#i really need to work on erix

[hypnified]

Buddy:*is lost on a planet because he got distracted by something and wandered off he hears a familiar voice and runs to it* Buir! *he hugs who he thinks is Falls hugging his legs

Falls:*is frantically trying to look for his kid when he hears him yell Buir, his head snaps up, seeing Buddy run to someone that not him sends him into gear he puts his hand on the blade on his thigh* Buddy! Here! Now! *he now recognizes the other as a clone* wait a second? Erix? I'm Falls, medic for the 501st that menace is Buddy *grins*

Buddy:*runs to Falls hugging Erix* hi!

Erix started mumbling to himself as he complained about something, so this wasn't exactly out of the ordinary really. Well, it probably wasn't much of a mumble considering that someone came running in his direction. "Oh, hey there." At first he spoke somewhat awkwardly, but he calmed down relatively quickly.

Once Falls started approaching them it didn't take Erix too long to notice that the other was a clone, not only that he was Falls. Well, that was surely a nice surprise. "Hey Falls! Long time no see, hi Buddy!"

[topazadine]

Is there a reason that horses are so important in your stories other than just that you like them? I haven't really seen a fantasy book that has such a focus on them

Thanks for the question!

There are plenty of other fantasy novels that also have a strong focus on horses, like The Green Rider by Kristen Britain and The Eternal Sky series by Elizabeth Bear. In fact, there are dozens of great fantasy books with plenty of horses in them! Goodreads has a whole list of Fantasy Books with Horses if you're interested in that.

Anyway, about The Eirenic Verses and its horses. Firstly, yes, I included horses because I like them. I ride once a week and would go every day if I could afford it!

But there are also worldbuilding reasons for all the horses. Breme's geography is based on Mongolia, which is, of course, known for its horses.

The history between the Mongols and their horses is long and victorious, completely changing the relationship with these animals and spawning inventions that slowly spread to other countries. Mongolian saddlery is one of the oldest examples of tack, and it was this invention of light, rigid-framed saddles and stirrups that allowed them to stay upright on a horse, even turning completely backward to shoot behind them.

Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese saddles have many similarities with Mongolian tack, demonstrating the cultural diffusion from the steppes to the islands.

Mongols were only able to conquer such vast territory because of the incredible maneuvers of their light and heavy cavalry. Their mounted archers would work in a tight formation, retreating and advancing until they fatigued the enemy. This disoriented their opponents and allowed for crushing defeats. I highly recommend you take a look at Namnaa Academy Archers to see these incredible displays in action!

Unlike Bremish soldiers, though, Mongolian warriors had large herds of support horses; each warrior would have multiple mounts they could switch out as one grew fatigued, meaning they could fight for hours or even days without stopping. Absolutely amazing horsemanship.

I chose not to do this because I wanted to focus on the special relationship between horse and rider.

As an aside, Mongolians still keep large herds of up to 200 horses, but many will have their favorites anyway. Most Mongolian nomads have one or two individual horses that they ride regularly, and the others are semi-feral and need to be retrained once they are caught again.

As another aside, I don't use Mongolian horses in my books either. Mine are more like Quarter Horses, as evidenced by the different colorations present. For example, Uileac's horse, Erix, is a palomino. This isn't a common coloration in traditional Mongolian horses.

Back to the main point, though.

Because of this artistic choice in having just one horse per person, it's made clear that battles between Breme and Sina are not protracted affairs across long swathes of territory, but short skirmishes always at the border between the two countries. This way, cavalry can still play a role in rounding up and routing out the Sinan soldiers, but it's not necessary to have constant switches between mounts.

When one's entire culture is built on horsemanship, it wouldn't make sense not to go whole-hog on the horses. They are not just beasts of burden, but trained warriors in their own right.

It takes a long time to teach a horse not to spook when an arrow comes soaring past them or to stay calm during a loud, chaotic battle. Each horse represents a significant investment, especially for a sparsely populated nation with a much smaller army than the enemy.

There is also the fact that treating horses well is one of the best ways to train them, just as with any animal. Old, coercive horse training methods, including hitting and yelling at the animal, would simply not work if you wanted to make a fearless, well-adjusted, loyal mount.

We see this cultural sea change in the incredible backlash against Charlotte Dujardin recently, and I am also personally uncomfortable with the use of aversives like crops and spurs. While it might not necessarily be realistic in an medievalesque setting, it's important to me that I show horses being treated with care and affection, as they deserve.

I wanted to make these training principles clear by infusing a culturewide love and respect for the horses throughout the entire series. That includes one of the major plot points in the upcoming Pride Before a Fall, the Feast of the Horse.

Like Breme, Mongolia has a horse festival; it's called Naadam and has many of the same components, including mounted archery competitions. Going to a Naadam festival is on my bucket list, actually!

Mongolian horses have even been called "celestial horses" because of their incredible hardiness, and they play a special role in the cultural consciousness even today.

So to sum up, I adore horses and absolutely wanted to center them, but there is precedent and purpose behind their utility. Too many fantasy writers simply plop some horses in and don't consider their role in the overall worldbuilding, how they shape the story, or the beautiful relationship between horse and rider, built on trust and love.

While horses play a more significant role in the upcoming second book, Pride Before a Fall, Uileac meets his beloved mare Erix in the first book, 9 Years Yearning, which is available now.

[yanderes-galore]

His caretaker holds Erix close to her. His grip i ls strong like he expected her to just disappear from his arms. His darling has basically been there for him since she first started working here. She has done and gone out of her way to tend to his needs and wants. Even breaking the rules to do so. He rests his head against her chest as she just tenderly strokes his hair. The two don't really say anything and just sit in silence together. What can you really say about this? It's not exactly something easy to deal with...

Exactly.

Idk, I never really saw them when I concepted them as wanting children.

They're supposed to just be controlling in the original AU. They aren't in this one oddly enough?

It's funny how they went from feral beast (canon behavior I'm pretty sure) to just...domestic- (this au)

Like I said, whenever I write for them I'll show it.

If any of them, Bakarne has more potential to be domestic than Erix.

[tenmillionwhumperflies]

Cloudwalker Series Part 33

Apologies for the lack of updates despite having stuff written, but I figured I needed to add this part in first. It’s shorter than most of the others, but that’s alright.

Warnings: Fight scene, older person being whumped, injuries from the fight, blood, fear of death, animal whump (Enchanted metal dragon), fear for a character (non-con)- but that doesn’t happen. 

Masterlist: Here Approx WC: 1450 Taglist: @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi @thegreatwhodini

Orrien was good at overthinking. It had been his job to think of potential threats, to think of the things enemies hoped he wouldn’t. So of course it had crossed his mind that Erix might appear at his home, that he might attack him, use him as a weapon, perhaps even kill him. He’d put thought into it, and he knew that if Erix was so bold that he wouldn’t stand a chance… he wasn't strong enough. He was a sitting duck, vulnerable, and afraid.

He knew that, and so he tried to plan for the worst. Most importantly, he had to make sure Blue and the others were safe. Blue was defenceless if he wasn’t there to fight. He had to keep him safe, but how could he when Erix was so good at offense compared to him? If a fight broke out he was as good as dead. Unless he reached out to Avizon in time, he was doomed.

He had tried to talk Blue into moving in with Avizon, but he wouldn't hear of it. No amount of pleading had changed his mind. Blue was just too loyal, practically devoted. It was a trait Orrien could only hope wouldn’t get him killed.

So when Erix appeared, he simply didn't know how he was meant to keep him safe.

The morning was bright and fresh when he'd woken up that morning. Blue had already scurried off to do his chores before Orrien had even woken up, but that wasn't anything new. He made breakfast while Blue fed his animals. He'd boiled the water ready for some tea and the smell of frying meat and eggs soon had Blue sitting at the table. Orrien smiled warmly and ruffled his hair. "We'll be going to Avizon's home later today. I'm sure you've missed Dyan."

Blue nodded eagerly with his mouth full of toast. "'m excited!"

The morning had been so pleasant, and it had all changed so quickly.

Orrien had been washing the dishes when he felt Erix appear outside his door. The heaviness, like a shove to the shoulder.

"Blue, here. Quickly." His plan had been to teleport straight to the castle. To bring Avizon back with him to protect everything.

Blue hesitated with his confusion. But that was enough time for the door to be thrown open. Erix attacked without hesitation.

"Look out!" Orrien yelped, making a magic shield which rattled his forearms as they protected him from the bursts of magic. He gritted his teeth and hurled some magic at him, enough that he couldn’t ignore it. He needed to buy Blue time to get to him, it was the only way they could leave. He threw Erix back into the cupboards with a wave of his magic, casting aside any tiredness he began to feel.

Only Blue ran upstairs in his fear. Orrien tried to call his name, but Erix was up with a groan and there was a dangerous fire in his eyes. Orrien couldn’t concentrate enough to find Avizon within his mind. He formed another shield, hoping beyond hope that it would be able to counter the molten orb in Erix’s hand, it crackled like lightning, glowed like fire. That was about as dark and dangerous as light magic could get. “Why are you here?” Orrien bellowed, hoping that perhaps words could end this fight before it killed him. “Nothing personal, old man.”

He hurled the orb towards Orrien, but as it flew, it changed shape, looking more like a spear. Orrien tried to jump to the side, towards the living area, but he was sure the magic followed him. He was made certain when he felt the hot rip across his side. He screamed and hit the ground hard. He felt the blood slipping fast from him. It wasn’t enough. He wasn’t enough to protect Blue.

Erix slowly made his way towards him. Orrien bit back a mewl and tried to get up, using the chaise as some kind of support. He felt Mouse hiding behind his ear. He tried to ease some healing magic into his side while he had a few seconds to spare. That just felt like he was washing out the wound with lava. He clenched his teeth hard.

“I hear you’ve been protecting Avizon. Shame, really. I didn’t mind your existence.”

“Oh I see,” Orrien spat onto the floor, getting rid of the blood that filled his mouth. “This is all for Dyan… you’re a sick piece of work. Leave us alone!” More crackling energy, and this time he hit him hard in the head. He was thrown back down into the pool of his blood. “No!” he cried out, feeling Mouse drop from his ear. It had hit him. Orrien desperately scooped him up and held him close. No, not his Mouse. Not the only thing he had left of Ro, his closest little friend. Tears pooled in his eyes. And then he felt it, the shift, the emotions snap. His rage.

He lowered Mouse down and without a word, he hurled a massive attack of energy in Erix’s direction. It was everything he had, his last chance. Erix crossed his arms over quickly, making the quickest shield he could. Orrien screamed out, but his magic was only just starting to crack the shield. He could feel himself running out. He flicked his hand down and his magic hit a weaker part of the shield. But Erix was prepared for that. He threw his arms out, and the shield practically became a mirror. And all of Orrien’s wrath crashed into him. He barely managed to reabsorb it in time to save it from killing him.

But Erix suddenly shouted in pain and Orrien’s heart froze in his chest. Blue had jumped up at him and bit him in the shoulder, shaking his head violently. He left a bad wound behind but it wouldn't kill him. “Blue, here!” Orrien cried. “Come to me!” if he could just get to him, if he could just grab his hand he could push himself on to whisk them away. But he would not leave without Blue.

With some effort, Erix managed to throw Blue off of him, and kicked him in the head, disorientating him. Blue whimpered Orrien's name, but he couldn’t get past Erix. Orrien gathered the energy to teleport behind Erix, to just grab Blue’s hand. But as soon as he did, another blast of that terrible magic slammed into his back. The scream that left his lips was cold and raw. Blue scrambled over to him, clinging to him, but Orrien was barely clinging to consciousness. He barely felt the wave of power whizz past him and hit into Blue, throwing him away from him. Orrien needed time to pull himself together. Time they didn’t have. Erix grabbed Orrien by the hair and lifted his head up high. Orrien hissed as he struggled to keep his arms under him. “You can thank Avizon’s greed for this.”

