#i intended to do normal colours so i could show off her armour but the palette just sort of happened

[quantumghostart]

liara is my girlfriend and garrus is my boyfriend but the black widow... the black widow is my lover u v u💕

[mcyt-kalopsia]

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙺𝚒𝚗𝚐'𝚜 𝚅𝚒𝚘𝚕𝚒𝚗 - 𝟷𝟶𝟶 𝙵𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚆𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐

Theme: Technoblade is the king!!! This was just something I thought of while listening to my friend play the violin.

Characters: Technoblade, Dream, Wilbur, Tommy... I think that’s it.

Warnings: bit of language from Tommy at the end but I think that’s it! Lemme know if I missed anything.

Word Count: 2774

A/N: listen I was super descriptive in the beginning and it dropped off at the end forgive meeee ;;; but also enjoy!

It had taken Technoblade a while to get accustomed to living in the Overworld, but even longer to get accustomed to being a king. Thoughts of being back home often plagued his mind, regardless of where home really was. This - the castle full of echoing hallways and paintings that did no sort of talking back - was not it. Maybe home was back with the piglins in the Nether, or maybe it was in the little cottage that was essentially just a shell now… but again, it wasn’t in the castle. 

The hybrid’s days consisted of small-talk with aforementioned unresponsive paintings, practicing his archery out in the area he’d designated for such sport, accidentally making promises he couldn’t keep to the people under his rule, and playing the violin with what little spare time he had left after anything else unmentioned. He enjoyed the violin, and at the very least he was glad that the castle was good for carrying the sound. 

Sometimes, Wilbur came to visit and would bring his guitar. They would play music with each other until one or the other was dragged back to their duties. Wilbur was free in Techno’s eyes, but Wilbur in his own eyes was almost literally shackled to the life he had made for himself and couldn’t seem to change. Life was just cruel, and the two of them knew that stopping it was out of the question, lest they be punished further. 

Tommy was another story. Tommy led his days with as much joy as he could, which made appearances at the castle even more scarce than Wilbur’s. When he did visit, the entire castle almost seemed more like home. On more than one occasion, Techno would offer Tommy residence in the space, but it was always turned down. It was understandable, really, but Techno would offer each visit anyway.

As for Phil… well, he would send letters, but that was all that Techno got from his father. Any family further than immediate wasn’t big on communicating with him either, and they normally only reached out when they needed something from him. Talk was talk to him though, and whatever they needed was swiftly provided albeit how out of greed the communication was. 

“Your Majesty,” The advisor spoke softly from the doorway to the king’s chambers, startling the half-piglin from his thoughts. The pink-haired male looked over to the source of the voice, giving a soft smile in his direction. “A letter from your father.” To prove this, he held up a neatly sealed envelope, the crest on the wax the same as it had been when Phil himself was king. Techno waved the other male in to set it at the desk.

“Anything from Tommy or Wilbur recently?” Techno moved his braid to lay against his back, looking up at the elder, who shook his head. “I see. I suppose I'll have to write something to them. Tommy’s birthday is soon, so I figured I could round the two up here and make a day of it.” Smiling fondly, he moves his inkwell closer to him. 

“That’s a wonderful idea, I just hope that there’s not too much trouble involved.” The older man waves a finger as he places the envelope of well-wishes on the desk. 

“Ever since becoming king, there’s never been a day of trouble. It’s quite exhausting knowing that I had to grow up so quickly,” Techno bites back bitterly. He missed the days when he was uncaged and hardly had a responsibility to name. Now here he was, sole ruler of a kingdom he hadn’t given a second thought back when he was younger. 

For a while, his royal advisor stayed quiet. Though he didn’t enjoy the attitude from the king, he understood that the younger male had been forced to rule and wasn’t really here voluntarily. He did note, however, that for someone who had been left the kingdom unwillingly, he did a fine job of ruling it. “Also, the invitations have been sent out, your Majesty.” 

Right. Invitations. Damnit. “I wish you could have just forgotten about the whole thing,” Techno complained, dipping his pen into the ink and putting the end to the paper. He loved to write letters, they were his favourite. He was rather proud of his penmanship, so that made them all the easier for him. Then again… how would he write it? He didn’t want to be too formal, since these were for his brothers, but he had to keep some kind of proper to his words. He’d fallen so far out of it with his brothers that he didn’t know how to talk to them anymore, and he felt pretty pathetic for it. 

He ended up thinking so long about it that it left a puddle of ink in the middle of the paper. Now he needed a new paper. 

“I told you that I would hold you to it, so I simply made and handed out the invitations by myself.” The advisor chuckles softly, letting a hand rest on Techno’s shoulder, before he exits the room and leaves Techno to his thoughts again. Once Techno got a different paper, he slowly started writing how he thought it would sound best, although it sounded awkward. He hadn’t intended on it being awkward really, but it came out that way and he figured it sounded best like he would sound around his brothers. He made a separate one for the other, then sealed them both up, after neatly and precisely folding them to nestle into the envelopes with no issue. 

He was starting to think a lot about those invitations. It felt sort of like a betrayal, having the advisor do all of that without notice after Techno made wise cracks about having a royal ball to find someone to marry and have rule alongside him. It felt too cliche, like it had been done one too many times before. He knew he’d heard about other kingdoms doing the same thing, and it just felt… overdone. It didn't matter too much, since he figured he wouldn’t find someone he would like right off the bat, but it still bothered him that he hadn’t been informed of the finalcy of actual planning. 

Techno looked over to the envelope from his father, the seal a bright blue in contrast to the dark red that Techno used when sealing his own envelopes. He couldn’t remember off the top of his head which kingdom usually used blue for their seals, but Techno figured that’s where Phil was at the time of writing the letter and sending it off. He picked the envelope up and examined it, then carefully opened it to retrieve the letter from inside. He put down the envelope and unfolded the letter,  reading the words until his eyes went blurry.

Dear Techno,

I was surprised to see when young women started receiving invitations here and in other areas, and even more surprised to find it was from you. Or, well, the advisor! I figured he’d be retired by now, but when I saw him here, I obviously had to ask about him, and you.

I know how you’re feeling about this whole thing - trust me, I do. Just know that I gave one female in particular an invitation. I’m not telling you who, but I promise that you’re very likely to be interested in getting to know her! 

Besides this whole ball situation, I hope you’ve been well and not giving your brothers too much grief when they stop by. I worry about you three a lot, so it would be nice if you could all see each other and get along more often. If you three manage to meet up for Tommy’s birthday or plan to, let me know beforehand so I can possibly show up as well. 

We miss you, Techno. 

- Dad

After Techno had taken in all of the information and wishes of wellness, his first initial thought was, ‘of course he would say he might be able to show up’. Though not meant in a bitter way, it came out bitter. He had his reasons for bitterness, though. Almost every letter he receives from Phil has some version of the same line, but never once had the older male appeared. Sure, there were times when Phil was busy, but Techno knew he wasn’t busy all the time. No one person could be busy all the time. Not even him, and he was ruling an entire kingdom. 

There came a sharp knocking on the doorframe, so Techno turned in his seat. Dream stood there, adorned in his usual attire of light armour and emerald-coloured clothing underneath, with the additional smirk on his lips. “Your Majesty,” He said dramatically, bowing as far as he could, then straightening back up. 

“You could have warned me of your arrival, so maybe then I could evacuate,” Techno replied jokingly, motioning with one hand to enter the room. Dream strode in, looking around. “So, what brings you here? How’s living out in the forests going for you and your friends?” 

Dream shrugged his shoulders, sitting at the edge of the king’s bed and sighing. “Well, living out there has been great, although Sapnap and George could always use a little separation since they argue a lot.” He laughed quietly, a small smile replacing earlier’s smirk. “They’re both great though. I couldn’t be happier in this life.” 

Dream’s wording sounded a bit weird to Techno, but he didn’t ask questions. “Anyway, why are you here?”

“Oh!” The green-donned male went through his bag and fished out an apple - a golden one, the colour shining where the light from the window hit it - and set it on the desk that the king still sat at. “This is for you. You know how hard those are to get, so be grateful.” 

“If I accept this, will I be indebted to you?”

“No, of course not! It’s just a friendly gesture, since you’ve been so much help to me in the past. Just keep it, okay? I have to go.” Dream patted Techno’s shoulder, then quickly made his way out of the room. Techno was alone once more.

Putting the apple with the rest of the golden apples in his collection, he let out a heavy sigh and looked to the clock. It was already past noon. Lunch would be soon, but Techno’s appetite had left long ago, so he figured he could skip it. Lunch was a rather unimportant meal in his day, and he wanted to replace that time with something more fun. 

Finally, he stood, looking toward the violin case that rested on the window seat. A little bit more practice couldn’t hurt.

The sun had set in the distance, sinking below the horizon and giving way to the night in it’s dark glory, stars covering the blanketed sky and twinkling in such a familiar way that Techno could have sworn they felt like friends. The stars had seen every bit of his life in the Overworld, and had never said a harsh word or judged him based on what he did and didn’t do. Although he had friends that spoke to him sometimes, they weren’t the same. Stars were judgement-free. Stars were always there for him, even if he couldn’t see them. 

He sat on the balcony leading to his chambers, looking up into the star-speckled sky, thinking about the events of the day. After that bit more of violin practice, he had been forced to eat even a little, then was sent out to talk to some of the people in the kingdom. Though mostly uneventful, the day had been sprinkled with some interesting events. 

He had seen a child dressed in a miniature-sized cape that resembled his own, with a blue painted cardboard sword and a crown of the same material, who said he wanted to be like Techno when he grew up. The king had stayed to talk with the little boy for a bit longer, before his father came out to get him for dinner. 

He’d also seen a proposal right in the square, which he had congratulated after the ‘yes’. He didn’t really see the appeal of love and marriage, but they were happy, and that was enough for him. He still didn’t see him getting into a relationship of such a kind in the future, though.

He got up from the balcony’s bench, then went back inside. The day had worn him out thoroughly, so he was ready for it to be over finally. He changed into his nightclothes, putting the ones from the day into a basket near his door for collection. He had insisted on doing his own laundry in the past, but the staff would have him do no such thing. Sometimes, though, Techno was able to do it in secret. He wanted some semblance to his old life, even if it meant sneaking around to do his own laundry once in a great while. 

Techno made his way over to his bed while undoing his braid, a soft yawn escaping his mouth before he finally settled in for the night. It didn’t take long for the room to go quiet, save for the soft snoring of the king as he slept. 

Morning crept it’s way slowly into the window, the light filtering through the curtains and painting the large room in a warm glow. The sunlight left even the sleeping king in a heavenly glow, and slowly his ruby eyes fluttered open. Sitting up, Techno rubbed the remaining sleep from his eyes, then stretched his arms high above his head. There was faint birdsong from outside, and it was a comfort in the loneliness that was the castle. 

The half-piglin threw the covers off, then stepped out of bed and stretched again, before heading to the wardrobe and choosing an outfit for the day. Most of said wardrobe consisted of ruffled shirts and black pants, which was only a slight upgrade from what he wore back before his ruling, as well as a couple of nice jackets that he saved for colder weather. After putting his sleeping clothes into the basket, he runs a brush through his long, pink hair, putting it up into the usual braid. His mind was still too sleep-clouded to make a coherent thought, so he made his way to the dining room, the smell of breakfast like a lure to his grumbling stomach. 

“Good morning, your Majesty.” The main chef pulls the male’s chair out, setting a plate of food in front of him. “I hope you slept well.” The woman leaves a gentle pat on Techno’s forearm, then scurries back to the kitchen. Techno picks up his fork and knife, working on cleaning off the plate so he could go start on the day’s activities. 

Once he finishes his breakfast, he pops into the kitchen to thank all the chefs, then grabs his bow and shoulder bag with his arrows, striding toward the part of the yard with the targets laid out. His mind had become clear, the tired grey clouds having gone when he was eating. 

He took a stance a handful of feet away from one of the targets, pulling an arrow from the back and knocking it. He pulled back the string with the arrow, lining it up to hopefully get a bullseye. Letting go, he watched the arrow miss the middle and hit the second outermost circle. Something was on his mind, and that made focusing on the target a bit more difficult. Maybe… maybe the ball was a bigger deal to him than he thought. 

“You’ve gotten rusty, Techno!” A hand comes down on his shoulder, causing him to jump and look over. It was Wilbur! “Woah, man. Didn’t mean to scare you.” He laughs, then gives his brother a side hug. Suddenly, every other thought vanishes, and things feel a lot lighter. 

“I didn’t think you would actually come here.” Techno gives a half-smile, patting Wilbur’s back. Suddenly, another familiar voice rings out.

