically mining related, and there's a delicious tension there between between places below the earth that exist to be exploited, and others that exist as sacred, liminal spaces that we merely visit.

Art

[sadinasaphrite]

Friday Nights Ch 1

Oh no, I accidentally started a modern fantasy AU Professor Gale BloodWeave fic. Full blame goes to @tearsontherocks for instigating this in the first place, along with the BloodWeave Tower Discord server for encouragement.

Read on AO3!

* * * * *

No one ever talks about how much of a wizard’s time is taken up by teaching. When a child says they want to be an astronaut, some spoilsport will be quick to warn them astronauts need to be good at math and astrophysics or some such. Too many adults are quick to temper the dreams of children with an uncalled for dose of reality.

Ordinarily, Gale would frown upon such behavior, preferring to encourage the imagination of the up and coming younger generation. Today, however, Gale wished someone had warned him away from his career path in the magical arts. If someone had told him the price of manipulating the power of the cosmos was lecturing two hundred bored students about ethical transmutation, then maybe he’d have become something else. A cook, perhaps. Or a librarian. Something more mundane. Something safer.

If he’d never become a wizard, maybe last night would never have happened.

Gale let out a long breath. No time to think about that now. Students were filing into the lecture hall, and he owed them a good lecture, no matter how disinterested they looked. He checked the time, gave the stragglers a few moments to find their seats, then plastered on a fake smile and started his lecture.

He didn’t mind teaching, truly. Given the right circumstances, he loved to teach. Unfortunately, what the right circumstances entailed were willing, attentive, engaged students, something in short supply these days, and certainly nowhere to be found in these oversized classes. If only he could have a higher level, more specialized class to teach. Perhaps a handful of grad students, all eager to share and collaborate in the pursuit of knowledge. They didn’t even have to meet in a classroom. They’d take over one of the nice study rooms in the library, with cushioned chairs and couches. Gale could see it now, a group of bright-eyed young mages, ready to learn from his wisdom and experience to… to…

Mystra slipped in through the door at the back of the lecture hall and leaned against the wall, arms folded over her chest. A manicured nail tapped against her arm. Gale’s heart dropped.

She knew.

Shit.

To his credit, Gale didn’t miss a beat. He continued his lecture as if the woman with the power to ruin his career, his reputation, his very life wasn’t watching him like she’d just discovered a particularly vile cockroach in need of squashing. He’d never seen that look on her face before. It didn’t suit her. He much preferred her smile, her laugh, or the gleam in her eyes when she made a break in her research. Just last week, he’d taken her out to a lovely dinner before she invited him back to her place and they…

Well. Now was definitely not the time to dwell on those thoughts.

“For next week’s class, read pages 235 through 261, and complete the Chapter Six Questionnaire. If there are any questions, please reach out to me through email, or drop by during my office hours.”

The students filed out of the room and Gale busied himself with putting away his lecture notes and laptop. The sharp click of heels approached his desk with the same solemnity as a death knell.

“Gale.”

Oh, he did not like how his name sounded in that icy tone.

“Mystra,” Gale gave her a smile and prayed it looked natural. “How can I help?”

Mystra’s dark eyes were cold and her jaw tightened.

“I’d like to talk about last night.”

“Last night?” Shit. Gale looked away to slide his notes into his laptop case. “I’m afraid you’ll have to be more specific.”

“Don’t be stupid, Gale. It doesn’t suit you.”

“I should certainly hope not!” He flashed her what he hoped was a charming grin.

Mystra’s scowl deepened. “I know you went to the lab last night.”

“I go to the lab most nights,” Gale said. He’d put everything away and was running out of ways to occupy his hands and avoid her gaze. “Surely you—”

“Gale!”

She slammed her hand on the desk and Gale jumped, the laptop case slipping through his fingers to clatter on the desk. Mystra’s eyes flared with absolute fury and Gale thought for one wild moment that she was about to strike him. He stumbled back and fell into his chair, feeling even smaller as she loomed over him.

“Do you think I am an idiot?”

“No, of course not,” Gale babbled. “In fact, I would say you’re—”

She cut him off with a snap of her fingers. “Then do not treat me as such. Stop pretending you don’t know why I’m here. You were in the lab last night. Alone. You deliberately violated safety protocols. You interacted directly with the artifact, something I expressly forbade you from doing. What I don’t know is why.”

Gale remained silent for a moment, doing his best not to shrink back in his chair.

“…We were getting nowhere,” he said, sounding as small as he felt. “Month after month of dead ends. And with the grant money running out, we were under a time crunch.”

A time crunch you mentioned at every meeting, Gale thought, but did not voice.

“It would have meant a massive success for the university. For you. I thought… I was sure I could handle it. If I could just connect with the artifact directly, not through the layers of shields and protections, then I’d be able to see how to unlock it. How to understand it.”

“And did you?” Mystra asked.

“…no.”

“As I thought. Show me,” she ordered.

Gale’s heart jumped into his throat and his gut twisted.

“Show you what?”

“What it did to you.”

Gale checked the lecture hall was indeed empty apart from the two of them and rose to his feet. With slow, hesitant fingers, he unbuttoned his sweater vest and undershirt to expose his chest. He didn’t need to look at it to know what Mystra would see. He’d stared at it all last night and into this morning. A purple discoloration sat in the center of his chest, like a deep bruise in a perfect circle. Dark lines circled the bruise and branched outward over his heart, then crawled upward toward his neck, following his carotid artery.

Mystra ran a hand over his chest, not the caress of a lover, but the clinical examination of a scientist to a specimen.

“The discoloration appeared with the initial event,” Gale explained. He hoped Mystra didn’t hear the tremor in his voice. “The…veins branching off of it started two hours later and have been growing at a rate of approximately six millimeters per hour.”

“And the noted effects?”

“…Unknown.”

She raised a thin eyebrow. “You haven’t tried spellcasting since?”

“I…” Gale swallowed thickly. “Frankly, I’ve been too afraid of any unknown consequences to try.”

“Perhaps you should have thought of that before you violated the security of this university.”

“Mystra…”

“Quiet,” she planted her hand firmly over the discoloration. “Let me in.”

Gale let out a slow breath, then closed his eyes and dropped the passive shields around himself, exposing the core of his very being, the source of his magic within himself. The cold tendrils of Mystra’s own magic prodded at his core and around the strange intrusion into his magic. They’d shared energy in a similar way a dozen times over, intimately locked soul to soul, but this was different. Instead of sharing and intertwining their magic as equals, Mystra remained shielded from him, examining his most intimate self as Gale stood helpless and exposed before her.

He hated it.

“Whatever happened between you and the artifact, it left a piece of itself within you,” Mystra said, withdrawing from him.

Gale gratefully pulled his shields back up, buttoning his shirt as he did so. “And? What did it do?”

“It’s draining you,” she said. “Draining your magic, specifically. Whatever great pool of magic reserves you had before, it has been reduced to a puddle, with the excess siphoned off to feed the shard within you.”

Gale’s blood ran cold. “And… when it runs out of magic to feed on?”

“Right now it looks like your reserves are replenishing fast enough to keep it fed,” Mystra replied. “That being said, I don’t think it’s wise for you to cast more than a cantrip or risk draining yourself.”

“That didn’t answer my question.”

“I don’t know, Gale,” she snapped, “You have a shard, an…orb of ancient magic within you that no one on the planet understands. I don’t know what this will do to you. No one does. All I can tell you is to keep monitoring it and let me know of any changes.”

She sighed and ran a hand through her hair.

“And on that note… Professor Gale Dekarios, you have violated university safety procedures and disregarded my express instructions, putting yourself, others, and the university at risk. I have no choice but to take you off the project.”

“What?!” Gale’s jaw dropped. “Mystra, no! This is my project! I’ve been the lead on every aspect of this! You can’t!”

“As Dean of this university, I can and will!” Mystra rounded on him, raising her voice. Her fists shook at her sides and Gale took a step back. “You could have died, Gale! You could still die! You could have blown up the whole building, the whole campus for all we know. All because you thought you knew better than myself and your whole team, some of the best mages in the world. Your sheer arrogance put lives at risk, put the project at risk, and you dare stand before me and think only of yourself!”

