#i’m torn between the wheel of fortune and the sun

[urmomsstuntdouble]

more skater au

Annelise peered out the window, drumming her fingers against the steering wheel. Skaters leaned against the chain link fence, clustered in small groups, with one doing a little trick every now and then. She scanned the skate park once more, and looked down at her crystal watch. Julchen was still absent from view. Annelise brought a hand to her head and massaged her temples, growling to herself- Fortunately no one was close enough to hear. But still! Where was that girl? She was going to be late to her own band practice! 

Annelise took another glance across the park, but once again, Julchen was nowhere. Annelise sent her a quick text. Julia. I’m here in the car. Where are you? She looked up in time to witness a tall-looking, muscular woman roll past her car. Annelise blinked, Julchen’s tardiness forgotten. God, she thought, as the woman stepped off her board. Perhaps the true religion was strong thighs. 

The woman hopped off her board, and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. She approached a group of skaters, and another woman of a similar build pulled her into a headlock. The second woman nuzzled her fist into the strong legged, dreadfully attractive one, and laughed. If Annelise had any say in the matter- Which she didn't- she would’ve taken a comb that hair. It was unruly, and sort of cute, but needed to be better cared for. 

The women disentangled from each other, and went on talking. Annelise’s phone buzzed, though she didn't notice. She was too busy staring, and feeling gayer than she had in quite some time. Her mouth fell open as she watched the woman laugh, toss her head back and clutch her stomach with one hand. She looked like summer. 

Her phone buzzed again, and again, as if someone was calling her. She took one last glance at the stranger, drinking in her appearance, and looked down at her phone. Oh, it was Julchen. Hm. She’d anticipated a text, but any contact was good, Annelise supposed. She answered the phone. 

“Anna, baby!” Julchen crowed. Her voice was harsh on the ears. 

“Julchen. Where are you?” 

“I’m at the skatepark, what do you mean?” 

“Check the time, you cretin.” Silence. Annelise looked down at her watch once again, and rolled her eyes. Julchen’s band practice started in five minutes, and the location was a fifteen minute drive away. 

“Oh, yeah, I already told Kiku I wasn't gonna make it on time. He said it was cool.” Annelise rolled her eyes. 

“I don't care what Kiku thinks,” She growled, “I care that you wasted my time!” 

“Woah, way to speak your mind, Anna. I think you should care what Kiku thinks-” 

“Well, I don’t right now!” Annelise shouted. She was overreacting, but her car was in the sun, and she was sweating, and it was so hard not to peek out the window at that beautiful woman- 

“It’s okay,” Julchen said, voice melting like fondue. “You good, Anna?” 

“I’m fine,” Annelise said, pinching the bridge of her nose. God, Julchen was insufferable. Why she ever felt anything for that girl, she’d never know. “Can you please come here? Now? I’m next to the entrance.” 

“Yeah, I’ll be right there,” Julchen said, “Kisses!” She made a loud smooching noise, and hung up. Annelise rolled her eyes again. Julchen would absolutely not be right there. Not for lack of trying, though- A few weeks ago, Julchen took a bad fall, destroying her right knee in the process. Torn ACL, patella shattered, the whole nine yards. Annelise held her hand through the reconstructive surgery. Now she relied on crutches to get around and pretended her knee brace didn't exist. The crutches, unfortunately, were a great impediment to Julchen’s speed. But whatever, she said she’d be right there. Annelise lasted three minutes before she got out of the car and stalked towards the nearest group of skaters. It happened to include that gorgeous woman she’d ogled earlier, but who was counting?  

“Do any of you happen to know where I could find Julia Beilshmidt?” Silence fell upon the group, and it took Annelise about five seconds to regret her choice. She was out of place, in terms of fashion and physical activity. There were five skaters before her, and they filled out their clothes, to say the least. Especially the woman she’d been looking at earlier. Her shorts hugged her thighs, tighter around her hips, and Annelise was fairly certain she had pierced nipples. There was a chain attached to her belt loops, for Christ’s sake! Annelise could never wear such a thing. 

“Julchen? Yeah, she’s here,” Said the Extremely Attractive Woman. “Why’d you need to know?” Annelise looked up, meeting her eyes. And what beautiful eyes they were…But she needed to find Julchen, not admire pretty girls.

“I’m her roommate,” She said, biting her lip. “I’m here to take her to band practice, since she can't drive right now.” 

“Oh, yeah, the band. Are you in it?” The woman asked, and Annelise shook her head. She wasn't sure how that was a question. Her sleeves were frilled, and Julchens had been cut off long ago.

“No,” She said, finally. Instead of replying, the other woman nodded with a half smile on her face. How was one supposed to react in this situation? “Anyway,” Annelise cleared her throat, “Do you know where she is?” 

“Oh, right,” The woman said, “Yeah, she’s back here.” She slinked out of the circle, and motioned for Annelise to follow her. Annelise stepped back, exiting the circle, and stumbled as she followed the woman with laughter at her heels. Heat prickled at the back of her neck and down her spine. Maybe it was the slight incline, but Annelise was sweating more than usual. Or maybe it was that the woman held her board under one arm, at a position which highlighted her forearm. 

Her forearm was tan, a bit darker than her upper arm, and more freckled. Tiny hairs gave her skin a fluffy halo. Despite her muscular build, her body still looked soft. And her hair- Gorgeous, curly and dark, slipping from a low bun. Annelise could imagine running her fingers through it under the soft light of her bedside lamp. You don’t even know her name, said her rational side. But she’s built like Julchen, said another, And you know what Julchen can do. Annelise tried to push the thoughts out of her head. And failed. This woman was exactly her type, and had a cute face. A round nose, not quite button shaped, and deep, brown eyes…Oh wait no, those brown eyes were looking right back at her. Fuck. 

“Not to interrupt your staring, but I don't think you mentioned your name,” the woman said. Annelise set her eyes forward as her cheeks burned. What a- hm! 

“It’s Annelise.” 

“Hm. I think Julchen’s mentioned you before. I’m Isabela.” Isabela. That was a nice name. 

“Nice to meet you,” Annelise said out of politeness. She was more sidetracked with wondering what exactly Julchen had said about her. 

“You too, babe.” Babe- It had been quite a while since anyone called her babe. Annelise shivered, and chose to blame the heat behind her cheeks on the sun. 

“Babe, already?” Annelise chuckled, electing to flirt back. “Bit- Bit forward isn't it?” Isabela chucked back and God, Julchen was gonna be so late to band practice. Annelise wasn't paying attention to where they were going anywhere. They’d passed the main area of the skate park, and now followed a dilapidated chain link fence toward a Port-A-Potty. 

“I disagree,” Isabela sniffed, “I think babe suits you.” 

“Oh?” Annelise said, her breath catching in her throat. “I happen to like the way you say it.” Isabela gave a soft laugh, and cast Annelise a sideways look. 

“What are you trying to say there, Annelise?” Isabela asked, 

“Oh, just admiring your accent. Where might you be from?” That hadn't been at the top of her mind, but it never hurt to ask. Perhaps she could later make a pass about wishing to visit Isabela’s home. Isabela cast her a smirk, one eyebrow raised. Without warning, she came to a stop. Annelise swung herself around, grinding her pivot foot into the ground, in an effort to appear that she knew what she was doing. 

“Spain,” Isabela said, and turned towards the chain link fence. She looped her fingers into a hole near the top, and pulled towards herself. “What about you?”

“I was born in Vienna,” Annelise said, “What are you doing?” 

“Oh, uh,” She grunted, peeling back the fence from the frame. “This is the easiest way to get to where Julchen is.” Oh, right. Julchen. Annelise had been a tad preoccupied as they walked. Not that she’d forgotten about Julchen. She was a wonderful friend, thank you very much. 

“And where might she be?” 

“Uh,” Isabela said, “Back there?” She gestured towards the dead shrubs behind the fence. Annelise wrinkled her nose- Isabela wanted her to walk through that? No thank you. 

“Oh.” 

“I promise it’s not that bad. There’s, like, a spot where people hang out. You can't see it from here, but it’s not far,” Isabela said, “Mind holding my board for a sec?” She thrust her board into Annelise’s hands before she could agree. “Thanks, babe.” 

“I didn't agree to this,” Annelise pointed out, clenching her fingers around the board. 

“Well, you’re holding it now, so. Yeah,” Isabela said. She shrugged, and pulled the fence back even further, then extended her left leg through the gap. God, her legs. How could one woman be such a distraction? Moreover, how could one woman have such good legs? Her quadriceps were defined, the separation between muscles showing as she transferred weight onto the outstretched leg. She ducked under the frame, and pulled herself through the hole, then released the chain links. They bounced back up, but did not meet the frame. Isabela turned away, and stepped towards the shrubs. 

Annelise glanced down at Isabela’s board. The bottom was visible to her, revealing several flowers painted in an impasto style- Quite beautifully, too. It must’ve required a strong hand- Had Isabela done them herself? She didn't seem the type. 

“Uh, Annelise?” She jerked her head up. Isabela leaned against the fence from the other side, using a foot to hold the gap open. 

“Yes?” 

“Are you coming?” 

“Oh, yes! Apologies, dear, I was admiring your board,” Annelise said, hurrying over to the fence.

“Thanks!” Isabela said, “You like the flowers? I did ‘em myself. They’re chunky, you see-” 

“I do see,” Annelise said, “Your technique is good, and the color palate is…interesting. Though I must say, it looks better than I would expect, had I known you painted.” 

“Thank you? I think?” Isabela said, “Are you trying to say I’m a bad painter?” Heat filled Annelise’s cheeks once again- Yes, she had been implying that, but only a little.

“N-No, dear, quite the opposite.” 

“Okay,” Isabela said, amused, “So are you coming or what?” Annelise sighed, and crouched down to crawl through the hole in the fence. Before she had to touch any dirt, however, she heard a raucous laugh. She and Isabela looked up to see Julchen emerging from the brush. She hobbled on one crutch, with one arm slung around another woman Annelise vaguely recognized- Catherine, perhaps?

“Oh, hey Julchen,” Isabela said, “What’s up?” 

“Hey Bela!” Julchen screeched, “I’m on my way out, gotta go to band practice- Oh, Anna, how ya doing?” 

“You’re five minutes late to your band practice, Julia!” Annelise shouted, raising her wristwatch. “And we haven’t even left yet!” 

“Okay, chill,” Julchen said, “Practice doesn't start til I walk in anyway.” Catherine rolled her eyes. 

“God, you’re insufferable,” She muttered, though she maintained a tight grip around Julchen’s waist. 

“You were singing a different tune when-” 

“Shut up!” Catherine shrieked, cheeks darkening, “Go- Go to your fucking band practice or whatever.” 

“Mmkay, babe,” Julchen said, and untangled herself from Catherine’s grip. She stumbled off to the side, but caught herself on her crutch. 

“Where’s your other crutch?” Annelise asked, “If you lost it and we have to buy another one-”

“I didn't lose it, it’s just- Look by the fence. On Isabela’s side- Yeah, near your feet-” Julchen guided Isabela as she bent down to search for the missing crutch. In doing so, the loose bit of fence she’d bent over bounced back into place. Annelise managed to jump back in time to avoid being hit. A yelp left her mouth, and she readied a scathing critique of Isabela, though her words died on her tongue. She clutched the board to her chest as Isabela bent down, searching for the crutch. The look of determination on her face was too much. After a few minutes of rummaging in dead leaves, Isabela came up with a crutch. 

“A ha!” She shouted, raising it in the air. “I have found your walking stick, m’lady!” 

“Thank you, m’lady!” Julchen crowed, and attempted a curtsey, but tipped over. And now Annelise could criticise them both again. 

“If you’re done,” She spoke up, “Our agenda does not have time for your hooligan behavior.” 

“Aww, you know you love me,” Julchen said, struggling to her feet. Annelise rolled her eyes, glaring, as Julchen crossed back to the right side of the fence. It was slow going, since she was still learning how to move without her knee, but she managed. 

“Come along now,” Annelise said, and they speedwalked back to her car. Isabela and Catherine argued behind them, though she didn't pay attention. 

“Wait, what if I used Isabela’s board,” Julchen panted, heaving herself forward. 

“Absolutely not,” Annelise said, “Skating is what put you on crutches in the first place, I’ll not allow it.” 

“I’m just saying,” Julchen said, as they approached the main area of the skate park. “If you, like, sat me down on the board, and I, like, crossed my legs or whatever, it would be way faster than if I-” 

“Explain how you plan on crossing your legs.” 

“Fair point, but you’ve gotta admit it would be faster,” Julchen said, and she was correct, though not looking at the full picture. Doing that sounded like an excellent way to further damage the rest of her leg, and Annelise told her so. Julchen rolled her eyes, and the argument would’ve continued further had they not reached the car. Annelise unlocked it, still holding Isabela’s board under her arm, and helped Julchen into the passenger seat. As she walked around to the driver’s side of the car, Isabela approached her once again. 

“Hey there,” She said, and fuck.

“Hello,” Annelise said, “I’d love to stay and speak with you, but we must be going.” 