“I’m here too, fuckhead! Wilbur just needs to learn how to wait up.” Tommy bounds up to the two, grinning from ear to ear and making everything even brighter. If Techno was being honest, this was the first time the three of them had been together since the crowning.

[berrodarmstrong]

An Oath in Crystal

The sun bore down on the salty shores of the Lochs. It was a dry, still day that the imposing fortress city of Ala Mhigo framed along the mountain lake’s edge. A pair of Highlanders stood upon the white-crusted dirt, not ten yalms from the deceivingly gentle lapping water. 

“You’re giving this to me, just like that?”

Berrod stared at the small, light blue crystal in the palm of his hand. The etched markings on it seemed to catch the light in a way that made him think it glowed. Did it? Did it not? It was hard to tell. He lifted an incredulous gaze to the woman who had just handed it over to him. She stood, tall and proud, her skin a rich brown, her curly black hair braided in intricate patterns along the side of her head that gave way to weighty locks on her shoulders. Her armour was a stunning combination of dark blue and golden coloured chain and plate that only served to accentuate the blazing amber of her eyes. Slowly, and with a knowing smile, she shook her head. “No, not just like that. You know what you have to do. We’ve trained for it. Now it’s time for you to stand and show me that it wasn’t in vain.”

Berrod’s chest tightened a little then. Fear -- he knew what she was capable of. Dhalia was a capable Paladin, and not at all someone to be trifled with. Yet, he knew what he had learned, what he had crawled up from the depths of despair to take into his hands and make his own. His leather-clad fist closed over the crystal and squeezed tight as he closed his eyes. The aether within it thrummed like the barest of heartbeats...but it would not yield to him. Not yet. Dhalia was right. He knew what he had to do for that to happen. Silently he put the crystal into his harness, close to his heart. His own leather armour was a paltry thing compared to Dhalia’s gleaming plate...but it was what he had to work with for the time being.

“Are you ready?” Dhalia asked. She always had a way of speaking gently before unleashing hell.

“We’ll find out.”

There was a small smile on her lips -- the answer was appreciated. 

When Berrod drew his scimitar and shield, it was simply an affair of scraping and jostling steel. He held the shield at the ready, with the blade at the side, poised to bite at first opportunity. When Dhalia drew her blade and shield, it was as if the very heavens opened over the Lochs; the sun shone brightly down upon her, absorbed and expressed through purposeful radiance. Her weapons were beautiful. Black with golden accents, the sword promised a swift end to those who crossed her. The shield bore the same motif, a towering bastion that none were allowed past. How was he supposed to beat this? At best, he could probably survive it -- and that is what he intended. 

His field of vision was suddenly enveloped in brilliant, blinding gold. It was all he could do to hold his shield up before a slamming impact sent him skidding backward with a trail of glittering yellow sparks. Once the blinding radiance settled -- or rather, once Berrod’s vision adjusted, he beheld the sight of Dhalia. Even though her armour was dark blue and gold, it still -glowed-, releasing amber and gold light in lashing waves. Her blade was held high, and her cape billowed behind her in a fashion that reminded him of spreading wings. The span of them began with the heavy cloth, and continued past it with the appearance of long golden feathers. Her sword was held high overhead, and her shield held up and to her left. Amber flames burned in her eyes. The sand, stone and salt rolled outward as the radiant, radial -rush- of power from her billowed without cease. This was far, far beyond anything she had shown him during their training. She had glowed a little at times, pulsed with aether frequently enough, but this -- this was on a different scale entirely. He hadn’t even seen her like this during missions they went on together, where their lives were on the line. Berrod was confident that the brilliant light was no mere display; she meant business, and he would die if he was not careful.

“What are you and your shield?” She demanded -- her voice was loud, commanding, and carried with it an aetherial quality that lent itself to a booming echo. Berrod knew the answer to the question she posed -- whether his answer would keep him alive was another matter entirely. 

“We are the mountain and the fortress wall, raised and wrought of earth, protector of our people!” From his answer poured power, into his shield arm, into the shield itself, only for her to smite it mightily. With one cleaving, downward motion of her blade every mote of light around her struck it, struck him. Berrod was momentarily given the impression of his bones shattering to the last. He knew it wasn’t true, since he stayed standing, but the impact had shaken him -- to say nothing of the sheer, sustained force that came in its wake. It was like trying to climb up against the thunderous cascade of Velodyna falls...if the water was boiling hot. Such power! Still, he held on, his own aether providing fierce resistance to hers, even though it was the lesser by far. For a moment he suffered a slip of doubt...with his chakras he would have been able to stand against this so much more effectively. If only…

His boots scraped a fulm back on the dirt and pain lanced through his muscles. The doubt had cost him -- but he was able to cast it aside. The pain that had started to burn at him was more than enough motivation. Chakras were a thing of the past. His power came from something else now. Slowly, steadily, painstakingly, he climbed up against the deluge of power thrust against him…and then it stopped. Berrod stumbled forward a bit, shocked that it was over so suddenly -- or not. She held up her shield and a glimmering wall of gold appeared before her; it gave her leave to lift her blade again again, this time charging a smiting blow that Berrod -knew- he would not survive. 

“What are you and your sword?” She asked, seemingly on behalf of the very firmament. 

This was it. Do or die. As before, Berrod knew the answer, but whether it was powerful enough…

“We are the strike of steel and the bolt of levin that will smite those who dare do our people harm!” As before, the words gave him power -- this time through his sword arm. There was strength there beyond what he normally swung with, and with it, he took to that golden shield...only for the blade to bounce off with a series of scintillating flashes. Agony licked up his arm as white fire, even as doubt seized his heart., His power threatened to wane. 

“You aren’t strong enough.” She said this without hesitation, without uncertainty. She knew. He knew -- and because he wasn’t strong enough, the light that gathered onto her blade would kill him. How many times had he been in this position? How many times had he put his life on the line to push past his limits and grow?

“I know,” He admitted, “But I will become strong enough.”

Berrod meant it -- he meant every word, and every onze of the power within him responded. This time it was beyond a mere sensation of strength. Sparks of lightning danced upon his blade, which had adopted a brilliant purple glow to match. His doubt was fled, and his blade loosed. The golden barrier shattered like a shower of sparkling gil, and the smiting cast was interrupted -- or so he thought, for a tick afterward. It took him yet another tick to realise that no, it wasn’t interrupted. He’d just gotten rid of the shield. Dhalia’s blade was as light now, and in one motion she descended and thrust it right through the middle of his chest. 

There was no time for shock, for horror, for sadness or disappointment. Berrod knew at once he had been struck dead, and...for some reason it didn’t hurt, it was warm. Wide-eyed and open mouthed, he waited for oblivion to claim him, but it never did, just that flowing warmth. He chanced a look down to see the blade that had run him through, but there was no blade -- just pure light. Her sword was in its sheath on her hip. 

“And what is your oath?” She asked quietly, gently. 

“With this blade, with this shield, with my flesh, blood,  bone and soul, I will protect my friends, my loved ones, and the people of Gyr Abania who cannot protect themselves. I do so in the name of my God, as a Paladin of Rhalgr.”

There was a moment of silence before she declared, “Good. May it be so.”

The light from him withdrew, but the warmth persisted. Against his beating heart he felt the thrum of the crystal...but unlike before, it had opened to him. It was the warmth. It was the light...and it was his. The crystal and his oath, together providing him with the power to do as he had bid himself. 

“Berrod Armstrong, I declare you my successor and Paladin in name -- and in name only, for your path has just begun. Take up your blade and shield and carry out your oath while you train to grow closer to the purpose you have taken in the name of your God. Stand tall and proud, you who would call yourself a Paladin of Rhalgr.”

Berrod had to admit that he didn’t feel much different. Even that warmth from the soul crystal faded, replaced by the soreness that was no doubt a result of him having endured that deluge of golden light. He was still the same man in leather armour that protected less than it should, holding a kite shield and a scimitar that served as training for slightly heavier arms. Even his goals were the same -- to protect this friends, his loved ones, the people of Gyr Abania. Those weren’t new...but he had put a foot forward onto the path, and he had no intention of stepping off of it. 

Carefully, he regarded the other Paladin, who had shed her otherworldly -- and quite frankly intimidating radiance. “What will you do without your crystal?”

“You already know the answer to that.”

He did. She didn’t need it. Her power was hers. The crystal was just the vehicle by which she passed it on. “You will have to shape it with your own oath, your own way,” She warned, “And it will not be easy.”

“I know...and Dhalia -- thank you.”

The only response she had was a smile before Berrod found himself tipping forward face first into darkness. It was in his last moment of consciousness that he realised how much he must have spent. 

[jananabread]

Lydia - Reminisce

Hey, so I did some writing, it’s a 1800 word or so piece of fiction about a Noble lesbian couple. It was super fun to write and I think I might do some more with these characters/this setting in future!

If you enjoy it reblogs and stuff are appreciated.

[CW for blood and death]

“We met at a ball, at least I believe that’s the first time we met”

The words left Lydia’s mouth without her realising she’d broken the silence as she gazed vacantly out at the vast fields she was meant to inherit, now aflame. She slowly crouched then sat cross legged as the sunset began to dye everything not lit by flames a deep golden orange. 

“Father had me in a dress he’d had tailored based off of old measurements and his sense of fashion, which is to say it had far too much gold and silver thread woven into it for my taste, I have worn chainmail that’s less heavy. This is to say, I was thankful I’d smuggled my suit in with me.

“I think, some part of him actually cared if I was happy with who I was married off too, that part must have been largely ignored in favor of his incessant want to ‘secure a strong blood-line’ or to attempt to play some role as a genius social manipulator within all of this mess.”

The sun, hanging low, caused Lydia to appear entirely golden, glowing. The light trapped in her long white hair, as her pale hands undid the binding that kept it in a tight bun it fell over her back, strands of it catching on the studs of her leather armour. The blaze, burning through the fields of wheat, had begun to engulf a windmill. There was only another hour or so left before it wound its way to the ancestral home of House Mordia. 

“Of course, I never was one to indulge father’s plans, this was always going to be the end result” She remarked, her head indicating the flames creeping up to the gates of the estate.

“That night, However, had she not been there. I would have been on my best behaviour, but to see her, in black and gold, forgoing the colours of her family to dress in the garb of colours chosen entirely of her own volition. I felt almost compelled to watch as she glided through the ballroom, enchanting everyone she came across, a smile and a polite laugh being all they got before she had drifted to another group. She was radiant, glowing and seemingly entirely unreal as she finally approached me.

“I’d been talking with some barons from the western stretches, saying how lovely it was to make their acquaintance, the usual pomp. She caught me off guard as she approached. For someone who had such a presence her footsteps were so quiet, for someone so mesmerising it was almost a shock to see her approaching me, eyes locked. Her visage, such as that of angels, was even more beautiful up close. I nearly found myself too lost in the forests of her eyes ask if she cared to dance.”

A torn banner off in the distance was kissed by the embers as winds pushed the fire closer and closer to the manor Lydia had spent her youth. Silver and blue were on their way to become blackened ruins of their former bright selves. 

“Fortunately, for myself, the answer was yes. We made a rather large impression that night, her in colours of no house in particular, and me, outside of the garb one might call traditional for my gender. Spectacular as both of us appeared, I have to say that it’s a miracle the two of us were able to dance quite as well as we did. Somewhat talented though I am, she did confess to me that she was normally rather terrible at it herself. 

We spoke a lot that evening, spending most of it neglecting the particulars of us being there. Awful dancer though she was, her way with words more than made up for it, her articulation leaving me feeling more flustered than any point we were in contact. 

Do you want me to continue?”

Lydia tentatively glanced to her side as she said this, finally having worked up the courage to check on her companions form. Emile was still, in the light of the fading sun he almost looked peaceful, his dark hair appearing wet from rain, as opposed to the copious blood loss of losing his ear. The light glistened off of his breastplate, making the rift in it even more apparent. His ragged breathing had steadily slowed more and more, the sound was absent now, the crackle of distant flames and the sound of the wind being the solitary thing to keep silence from setting in. 

“I suppose I’m already aware of the answer, you always hated unfinished stories. Very well, I suppose I shall continue, you always were insufferable about this sort of thing and I don’t think it’s fair to stop humouring you now.

“We spent some time that evening planning possibilities of correspondence, planning how it was that we should continue the romance it appeared had formed between the two of us. We settled on the idea that, as opposed to spending time discussing things through letters, that because of the relative proximity of our lands, we should simply meet and as we would both be able to manage a relatively short journey. 

“The next time I saw her was in neutral territory, it belonged to some baron, Durst I believe, We met in an inn that surprisingly, served finer food than I have been served at several banquets. We spent the night drinking, jesting and flirting, of course. We planned to go hunting in the nearby forests the next day. However, would you imagine the shock we both felt upon finding the Inn in which we stayed only had one bed prepared for us, something neither of us could have expected.”