“I…”

“No, stop. You are going to listen. The only reason I haven’t reported this to the authorities is because I don’t want to tarnish the university’s reputation. The only reason you still have a job is because I don’t want to go through the trouble of hiring a new teacher halfway through the semester. Also, you have tenure, and I don’t want to deal with that headache.”

She jabbed him in the chest, right over the orb.

“You are never going to walk into a lab again. You are forbidden from university research or experiments involving any and all active magic. Any projects you pursue are academic only, and you are banned from touching anything more dangerous than a book. You will be taking on another nine credit hours of teaching next semester. You are no longer a career academic, you are primarily a teaching professor. If you don’t like it, you can try your luck finding a job as the wizard who screwed up at the most prestigious university in the country,” she gave a bitter laugh. “Considering your condition, you might not ever cast a proper spell again. Congratulations, Gale. You’ve destroyed yourself.”

Gale’s mouth worked, but no sound came out.

Mystra held out a hand, palm up.

“And I’ll be taking back the key to my place, while we’re at it.”

Gale’s heart shattered upon that final blow.

“Mystra…” his voice cracked on the word. “Please, love—”

“You do not get to call me that anymore. My key, please.”

Gale could only stare dumbfounded at her for a long moment. She waited, hand held out expectantly. Slowly, he retrieved his keys. His hands shook as he fumbled with the key ring, removing the silver key to Mystra’s home. With a horrible sense of finality, he placed the key in the hand that only a few nights ago had been wrapped around him in a loving embrace.

“Thank you,” she said, voice curt, and turned away.

No! No, he couldn’t lose her! Not like this!

“Mystra, please…” He reached for her hand and she snatched it away.

“You are the worst mistake I’ve ever made, Gale. You’re more trouble than you’re worth.”

Gale froze and watched the woman he loved walk out of his life. The sound of the door closing echoed through the empty lecture hall. Only then did the gravity of his situation hit him.

Oh gods. What had he done?

Read the rest on AO3!

[orthodoxadventure]

Hi Emma! I have a job interview tomorrow after being laid off for over 2 months at this point and I'm nervous and excited! Could you please say a prayer for me? Thank you so much and God bless!

Of course! God bless you. A prayer you might find helpful:

God, our Father, I turn to You seeking Your Divine help and guidance as I look for suitable employment. I need Your wisdom to guide my footsteps along the right path, and to lead me to find the proper things to say and do in this quest. I wish to use the gifts and talents You have given me, but I need the opportunity to do so with gainful employment. Do not abandon me, dear Father, in this search, but rather grant me this favor I seek so that I may return to You with praise and thanksgiving for your gracious assistance. Grant this through Christ, our Lord. Almighty God, our Help and Refuge, who knows that we can do nothing right without Your guidance and help; direct me by Your wisdom and power, that I may find suitable employment and, whatever I do according to Your divine will, so that it may be beneficial to me and others and to the glory of Your holy Name. Amen.

Saint Xenia of Saint Petersburg would also be a good sake to ask for her intercession. There in an Akathist for her: https://www.akathists.com/saint-xenia-of-st-petersburg/akathist/.

Your Patron Saint, your Guardian Angel, and the Most Holy Theotokos would also be beneficial to ask for their intercession too. As would any Saints you feel a particular connection with. God bless you, and I hope you find the employment you need soon!

[girlwiththepapatattoo]

The Unlikely Similarities Between Kittens and Vampires, Chapter 11

Warnings: Astarion being himself, a couple suggestive moments, trauma talk

Summary: Some words of wisdom from the newest member of the group, and then later on a party of two.

Notes: I hate editing, but at least editing got this chapter to a place that I like. Enjoy everyone! <3

Read on Ao3 here!

Previous Chapter | First Chapter

A soft breeze ruffles the plants along the path down to the water. The early morning sun beams gentle light down over the earth, sparkling off the river’s deep teal surface. Warming, too, the glossy black fur of the tiny cat that lies on the edge of an overhang just above where the water laps at the end of the path. Bright hazel eyes look out over the water’s path, the kitten’s little chin resting on her paws. 

The sudden scraping of a boot on stone behind her makes her leap up and into a ready-to-flee position, but she immediately relaxes when she sees it’s just Halsin. He lifts his hands as he approaches. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you,” he says softly. “I saw you run down here like the hells were after you. Wanted to make sure you’re all right.” 

As he sits down next to her, his long legs dangling off the edge of the rock, he can hear her start purring just a little. It makes him smile. I’m all right, she says, her words filtering through the magic of his speak with animals spell (that he never really turns off). 

“Glad to hear it,” he replies, leaning back on his hands. “What were you running from, if I could ask?” 

She’s quiet for a moment, before sighing and sitting in a loaf position next to him. I got embarrassed.

“Hm. About anything in particular?” 

He glances down, seeing her stiff posture, her little tail twitching in the dirt. …thank you, for last night, she says instead. 

“No need for that, my friend,” he murmurs. “Astarion didn’t need the nudge as much as you did, I think.” 

I…think you’re right, she says softly, sounding frustrated at herself. I know there’s nothing wrong with…with sex. It’s a natural thing. But…up until last night and this morning, it was a natural thing that didn’t happen to me.

“New things can be scary,” Halsin agrees. “But was the fear worth it?” Almost immediately, she breaks out into a purr so loud he’s not sure how her little body can produce the sound. He can’t help but laugh, reaching out and giving the top of her head a little scritch. “Good! I’m very glad that it worked out so well then. But that doesn’t explain why you were so embarrassed you ran all the way out here.” 

She tells him what had happened, what Astarion had said to the cleric. I know logically that the rest of the group were going to find out eventually. Especially if he and I um…indulge in camp again. But I’d been hoping that it would have come out, say, around dinner, when I could have had a hand in the conversation. Not…like that. And what he said… 

He chuckles softly, his warm eyes watching the water flowing downstream. “I think Astarion was lashing out defensively, little one. He didn’t appreciate being interrupted with his new lover. And, as he has the razor-sharp wit to let someone know when he’s displeased, well…I’m certainly not surprised he said something like that.” 

That’s…a really good point. She heaves a tiny sigh. I need to learn to stop running away every time I’m embarrassed like this. I just get so overwhelmed…I wish I was bolder, like Astarion is.

Halsin laughs, loud and long. “I’m sorry, I’m–ha–I’m just picturing two Astarions in camp. Oh, the chaos…” Sable can’t help but giggle along with him. Then he sighs and looks at her seriously. “Being bold is a fine thing, my friend. But never forget that you’re you. Learn from these new experiences at your own pace, and those who know you, truly know you, will care for you regardless of how bold you are.” He smiles faintly. “I’m sure that’s why Astarion hasn’t come looking for you. He figures that you want some time alone to process.” 

There’s a flash of golden light, and when it fades Sable the woman is sitting next to him, smiling faintly. “I think you’re right. About…about all of it. I’ll try and be kinder to myself.” 

“Good,” he replies, content with her answer. “If anyone deserves kindness shown to them, it’s you.” He stands, offering her a hand up, which she takes. “Now. I believe we promised our friends some mending spells. Shall we go find them?”

“Oh! Yes, let’s go!” 

Feeling much better about what had happened earlier, Sable walks beside her new friend, happiness swirling in her heart. 

A happiness that only grows once they reach the group and she sees Astarion, sitting on a wooden crate, bent over his sewing. The morning sun lights up his profile, turning his curls into a halo of silver. His long, slender fingers handle the needle deftly, neat rows of stitching appearing in the fabric, hidden where they need to be hidden. His lips are parted ever so faintly, the tip of his tongue held very gently between his fang and regular canine tooth. 

So caught up by the sight, she doesn't notice Wyll stepping up beside her, a soft smile on his lips. “Someone’s a little love-struck,” he murmurs softly, and she immediately blushes, tearing her gaze away. 

“That obvious?” she asks, smiling weakly, and he chuckles. 

“Yes, but it’s not a bad thing. I’m glad for you.” He pauses, then sighs and lowers his voice even more. “Just be careful. You’re a very sweet woman, and he’s…well. I wouldn’t see you hurt, let’s put it that way.” 