“Oh, yeah, totally. Just, uh, you still have my board.” Annelise looked down, and yes, she did. She’d been so focussed on Julchen that she’d forgotten. 

“My apologies,” She said, and extended the board towards Isabela. 

“Don't worry about it,” Isabela said, taking it with both hands. Their fingers brushed as she handed it over. Annelise felt her eyes drawn to Isabela’s, and they held eye contact for a moment. Who knew brown eyes could be so deep and beautiful? 

“Uh, anyway,” Isabela said, “You- You had to go, didn't you?” Annelise nodded, gazing down. 

“Unfortunately, yes.” 

“Unfortunate? Why?” Isabela purred, raising an eyebrow. “Is it-”

“No reason,” Annelise shouted, overcorrecting, “I’ve gotta go. Nice meeting you!” She stumbled in her effort to make a speedy turn, and ran to the car. She got in, slamming the door after herself, and buckled in with clumsy fingers. 

“What was that?” Julchen asked, a note of amusement in her voice. 

“Shut up,” Annelise said. Before Julchen could retort, something tapped at the window behind Annelise, and she jumped at the surprise. Annelise swiveled her head around, and oh, it was Isabela, tapping at the glass. 

“Should I lower the window?” She asked, and Julchen only laughed. Annelise lowered the window. 

“Can I help you?” She asked, and Isabela smiled. She had dimples. Nice.

“Yeah, do you have a pen?” Annelise looked down at her purse, resting between the front seats, and rummaged around in it for a moment before withdrawing a pen. 

“Will this do?” She tapped her foot against the brake.

“That’s perfect, thank you,” Isabela said, and took not the pen, but Annelise’s hand. She drew it out from the car, holding tight. Annelise gasped at the contact, and squeezed a little tighter around the pen. Shit, when had she last held someone’s hand- Well, the hand of someone who was awake and sober. 

Isabela uncapped the pen with her teeth, and held onto it with her lips. Annelise tipped her head forward, eyes caught on those lips. Isabela rotated her forearm such that the soft, inner arm faced the sky. She began to write on Annelise's skin, the movement of the pen tickling slightly. Annelise kept her eyes on her face, watching her brow furrow in concentration. It took her a long moment to finish. Once she concluded her writing, Isabela capped the pen and pressed it back into Annelise's hand. 

“Hit me up,” She said with a wink, and pressed a kiss to Annelise’s knuckles before skipping away. Julchen cackled and Annelise groaned, putting the window back up. 

“What- What the fuck-” Julchen heaved, “I can't, you’re so awkward-” 

“I will stop driving you places if you keep going with that thought,” Annelise growled. Her entire body burned. She was not in the mood to be mocked- It was just attraction, albeit to one of Julchen’s friends. 

“No, please,” Julchen said, wiping a tear, “I’m- You’re so fucking funny, Anna- Isabela? She’s the one who floats your boat?” 

“Shut. Up,” Annelise growled again. She put her hands on the wheel, and sped away, cutting Julchen off. As they drove, she rolled her arm to peek at what Isabela had written. She couldn't help but grin at the little smiling flower drawn next to the number. Perhaps Julchen’s tardiness could be good for something after all.

art

[sugar-petals]

I was wondering if you could do a reading for how the boys parents will view their relationships? I know there’s ones for other people’s view on the relationship but I know how close the boys are to their parents so I’m kinda curious!

a new dimension to this alright 👍 that was an entertaining reading to make.

jimin

his mom: PAGE OF SWORDS ➝ Thinks Jimin’s partner is very sharp and full of great energy. She think’s they’re still young but competent for their age. Texts them a lot. She also notices their good influence on Jimin’s esteem and conversation skills.

his dad: FOUR OF SWORDS ➝ Chill. Really chill. Nothing can shake him, he just sits down to meditate and he gets an epiphany that everything’s gonna be okay. Jimin’s dad is really centered within himself, Jimin’s spouse will always see him nap lol!

taehyung

his mom: ACE OF PENTACLES (rev) ➝ Skeptical of his initial enthusiasm. Does it last is her most pressing question. She worries about Tae’s wife running into pregnancy issues even if there’s no reason to. A bit sad to let Tae go 😢

his dad: FOUR OF WANDS ➝ Big fan. Most ardent supporter for his marriage and wedding, totally excited, preparing everything, the exact opposite of Tae’s mom in terms of mood. I swear Tae’s dad wants to shawty imma party til the sun down.

yoongi

his mom: THE STAR ➝ Feels extremely blissful and inspired by Yoongi’s sweetheart. She dreams of their happiness and can’t contain her joy of how all her motherly dreams came true. She thinks Yoongi’s S/O is a blessing and a superstar to her.

his dad: TWO OF CUPS ➝ Also feels like he’s sent to wonderland by how wholesome he thinks Yoongi and his loved one are. It makes him adore his own wife even more. Yoongi’s dad declares the two of them as ideal partners and pops a bottle.

namjoon

his mom: TEMPERANCE (rev) ➝ Thinks that Namjoon is overdoing it a little. She sees that his crush leaves his usual composure in shambles and the hormones are raging high. She wants him to slow down a bit and take care of other things in life 💀

his dad: THE HANGED MAN (rev) ➝ He observes a big change in the life of his son. He’s torn between seeing it as a new freedom and being caught up in the same old ideals. But Joon’s dad also thinks his partner helps him be less stuck in his mind.

seokjin

his mom: FOUR OF PENTACLES ➝ Will definitely hold her money together. She might be a bit reserved and waits to see how things develop. She wants Jin to support the company of his dad and not get too distracted.

his dad: WHEEL OF FORTUNE (rev) ➝ Is going to be a little locked out of heaven because things did not turn out the way he envisioned it. He will take some time to accept that new turn of fate, he won’t adapts to Jin’s S/O all too soon. 

hoseok

his mom: KNIGHT OF CUPS (rev) ➝ Hobi’s a bit of a Don Juan to her and she doesn’t like his charm/affection explosions. In his world that might be perfectly adequate and wanted by his partner, but from her view, he’s being cheesy and too emotional 😷

his dad: SIX OF CUPS ➝ Is going to feel blue for some time. That Hobi moves into a new phase of life has him moving on, too. I’m not sure if a divorce is meant, it could be more of a stepping stone into becoming in-laws that preoccupies him. 

jungkook

his mom: TEN OF PENTACLES ➝ Hallelujah, JK’s mom is in paradise. She thinks that he found his love for life and dumps all her cash on the couple. She’s excited to watch them grow old and be part of their household. Takes care of their pets.

his dad: ACE OF SWORDS ➝ Becomes a know-it-all in terms of relationship advice 😄 And actually gives JK and his counterpart great hacks. Totally in a philosophical mood when they’re around. Rejuvenated by 20 years.

[seaofthieves-glacialdragons]

Legend of the Glacial Dragons Pilot: Prologue

Summary:

Years ago, Azura Icewind and her crew sailed the Sea of Thieves with pride. Now her daughter, Stella Icewind, wants to follow in her mother's footsteps as the next Captain Icewind. That is, if she can even make it to the Sea of Thieves in one piece...

Next Part: Here

11 years ago…

A flash of lightning tore through the dark clouded sky as thunder seemed to be constantly rumbling overhead. Combined with the howling wind, it was nearly impossible for the crew of the Icebreaker to hear their captain barking out orders. At the wheel was a middle-aged woman in an ice blue fur-lined coat with ice crystals seeming to emerge from the shoulders, matching boots and gloves and navy pants. She had long flowing auburn hair that reached past her waist and faded to an icy blue about halfway down, as if half of her hair was frozen, and tanned skin adorned with glowing blue markings that were occasionally visible through breaks between her gloves and along her neck. Bright almost glowing blue eyes pierced through the gloom as she struggled to keep her galleon steady in the battering winds. This woman is Azura Icewind, captain of the Glacial Dragons. “Skuggi, how much farther?” she yelled over the storm at a figure glad in purple robes, shaggy black hair tousled and drenched as grey eyes glanced up at his captain. “Should be dead ahead, captain!” he replied in a slight Icelandic accent. “Land ho!” A crewmate cried from the crow’s nest as the silhouette of an island appeared through the thick rainfall, a large peak piecing the thundering clouds. “Prepare to dock!” Azura yelled before staring intently at the island. It wasn’t marked on any of her navigator’s maps. ‘Dragon’s Truth’ Skuggi called it. Azura placed a hand over her chest where her heart would be as a faint blue glow shone through her coat. “I’ll see this through…for both of us…”

Meanwhile… 

The sky was clear and starry as the waves calmly lapped at sandy shores. All was silent aside from the slight crunching of sand accompanied by the sound of wood carefully being dragged across it. That and the sound of a 10-year-old quietly grunting as she dragged what seemed to be a make-shift dinghy with a sail attached to it and a rock tied with rope, serving as an anchor or sorts. She let out a sigh as she finally got the boat near the water’s edge. Stella Icewind. A young girl with shoulder length, dark brown hair with frosted tips, ice blue eyes, and tanned, freckled skin. Clad in a raincoat, trousers and boots with a fake pirate hat on, she gazed out at the horizon with a determined expression. Just as she was about to push the boat into the water, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Stella let out a sigh of defeat as she turned around to face an elderly woman clad in a brown dress, that looked like it had been sewn and patched up over many years of use, who smiled sadly down at her. “Nana, I…you see…I gotta…” Stella tried to come up with an excuse but was shot down by the woman slowly shaking her head, “Stella, I know you want to follow your mother out into the Sea of Thieves but you’re still too young.”

“She needs me though…” Stella mumbled. “I’m sure your mother is willing to wait a few more years for your grand arrival.” Stella’s grandmother reassured, “But for now, try to enjoy your time on land. After all, you may start to miss it when you spend the majority of it on the water. Now off to bed. Even pirates need their sleep.”

“Ok…” Stella groaned as she glanced once more at the horizon before following her grandmother inside their cottage not far from the water’s edge.

Present Day…  

  A now 21-year-old Stella hammered diligently at a now-more-sea-worthy dinghy. Her hair was now chin-length and messy, still retaining the frost-white tips. She wore a white and light blue kimono-jacket with splits at the shoulders which revealed the dark blue shirt underneath, along with blue hakama pants tied with an ice-blue ribbon and blue sandals and white tights. A blue crystal necklace hung from her neck. She let out a content sigh as she placed her hammer down in the golden sands before stepping back to admire her handy work. The sky was a bright blue with the sun shining down; not a cloud in the sky. She took a quick swing from her waterskin before placing it into her rucksack and loading it onto the dinghy. As she did a quick once-over, she could hear footsteps approach from behind. “You can’t stop me this time, Nana.” Stella began without turning around, “Dead or not, I have to finish what she started.”

The day before, Nana had revealed to Stella that her mother had gone missing 11 years ago and was presumed dead. This was the final straw for her and was ready to begin her journey to the Sea of Thieves.

“I know. And I’m not here to stop you.” Stella’s grandmother sighed, “I should’ve told you sooner. I know I can’t hold you back any longer. I knew you’d eventually set out there whether I allowed it or not. All I ask is that you be careful. I lost a daughter. I don’t want to lose a granddaughter too.” Stella gripped the edge of her boat tightly before spinning around and hugging her grandmother, “You won’t. I promise.” Stella’s grandmother gently hugged her back before stepping away, “Now go. Enjoy your adventure and don’t look back.”

Stella nodded, fighting back tears before giving the dinghy one last push into the water. She carefully stepped into the boat and, taking a deep calming breath, she unveiled the sails, immediately catching the wind. As the dinghy took to the waves, Stella gave one last wave to her grandmother before facing the horizon. As she gripped the crystal around her neck, a lullaby that her mother sang to her – which she referred to as the anthem of the Sea of Thieves – came to her head as she began to quietly sing it to herself.

 “Cloaked in folds of midnight waters, Side by side, we sons and daughters. We set forth for no king's orders, But we'll sail together. Hold fast, tides are turning. Flames roar, fires are burning. We'll all be returning, If we sail together…”

The Next Day...

“…ugh…”

Stella groggily woke up on an island, lying on her side. In front of her was a lit campfire and just a few feet beyond it was the shoreline with a partially wrecked sloop calmly floating on the crystal blue waters. Tropical plants and trees covered the island. Stella sat up, racking her brain as she tried to remember how she got there. That’s when she remembered. Her boat was attacked by a skeleton ship. The good news was that meant she was more than likely on the outskirts of the Sea of Thieves. The bad news was that her tiny dinghy didn’t stand a chance against the huge ship. Her boat took a direct hit from a cannonball, completely wrecking it. “Must’ve washed up here…great.” Stella sighed as she got to her feet.

“Indeed. You were quite fortunate to survive.”

Stella jumped, not expecting to hear another voice. Before she could question anything, a green glow emerged from the campfire and took on a humanoid shape. In front of her was the ghost of a portly man with a thick beard. He wore a standard pirates outfit – slightly torn – aside from a cloak on his back (along with three swords which Stella suspected was the reason for his ghostly form) and a wooden griffon claw as a pegleg. He also used a cane with a gaping skull on the top. “You look a little worse for wear, my friend. You must be on quite the journey.” He noted. “You could say that. Who are-?” Stella was cut off by the growling of a ferocious monster- oh wait, no, that was just her stomach. The ghost chuckled a bit, “I should eat something, if I were you. A full belly can do wonders for your spirits.”