A small smile crept upon Lydia’s face, the embellishment somewhat cliched among romantic stories, normally such a detail wouldn’t be and addition Lydia would have considered. However, Emile always did enjoy cliches in stories of romance, even if the ending was unfortunately predictable. 

“The next morning I learnt that though she had a hard time picking up footwork her skill with both Crossbow and Rifle were unmatched. She managed to secure both a boar and deer that day. We donated the meat and pelt to the tavern owner and the next time we visited the place, two new trophies were hanging upon the wall. 

“I don’t know if you’ve ever seen someone you already considered beautiful show off a talent she kept almost entirely hidden from you. It was as if another face had been shown to me, and it was somehow just as beautiful despite being kept hidden.

We made trips to that Inn happened every two months for almost a year, we attempted writing letters, however we both found it only made us long for each other’s company even more.

“Eventually a point came when we decided that meeting for only two or three days at a time simply wasn’t enough. We organised a trip to a cabin in the middle of her territory, in the mountains. We intended to spend a week or so there before travelling back to our respective families. This “Hunting Trip” was the point I intended to discuss some things with her in more length, regarding the future of our relationship. I believe at that point I would gladly have given anything for her, even my title as Heir. She was worth it.” 

Lydia’s eyes dropped at this. Though she had been content to gaze at the flames as they licked up towards the mansion she ish to watch as they began to catch it’s walls, beginning to end the legacy of her house for good. Unable to place her eyes anywhere else but her friend she opted to close them, images of her love filling her mind. 

“I believe you’re smart enough to know what interrupted all of that.

I don’t think the surprise and frustration I felt at the declarations of war being formed and sent out was anything in comparison to my worry for her. My mind raced to figure out which side of the battle-lines her house was on, to see if there would be any way I could protect her. I felt my heart break upon the realisation that, try as I might, I wouldn’t be able to. I am not a religious woman, I still prayed that I wouldn’t face her on the battlefield.

“She was here. I wish I didn’t know she was but amongst the chaos I saw what hit our flank, A cavalry unit, all wielding rifles and muskets. I almost didn’t notice them, they were in the shadow of the forest, but I saw the gold glinting from their uniforms. I attempted a counter-charge but, well you know how we paid for that. I wonder if she paid me any kindness, knowing I was here, knowing I might have been hurt. 

“It would have been a weeks time I would have seen her again. There’s an irony, I believe, to the fact that I no longer have to give up anything to be with her. I don’t know if Mother, Father or either of my brothers managed to retreat successfully. It’s not like there’s much left anyway.”

It took Lydia another moments to pry her eyes open, to look at her dead friend, and the dying fires of a land once meant to be hers. The sun still shone, though it’s light was slowly getting dimmer and dimmer, leaving the fires of the mansion to cast flickering shadows in the woods near it, as though there may still be something living within them. It took another few long moments, and a great deal of effort for Lydia to stand. She briefly unsheathed her rapier, running her eyes along it’s blade to check if it had been chipped or damaged within the previous battle. 

“I am sorry, my friend, that the last story you heard took so long for me to tell you, and that you were unable to hear all of it. That said, I hope you are satisfied Emile. May the ravens feast on you, as you always said they would. I may join you soon. Fool that I am, I intend to find her, though I am not sure yet as to my purpose. Though I would, in my anger, run through with my blade. I still want to kiss her, to join at her side, to be with her once again.”

With that, Lydia turned away from the departed friend, one who had seen her through so much, who had aided her to leave unnoticed for a year, without much questioning. She began to walk towards the path left by the army that had just pushed through, the best route to her lover. Though not a religious woman, Lydia prayed she’d find her in the best circumstances.

[aandreajasmine]

Wednesday 4th December 2019 - Guy McKinley: Artist Study

Today we were asked to look at the artworks of Guy McKinley, but before doing that I decided look into his background and life as an artist but also a person swell. He was born in Liverpool, UK in the year of , but moved to Manchester, UK to pursue to his freelance art career. Since 2003 McKinley has been creating artworks heavy with colour, shape and also have influences from Japanese culture and native/ historical artworks as well as his childhood having a great influence on his artworks of today.

Today we were asked to look at the artworks of Guy McKinley, specifically his ‘PUCA Festival’ collection and compare and contrast them to each other as well as to our new and current brief: ‘Seekers.’ Upon searching his name I could see that he was well known around the art community as well as to the public making his art decently mainstream but also standoffish due to his use of colour, line, shape and texture. By using different techniques and styles in these fields of art, it creates an immediate narrative in the audience’s mind, whether they intend or not, thus making the artwork itself more involved with the audience and the artist (Guy Mckinley). 

This is his first piece in his ‘PUCA Festival’ collection. It has been named ‘Morrigan’. Before doing any research on the name or the character shown, what I understand and collect from this piece is a creepy and sinister looking female hag crow/ raven looking character with long hair suggesting mystery and  the unknown. Caressing skulls that seem to look like they’ve been painted with gold to make them extremely valuable and limited. One of which has arrows sicking out of the eye sockets implying that that person who owned the skull had died by an arrow to the eye this linking to out brief since we’re being tasked to look at fantasy and use historical facts to establish their presence more, this works as Harold Godwinson was killed by a shot to the eye thus linking it back to this original artwork and our brief connected to it. 

After doing some research on the word ‘morrigan’ I now understand that it come from celtic mythology meaning ‘phantom/ great queen’ that is deep related and associated with heavy themes such as: war, death, destiny and fate. Now with this understanding I can now look at this artwork in a different light and take from this that this character that she is meant to be a majestic but corrupt queen due to the great juxtaposition of the themes need to the title. It also implies that the themes of ‘everything is not as it seems’ since the themes linked to the title again, putting topics like destiny and fate on their heads since they normally have connotations of positivity and joy, but played in this context they go again the norm and imply negativities. It could also imply that she is here to help and safely bring the dead and destined to the other side, this could be the netherworld or hell, while keeping their statuses of royalty and superiority amongst the dead. 

This is the second piece of the ‘PUCA Festival’ collection, called ‘Fionn.’ Again, before doing any deep research into this piece, what I could understand from this artwrok is the charater being depicted in this is meant is meant to be a soft warrior type of character that is meant to be outward fierce apperance mean to scare away possible threats, this is shown with heavy detail in armour implying that their armour has been tampered with and possibly enchated wiht a sort of spell of intricute healing and restoration. I immediately got a vibe of this character being the protagonist of a show or at least a good charater and I got this from how McKinley has subtly and creativly used shape in this to create a charcter that is strong, devoted and deadly aswell as being/ looking soft, kind and trustworthy. By using shapes mainly consisting of circles and rounded shapes, even in places that normally have sharper and pointed edges - the ram horns, it has given this warrior character a soft and calming and reliable edge to it and I honestly thing that is amazing and super creative being able to add it into their work like this. 

After doing some reseach on the title of this piece, I have learnt that this ‘Fionn’ artwork could be linked to the ‘Fionn MacCumhail’ of irish mythology who was known to be a mythical hunter/ warrior character that is fair haired. By linking this to our current brief you could say that they link since it could have inspired the main character/ protagonist of cartoon network and Pendleton Ward’s ‘Adventure Time’ where the main charcter shares the same name - Finn and the same warrior personality as well as having an extremely comforting and completly approchable exterior/ outward appearence. When looking at my initial thoughts on the piece and the research on it itself, I have come to see that what I initially had thoughts on were baisically correct / accurate thus coming to the concluion of McKinley’s work and the narritives linked to them are extremely clear to the audience helping them and the average viewer to undertsand their work with only a glance at the work itself. 

This is the third piece featured in the PUCA Festival collection and it was called: ‘Puca.’ Once again, before looking into this piece and doing instense/ deep research into this I took it to myself to analyse it and give my interpretaion of that narrativee I could see in this piece. To start this, I just want to say that this is my favourite piece in this collection, I find it extremely enticing as the animals look like they are fixed into the main enchantress/ witch looking character’s long and lively hair while still keeping the animals looking like they were still on their own individuals and rabid animals of their own. This keeps it intresting as they all seem to be giving off vibes of their own while still not taking away the from the main attraction - the enchatress in the center. I also like the how use of colour was applied to this piece as the yellow is used all throughout each character but mainly focused on the lady in the middle, since all eyes would be on her at a first glance. She could also be seen to be as a shapeshifter or type of morphing charctarer that could morph into animals and other beings to change her apperance and lure potential prey into their doom or death in the end. The yellow tribal marks that seem to be littered all over her body seem to make her look possessed and dissorientated wihle still composed and in control of the situation itself. The animals themselves, the cat, rabbit, goat and ram, could be used in this piece to create false senses of security since both a cat and rabbit are seen as ‘cute’ house pets that are innocent, kind and carefree in many/ most environments.

After doing reserch on this piece, I come to understand that ‘Puca’ is commonly known in irish folklore as a very neutral that, if wanted, could hinder or help and could even alter communities this including spiritual and marine like communities. Once researched it was well understood that this ‘Puca’ creature is most commonly interpretted in as monkey- hare hybrid like charcaters. This is intresting as this piece by McKinley was intrepretted as a female figure with many creature- like appearences

This is the fourth piece in the PUCA Festival collection and it has been dubbed ‘Red Men’, once again I decided to decipher this by my self and try to guess the narrative. What I could understand from this picture is a character who is guarding a safe area or a tunnel to more dangerous space. The charcater shown, resembles an antagonist or a minion of the antagonist, I think this because of the lack of being able to see his face and only being only to see their eyes coloured only with bright colours like white and yellow making them pop out more. Also, being accompanied with a larger flame placed infront of the face and the heavy use of line width and texture that runs throughout, making it seem alot darker, deeper and spookier. Even though the yellow used is still very present, adding a sort of light souce from the large flame, but due to the majoity use of the black, the yellow seems to be muddied out and dulled out making the overall artwork darker and mysterious.

Once researched, it was originally hard to find any thinformationn on it snce the term ‘red men’ is so vauge, but after some precise searching, it came up as ‘far darrig’/ ‘fear dearg’ - translating to ‘red man’, apparently they are known to be classified as soliditary fairies of the same type like leprechauns. This doesn’t link to any of my own narrative since it’s seeming possitive but my narrative isn’t and instead is more negative implying that he is a guard of death/ death related character.

This is the final piece in the PUCA Festival collection, it has been named ‘Boann’ once again, for the last time, I decided to create my own narrative before doing the research. The character displayed looks to be like a mother nature like character, showing love and a caring compassionate character aswell as an all seeing persona. This is hevaily implied with the bright yellow flowers that are littered at the forgroud of the artwork accompanied with the fish heads that she is holding and the rams head and horns that are placed on her head. By having the rams head’s horns being curved and non angular, it makes the the charcater seem more softer and kinder to the viewer. The halo like background behind the character’s head makes them seem holy, beloved and omnipotnent beyond compare thus attracting the viewers eyes towwards the head of the charcater, bring the viewer to the eyes of a bright yellow eyed character primarily in a monochramatic colour scheme making the artwokr more appealing for the eyes and kinder in comparison with the other pieces featured in this collection. The scales on this goddess like persona put her on a more celestial plane since she can no longer be connected to huaman culture due to her dractic appearance, background and now skin in general. 

Once researched, I came to understand that ‘Boann’ was known to be a celtic goddess mythology, she is known to be a goddess of inspiration, poetry, fertility, knowledge and creativity. This is portrayed in this artwork with how the colours are used how she is placed in the artwork as a whole and the use of negative space to make look clean and pure.

In the end I came to reaslise that this whole collection was a commissioned piece by Guy McKinley for an Irish festival that slightly relates to the halloween period, relating to the spooks and scares that come with it.

[mpyjgm]

Nimbasa Core ✧

hope u enjoy this sunny this was painful. <3

oc; do not repost or steal. this is intended for one person.©

When I met Cinders, she was as dedicated to the Octarians as everyone else and I were. She was firm and proper, as we all had to be. But on the day we met, she showed me how sweet she could really be. She held my budding hand when we awaited our turn to be called for our first time training for combat, I was terrified. I was 5 and she was 6, we played around as much as we could in that type of environment. We were told off so many times just to look at each other, laugh about it and do it again. But she changed one day, I still don't know why.

As our bodies grew, so did her laziness. She refused to do any work or training, urging me to sneak off with her or ask me to take her place. I never verbally questioned it, the few times I did I was met with a "playful" shove, as she called it. I was okay with doing extra work, I was actually quite fond of chores. I met Nakime then and she helped me with the extra work I did, keeping my spirits up when things got particularly difficult with Cinders. I selfishly wish she has been there when it happened. I feel I made a huge mistake letting her have her way all the time, as she tried it with me.