Erix slammed Orrien’s head down with such aggression that he didn’t remember hitting the floor.

His vision returned slowly, and he didn’t know how long had passed. But he was still in his home, and Erix and Blue were nowhere in sight. Immediately he feared the worst. He had to find him, he had to find his boy. With a breathless whimper, he dragged himself onwards. He tried to force himself onwards, out of the living area. He tried to gather what magic he had left, but he was spent. His only chance was the mirror in the downstairs bedroom. He could force himself to make a few drops more of magic, just a few more drops, but that meant pushing his body onwards, and it wasn’t going to be easy.

He barely made it into the hallway when he heard Erix’s footsteps. “I’m starting to see a habit in the lads you take in. They all end up dead by your fault.”

Orrien clenched his jaw. He wasn't wasting his energy answering his taunts. But Blue… he groaned and tried to desperately go faster. He needed Avizon. He needed his help-

He felt Erix's hand grip the back of his shirt and pin him to the ground just as he made it to the bedroom.

"You won't get away with this," Orrien wheezed, struggling with the tears in his eyes.

"And you won't stop me getting to that fucking bird… I wonder how many I'll have to kill to get to him. So far the tally is at one, and you're next."

Orrien shuddered as he felt Erix take him away with teleportation magic. He’d failed… That his last thought as his eyes slipped closed.

[icey--stars]

Didn't You

This is one of my submissions for a writing contest in a Discord server I'm in! Our goal is to create a original story (fanfiction included) from a song prompt.

** My song prompt was Didn't You by Call me Karizma. **

It isn't my best work, but certainly not by worst and I personally love the storyline I created.

Please keep in mind these are original characters I made myself! :)

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TWS: Suicidal thoughts, minor blood, major character death, swearing

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I was almost to the throne room, Finion still behind me, fighting off the guards who’d attacked us. I cut down the last one with a dagger thrown to the throat, images flashing in my mind of the maps Fin and I had stolen together not even a week ago, telling me which way to go through this maze of a castle.

“Come on, Fin! You’re getting slow!” I exclaimed playfully through my spiked metal mask, only slightly muffled. I didn't see the pained expression on my friend’s face as I went to tear out my dagger and sprinted down the fancy, nicely decorated hallway.

Fin joined me at my side a half moment later, running faster to catch up to me as we ran for the throne, where the king probably was. If not, we’d search for him to complete the job.

“I’ll get the guards, you get the job,” Fin panted as soon as we hit the doors of the throne room.

I breathlessly nodded and then tore open the door in front of me, sprinting into the room, running right past the guards who charged Finion who’d run in first. I spotted the king on his throne, attempting to draw a fancy looking sword from a sheathe. I threw my dagger expertly, knocking the sword from his grip by the force of the throw. I marched forward, unclipping my hood, revealing my messy brown hair. Just in case any of the guards decided to find a way to get away from Fin, or new guards came into the room, I needed to be able to see into my peripherals.

“Stop!” The king shouted as I drew another dagger from my boot. “Stop this now! You are under arrest-”

“Shut the fuck up your majesty. I’m here for money, nothing more. So shut your trap and let me slit your throat,” I growled.

The king continued his desperate shouting, but the guards were already down as I went to hold a dagger to the man’s throat.

At that exact moment though, everything went wrong.

An arrow whistled through the air, knocking my dagger out of my hand and just barely missing my fingers as I flinched back. My gaze shot over toward Finion. The only one with a bow in this entire room. He held the bow, dropped it and ran at me.

“What the fuck Fin?!” I shouted, backing up a few paces as the man running at me drew daggers. I contemplated drawing my twin swords from across my back. But it was Finion. Finion. Why the fuck had he fired a shot at me?

“Stop Erix! Stop now!” Finion shouted loudly.

“What?” I spoke, stepping off the dais away from the king as Finion rushed to get between us. “What the hell man?! I almost had him! What the fuck are you doing?”

“I’m not letting you kill him!” Finion continued, stepping towards me threateningly with daggers in hand.

I looked up at him, searching his eyes for a moment. There was no regret in those eyes, no signs of anything off. Nothing. Just Fin’s normal brown eyes.

I didn’t draw my swords, instead I just continued to back up as Fin continued to challenge me for grounds. “What are you doing?” I asked more calmly.

“I’m done with this Erix! I’m done! You’re done! I’m not letting you kill him-”

“Did magic just suddenly come back or some shit!? You wouldn’t-”

“I would Erix! I would! Think I won’t betray you or some shit!? Yes I would! I’m not letting you kill any more innocents just for some stupid cash! This is my king! And I am the Hand of the King.”

A sudden jolt of emotion filled up in my chest. An old pain I’d felt numerous times. Fin really wasn’t joking. He was betraying me. Just like I feared from the beginning…

A dagger was suddenly thrown at my head and I just barely dodged the killing blow.

I drew my swords, and cold-hearted fury slithered into me. “Very well then, Finion.”

Stop myself from having these feelings

Against the fury, affection still welled up. Finion, the person who I trusted beyond anything. Old memories of our spars together came up as I launched myself forward, my sword coming down toward his shoulder, just barely being stopped. I pushed back the affection, pushed back every feeling I’d ever had as I fought the person who I trusted the most.

Guards came in, not even a moment later. A few went to defend their king, but I was out of daggers to throw, and out of everything besides my wits and slowly failing strength.

My arms were caught soon enough, swords thrown across the room. Too many guards, not enough time. Fin shoved me to my knees as I groaned, glaring up at him.

“Knock him out, take his weapons, send him to the dungeons, but keep that mask of his. Gotta have something to prove who he is,” Finion said to the guards, backing up.

A boot slammed into my head and I was knocked clean out.

———

Sitting in a dungeon cell with a pounding headache certainly wasn’t what I had been hoping for after being dragged away into the darkness, but I supposed it could have been much worse when it comes to the king who you literally tried to kill. How long had it been since I got knocked out? Two days? Four days? I banged my head lightly against the wall in frustration.

There wasn’t any escaping this, now matter how much I wished I could. Too many guards, no way out of the cell in the first place and I didn’t even know where I was in the castle, despite the maps I’d memorized. Maybe that had been what Finion had been hoping for.

Haunted by the past I’m reliving

I closed my eyes tight, pained by the similarity to one of my many past experiences. Another time I was to be sent to the execution block. Different kingdom, naturally. I’d gotten myself into deep trouble after assassinating the prince’s father in that kingdom. Finion hadn’t gone in with me that time, so I was on my own. But I at least had Fin then, helping me from the crowd as the rope was settled over my head across my collarbones. As soon as the rope went taunt, a dagger flew through it, setting me free with only a mighty bruise. But this time? I doubt anyone would come to rescue me, or even bother to stop the execution.

Gods… why had Fin decided to betray me? I was so close to completing the job. Killing the king, and then running off away from this stupid city into the forests beyond, filled with who knows. Magic still exists there, some say. Guess I wouldn’t be able to find out now, despite looking forward to it.

But Fin. Finion. Why, at the very moment I had a knife to the king’s neck, had he shot his arrow and then proceeded to try and kill me, claiming I was in the wrong, and that he’d been working for the king after everything?

“Fin, why me?” I thought aloud, pursing my lips tightly. “Fuck.”

“Be quiet in the cells!” A guard yelled.

“Oh fuck you!” I screamed right back.

“You’ll be dead soon Erix! Shut your trap!”

Why am I staying alive?

I sighed in defeat. Goddamn it. This really is how Erix, the great Assassin from the East, was going to die? Really? It seemed like a joke, but at this point… what did I even have to live for? To be honest… I didn’t have anything.

My family was long dead, my friend betrayed me, and any possible ally I once had, was either long dead or working for someone else, unable to come to my aid, if they even knew. Even my client couldn’t do anything. It was a private transaction, and as if they would even care if some random assassin was to die.

And this job wasn’t one you live for. This kind of job sends you barrelling into near-death situations, and into the depths of your mind like this.

Give me death, I’m ready and willing

I contemplated ending it all right here and now. It’d be better, right? Rather than dying by the rope or sword through the heart, that’s for sure. At least I’d pass by my own violation. Well… forced to by my own violation.

I sighed heavily. I supposed a job like mine will only lead you this far. The execution block. Perhaps it was time I finally made my way to the afterlife, paying for all I’ve done wrong in my life, before hopefully finding some peace.

———

The guards came to get me an unknown amount of time later. I did sleep once, but the cells were dark with no windows. I didn’t know the time nor the day. My little metal mask was put on to mark me as the Assassin from the East. Everyone knew that mask. My hands were tightened behind my back and my ankles each with a heavy weighted ball to prevent me from running. But I just followed limply, dragging those balls and chains behind me, obeying the orders given to me. Head down, head up, climb the stairs, stop moving my arms, stop talking, and anything else someone could imagine to order a notoriously deadly assassin into doing.

But my mind was loud, despite my clear physical docileness. My thoughts screamed at me that there was nothing to live for, and that all I should wish for is death. I wouldn’t end up where anyone I loved was, no. I’d have to pay for my deeds before reaching that afterlife. Someone like me didn’t deserve peace. I wondered slightly where these thoughts had come, but inside… I did know. A life like mine doesn’t let you do anything without damaging the mind beyond true repair.

I walked hesitantly into the light, my eyes blinking furiously against the sun. But I did see where crowds waited beside a raised stage. I grit my teeth as I heard their gasps. A public execution?! Really Fin? Just couldn’t let me die in peace? As I walked up the execution platform, I scanned the crowd. Nothing amiss.

Except one tussle of jet black hair. Fin.

“FIN- YOU-“

The guard slapped me as I yelled. I growled in frustration, jerking hard.

But I knew Fin heard me. I spotted him walking closer.

All these words said meant to kill me

The king made his presence known not too long after. My entire list of crimes was read off. The classics, theft, murder, manslaughter, attempted assassination of a monarch, actual assassination of a monarch and a bunch of other fun things. So many words, so many stories where I almost died, flashed before my eyes.

I saw someone bring a sword out. Seems I was to bleed out then, I guessed.

“And now, Erix, you are given one last chance to speak, and prove your innocence before your death, or share your last condolences, as is per tradition,” the king spoke. “Despite attempting to kill me,” I heard under his breath. I scoffed at that remark.

My mask was taken off, my scarred, burned lower half of my face out for the world to see. I flexed my jaw, glaring at the king before turning and making direct eye contact with Finion, who stood at the front of the crowd, watching me.

“I’m not going to try and prove my innocence. I’m not that dumb. I know what I’ve done. Though, I have a few words to share with my betrayer. Finion,” I addressed, glaring at my friend, now turned enemy. For some reason, my heart ached at the use of that word toward Fin. “I hope you get what you deserve. I trusted you. You know how little I trust. I accept my death. If anyone I eventually trust is just going to betray me, there is no use in living this lifestyle. Fuck you Fin, fuck you. The gods have a special place of payment for you.”

Why can’t I escape to the sky?

“And to the other people here, know I didn’t have a choice in this life. I was forced to kill. It was one of you who burned my face. And now I rest in death, where I will pay. I hated this world anyway.”

The king continued after a few beats of silence. “Should anyone protest this execution, speak now or forever mourn.”

Fin remained silent. The crowd didn’t breathe a word.

I glared at Fin as the executioner took a step behind me, raising the sword to spear me through the heart.

“You never were my friend,” I said to Fin and closed my eyes, holding back my scream as the sword suddenly went through me.

”Hooray�� when I die”

A loud cheer of celebration went up into the air and then I blacked out, never to awaken again.

You got what you wanted, didn’t you?

“This was a mistake,” Finion breathed, eyes clearing as the body crumpled to the ground.

[writersblockandapotoftea]

Black Dwarf: Sample

“Hey, kid, what the supernova are you doing in this quadrant?” The butt of a cyber-spear poked against Sebastian’s face as he blinked awake. “Good, you’re alive, so what the supernova you doing here?” A mahogany face peered down at him.