“Ah, y-yeah…” Stella looked around and noticed a banana lying a couple of feet away from her. She picked up the yellow fruit, scoffing it down quickly. “There, you look better already. Maybe even strong enough to reach the Sea of Thieves.” The ghost smiled, “These days they call me The Pirate Lord, but you may call me Ramsey. Back when I discovered this place, I was just a bold explorer like you. I dreamt of finding uncharted waters filled with treasures and rife with danger, where every sunrise brought a new adventure…”

“Wait…is this…am I in the Sea of Thieves?” Stella’s eyes lit up with newfound hope. “Nearly. You’ve one last crossing to make.” Ramsey replied, “But it seems like you lost your gear upon washing up here.” Sure enough, Stella’s rucksack was nowhere to be seen. “Not to worry though, there’s some old weapons and equipment lying about here that you can use. If you’re up for a bit of work that is.” Stella gave a determined nod, “If it means I can get to the Sea of Thieves, I’ll do it.”

“Well now, I’d say you’re as ready as you’ll ever be for what’s ahead.” Ramsey said as Stella loaded the last of the equipment from the Pirate Lord’s chest into a bag, “Allow me to show you the path…” Ramsey motioned to the fog-covered horizon before slamming his cane into the ground, causing the mist to part and lanterns to alight in the distance. “The Shroud is beginning to part, but you have one more task before your journey continues.” Ramsey continued, “You may be ready to sail, but your ship still needs repairs. Go, and tend to her wounds! After that, I must bid you farewell.”

“Thanks for your help.” Stella smiled, “If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have made it.”

“It’s no bother at all. Now go. Adventure awaits!”

Stella nodded before sprinting towards the old sloop. As Ramsey watched the young woman scuttle about the ship, fixing it up, he muttered to himself, “She’s most certainly your daughter, Azura. I wonder if she’ll live up to your legacy…?” With that, he disappeared in a puff of green smoke.

Stella huffed and puffed as she raised the anchor. Once it was secured, she grabbed the ropes for the sails and unravelled them before hurrying over to the wheel, guiding the ship away from the island and through the lanterns. As she sailed, she could see the wrecks of many ships, ranging from sloops to full galleons. As unnerving as it was, she tried not to let it get to her as she pushed on. She jumped as she saw what seemed like a giant shark-like creature briefly surface before diving under her ship. She remembered stories her mother told her as a child of creatures that lurked in the Sea of Thieves, with one of them being a sea beast called the Megalodon. She wagered that was one of them. Her thoughts were interrupted by a large splash on her portside. A skeleton ship. Stella was about to steer away in a panic when she realised that her new ship was outfitted with cannons. “Might as well get some practise with these things.” She muttered and she scrambled down the steps and grabbed some cannonballs from a nearby barrel, loading them into the cannons. Her first few shots missed completely but she managed to land one, knocking a skeleton overboard. Just as she was about to aim the next shot, tentacles shot up from the water beneath the skeletons’ ship and began to drag it down under the waves. “Kraken too, huh? Better them than me…” Stella mumbled, somewhat relieved the monstrous squid targeted the skeletons instead of her. She pushed the ship forward until she began to spot islands off in the distance as the fog began to close behind her. There was no turning back now. But Stella didn’t want to.

“I made it, mom.” Stella breathed, a few stray tears escaping, “I made it…”

“I’m home.”

Sea of Thieves: Legend of the Glacial Dragons  

To Be Continued…  

[adwendoodles]

some Silmarillion Tarot Card sketches (very messy, very unreferenced) ~

Pictured here are The Moon (Sauron), The Tower (Turin), The Sun (Tuor and Idril sail for Valinor), The Star (Earendil and Elwing looking down at their children), Wheel of Fortune (Maedhros and Fingon), The High Priestess (Melian teaching Galadrien) and last but not least, The Lovers (Luthien and Beren, old and happy)

Some (super long) rambling under the cut

I’ve wanted to do this for a while and nothing gets me wanting to start a new, complex, probably out of my skill range project like the imminent return of the school year amid covid :D you gotta seize the day, you know?

jokes aside I am happy to have started this... but it’s so hard to match everyone up. I’m trying to at least kinda follow the tarot meanings. i don’t know anything about tarot though, so so far my matches are based on what wikipedia tells me... (and even then it’s mostly what they quote from A. E. Waite's Pictorial Key To The Tarot, copy pasted below)

Anyway if anyone is curious what the deck so far is:

- The Magician: “Skill, diplomacy, address, subtlety, pain, loss, disaster, snares of enemies; self-confidence, will“

I NEARLY MADE MAEDHROS THIS but he’s already part of the wheel of fortune so i’m thinking Finrod

- The High Priestess: “Secrets, mystery, the future as yet unrevealed, silence, wisdom, science”

This was a toss up between Galadriel (who would be this if it was a LOTR spread) and Melian (who was my first and final pick). My card designs for this vary between symbolic bs and small smattering of scenes that I like, so I went ‘both characters’ and thus this card shows Melian teaching Galadriel how to use the water mirror thing

- The Empress: “Fruitfulness, action, initiative, length of days; the unknown, clandestine; also difficulty, doubt, ignorance. “

For obvious reasons I want this to be a female... I’m thinking Aredhel due to her taking action in leaving Gondolin but then ending up with Eol. If Idril hadn’t already been part of the Sun card I probably would have gone with her building the stairs.... 

Honestly now I’m half tempted to change the sun card and have this be Idril. Any thoughts?

- The Emperor: “ Stability, power, protection, realization; a great person; aid, reason, conviction also authority and will. “

I went with Fingolfin for this, though I haven’t gotten a design I like. Could also be Turgon? But again, no design. I was thinking Fingolfin holding his crown... idk. i’ll figure something else.

- The Hierophant - “Marriage, alliance, captivity, servitude; by another account, mercy, and goodness; inspiration”

I went with Gwindor (and Finduilas, who in my current design also shows up in the card) for this due to the marriage troubles and his capture by morgoth, as well as the fact that Finduilas was able to recognize him and still cared for him... . Though now that Aredhel’s place as the empress might be instead taken by Aredhel, she actually fits this...

- The Lovers: “-Attraction, love, beauty, trials overcome. “

THIS WAS ALWAYS GONNA BE BEREN AND LUTHIEN lets be real. i mean. attraction??? love???? beAUTY??? TRIALS OVERCOME??? i swear tolkien just checked off every thing

For their card I went with something I’ve never really seen in fanart---at least not often/that I can remember. I kinda wanted to draw them old and happy; I was very much inspired by Carl and Ellie from UP... they’re probably the only couple in all of the silmarillion that got to grow old together and die happy

- The Chariot - “ Succour, providence also war, triumph, presumption, vengeance, trouble. “

I went with Aegnor and Angrod for this one, because they held one part of the border against morgoth for 500 years. That’s a lot of time!!! then they died, of course, which is the ‘vengeance and trouble’ part of the card. dunno about the design for them yet tho

- Strength - “ Power, energy, action, courage, magnanimity; also complete success and honors. “

i was so torn on who to do this for. fingolfin??? one of the sons of feanor??? fingon??? finrod “i wrestled a werewolf to death” felagund????

but so far my favorite pic is Hurin. Dude was so strong, not just literally... but in everything he had to live through... all i think about when i read this card description is his final desperate charge in the Nirnaeth... brb gave my self feels

bc the ‘complete success’ part is very ironic

alternatively this card (or the chariot) could be glorfindel and ecthelion. if anyone reads this and has an opinoon, lemme know what you think~

- The Hermit - “ Prudence, circumspection; also and especially treason, dissimulation, roguery, corruption. “

I don’t know who to do this for... I considered Ulfang but tbh I wanted to draw more elves (what, im biased i admit it). so far i’m thinking curufin and celegorm in nargothrond because--

1. the reason they turned nargothrond against finrod was by encouraging them to be prudent and not go pick a fight with morgoth lmao

2. the whole ‘turning nargothrond against its king’ is definitely treason of some sort, to the cause if not to finrod himself

3. what action of theirs in the ley of leithian isn’t rogueish klajfdsd

- Wheel of Fortune: “ Destiny, fortune, success, elevation, luck, felicity. “

I went with Maedhros and Fingon for this one because I feel like they’re two characters that are constantly influencing each other’s destiny like

1. Fingon’s friendship with Maedhros causes him to jump into the fray at alqualonde and thus turn the tide of the battle but

2. Maedhros’ friendship with Fingon is not enough to sway Feanor, thus leaving the only other path to middle earth for fingon and co through the helcaraxe

3. due to the above, the noldor forces in beleriand are not enough for a decisive initial battle and feanor dies and maedhros is captured...

4. fingon rescues maedhros (thus saving him from a destiny of slavery)

5. this action prevents civil war and maedhros gives up the kingship, which fingon inherits

5. maedhros union and everything that leads up to fingon’s death

i dont need to go on do i

- Justice - “ Equity, rightness, probity, executive; triumph of the deserving side in law. “

this is another hard one, and if anyone has any ideas i’m all ears. so far i’m thinking eonwe or manwe

- The Hanged Man - “ Wisdom circumspection, discernment, trials, sacrifice, intuition, divination, prophecy. “

IT WAS SO HARD TO NOT GO WITH MAEDHROS FOR THE OBVIOUS REASONS but to me he doesn’t really fit the card??? he’s not very self-sacrificial (as wiki explains the ‘hanged man’ part is interpreted)--dutiful, sure. suicidal, obviously. self-sacrificial? not really.

so i talked with a friend and she pointed out that Huan actually fit this card really well. still trying to figure out the design but so far Huan is my pick for this one.

- Death - “ a change of thinking from an old way into a new way “ & “ unlikely that this card actually represents a physical death, rather it typically implies an end, possibly of a relationship or interest, and therefore an increased sense of self-awareness “

I dunno who this is but I was thinking Finwe. Because his death was the final catalyst for the flight fo the noldor and all that... and the end of the relationship of many noldor with the valar...

- Temperance - “ Economy, moderation, frugality, management, accommodation.“

i have NO IDEA who this could be. I’m thinking either Nerdanel or Arafinwe, leaning a bit more towards Arafinwe bc of actions during the flight of the noldor

- The Devil - “ Ravage, violence, vehemence, extraordinary efforts, force, fatality”

lmao this was always going to be Morgoth 

- The Tower - “ Misery, distress, indigence, adversity, calamity, disgrace, deception, ruin.”

my knee-jerk reaction was to give this to Turgon bc of the name, but the meaning caused me instead to go for Turin. the card is actually one of the doodles added. i’m annoyed that glaurung looks like the cheshire cat but what can be done

- The Star - “ Loss, theft, privation, abandonment; another reading says--hope bright prospects, “

this is one of those serendipitous moments where the name association AND the meaning fit. this was totally Earendil and Elwing. my design for now has them looking down/watching over elrond and elros...

- The Moon - “Hidden enemies, danger, calumny, darkness, terror, deception, occult forces, error. “

This was totally Sauron. Specifically Annatar.

- The Sun - “ reflect happiness and contentment, vitality, self-confidence and success.“

I had no idea who to do this for. I mean. happy characters??? in the silmarillion???? ha. haha. hahahahaha.

i considered doing the men waking up... but idk... i went with Tuor (and Idril) at siphilemon’s suggestion. the doodle shows them seeing Valinor in the distance. but now i want idril to be the empress (and i dont want to repeat characters). so if anyone has a better idea, let me know.

(incidentally, I actually believe that idril and tuor never made it to valinor. i mean, sure i like it because i like everyone in the silm to be happy in the end, but if im serious serious i don’t think they did it. guess its a good thing that there are many silm versions :D)

- Judgement - “Judgement, Rebirth, Inner-calling, Absolution, Karma, Causality, Second chance”

dunno who this could be. if nothing else i’ll probably default to Mandos/Namo

- The World - “Assured success, recompense, voyage, route, emigration, flight, change of place.“

For this many characters could work... my first pick is Elros though. My idea has him sailing for Numenor.

- The Fool- “ Folly, mania, extravagance, intoxication, delirium, frenzy, bewrayment. “

who to do for this, i wondered? in the end i settled for Feanor. Specifically, the Fool(ish) Oath of Feanor. if anyone has any other idea though, im all ears

MAN THAT WAS LONG. did anyone read this far?? if so thank you~ ^-^ and if you have any ideas, let me know. (Specifically-- who should be the empress card, Aredhel or Idril? and if Idril, then what should the Sun card be? just tuor on his own, happy in Gondolin/Valinor?)

[pettyelves]

mirror season; keyframe

Divergent Paths: Slip into a reality where a crucial decision you’ve made was made differently. Meet a version of yourself that made a choice at a pivotal point in your life that differs from the choice you made. What is their life like? Do they regret it? Do you wish you’d made the choice they did? Confront what might have been to slip back to reality. Prompts found here by @velerodra-valesinger​, who has given consent for them to be adapted. 