I was 14 and she was 15. But that solider, he was 19.

Everything burned, ached. Everytime I closed my thighs they stabbed right into one another, my cartilage torn in my chest from his strong hands pushing on it, I could still feel the pathetic, dried up tears on my face. The worst of it all was when she gave me a familiar, warm smile at the canteen. I don't know how I did it, but I blinked, the next thing I knew she was on the floor, trying to pick herself up off the ground. To my surprise a little spot of her blood made it's appearence on the ground; Octarians are not as fragile as our racial enemy, we don't bruise or hurt easily. Even as I was being taken away to be put into solitary confinement, I could see her silently writhing in anger with the same sweet smile she gave me years ago.

I quickly forced myself to forget anything happened, and life returned to the normal patrols at night, taking on her workload and trying our best not to get caught fighting over the last packet of dried crushed tuna. Now that I think about it, it was quite silly and a bit fun squabbling. I wouldn't really be writing in this notebook you provided me if things stopped there.

I remember it very vividly, no matter how much I tried I could not forget it. She, Nakime and I were out on patrol, guarding these little yellowfish encased inside a clear barrier. It was quite boring, nothing really ever happened during a patrol, so I decided to snack a bit on our rations and sit for a bit. No warning came to us when a dark shadow cast itself above us, making an impressive roll towards the small fish. I almost choked on my bread, as funny as that sounds (I know you'd find it silly so I added that little detail!). We hurried over to the unknown force to take it down, but a flash of green stopped me in my tracks, gunning me down. A shot of their grimy coloured ink went through my stomach, knocking me to the ground almost instantly. My own blood has temporarily blinded me in my right eye as it splattered into it. I tried to call out for her to help me when the perpetrator sent another shot at me. Their hood flew off as they slid on the ground to dodge a shot I attempted to shoot. Pale skin and yellow eyes on a soft looking face, they bore into my own with more hatred than I have ever felt. My heart sped up it's race as the ink tore through my chest armour. Another shot would burst through my ink sac. I had to accept that I was going to die, I was going to force her to watch me die. Maybe she'd care about me then if that had happened, a little part of me yearned for that sweet release from the memories that flooded back in the seconds that seemed like hours.

But I digress, she's always been a coward.

She disappeared past the concrete wall, leaving me a heavy heart and about to die. The person already dealt with Nakime as I watched her body explode into a pink gush mixed with her blood. I yelled out for them both. It seemed to be the end of the road for me, I knew it would not matter much as there's plenty of Octarians willing to multiply for more soldiers. As I fell from my knees to my side, I closed my eyes and welcomed whatever was waiting for me on the other side.

It never came, and I'm happy that afterlife abandoned me too.

I woke up one of the infirmaries, her sleeping form sat on a dingy chair next to me. It was not worth letting my anger and frustration to boil inside right then. I examined my injuries. The severity scared me, I surely was to be culled for being so disfigured. It hurt so much to breathe. I don't remember much after that, but I remember recovering enough to do simple patrols around the platoon I was stationed at.

I did not talk to Cinders as much as before, ignoring her or hitting her away when she tried to touch me. I could tell how angry she was but I was at my limit. Nobody knew where Nakime was as she didn't respawn in base, I could only assume the worse. I missed her dearly. She and I, on long, sleepless nights when I could sneak off to her bunk, would discuss ways to escape to the world above us. We found a floppy book that showed off strange clothing items our enemy wore. We did everything we could to preserve it and keep it hidden, looking at it at night with the moon shining our way for us. We craved to go up above to see what it is like, possibly even escape this life. But now, she's gone.

I wanted to finish what we started in memory of my Nakime. I waited until the right moment, being a night patrolman had it's perks. I kept my gun with me just in case. Climbing through the large pillars and towers, I climbed to the roof of the environmental screens, pushing through it and creating a hole to climb out of. Foul-smelling water flooded towards me but I had to keep going. I climbed through what seemed like endless tunnels, I became incredibly hopeless. I was uncomfortable, hungry, thirsty and tired. I had to slow my heartbeat in order to preserve what little heat I produced when I rested.

I cried when I saw a cap above me, little holes of incoming sunlight begging me to come towards it. I waded through the musky water and pushed the metal open, hissing at how much that sunlight burned, although I still welcomed it as it wasn't artificial.

That is when I met you, and that is where my freedom started; from when I made eye contact with you for the first time.

Writing down my experiences really did make me feel better, though I'm very tired. I'm sorry I decided to do this at 3 am, my brain started going! I hope you forgive me!

When you read this I hope it does not harm you in anyway. I want you to understand. Thank you for this notebook, and goodnight finally. <3

- Dallas

[herocentral]

Voltron Frozen Defender Chapter 3

Heres Chapter 3 of Voltron Frozen Defender sorry for the delay I’ve had a lot on my plate I intend to add illustrations to the chapter but it will take time. Until then heres chapter 3.

Voltron Legendary Defender (c) Dreamworks Animation

Frozen (c) Disney

Again this is just for fun I don’t own any of the characters any fan characters are created by me no one is allowed to trace, copy, steal etc without my permission. Enjoy

Chapter 3:

Paladins in Shining Armour to the Rescue:

The sun rose on another beautiful day In the kingdom of Arendelle, and everyone was waking up and the guards were going to their posts. However a group of them went an opposite direction. The lead guard who had a hidden scar in his eye handed a small vial of blue liquid to the one on his right, and he smiled sinisterly. Meanwhile In the village the four Paladins who were tired and groaning after their night in the trading post barn, Lance was still picking out pieces of hay from his clothes and hair. 

“Okay. Thats the last time we sleep in a haystack.” He said irritated “ Well it wasn’t so bad, unless you count Hunks snoring.” Pidge said holding her backpack. “Hey I don’t snore!” Hunk said offended.

 “ Actually you do.” Kieth pointed out. Hunk just looked away pouting. “Well I don’t know about you guys but I could do with some breakfast.” Lance suggested “ One problem we have no money.” Kieth points out, Lance then looks around and sees something that gives him an idea. 

Later Pidge and Lance are picking up coins that were discarded on the ground in the streets of the kingdom, they were gathering whatever they could find and Kieth was watching leaning against a building not believing they were doing this. However it paid off and soon went to the Inn for something to eat. They sat at a table eating oatmeal and honey, and they enjoyed the taste of the food. 

“Mmm you know guys normally I wouldn’t eat oatmeal, but this stuff ain’t so bad.” Lance observed. “I know kinda reminds me of my moms cooking back home.” Pidge agreed. “I’m amazed we got the money to have this breakfast.” Hunk said “Yeah looks like your trick from the space mall actually paid off.” Kieth admitted “So whats the plan now.” Asked Hunk. 

“We find Shiro.” Kieth said plainly “Uh Kieth,” Lance started “I don’t know if you’ve noticed but we’ve looked all over this kingdom but theres no sign of him for all we know he could be still in the mountains!” 

“No he’s here I know it.” Kieth argued “Well perhaps it would be more productive if we first get the facts straight. “ Pidge suggested, so they discussed all they learned from yesterday, about how the country ceased business with a country called weselton and how on the day of the queens coronation the place had a strange case of winter. Then Hunk realised something. 

“Hey uh guys.” He said getting their attention, “You know theres one place we haven’t checked.” This peeked everyones attention. “The castle.” This made them groan and Lance plants his face on the table. “Hunk we can’t just waltz into the castle we aren’t royalty or even guests.” Pidge said “The minute we go to the gate they’ll see were complete strangers.” 

“Complete strangers hiding five giant mechanical lions in the hills.” Lance pointed out.

Kieth took the time to think and he realised something “Guys Hunk has a point.” The others all stare at him completely bewildered.

 “So far we’ve had no luck finding Shiro and since the castle is the one place we haven’t searched it makes sense,” He finished. They all looked to each other knowing that Kieth was right and if there was the faint chance Shiro was in the castle they had to take the chance. 

“Alright, I guess we’re sneaking into a castle then.” Said Lance sighing in defeat. 

Meanwhile in the castle

Meanwhile Shiro was walking around the castle courtyard getting ready to head out and look for his friends. He then caught sight of one of the stables and heard some singing coming from it, curious he went to take a look. He peeked inside and saw Kristof playing a small guitar singing to his reindeer. 

“But people smell better then reindeers, sven don’t you think I’m right…”Kristof sung “Thats once again true for all except you…” Sung Kristof as Sven“You got me.” “Nice duet” said a voice and startled Kristof as he turned and saw Shiro standing in the doorway.

 “ Oh hey. your the guy we found in the hills.” He said “Yeah names Shiro.” he said offering a hand shake which Kristof accepted “I’m Kristof and thats Sven.” As they shook hands Kristof noticed how cold his hand was since it was Shiros prosthetic hand. “Wow how come your hands cold?” he asked Shiro wasn’t quite sure how to answer that without telling him about his prosthetic. “Well I guess its still a little cold after being on the hills at  night.” He answered. 

“Yeah happened to me once.” Kristof understood “ So what you up to?” He asked in general. “Well I was planing to head into the village and look for some friends of mine that I hope are here.” Shiro said. “Well if you’d like I could show you around help you get to know the village.” Kristof offered “Okay thanks” Shiro thanked as they headed out of the barn with Sven following close behind them. 

Castle Gardens

In the castle Gardens, Anna and Elsa are enjoying some lime drinks in the summer sun enjoying each others company. Meanwhile Olaf is chasing a butterfly around the gardens cheerfully through the bushes.”You know this is nice.” Anna observed “Yes we should do this more often” Elsa agreed as she took a sip of her drink, as she spent time with her sister and it made her think of the time that they spent apart from fearing that her powers may lead to harming others. However she was beginning to feel dizzy and a sudden feeling of sleep creeping up on her. This didn’t go unnoticed by her younger sister. 

“Elsa, are you feeling okay?” Anna asked with concern.

“I’m fine Anna I. I’m just a little….tired….” At that moment Elsa suddenly collapses to the ground as she tries to stand from her seat. “Elsa!” Exclaimed Anna in surprise as she stood up, but then she too began to feel drowsy  and everything looked blurry around her until finally collapsing to the ground herself and fall unconscious. Two guards then appear who were actually the black hooded intruders from last night, both of them bearing sinister smiles. 

“Spiking their drinks was a perfect idea.” Said one imposter “I know now lets go collect our payday.” Said the other imposter. 

The village. 

Meanwhile in the village, Kristof and Sven were showing Shiro around the village and Shiro was beginning to like his new surroundings of the village it reminded him of his life on Earth before the Kerberos mission that changed everything. 

“This is a pretty peaceful place.” Shiro observed. “Well yeah I didn’t realise that but its peaceful on a good day.” Kristof said in agreement. Shiro looked around and saw children playing in the streets and the colourful buildings, he didn’t know why but for once he was feeling at peace. However he was so distracted he began to hear the sound of something approaching him from behind suddenly he heard the sound of horses trotting and moved quickly. “ Look out!” Shiro cried pushing Kristof out of the way of an approaching horse and cart that thundered by. 

“ Whoa thanks.” Kristof breathed as Sven rushes over to his friend, “Your welcome” Shiro said helping Kristof up. They looked down the street, to see the horse and carriage disappear into the distance then Shiro noticed something shining on the ground and went over to take a look.

 “Where were they off to in a hurry?” Kristof asked whilst Sven just snorted. Shiro knelt down and picked up the shiny object, and it was a blue glass slipper. Whilst this looked like something out of an old story, a horrifying realisation. “Oh no!” He breathed “What?” Kristof asked.

 “I’ve seen this before, the Queen was wearing shoes like this.” Shiro said in a serious tone. Kristof began to put the pieces together and realised if this was the Queens shoe that meant one thing. “ Anna!” He breathed “She and Elsa may’ve been abducted!” 

“They were heading to the kingdom entrance! If they get beyond that we’ll never catch them!” Shiro surmised “ Not on foot” Said Kristof and Shiro turned to see him on Svens back, knowing what he was thinking he then went over to a passing guard “ You there!” Shiro called getting his attention “The queens been kidnapped inform the other guards and head for the entrance to the kingdom!” The guard was in shock and immediately nodded as he headed back to the castle, Shiro then ran over to and mounted Sven behind Kristof and the three hurried after the escaping carriage. 

Elsewhere in the upper area of the village, The four Paladins were making their way towards the castle, however a majority of the group were a little skeptical about what they were planning to do. 