Sable’s immediate reaction is to scowl at him. She wants to snap, it’s plain on her face, wants to tell him that his judgment is as wrong as it was with Karlach. Instead, she takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. “I get it. But…he’s not just the way he presents himself,” she says, and though she keeps her voice down, it’s full of confidence. “I appreciate your concern, I do. But I…we’ll be fine.” 

“For your sake, I hope you're right.” He gives her shoulder a pat and moves off, his leather armor in one hand and a small bag of tools in the other. 

Sable shakes her head, annoyance swirling in her gut. She knows they mean well, but it’s also not like she can just blurt out what she knows about him to change their minds, either. He’s let her in, and no one else. So she’ll have to grin and bear the comments. 

Though, she thinks as she crosses to him, if they get too annoying I’ll just shapeshift. Then they’ll have to bear it. Literally.

Astarion looks up as she approaches, and she sees the difference in his posture immediately. His shoulders relax, his eyes fill with fondness, and his smile softens out a little. “There’s my darling kitten,” he all but purrs, shifting over on the crate to make room for her. “I was wondering where you’d run off to.” 

“Sorry,” she says softly, sitting down and leaning her head on his shoulder. He blinks down to her in surprise–this is positively bold for her. “Got a little overwhelmed, but I’m okay now.” 

“Good,” he murmurs, and he leans over and brushes a kiss over her forehead. “I’d figured you needed some time to think.” 

“Yeah. Thank you,” she murmurs, unable to stop the smile from curling her lips. 

“Oh? For what, darling?” He looks back down to his sewing, and she watches his wingers weave the cloth together. Looks like one of Gale’s shirts. 

“For understanding me so well already,” she replies softly. 

His fingers pause for a brief second, before continuing on. “Yes, well, you’re not exactly hard to read, kitten,” he teases gently, and she huffs, though not really offended. “But you’re welcome. If you need space, you need space. All you have to do is say so. Or, you know, turn tiny and run, that sends a pretty clear message.” 

She can’t help but laugh, quickly smothering it behind her hand. Then Lae’zel is coming over with some armor covered in dings and dents, and her hands glow a soft blue as she starts mending it. 

////////////////////////////////////////////

The celebration party is in full swing. Sable’s lost count of how many people offer their thanks, or sing her praises (once literally, in the case of the bard Alfira), or offer her drinks which she politely declines. A couple of her new friends are very much enjoying all the attention. Several have made themselves scarce, and she wishes she could do the same, honestly. 

She finds Astarion near his tent, a bottle in hand and a grimace on his face. “After all we did for them, you’d think they’d offer us better wine,” he says to her, just a little of the grimace lifting in her presence. 

She shrugs, smiling as she steps up to his side. She doesn’t touch him, unsure if, after all the socializing he’s been nearly forced to do, he’d welcome the contact. She itches to put her arms around him, though… “I wouldn’t know about wine, Astarion,” she says softly. 

“Not much of a drinker, hm?” he asks softly, and to her delight he winds his own arm around her waist. He smiles faintly as she all but melts into him, laying her head on his shoulder. “You’re lucky in this case. Damn stuff tastes like vinegar.” 

“Is it really that bad?” she asks, a little disbelief cutting through the contentment. 

“Have a sip yourself.” He offers her the bottle, watching as she lifts it and takes a sniff. Her nose wrinkles at the smell, and he has to fight the urge to tell her it’s one of the cutest things he’s ever seen. She takes a very small sip and immediately spits it out. “See? Awful.” 

“Ugh, is that what all alcohol tastes like?” she gasps, wiping her mouth. “Why even bother?” 

He laughs faintly. “Gods, no, not all alcohol tastes like that! Once we’re back in Baldur’s Gate, I’ll take you out somewhere nice. We’ll get you a cocktail that tastes like delectable fruit juice, but will knock you right onto that cute little ass of yours.” 

As he’d hoped, she turns red and gently swats his chest. “Astarion!” 

His mood thoroughly lifted, he snickers and lowers his head, nuzzling gently against the scabbed over bite marks on her throat. “Yes, my sweet? Did I say something wrong?” 

She shivers, her eyes fluttering closed as she feels him gently lick at one scab. “N-Not out in front of everyone!” 

He huffs softly. “Darling, everyone is so thoroughly sloshed right now that no one’s going to remember this. Buuuut, if it will make you more comfortable, how about we go somewhere more private?” 

She looks up at him as he straightens, that little smirk she likes so much on his beautiful lips. “I…I’d like that.” 

The smirk deepens, and he lifts her hand, brushing a lingering kiss over her knuckles. Her heart skips a beat as his eyes darken. “Well then. Let us venture into the night, my sweet.”

Mouth dry from his words and that simple touch alone, she lets him tug her off, deeper into the Grove and away from the party. They wind up underneath a tree near the river, higher up than where she and Halsin had their talk earlier that day. Astarion sits and leans up against the tree, and when she hesitates he quirks an eyebrow and points at the spot between his legs. 

This man is going to kill me, she thinks, but sits down between his splayed thighs and leans back against his chest. “There we are,” he purrs into her ear. “Nice and cozy.” 

She sighs and relaxes as his arms wrap around her waist. “Very cozy…it’s nice to be close to someone.” 

“It is, isn’t it?” he murmurs, brushing his lips over the tip of her pointed ear and making her shiver. 

“A-Astarion…” She tilts her head, away from his distracting mouth to meet his darkened crimson eyes. “We don’t…have to do anything like that tonight, if you don’t want to. I actually want to check in on you, make sure you’re all right after this morning.” 

He stares at her. No matter how often she asks, he’ll never be over it, never not appreciate her concern for his own well-being. He leans down and presses a soft kiss to her lips, before pulling away. “My sweet, you’re too good for this world. I’m…” He stops himself. He was going to just say that he’s fine, that there’s nothing to worry about…but he doesn’t want to be flippant with her. Not with her. 

So he really thinks about it. Reflects back on how this morning went, how it makes him feel. 

It had been…different, with her. There were still moments, of course, moments where flashes of unease, of something akin to disgust raced through him. And he would have to remind himself that he was with her, not a mark, not a victim. He was with her, and her pleasure mattered to him, and not in a predatory way. 

She matters to him. She matters to him. Oh, how quickly his kitten has wormed her way into his long-dead heart. No one was supposed to matter to him, other than himself, but his feelings for her were inescapable now. He smiles softly, almost ruefully. Leave it to the softest person he could ever imagine to get under his skin. 

“I’m…good,” he finally says. “Quite good, actually. I won’t lie, there were…moments where I was uncomfortable.” Her face drops, and she opens her mouth, no doubt to ask why he hadn’t expressed that at the time. He presses his fingers gently to her lips to silence her. “But I felt safe to continue. I knew that if I’d said something, you would have stopped immediately. And…darling, you’ve no idea what that means to me.” His hand cups gently around her cheek, his thumb stroking over her soft, freckled skin. He smiles, soft and gentle, and he hears her heartbeat speed up. 

Her eyes go over-bright, and her smile is just a little wobbly. “Good! Good, I…Gods, I’m so relieved!” 

“Were you worried about it all day?” he asks softly. 

“A little,” she admits, gently taking his hand and lacing their fingers together. “I…” She blushes faintly. “I’ve realized, between last night and this morning, that…sex with you is literally the best I’ve ever felt in my life. And I can absolutely see myself getting…quite addicted to your touch. But even if I’m, well, ready to go, if you don’t want it, I want you to tell me so. I don’t want you to just…force yourself.” She takes a deep breath and firms her gaze. “If it’s not good for you, it won’t be good for me.” 

He stares at her. His heart is filling, aching in his chest, and instead of words he buries his face into her neck and squeezes her tight against him. She smiles, understanding, and holds her lover just as tight, listening to the gentle wind in the trees and the distant sounds of the party. 

She knows that she doesn’t need to go back to the accolades tonight. The gentle kiss he presses to her pulse point is all the praise she needs.

[theprayerfulword]

May 12

John 7:37-38 Jesus said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, 38 and…drink.”

Isaiah 66:13 [The Lord says,] “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”

Isaiah 57:15 For thus says the high and lofty One--He Who inhabits eternity, Whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, but with him also who is of a thoroughly penitent and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the thoroughly penitent [bruised with sorrow for sin].

Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

Psalm 42:5 Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.

Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do, of His good pleasure.