“Abso-fucking-lutely no’,” Kurel said firmly. 

Vahana had drank so much that she promptly had to be carted to the clinic in Stormwind by Kurel’s own hand. Eilithe, of course, followed behind still-fuming over the discovery of Shaedoril’s grand stupidity-- doubly enraged when Vahana declared in a slur that her niece and nephew were arriving at the docks that very night. 

Vahana. The druid who wore no shoes and slept in a tree. Vahana. Who refused housing in Dead Sun and now had not one, but two teenagers depending on her. Vahana. Who was sloppy drunk and sobbing about nothing, the way drunk emotional people did. 

“Just one night, they can’t go with her tonight,” Eilithe said around the priest that had the misfortune of being in between husband and wife.  “No.”  “Hear me out. Yes,” she returned with.  “Fine. I’ll sleep on the Gambi’.”  “Fine. Then sleep on the fucking Gambit.”  “Fine. I will. I don’ want punched in the dick while I sleep,” Kurel shot back. Which, would have been a valid fear-- considering Vahana’s niece had squarely punched Shaedoril when he’d gone to collect them from the docks. This did not dissuade Eilithe from anger.  “You won’t be,” she barked, around the priest who was slowly starting to sweat. “Righ’. Cause I’ll be on the Gambi’.”  Eilithe sneered and made for the door of the clinic, “Right. Because you’ll be on the fucking Gambit. I can’t WAIT for this to turn into six months of you being an asshole.”  And she stormed out, the way she did. It took only fifteen minutes for her to speak to him across the seal. “One night. Then they’re going back to Vahana. By morning. If you decide to stop being an asshole you can sleep in our bed and I’ll protect your cock and balls,” it was laced with pettiness, but their version of a peace offering.  It was answered in kind-- with pettiness. “I can sleep in my own be’ whether I’m an asshole or not.” Which she translated to: I’ll be home, but I’ll be petulant about it.  “Then I guess I’ll see you at home.” “I guess you will.” 

They were often described as “complicated” by polite friends, and down right volatile by their own children and honest friends. That night they did not reconcile through a conversation. Physical touch was most deeply understood. Even at odds, it offered salve to a relationship that had been through hell and back several times over. Sometimes it was easy to ask why bother. 

And these were Eilithe’s final thoughts, as she laid curled against Kurel’s chest. Kurel. Who rarely slept at night-- but held her as she did. 

The mirrors rotated above her bed, reflecting the small amounts of moonlight that seeped in through the open balcony door. Eilithe’s eye cracked open and she tensed just slightly as she saw her face passing in the mirror.  “You gon’ look again, Eleet’? Wha’ you hopin’ to find?” Lights twisted across her eyes and she felt herself tucked away somewhere else. If it was a dream or some manner of astral projection, she couldn’t tell. But when she opened her eyes she was on her feet in a place which had long since been torn down. 

For a moment, she did not notice the black-haired woman, alone at the bar. This was The Wheel of Fortune, the first gambling house--the first business venture Kurel and she had taken together. Their greatest failures. Their successes. Screaming matches. Love made. All of it fit inside of that building and was thick in the air.

She touched the doorframe and shut her eyes. Eilithe relived it all. The pain screaming match that had ended in Eilithe telling him that Kurel could die when she damn well allowed it. The feeling of her back to the wall with Kurel caging her in-- the sound of a grown man near tears as he confessed, for the first and only time I love you. 

“We’re closed,” her own hardened voice came from the black-haired woman at the bar. Other Eilithe’s eyes remained that dull grey and her hair was coal black without the white streak that stained Eilithe’s own hair. But the look in her eyes, when Other Eilithe met Eilithe’s gaze shook her to her core. Overwhelming incompleteness. “Who are you?” Other Eilithe demanded, not so subtly laying her hand on the hilt of her blade.  Eilithe put her hands up, “I think that’s obvious. You.”  “I don’t know who the fuck hired you, but you’ve got three seconds to un-fucking-manifest. One..”  “I just want to know why it brought me here-- clearly, you’re as big a stubborn bitch as I am. And because I know you’re a stubborn bitch like I am, I know you didn’t call the Wardens over. So.” Eilithe went over to the bar and fished around under the counter until she found a hidden bottle. A bottle only an Eilithe would know to where to find.  Other Eilithe scoffed, “Shit.” After three shots each and a cigarette lit for each of them. Other Eilithe noticed the ring on Eilithe’s left finger. “Who gave you that?”  “Kurel,” she said without hesitation. “Took a long damn time. Took..more than just time. Where is he right now?” 

“Sunspire,” Other Eilithe said with a knot in her throat, “Or maybe at the bottom of the ocean.” 

Everything rushed toward her. Imagining a life without Kurel.  “Our kids? What about them?” Eilithe asked without thinking.

“Eilonwy’s sixteen now,” Other Eilithe said, like that was the only thing that anchored her to that world. A world without Kurel, meant a world without the deal that the two had made to recuse Threshad from his father’s clutches.  No Xavier. No Malik. No Karkah. No Threshad.  “When did he leave? He doesn’t own this with you?”  “Nope. And I don’t know.. ten? Fifteen years now.”  “How?” She couldn’t seem to process why Kurel would leave for good.  “Don’t know how different we are but this Kurel. Well, we were putting on a front for a business deal. I fucked up and fell in love with him. Would have settled for sex-- but well, one night we got close. He sat me down and told me I wouldn’t survive him. Walked out the front door and I never saw him again.” 

That singular moment Eilithe could recall vividly. A keyframe on the peripheral of that night. One little thing done differently. “You didn’t go after him?”  

“No,” she said against the rim of her glass. “We did enough chasing men that didn’t love us, didn’t we?” “He did love you,” Eilithe said firmly to her other self. “He’s just too fucked to know how to do it in a way that makes sense to anyone but us.”  Other Eilithe licked her teeth and crinkled her nose, “Maybe he did--but it’s a little too late now. Isn’t it?”  The sound of cracking glass popped around her and Eilithe knew it was time to go. “If this is real.. our son is in Vol’dun. Don’t go alone,” she said to Other Eilithe, as she felt herself being sucked back to the shelter of warm arms. The chime of glass rang in her ear, and she grunted sleepily against Kurel’s skin.  “Almost dawn,” he said, to remind her of their agreement and she answered with a kiss to the corner of his lips. The same sort of kiss that had sealed their life together.  [@kurel-andiel​, @vahana-mistwing​ @revthepunchbear​ (Shae) for mentions ]

[newsiegirlscribbles]

There was no mistaking it, this was the watch of Emilianna Robinson.

 It was such a fine name for such an unkempt girl, and known by most of Londinium in curt, snapping words from neighbor to neighbor or in sighs over shaking teacups. Suffice to say, the well-to-do had looked much more favorably upon charity galas and the “poor, underprivileged children” eleven years, eleven months, and a day ago; now, the beneficiaries’ pocketbooks were used more often to swat the first pint-sized terror to get close enough more than anything else. What nobody seemed to realize, Millie thought, was that Emmy was right impossible, and became more so with every other social worker that was laid off with a government-funded check that said the job was important, and a bank statement that said they weren’t. Millie had worked at Robinson’s Foster Care long enough to realize that Emmy was more headstrong than anything else and wasn’t nearly as bad as she could have been. 

The seal that came issued on all the gingham skirts, faded blouses, and pressed blazers that couldn’t have been updated since the fifties or so had long since been mended and re-mended, torn off by thorns or hedges in pursuit of some rabbit to chase or tree to climb on all her clothes; her flats were scuffed and worn from much of the same activity. Her hair was curly, the colour of wheels that have traveled a long way on dirt roads, and tied back hastily in twin pigtails. No matter how presentable she was when she left, Emmy had a remarkable talent for acquiring scraped knees, freckles, and streaks of earth, blood, jams, or whatnot on her clothes with the declaration that she’d do it again.

 (“You should have seen the other bloke.” she had quipped once with a wince and a smile as Millie had swabbed the clip that would become the faint white scar on her shoulder with the last of the alchemist’s Essence of Kingsfoil.

The social worker raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you lose this fight?”

“‘S why you should have seen ‘im, the princely genetics and shiner I gave him would make him a right poster child for this place and really bring in the folks.“) 

By some chance of fate or fair fortune, the gentleman Decennium had taken a shine to her and requested her as his apprentice. Emmy’s face had lit up with a smile warmer than the sun, kicking her heels excitedly and shaking the timekeeper’s hand with vigor, and her enthusiasm was almost--almost--enough to excuse the fact that she had broken the Most Important Rule.

 In most of Sylvaria, those with stars in their blood had a talent for magic and were destined to protect and enrich the world; in Londinium, Emillianna was destined to destroy it. She was forbidden from tinkering with timepieces by the strictest of orders, never allowed to touch the gearwing menangery that fascinated the other children so, but somehow, she had slipped and caught the notice of one of the most esteemed positions in all Sylvaria. Millie could only breathe easily in the gratitude that the girl had been entrusted with the delicate waltz of time and mechanics and not thrown to the best judgement of the people like so many others long gone to the unwound future. The watch was a gift, a contract of sorts; as Emillianna accepted it, she placed her left hand over her heart and the clock’s face lit up with a soft glow, the gears inside ticking to place. 

She had loved the watch, and she had loved Decennium and chronomechanics and the silvery glow of fluid time as it clung to her fingers and stopped every clock she touched, capturing the essence again, and again, and again. 

Which was why, when Millie saw the pocketwatch all but smashed to bits by the edge of the clock tower, and felt the minutes torn from the bells and from her day as the residuum rippled ever so slightly, she knew that something had gone very, very, wrong. 

I. In which things go very, very wrong

Emmy ducked and slipped through the crowd into the marketplace as the starchly-dressed gentleman’s shouts came to an end; once she heard the distinctive click of an unsatisfied well-to-do person’s boots stalking off, she leaned against the archway and sighed with relief. 

Catching snap-dragons was a bother; they always managed to get loose once they spotted a rose garden, which wouldn’t have been so much of a problem had the well-to-do not been so fond of fences that she always got stuck in because of course she did. 

This was the fifth garden this month.

Drat.

As she gained a better view of the scene, she saw the market larger than she had initially imagined; hundreds of people bustled from stall to stall, passageways twisted through streets, and song and chatter rang through the air. If she could just get a smidge higher, she could see more of the area and make a clean escape….and the highest vantage point wasn’t far off. 

Emmy stopped one of the nearby marketgoers, a girl with short-cropped raven-black hair tucked beneath a lavender bonnet, her corduroy skirt and aegean blazer nearly close enough to indicate a fellow Robinson’s orphan--the silver buttons notwithstanding. There was a sparkle in her eyes, almost as if she were holding back a smile. 

“Pardon.” Emmy said, tapping her on the shoulder, “Would you know which way to the gallows?”

The girl laughed, evidently amused. “Are you expected?” 

“What? No!”

“Pity.” she sighed, “It’s been so long since we hanged a thief.” 

Emmy’s face blazed scarlet. “Are you always this horrid? I’m not a thief!” 

“Well, you sure weren’t dashing like a rabbit to see this.” the girl said with a wink, gesturing to the tavern hall. She leaned in, ever-so-slightly, in a softer voice, “‘less you were hoping one of these blokes would get so absent-minded they’d take you in.” Her playful laugh cut across the market like a dog’s bark; Emmy leveled a glare, and the girl grinned back, somewhere between the sort of adorable cheer that let you get away with murder and the self-assured smirk that let you commit it. 

It was a delight to see it knocked straight off her face.

The girl raised a hand to the mark, and before Emmy could raise her a second, a sharp clip stung the side of her jaw; light hands shoved her fiercely into the archway. There must have been a clock embedded in the stone above her--she wasn’t sure how that thought sprang to mind, but she could have sworn she felt microseconds being shaken from the timepiece as the girl’s knee was driven into her chest. 

The moment was dismissed; Emmy swung her leg under her opponent’s and threw her to the ground. A swift kick bloodied the girl’s cheek; a heel to her stomach would have settled the fight ultimately, but with agility she shouldn’t have had, she rolled to her side, out of the way, stood up, grabbed the orphan’s collar, and slammed her into the archway. A hairline fracture split the clock face; Emmy raised a hand to push back, but the silvery mists of the loose time clung to her fingers as they brushed the edge of the clock. 

And suddenly

The girl moved a little bit slower. 

II. 

Emmy grabbed the girl’s shoulders and tackled her to the ground. 

Beneath the thin shine of the silver filaments, her opponent made a move to catch Emmy’s ankle with her own, but the orphan sidestepped it easily, swinging her foot out of the way and onto the raven-haired girl’s ribs. 

“Ha!” she cheered, digging her heel in just for the sake of sheer cockiness, “Not quick enough, now!” 

“Shove off.” the girl muttered, moving to sit up. “‘Sn’t fair, you used magic.”

Moments from offering her hand, Emmy resisted the urge to slap the girl. 

“Do I look like a starblood to you?” she said, laughing humorlessly, “I’d really think I’d ought to have noticed, but pardon--suppose I forgot my robes and silver spoon today.” 