“I can’t believe we’re doing this.” Lance said “Were actually going sneak into a castle, look for Shiro and then make like a pinatia and beat it.” Hunk listed rather unsure. “Guys relax this’ll be no different from infiltrating a Galra base.” Kieth said, Pidge then looked down to the lower streets. 

“Guys look!” The others then looked to what Pidge was looking at and saw Kristof riding his reindeer chasing a horse and cart heading out of the kingdom. “Hey its that guy who showed us round yesterday.” Hunk recognised, however Kieth noticed the person riding with him and though he was far away he instantly recognised him. “Its Shiro!” He stated.

“Yeah, looks like he’s chasing that wagon but why?” Lance asked “Lets find out! Come on!” Kieth said as he and the others headed off after them. “Uh what about the whole sneak into the castle idea?” Hunk asked “Change of plan now come on!” Lance called and Hunk began to follow them. In the town, the carriage was roaring round the bends with Shiro, Sven and Kristof closing in from behind. Sven ran along side but then one of the imposters noticed them. 

“We’ve got company!” He said to the other imposters on  the cart. Two of the imposters on the back of the cart drew their pistols and began shooting at Kristof, Sven and Shiro which they were quick to avoid and as they re loaded Shiro quickly snatched up a pitch fork from one of the stalls and then threw it at one of the cart wheels which hit dead on target jamming the wheel causing it to snap off and then crash into the ground, causing the ramp to drop and two sacks to fall out the back. Shiro and Kristof then dismounted from Sven and went over to the sacks and opened them to reveal Anna and Elsa tied up inside of them. Anna was the first to come to and she woke up in Kristofs arms.

 “Uh what, what happened?” She asked her boyfriend “Long story but the short of it you were abducted by assassins.” He said uniting her. Shiro began uniting Elsa. 

He then noticed the imposter guards coming out of the wrecked cart and drew their swords to fight. Kristof then got up to face them but Shiro stopped him. “No see to the Queen and Princess, leave this to me.” Shiro said in a dead serious tone standing in front of them. 

The imposters then approached, with hostile intent “ Nice scar pal.” Said one of the imposters noticing Shiros scar. “But unless you want me an my associates to give you another one you’ll stand aside.” Shiro silently looked at the situation and his opponents. “So paid mercenaries huh?” He surmised “ If you want them you go through me.” The assassins just laughed and Elsa was beginning to stir and could see Shiro standing between them and the imposters. 

Shiro looked at his prosthetic arm, and he closed his eyes and raised his fist and it began to glow and in doing so burned  off some of the sleeve over his arm then took a fighting stance with his hand as an open palm. This surprised everyone around him and Elsa couldn’t believe what she was seeing

 “Shiro?” She breathed in disbelief. “Get him!” The lead imposter yelled as they charged forward and Shiro charged into battle he used his cyber prosthetic to repel the swords and then slice them in half, followed by a round house kick knocking out two of the mercenaries then turned quickly pulled a fist and struck another in the back knocking him to the ground, and Shiro stood above them victorious, whilst the royals, ice master and reindeer all had dropped jaws not believing what they’d seen. 

Unknown to the Black Paladin the fifth mercenary was sneaking up behind him with a knife in his hand. “SHIRO!” Anna cried as the mercenary was about to strike until an unforeseen force struck him in the back and he fell down and it revealed to be Kieth who struck him in the back with the blunt end of his knife.

 “Didn’t see that coming did ya.” He said. “Kieth?” Shiro said in surprise “Hey its not just Kieth called a voice and running over was Lance, Hunk and Pidge who were all but glad to see their leader alive and well. “Guys!” Shiro breathed “ How’d you find me?” “Well it wasn’t hard you left a big trail.” Said Pidge “Dude whats with the outfit?” Lance asked. 

“Uh guys.” Hunk said as he directed their attention to see more mercenaries appearing out of nowhere as the assailant Kieth knocked out got back up. 

“You didn’t think I’d come here without a back up plan!” he said. The situation seemed dire for the Paladins.

 “Uh guys what do we do we’re defenceless.” Hunk said.

 “Not quite” Said Pidge who took off her back pack and opened it to reveal the green, red, blue and yellow Bayards. 

“Alright!” Lance exclaimed. “I had a feeling we may run into trouble so I packed our Bayards just in case.” Pidge said as they took their respective weapons, they then faced the mercenaries and formed their respective weapons. Kieth formed his Bayard sword, Lance formed his Bayard blaster, Pidge formed her Bayard energy blade/grappling hook and Hunk formed his Bayard energy cannon. Anna, Elsa, Kristof and Sven couldn’t believe what they just saw, Shiro turned to them. 

“Kristof get the Queen and Princess to safety we’ll take it from here.” He said in a serious tone. Though Kristof didn’t understand anything thats just transpired he knew this wasn’t a safe place so he helped up Elsa and Anna, then they took cover near one of the stalls. 

The mercenaries charged forwards and the Paladins took up their stance and charged into battle.

Kieth clashed swords with a mercenary and delivered a punch straight to the face, another attempted to strike him with a hammer but the Red Paladin quickly performed a sideswipe and tripped him up into the remains of the cart. A mercenary was about to attack him but was then suddenly blasted in the back and Kieth turned to see it was Lance who blasted him. 

“Thats why you pack a sharp shooter!” Lance declared which caused Kieth to roll his eyes as he jumped into battle and Lance kept blasting any mercenaries coming towards him. He then noticed a hanging sign and had an idea he blasted the chain and the sign fell on a mercenaries head knocking him out. 

Pidge found herself surrounded by about three mercenaries armed with swords and axes.

 “Get him he’s only small.” Said a Mercenary as they tried to grab Pidge but she ran forward and slashed away a mercenaries sword with her arrow shaped blade then slid under the other two and fired her grapple line tying them up and giving them an electric shock rendering them unconscious as they fell to the ground. 

“Being small does have its advantages.” Pidge cracked with a smile as her Bayards grapple line retracted. Elsa and Anna were watching the battle transpire and they were still trying to understand what was happening they’d just been saved from being abducted by mercenaries posing as guards, found out the stranger they saved last night had a trick up his sleeve literally and then four strangers appeared to help him against impossible odds and winning, hence why Elsa had yet to use her powers. The other villagers around the battle ground watched as well. 

Mercenaries were being blasted one by one as they tried to attack their target, it was Hunk firing his cannon at incoming mercenaries. He was yelling as he blasted them, one mercenary was able to avoid the blasts but Hunk just whacked him away with his cannon given its weight. Shiro was fighting a group of mercenaries using his own strength and his cyber prosthetic. However as he did he kept seeing the mercenaries as Galra sentries from his time as a prisoner but he brushed it aside as he punched away an incoming mercenary armed with an axe. Another tried to stab him with a sword but Shiro grabbed the sword with his prosthetic hand which glowed with energy, and the mercenary tried pulling it away, but it didn’t move and he was more surprised to see no blood drawing from his opponents hand. 

“I don’t think so.” Shiro said plainly as he crushed the blade with his hand surprising the mercenary  who was shocked and afraid. 

“Wha.. wha… what is that hand made of!” He stuttered Shiro then punched him with his real hand and the mercenary fell to the ground. “Wouldn’t you like to know.” He said simply and he looked around to see the other Paladins were victorious unaware that the leader had escaped on a horse. 

“Well that was fun.” Said Lance in victory. “Man I’m glad you guys showed up when you did.” Shiro thanked.

 “Well its good to see you alive.” Said Kieth putting a hand on his friends shoulder. “Shiro?” breathed a voice and Shiro turned to see Elsa, Anna, Kristof and Sven come out of their hiding spot to see that the five heroes were triumphant. Elsa was still trying to wrap her head around what she’d seen she had seen trolls made of stone but to see these five fight with unfamiliar weapons and have a glowing hand that can crush steel was something new entirely. 

Suddenly the castle guards arrived on the scene and instantly pointed their spears and crossbows at the five Paladins. “Lower your weapons and put your hands up!” Called the captain and the Paladins cautiously raised their hands and Bayard’s.

 “Wait!” Anna called “ They didn’t do this they saved us!” “She’s right they saved her and the Queen.” Called a local.

 “Captain.” Said Elsa as all eyes laid upon her. “These five didn’t kidnap us they came to our defence to save us from them.” She gestured to the defeated mercenaries. “Its true if you want to arrest anyone arrest them.” Added Kristof. The captain took a minute to think, “Lower your weapons.” He ordered and the guards lowered their crossbows and the Paladins lowered their arms.

 “What would you like us to do, your majesty?” Asked the Captain which caught the Paladins attention “Your majesty?” Lance and Hunk breathed. “ I want you to escort these men to the dungeons.” Elsa instructed 

With that the guards rounded up the mercenaries as the Royals and Icemaster, approached the five Paladins “I suppose introductions are in order Shiro.” Elsa asked. 

“Well your majesty these are friends of mine.” Shiro Began “This is Kieth, Lance, Hunk and Pidge.” He gestured to each of his comrades Kristof instantly recognised three of them. 

“OHH its you!” He said “Hey man.” Said Lance.

 “Wait have you met them before?” Anna asked. “Anna these are the guys I was telling you about yesterday.” He said “But I don’t remember this one.” he gestured to Kieth. Anna then looked to Shiro as did her sister. “Sigh’ I know you may have some questions, but perhaps we should discuss it elsewhere.” He suggested. 

“Okay, well lets go back to the castle and talk there.” Elsa suggested, and everyone present nodded “Oh by the way.” Shiro said as he reached back and pulled out Elsas missing shoe. “ You dropped something.” he said then Elsa lifted her dress and realised she was missing a slipper off her left foot making her blush slightly. 

Elsewhere the lead mercenary had just escaped into the dark corners of the woods and as he walked he saw someone wearing a dark cloak walking out of the shadows. The woods was very quiet as the two stood still. 

“I take it you failed hence why the Queen and Princess aren’t before me.” Said the figure. “Forgive me sir but there was a complication.” Answered the lead mercenary. “A complication Koro?” Said the figure angrily “ You and your men are meant to be highly capable assassins and yet you had a complication, what went wrong?” The mercenary named Koro remains silent for a minute but then speaks. 

“ We knew the guards would be trouble but we didn’t account for the Queen and Princess getting help from civilians.” He explained. “CIVILIANS!” The figure growled “you were defeated by CIVILIANS!?” “Sir please these weren’t ordinary civilians they could fight like nothing I’ve seen before and one of them fought like a demon carrying fire in his hand!” Koro defended. 

“I hired you to do a job Koro I expect you and your men to deliver, you shall bring the Queen and Princess before me and I shall finally have what is rightfully mine.” The figure then lowered his hood to reveal it was none other than the former Prince of the Southern Isles, Hans. “ If these people get in the way again, deal with them. “ He stated with a serious scowl on his face.  

End of Chapter 3 folks the next will be the Queen and Princess knowing the amazing story behind their new found friends but it seems a certain Prince is back with a vengeance. Until then Vrepit sa!

[dia-luneris]

Setting Sun

"What's the commotion?" Lady asked, getting up from her bunk. Elenion was sat on Gabriel's bunk, reading a book one of the other women had lent her "Hmm... I don't know... something".

Lady peered at the front cover of the novel "The Maid and the Duke"... she raised a brow "Is that a dirty novel, Eleni?"

The girl evaded the question "I think there's something happening in the Mess-Hall!" she nodded "Mhm!" Lady rolled her eyes, then grabbed her boots off the floor.

She had taken them off, as to not get dirt on her blankets, while she read her own book. She drew her feet into them, and propped one boot up at a time, lacing them up.

"Well, enjoy your not dirty book" she quipped, making her way out of the room. Lady sunk her hands into the pockets of her woolen coat, immersing herself into cold air. She did not have to go far, before she heard the voice of a young squire "The Warrior of Light is here!" She glanced at the boy, watching him clutch his sword, staring off with starry eyes.

A knight walked up to the two, "Afternoon, Emal". Lady gave the man a nod, "Good day to you... Is it true, that the wards of House Fortemps are here??". The knight confirmed it "Yes it is... Though they're keeping tight lipped over what. I'd say it's official business..." he jerked his head in the direction, his squire was staring off to. Stefania directed her attention onward.

To her disappointment, the fabled Warrior of Light was simply a Midlander man. "His hair is, mouse coloured... and he's so..." The knight filled in the rest "Normal? Aye. But that means more to us, to see a normal man of flesh and blood, and to imagine him a slayer of primals". Lady could see his point. Perhaps it was better, for the legend to come in the form of someone so standard.

The other who had traveled alongside him, was much more unusual looking. Apparently he was a member of the vaulted 'Scions of the Seventh Dawn'. Despite his youthful appearance, the stories around him spoke volumes, regarding the work he had accomplished. Lady supposed that he was from a noble House, likely from another corner of Eorzea. He had that look about him, even standing in a manner that would befit a young lordling. Watching them though, she could not fathom still, what they would be doing here. The squire brought up a point that couldn't be far from the truth "They're on the trail of a heretic!"