“Meg,” Sebastian mumbled; his head throbbed. He brought a hand to the apex of the throbbing. It came away sticky. “Where’s Megulara?”

“Who?”

“My sister.” Sebastian tried to sit up. Pain shot through his head again. He cringed. “Where’s my sister? Where’s Megulara?”

“I know less about what you’re talking about then I do about acid rain.” the face crouched down. It was a young male Zaoquin, relatively human looking, but with pointed ears, dark blue hair and silver wings. “But I’m Erix,” he said, offering a hand. Sebastian took it.

“Sebastian.”

“That’s a mouthful,” Erix said, helping Sebastian up.

“It was my father’s name.”

“I’m gonna call you Seabass.”

“No,” Sebastian said, starting to walk away towards the street. Erix followed.

“Where you going? There’s only pirates and bounty hunters here and you’re human.”

“So?” Sebastian asked, pausing to brush his green tipped bangs out of his face.

“Supernovas and white dwarves, you’re a human in a pirates’ haven. You don’t got any rights,” Erix hissed, pulling Sebastian back from the streetlight.

“Let go of me,” Sebastian shouted, jerking away.

“Shh, you dumbass,” Erix replied, grabbing Sebastian’s arm and covering his mouth. “We’ll both get nabbed.”

“Little late for that, boys,” a voice chuckled behind them. Erix whirled around, still holding onto Sebastian. “Hey, Erix, how’s the pirate gig going? Mutiny against any captains lately?”

“None of your business, Balee,” Erix replied. Sebastian’s eyes went wide. A grimoran. They were so, so, so royally fucked. “Now, if you’ll just let me and my scrawny friend through, I won’t kill any more of your crew.”

“I don’t think so, that little brat has a bounty on his head. Hand him over and I’ll make your death less awful,” Balee replied, looking at her pitch coloured nails, filed to a point. Sebastian swallowed; he knew firsthand how painful the venom in those nails was.

“Erix, what’s she-”

“Quiet Bastille,” Erix muttered, his eyes flicking left and right. “When I say now, hit the deck.”

“What? Also, my name is-”

“Now!” Erix shoved Sebastian to the ground and flung his wings out, slamming two figures into the walls surrounding the alley. He drew a laser pistol and fired twice, taking out two more. “Step aside, Balee.”

“Why should I? My crew and I outnumber you still. Even if you win in this alley, you’re not going to get far with that weak human in tow. Just hand him over.”

“Nope. Not gonna do that.”

“Why not? They’re useless, wretched creatures and this one has a bounty on his head. He’ll only bring you trouble,” Balee said, stepping forward. Erix shrugged. Sebastian looked up at him. “Hand him over, Erix.”

“Ya see, every time you say hand him over, it makes me want to keep him. Plus, have you seen the kid’s face?”

“I’m nineteen,” Sebastian mumbled.

“Shut up Bass Clarinet.”

“Do you even know what a normal clarinet is?”

“No. Don’t need to know. Now, be quiet Bass. Grownups are playing.” Erix waved his hand. Balee hissed, showing her fangs. Sebastian swallowed again as Erix stepped over him. He watched as Erix put his pistol away.

What was that moron doing?

“E-” Sebastian started, his voice freezing as something grabbed his foot. “Erix,” he screamed as a ghinul began pulling him down the alley. “Let me go,” he shouted, lashing out with his free foot.

“Bass!” Erix turned as Balee lunged at him. His wings came up in front of his chest, blocking the slashing claws.

Sebastian kicked again, this time, his foot connected with scaly flesh. The ghinul grunted but didn’t let go. Sebastian’s heart raced and his breath quickened. His vision became blurred by red light. He didn’t care about the bounty, he had to find Meg.

“Let. Me. Go,” he screamed, managing to sit up and bring his fists down on the ghinul’s head. There was a popping noise and the ghinul looked shocked as it swelled and exploded, covering Sebastian in burnt flesh and goopy entrails.  

Erix and Balee paused in their tussle and stared.

Eyes wide, Balee’s mouth opening, they stared at Sebastian. Erix shook his head and kicked Balee in the stomach, throwing her over his shoulder and into a garbage heap.

“Nice work Bastion,” he said, grabbing Sebastian by the waist.

“What’re you doing?” Sebastian squawked as Erix crouched and leapt into the air, silver wings flapping twice. “Put me down.”

“You really want me to do that?” Erix asked as they glided towards the port. Sebastian looked down and became dizzy. He grabbed Erix’ shoulders, shaking his head. “That’s what I thought, Bassie.”

“My name is Sebastian,” he mumbled, his skin starting to match his bangs. Erix landed in the port by a docking station. He set Sebastian down and he promptly threw up.

“How do you do anything in this sector with that weak of a stomach?” Erix asked, knocking on the hatch of one of the ships. “Bob, open up.”

“I just don’t like heights,” Sebastian replied as the hatch opened, revealing three new faces. Sebastian swallowed. This was definitely the worst solar cycle in his life.

[that-one-tea-anon]

your outfit for the gala was adorable. I know I've said it before, but green is really your color ^^

“Aw, thanks, Erix. G’s outfit needed a lot of work since it was a ‘from scratch’ kind of deal, so I just had mom and Hellany re-size and ‘refresh’ one of my older outfits. Take some of the pressure off them, you know?”

“But it did turn out really well, I think! Darker colors like red and black look lovely on G, so we looked very festive together. But since the holidays are finally coming to an end, I’ll be wearing more colors, like pink, heh.”

[topazadine]

OC Fun Facts Tag

Thanks for the tag, @illarian-rambling! I particularly liked that your villain has a New Jersey accent lmao.

I'll do five fun facts for each of my main characters.

Uileac Korviridi

His favorite Bremish festival (predictably) is Feast of the Horse, particularly the mounted archery competition. I mean duh. He makes everyone else look like pathetic losers.

He doesn't have much of a sweet tooth, but Cerie does, so their house is usually filled with all manner of sweets.

Uileac has a bunch of weird little rituals he does before battle, like making sure he has an even number of arrows (lucky) and brushing his horse Erix's armor with blessed oils. I mean, I guess they've worked? He hasn't died yet ....

One would expect such a dextrous man would play an instrument, but he doesn't, he's too busy to learn. Though he thinks the fiddle is pretty cool.

If he did not have his beloved palomino mare Erix, he'd probably want a dapple gelding.

Orrinir Relickim

Even though he went through all the same training as Uileac did, Orrinir has never figured out how to fire a bow. No amount of training seems to make it stick.

His favorite Bremish festival is the Feast of Saint Mermina, where people throw flower votives of the saint into the water and swimmers try to retrieve them. Every damn year, Uileac intentionally designs his so they fall apart, but poor Orrinir tries anyway.

Orrinir LOVES to bake. He's very proud of his manly and cool creations in the kitchen. You know, like little apple dumplings shaped like hearts. Incredibly manly. Very brave.

Because he does not drink much, Orrinir is a total lightweight. As such, he typically is the responsible non-drinker who escorts his mildly drunk husband Uileac and embarrassingly drunk sister-in-law Cerie home.

Orrinir has been known to play around with a mini piano (kalimba) on occasion, usually when bored out in the field. He likes it because you don't really need any musical knowledge to get it to work.

Haniya Aina

Haniya is EXACTLY what you think when you think "horse girl." Kinda snobby, convinced that she has a unique bond with horses that no one else in the world could ever fathom, and obsessed with the latest and greatest in tack trends. Her horse Saelsie has tack that costs more than most peoples' houses, and can you blame her? Girlie is a literal princess.

Because her mother, Queen Susuma, was essentially absent throughout her childhood, Haniya was raised by governesses and teachers.

She loves music boxes and has quite a collection. Diplomats who want to get in her mother's good graces know to bring Haniya a pretty music box for her trouble. One of her favorites has a mechanical dancing horse.

Haniya's brother, Prince Daiski, was meant to learn fencing, but Haniya, who actually wanted to learn it, was told it wasn't a "women's skill." As such, she lied to Daiski about when his practices were supposed to be and showed up instead, threatening the instructor into silence. Those were her favorite childhood memories.

Her favorite books are about faraway lands, especially travel logs of distant places. Any time that a diplomat comes to visit her mother, she corners them and picks their brain.

Ono Kagan

Ono, being deeply socially awkward, is more comfortable around animals than people. Even animals that he's rather scared of, like dogs.

His first romantic/sexual relationship is with his wife, Vinanna, who is charmed by how sweet and shy he is. YES! The pathetic virgin gets the pretty girl!

The average Sinan outside of the upper classes is illiterate, but Ono taught himself after becoming a royal guard by taking shifts guarding the library. There, he read the children's books that Haniya and her siblings would have been told as children before working his way up to more difficult texts.

His most prized possession is his sword, Melikik ("the sea cutter"), made by his father, a blacksmith.

Ono can't hold his liquor. Like at all.

Mordrek Willets

Mordrek is somehow both the straightest and the least homophobic person in all of Sina. Gay men serve as great wingmen, and lesbians can teach him even more ways to romance a beautiful woman. Bisexuals? Why, he admires anyone who has enough eyes to ogle both sides.

He considers his mule, Carrot, to be his best friend and closest confidante. Carrot gets the best of everything, even when Mordrek can't afford to feed himself.

His greatest fear is heights. Maybe that's why Queen Susuma keeps sending him to high-altitude places.

Mordrek is agnostic. He jokes that all the gods probably hate him, so he doesn't want to believe they exist.

Though Mordrek gambles on occasion, he only plays games that he knows he can win with his wiles. Or by paying someone to fix the game for him.

Cerie Korviridi

Cerie is one of the most irritating overachievers you will ever meet. When she's working on something, you better leave her alone or you're going to get your head bit off.

Sometimes she likes to daydream about what she would have been if she didn't become a High Poet. Her top three alternate professions are horse trainer, potter, and leatherworker.

Cerie is messy af and is always forgetting where she put stuff. Orrinir yells at her about it all the time.

She's a night owl, which is unusual in a country that doesn't have artificial light like Breme. She just likes it when all the world is asleep and she can focus on whatever she wants to do.

Her favorite festival is the Feast of Snow Lights, where people go around and recite two-line traditional poems; if the homeowner misremembers it, they have to give the guest a drink. She, of course, has them all memorized, but sometimes she'll come up with her own just to screw with people, and then they have to call a "truce" and both give each other something.

Tagging @drchenquill, @the-golden-comet, @mysticstarlightduck, @davycoquette, and open tag

[topazadine]

Get to Know Your Moots Writeblr Interview

Thanks to @davycoquette for coming up with these!

On the Tumblr Writing Community

How long have you had your writing Tumblr/Writeblr?

About two years?

What led you to create it?

I used to have a Tumblr a LONG time ago but deleted it all and moved on. I came back after getting into Touken Ranbu because I wanted a place to write my long-form thoughts, and then I started writing my original fiction.

What’s your favorite thing about the Writeblr community?

I really like the tag games!

What’s one thing you’d like your mutuals to know about you?

I'm very shy and probably won't respond as much as you'd like. I promise I'm not mean, I'm just socially awkward even on the internet.

Is there anything you’d like to see more of on your dash?

I do love a good moodboard.

What tips/advice do you have for someone who made a Writeblr today?

Just jump in and start talking about your stuff, don't worry about introducing everything.

WIP it Good

Which Works-in-Progress (WIPs) or writing projects are you noodling about, lately?

Prisoner!WIP, which for some reason hasn't given itself a name yet. It's about Orrinir being taken captive by the Sinans while Cerie and Uileac attempt to rescue him. Moodboard here

How long have you been working on them?

10 days, I'm at about 12k now

Do you remember what inspired them/what got you started?

I realized that my series needed an actual close-up confrontation between the Bremish and the Sinans before the grand full-length trilogy. This is one of the 5 novellas before the last three books in The Eirenic Verses.

How much time, in your best estimation, do you spend thinking about them?

A good four or five hours every day

When someone asks the dreaded, “What do you write about,” question, what do you usually say?