The raven-haired girl sighed, accepted her opponent’s hand reluctantly, and got to her feet. Once level with her, she took her by the shoulders and shook her. 

“Are you daft? Look at the clock! Look at the time!” 

Emmy shook her head, moved away. 

“You pushed me into it in the first place! What did you think would happen?”

The girl threw up her hands, frustrated. “Well, would asking that you didn’t do...whatever you did be enough?” 

Emmy scoffed, shoved the girl back. “What are you getting at?” 

“You’re...”

She fell silent; Emmy would nearly flatter herself enough to say awestruck. Behind her, a tall gentleman, resplendent in a pressed dark suit with an emerald blazer and tie, strode closer; a pair of wire-rimmed spectacles perched on his nose, and all but slid off as he beamed. 

“A timekeeper.” he said warmly. 

Emmy’s eyes widened as she reflexively stepped back; by the look of the intricate elliptical badge on his blazer and the brass-lined goggles in his fair hair, he must have been one of Londinium’s timekeeping guild, all but a prince. Speak of the wrong person to cross….

She held her breath as he stepped back; his hand slowed as it neared the clock. 

“Let’s see here….there are only a few seconds missing from it that have since passed, so not much damage done there...though that fracture could cause a problem the next go-around. Can’t say I’ve ever seen that done by anything besides magic.” he remarked absently, withdrawing a tool somewhere between a wrench and a spyglass from his pocket. 

With his attention on the clock, she could probably dodge. There were enough people to cover, enough loose bricks in the alley walls to lift a foot on. Sure, it wouldn’t be proper, but there were scores of orphans in Londinium. The faeborn girl started the fight, she could finish it. 

….and her former opponent was gone. Stardust to ashes. That had been her plan. 

Before she could map out a better route, the gentleman caught her shoulder. 

“Ah--not so fast. I’m not cross, don’t worry; but magic of this sort is always best recognized by the caster. Would you like to give it a shot?” he said gently, offering the tool to her, “It’s a lenity, designed to counteract effects on tempered material.” 

She took it, glanced up at the clock warily, and extended one of the legs of it like a compass to enclose the fracture; immediately, thin tendrils of temporal energy twisted along it towards her hand. The gentleman nodded approvingly. 

“Now, just bring it together and press your hand against the fracture; it’ll help if you keep a more level head about this.” 

Emmy took a deep breath, but the temporal discharge only grew thicker around her fingers as she willed the fracture to mend, the time to recontinue; it strangled her from the inside, burning her fingers as her face grew hot. Hairline cracks spread outward from the fracture; by the most basic of Sylvarian survival instincts, she swept her foot in a protective half-circle behind her. 

Forcing her heart to slow, she drew her hand away lightly; slowly, the smaller fractures began to stitch back together, time began to resume course in the marketplace, and the silvered mists of time were drawn back towards the clock, yet the last glow of it never quite left her hand. The smallest crack, despite everything, still  remained. 

Her heart beat once, and again, andagainagainagainagain

And

A g a i n 

As the faintest, ever-so-slight shine of her own time stubbornly intertwined among the manipulative. 

That….wasn’t good. 

Emmy twisted her hand toward the presence of the clock as her heartbeat registered as if at the bottom of an ocean in her ears--

Until at last, fingers outsplayed and wrist outstretched towards the temporal charge, Emmillianna Robinson fainted. 

III.

“_ss R_ns_n? Miss Robinson, are you alright?”

There was a tight hold around her left wrist, and that more than the formality jolted her to attention. 

“I will remain silent until allowed a lawyer….” she said quickly, yanking her wrist roughly out of her holder’s grip, “As is required by...Londinium Code thirty--” 

The man’s shoulders relaxed in a sigh of relief; as his laughter broke the air in short, triumphant bursts, Emmy looked up and recognized him as a Timekeeper and cut off abruptly. Stardust to ashes, well, she was as good as done for if she’d botched it this poorly. With a clap of his hands and a boyish cheer, he swung her into a twirl.

“Brava, Miss Robinson” he chuckled, resting her back on her feet, “I dare say I’ve never seen such a display like that before.” 

She cocked her head in confusion, but as he gestured to the clock, she stepped closer. As if through the refracted glimpse of a pond, she remembered the lenity, the time as it twisted around her hands, and--

She must have fixed it. She couldn’t remember it, but she supposed that’s what happened, somehow, so a grin spread across her face. “Really?” 

The gentleman shook her hand enthusiastically. “Yours is a talent to behold. I’ve been looking for an apprentice for some time; if you don’t mind my presumption, would you be interested?”

Emmy pressed her hand to the faded Robinson’s seal on her blazer, beamed a lopsided smile with all the cheer in the world. 

“I accept.” 

[detectivejigsawpines]

ORN-Finale (Mend the bond torn by pride)

Repent, sinners!  The end is upon us!

It had been tempting to just come up with a creative lie; but somehow, as they gathered themselves into the truck, they found themselves telling Dan (whose driving had minimally improved when his body was no longer being controlled by a dream demon) more or less what happened.  Surprisingly, he didn’t respond by thinking they were crazy and driving towards the nearest mental hospital. Instead, he frowned thoughtfully and muttered, “I thought that dream ended a little funny,” and pushed his foot further down on the gas pedal. A few minutes later, he added, “Matilda is never gonna believe this.”

Stan assumed that Matilda was the name of the girlfriend Bill had mentioned.  Ford must have thought so too, because he leaned forward, wincing when the action jostled his shoulder.  “Actually, Dan, it would most likely be beneficial for all of us if you refrained from telling her-or anyone else-about this at all.”

Dan’s meaty fingers tightened on the wheel.  “But you said this demon guy possessed me when I was sleeping by persuading me ta make a deal with him or whatever.  Wouldn’t it be better ta tell everyone else so they know not ta do that?”

Ford blinked like a startled owl.  Stan suspected that he hadn’t realized the lumberjack was capable of drawing logical conclusions like that.  “I-well-he did say that he was going to leave for other dimensions.  And we’re planning to destroy the painting detailing how to summon him as soon as our injuries have been seen to, so I doubt he’s going to return here.  Besides, as you stated, the likelihood of anyone believing our story without the firsthand experience you’ve had is…” he struggled for a better word, before ending lamely (probably too tired and weak from blood loss to come up with anything better), “...unlikely.”

After a bit Dan shrugged.  “Whatever ya say, Pines.”

****

Fortunately for all of them, none of their injuries required overnight treatment-just more than a few stitches, some bandages, and some rabies shots, since Stan fabricated an elaborate story about their being attacked by coyotes (which they were forced to fend off with knives, and in the ensuing scuffle Ford had accidentally been stabbed), and the hospital staff were dumb enough to believe it.  After they were cleaned up, Dan produced some spare flannel shirts, suspenders and jeans from his truck (since the contents of their packs had been more or less ripped to shreds by the Kill Billies; only a few things, like Ford’s journal and the truth teeth, had been salvaged), and browbeat both of them into accepting them until they could get different clothes. They were exceptionally large, making them look like some weird clown act from a traveling lumberjack circus, but they were warm and definitely more comfortable than some of the things Stan had been forced to wear in the past, so he wasn’t complaining.

Also fortunately, Ford still had his wallet on him (because of course the dork had brought his wallet on a camping trip), allowing him to pay their hospital bill instead of sneaking out while the nurse’s back was turned like Stan had been prepared to.

With that out of the way, Dan drove them back to Ford’s house to retrieve the acid from the fridge.

“...Do you mind dropping us off at the trail?” Ford asked as they returned to the truck, bearing a few more supplies he thought would be useful (Stan was still trying to get used to the idea of having spare supplies lying around if you lost the things you had), including flashlights this time.  “We can probably make our own way back in the morning, but-”

“No.”

That drew the brothers up short.  As did the way Dan was suddenly glaring at them out the window.

“...I suppose we have taken up a lot of your time,” Ford said at last, sounding a little hurt.  “I’m sorry, I should have realized. It’s all right, we can find our own way-”

“If you think I’m gonna let ya travel back up there, where a pack o’ bloodthirsty hill folk is still roaming around, and get rid of the monster that got inta my dreams and used me as a puppet, all by yourselves, you are totally outta your minds.  I’m comin’ with you.” Dan shoved the back door of the truck open using only one finger.  “Now get in.”

“Dan-”

“It’s not optional, Pines.”

Stan and Ford looked at each other.  Then, with a shrug, Stan approached the door and climbed in.

“Looks like we got no choice.”

Dan grinned through his beard.

“Nope.”

To Stan’s relief, Ford looked less disgruntled about having to work with someone else than he might have expected; he just climbed into the back with Stan.

****

Corduroy’s truck was surprisingly good at off-road terrain, taking them nearly all the way back to the cave before they had to get out and walk the rest of the way.  In case the Kill Billies attacked again, Dan produced three hatchets from his seemingly-bottomless truck bed, giving one to each of them. Stan thought, with a small relieved shiver, that it was a good thing Bill hadn’t found those when he was threatening them; otherwise they would have had more to worry about than Ford getting a stitched-up shoulder.

They made it to the cave safely, however, and under Ford’s instruction they began dissolving the painting and inscription.

“In your FACE!” Dan roared, punching the picture of Bill before it could disappear; his fist combined with the acid created a substantial hole in the cave wall.

Stan and Ford both laughed gleefully, and chanted, “Death to the triangle!  Death to the triangle!” with fists pumped like they were back in high school, until the last traces were gone.

By the time Dan drove them home the sun was starting to peek over the horizon.

“You need ta come in and catch some sleep?” Stan asked as they left the truck.  Then he remembered, guiltily, that this was not his house and he had no right to be inviting guests over.

“Nah, I can make it home okay,” Dan promised.  “I’m a real MAN; I could stay awake for five days straight if I had to!”

“You’re starting to sound like this knucklehead-he tried that once when we were fifteen.  He ended up crashing on the third morning and getting an earful from our ma on taking care of himself.”

Ford elbowed him in the gut-and immediately winced as the action jostled his stitches.

Dan guffawed, which turned into a wide yawn.  “See ya later, dorks.”

Soon enough his taillights were winking out of sight as he rounded a bend.

For a moment the boys just stood there, swaying dazedly in place.  At last, Stan flopped gracelessly onto the couch on the porch, creating his own yawn.

“You aren’t seriously planning on sleeping there, are you?” Ford asked, giving him a disapproving look.

“Watch me.”  Stan stretched his legs out in front of him, burrowing a little into the folds of his giant shirt and turning up the collar.  His eyelids were already starting to get heavy.

Then, to his surprise, Ford collapsed onto the couch next to him.

“Move over.”

Stan gave him a nonplussed look...but scooted enough for him to be comfortable.  A few seconds later Ford’s head had dropped onto his shoulder, and his farthest hand had stretched over, burying itself in the folds of Stan’s sleeve.

The casual act of affection made something swell in Stan’s throat; all he did in return, though, was allow his head to droop onto Ford’s.

Seconds later he was out like a light.

****

When they finally woke up, it was well into the late afternoon, and they both had some interesting sunburns on their faces and part of their necks from where the sun had hit them during its passage.  However, they both felt more than a little refreshed, and when they went inside Ford got started putting together a salve for their burns.

While he did that, Stan opened some of the canned supplies in the cupboard-specifically some corn, green beans and chili-and then on an impulse threw together more pancakes (which ended up with bits of hair in them again-he wondered if that was going to be a recurring thing).  After they finished eating, Ford washed the dishes. It was all quite comfortable-you could almost call it domestic. And Stan wasn’t prepared for it to last much longer.

Sure enough, Ford cleared his throat once the dishes were set out to dry and he’d sat back down with the salve, as they were putting it on each other.  “Stanley, there’s some things we should figure out.”

Even though he hadn’t finished his sentence yet, had barely even started it, Stan’s heart lurched in his chest.  He really, really wasn’t ready to have a serious discussion with his brother, not after they’d already cleared a lot of the air between them and finally returned to some semblance of peace.

“I get it,” he said quickly.

Ford blinked.  “Get what?”

“I-It’s okay, I wasn’t expecting-I won’t stay for too long, I promise.  But if you’d at least let me hang around till your shoulder’s better, that’d probably be better for you-”

“STANLEY!”

Ford had grabbed him by the shoulders and was shaking him again, like when he’d said he deserved to be punished for what he’d screwed up for him.

Stan was very confused.

“I’m not trying to ask you to leave, you knucklehead!  How could you think that, after you literally just saved my life?!”

“...But you said-back there, you said you’d wanted ta have your own life and identity an’ stuff-”

“Oh for g_d’s sake, Stan, that was back then!  I didn’t mean for the rest of our lives!”  He let go of Stan’s shoulders and opted to dig his hands into his hair instead.  Stan hoped he wasn’t about to start tearing it out. “I-I’ve missed you, all right?  I’ve missed having you around, I’ve missed having my best friend in my life, so unless you have a really compelling reason to leave, then will you please stay?!”

“But Dad-”

“Dad can suck a lemon for all I care. I don’t wanna lose you again.”