May you not turn aside or depart from following the Lord when you find that you have made a mistake or chosen wrongly; rather, turn from the sin, be of good courage and serve the Lord wholeheartedly, worshiping Him without reservation, for He will not reject you since He is pleased to make you His own. 1 Samuel 12

May you be sure to revere the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart, remembering what great things He has done for you and how grandly He has dealt with you. 1 Samuel 12

May you wait on the Lord, though everyone else disperses, for the Lord is never late, though he wait till the last minute to test your heart and let you see your faith. 1 Samuel 13

May you not speak on your own, lest you draw honor to yourself, but may you work for the honor of the One Who sends you, for then you will be a man of truth. John 7

May you not judge superficially, or with partiality, based on mere appearances, but let God show you what lies beneath the surface so you can make a righteous judgment. John 7

You are My portion, My child, given to Me by My Father and received in My heart with joy unspeakable. I have eagerly prepared, from before the foundations of the earth, all that you will need along the path that I draw you, My precious one, and I have gladly placed abundant supplies for your use at the places you will need them. There are challenges along the way, My persistent one, and they are yours to choose to overcome; when you make that choice, you will find the resources I have placed right at hand to accomplish the task, meet the need, resist the evil, win the battle, cleanse the temple, sanctify the altar, and prepare for Me a dwelling place. My desire is that you would reflect My heart and accept Me as your portion, as your inheritance. Rather than an undisturbed eternity of quiet, clean, pure fellowship with each other, We chose to be involved in Creation with all of the noise, chaos, confusion, pain, dirt, and conflict. I came as a servant, humbling Myself, seeking the good of all, dying to make the way open, whether any followed it or not. Cleanse yourself of pride, for it causes you to struggle against others, and separates you from Me. Trust Me to do what is needed in the hearts of others, and walk in My steps, drawing on My resources as you face these challenges which will test you to the limit, and more, bringing you nearer to Me, in the fellowship of My suffering, for I understand your pain and have sent My Comforter. Make Me yours, as I have made you Mine.

May your heart be steadfast before God as you sing and make music with all your soul, awakening the dawn as you praise the Lord among the nations and sing of Him among the peoples, for His love is higher than the heavens and His faithfulness reaches to the skies; therefore God is exalted above the heavens and His glory is over all the earth. Psalm 108

May God save you and help you with His right hand so those whom He loves may be delivered. Psalm 108

May God lead you into battle, giving you aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless; only with God will you gain the victory as He tramples down your enemies. Psalm 108

May you allow God to heal and anoint your tongue and bring forth gentle, wholesome, peaceable, soothing words which give life to the hearers whose crushed, broken, shattered spirits have been breached by deception, crookedness, perverseness and deviousness. Proverbs 15:4

[mstiu]

CHAPTER TWO: Her

"He was a doctor, an army cardiologist"

Analia's mind was still reeling from the encounter with the hunters discussing the mysterious medic back at the base. However, her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a young boy who approached her with an air of excitement.

"Miss, are you a hunter on a mission?" the boy asked eagerly, his eyes shining with curiosity.

Analia blinked, momentarily taken aback by the boy's sudden appearance. She composed herself and replied, "Oh, I'm a hunter on standby. What can I help you with?"

The boy's face lit up with delight. "Everyone says hunters are super strong and you can do anything I ask, right, riiight? Follow me!"

Before Analia could gather more information or ask for an explanation, the boy dashed off, expecting her to follow. Intrigued and slightly bewildered, Analia hurriedly followed behind him, weaving through the bustling streets.

As they maneuvered through the crowd, Analia's attention was diverted when she accidentally bumped into a woman. She quickly apologized, but as she glanced at the woman, a sense of familiarity washed over her. The woman had gray hair cut in a medium length and was wearing a white sleeveless dress.

Analia's mind raced, trying to place where she had seen the woman before. There was something about her that stirred a deep, buried memory. Was it the way she carried herself or the enigmatic gaze in her eyes? Analia couldn't quite put her finger on it.

The woman turned towards Analia, her gaze gentle and filled with a pearl of unspoken wisdom. Analia felt a strange connection, as if there was a hidden bond between them, waiting to be unravelled.

"Sorry, again!" the boy chimed in, oblivious to the unspoken connection between Analia and the woman. He tugged at Analia's arm, urging her to continue following him.

Analia tore her gaze away from the woman and refocused her attention on the boy. She made a mental note to revisit her thoughts about the mysterious woman later. For now, she had to attend to the young boy and uncover the reason behind his eagerness.

"Wait, hold on," Analia called out, trying to catch up with the boy's rapid pace. "At least tell me what you need my help with."

The boy slowed down just enough to glance back at Analia, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Come on, I'll explain along the way!"

Analia sighed, realizing that she had no other choice but to follow the boy and discover the purpose of their unexpected encounter. Little did she know that this encounter with the boy and the enigmatic woman would set in motion a chain of events that would unravel the secrets hidden within her own past and lead her down a path of self-discovery and redemption.

With a mix of intrigue and determination, Analia quickened her pace and continued her journey alongside the boy, her mind filled with questions and an unyielding desire to uncover the truth that lay ahead.

Analia stepped out of the elevator, phone in hand, as she made her way towards Dr. Zayne's office. She dialed a familiar number, hoping to catch him before he left for the day.

"Hey, Yvonne, it's me. Just coming out of the elevator. Dr. Zayne hasn't gone home, has he?" Analia asked, her voice filled with a hint of urgency.

Yvonne reassured her, "Don't worry, all check-ups are in the system, which sends out notifications. Dr. Zayne can't forget them."

Analia sighed, knowing that Dr. Zayne had a reputation for being dedicated to his work. "Yeah, besides, even when he's not working, he's still in his office."

Yvonne saw an opportunity to connect Analia with Dr. Zayne and swiftly transferred the call. Analia tried to protest, but it was too late. She found herself connected with Dr. Zayne.

"No, don't-" Analia began, but Dr. Zayne's voice interrupted her.

"Good job. You were ten seconds away from being a no-show," Dr. Zayne remarked, his voice laced with amusement.

Analia groaned, realizing that Dr. Zayne was counting down the seconds until she arrived. "I fought everyone to book the last appointment of the day, wait!"

Dr. Zayne chuckled. "Don't worry, we have five seconds left."

Analia rolled her eyes, exasperated. "Do you really need to be so precise?"

As Analia reached Dr. Zayne's office door, she pushed it open and stepped inside, still engaged in the phone conversation. She found Dr. Zayne sitting at his desk, seemingly unfazed by the countdown.

"Congratulations, you weren't late," Dr. Zayne remarked casually. "Is this impeccable timing a new Evol of yours?"

Analia couldn't help but be slightly impressed by Dr. Zayne's ability to accurately predict her arrival. "I can't believe you're just sitting there and counting down. What are you, a ticking time bomb or something?"

Dr. Zayne smirked slightly, enjoying Analia's reaction. "Yvonne said you returned to Linkon at 5 o'clock this morning and were back to work by seven," she said, referring to their mutual acquaintance.

Zayne raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback that Yvonne had shared this information. "She tells you everything."

"Report."

Zayne glanced at Analia's medical report, his eyes scanning the details before he spoke. "Patients shouldn't be so nosy, you know," he commented with a hint of amusement.

Analia shrugged, handing over the report. "Well, I can't help it. Curiosity runs in the family."

Zayne quickly skimmed through the report, focusing on the relevant information.

"Did you find her?" he asked, his gaze meeting Analia's.

Analia's expression softened, and a trace of sadness flickered in her eyes. "Huh? Oh, my sister. Well… I haven't yet. But I'm still hoping."

Zayne nodded, understanding the weight of Analia's search for her missing sister. "Mmm… Any changes recently?"

Analia shook her head, a tinge of disappointment evident. "No, nothing significant. I've been busy with exams, so I haven't had much time to devote to the search. It's been a whirlwind of all-nighters."

Zayne's brows furrowed slightly as he observed Analia's disregard for her well-being. "Ignoring medical advice like it's nothing, I see. I suppose you're just here to go through the motions."

Analia shifted uncomfortably in her seat, realizing that she hadn't been taking the best care of herself. "I… I guess I've been pushing myself too hard. But finding my sister is important to me, and I don't want to give up."