"Fantasy stories." If they're curious, I may go into more detail.

Let’s Rotate Blorbos

Name any characters you created.

Cerie Korviridi Uileac Korviridi Orrinir Relickim Haniya Aina Mordrek Willets Susuma Aina Daiski Aina Ono Kagan Rhen Haratshi Juliska Sygnus Irith Druidinn Vinanna Nishi Toltis Nishi Tshumanu Mialt Sagremor Waals Asari Camellia Rhytha Sergeant Paltrik Carrot (mule!) Saelsie (horse!) Bannain (horse!) Erix (horse!) Keeva (horse!) Aleric (dog!) There are probably more but I can't think of them right now

Who’s the most unhinged?

Mordrek. Hands down. The man is terrifying.

Who comes the most naturally for you to write?

They all come pretty naturally at this point, except Haniya can be kind of hard. Sometimes it does take a bit to get into their POV, though.

Do you ever cringe at them?

Not really, no, they tend to do their thing pretty well

How much control do you feel you have over your characters?

I don't have much control over them. I just channel them and they do their thing, and I write about it.

Do you enjoy people asking questions about your characters?

You can send me asks about my characters if you like, but I'm not always sure if I'll have a good answer depending on what it is. For example, if you asked me something like "what would be Cerie's favorite TV show," I would have no idea because #1 I don't even watch TV myself, like at all #2 TV doesn't exist in her world

On Writeblr Engagement

What makes you want to follow another Writeblr account?

Good writing or intiguing characters. That's the primary thing. I'll then go through a person's intro (if it's there) and see if they seem interesting and not likely to annoy me.

What makes you decide against following?

I will take a look at your introduction or profile and assess for these things. Being underage: I refuse to corrupt the youths. Any sign of racism, sexism, etc: Instant block. Being Pro-Israel: Self-explanatory. Being Antishipper: You're probably aggro about other things too. Giant DNI list: I'll just assume I'm included on it and block you. List of Diagnoses: I am not your doctor and I do not need that. List of Your Triggers: I am not your therapist and do not need that. You are in charge of your mental health, not me. My primary reason for not following someone (or unfollowing them) is signs of Main Character Syndrome. It's my biggest pet peeve.

[topazadine]

Let's address the idiot in the room:

Uileac Korviridi.

Portrait by Feddefar

Today, we're going to go through a play-by-play of everything wrong with this man so we all feel a bit better.

Firstly, what the fuck kind of name is that?

Simple. It's pronounced "Oui-lac." No, it is not French.

(As an aside note, I did not realize how many people desperately want to sound out names in their head while reading until multiple people asked me how the hell to pronounce Uileac.)

"Uileac" has multiple potential origins and meanings. In Norse, it's "playful and carefree," while in British mythology, it's "brave protector."

Frankly, it fits Uileac perfectly. He's calm on the surface but a storm inside. He loves his little sister Cerie and his husband Orrinir with a passion that borders on terrifying.

So who is this horrible man?

Uileac is an archer in the Rear Cavalry of the Bremish Army, meaning that he hangs out behind the Advance Infantry during battles and works on killing as many Sinans as possible. We love to see it.

It's not that he necessarily wanted to be a soldier: he was forced into the War Academy as a child because his parents were murdered by the Sinans during a raid on the family farm. But hey, if you're going to be become a child soldier, might as well be the best one you can be.

Choosing to fall in love with Orrinir (which you can read about in 9 Years Yearning) was a choice. A damn good one, frankly. Orrinir is a very handsome man.

While the Bremish army's arrows are all enchanted with High Poetry, Uileac is quite a good archer himself even without magic. He loves the sense of power that comes from killing someone at such a distance, so he hones his skills incessantly, despite the fact that he could just rely on High Poetry to fix it. This has given him one of the best kill counts in the army, beyond what would be expected from the stabilizing force of the magic.

Most of his free time is spent on the range, shooting at targets for hours while riding his beloved palomino mare, Erix.

A palomino looks like this, btw.

He's an absolutely shit swordsman, though. All those years of practice have given him no sense whatsoever of how to use the damn thing on his waist.

Thankfully, Orrinir is a fantastic swordsman and doesn't mind berating his husband for his horrible form as they practice. That's their love language, okay? And don't worry - Orrinir's a shit archer, too.

Uileac's Top Five Things He Cares About to the Exclusion of Everything Else are as follows:

Cerie Korviridi, his little sister

Orrinir Relickim, his husband

Erix, his horse

Achieving Rear Cavalry General

An excellent cup of tea

He and Orrinir what I would call "mutual simps," both happy to destroy the whole world if their husband asked them to.

No questions, just "you must be beating this dude up for a reason, mind if I join?"

He can also be really fucking mean when necessary. Mostly when someone has upset someone he loves. For example, here he is telling his husband's abusive father that he's going to hell:

One of his greatest strengths is adorable sibling relationship with Cerie, who is four years younger than him. They lost their parents at age 11 and 7 respectively, and so Uileac became her protector as she studied at the High Poet Society's meronym. This mixture of parental adoration and taunting shines through throughout the series:

Sometimes he even feeds her like she's the stupidest baby bird in the universe because her fingernails were ripped off in a brutal initiation ritual.

Loyal, level-headed, a bit sassy: Uileac is the perfect catch.

(Look, I'm not saying that I, his lesbian creator, am a little bit in love with him, but ... oh hell who am I kidding. I totally am.)

What else do we need to know about this idiot?

Glad you asked. Top Ten Uileac Facts, in no particular order:

1. Uileac is terrified of chickens. They're just ... wrong. Something about them screams of primordial menace. Also, a rooster chased him once when he was a little kid at the farm in Quirnis. 2. He exclusively uses lizardbird arrows for his enchanted arrows. Practice ones are just whatever happens to be lying around, but the serious stuff? Gotta use those bright green, vivid, fierce arrows from Breme's greatest aerial predator. 3. Despite his sister being a High Poet, Uileac himself only prays when he needs something. The rest of the time, he doesn't think much about religion. Orrinir is also the same way: they've got more important shit to do. 4. While Uileac has a very melodic voice, he can't sing, only whistle. (Though if you get enough barley wine in him, he doesn't even care that he's completely off-key.) 5. One of his favorite activities is training horses. There's just something magical about building a connection with an animal and getting them to listen to him. 6. When Cerie was little, before they went to their separate professions (the War Academy and the High Poet Society respectively), she would often have nightmares about their parents dying, and he would sit up and make up fairytales for her. She's always looked for them in old books, and he doesn't have the heart to tell her that they were all fabricated on the spot. 7. Every once in a while, he talks in his sleep, and Orrinir delights in telling him the stupid things he said while unconscious. 8. Uileac loves giving people obnoxious gifts. Unfortunately, Cerie also loves giving people obnoxious gifts (it must be a Korviridi trait) so they are an eternal war of buying something that is practical but also hideous. For example, giving Cerie a fountain pen with an immaculate nib - and a carving of a sultry cow. Why? Well, why not? 9. While one would expect that Uileac, being the tiny twink he is, would be the bottom, but in fact, that would be his strong ox of a husband. He loves to control that man. 10. If there's some form of competition, Uileac is in it to win it. Doesn't matter whether that's a dance-off (he cannot dance), a horse race (he and Erix will turn you into dust), or wrestling (he'll die), he'll give it a shot. Then brag about it.

[hypnified]

I want to be shipped with one of your OCs pleaseeeeeeeee 😁

Female, 27, 5'7", 105 lb, caucasion, blue eyes, brown 3B type curly brown hair that sits just below the shoulder, glasses, freckles everywhere except my face, and long freaken legs.

I have no idea what my personality letters are, but I'm an extroverted introvert. I am a leader, not a follower. I love public speaking and being in front of a crowd, but I also love my quiet alone time where I can write and think in peace. I love people, and I also can't stand people. I'm a lazy, do-nothing Saturday person, but also a let's do everything humanly possible person.

I'm incredibly introspective and inciteful. I spend most of my time in my head and am often asked for advice from others. Don't ask me how I know what the right thing is, I just know. 100% self-sufficient. If I dont know something, I will figure it out. Great sense of direction. I travel for work and I absolutely love it.

No nonsense, and an aversion to stupidity. Master of eye rolls and of sassy one liners. I can let loose once and a while, but only if I've known you for a longgggggg time. If you get to hear me cackle like a hyena, you've made it. Mostly dry sense of humor, but apparently, people still find me funny. I can have a crowd roaring in 5 minutes, but I can't carry a one on one conversation without being awkward.

I am prone to sensory overload, get migraines, and have low blood pressure. I may pass out on you, but I give out instructions on what to do if it happens. Im straightforward, and I will let you know exactly how I feel. There is no pussy-footing with me. I don't lie to make people feel better.

I am probably the most confident person you will ever meet IRL. I am a public speaker, so it comes with the territory. Also, I am a female in a male-domnaited industry, so I either suck it up or get wrecked. Most of the time, though, I'm wrecking the guys. Once I crush their egos with my knowledge and wit, they give me their utmost respect. I don’t have many insecurities, and the ones I do have don't run my life.

Oh, and underneath all of that, I am an absolute sweet person. I will shower you with kisses and hugs and so much love. I just gotta put my thick skin on when I go to work. Loyal to a fault. If you've gained my trust and respect, I will defend you to the ends of the earth. I have fought people before, and i will do it again. I am also a sucker for domestic life, and I can do everything from clean, cook, bake, laundry, gardening, and repairs. I would make a fabulous wife for the right guy.

I hope that wasn't too much...

@the-bad-batch-baroness

I just finished baking so time to answer some more oc ship asks! The longer the better it makes it easier for me!

At first I thought Erix, but I'm also getting Phoenix vibes!

Phoenix is an ambivert, but he doesn't lean towards being introverted or extroverted he's just there I guess. He's more of a follower, Laz is more of a leader. But he also won't sit for anyone's shit, but not much really bothers him. He's very picky with his company, which tends to upset some people but he doesn't care about it too much. He's a menace, and has no problems with being a little shit but he knows when to tone it down. Phoenix is really good at making people laugh and not even he knows why, it kinda just happens!

He's completely fine with you being awkward, if you still wanna talk he can keep the conversation going without any problems. But he won't force it either! If you pass out on him, he's one of the best equipped out of all my clone boys, so you're in safe hands. But if anyone approaches you I can't promise he won't get snappy, but a morbid joke is all he needs to shut someone up.

Phoenix really appreciates how straightforward you are, he's fairly blunt and he can't count on one hand the amount of times he's offended someone. Thanks to his death and the trauma that came along with it, he's not exactly confident, he really admires your confidence. To him you're one if the coolest people in the world, and will not shut up about it Laz will actually tell him to shut up. He's so proud of everything you do, but if he gets too much please tell him he will listen.

Youll never be short of attention with this boy around, Phoenix will be reminding you you're loved, he's peppering your face in kisses, hugging you everything. He just wants to give you attention! But for the love of god, do not let him cook he will burn the house down to a crisp, once he's gained your trust he's not gonna break it.

[tenmillionwhumperflies]

Febuwhump ‘21 #8

#8 Hey, Hey, This Is No Time To Sleep

For the record, I will make a master list at the end of this which puts everything in order. Some of these don’t happen til a lot later in the story so I need to sort it all out. Contains head injury.

WC: 1055

Dyan had been determined to do a good job of cleaning the library for his master. He was desperate to do a good job and make him happy. If master was happy, then he could be happy. So he worked all day, he didn't stop unless he was told to by Avizon.

So he cleaned, and he cleaned and he cleaned.

He was so distracted, he didn't even realise he was missing dinner. He had no idea, there was just him and the chandelier that he cleaned so gently from his ladder. 

"Dyan?" Avizon called suddenly.

Dyan startled badly, his body curled up on itself before he could remind it of what a terrible decision that would be. He fell from the ladder with a cry, trying to use his wings to steady his fall but he couldn’t fly, he barely slowed himself as he hit the floor hard. He mewled and then there was nothing.