"I just know it! And when they find the sod, he'll take em to their leader!"

-

-Several Months Later-

Lord Luneris stood beside two grave stones. One carved of black granite, the other of white marble. The graves belonged to his parents, Lord Damien Luneris, and Lady Elora Luneris. His father, had passed from blood loss, after being impaled by a set of dragon teeth. And his mother left this world, the day he was born.

"I gave him the armour, along with the weapon. I fully intend on using what you have taught me... but the equipment you had left me, would be better off in the hands of my son. He has a longer journey ahead of him. If he starts to hear the voices... well, I will tell him that such power comes with a price". This time, it was blessedly silent. The granite was cold, as a piece of stone should be. Nothing to answer him back. His father had finally taught him everything, it seemed. There were no words to be said. Luneris reached out to the stone. He rested a hand atop of the granite, speaking quietly

"Thank you..."

He thought to himself that it would be enough, and that he should return home. The wind picked up, just as the thought entered his mind. He lowered his head, a smirk forming on his face. "Alright... It would not do, to leave her out". He placed his other hand on the white marble, feeling the worn stone. It had always felt warmer to him, than the other, though he knew it impossible

"Thank you, the one who gave her life, so that I may have mine"

-

Khatayin and Stefania crouched, giggling like two children, hiding themselves in the hallway of House Luneris. They had been given leave, to rest and recharge themselves, but would be expected to still behave as members of Ishgard's military.

They watched, now steeled, and focused, as a bucket of porridge stood above a door. The door handle turned... and there was a creak, if only for a moment. The bucket came tumbling down, upon its unsuspecting victim... Lord Damien Luneris. He was in utter disbelief, turning his arms, looking upon them covered in gruel. His focus was broken by the giggling of two girls, no longer able to help themselves.

"What did I do??" he asked, now watching them emerge from their hiding place. Khatayin pointed at him, explaining in between laughter

"You opened your wounds up, after I told you to rest, and I hold a grudge!"

Lady Emal was doubled over, trying to stop laughing "I-I'm sorry, My Lord..." Damien took a deep breath in, frowning. He gave her a look of utter betrayal, but accepted the situation "I suppose in a way, I deserve this..." Stefania wiped a tear of joy from her eye, flicking it away with a finger. 

Khatayin suddenly realized something, her tail standing up in shock "Oh! Shit, I have to go, I have to be somewhere!" she quickly scanned the hallway, as though trying to remember the exit, then bolted, leaving the two alone.

Stefania watched her friend leave "There she goes!" Damien shook an arm, causing porridge to hit the beautifully plastered wall of the hallway. Lady heard the sound of oatmeal hitting a surface...

"I can help you wash it out, if you want..." she commented, quietly. Damien's face blushed at the notion "I-I will be fine!"        

-

Khatayin Dagasi sat beside Lord Haurchefant, upon a stone wall. She had pressed her head against his armoured shoulder. It was not comfortable, but she did not care. The two held hands, contentedly watching the setting sun together. 

Ever since she took the chance, to show him how she truly looked, and he did not recoil in fear... she was able to open up to him completely. Doing so, enabled him to see her in a way that very few could. He knew her to be caring, loving, and passionate about saving the lives, of those around her. 

She closed her eyes, almost able to fall asleep against him, despite the heights below.

Haurchefant watched her, admiring every little mark upon her face. She was unlike anyone he had ever met. A moving piece of art, with a deep, and unrelenting spirit. 

As though somehow knowing she were being watched, she opened her violet eyes, allowing him to gaze into them. Khatayin smiled, watching the face of the man, she could now freely admit she was in love with.

With the light of the setting sun against his features, he leaned towards her. Khat knew what was happening, but didn't want to fight it. She allowed him to kiss her, leaning into it.

Tears began to trickle down her face, as warm as summer rain. He could feel them, pulling away from her "Are you alright?" he asked her, tenderly. Khat nodded, before kissing him again.

It had been a while since she had allowed herself to cry at all, let alone tears of joy. But she felt truly able to share herself with this man. She could not explain it, how she knew so soon, that he would make her feel this way. She fought it, so ardently, denied it over, and over. But the only explanation she could come up with, was that it had to be love.

She was in love.

-  

@thegrumpylizard

[blueplanettrash]

if youre still continuing the werewolf lance series, could you write something where lance becomes an agressive wolf due to a moon or smth and nearly attacks the team, but comes to his senses right before?

Boys, I get to sleep in for the next six days until my next exam and I haven’t been so excited in my life. Probably because I can stay up as long as I want without there being any real consequence. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy this next part of werewolf Lance ❤️

After the week of Lance being stuck in his wolf form, the team decided that they would monitor any planets for lunar activity in order to safely let Lance transform. It was about time for Lance to transform, the ache in his bones becoming unbearable. He hesitantly approached Coran and Allura and told them how he was feeling and asked if they would be able to land on a planet for a night. They happily agreed but decided that it would probably be better for him to choose which planet he wanted to land on considering that he knew what would be best for his cycle.

“I think this one looks pretty good,” he said after studying the bridge’s star map for a while. He swiped the planet over to Allura’s console so she could input the coordinates. Before she began creating the wormhole she decided to call the rest of the tea up to the bridge so they would be able to stay with Lance as he transformed.

“Whats up Allura?” Pidge asked as she and the other paladins came through the door.

“We are docking planetside for the night to allow Lance to transform,” she announced gesturing over to Lance, who was blushing and curling up slightly in embarrassment. They looked over at him with smiles on their faces.

“Sorry guys,” he said rubbing the back of his neck.

“Don’t worry about it Lance, we love you whatever form you’re in,” Hunk said picking him up in a hug. He grinned and happily snuggled into Hunk’s arms.

“Alright, opening wormhole now,” Allura announced. They watched as blue flashed in front of the Castle and they travelled through to see another planet. It looked to be a barren planet covered in sand like a dessert, they were in luck as they landed on the day side of the planet so they had a few hours to prepare for Lance’s night.

“Is there anything else we need to do to prepare?” Keith asked Lance. He thought for a moment but shook his head.

“I don’t think so,”

“So what? We just wait?” Hunk asked coming up behind him and putting his hand on his shoulder. Lance shrugged his shoulders and gave the teen a small smile. Shiro walked in, a few blankets in his arms. He walked over to the two of them and threw the blankets over top of them.

“Shiro,” Lance groaned. He laughed and ruffled his hair before walking over to talk to Pidge and Allura. They watched as the sun started lowering in the sky and the colours of red and pink stretched across the sky. Soon enough the moon started rising. Strangely the moon appeared red in the sky and they looked at it in confusion even as Lance started writhing and transforming under the blankets that Shiro brought.

“It’s like a harvest moon,” Keith said in awe as he looked at the moon. It was much closer to the planet than the moon that orbited Earth.

They switched their attention back to their teammate as his transformation seemed more violent than the last time they saw it.

“Is this normal?” Pidge whispered to Hunk who was nervously wringing his hands together.

“I don’t think so,” he replied, they could tell that he wanted to get to his knees and comfort the werewolf but wasn’t about to ignore his friend’s warning. They let out a sigh of relief when he finally stilled and could see his chest heaving up and down for a breath. They immediately started forward ready to comfort and pet him like they did before.

“Hey Lance, are you okay?” Shiro asked crouching low towards him. Lance’s eye snapped open and looked over at the approaching figures. Shiro reached out with his galra hand, intending to stroke his ears back like he usually did.

With a loud snarl, Lance leapt up and clamped his teeth down on his cybernetic arm and started trashing it around. Shiro let out a scream and held fast to his upper arm trying to get himself steady. With a loud screech of metal, his teeth ripped through the metal and Shiro flew back in shock. The galra arm dropped from Lance’s jaw with a loud snarl and he stalked forward. He jumped forward again, this time aimed at Pidge with teeth and claws bared. A yelp came out of his mouth when Hunk’s fist struck him on the side of the head and neck, making him fly away from the ground in a heap.

“Sorry!” Hunk called tearfully, pulling Shiro up and pulling them out of the room. They ran through the Castle hearing Lance’s claws clicking on the floor in the distance behind them. They slammed the door to the training deck open and before they could seal it, Lance forced his body through the closing doors. He paced on the other side of the room, drool slipping out of his mouth to drip onto the floor. With a single twitch, he was sprinting towards the paladins but was slammed back into the floor as Coran transformed and running into him. Allura followed a second later and circled him the opposite way of Coran.

“Lance, stop this!” She demanded. Lance shook his head slightly as if he was getting rid of a voice in his head. He was twitching all over and foaming at the mouth as he watched the two of them warily.

“Lance, can you hear us?” Coran asked with worry. Lance didn’t show any signs of knowing what the two of them were saying and only watched them eerily before looking back over at the paladins. He shook his furry head again and focused on Allura. Without a second thought, he jumped on top of Allura, and attempted to sink his claws into her. She yelped and threw him off of her, this was nothing like the play fighting they did. This was dangerous and scary. He actually wanted to hurt her.

“Please Lance,” she cried as he came forward again. He sprinted towards her again, jaw open, ready to rip into her throat. Thankfully Coran was quicker and clamped down on the side of his neck, and held him to the ground. He flailed his legs around trying to get off of the ground and let out awful growls and snarls at the Altean. The paladins watched the blood from Hunk’s punch and saliva drip out of Lance’s mouth onto the floor. He looked completely feral, they didn’t want to admit it but he was terrifying them. Especially since he had completely ripped Shiro’s arm, who was still looking at the port in shock. Coran held him securely though, firmly but not enough to cause any more damage to him.

Lance couldn’t see anything but danger around him. Red in colour and wriggling around him tauntingly. It started with the sentry’s arm coming towards him. He couldn’t be captured, he had to help his friends and get back to Earth. He had to get rid of it but before he could, a massive galra punched him in the face. He had to go after them though, no matter much his jaw hurt.

He couldn’t let them escape. He had to protect the team.

He forced his way inside their ship, he had them trapped now. There was one galra that was smaller than the others, he could take that one first. Then he could worry about the others. He didn’t account that they would have yuppers though, big aggressive ones at that.

“Lance, stop this!”

What?

Yuppers don’t know how to say anything but yup. Did they mutate this one or something? How did it know his name?

There were too many questions but he couldn’t focus on them right now, he had a job to do. If he had to go through the yuppers to do it, then that’s what would have to happen.

“Lance can you hear us?” he just barely heard it this time, too focused on his target to pay attention to the other yupper he encountered. He moved his attention back to the galra pressed against the wall. One of them was inspecting the sentry’s sparking arm. They usually didn’t give another shit about the sentries, they were easily replaced. Why was this one so special? No. Not important. He shook his head and focus on his target, the smaller yupper. He lunged forward trying to take it off guard but it launched him off of it and he skidded across the room. He only had a few more chances before they all ambush him, he needed to take care of this. He tried to grab the yupper again but was attacked by the second one. He yelped when he was slammed onto the floor in front of the group of galra. He couldn’t imagine what they were going to do to him. He struggled frantically, snarling in the hope that he would scare the yupper that was holding him. His chest heaved in breaths and he ceased his struggling, trying to gauge the group in front of him.

There were four of them in the group, three galra and one sentry. It was still strange, the sentry was acting strangely human-like. It was looking at the missing limb as if it was in shock. The galra looked between the sentry and him with concerned and terrified expressions on their faces. Why did they look so worried? He was at their mercy, why weren’t they trying to kill him?

He had never seen galra dressed like this either, they did have on the normal dark armour but they didn’t have any weapons. He had never seen a galra that wore glasses before, he thought that they had perfect eyesight for some reason. A dark purple headband was also a surprise he’s never seen anyone but Hunk wear a headband like that. A deep sense of unease planet itself in his stomach as his eyes roved over the other two. A gasp tore it’s way out of his throat as he saw the knife pointed defensively towards him. That was Keith’s knife. He never let that knife leave his possessions, it wouldn’t be anywhere near here. He already had an idea what was happening, but a final look at the sentry confirmed it. It had a deep gouge in the middle of its face, it wasn’t very visible unless you looked closely since the metal was the same colour through and through.

“I did this,” he whispered out. With that, the illusion around him collapsed and he saw the full-blown terror in his friend’s eyes. The shock Shiro was going through as he looked at his ripped off arm. The quiet growls that were coming from Coran’s mouth as he held him down.