Zayne sighed, his expression softening. "I understand your determination, Analia, but remember that taking care of yourself is equally important. You can't help your sister if you're not in good health."

He motioned for Analia to move to a nearby chair, indicating that he wanted to conduct a physical examination. Analia complied, sitting in front of him as he reached for his stethoscope.

Zayne placed the stethoscope on Analia's chest, listening intently to the rhythmic beats of her heart. The room fell quiet, save for the sound of the steady thump resonating through the instrument.

As he listened, Zayne's thoughts raced, pondering the mysteries that surrounded Analia's past and her sister's disappearance. He knew that their journeys were intertwined, and he was determined to uncover the truth that lay hidden within their shared history.

For now, though, his focus remained on Analia's well-being. As he removed the stethoscope, Zayne spoke gently, his voice filled with both concern and reassurance. "A fast resting heart rate. What riled you up this time?"

"You're just imagining things… Fine… I was really nervous, okay? But, I'm always like this whenever I see a doctor." She hesitated at first but eventually admitted.

"Truly, your allergy is unique. Despite being aware of the risks, you still became a hunter."

"Make fun of me all you want, but you know why I did it." She defended, sighing at him.

"I wasn't mocking you, Analia. Linkon has been the safest it's ever been under the watchful eye of our skilled hunters. Besides… We have the same goal in mind…"

"Huh?"

"The disappearance of your twin has been… interesting, to say the least. We both know she's still alive because there are still traces of her Evol around Linkon." As he explained, he continued to type away from his computer.

Analia's eyes widened, and she leaned forward, her voice filled with hope and anticipation. "You believe she's still out there? That she's alive?"

Zayne nodded, a solemn expression on his face. "I've been investigating the traces of her Evol that I've come across. It's clear that she's left a trail, intentionally or not."

Analia's heart raced with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The prospect of finding her twin sister was both exhilarating and daunting. She knew the journey would be perilous, but she couldn't ignore the chance to reunite with the person who meant everything to her.

There was a moment of silence as Analia absorbed the weight of their shared goal. She knew that her path as a hunter would be filled with challenges and risks, but she was willing to face them head-on.

Zayne broke the silence, his voice laced with concern. "Though, if you're willing to be a hunter, then I suggest you be careful while out in the field in search of her. I'd prefer not to see you be airlifted to the hospital via helicopter."

Analia smiled, appreciating his concern. "Don't worry, Dr. Zayne. I'll be cautious and do everything I can to stay safe. I won't let anything jeopardize my mission."

[bluewren]

HI WREN HAPPY FRIDAY! I see you would like Sera fluff! Maybe a little hurt/comfort to start it off, for Sera/Tali - "They shouldn't treat you like that." from the vague angsty prompts??

Hello Niri!!! This made me think of how Tali always seems to side with Sera. I used lo Mai gai as a food stand-in, since I was too lazy to create new lore. LOL @dadrunkwriting wc: 1120

The morning comes to Taliesen by the aching rumble in her stomach. That was the only sign that slept at all the previous night, the sudden nagging pain in her stomach. She had not eaten anything since Solas left. Last night's appetite leaving with her, along with the elven healer and trusted friend. They had failed to rescue Wisdom and Solas needed time to be away and to mourn, and though she understood that and tried not to think about what she would have done if it was her own siblings…

She hoped that Solas trusts her enough to stay and confide in her. Worse that something felt final in the way he left, the way he couldn't bear to answer her when he walked. How she seemed invisible when he said his last sentence.

It's possible that yesterday might have been the last night she'll ever see Solas again, and she is not ready to sit on that. Not when she feels like her worries as Inquisitor are stacking and she's losing distance on the people she can turn to.

Still, feeling down and worried about everything collapsing isn't helping her fill an empty stomach. The Dalish camp is close enough for a cozy home style meal.

Taliesen takes a quick sniff of her leather trousers, it still stinks of sweat from last night's battle. Though it isn't off-putting enough for her to not put them on along with a loose tunic and boots. She peels open the canvas covers of her tent, now seeing the sun is already a quarter away from its highest point.

Sera's already sitting by the smothered campfire, a doubtless sign that Taliesen slept for too long.

She waves. "Took you long enough. Feeling awake now, sleepyhead?"

Taliesen blinks, she can feel a smile slowly curl onto her lips. Somehow Sera's flippant forwardness is always enough to do that.

"Come on." Tali waves back, beckoning for Sera to follow her. "I need food. You can help me carry."

“Where we going?” Sera’s eyes widen, but she follows along anyway.

“The Dalish camp!” Taliesen points to the other side of the river.

“The Dalish camp?” Sera groans, crossing her arms.

“I got a sudden craving for [lo mai gai]. If they don’t have any, we can trade for aged embrium leafs and grains. We can make them ourselves.” Taliesen speaks, around feeling herself drool.

Sera grumbles, dragging her heel and slowing them both.

“What’s wrong with that?” Both elves stop, the Dalish elf of the two raises a brow.

“Some of them were giving me weird looks.” The City elf of the two replies, her foot begins tapping with irritation. “Like they got snot up their breathers. Don’t think they like me.”

Taliesen points her nose, unbearably close with her eyes in judgmental squint. “Seraaa, did you say something to them yesterday?”

“Nothin’.” Sera huffs, pushing the Inquisitor back by the shoulders to retake some space. “Why have to think that it was me who caused something?” Her voice rising.

In truth, Taliesen didn’t believe anything did happen between Sera and Hawen’s clan. Though she already sees the beads of sweat dripping off of Sera's neck, and is enjoying the sight of it.

“What if I didn’t?” She smirks, her words almost sound like purring.

“You!” Sera growls, she dashes to grab and headlock the other elf’s head.

Sera’s grip is stronger than Taliesen expected, feeling her head locked between two logs. Though not enough to stop her from laughing, she retaliates by tickling the other blond on her exposed side. She slowly manages to push Sera along towards the camp, managing to walk the straightest path she can while blinded and having her sense of direction turned sideways.

“Andaran Atish’an, my sister. It’s good to see you again.” Hawen stands in front of them.

The entangled elves realize they look dimwitted while waltzing into their camp. They swiftly straighten themselves, standing like impeccably professionals.

Taliesen clears her throat. “We would like to trade for food if your clan can spare anything.”

“We are happy to trade with you?” He nods, then turns to Sera. “But I would appreciate that your friend stays out of our camp.”

“What?” Taliesen gives back a baffled blink.

“Some of our People are perplexed by your friendship you two have, it will be better if she stayed out of the camp.”

She crosses her arms, a finger tapping her left shoulder, worrying that she might end up something regrettable. Sera is more vocal with her displeasure, grumbling at Hawen.

“She’ll be beside me.” Taliesen reassures. “We’re not here to cause anyone trouble.”

“That might be the case.” Hawen nods. He sighs, clearly reluctant to request this of her. “But we need to keep the peace between our people, the Dales have not been hospital as of late.”

“What does my friend have to do with any of that?”

“It’s a precaution. I want trouble on neither of our sides.”

Taliesen shakes her head. “We aren’t here to cause any trouble…”

“Inky, it’s fine.” Sera interrupts Taliesen, tugging her back by the shoulders. “Just get the stuff, I’ve got no problems waiting.”

“I’m not letting them treat you like that.” She says, her eyes narrowing.

“Got it!” Sera throws up her hands, back away from the camp. “You don’t need to. I’m not going to be around whoevers.”

“Sorry it has to be this way.” Taliesen sighs.

She chooses to follow along with her friend, rather than allow the clan to have their prejudices.

The elves tread back the path they walked, though now Sera feels her stomach growling unlike earlier. The walk feels twice as long back, and worse knowing that no treat is waiting for them when they return.

“Not a big loss. I’m sure the soldiers will have a meal ready.”

“You didn’t have to do that.” Sera snaps.

“You think you’re the only city elf, who’s been turned away by them?” Taliesen raises a brow. “Dalish clans have been like that for as long as I’ve known them.”

“What’s it? My ears, too droopy for them?” Sera rolls her eyes. She feels herself gagging. “Not my first time hearing that either. Stuffin’ our mouths would have made everything better.”

“And you’ll be fine with that?”

“Doesn’t matter! We could have gotten a good meal.”