The next thing he knew, Avizon was in his face, his eye full of worry and he grimaced. “Dyan, can you hear me?” Dyan groaned and rubbed his sore head. He tried to sit up, but Avizon’s firm hands kept him down. The pressure on his shoulder’s made him freeze and whimper. Old memories haunted him and filled him with panic. He couldn’t breathe.

“Do not move,” Avizon instructed. Dyan closed his eyes tight and braced for pain, but none came. “Relax, little one, I am not angry, you’re safe. You’ve hit your head badly, I wasn’t able to catch you in time.”

“I’m sorry,” Dyan whimpered. Bad, bad, bad! Yet again he had made a mistake! “Jus’ wanted...” his words wouldn’t come to him. What did he want, really? He wasn’t good, he wasn’t allowed to want things. He was nothing, and not even good at being nothing, as Erix so often told him. He shuddered and began to cry.

“Shhhh, Dyan, calm yourself. You’re hurt, so you’re a little confused, that is all. You are not nothing.” Wait, had he said that outloud?! He wanted to just curl up and sob. Why was he always so bad?! Things had made more sense to him when he was punished, he had rules to go by, reinforcement, but Avizon was different. Avizon was letting him get sloppy and it scared him. “Punish me,” he slurred, his body felt so heavy, so rusted and tired. “I… I’m bad… Please, I. I don’t want- n.no… can’t want...”

Avizon stroked the hair out of his face, noting how he flinched. “You are not bad. I will not punish you. But I am going to get this wound treated for you. It will take magic, and therefore feathers, but I can treat it.” He let out a soft breath; if his master wasn’t going to punish him, then sleep sounded so good… His eyes were so heavy, it meant he could get away from Avizon’s stare. “Dyan, no, stay awake. That is an order.” Dyan groaned but opened his eyes, feeling the light sting. Avizon carefully sat him up. “If you stay awake, then you’ll be a good bird, okay? Just stay awake for me.” Staying awake felt impossible, but he so desperately wanted to be good. He groaned and tried to fight with his dizziness.

“Let’s get you to the tower.”

Avizon picked him up, grunting as he held all of Dyan’s weight. “S.sorry,” Dyan mumbled, seeing the blood on the floor he’d spent hours scrubbing. His fingers showed the agonising sores he’s collected in doing his task. He’d just been so determined to make it pretty...

He didn’t know if he’d fallen asleep or not, but after a blink, he found himself in the tower. “Stay awake, good bird.” He lay Dyan down, face down on the table. “Awake, Dyan. Do not fall asleep.” Avizon retrieved his sack of feathers and cut the nibs of a few of them, letting the light magic within them seep into his fingers. “This will help.”

Dyan yelped when Avizon pressed his fingers lightly against the head wound. Dyan desperately tried to get on all fours, to get up, but his arms shook with exertion and he dropped back down. He mewled as Avizon continued with his work. He could feel things moving, amongst the pain. He whined and couldn’t help but try to crawl away.

Avizon had to put a hand on the centre of his back and push to ease him into staying still. “Shhh, it’s almost done. Breathe, Dyan, deep breaths.” “‘M sorry!” he cried, but finally the pressure came away from the back of his head. He fell limp, panting, sweating, and yet shivering. “It’s finished. It’s all healed. You’ve done well. You’re such a good boy. Steady now, you need rest.”

Another blink, and Avizon had teleported him back to his room. “It’s safe to sleep now if you want to...” Avizon’s voice trailed off when he saw Dyan’s hands, how red and sore they were, covered with blisters and callouses. “You worked so hard today...” “I thought it would please you?” “The library looks wonderful, but I care more about your safety, your comfort.” Avizon brushed his fingers over Dyan’s hands, having just enough healing magic left to ease the pain.

“Thank you, master...” Dyan sniffled. “But if I lie down I’ll get the pillowcase dirty...” Avizon ruffled his hair gently. “There are spares, but would you like me to prepare a bath?” “Your dinner...” Dyan realised. No, he couldn’t make his master miss his meal! “Dyan,” Avizon grumbled softly. “None of those things matter. They are nothing compared to your well being. My food will reheat. Let’s get you cleaned up then, so you have one less thing to worry about.” “I’m sorry,” he blubbed. “I. I always do things wrong.” Avizon hushed him softly. “You don’t, I swear it. I hope one day you are able to worry less, but I do understand why you are so afraid. It’s hard to change when it’s all you’re used to.” Dyan scrubbed his tears away with his palm. He was so lucky to have such a kind master, to have someone so forgiving. If this had been Erix, he’d have been punished so many times by now. Avizon smiled at him. “Come on then, little bird, bath time.”

[tenmillionwhumperflies]

Cloudwalker Series Part 31

It is drama time! Whump inbound.

Warnings: Blood, attempted murder, animal whump (Enchanted object), missing people/kidnapping.

Masterlist: Here

Approx WC: 3200

Taglist: @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi @thegreathowdini

Saying that things calmed down as days passed didn’t feel right coming off Avizon’s tongue. Something was brewing, he knew that much, and between Erix wanting him killed and Borgurk haunting his dreams again… something was going to happen. He just had no idea what or when. All he was able to do was keep himself distracted, mostly by teaching Ihuka and Dyan things while they worked on cleaning the castle. Avizon helped where he was able, but he found helping more often than not made Dyan nervous. Besides, he still had to rest his leg, to make sure that he didn’t damage it.

Orrien’s attempts at getting Dyan to wield magic had gone about as well as Avizon’s if not worse. He was too afraid now, and until they were able to find a solution to his leaking magic, they were unable to teach him anything else. It was dangerous, and Avizon was constantly having to keep some attention on feeling for the magic in the castle increasing, feeling for a fluctuation. It was tiring and it pained him that he couldn’t help Dyan after giving him the problem in the first place.

Blue and Orrien visited more and more. It seemed to help Orrien just as much as it helped Blue, but Avizon also found himself to be more and more eager to see him, even if Orrien didn’t like to go inside unless he had to. Avizon understood that. There were a lot of memories, memories he’d forced himself to face and had been able to ignore when his dark magic had more control over him. He was a prisoner of the past in ways, he was used to it, accepted it. His time here was what everyone would know him for, his legacy. There was no point trying to run for it. At least he was safe here now. Every day, he felt more like himself, but at the same time… troubled. His eye had begun to hurt him more and more, so he trained as much as he could, keeping the darkness flowing, managing it all. Perhaps there was just too much light magic around him.

He knew just how much Orrien hated this castle, so he often took his birds to see them instead. But today, Orrien had wanted to come to him. Avizon had no problem with it. The weather was fine, so he had a table and chairs brought outside so that they could sit. Dyan sat on the stairs of the castle, so eager to see Blue again. Avizon sat waiting at the table, and Ihuka sat with him, learning more words and going over his letters. He was hoping to be able to teach them both to read and write soon, but he was patient, keeping his focus on Ihuka’s speaking for now.

And so they waited. Ihuka finished his lesson, and tried to go and play with Dyan, but Dyan wanted to wait for Blue. He wanted to be there when they arrived. Ihuka frowned, but he was brave enough now to find his own ways of amusing himself. His feathers had mostly grown back, so he’d been practicing his flying, getting the strength back in his wings. Avizon left him be, he trusted him not to fly off, and even if he did, he could catch him again.

And so they waited. And they waited. And waited…

Avizon sighed as the afternoon started to get colder. He gave up, putting the chairs back inside. “He must be busy, Dyan,” he said, seeing him still sitting on the step, waiting. “Let’s go inside. The circle must have contacted him, or a farm animal might have needed help. I’m sure he’ll explain soon.” Dyan shuffled on the stone step, wings wrapped tight around him, picking at his blunted nails. “I… may I wait a little longer, master?” Avizon put the chair down and crouched beside him. “If you like… are you alright, Dyan?” Dyan nodded sadly. “I just… I was excited but… now I’m just really worried. What if Erix...” Avizon rubbed his back, but his words cut deep into his soul. He hadn’t been too worried, he knew Orrien could take care of himself, but now… Erix was a good fighter, that’s why he had taken Avizon’s place in the circle. Orrien was a healer, and against Erix, Avizon doubted he’d win. “Try not to worry yourself. I’m sure there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation,” he said, hoping to keep Dyan calm. “I will try to send a message. If Orrien does not answer, then I will go and make sure everything is well, alright? Please, go inside. I don’t want you out here on your own.”

He looked up, to see Ihuka flying through the air, chirping happily. Avizon couldn’t hide his beaming smile. “Ihuka! Inside now, it’s getting late.” Ihuka took notice at once and through he frowned at having to stop, he flew towards him and landed at the bottom of the stairs. “Well done. Good bird,” he said softly. “Come now, let’s get you both inside.”

Ihuka hurried up the stairs and pointed at the chair. “I help?” Avizon was pleasantly surprised. “Yes please. Thank you, Ihuka. Good bird.”

Ihuka lifted the chair and waddled inside with it, putting it back where it belonged. Avizon had to smile at him. He’d been doing well over the last few weeks, getting more comfortable with the fact he wasn’t going to be hurt. He was kind and was Avizon’s pride and joy, they both were. He hated seeing either of them looking down and gloomy. He was happier now than he had been for so long…

He hoped Orrien not showing up didn’t signal the end of that. He had to make sure he was alright to ease Dyan’s nerves- and his own.

He fed them both, and while they were eating at the kitchen table, Avizon went to see if he could get in contact with Orrien. He hoped with all his might that he could, that this was something easily explained, but… his instincts told him something was wrong. He patiently tried to get in contact with him. Orrien would be able to feel the attempt, but despite several attempts, there was no answer. Avizon grimaced. “Please, Orrien...”

He sighed deeply, and went back to the two cloudwalkers. Dyan looked up at him quickly, eyes wide, hopeful, but pleading. He was hoping just as much as Avizon had. “There was no reply, but keep cool. I’ll go and see. I know you’re worried, and I won’t lie and say that I’m not, but there could be other reasons other than something’s happened. You two stay here, just in case. Try to finish your dinner. I won’t be long-”

“W.what if something bad has happened? W.what if Erix is still there or you get hurt. Can I come with you, master, please?” Dyan pleaded.

Avizon gently shook his head. “Stay. I should only be a few minutes, but if- if something has happened, and I’m not back within… let’s say three days, you are both free to leave the castle, assume I’m not coming back. You can live here, or fly away, I wouldn’t mind. But I promise you, I will come back. As I said, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

Dyan rose from the table and hugged Avizon tight around the waist. Avizon was surprised. Dyan hadn’t shown such affections towards him for a while, but the worry was so clear in Dyan’s expression. He’d had too much unhindered time to overthink all the possibilities, and clearly few of his ideas had been nice ones. Avizon softly stroked his hair as he held him back. “It’s going to be alright, I’m sure. Good bird… go and eat please. You don’t need to worry, I’ll deal with everything.”

Avizon eased Dyan away from him and stepped back. “Be good, I’ll be right back.”

Avizon teleported to the farm where Orrien lived, deciding to not appear in the farmhouse in case something really had happened. He wanted to be prepared. Clearly something had gone on. The livestock were uneasy. Fox the horse was distressed, stomping and making plenty of noise. Avizon approached carefully and made the attempt to calm the horse before he got himself hurt. “Shhh, easy boy. Easy...”

He didn’t want to spend too long calming him down, but he helped enough, managing to get him to relax a little more in his stall. Avizon stroked his neck softly. This was odd. They should have been able to hear Fox kicking up such a fuss. Avizon kept stroking his neck while he stared at the farmhouse, trying to make out if there was any sign of movement, dangerous or otherwise. It all seemed perfectly still, but the shroud of dread was becoming more and more obvious as the sun faded away behind the trees.