Immediately a loud whine came from Lance’s mouth as he stared over at the paladins. They focused on his face when he let out the sound, from Allura and Coran’s side, they heard a loud drawn out sob. Coran unclamped from around his neck and Lance leapt up and ran to the corner of the room away from them and curled up.

“Lance?” Coran asked walking forward slightly. Lance pushed his head onto the wall and refused to look at him.

“Please leave me alone,” he said quietly. Coran hesitated slightly but backed away. As he walked back to the other paladins he transformed.

“He wishes to be alone,” he informed them sadly.

“What? He almost just killed us and he wants to be left alone?” Keith asked angrily. He crossed his arms and glared over at the corner of the room. He felt a hand come down on his shoulder and turned to look at Shiro.

“Do you really think he meant to though?” He asked with a frown. Keith huffed but looked down at the ground.

“I’m not leaving this room guys,” Hunk said sternly sitting on the ground and watching Lance.

“Me neither,” Pidge agreed sitting beside him. Shiro looked down at them with a smile.

“I guess that’s, that,” he said sitting on the other side of Hunk. Hunk looked over to look at his arm.

“Well, maybe I’ll leave for a second to get my tools and maybe we can do something about your arm,” he said with a smile.

“Yes, that would be pretty handy,” he deadpanned waving his stump at him. Pidge choked and burst out laughing.

“Goddammit Shiro,” Keith groaned wiping his hands down his face. Shiro shrugged and laid back as Hunk got up to gather his tools. He sent Lance one last glance before he left through the door.

As the sun started peeking up over the horizon, Coran was able to walk over and throw a blanket over the unmoving wolf. They watched in pity as his transformation began again but it was nowhere as near violent as the earlier one had been. They got and began walking towards him again. He peeked his head out and as he saw them coming closer, burst into fresh tears.

“I’m so sorry!” he bawled curling the blanket around him. “I don’t know what happened, that’s never happened to me before, I’m so so sorry,”

“Lance it’s okay,” Allura started lifting her hands up calmly.

“No, it’s not okay! I could have killed someone!” He argued tears rolling down his face in frustration and anger at himself.

“Lance, the only one that got hurt last night was you, we’re all completely fine,” Keith said gesturing around at each other.

“Really?” He asked skeptically. He looked around at all of them, it didn’t look like anyone had gotten hurt until his eyes rested on Shiro. Or more specifically, his arm.

“I did that, didn’t I?” He asked shakily pointing at the bare port on his arm.

“Well, yes, but I finally get to get rid of my connection to the galra and Hunk and Pidge are going to build me a better one,” he said kneeling on the ground in front of him. He opened his remaining arm open wide, an obvious invitation to hug. Lance shrunk back slightly because of the memories but after a moment shuffled forward and fell into Shiro’s embrace. Without a word, everyone else joined in and held on as Lance cried into Shiro’s shoulder again. He didn’t deserve to feel so loved after everything that happened that night, but they thought differently. They thought that he needed this after everything that he had been through.

Even if he did go through someone’s arm in the process.

In Lance’s opinion though, the new one was much better.

It threw much more smoothly than the other, and much further. Making their games of catch even better than the others.

Part 1/2/3/4/5

Stories Masterlist

[pipedreamprayer]

Street Kid Vigilante AU

This originated from looking at all the family AU’s where only the youngest 4 were de-aged, and wondering what it would be like if Shiro was a teenager to their pre-teen status rather than still an adult. What's the first situation where the closest thing to an adult leading them was a teenager I could think of? Street kid AU. Then I had a way to incorporate Allura and Coran in a way vaguely paralleling their canonical story, and from there it only made sense that this group would try to fight back against the bad guys, both because if they don’t then no one else will stop these people and in order to defend their new friends and because it was the right thing to do. Then it was similarly obvious how to include Voltron and it actually didn't work as well without it, and suddenly I realised that this idea of a handful of helpless kids with too big a job and some equipment that should not be in their young hands against an economic, political and societal superpower is almost literally what they are up against canonically! There's so much emphasis in the show of how big a job it is, how impossible it is that a grand total of 7 people, most still experiencing puberty, are against such an enormous, indomitable force, that I absolutely HAD to develop this!

In other words this AU went from an even cuter de-aged family fic to a sincerely profound metaphor for the main continuity that promises to have a ton of angst and tension juxtaposing the fluff (because goddamnit, this started off as a fluff-appeal and no matter how off-track it's gotten it will incorporate at least some if it kills me!)

But oh good god, I started out planning a small one-shot series with a cute set-up, and wound up with a full length story idea that just keep pushing more and more ways to parallel the main series in my face and looks like it's going to have a whole plot from start to finish. Help.

BTW Does anyone know of any automobiles with ‘castle’ in the name? If not I'll probably end up making one up to use at some point, the plot bunnies won't let me leave it out!

 Edit a little for summary: Shiro is a teenager (maybe about 15, so if the others are 9 the canonical equivalents could be seen as 16 versus 22, which is pretty viable) who's somehow become the unofficial guardian of 4 younger children - while they're all homeless. Enter Allura, the daughter of a rich businessman who was recently murdered by a competitor, and her current guardian, his right hand man Coran, both on the run from the same murderer. It's chaotic, dangerous and not something these poor kids ought to be having to deal with, but it's life.

 Ideas, also known as more parallels to the original series:

The rival companies are Altea Tech and Galra Corp, maybe the Garrison is the social services, or at least the orphanage that they keep trying to drag the kids to. In other words Iverson is seriously on their case, more or less the person they’re on the run from. MAYBE they’re the police force I. E. Iverson is a cop after them.

��Galra Corp is after Allura because she holds the prototypes for a series of breakthrough technology that would revolutionise the way we live. The issue was that the ‘Voltron series’ could easily be weaponised, as Zarkon intends. The kids initially assume he intends to sell it to military and militia groups for high prices, but it eventually turns out that, having essentially monopolised the world with the fall of Altea Tech, Zarkon intends to become a world dictator himself!

 The Voltron series is split into two: the Bayards and the Lions. What makes them both Voltron is that they utilise never-before-seen technology that connects with your mental assets to work, making the 10 pieces one of a kind and utterly priceless, especially seeing as how Allura and Coran burned the blueprints, prototypes and patents to keep Zarkon’s hands off them. However, aware that they may be the only things able to stand against him as well as all that remains of Alfor’s legacy and life's work, they keep the recently completed final prototypes. When Zarkon sent his people after them to obtain them they had already gone on the run with them.

The Lions are small patches (in the shape of the Voltron crest from canon - or maybe bracelets? Like the wrist-guard part of the paladin armour?) that can boost certain capabilities and unlocks a person’s full potential in various ways. The Forest Green Lion Patch allows Pidge to hack with her mind alone (like in Greening the Cube, even though I hadn’t seen the second season when I came up with these ideas!!), the Earth Yellow one gives Hunk at least 3 times his usual strength (like the grip claws!), the Aqua Blue Patch enhances Lance’s senses to the point he can tell when people are coming from vibrations in the ground and hearing footsteps no other human could detect (like the sonic scans! S2 was a bit of a mind-blow for me when I realised all the parallels), while the Flame Red Lion made Keith as agile and quick as a cat (the kids choice of comparison) and the Cosmos Black one allowed Shiro to make one hand (the prosthetic) into some sort of energy blade-like weapon. The idea is that someone with all the patches will be rather unstoppable, and are called ‘Voltron’ as a result. In other words the Lions combine to form a Voltron of unmatched strength, though they start to suspect there is even more adaptability to this, even more abilities hidden in the tech. For example, the kids prove to be building up resistance to certain effects: Keith can handle high temperatures unflinchingly, Lance doesn’t seem to get cold, Pidge has lost her hayfever and, apparently, other allergies to plants (maybe even building up an immunity to things like poison ivy and nettles as well), while Hunk’s skin seems to be toughening to the point that what would normally graze someone doesn’t break his skin at all (e.g. he can crawl through thistles without it making a difference to him so long as he protects his eyes). Notably, Allura and Coran didn't know what the Lions and Bayards actually did, so finding these effects was as much a surprise for them as the kids. Maybe there's even some sort of semi-permanent link effect between the tech and the user, so once the kids use it they’re sort of stuck with them.

 The Bayards are physical, able to morph from small devices to different objects depending on the users will. There is of course a limit in terms of mass, and imagination is vital. Luckily they're now in the hands of small children, who make them anything from toys to tools to weapons of self-defence, with the powerful imaginations of childhood, no matter how much they've been through. That said, they sometimes come up with ideas that aren't possible, or don't think things through properly. Shiro was completely against giving the children potential weapons until it was pointed out that they're used to having to defend themselves already (hence Keith’s knife, that he refuses to let Shiro take off him) and as they refuse to be left behind (they'd just follow him if he tried to separate from them, and would therefore be in even more danger being unprepared) they'll need something to defend themselves and get out of tight spots the most. They prove to be the best candidates out of the group anyway - their imaginative minds conjure things no one else would of through of e.g. robotic mice to serve as a distraction. Then, after that, one of their favourite things to do with their Bayards was to make pets out of them until needed as something else - particularly robotic mini-lions, already thinking about the animals a lot because of the names of the other line of Voltron products.

 Zarkon already has the Black Bayard, having stolen it at the same time as Alfor, Allura’s father, was killed, and he always has it on him to remind himself of the taste he's had of the power available, of why he wants more. The Black Bayard and Lion are connected (as are all corresponding colours) so he can sometimes sense when Shiro is near, or when he activates the patch - either way he can’t exactly track them in the traditional way, but does know when to look for them. The group don’t realise for a good while that this is happening and just think he has people out looking for them everywhere for them at all times and they just pick up on the signs they give away when they get into a situation that requires Shiro’s weaponised hand.

 Maybe Allura had pet mice in real life, and it was the stories she had about them that inspired the kids move with the Bayards. Allura is maybe 17, so older than Shiro by about 2 years but still a teenager and also on the cusp of legal adulthood - at which point she’ll inherit her father’s company. At the moment though, she tentatively bonds with the kids surprisingly well, Shiro coaxing her into opening up and being a kid with them rather than a future CEO. She sometimes jerks out of phases of loosening up somewhat by snapping that they can’t afford to be kids when they have her father’s murderer on her, and now their, trail.

 If Zarkon owns and heads Galra Inc, maybe Haggar is head scientist? Sendak may be the head of security or Thace is the head of security, Sendak is the hired muscle/assassin, the same probably going for the other big-shot Galra we’ve seen. Again, started this long before season 2, so not sure how to incorporate Lotor - maybe he’s in charge of these hired guys? Or maybe he’s heading his own mini army of assassins directly under Zarkon, i.e. rather than the difference between him and his team being that he’s Zarkon’s son maybe it’s that he’s actively loyal to Zarkon rather than just hired. I mean if he were to be the future heir to the company then he would be trained in business, not fighting, so he wouldn’t really be a threat like the other Galra.

 MAYBE Altea Tech has fallen behind a bit over the past 10 years as Alfor devoted so much time to the Voltron Project - so it dying out and being absorbed by Galra Inc wouldn’t raise so many eyebrows - nobody would know that Alfor was planning something big this whole time because it wasn’t actually ready yet. Maybe there’s even something about how potential investors thought it was a fools endeavour because there was only theory to begin with, and now that he has proof that it works he’s been silenced and Zarkon is out to take it all, without anyone being any the wiser. At least, not until it’s too late.

 MAYBE Shiro is more on the run than homeless: he was kidnapped alongside several other teens (including Matt Holt) for experimentation but managed to escape before they could amputate his arm, it having gotten a badly infected wound. However it is still pretty weak, and he suspects that the Black Lion therefore intentionally sought to make the weakest part of him, the most likely to let him down or be targeted, the strongest part by far.

 Katie went on the run from the authorities with her older brother after the care system threatened to separate them not long after their parents death, but when he was kidnapped by strange men she built up a less feminine persona known as Pidge both to cope with all the loss and convince herself and others that this scrap of a child could make it on the streets alone - she wanted to channel her brother as much as she could, and even wore his old glasses. Then she met Shiro and the boys and didn't need to do it alone any longer.

 I'm struggling a bit with the boys back stories, so I'll juggle some ideas:

Hunk’s parents died and he joined his best friend’s family, only for the two to eventually run away after being neglected due to the overwhelming size of the family.

OR

Their families all died in the same accident, or maybe a burglary, or even being targeted for some reason by Galra Inc. MAYBE the boys saw something they oughtn't have, but by the time they managed to get an adult to listen to them (their family continually being distracted by other members) the Galra had been sent after them, and everyone was slaughtered. The boys somehow managed to escape, leaving the deaths rather pointless and in vain - not to mention the boys entirely blame themselves. Perhaps because they think their families were targeted because they tried to tell them, they want it keep it a secret from their new family for their own safety. Thus they clam up when it comes to talk about how they ended up in this situation, and unless thoroughly distracted will at least tense and question everything they say when discussing family in general. This contrasts Pidge’s way of voicing memories whenever she gets the chance, a little afraid of forgetting, and Keith’s absolute reluctance to say anything at all about his past.