“You didn’t deserve to be treated like a roughneck, just for not being one of them.” Taliesen shakes her head, seeming surprisingly stern. “I’m not letting that happen.”

“Doesn’t need to be your choice.” Sera whispers, her cheeks feeling a bit flushed.

Though she doesn’t want to admit it with words, she’s grateful that Taliesen sided with her over the Dalish clan.

[fanficsfreeideas]

The Tale of Adam and Lucifer Part 1

Once upon a time, in a kingdom nestled between heaven and hell, lived a powerful king named Adam. He was known for his strength and wisdom but bore a heavy burden. His beloved daughter, Lute, had been cursed by a vengeful sorceress, condemning her to eternal sleep on her sixteenth birthday, only to be awakened by true love’s kiss. The curse cast a shadow over the kingdom, and the only hope for Lute lay in finding a love strong enough to break the spell.

Desperate to save his daughter, Adam sought the help of the enigmatic and seductive Lucifer, a fallen angel who ruled over the dark realms. Despite their tumultuous past, Adam believed that Lucifer possessed the power to change fate.

One stormy night, Adam journeyed into the depths of hell, where the air crackled with tension. The flames flickered, casting long shadows as he entered Lucifer’s lair, a magnificent palace of obsidian and gold.

Adam: (voice steady, yet filled with urgency) “Lucifer, I have come to plead for your help. My daughter, Lute, is cursed, and only you possess the power to save her.”

Lucifer: (leaning against a column, a sly smile on his lips) “Ah, Adam. Seeking my power, yet you come to me in desperation. What makes you think I would help you? You abandoned me once; why should I lend my strength to save your daughter?”

Adam stepped closer, the distance between them charged with unspoken emotions.

Adam: “I know my past mistakes, Lucifer. But I’ve come to realize that your power and my resolve can forge a path to redemption. I offer you a chance to prove that love can conquer all—perhaps even the darkness within you.”

Lucifer's eyes glinted with mischief and desire.

Lucifer: “You speak of love, yet you know nothing of its true cost. Are you willing to pay the price, Adam?”

Adam’s heart raced. He knew what Lucifer implied, but the stakes were too high.

Adam: “Anything. I will do whatever it takes to save her.”

Lucifer stepped closer, their bodies inches apart. The heat between them was palpable, a magnetism that neither could resist.

Lucifer: “Very well. If you truly wish to save your daughter, you must show me your willingness to surrender yourself. Only then can we conjure a love strong enough to break the curse.”

Adam swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his choice. He leaned in, their lips almost touching.

Adam: “What do you require?”

Lucifer: (a whisper, his breath warm against Adam’s skin) “Come to me, Adam. Let us explore the depths of our desires. Only through this union can we summon the power to awaken Lute.”

The Passionate Encounter

The tension between them ignited, and Adam felt a fire he had never known before. Lucifer’s hands caressed his arms, drawing him closer until their bodies were pressed together. Adam’s heart raced as he surrendered to the moment, his thoughts consumed by the heat radiating from Lucifer.

Lucifer: “You desire to save your daughter, but what of your desires? Can you embrace the darkness within me, Adam?”

Adam: (his voice a low growl) “I am willing to embrace it all.”

With a sudden movement, Lucifer captured Adam’s lips with his own, a kiss that was both fierce and tender. The world around them melted away as they surrendered to their desires. Adam's hands found their way to Lucifer's hair, pulling him closer, and deepening the kiss.

Lucifer pressed him against the wall, the cool stone contrasting with the heat of their bodies. The flames flickered around them, casting dancing shadows as they lost themselves in each other. Adam moaned softly as Lucifer’s hands roamed over his body, igniting every nerve with a single touch.

Lucifer: “Feel this, Adam. Let go of your fears. In my embrace, you can be free.”

With a growl of longing, Adam pushed back against Lucifer, taking control for a moment. He pressed kisses along Lucifer’s jaw, tasting the sweetness of temptation before their mouths crashed together once more. The air around them buzzed with raw energy, their desires intertwining in a symphony of passion.

Adam surrendered completely, reveling in the sensations. He felt a connection deeper than any he had known, a merging of their souls as they explored the boundaries of their desires.

Adam: “Together, we can break the curse. Together, we can change our fates.”

Lucifer’s eyes sparkled with a mixture of mischief and affection.

Lucifer: “Yes, my king. Let us forge a bond strong enough to awaken your daughter.”

The Awakening

Their bodies entwined in a dance of passion and power, Adam and Lucifer summoned the magic of their union. Energy crackled in the air around them, vibrating with the essence of their love. As they reached the peak of their desire, a bright light enveloped them, a force so powerful it echoed throughout the realms.

With a final breath, Adam and Lucifer’s energies fused, sending waves of warmth and light radiating through the kingdom. In the palace above, Lute stirred, her eyes fluttering open as the curse lifted.

When Adam returned to the surface, he was a changed man, holding both love and darkness within him. Lucifer watched from the shadows, a smirk on his face.

Lucifer: “You’ve embraced your desires, Adam. Now, let us see how you wield that power.”

[wyvernwriterarchive]

The Wyvern Brotherhood

The Wyvern Brotherhood is a story about a man rebelling against a corrupt empire in order to stop them from expending and destroying the countries of the world. It is an FE based SRPG, with specific influences from Thracia 776 and The Binding Blade.

Currently, it isn't actually in development, but it does have a planned out plot, with themes of equality, freedom and community, along with how revolution without a plan may lead to chaos.

Main Characters

🔥Drake🔥

"That bastard, Griffith. He is the cause of all of our suffering. I won't run anymore. I will take down anyone who stands in the way of our future and then choke the life out of him with my bare hands!"

A young firebrand whose father, a man named Erving, sought to live in peace one day and fought to gain that peace, with many warriors at his side. He was slain by the empire for his radical views, a sea of fire erupting in the night as Drake fled.

Drake watched as that fire was used against innocents of a foreign land they were at "war" with, and against any civilians who spoke out against the state.

He saw this and was filled with rage. Both wanting revenge for his fallen family and wanting to liberate the people of the world of this cruel imperial regime, Drake created a band of mercenaries known as the Wyvern Brotherhood.

Or...at least they acted as mercenaries. In truth, they were actually a small rebellion army, gathering forces of people who sympathized with, or actively believed in his cause, and filled their hearts with hope.

Drake fights with resolve and bravery, and cares deeply about his people. But he is young, and his anger at blatant injustice often leads to him making brash, reckless commands, and putting the loves of many st risk. A part of him knows that death is a possibility. But does he realize it?

🌑Delphi🌑

"My people's history will not be forgotten. But it's how they will be remembered that bothers me. We were protecters of the land and the world. We were not 'witches'. And if you ever call us that again, you will regret it."

A young oracle who is part of a scattered and wounded people known as the Yesterdents. They were nomadic protectors of nature, who guided the world to a brighter path.

One day, however, something changed. A woman named Agrat, who led a tribe of her own, foresaw a terrible tragedy. A man wielding magic as powerful as the sun, and using that power to conquer the world.

Agrat warned the man, Emperor Griffith of Delric, to cease his ambitious notions. He did not. While she knew she would be executed, she also knew that there would be hope. Even if she had to die, and her people were to be scattered.

Delphi was one of those survivors of the massacre. It was awful losing the life she once did. But…she had to have faith. The calamity was coming. And she had to act fast. Otherwise, the world would fall to ruin. She used her clairvoyance and wisdom to seek out the person who could help bring an end to the chaos. That man was Drake.

Delphi serves as a wise and professional figure. She seems to be guided by the principles of her people, and by the futures, she can envision in her mind. Anxiety and panic are not good for a tactical mind in auch a sensitive position. So she hides her concerns... even when the future she sees is grim.

☀️Philip☀️

"I understand your desire for justice. For a new world. But our society needs structure, order, and stability, all things the empire has now. To try and tear it all down immediately would be...dangerous, would it not?"

The prince of the Great Delric, the Empire of Dawn. Raised by his mother before moving in with his father, his soft nature was seen as weakness by Griffith. He attempted to break and mold him into a powerful warrior...and when that seemed to fail, he shifted his focus into him being something else. A sacrifice.