“What happened here, old friend?” he mumbled to Fox. He could not speak to animals like Zena could, he could not listen, but he could feel, even if the dark magic had chewed away at that ability. He could still feel more than Fox’s fear, there was worry, confusion, a need to protect… Something was terribly wrong. He battled with his urge to rush in, his need to protect was battling with his instincts of taking care and proceeding with caution.

Once Avizon was more sure that Fox was going to be alright, he headed towards the farmhouse. He felt his magic in the palm of his hands, keeping it hidden from sight, but oh so ready to fire out at an enemy. Only as he drew nearer to the house, he felt energy. Magic- and no small amount of it. He felt Orrien’s, and for a healer, it was a concerning amount. But there was another, and though he didn’t know the owner’s magic well, he recognised it.

Erix had been here, and Orrien had used a lot of magic because of his presence. That was enough to make him shudder like a rodent had run up his spine.

Avizon tensed his jaw and carefully crept closer, trying to force himself not to rush blindly into danger. However, his worry for his master was too great. He picked up the pace until he was able to silently open the door which would lead straight into the kitchen. Power tingled in his fingertips. He pushed the door open wide and stood for a brief second in shock. It was an absolute mess. Broken plates, cupboards blasted open and the contents all over the floor. The smell of singed hair and cloth filled his nose and he scowled. The sheer amount of energy he could feel was enough to make his cursed eye hurt. He grimaced and stepped inside, trying to ignore the digging pain.

A door suddenly slammed shut. A ball of dark fire came to his hands before he could even register it. He was met with no enemy and hesitated. Had that been the breeze from opening the door or a person? Avizon walked slowly, wincing whenever the wood would creak beneath his light footfalls. He was ready to fight- to the death if need be to protect those he cared about. He needed to find Orrien and Blue, quickly. 

The kitchen was unoccupied, but the magic was so heavy on his mind. He tried to understand it, picking it apart. It was clear Orrien and Erix had exchanged blows here, that they’d fought, but it only seemed to be the beginning of it. He saw a big dent in one of the cupboards. He wondered if someone had been thrown back against it. He kept looking around, only to freeze as he approached the door frame.

He crouched in front of it carefully, seeing a dark handprint. When he touched it with his other hand, he found it to still be wet. It was blood, of that he was certain even with the feeble lighting in the building that the sun gave him. He saw a trail on the floor inching towards the very bedroom Avizon had stayed in only weeks earlier. There were footprints too, someone had followed after them. Avizon went inside, but found only more magic- teleportation magic this time, he could tell by the way it flickered and jumped around. It didn’t soothe like healing magic would, it didn’t feel heavy like fighting magic. The spell's jittery nature made it harder to be able to tell if this was the source of someone appearing or leaving, but he felt sure enough. Someone had crawled this way, someone, he guessed Erix, had followed, and he’d whisked them away. It didn’t bode well. He bit back a groan of pain as his eye spiked with pain.

“Orrien! Blue!” he finally dared to call out. He had to find them!

He looked back at the handprint, and decided to see the room where the person had been. There was so much magic here he wasn’t sure if anyone was still here. It was rapidly giving him a headache. He went into the living area, finding just as terrible a mess, and this time, there was a small pool of blood by the chaise. Some had soaked into the material, but most of it was on the floor and had been smeared across the wooden planks. Avizon crouched by it, trying to feel for who it belonged to, who’s magic ran through it, but then he heard a soft scratching noise. He turned quickly, a ball of bright red fire ready to bite, but there was no one. But the light did allow him to see a glint of metal under the chaise. It moved, and with the movements, came the scratching noises. His heart sank.

“Mouse,” he murmured, reaching behind the wooden leg to scoop him up, from where he lay curled up, his back leg was kicking out, as if in pain or discomfort. He hadn’t even thought of him, he’d just fully expected for him to be with Orrien. He needed to be with him! “Come here, little one.” At first Mouse shot around and bit him, before they’d even seen who it was, without even thinking. Avizon battled back the urge to pull away, even when they broke the skin on the side of his palm as they shook their head. He didn’t want to hurt or scare them by yanking his hand away. “Agh, Mouse, it’s me. It’s Avizon. Shhh, don’t bite. Don’t bite.”

Mouse stopped and let go, once they recognised him, they backed away lowering their ears. “It’s okay,” he promised them softly. “Come on.” Mouse carefully climbed onto his hand and Avizon brought them close to his chest. His best guess was that they’d been hit with some magic, but with some patience and care, Avizon was hopeful that they’d recover. Azeera’s enchantment magic was strong, so he had to hope for the best. “You’re safe now,” he promised. But his worry only doubled for the others. He was sure that this blood was Orrien’s now, that Mouse had been there to cling onto the magic that remained. It was probably the only reason the enchantment hadn’t broken. The only reason the one part of Ro left in this world hadn’t gone forever.

Avizon lifted them up and put them on his shoulder, between his neck and the collar of his shirt. “Keep warm, and don’t worry. We’ll find them.”

But now it was back to looking, and desperately at that.

There was no one else downstairs, he was sure of that much. Mouse had been the only one. He hadn’t seen signs of anyone going upstairs, but he had to be sure. Orrien had been here, but there was nothing indicating Blue was around.

The stairs creaked and groaned as he hurried up them. “Blue? Blue, are you here?”

He’d only just gotten onto the landing when he heard a feeble groan. Mouse sat bolt upright, and Avizon saw they were staring straight at Blue’s bedroom. Avizon gulped and made his way towards it, opening the door with the smallest of trembles in his hand. The door opened with a creak, and Avizon’s gaze quickly found the source of the noise.

“Blue!” he cried. He dropped down on his knees in front of the cloudwalker, taking only the briefest second to understand how he’d been tied. Pinned on his front, hands behind his back, and a rope connected from his ankles to a rope around his neck. He raced to get him free from the ropes that bound him, that slowly strangled him as he lost his strength to keep his head up.

Avizon burned through the rope that was digging into his throat. Blue dropped down, almost lifelessly, had it not been for the massive coughing fit that overtook him. Avizon rubbed his back vigorously. “Breathe, Blue, breathe!” He heaved him up into a sitting position and untied his hands while keeping him upright. Blue’s head fell down against his chest, but he groaned again. He was still alive- thank the realms, he was alive!

He kept coughing, but now his hands were free he was able to hold onto his throat as he coughed and mewled. “O.Orrien,” he rasped. “M.master...” “Shhh, deep breaths. Deep breaths. You can tell me what happened later.” Avizon already had a fair guess. Erix had tied him up and left him to die a slow and terrifying death on his own. Avizon held him close, trying to reassure him. Mouse climbed onto his shoulder and slid down into his lap, rubbing his head against him in a bid to comfort him.

“Only nod or shake your head. Did Erix take Orrien?” Avizon asked him.

Blue choked on a sob but nodded, trembling in Avizon’s arms. Avizon swallowed back his anger. “I will find him, Blue. I promise. But first I have to get you two back to the castle where it’s safe.”

Blue whined as Avizon propped him up against the bed. “Breathe. I need to check the other two rooms, just to be absolutely sure no one else is here. I’ll be right back, Blue, I promise you’re safe.”

Avizon stood and feverishly checked the remaining rooms. He was confident that Orrien was certainly gone. He returned to Blue’s side and crouched down beside him. “I’m going to pick you up, alright? We’re getting you out of here-” “E.Erix took Orrien t.to get you. I. I think it’s a trap.” Avizon’s heart sank, seeing how he was forcing himself to speak past the pain.

Avizon scooped him up and waited for Mouse to climb into his hand to make sure he didn’t leave without them. He kissed Blue on the top of the head. “You may be right, but please rest. I will find Orrien once I know you’re safe. I swear on my blood I will find him.”

Avizon closed his eyes and focused on his home, the tower where he could look after both of them. Dyan was going to take this terribly, but there was nothing he could do to avoid it. With home in mind, he teleported away. At least he’d been able to save some. Erix was going to pay when he got his hands on him, that much was sure. The only question was... where was he?

[tenmillionwhumperflies]

Cloudwalker Series Part 12

Protective Avizon anyone? COMFORTING Avizon? CUDDLE GIVING AVIZON? I hath delivered.

Warnings: References to previous torture, noncon, and humiliation in a character’s past. (Erix shows up at the castle for Dyan who taunts and says some nasty things to Dyan while he’s there).

Master-list Here

Approx WC: 2200

Avizon gave Ihuka almost two weeks of bedrest and steady care until he was ready to start working again. He left him and Dyan alone as much as he could, only seeing them to feed them and check on them for the time being. He didn’t train them. He let them wander some of the grounds, and Ihuka liked sneaking out of bed to look out of the big windows for hours and hours, always lost in thought, hugging his knees and mumbling to himself. Dyan said that he was upset, grieving even, for the freedom and the brother he had lost. Avizon usually just put a blanket over him and left him to it. He was behaving, so it didn’t matter, especially if it was helping him process it all.

But Avizon hated waiting, but this time had to be the exception if he was to win back both of their trusts. He wanted them to be looked after, but he also had so many questions about their powers which he was determined to find the answers to. Just how did their magic work? Was the power confined to their feathers? He didn't know, but he intended to learn as all good sorcerers should. He needed to go to the great library, but that was a few days away and he didn’t want to travel just yet. Perhaps he could speak to his old mentor, Orrien, but he wasn’t sure how pleased he’d be to see him.

For now, that would have to wait. He worked with Dyan where he could, doing harmless tests, asking him questions, getting him to ask Ihuka questions, which most of the time was more fruitful since he was wild. Avizon took it all in, he wrote it all down. 

Once Ihuka was more healed,  he'd set Dyan off cleaning a massive ballroom with Ihuka's help. Ihuka was rough and unskilled, which came in handy for catching rats and scrubbing the floors whereas Dyan's gentle nature was much more valuable in cleaning the chandeliers and everything else that was fragile. They had a few days to finish the task, but he was confident that by the end this room would practically glow. Ihuka seemed to appreciate the exercise for the most part.

But that day was different, as he sat he felt the presence of another in his castle. He glowered, produced an orb with a wave of his hand which went to seek out whoever was there and guide them to him. He summoned his cloudwalkers to his side like mastiffs. But when the presence found them, Dyan paled. 

There stood Erix, Dyan's previous owner, though calling him that made Avizon feel sick. His yellow/orange eyes were piercing compared to his black hair and dark clothes. His skin was sickly pale and he’d let the hair on his chin grow out into a goatee of sorts. Avizon could see the earrings he wore were actually teeth, not any teeth- fangs. Cloudwalker fangs no doubt. Avizon could only just make out a tattoo on his neck, the tips of wings he guessed. Diid he even have a tattoo of one of these poor creatures.

"What are you doing here?" Avizon scowled, stroking Dyan's hair to soothe him.

"I heard you found a lost toy of mine," Erix answered, wiping his snotty nose on his forearm and glaring at Dyan. He shrugged and took out a roll of paper filled with tobacco. Dyan whimpered. Seeing a few faint burns on his shoulders made it clear as to why. Erix lit in with magic by flicking the end of it. "I want him back, he's mine."

Dyan managed a groan, but he was too afraid to shuffle away. He was tense under Avizon's soft touch, as solid as rock but trembling like he was going to crumble into dust. He wouldn't budge, he couldn't stop staring, panicking inside. “M.master, p.please...” he whispered, look up at Avizon’s face.

“Get here, you traitorous little runt- now!” Erix demanded, pointing at his feet. Dyan let out a mercy squeak, and Avizon was surprised to find Dyan quickly began inching towards Erix.

Avizon reached a little further down, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Stay,” he said softly.

Avizon turned to look up at Erix. "I think you'll find he is mine," Avizon purred, running his fingers through his hair, hoping it helped calm him while it also looked possessive. He’d never liked Erix, he was powerful, enough to be a threat at least, but now he loathed him, and he wanted nothing more than to kill him. "I don't like to share, especially not with scum like you."

“I had that little slut first,” Erix snapped. “You still would have one. Give me back what is rightfully mine! I need him!”