Stan’s breath hitched, and he was disappointed that he hadn’t been drinking something, because a sentence like that was definitely spit-worthy.

Ford started babbling something about maybe him looking for jobs around town, or going back to school to get his diploma if he wanted, but he wasn’t quite listening.  His hand strayed into his pocket-where it closed around something.

Confused, Stan pulled it out-and his eyes widened.

It was a card.

A two of hearts, to be specific.  One that was completely whole, except for a faint row of stitches that you could see down the middle if you looked closely.

How the heck-

Among other things that were weird about this, he was pretty sure he’d left the pieces of the card in the pocket of his other jeans when he put them in the washing machine; he’d never put them in the ones he’d borrowed from Dan.  And even if he had, how would this have even happened?

On the other hand...this was a town that thrived on weirdness and defying expectations.

And he was so, so tired of being alone and unhappy.

Stan looked up at his brother.

“Okay.  I’ll stick around if you want.  But only cuz you’re beggin’ me. And if you’re left alone you might get in trouble with some other weirdo from another dimension or something.”

Ford let out a relieved-sounding sigh, and rubbed his knuckles against his head affectionately.

“You’re such a martyr to your own generosity, Stanley.”

“Yeah, I know.”

****

Somewhere far away, an old woman gave a satisfied smile.

For now, at least, all was well.

********

...Soooo, how’d I do?

Anyone interested in reading the rest of this AU?  Because it is on AO3, but I could post it here if you begged me.

[sunshineandfangs]

Hunter

Step 6:  Fantasy / Fairy Tale / Mythological

@howeverlongs and @joey-prue​

Warnings: Minor violence, brief mention of slight gore, off-screen character death

“They say a beast lurks in the woods.” 

Bonnie said this very grimly, the weight of belief behind her words.

But the moment was shattered by Elena’s burst of giggles, one of her hands flying out to swat at the other girl playfully.

“Heavens, a beast? Come on, Bonnie, you know those are just wild tales about the occasional wolf.”

Bonnie just shook her head, even if some of her seriousness vanished in light of her friend’s levity.

“Perhaps. The hunters do scare them off a few times a year…”

“And what do you think, Caroline?” Elena called over.

The blonde shook herself from her daze, pulling her eyes from where they had been staring into the forest. She turned to regard her two friends, needing a moment to process what they had been talking about.

“Well, considering Nana Forbes lives a little ways out. I sure hope there’s no beasts in the woods.”

Elena softens. 

“Oh! Yes, of course. You’re visiting her today too right?”

Caroline gave a little hum as she nodded, casting a glance back out the window, noting the position of the sun in the sky.

“I should get going actually, if I want to return before evening.”

With farewells exchanged between them, Caroline departed, mind running through the list of things she intended to bring over.

A spread of items were laid out on the table before her. She had packed the wicker basket this morning, but before she set out she always unpacked and repacked it, doubling checking that she had not forgotten anything.

She hadn’t.

A few wrapped parcels of salted meat. Two half wheels of cheese. Several carefully packed bags of tea. Even tinier packages of herbs and spices. Exactly one jar of varied vegetable seeds. A bundle of five pieces of newer utensils. Three spare fabric rolls of varying size.

Satisfied with her organization, Caroline tucked a cloth cover over the basket. Looping her arm under the handle, she moved to grab her red travel cloak from the hook by the door and departed.

Caroline had been walking for a couple of miles, her pace steady. She could have moved quicker, but she enjoyed the time out in the forest, enjoyed the trips she made to visit Nana Forbes. Despite tales of beasts and wolves, the woods had never frightened her. They felt peaceful to her in fact, the natural song of wildlife in her ears, the warm scent of earth and trees.

The pathway widened a bit as the trees thinned out, opening up into a tiny clearing. Wildflowers bloomed in scattered patches, and Caroline hesitated wondering if she should collect some. Scanning over the available options, the blonde nodded to herself and reached into the basket to pull out the smallest fabric roll, more of a large square if she was honest.

Still hefting the basket, Caroline stepped among the grass, keeping an eye out for small animals and insects. It only took a few minutes to carefully pick a small collection of violet, blue, and yellow blossoms which she just as carefully wrapped up and placed in her basket.

Task completed, the blonde continued on her way. The forest had quieted while she was distracted, though a few birds still chirped in the distance. The rest of her journey was completed without fanfare, Nana Forbes quite delighted with her delivery.

“Caroline, are you sure you should be traveling again? It’s only been a few weeks, surely your Nana would want you to wait until everything settles down?”

Caroline just shook her head, though touched by Elena’s concern.

“I have to go every few weeks. How else will she get her supplies?”

Bonnie also looked apprehensive, making her own attempts at persuasion.

“Several of the hunters came back wounded this time. Please, Caroline, we worry about you.”

Her eyes softened, though she still refused. “I appreciate your concern, but I’m sorry I have to go. Besides the hunters managed to kill their attacker. The poor wolf was just desperate, and alone so there shouldn’t be a pack.”

The girls didn’t look particularly convinced, but there was nothing they could do to stop her.

In an effort to ease her friends worry, Caroline did move a bit more rapidly. When she came upon the clearing, she decided not to stop this time.

A crack of snapping wood was loud in the muted forest. Caroline narrowed her eyes, even as she kept moving. It was lucky that her basket was far lighter today, only one parcel of meat and some herbs.

Despite staying alert nothing emerged from the woods, and the rest of her journey was silent.

Her next trip started with silence, and her skin buzzed with awareness of watching eyes. Yet still nothing attacked her.

As she neared the clearing, the smell alerted her before she saw the body.

Just beside the trail of packed dirt laid a dead doe, her throat torn open, but otherwise untouched. Flies buzzed around her sightless eyes and the pool of blood beneath her ravaged flesh was already browned and clotted. Yet no scavengers had come to pick at the meal.

Caroline frowned, the motion shifting her whole face in its severity. Still, there was nothing she could do, and she carried on. Not stupid enough to try to harvest such a blatant taunt.

Whatever hunted her was no mere animal, but she refused to be prey.

Elena had vanished a few days ago.

The forest was louder than ever.

Caroline walked steadily through the woods, now used to the far quieter trip, where the only sounds were the shifting of dirt and stone beneath her feet and the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind.

Some instinct told her that this time she wouldn’t remain unmolested by whatever creature now lurked in her forest.

She was correct.

“Pardon me, miss, but could you tell me the direction of the nearest village?”

Caroline turned as a blond man emerged from between some trees up ahead, his appearance slightly disheveled with dirt and small tears in his clothing.

Shifting again, Caroline pivoted, giving her side to the man and gesturing behind her.

“If you continue on your way, you will reach Falls. May I ask what happened, stranger?”

The man stepped closer, a sheepish expression on his face.

“Ah, it’s a bit embarrassing, love.” He ruffled his curls, still moving a bit nearer. “Truth be told, Some brigands made off with my horse. And well, my attempts at giving chase were, perhaps, not the most well thought out.”

Caroline gasped at the tale, lowering her arm, muscles lose.

“That’s awful!” She cried. “It’s a marvel that you weren’t more injured.”

“Yes, I was quite fortunate.” By this time he was just a foot or so away, and Caroline was able to take in the deep blue of his eyes.

“Very fortunate,” was whispered in her ear. The man having vanished to a place behind her, his arms like stone around her torso.

Caroline just scoffed, not the expected reaction judging by the way she felt his body twitch against her.

“Do you think I don’t know what you are, demon?”

“Oh? And what good does that do you now, sweetheart?” The voice was dripping with condescending amusement, a sound that was not at all appreciated.

With no warning, Caroline slipped a blade from her basket, her arms uncaught by his grip, and slammed it back and into his thigh.

The surprised jerk was enough for her to pull away, backing up a few steps as she whirled to face her attacker.

Blue eyes now glowing gold, the blond yanked the knife out with a scowl. His flesh rapidly stitching itself back together. With black veins crawling across his face and descended fangs he didn’t look the part of a human anymore.

“Vervain,” he hissed. “Clever girl, but hardly enough.”

He lunged forward in a blur of speed, but the coated knife was far from her only trick.

When Klaus had caught wind that a doppelganger had been spotted, near his birthplace no less, it would be a lie to say he wasn’t delighted. Playing with the pretty blonde he spotted walking by her lonesome was just a bonus as he hunted for a werewolf to sacrifice.

He had expected fear or at least disgust when she came upon his little present. Instead he saw apathy which lit a little spark of intrigue. Alas, he didn’t have time to play more, one of his minions was closing in on a wolf. But by the next full moon he would be a Hybrid, and have all the time in the world.

It was a happy accident that he stumbled upon the blonde on one of her treks through the woods. The last month he had been reveling in the return of his wolf, spending hours and even days in his other form. The thrill of the hunt magnified tenfold with a second predator beneath his skin.

Shifting back, Klaus blurred through the trees, returning with his stashed clothes, fully prepared to take advantage of their lightly rumpled state.

He played at being human, part of him a bit disappointed by her conventional reactions. Still, her scent was delightful, and with her secured in his arms at least her blood would hardly be a waste.

A scoff sounded, and Klaus felt his eyebrows raise, wondering where this apparent bravery was coming from.

“Do you think I don’t know what you are, demon?”

Was that what she thought he was? Did she think she would be able to ward him off with crosses or holy water?

Amused, he shifted a bit closer whispering a taunt in her ear.

“Oh? And what good does that do you now, sweetheart?”

The searing burn of a knife soaked in Vervain was a shock. He would admit he hadn’t expected the pretty blonde to indeed know the truth of his nature, or at least a part of it. And it was a bit vexing that she managed to catch him off guard, even managing to slip away from him.

He sensed the way his eyes shifted to wolf-gold, the rest of his monster emerging as he pulled the blade out. His leg healed in an instant, and if vervain was her only defense this wouldn’t last long. He told her such and lunged forward, prepared to end this farce.

Nearly upon her, his vision was suddenly obscured by the red cloak she whipped in his face, and he batted it away with a scowl.

His eyes involuntarily widened when he found himself confronted not with a girl, but a giant wolf.

A massive and glorious creature. She snarled at him with a ferocity that shook the earth. But his admiration was cut short as her jaw, lined with razor sharp teeth, moved to crush his skull.

He blurred away still stunned and wondering what she could be. She wasn’t a werewolf. Even the largest wolf (his own form included to his chagrin) standing beside her would only reach her belly. And regardless of size, the full moon was still a few days away.

Plus, with the cloak now parted from her body he could sense the intricate magic woven into each of its strands. The same magic emanating from the wolf.

“What are you, sweetheart?”

AN: How could I resist a spin on Little Red Riding Hood? I mean really now lol. I enjoyed this one quite a bit. In which Klaus is still the Original Hybrid (newly curse free, thanks Elena!) and Caroline is a pretty blonde. With a little extra ;) Who’s the big bad wolf, again?

[writings-from-unknown]

Fairgrounds

Pairing: Emperor x Gloves

Another match done, another day ended and it was starting to become worrisome to the green Inkling. With only two days of the tournament left, who knows what will happen when the last drop of ink falls? While the king has taken his pawn’s request seriously, dragging him away after the end of the day, neither have truly talked about how they feel about their situation. It... Scared Gloves to think that this would all end after the tournament. Those taunting jokes that his team made have become the dearest wish he had.

But, it wasn’t his place to question his king. He was a pawn. He must wait, he can ask nothing more of a king. He’s already made his request as bold as he was at the time. Speaking of his request, the king’s sharp call cuts the air again. “Gloves, you should know to be next to me by this point after the matches end. Bold of you to keep your king waiting.”

The Inkling turns his heels immediately, walking over to the king without thought. It’s true, he knew better than to not be ready to follow Emperor after matches. Getting lost in thought was just an oversight. “Ah, my bad Emperor. I was just... Thinking about too much I guess.”

The yellow Inkling raises an eyebrow, as if about to question what could possibly be running through the other’s mind before dropping the look and shaking his head. “So be it. It’s not as if we could be late this time, we have all night.”

The green Inkling tilts his head. Since when did Emperor plan out events without there being a time on them? It was unusual at best, but most of this week has been as such with the king. It’s nothing to be concerned about anymore.

The king again grabs the other’s wrist and leads him away without resistance. No alleyways this time, just a stroll along the streets. Gloves notices, with some embarrassment, the questioning stares and fervent whispers that break out as they pass. What an odd sight must it be to see the king of Inkopolis dragging some boy along to who knows where!

But yet, Emperor seems to ignore all of this, again focused solely on his destination and the person behind him, just like the night of the fireworks. He could deal with whatever rumor the peasants were starting later on. For now, it was show time. There was only two days left to make an impression and tonight it was time to take out all the stops. Money is naturally of no concern, so it was time to be as extravagant as possible.

The King slows his pace, taking a few odd turns here and there, confusing Gloves once again. Where could he be going this time? The path he’s taking seems to lead nowhere in specific. The question dangerously falls from his lips before he can bite them. “Emperor... Where are we going? This doesn’t seem to lead anywhere...”