Philip noticed that his father had taken some deals with a strange group of people. Not actively malicious on the surface, yet they, along with many others, inspired his father to fight fiercely in a war, in oder to gian more power and influence.

He hadn't witnessed war. But he felt like it was... unnecessary. He was a diplomatic soul with a bleeding heart. And a curious mind. He decided to do some investigations on his father's new allies, and new ideals.

Those investigations led to him meeting Drake and Delphi, leaders of the Wyvern Brotherhood. With their help, he uncovers a dangerous plot to gain power through the church and the emperor, hoping to bring order and stability to the land.

Philip is an idealistic young man with a kind and compassionate heart. The perfect ruler, at least as fsr as everyone else, is concerned. But that perfection is at risk of being corrupted or twisted by the chaos around him. And his black and white world view will be challenged, as he too will notice the flames, and he will soon know who started them.

[writer86]

The next morning, Selene and Shadowheart pack their camp without a word and move on. The ruin blocks their path further along the coast, so now they turn back the direction they'd come from. Just when it seems inevitable their path will cross back through the wreckage of the Nautloid, the rock face to their right flares with vibrant purple energy.

*You approach the sigil on the stone. Magic glitters and swirls from it erratically, as if malfunctioning. It looks slightly dangerous.*

Selene regards the sigil curiously, then glances back to Shadowheart. "What do you think?"

"It looks like a teleportation sigil gone wrong," Shadowheart answers. "In that state, no telling where it might take us."

"No telling what it might do if left alone in this state either," Selene points out.

"You want to touch it, don't you?" Shadowheart sighs.

There's a trace of a grin on Selene's face as she answers, "Engage with a possible threat without my ally's agreement? Wouldn't dream of it."

Shadowheart just scowls. A moment passes, then she sighs. "Get on with it, then."

"As you wish," Selene answers. She reaches out...

... and recoils as if stung. The next moment, an arm is abruptly thrust outward from the dark center, and a voice cries out, "A hand? Anyone?"

Somewhat taken aback, Selene exchanges a look with Shadowheart, who returns a similar expression. Feeling as though their time is short, Selene steps forward:

Let flow some words of prayer to soothe the sigil's magic. [Wisdom] Success.

The voice from within shouts, "Whatever you're doing, it's working wonders! Now a quick little pull should do the trick."

And sure enough:

"Oooft, hello!" the man says with a bright smile once he's free and upright. "I'm Gale of Waterdeep." Abruptly, he surges forward, seizes Selene's hand and gives it a quick shake. "Apologies, I'm usually better at this."

Already, this interaction is a significant improvement over the rest of their time in this region. A request for help, an introduction, a handshake, and an apology. Selene looks him over for signs of obvious injury and finds none... but that doesn't mean he's uninjured.

"No need to apologise," she says quickly. "Are you all right?"

"A bit shocked, but friend, it is a relief and a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Say, but I know you, don't I? In a manner of speaking. You were on the Nautloid as well."

He's certainly not lacking for things to say, Selene notes with an amused glance to Shadowheart beside her. Already, the other cleric's arms are crossed, as though she's trying to defend herself against the onslaught of Gale's verbose manner.

"I was, yes," Selene agrees.

"Then I can only assume you too were on the receiving end of a rather unwelcome insertion in the ocular region."

When next Selene glances to Shadowheart, her fellow cleric's distrust has shifted into incredulity. Selene can almost hear her thinking who talks like that?

The answer, as Selene well knows: Wizards. She stifles a smile and says, "Go on."

And Gale is all too happy to do so...

... though his enthusiasm does shift into a bit more serious a tone to match the subject of his monologue:

"The insertee we speak of, this parasite - are you aware that after a period of excruciating gestation, it will turn us into mind flayers? It's a process known as ceremorphosis, and let me assure you: it is to be avoided. You don't happen to be a cleric, by any chance, do you? A doctor? Surgeon?" Here, the grin reappears. "Uncannily adroit with a knitting needle?"

Shadowheart has had enough:

"You seem to know enough about our condition to realize it is beyond most clerics' skills," she snaps irritably.

"Most, no doubt," Gale agrees. "But I find myself hoping to be in the presence of the few. You don't happen to be one of them?"

Selene's immediate thought is to respond, Yes, of course, but the moment the thought occurs to her, she pulls up short.

(A/N: Yes I'm reusing a screenshot, because the expression on Selene's face is perfect for how she's feeling now as well.)

A few days ago, that would have been her answer. But the level of power she's used to throwing around is lost to her now, never clearer than when she fell from the Nautloid and had no wings upon which to catch herself. She and Shadowheart have stated their necessity for a healer on more than one occasion, but only now has it finally sunk in for Selene: that isn't her.

She hesitates a moment longer before saying, "... I was going to ask you the same question."

She was not, but Gale doesn't seem to realize.

"Then it seems we're both starved for answers," he says mildly. "We're most certainly going to need a healer, and soon too. How about we lend each other a helping hand once more and look for a healer together?"

Selene again glances to Shadowheart, who looks thoroughly less than impressed. But Selene just murmurs under her breath, "Ally..." and Shadowheart sighs.

Putting on her sweetest smile, Selene says, "Sounds like a plan. You're welcome to join us."

Gale returns her smile with a grin of his own and says exuberantly, "Most excellent! A parasite shared is a parasite... halved. Or something to that effect."

Behind Selene, Shadowheart coughs to cover a groan.

"Oh! But before you think you're about to embark on a journey with a most ill-mannered a man: thank you for pulling me out of that stone. It was an act of foresighted kindness I assure you, for I have the feeling ample opportunities will present themselves for me to return the favor."

And this time, Shadowheart does laugh aloud. "No doubt," she agrees.

[bettykeithbaconborj]

Life's Unseen Turns

It's difficult to put into words the overwhelming sense of loss and responsibility that has shaped my early adult years. It's strange how life can throw you into deep waters before you've even learned how to swim. As I approach my 26th birthday, I find myself reflecting on a journey that has demanded far more from me than I ever anticipated at this age. At 22, when most were still figuring out their place in the world, I was abruptly thrust into the role of a grown-up, tasked with shouldering the weight of the world after losing my mother.

The swift transition from carefree youth to a sudden mantle of responsibility has left me grappling with emotions I never expected to encounter at this stage of life. The innocence of my youth seems to have been stolen, replaced by a constant awareness of the responsibilities that now rest upon my shoulders. The burden of overseeing my family's well-being, managing financial intricacies, juggling the demands of work, tending to a romantic relationship, and carving out a path for my own life has become an overwhelming and unrelenting cycle.

The pressure is relentless, and at times, it feels as if I'm navigating through a dense fog, struggling to find my bearings in this unfamiliar territory of adulthood. There are moments when the weight of it all threatens to suffocate me, and I yearn for a reprieve—a chance to pause and catch my breath. It's not that I want to shirk my responsibilities; rather, I ache for a temporary respite, a space to recalibrate and recharge. The weight of responsibilities has me feeling like Atlas, carrying the world on my shoulders, and I'm afraid that if I falter, everything around me will crumble.

There's a silent ache within me – a longing for guidance, for someone to hold me close and tell me that everything will be alright. My mother's absence is a void that can never be filled, and the emptiness I feel from her absence reverberates through every aspect of my life. She was my compass, my source of strength, and now I am left adrift, trying to find my way in uncharted territory.

I often find myself wishing I had all the answers, that I possessed the wisdom to navigate these challenges with confidence and grace. In the quiet moments, I can't help but long for my mother's presence—a guiding light to lead me through life's labyrinthine twists and turns.

The yearning for a safe haven, a place to be embraced and cared for, remains a constant ache. The role reversal has been stark: once the one in need of care, I now find myself as the caretaker. While I embrace the responsibility, the question that lingers is, who takes care of me? How do I quell the tide of emotions threatening to engulf me?

As I blow this wish flower on my hand, I can't help but wish for a different reality. A reality where I could lean on someone, even if just for a moment. A reality where I could have a pause button to catch my breath. But life doesn't come with pause buttons, and the path I'm on seems unyielding.

In the midst of it all, I must find a way to rediscover myself, to balance the needs of others with the necessity of nurturing my own soul. It's a daunting journey, and the road ahead is uncertain. But perhaps in acknowledging the struggle, in giving voice to the exhaustion and the yearning, I can begin to find some semblance of solace.