“Mind your words,” Avizon glowered, clenching his other fist. “Or you’ll be needing a coffin.”

Erix forced a clearly fake smile. “Payment, then?” Erix placed three bags on the table. "I'm offering you seventy five of the finest diamonds from the Northern Mountains."

"No."

Another bag. "A hundred then, here and now."

"No!" Avizon shot to his feet, hands clenched. Dyan squeaked. "Dyan is not falling back into your slimy hands ever again. He is mine! If you want him, you go through me."

Ihuka fluffed up his black feathers and snarled, focusing on Erix. Erix widened his stance, ready to fight. “Don’t underestimate me-” “Don’t flatter yourself.”

Ihuka growled again, he was all too ready to lash out. “Tell your flea-bitten mutt to stand down before someone gets hurt.” "You'd best be careful Erix, or else you might end up missing a leg, he has quite the bite to him. You have had the gall to ask for the cloudwalker, and I have said no, now leave."

Ihuka moved in front of Dyan without hesitation, without waiting for an order. He seemed to understand the situation.

"Get your stinking slimy body out of my castle before I freeze you and give Ihuka his orders. Ten-"

"He belongs to me!" Erix roared, slamming a fist on the desk, drawing another cry from Dyan. Avizon could hear him sobbing. He brought glowing white power to his hands, ready to attack or defend if necessary. Erix was not getting his little bird!

"Three, two, o-"

"Fine!” Erix spat, and Avizon struggled not to sigh in relief. “I'm going, keep the little rat. I hope you have fun with him. I wouldn’t treat him too nicely, he’ll just escape if you give him nice things and free you’re other cloudwalker as he did with me. I'll find a new one. Oh, and Dyan," he sampled the name on his tongue and smirked coldly, “I hope you can sleep at night knowing what you’ve forced upon some poor innocent bird because you’ve betrayed me.” Dyan whined, dipping his head down. Erix flicked his roll at Dyan, but Avizon quickly deflected it.

But when Erix reached for the bags Avizon slammed his hands down on the desk, the thud echoed across the room. Both cloudwalkers jumped in fright. 

"I'll keep the diamonds too. Get. Out. I will be watching you, and if you ever buy or use one of those poor creatures again, I will personally see to it that they eat you alive. Hopefully, your foul flesh won't poison them. Really, I should kill you where you stand!"

"And risk the wrath of the entire city? The evil Avizon kills a man who simply wants to buy his property back?" Erix snorted. “That’s if I don’t kill you first, you’re nothing but a lame and sulking shadow.”

"You think I fear that city? That I could ever fear you?" Avizon brought power to his hands, oh so ready to act.

Dyan whimpered with fear, stopping Avizon's trail of thought but Erix was already storming away.

"Stay, Ihuka. Good bird," Avizon said softly.

He turned to look at Dyan who was leaning against the throne, hugging the corner of it and trying to breathe. He was hyperventilating, with panic so clear in his eyes. He was trying to hide behind his wings, his eyes just peeking over the top. 

"Oh, little bird," he murmured. "It's alright, shhh. You're safe. He's gone."

"H.he won't stop until he has me," Dyan cried.

"Do you want me to kill him?"

Dyan couldn't find an answer. "I… I'm not allowed to want anything?" His eyes were red, sore, and carried so much confusion, doubt; fear.

"Answer me, Dyan. You are allowed."

"Then…No, master… you'll get in trouble. O.or you could get hurt."

"I've been in far more trouble than this before. I’ve killed royalty. If he's gone you don't need to fear him anymore, you'll be free and the world will be a better place for it…" Avizon studied his expression. "But… you don't want to run that risk of losing me, do you?.. Well, if you are sure, I will let him live and I'll watch him as best I can to make sure he hurts no one else. Either way, you're safe."

Dyan couldn’t stop crying, he couldn’t calm himself after such a close encounter. Avizon knelt beside him and slowly reached up to rub his back, to hush him and wait for him to calm. Ihuka inched closer and rubbed his head against Dyan's shoulder like a cat until Dyan reached up to hold onto him as he trembled.

"You were very brave, Dyan. I know that was hard for you… You can have the rest of the day off if you wish?" Dyan shook his head. "I. I can't. I have to clean. I'm being bad- I.I can't be bad-" Avizon cupped his cheek. "Look at me, little one."

Dyan did so, but he gulped. Avizon stroked his cheek, hoping it would calm him more. "You are not bad. You are a little treasure and your loyalty astounds me in the best of ways. You've been cleaning for six hours. The ballroom is practically finished, and you both deserve the rest. If you want to stop, to go and lie down or go for a walk with me then that is allowed, I understand cleaning might also make you feel better, but the choice is yours. What do you want to do so you can feel better?"

"I… t.the walk sounds nice…" he managed, nervously wringing out his hands.

Avizon nodded and smoothed the hair out of Dyan's face. "Good boy. Stay here until you've calmed down. I need Ihuka to put everything away, but if you need comfort you can sit on my knee or by my chair and I'll do what I can."

Dyan inched closer once Avizon sat back down, he eased his head into Avizon's lap, his arms reaching around to hug his leg. Avizon stroked his head, doing his best to avoid his damaged horn until Dyan's head flopped against him as he got more exhausted. He was struggling to keep his eyes open the longer Avizon played with his hair. Avizon waited to see if he'd fall asleep but every time he got close he'd startle awake.

Avizon gently picked him up using his powers and eased him onto his lap, putting an arm around him, letting Dyan snuggle against him. Dyan was unsure at first, but he leaned against his chest tucking a wing around himself.

"Sleep, little bird. I'll protect you."

Avizon played with his hair again, helping him to drift off. He eased a little bit of sleep magic into him to help. As he did, he looked down at his broken horn. He could see fragments of power within it, like seams of ore in a freshly mined rock. So there was power in their horns after all… perhaps that did explain why he had less power. 

Ihuka returned once everything was put away that needed to be. He looked at Dyan with concerned curiosity, but Avizon smiled softly. "He's alright." He pointed to the bed beside him, inviting Ihuka over. He did so and curled up. Avizon waited until Dyan was in a deep sleep until he used his powers to pick him up, supporting all of his body, and then settled him down in the bed beside Ihuka, who was getting drowsy. Ihuka cuddled into him and settled a little more. Avizon nodded to himself and left them to sleep while he continued his work. He focused on Erix's presence. Its unique feeling. Part of him knew it wouldn't be the last he'd see of him.

He reached forward, took one of the bags and opened it up, letting the content pour onto the table. Sure enough, there were twenty-five stunning gems. He scrutinised them carefully, and true enough they were real, but also familiar. He’d seen the king with these gems before… Had Erix really just tried to buy a cloudwalker from him with his own money? And yet this was so much more than what a typical white winged cloudwalker with a broken horn should be worth. He could have bought at least twenty cloudwalkers with this much money. He really wanted Dyan. Avizon feared it was an obsession. Whether the diamonds had belonged to him or not. He would be back, that much was true. 

And Avizon the Terrible would be ready, with all his wrath ready to rain upon anyone who dared try to take his cloudwalkers from him.

[tenmillionwhumperflies]

Cloudwalker Series Part 13

Okay this got split in half because it was like 3k words. Have more protective Avizon and a little Ihuka whump (mild beating).

Warnings: Mild beating, pet whumpee

Master-list Here Total WC: 1700

It wasn't long until Avizon's supplies began to dwindle. He needed to go back to town, to stock up and fill his cart. He decided to take the birds with him. They couldn't fly off, and he doubted they'd try to run. Ihuka had certainly learned this lesson. He'd been trying hard to please him since then. They'd earned a trip outside. Besides, he would need travelling supplies for when he went to the Great Library. He wasn't sure if he wanted to take his birds with him. Was it safer to seal them in the castle for the day or two he'd be gone? He was unsure.

But first things first, the market.

He went to their room and found that Dyan and Ihuka were asleep, a tangled mess of limbs, feathers and drool. Avizon couldn't help but smile. They'd settled in well overall, and they'd been far less trouble. Ihuka had his bad days still, but he found it was easier to set him off cleaning with Dyan and it seemed to work the resentment out of him that way. He couldn't afford to punish him much more. He was already so afraid of him. He thought he'd wanted a challenge, he thought he'd known what he wanted but things were changing every day. They were changing him... They reminded him more and more of his old self, before everything changed, before everything had been stolen from him. 

His master’s words rang in his ears. This is dark magic you seek. It will corrupt you, it will change you for the worst and it will eventually kill you.

"Wake up, little birds. We have a long day ahead of us," he called.

Ihuka yawned and tried to hide under his wing to get more sleep.

"I saw that, Ihuka. Wake up, there's a good bird. I might even buy you a gift if you can behave yourself.” Dyan stretched his wings out and sat up, “Where are we doing today, master?” “We’re going to the market.” Dyan gulped. “You mean...” “No, no! Not that market, a different one, for food and supplies. Don’t worry, all is well.”

The tension in Dyan’s body visibly dropped away. Avizon petted his head. “Get dressed. I’ll see if there are any coats leftover from the servants.”

“You had servants?” Dyan asked softly. Avizon cleared his throat. “No, they were before I took over the castle.” Avizon’s attack that day had led everyone to flee, leaving everything behind. Even the purple and turquoise clothes they wore had belonged to cloudwalkers owned by the princess. He shuddered at the memories, the thought of past pains.

He shook himself out of it. “Get dressed,” he found himself repeating. “and wake Ihuka up. Meet me outside by the horse.” “Yes, master.”

Avizon paused for a moment, remembering Dyan had hurt his wrist the day before because he’d been cleaning so much. It wasn’t broken, just stiff and achy. “Is your wrist still hurting?” Dyan nodded meekly. Avizon ruffled his hair, “alright, take it easy.”

Avizon left them to it. He rummaged around in the empty bedrooms until he found a chest with cloudwalkers clothes in. He knew they had to be somewhere. The princess had always spoiled her pets, and yet beaten them when she felt like it. Looking back, he really pitied those creatures. The Princess had always had a terribly good arm for striking. He wondered what had happened to those two, Fluffy and Flutter, she had called them. What had been their real names? Where had they come from?... Perhaps he could make some inquiries when he was in the city.

He looked in the box, seeing what he could find. There were shoes that looked agonising to walk in, accessories of all descriptions. He took the two bandannas out, they could be helpful, and finally he found the coats with a lace-up back. He hoped they would fit. He could always buy them new things when he got there at least. He brought it all downstairs and outside, where his two cloudwalkers were waiting patiently.

He made two piles, one for Ihuka with the white coat with purple stitching and one for Dyan with the black coat and turquoise. He gave them the bandanna. “Put these on, then I will need to wrap your wings. I’m not having those vermin stealing your feathers.”

It took a while to get everything sorted to go. Ihuka liked having the bandanna hanging loosely around his neck once Avizon had tied it for him. Dyan was more nervous, but Avizon had an idea. He tied it around his wrist and tucked it all in neatly. “There, that should support it.” Dyan cheeped out a thank you. He let them both sit in the cart, with their leads secured to it. They took it as a chance to nap. 

Avizon didn’t mind, it meant he could reflect without distraction. It seemed the past was determined to haunt him today. His horse nickered softly as she pulled the cart along. “Steady, Secret, steady girl.” She continued on her way, not caring for the rain that started. Avizon grumbled and pulled up his hood. Thunder clapped overhead, he heard a squeak from inside the cart and Secret looked unsteady. He worked on reassuring her. “It’s alright, little birds, no need to be afraid, we’re almost there.” The rain did mean that a lot of people had gone home, which meant this would be easier for him. He knew what to expect, he knew how the people were, but they feared him at least, and he could soon get them to scarper if he wanted to.

He brought the cart to a stop under a basic shelter, which kept the rain off his horse. He tethered her to the post and patted her neck. “Good girl. Steady now.”

He went to the back and untied the cloudwalkers, “You’ll have to come with me. I don’t want you getting stolen. Come on out.”