The yellow Inkling stops for a moment, looking back at his companion as if deciding if he deserves an answer. The green one stares down at the ground, an embarrassed blush slowly creeping up on his cheeks. Why did he ask that? He has no rig- “True. This path leads nowhere. I’m delaying us. While I said there was no way for us to be late, there is a way for us to be too early in my opinion. It would look much better at night.”

Gloves merely nods in response, once again his question receiving an answer throwing him off his flow. Emperor was far too lenient with him compared to others, something Gloves had picked up on and acknowledged with some embarrassment and suppressed hope. He almost wishes he’d stop being so nice and choke out whatever hope was curling up in his chest and making its home there.

But, yet again, the pawn will not argue. He enjoys the feeling as horrible as it would be to have it torn so cruelly away from him. May as well enjoy it until it comes time to suffer for his greed. The green Inkling has no doubts karma will come back to bite him for taking advantage of the king’s generosity.

Looking up at the sky, the regal Inkling seems to decide that it’s time to keep moving, again tugging the other along. Gloves can only be left to wonder about the other’s plans. There’s certainly no fireworks tonight and most places close when turf closes, unless there’s something special happening. Really, there should be no place that Emperor would bring them. However, the night falls and he’s still persistent on his plans as confusing as it may be.

“This way Gloves, we can go now and we’re almost there... I’m sure you’ll love it...” The pawn firmly believes he wasn’t meant to actually hear the king’s airy thoughts. Yet, he did, and the blush returns to his face. No one was usually so concerned about thinking about what he’d like specifically. It’s strange to think that the cold, regal Inkling was the only person to truly be considering what green Inkling would like specifically.

Another tug as the green pawn obviously slowed down a bit too much during his flustered state. Around the corner he’s dragged and is only met with more confusion. It was the pier where the fair was held each year, but the stores were all shut down for the night as it was still a day before the fairgrounds opened. Why here of all places? They couldn’t even go near the fair, the guards didn’t let anyone in before it opened.

Well, not usually. The green Inkling only stares in shock as Emp confidently tugs him past the guards and is met with only a stiff, worried salute. It shouldn’t be a surprise. Of course Emp could get access to the fair early, with his status and fortune. With a deep green blush, the pawn realizes that the king must have spent nearly a small fortune setting this all up. “E-Emperor? Why did you go so far over this...?” For once, there’s no response, just a flustered glare and a slight blush before the king looks around and again tugs his companion over to a ride.

Ride after ride, the two wondered around their private fair. The regal Inkling wasn’t wrong thinking his partner would love such a treat. However, the other was more nervous than usual being alone with Emperor as there was one looming threat...

The Ferris wheel was never a ride Gloves enjoyed. Too slow, too unstable... The seats rocking back and forth could only ever make Gloves think he’d just plummet to a rather painful death. However... Perhaps for just one night he might be able to forget such a thing. Just enjoy the time here with his king. He can’t disappoint him...

Though, at long last, the dreaded ride came up as Emperor led his pawn over to it. Gloves has to bite back a whimper. He could do this... Just for tonight, please just for one night... He’ll never have to do it again if he can just get through it now...

But yet, of course it can’t work that way when every instinct in his body screams to run away the moment the contraption moves. It only worsens when the ride suddenly stops near the top. An accidental glace down freezes the green Inkling solid. It’s too much, far too much, why did he think he could handle this?!

In a sudden movement followed by a surprised gasp from the regal Inkling, the pawn is clinging to him, shaking as a whimper escapes his lips. Gods it horrible, they’re going to fall. They’re going to fall, there’s nothing they can do about it, all they can do is suffer as it happens. No, no, no- “Gloves, look at me a moment, don’t look down.”

Why now?! He’s already panicking! And how can he NOT look down?! For once, the green Inkling hesitates to obey and whimpers once again in response. That is until a surprisingly gentle hand blocks his view from the ground and guides his vision up to meet spheres of a bright golden yellow hue. The touch moves down a bit to cup his face, a gentle thumb run across his cheek a few times in attempts to settle his terror.

However, even the king as blind as he can be to the thoughts of others can tell the gesture isn’t quite enough. With a gentle, almost sympathetic smile, the sun colored Inkling leans in, gently pressing his lips against the the other’s in attempt to calm him. A gesture repeated again and again to keep him calm.

Just as suddenly, the ride wasn’t so bad. The view from such a height in between the reassuring distraction could even be considered wonderful to the green Inkling. The ride remained in such a blissful state until they neared the ground, both flustered and looking away from the other once off the ride, though both were reluctant to be even somewhat apart from the other.

A thought crosses the green pawn’s mind as the two search for a snack and his blush deepens, suddenly freezing in place and stiffening up. The king notices such a change in his companion a mere moment afterwards, stopping himself and looking back at the other. “Gloves? Why have you stopped?”

Silence follows the question for a few seconds. The green Inkling takes a moment to compose himself. Questioning the king was still bold, even in their current situation, but he felt like he had too. “Emp... About what happened on the Ferris wheel... Why was that how you chose to try to calm me down...?”

A shocked look crosses the king’s face for a moment before a glare returns, glanced away from his companion and cast on nothing in particular. The king almost curses the colorful lights around the fairgrounds highlighting the yellow coloring his face. “I-It was nothing. You were panicking. You needed to be calmed down somehow. You would have ruined my jacket if you were kept in that state for much longer.”

The green Inkling stares at the other for a moment, a look of flustered determination dawning his face. Just like he thought, Emperor wasn’t going to make this week easy. He should have expected this to be no different. “I can’t believe you’re going to make me do this, or that I’m going to actually do this... But I should have expected it”

The king looks back to his pawn. What does he mean? Make him do what? He hadn’t issued a command. “Look... Emp... I’m... I’ve been... Ughh, why is this so difficult...”

The green Inkling rests his hand on his forehead a bit. The king remains silent, obviously expecting his subject to explain himself. Gloves sighs, the determined look being replaced by a shy, worried look. “I’m in love with you. I’ve been in love with you for ages. I adore you even if you can be stubborn and oblivious to others occasionally. So... Can we just make it official? Would you be my... Would you be my boyfriend Emperor?”

The sun yellow Inkling pauses for a moment. He hadn’t expected to ever hear the words fall from the pawns lips. A slight smirk crosses his face as he walks over to the flustered mess his companion is before guiding his face to look up again and pressing their lips together once more, the calm, confident tone returning to his voice once the kiss breaks. “It’s about time. You shouldn’t have kept your king waiting like that. Now, I believe we were looking around the vendors?”

The green Inkling dazedly nods before being led off once again, an explosion of feelings disorienting him. The only coherent thought that the dazed Inkling can make out is that agreeing to sub in for Eging was certainly the best decision he’s ever made.

[sarahmcmenomy]

Tarot Reflections Playlist

I’ve been working on this for longer than I should probably admit, but I finally finished my complete Tarot Playlist! I’ve chosen one song for each card of the 78-card RWS Tarot deck. In the spirit of the little white book, I have excerpted a line or two from each song to justify its association with its chosen card. Each suit has its own musical themes, and some of the songs were chosen to invoke the elemental association of the suit. The Court Cards get their own playlist because it can double as an astrological playlist. There are also a few sillier songs picked primarily for humor value (though hopefully still in keeping with the theme of the song). What follows is a complete index, so you can easily listen to whichever parts of the playlist you want to or browse the whole thing.

Entire Playlist

Major Arcana

Wands

Cups

Swords

Pentacles

Court Cards

Major Arcana

0. The Fool: “The Wanderer” by U2, The Edge, and Johnny Cash

“I went out there in search of experience, to taste and to touch and to feel as much as a man can before he repents.”

1. The Magician: “I am the Mercury” by Jimmie Spheeris

“For I am the mercury, the light of the morning, looking for shelter in this thunder and this rain. And you, like some windmill, weave light where it's storming, and love, like a potion for the hunger and the pain. Let it rain...”

2. The High Priestess: “Witch” by The Bird and the Bee

“Yes, I am a carnival, a house of mirrors... and I will con you. And all my tricks and all my magic will keep you dizzy with desire...”

3. The Empress: “Suddenly I See” by KT Tunstall

“Her face is a map of the world, is a map of the world... You can see she's a beautiful girl, she's a beautiful girl... And everything around her is a silver pool of light; The people who surround her feel the benefit of it... It makes you calm.”

4. The Emperor: “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay

“I used to rule the world; seas would rise when I gave the word. Now in the morning, I sleep alone, sweep the streets I used to own. I used to roll the dice, feel the fear in my enemy's eyes, listen as the crowd would sing... Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!“

5. The Hierophant: “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers

“He said, ‘Son, I've made a life out of readin’ people's faces, knowin’ what the cards were by the way they held their eyes. So if you don't mind me sayin’, I can see you’re out of aces. For a taste of your whiskey, I’ll give you some advice.’” 

6. The Lovers: “Dance Me to the End of Love” by Leonard Cohen

“Dance me to the wedding now, dance me on and on; dance me very tenderly and dance me very long. We're both of us beneath our love, we're both of us above... dance me to the end of love.”

7. The Chariot: “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen

“I'm a shooting star, leaping through the sky! Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity. I'm a racing car, passing by like Lady Godiva, I'm gonna go, go, go! There's no stopping me!”  

8. Strength: “Roar” by Katy Perry

“I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire, 'cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar, louder, louder than a lion, 'cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar!” 

9. The Hermit: “Building a Mystery” by Sarah McLachlan

“You live in a church where you sleep with voodoo dolls, and you won't give up the search for the ghosts in the halls... You wear sandals in the snow, and a smile that won't wash away. Can you look out the window without your shadow getting in the way?”

10. The Wheel of Fortune: “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)” by the Byrds

“To everything (turn, turn, turn) there is a season (turn, turn, turn) and a time to every purpose, under heaven...”

11. Justice: “Botched Execution” by Shovels and Rope

“I gotta find a friend, someone to tell I didn't do it, but my picture's in the paper and there's no way that I can prove it... and the body's in the closet 'cause I never got to move it... Now the neighbor's kids are talking sayin' everybody knew it... All my little seeds have grown... Sooner, later, come back home...”

12. The Hanged Man: “Philosophy” by Ben Folds Five

“Won't you look up at the skyline, at the mortar, block, and glass, and check out the reflections in my eyes. See they always used to be there, even when this all was grass, and I sang and danced about a high-rise. And you were laughing at my helmet hat... Laughing at my torch...”

13. Death: “End of the Line” by The Traveling Wilburys

“Well it's all right, even when push comes to shove. Well it's all right, if you got someone to love. Well it's all right, everything'll work out fine. Well it's all right, we're going to the end of the line.” 

14. Temperance: “Under Pressure” by Queen

“Turned away from it all like a blind man. Sat on a fence, but it don't work. Keep coming up with love but it's so slashed and torn... Why, why, why? Love, love, love, love, love... Insanity laughs, under pressure we're breaking.”

15. The Devil: “Sympathy for the Devil” by the Rolling Stones

“Just as every cop is a criminal, and all the sinners saints, as heads is tails... Just call me Lucifer, 'cause I'm in need of some restraint.”

16. The Tower: “The Beginning Is The End Is The Beginning” by the Smashing Pumpkins

“The sewers belch me up; the heavens spit me out. From Ether's tragic I am born again, and now I'm with you now, inside your world of wow, to move in desires made of deadly pretense, ‘til the end times begin.”  

17. The Star: “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree

“Listen as your day unfolds, challenge what the future holds. Try and keep your head up to the sky.”

18. The Moon: “Hope Eyrie” by Leslie Fish

“But we who feel the weight of the wheel, when winter falls over our world, can hope for tomorrow and raise our eyes to a silver moon in the open skies and a single flag unfurled. For the Eagle has landed; tell your children when. Time won't drive us down to dust again.”

19. The Sun: “Sunshine of Your Love” by Cream

“I'm with you my love, the light's shining through on you. Yes, I'm with you my love, it's the morning and just we two. I'll stay with you darling now, I'll stay with you till my seas are dried up... I've been waiting so long, to be where I'm going, in the sunshine of your love.”

20. Judgement: “Ring the Bells” by James

“Ring, ring the bells! Wake the town! Everyone is sleeping. Shout at the crowd! Wake them up! This anger's deeper than sleep! Got to keep awake to what is happening, I can't see a thing through my ambition, I no longer feel my God is watching over me. Got to tell the world we've all been dreaming, this is not the end, a new beginning... I no longer feel my God is watching over me.”

21. The World: “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

“The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky, are also on the faces of people going by. I see friends shaking hands, saying, ‘how do you do.’ They're really saying, ‘I love you.’ I hear babies crying, I watch them grow... they'll learn much more than I'll ever know. And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.”

Wands

1. The Ace of Wands: “Spark” by the Bird and the Bee

“Tell me a tale, something with fire, to break from the sorrows. To break through the dirt, piles of earth, to see where the sun goes... What if I stopped just for a while to see if I'm closer? Still half the night, just for a while to see where the sun goes, oh, oh, oh...”

2. The Two of Wands: "First We Take Manhattan” by Leonard Cohen

“I'm guided by a signal in the heavens. I'm guided by this birthmark on my skin. I'm guided by the beauty of our weapons... First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin.”