For now, I'll take a deep breath and face the challenges of another day, hoping that somewhere along the way, I'll find the strength to not only endure but also to thrive.

[cpblaylock-blog]

TAKING TIME TO REFLECT @ 50.

A half-century, 5 decades, 600 months or however you chose quantify my age. In reality, it’s just a number and I certainly don’t act my age nor do I plan on it anytime soon. I have never been one to go over the top with birthday celebrations (except for my kids) for as long as I can remember. As I mark the 2nd anniversary of my 25th birthday, I have had some time to reflect on a few things I’ve learned, value, and can appreciate at age 50.

To travel is to learn.

Traveling (for work or pleasure) has provided me with an amazing opportunity to learn about people, cultures, communities and traditions of places I have dreamt about visiting my whole life. It has blown open my appreciation for diversity and lit the wick of curiosity in me, which I hope continues to burn for a long time.

Being kind is infectious.

I’m often times told, “you are too nice” most times in reference to my tendency to give people the benefit of the doubt. Sure, I have been burned and made to look like a fool as some people have earned my mistrust. However, those instances are pretty rare and the result / outcome of my intentional kindness serves as fuel for my soul as people light up with love, appreciation and gratitude for even the simplest of acts of kindness. It’s selfish, I know but it has been one of my favorite lessons to teach and demonstrate for my boys throughout their adolescence and into adulthood.

Generosity is an extension of God’s blessing.

Being generous is not exclusive to donating money. Yes, it is nice to donate money and in some cases a huge blessing to those on the receiving end but generosity can also include time spent with someone who needs a friend, efforts to make connections or contacts to help someone on their path to success, offering wisdom and perspective to those who come behind you to help them avoid the pitfalls they may encounter along the way or just doing something nice for someone anonymously. As I get older, I find myself becoming more intentional when these opportunities arise. It’s almost like God whispers in my ear something as simple as “make a phone call, Caroline”, “send them a note” or “offer them some encouragement today”. It may seem weird but I try to listen to that voice in my head, to what it says and it usually results in something that fills my soul with joy and goodness.

Love will always win over hate.

I’ve experienced some pretty difficult things in 50 short years. The seed of bitterness and hate could have been sewn into the fabric of my being a long time ago but thankfully I made the conscious choice to love. It certainly was not easy at times and the devil is quite cunning in his ability to manipulate my mind and thought process to try and stoke the fire of resentment and hate. As I look back, I am grateful for obedience to forgiveness and the grace extended to me in the darkness of times which have led me to a place of peace and happiness.

Life is Good

Many people have asked me recently, “how are you doing?” (Mostly in reference to my divorce last year). Last month, I was again asked this very question by a friend I had not seen in a long time who was genuine in her query. As soon as the last syllable rolled off her tongue, I could feel myself smiling, my heart rate increasing, and a glow emanating from my soul. “I AM HAPPY.” I didn’t have to think about it, contemplate the positive vs the negative, or give thought to things that are usually the source of stress before I responded. My response that followed was unrehearsed and instinctive and it was only after I said it that I truly appreciated what came out of my mouth. “I will be 50 in March. I’m educated, have a great job, have raised two remarkable young men, have a supportive family and I have found the love of my life in a man I have known since I was 8 years old. I could not be happier. Life is good.”

At 50, I still mountain bike, play golf, hike, exercise 3-4 times per week, fly and travel when I can. As my good friend GKC says, “I’m 29 and holding” and there is so much left to do, see and explore. So if you see me in the coming days, weeks and months, know that I expect a hug and that I’m am happy.

[baelontargaryen]

DAENERYS TARGARYEN APPRECIATION MONTH 2022

↳ Day 14: Culture → Gods

Dany swayed along, studying the faces of dead heroes and forgotten kings. She wondered if the gods of burned cities could still answer prayers. (AGOT, Daenerys VI)

~

Her words were a knife through Dany’s breast. What had she ever done to make the gods so cruel? She had finally found a safe place, had finally tasted love and hope. She was finally going home. And now to lose it all... “No,” she pleaded. “Save him, and I will free you, I swear it. You must know a way... some magic, some... ” (AGOT, Daenerys VIII)

~

“No,” Dany whispered as tears ran down her cheeks. “No, please, gods hear me, no.” (AGOT, Daenerys VIII)

~

She tried to crawl toward the tent, but Cohollo caught her. Fingers in her hair, he pulled her head back and she felt the cold touch of his knife at her throat. “My baby,” she screamed, and perhaps the gods heard, for as quick as that, Cohollo was dead. Aggo’s arrow took him under the arm, to pierce his lungs and heart. (AGOT, Daenerys VIII)

~

If I look back I am lost. “It was a cruel fate,” Dany said, “yet not so cruel as Mago’s will be. I promise you that, by the old gods and the new, by the lamb god and the horse god and every god that lives. I swear it by the Mother of Mountains and the Womb of the World. Before I am done with them, Mago and Ko Jhaqo will plead for the mercy they showed Eroeh.” (AGOT, Daenerys IX)

~

The deeper they rode into the waste, the smaller the pools became, while the distance between them grew. If there were gods in this trackless wilderness of stone and sand and red clay, they were hard dry gods, deaf to prayers for rain. (ACOK, Daenerys I)

~

Her father had been slain before she was born, and her splendid brother Rhaegar as well. Her mother had died bringing her into the world while the storm screamed outside. Gentle Ser Willem Darry, who must have loved her after a fashion, had been taken by a wasting sickness when she was very young. Her brother Viserys, Khal Drogo who was her sun-and-stars, even her unborn son, the gods had claimed them all. They will not have my dragons, Dany vowed. They will not. (ACOK, Daenerys I)

~

“It may be as you say, blood of my blood,” Dany replied gravely, “but he shall have a new name for this new life. I would name them all for those the gods have taken. The green one shall be Rhaegal, for my valiant brother who died on the green banks of the Trident. The cream-and-gold I call Viserion. Viserys was cruel and weak and frightened, yet he was my brother still. His dragon will do what he could not.” (ACOK, Daenerys I)

~

“Fruit and water and shade,” Dany said, her cheeks sticky with peach juice. “The gods were good to bring us to this place.” (ACOK, Daenerys I)

~

Dany said a quick prayer, begging the Warrior for courage and the Dothraki horse god for strength. She made herself walk forward. (ACOK, Daenerys IV)

~

“The gods are good!” Dany said. “You see, Jorah? We are on our way once more.” (ASOS, Daenerys I)

~

Dany sometimes felt like a god, living atop the highest mountain in the world.

Do all gods feel so lonely? Some must, surely. (ASOS, Daenerys VI)

~

“Perhaps your gods can help us. Ask them to send a gale and sweep the galleys from the bay.” (ADWD, Daenerys IV)

~

Dany pushed her food about her plate. “And who would the gods of Ghis have me take as my king and consort?” (ADWD, Daenerys IV)

~

She did not want to believe that. “He was one man. One sick man with an arrow in his leg. A horse brought him here, not a god.” A pale mare. Dany rose abruptly. “I thank you for your counsel and for all that you did for this poor man.” (ADWD, Daenerys V)

~

Dany closed her eyes. Gods, she prayed, you took Khal Drogo, who was my sun-and-stars. You took our valiant son before he drew a breath. You have had your blood of me. Help me now, I pray you. Give me the wisdom to see the path ahead and the strength to do what I must to keep my children safe.

The gods did not respond. (ADWD, Daenerys V)

~

Dany gazed across the camp, to the many-colored brick walls of Meereen. The air was thick with flies and cries. “The gods have sent this pestilence to humble me. So many dead … I will not have them eating corpses.” She beckoned Aggo closer. “Ride to the gates and bring me Grey Worm and fifty of his Unsullied.” (ADWD, Daenerys VI)

~

In Westeros the septons spoke of seven hells and seven heavens, but the Seven Kingdoms and their gods were far away. If she died here, Dany wondered, would the horse god of the Dothraki part the grass and claim her for his starry khalasar, so she might ride the nightlands beside her sun-and-stars? Or would the angry gods of Ghis send their harpies to seize her soul and drag her down to torment? (ADWD, Daenerys IX)