Dyan and Ihuka carefully climbed out, both looked unsure. He left their leashes short. He trusted them to stay by his side, but he didn’t trust the people. He urged them onward and brought them into the large wooden building where most of the stalls were. He set to work buying what he needed and much to his surprise, the cloudwalkers behaved. They followed him wordlessly, but Ihuka was tense, his head constantly moving. Dyan seemed used to this, but Ihuka was certainly not. He took a moment to pat his head. “Easy now.”

He bought what he needed, and the market owners would send their assistants out to pack his cart. The place emptied quickly, probably because he was here, but there were still half a dozen people or so. He relaxed the leashes, giving them more space to wander. He frowned when Ihuka’s suddenly went limp. When he looked, he quickly found the rope no longer held a cloudwalker on the end.

The rope had been cut.

“Ihuka?” he called out. He heard a yelp and a shout. “Nasty little thief! Go on, fuck off!” Avizon turned just in time to see one of the stall owners kicking Ihuka when he was on the ground. He glowered. “Come, Dyan.” 

A second man came over to Ihuka, an older man that could have been the first’s father. He slapped the young man in the back of the head. “What the hell are you doing?” “It took from the stall!” the younger man defended. “Aye, and I’ve told you to usher it off and inform its owner to pay for the items. You don’t beat the fucking things, someone owns them! They’re animals, they don’t know how the stalls work.”

The older man crouched down to look at Ihuka but Ihuka shied away.

Avizon walked calmly to the stall, seeing Ihuka curled up. He whined seeing him and got on his knees, hugging his stomach. On the floor, he saw a piece of liquorice root. “Your greatness! I… I.Is this your pet? I. I. I had no idea!” the younger one exclaimed. Avizon ignored him. He crouched in front of Ihuka, opened his coat and moved up his shirt. He saw where he’d been kicked hard, it looked like it would bruise. Hopefully nothing more…

“Dyan, ask Ihuka what happened,” Avizon said, but he glared up at the young man who realised he had just made a terrible mistake.

Dyan did so and reported back. “He took a bit of the root, he said they use it in the wild, that he couldn’t resist it… It does smell so good, I...”

Avizon took a piece of liquorice root from the stall and started to chew it. He wasn’t keen on the taste, but he had a point to make. “Where’s my beating then, sir? Or are you suddenly not so keen?”

“Please, your greatness, I… Is there anything I can do to make up for my mistake?” the young man groaned in fear while the older one kept his distance. Avizon smirked. “Well, for one thing, I’ll have all of your liquorice root, and because you kicked my cloudwalker three times, you can half the price, the half it again, and then half it again.”

The older man did not seem too happy but he wasn’t about to argue. “Yes, your greatness. Could I offer you anything for the bird’s pain?” “Yes, and if I find any bones have cracked, then I will be giving this man the same treatment.” Avizon was in no rush, he tended to Ihuka, hushing him as he tried to check for breakages but Ihuka wriggled a lot and pushed his hands away. “M.master, no… please...” He lowered his head down and let out a weak mercy squeak.

Avizon gave up looking for now. He didn’t want to upset him too much. “You’re not in trouble, little bird.”

After Ihuka had chewed on some herbs for the pain, Avizon took a fresh piece of liquorice and held it out to Ihuka, who was still curled up on the floor, no doubt still afraid. He knelt down and brushed a hand through his hair. “On your feet, good boy.” He gave him the root and picked up his lead. He inspected it, seeing where it was clearly burned.

“M.master?” Dyan suddenly whimpered. Avizon turned to see Erix in the doorway glaring at them.

[tenmillionwhumperflies]

Cloudwalker Series Part 14

Bit O’ drama, bit O’ fluff. I hope you like this one. 

Warnings: There’s a bit of a fight in this one but no massive injuries. There’s the usual warning for owned/pet whumpees, and then Erix is back who’s whumped Dyan in the past (noncon) but there’s no scenes of that in this piece.

Master-list Here

Approx WC: 1500

Avizon tensed his jaw and clenched his fists. “Stay by my side, he can’t hurt you. Chin up, Dyan, you’re better than him. He can’t hurt you.”

Dyan whimpered but did so. Ihuka growled from the floor. “Tell Ihuka to keep an eye on him, to warn me if he approaches.” Dyan did so quickly. Then Avizon turned his back to Erix and continued buying tins and dry goods. He’d give him the chance to walk away, to resolve this. He wasn’t afraid to turn around and simply mumble a spell of protection to be sure.

He looked to the far side of the table and saw dreamcatchers. He looked down at Dyan and cleared his throat. “Pick one of these, for you.”

Dyan’s eyes grew wide. “Master?” “Go on, choose one. Perhaps they will help with your bad dreams. They are not made from cloudwalker feathers?” “No, your greatness, only game birds and the like,” the older stall owner said. “Good.” Dyan picked out one with brown and white feathers. It was a pretty thing. “Add that to my list.”

Ihuka jumped to his feet and Avizon turned around again. Erix was coming closer, walking closer rather than sending a ranged attack.

“Tread carefully,” Avizon warned. “You are not getting him, and you are not getting your diamonds. I know you tried to buy Dyan with my own money. Thief.” He looked back at the stall with the now sheepish young man for a moment and smirked before turning back. “Maybe you should get a beating too.”

Erix snarled, “You have no right! He’s my fucking bird!” Dyan whimpered and tried to back away but Avizon wouldn’t give him the leash space. “Aye, and you cut the rope. For that-” Avizon didn’t even hesitate when he swung a punch, catching him on the jaw. Dyan yelped and scrambled back since Avizon had dropped the ropes. 

Erix stumbled back in shock, power rose in his hands, making a few people scatter, and Dyan dragged Ihuka away, behind a stall. Erix threw a massive orb of energy at Avizon, and Dyan shrieked, but Avizon calmly raised his hand, and produced a larger orb of energy, it looked almost like liquid smoke, which engulfed the orb Erix sent. He then transformed the large orb into a snake like rope, which grabbed onto Erix and yanked him closer before he could break it. Avizon was inches away from Erix’s face.

“If you’re going to attack me, at least act capable of winning. Do not threaten, hurt, or even inconvenience my birds. You lost your rights to Dyan when you treated him like dirt. He is mine, unless you’d like to try again to fight me for him?” Erix snarled but lowered his head and Avizon smirked. “No, I thought not. I'm getting tired of seeing you glaring at me and stomping your feet when you’re too cowardly to start a fight worth finishing. Get out of my sight, while you can."

Erix grumbled, his face red with embarrassment. Avizon threw him away and let him land on his face on the dusty wooden floor. “This isn’t the end of this,” he glowered, but he backed away and left the barn, holding his jaw. Avizon moved his head to either side, making it crack. “You there, go and stand guard of my horse, I don’t trust that slug,” Avizon ordered. “Yes, your greatness.”

Avizon sighed and looked back at Ihuka and Dyan, who were still hiding behind a stall. Both of them looked terrified. “It’s alright, little birds. Come.” Dyan swallowed hard but picked up his and Ihuka’s leash, he inched closer and offered them back to him with shaking hands. Avizon praised him gently, taking the rope but holding his hands for a short moment. He massaged Dyan’s sore wrist for a moment. “Good bird. Trust me. You’re safe. Erix knows I am stronger, and I will protect you. Ihuka, up.” Ihuka stood and gave Dyan his slightly chewed root. Dyan took it from him nervously and began to chew the other side. He was surprised to see him calm faster.

Slowly the people returned to their stalls, which meant Avizon could return to purchasing supplies. He was passing a small stall but he felt resistance on Ihuka’s part. Avizon turned to see Ihuka had stopped, looking up sadly at the table. Avizon frowned when he was looking at small knitted cloudwalkers. “What?” He asked gently. Ihuka pointed sadly. “Ryuvek...” Avizon raised an eyebrow, no wonder his brother had been sold so quickly if he was a damned tawny.

“Well hello, there lovelies. What beautiful companions you have there,” the old woman smiled. Avizon looked at the old woman who seemed in her own merry world. She seemed familiar, from the castle he was sure. He studied the table, the clothes, the dresses, the blankets. Of course. She was the royal seamstress. “Emmy?”

She paused for a moment. “Yes, Lord Avizon?” “I did not realise you would be here.” It felt wrong to ask her how she fared. He was the one who had reduced her to this after all. “Your work is still as beautiful as ever...” He gestured to the doll Ihuka had seen. “I’ll take one. Come, Dyan, you may pick one thing as a reward.”

Dyan pursed his lips, “But… I’m not sure I deserve nice things? I didn’t do anything?” “And I say you did, so choose.”

Dyan peered around. He saw a blanket folded up in the corner, “Is that too much?...” The old woman gingerly handed it to him. It was incredibly soft, perhaps it would help both of his cloudwalkers when they were afraid. “I’ll take two of these, you can pick your colours.” Ihuka picked a dark blue one, and Dyan was unsure. Avizon asked the woman if she had more, which she did, and Avizon was able to find the colour he was looking for: turquoise. Dyan seemed to fall in love with it as soon as he saw it. “Thank you, master.”

“I recognise those coats,” Emmy said softly, “I made them myself.” “Yes, but I do not think Ihuka is overly fond of purple… Perhaps you would be interested in making them new clothes for me?” “It would make me most happy, sir, I admit I have missed making such fine clothes… May I take their measurements?”

He nodded, “Dyan, take your coat off little bird, let Emmy measure you. She won’t hurt you. Best behaviour now.”

Dyan nodded and took his coat off, giving it to Ihuka to hold. He behaved perfectly, letting Emmy measure him despite his clear nervousness and flinches.

“Will he be expected to put on weight?” Avizon looked at Dyan’s still thin torso, “Yes, til he’s healthy. I think looser clothes would be best, more coverage as well.” “Yes, that usually is the case with cloudwalkers… Poor Flutter used to despise the tight clothes. He was always getting into trouble for it.”

Next came Ihuka. Avizon kept close to him, keeping a hand on his chin just to be sure that he didn’t bite her. “I don’t suppose you know what happened to the royal pets?” Avizon asked, stroking Ihuka’s chin with his thumb. Emmy carried a sad look on her face, “I don’t think they weren’t anyone’s priority at the time. I did look, I was so fond of them, but I think one of the guards took them and sold them. Poor things, I hope they found a happier life.”

“Should you ever hear more, let me know,” Avizon said, “I’d even be tempted to buy them back.” “I will see what I can do, My Lord.”

Ihuka huffed out a breath as his arms started to ache. Avizon stroked his hair, "Steady now. Good bird.” “You gave them liquorice?” Emmy said in mild surprise. He guessed she smelled it on their breath. “Lord Avizon, you have changed.” There was something about being spoken to as if he was a normal man against that… warmed something inside him. He hadn’t realised how much he missed it until now. “Aye, he helped himself to some at the table so I bought more.”

“I thought I saw a commotion by Barnard’s stall, poor thing. Cloudwalkers adore liquorice root, they really can’t resist it. They eat it to keep their teeth clean, but it also gives them quite the giddy feeling. Some sellers give it to them to keep them calmer and happier.” “Interesting… I imagine Ihuka will need a crate of the stuff then. He can be quite the handful,” he remarked and she smiled. 

“I imagine it is hard on them to lose one world and be thrown into another. I wish more people cared for them.”

“I can agree with you there, they’ve begun to make me see they aren’t just animals… How much for everything?” “For you, only-” “No,” he said softly, “You do not have to charge less, you have your respect for me. In fact-” He passed one of the small pouches Erix had 'given' him. “Here. It is a shame there were not more like you.” He thought she was going to faint when she opened the bag. “Are you sure, my lord? I...” “Yes. Look after yourself, perhaps you could buy a cloudwalker of your own to help you and care for.”

He smiled and took his things. Perhaps these cloudwalkers really were changing things. “I’ll pick up the clothes on my next visit. Let’s go home, little birds.” He patted their hair and guided them back to the cart.