Maybe, just MAYBE I could incorporate the Alien!Keith headcanon (not exactly pure speculation anymore, hallelujah!) in that his parents were a part of the Galra ‘empire’. However maybe I can include something that the Aliens can't: They were undercover spies. Like, full-on-MI6-James-Bond style (again, shockingly similar to the undercover BoM agents!). However, when they discovered something important (either Zarkon’s eventual plans or some weakness. BIG MAYBE that the top-tier Galra are actual Aliens!!) they were killed, but not before getting their small son to safety (the Galra never knew about him but would have found him at the house). While they were able to, they gave him the vital evidence they were killed for i.e. not knowing about him and not having reason to suspect his existence means the enemy will never find him or it until he’s worked out what it is and turned it in to the proper authorities. MAYBE it’s his knife: he always thought it was a memento of his parents but really it was evidence that Zarkon was an alien OR has some sort of other significance e.g. hidden memory stick or the symbol has meaning with the organisation they worked for.

 Katie renamed herself Pidge after a random pigeon she saw on the street - unlike her it could come and go as it pleased and she wanted to be more like it. She was maybe 6 at the time, met Shiro about a year later and is currently just about 9, 3/4 of a year younger than the second youngest (Keith, who’s a few months younger than Lance who is younger than Hunk by even less) but is exceptionally small for her age. Maybe her birthday even comes up during the story. Maybe Shiro and Matt met in the facility that took the formers arm, so he knows he'll likely be kept alive and also that he has a little sister who was left behind. When he got out he tried searching for Katie for Matt's sake, even to find out if she'd died while alone or been taken into care or something, but EITHER found Hunk and Lance together first, then Pidge then they all found Keith, whom Shiro had known before he was kidnapped and Keith's parents died OR Pidge had already met Hunk and Lance, and Shiro found them after finding Keith.

Maybe Keith heard his parents mention a bomb so when the gang realise the connection between them and Galra Corp they start looking into bombs that occurred around the time. However Pidge eventually realises that they may have instead said "B.O.M" as in Blade of Marmora. This unfortunately renders their research so far potentially, but not certainly, useless, so no matter which option they choose to investigate they could be wasting more time even as they are hunted day and night. Furthermore, they are still no closer to finding out if his parents were even good guys or not - just like they could have been referring to a bomb they were involved in setting off or preventing they could be a part of the Blade of Marmora or seeking to eliminate their agents. It’s tense situation (that was unintentional but still, ba-dum-tsh).

 Not going to include most of season 2 because I can’t follow the plot identically, though some of the characters can be useful i.e. the mall Galra can come up when they genuinely steal from a mall owned by Galra Corp.

I think starting with a prologue to show how Shiro became responsible for the kids would be a good idea. MAYBE paralleled by snippet of Allura’s life at the time I. E. Before her father’s death, possibly by her seeing them in the middle of all this and not thinking much of it. Like, she just sees some random kids causing a scene one way or another and shrugs it off.

First chapter begins with Allura and Coran, maybe finding Alfor’s corpse, on the run already or burning things that don’t make sense to the reader at the time.

Then it moves on to the kids, spending some time showing how they function normally, a mundane day (pick-pocketing and a couple of thefts because CPS will be called if they're seen begging), before Allura and Coran burst into it, being chased. MAYBE Shiro recognises Sendak from his time as a prisoner and therefore knows who the bad guys are in this situation instantly. He rushes in to help on instinct, not realising until it’s too late that his kids have followed him. MAYBE they find Allura’s bag of equipment (including a teleporter that only activates for her DNA signature? It would only go small distances, but could be extremely useful) and use the Bayards to fend off the enemy from the get-go. If so, they do it in order: i.e. Lance finds it first and the others follow suit like in the first episode. MAYBE one is already in the hands of the enemy, but Keith actually gets it back (little shout-out to badass!Keith getting the Red Lion in the first episode).

[gillytweed]

A Night in the Old World Chapter 2

Notes: A long awaited update to my ABO universe, and it’s once again fluffy as all fuck (although I have a feeling this one isn’t as good as the first chapter tbh). I’ve also discovered I really like having Clexa come in from the rain and be all soft and gooey with each other. 

First Chapter here

Lexa let out a shaky breath that almost became a groan as she entered her tent. The sky rumbled and the rain hissed down in sheets. It wasn’t exactly surprising as it was the middle of the rainy season, but that didn’t make it any less annoying. She was soaked to the bone, and all she wanted to do was lay down and curl up next to her Alpha where it would be warm and dry, however, there was a good chance she would have to wait for such things.

Clarke was just over three months into her training as a warrior and had gone on a hunting trip with Indra, the Beta having taken the blonde on as her Second. It had been a surprise that her General had offered to train the Skaiheda, but a welcome one, and while the training was grueling, made evident by Clarke’s sore muscles and pained groaning, the Alpha had made great progress, picking up things much faster than any normal Second would.

Once inside, she noticed the tent was much warmer than she expected, as she’d been gone from Ton DC for several days travelling amongst the smaller villages, however the low fire in the fire pit and the lump under the furs of her bed told her all she needed to know. She smiled as a low groan sounded from under the covers, a spark of happiness warming her chest.

“Lexa?” Clarke croaked, turning over with a grunt. It seemed the Alpha had returned from her hunting trip with Indra a bit earlier than expected. The Omega hummed, shuffling over and shedding her wet layers along the way. Off came her cloak, armour and boots, leaving her with her slightly damp undershirt and pants. She didn’t know how long Clarke would be in camp, but she intended to make the most of what little time they had.

“Hnnng, no, pants off. They’re wet.” Clarke mumbled as she shifted further onto the bed, making room for the Omega. Lexa sighed in fond exasperation as she kicked them off, along with stripping her equally damp shirt, before going to dig through the chest at the end of the bed to search for the long shirt Clarke had given her the night they’d agreed to be Alpha and Omega. It was made from soft fabric and was so long the hem hovered just above her knees. It had lost the Alpha’s scent, having been replaced with her own, but simply putting it on made Lexa smile.

“I love it when you wear my clothes.” Clarke murmured from her place on the bed, voice a happy sigh. Lexa hummed again as she made her way over, bending to press a soft kiss to the Alpha’s temple.

“And I love wearing them.” She could hear a slight purr from Clarke in response to her words, but it was unfortunately cut off by a low groan. “Sore, Alpha?” She loved the way Clarke shivered when she called her that, the slight tremble in her shoulders and the hitch of breath at the back of her throat. It was like a reminder that this Alpha, this one and this one alone, was hers, because no one else could draw such a reaction with a single word.

“A bit…” Her reply was muffled by the fabric of the pillow she’d pressed her face to, most likely hiding the slight flush that had crept onto her cheeks.

“Would you like me to do something about it?” She went back to her chest before she got an answer, finding the object she wanted almost immediately and holding it up. The bottle of massage oil glinted in the light of the fire, the blown glass reflecting the flickering flames. Clarke lifted her head in curiousity, eyes widening when she saw what her Omega was offering.

“Oh sweet spirits, please.” Clarke groaned and let her head collapse back onto the pillow. Lexa chuckled as she returned to the bed. Hearing Clarke use a Grounder saying was odd, but also rather funny, the syllables coming a little stilted, but the meaning was clear.

“Shirt off.” The command was soft and obeyed immediately, the blonde slipping off her top and tossed it towards the end of the bed before once again sinking back down. Lexa hopped onto the bed, oil in hand, and straddled Clarke’s waist.

The blonde’s back, once smooth pale skin, was now mottled with bruises of differing colours. Some were greenish yellow and well on their way to healing, while others were a darker purple, new since the last time they’d seen each other. Lexa paused for a few seconds, tracing her palms over the new marks and slipping her fingers under the blonde's chest bindings. The soft touches drew a light hum from the Alpha, bordering a purr.

Lexa smiled, a feeling of contentment sinking into her bones. Moments like these reminded her of how glad she was that Clarke had agreed to be her partner. Being partners with Clarke meant comfort and closeness, caring for each other equally. It meant that eventually she’d have no more nights alone, Clarke’s arms around her to ward off the cold. It meant always having someone to share her troubles with, to talk to at the end of the day rather than stewing in silence. It meant evenings like these, rain hissing outside while they enveloped themselves in their own little bubble, touching and soothing eachother's aches and pains.

Clarke whined as she drew her hands away, turning her head so she could peek at the brunette over her shoulder. Lexa smiled down at her, brushing Clarke’s mass of blonde hair to one side so she could bend down and press a kiss to the back of her neck. The Alpha smiled, a full blown purr rumbling in her chest. Not delaying any longer, Lexa coated her hands in oil, warming it slightly between her palms, before pressing them to Clarke’s back.

They sit in silence for several long minutes, only broken by Clarke’s soft groans and grunts as her muscles are loosened. It was nice, a calm and quiet moment, uninterrupted by the realities that awaited them just outside their tent. It was a moment where Lexa could care for her Alpha as the blonde had cared for her.

“I take it that Indra hasn’t been particularly kind in training.” She spoke softly, breaking the silence but keeping to the quiet atmosphere as she gently pressed and worked the aching muscles under her hands. The Alpha groaned low in her chest as a particularly large and knotted muscle was ground into by a strong thumb.

“I think she’s trying to push me to succeed actually.” The response was breathy, ending in a soft grunt that turned into a sigh as Lexa ran her hands up and down her back, not pressing, simply enjoying the feeling of skin on skin.

“How do you know?” The Omega coated her hands in a fresh layer of oil and went back to work.

“She keeps asking if I think I’m worthy of you.” Clarke’s response is quiet, almost hidden within the sounds of the rain hitting the tents canvas. Lexa raised an eyebrow at her response, but didn’t falter in her movements as the muscles loosened under her ministrations.

“Do you think yourself worthy?” If she was being honest with herself, Lexa was curious about Clarke’s answer. The blonde had always been rather reflective, thinking about the world in ways that few else could.

“Not yet, but I want to be.” Clarke answered after several moments of deliberation, making Lexa pause. The answer was unexpected, far more humble than she ever expected from an Alpha, yet also such a Clarke answer that she couldn’t help but smile

“Well, you will always be worthy to me.” Lexa murmured as she leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss behind Clarke’s ear. The soft assurance had the Alpha smiling and rolling over underneath the Omega so she was laying on her back, Lexa now perched on her hips.

“You’ll always be worthy to me too.” The response had them both chuckling, moving together so they could meet halfway for a kiss. Lexa hummed against Clarke’s lips, hands on the blonde’s stomach where she could feel the start of defined abdominal muscles.

Before her training with Indra, Clarke hadn’t been the strongest Alpha, far preferring to solve her problems with words and cleverness than fists and blows. But now, three months later, after grueling daily training, the fruits of her labour were starting to show through. She’d lost the last of the softness that had clung to her face, her jaw and cheekbones having become a bit more defined, and any extra fat she’d had was quickly burned away from the endless exercise.

It made her look different. Not in a bad way, simply different. The Alpha held more confidence, standing straighter and speaking with even more authority than she had when the two had first met. It seemed that on the ground Clarke was finally growing into herself, becoming the Alpha she was always capable of being.

Pulling away slightly from Clarke and her wonderfully soft lips, Lexa shifted, laying down atop her Alpha’s body, slipping one leg between the blonde’s as she nestled into her neck. Warm arms quickly came up to embrace her and pull her close.  

She purred softly as Clarke’s fingers gently tangled in the soft hairs at the base of her neck and massaged the base of her skull. The movements eased a pressure in her head that she hadn’t even realized was there. Clarke’s chest rumbled beneath her, adding the sound of the Alpha’s purr to her own. The combined whiring had her eyes fluttering with sudden tiredness.

“Do you leave again soon?” She managed to ask before sleep dragged her under. She wanted to know if she’d be waking to an empty bed the next morning.

“Not until the day after tomorrow.” Clarke sounded equally tired, a yawn breaking the sound of her purr for a moment. “Indra said we needed a day of rest.” Lexa hummed in response, groping down near their knees for a fur to drag over them. Once she’d succeeded, a cocoon of warmth around them, she settled down to sleep.

She’d been tired when she’d returned to the tent, but the sight of Clarke had driven it away. Now, however, comfortable and warm and draped over the one she loved, sleep pulled at her. They had all of tomorrow to spend together, and she intended to make the most of it, but for now they would rest.

[letterdrill08-blog]

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