3. The Three of Wands: “Billionaire” by Travie McCoy ft. Bruno Mars

“Oh every time I close my eyes... I see my name in shining lights... Yeah, a different city every night, oh right, I swear, the world better prepare for when I'm a billionaire.” 

4. The Four of Wands: “Eternal Flame” by The Bangles

“Say my name, sun shines through the rain... A whole life so lonely, and then you come and ease the pain. I don't want to lose this feeling, oh... Close your eyes, give me your hand. Do you feel my heart beating? Do you understand? Do you feel the same? Am I only dreaming? Or is this burning an eternal flame?“

5. The Five of Wands: “The Ultimate Showdown” by Lemon Demon

“This is the ultimate showdown of ultimate destiny: good guys, bad guys, and explosions as far as the eye can see... and only one will survive: I wonder who it will be? This is the ultimate showdown of ultimate destiny.”

6. The Six of Wands: “We are the Champions” by Queen

“We are the champions, my friends, and we'll keep on fighting 'til the end! We are the champions! We are the champions! No time for losers, 'cause we are the champions of the world!”

7. The Seven of Wands: “Uprising” by Muse

“Rise up and take the power back. It's time that the fat cats had a heart attack, you know that their time is coming to an end. We have to unify and watch our flag ascend.”

8. The Eight of Wands: “Fast as you Can” by Fiona Apple

“I let the beast in and then I even tried forgiving him, but it's too soon. So I'll fight again, again, again, again, again and for a little while more, I'll soar the uneven wind, complain and blame the sterile land.”

9. The Nine of Wands: “Conquest of Spaces” by Woodkid

“I'm ready to start the conquest of spaces expanding between you and me... Come with the night, the science of fighting, the forces of gravity...”

10. The Ten of Wands: “Running up that Hill” by Kate Bush

“And if I only could, I'd make a deal with God, and I'd get him to swap our places, be running up that road, be running up that hill, be running up that building...”

Cups

1. The Ace of Cups: “Quiet” by Milck

“But no one knows me, no one ever will, if I don't say something, if I just lie still. Would I be that monster, scare them all away, if I let them hear what I have to say? I can't keep quiet.”

2. The Two of Cups: “Bus Stop” by The Hollies

“Every morning I would see her waiting at the stop. Sometimes she'd shop, and she would show me what she'd bought. Other people stared as if we were both quite insane... Someday my name and hers are going to be the same.”

3. The Three of Cups: “The Cult of Dionysus” by The Orion Experience

“I'm feeling devious, you're looking glamorous... let's get mischievous... and polyamorous. Wine and women and wonderful vices... Welcome to the cult of Dionysus!”

4. The Four of Cups: “High by the Beach” by Lana del Rey

“I don't wanna do this anymore, it's so surreal. I can't survive if this is all that's real... All I wanna do is get high by the beach, get high by the beach, get high...”

5. The Five of Cups: “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” by The Pet Shop Boys

“I bought you drinks, I brought you flowers. I read you books and talked for hours... Every day, so many drinks, such pretty flowers. So tell me, what have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?”

6. The Six of Cups: “In My Life” by The Beatles

“There are places I'll remember, all my life, though some have changed... Some forever, not for better. Some have gone and some remain...”

7. The Seven of Cups: “Which Will” by Nick Drake

“Which do you dance for? Which makes you shine? Which will you choose now, if you won't choose mine?”

8. The Eight of Cups: “Go West” by The Pet Shop Boys

“(Go West) Life is peaceful there, (go West!) in the open air, (go West!) where the skies are blue... (go West!) This is what we're gonna do.”

9. The Nine of Cups: “No Surprises” by Radiohead

“Such a pretty house... and such a pretty garden... No alarms and no surprises, no alarms and no surprises, no alarms and no surprises, please...”

10. The Ten of Cups: “Rainbow Connection” by Kermit the Frog

“Someday we'll find it, the Rainbow Connection... the lovers, the dreamers and me.”

Swords

1. The Ace of Swords: “One” by U2

“You say love is a temple, love is a higher law... Love is a temple, love is a higher law. You ask me of me to enter, but then you make me crawl, and I can't keep holding on to what you got, 'cause all you got is hurt.”

2. The Two of Swords: “I Can’t Decide” by The Scissor Sisters

“I can't decide whether you should live or die... Oh, you'll probably go to heaven; please don't hang your head and cry...”

3. The Three of Swords: “The Killing Type” by Amanda Palmer

"I would kill to make you feel. I don't mean kill someone for real. I couldn't do that, it is wrong... But I can say it in a song.”

4. The Four of Swords: “Take it Easy” by The Eagles

“Take it easy, take it easy. Don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy. Lighten up while you still can, don't even try to understand, just find a place make your stand. Take it easy.”

5. The Five of Swords: “Young Men Dead” by the Black Angels

“Run for the hills, pick up your feet and let's go. We did our jobs, pick up speed now, let’s move. The trees can't grow without the sun in their eyes, and we can't live if we're too afraid to die.”

6. The Six of Swords: “I Will Survive” by Cake

“At first I was afraid, I was petrified. I kept thinking I could never live without you by my side. But then I spent so many nights just thinking how you'd done me wrong. I grew strong; I learned how to get along.”

7. The Seven of Swords: “Sabotage” by The Beastie Boys

“I can't stand it, I know you planned it! I'mma set it straight, this Watergate. I can't stand rockin' when I'm in here, 'cause your crystal ball ain't so crystal clear. So while you sit back and wonder why I got this fuckin' thorn in my side, oh my god, it's a mirage! I'm tellin' y'all, it's sabotage.”

8. The Eight of Swords: “Whipping Post” by the Allman Brothers Band

“Sometimes I feel, sometimes I feel, like I been tied to the whippin' post, tied to the whippin' post, tied to the whippin' post. Good Lord, I feel like I'm dyin'.”

9. The Nine of Swords: “Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drums” by A Perfect Circle

“Don't fret, precious, I'm here. Step away from the window, and go back to sleep... safe from pain, and truth, and choice... and other poison devils. See, they don't give a fuck about you, like I do. Count lies like sheep, like sheep, like sheep, like sheep, like sheep, like sheep...”

10. The Ten of Swords: “Hurt” by Johnny Cash

“I hurt myself today to see if I still feel. I focus on the pain, the only thing that's real. The needle tears a hole, the old familiar sting. Try to kill it all away, but I remember everything. What have I become, my sweetest friend? Everyone I know goes away in the end.”

Pentacles

1. The Ace of Pentacles: “Dime” by Cake

“I'm a dime, I'm fine, and I shine. I'm freshly minted. I am determined not to be dented by a car or by a plane or anything not yet invented...”

2. The Two of Pentacles: “Down to Earth” by Peter Gabriel

“Did you think that your feet had been bound by what gravity brings to the ground? Did you feel you were tricked by the future you picked? Well, come on down. All these rules don't apply when you're high in the sky, so come on down, come on down.”

3. The Three of Pentacles: “With a Little Help from My Friends” by Joe Cocker

“What would you do if I sang out of tune? Would you stand up and walk out on me? Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song, I will try not to sing out of key.”

4. The Four of Pentacles: “This is the Life” by “Weird Al” Yankovic

“They say that money corrupts you, but I can't really tell... I got the whole world at my feet, and I think it's pretty swell.”

5. The Five of Pentacles: “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones

“No, you can't always get what you want... You can't always get what you want... You can't always get what you want... But if you try sometimes, you find, you get what you need.”

6. The Six of Pentacles: “Rent” by The Pet Shop Boys

“We never ever argue, we never calculate the currency we've spent... I love you, you pay my rent “

7. The Seven of Pentacles: “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac

“I took my love, I took it down, climbed a mountain and I turned around. And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills ‘til the landslide brought me down.” 

8. The Eight of Pentacles: “The Weaver” by Steeleye Span

“The loom goes click and the loom goes clack; the shuttle flies forward and then flies back. The weaver's so bent that he's like to crack... such a wearisome trade is the weaver.” 

9. The Nine of Pentacles: “My Way” by Frank Sinatra

“I've loved, I've laughed and cried. I've had my fill, my share of losing. And now, as tears subside, I find it all, all so amusing... To think I did all that, and may I say, not in a shy way... oh no, no, not me. I did it my way.” 

10. The Ten of Pentacles: “Monument” by Röyskopp and Robyn

“This will be my monument. This will be a beacon when I'm gone, gone, gone... When I'm gone, gone, gone... When I'm gone... So that when that moment comes, I can say I did it all with love, love, love... All with love, love, love... All with love.”

Court Cards

Wands

1. The Page of Wands: “The Arsonist’s Lullaby” by Hozier

“All you have is your fire, and the place you need to reach. Don't you ever tame your demons, but always keep 'em on a leash.”

2. The Knight of Wands (Sagittarius, the Archer): “Portrait of the Knight of Wands” by Suzanne Vega

“His mood was melancholy, his attitude severe. His inner burden weighed upon him mightily.” 

3. The Queen of Wands (Aries, the Ram): “The Queen of Hollywood” by the Corrs

“She's never gonna be like the one before. She read it in her stars that there's something more. No matter what it takes, no matter how she breaks...”

4. The King of Wands (Leo, the Lion): “King and Lionheart” by Of Monsters and Men

“And as the world comes to an end, I'll be here to hold your hand, 'cause you're my king and I'm your lion-heart.”

Cups

1. The Page of Cups: “The Salmon Dance” by The Chemical Brothers

“Hello, boys and girls, my name is Fat Lip, and this is my friend, Sammy the Salmon! Today we're gonna teach you some fun facts about salmon and a brand new dance.”

2. The Knight of Cups (Pisces, the Fishes): “Knight of Noir” by Susanne Sundfor

“I can't go back again and lock the door. In the dead of night I hear her call out for more. I want to be stung by the stars, I gave her my soul and my heart, and now I am a slave.”

3. The Queen of Cups (Cancer, the Crab): “The Queen and I” by Gym Class Heroes

“I love it how she breaths booze in the morning... and it’s so sexy how she can't remember last night... I made the fatal mistake of letting her drink again. But who the hell am I to tell her how to live her life?”

4. The King of Cups (Scorpio, the Scorpion): “Sea King” by Eisley 

“Sea King, Sea king, can't you see that you're so silly? Sea King, I know things, and without love you won't get far...”

[Honorable mention: Franz Schubert’s rendition of Goethe’s “Der Koenig in Thule” is probably the ultimate King of Cups song, but it felt too different in musical style -- and language -- to include in this playlist. Still, it’s gorgeous, and the lyrics are perfect.]

Swords

1. The Page of Swords: “The Sword and the Pen” by Regina Spektor

“What if the sword kills the pen? What if the god kills the man? And if he does it with love, well then, it's death from above, and death from above is still a death...”

2. The Knight of Swords (Gemini, the Twins): “Knights of Cydonia” by Muse

“No one's going to take me alive. Time has come to make things right. You and I must fight for our rights. You and I must fight to survive.”

3. The Queen of Swords (Libra, the Scales): “My Snow White Queen” by Evanescence

“You belong to me, my snow white queen... There's nowhere to run, so let's just get it over.”

4. The King of Swords (Aquarius, the Water Bearer): “The Idiot Kings” by Soul Coughing

“Batting in the light, my reptile-lidded eyes. And all this strung end to end, is wider than the mind.”

Pentacles

1. The Page of Pentacles: “Sweet Child” by Pentangle

“You've been working so hard all day, won't you take your rest? You've been driving my blues away, now it is my turn. Come fly beneath my wings, sweet child it may not be for long.”

2. The Knight of Pentacles (Virgo, the Virgin): “Knights of Malta” by Smashing Pumpkins

“Where omens scar your door... Like a harvest we're bound and set for war... But no soldier comes...”

3. The Queen of Pentacles (Capricorn, the Goat): "Dreaming of the Queen” by The Pet Shop Boys

“Then carriages arrived... We stood and said goodbye. Diana dried her eyes and looked surprised, for I was in the nude. The old Queen disapproved, but people laughed and asked for autographs.”

4. The King of Pentacles (Taurus, the Bull): “A Farewell to Kings” by Rush

“Cities full of hatred, fear and lies, withered hearts, and cruel, tormented eyes... Scheming demons dressed in kingly guise, beating down the multitude, and scoffing at the wise. Whoa, can't we raise our eyes and make a start? Can't we find the minds to lead us closer to the heart?”

Giant shout-out to the Tarot Nerds Facebook Group for inspiring me. You are the best.

[enberlight]

Radioactive (Teaser! ML AU: TTBGTS)

Song: Radioactive by Imagine Dragons

Read on Ao3

This is a TEASER from my upcoming Miraculous Ladybug & Chat Noir AU, “To the Bidder Go the Spoils.” It was supposed to cover a dream sequence but... I didn’t make it that far in 30 minutes of the song prompt challenge. Oops. So, have the start of an ongoing fic instead! Which doesn’t go with the song. But. Ah well. A little more work and I’ll have that part ready too ;)

The sounds of laughter filled the air, punctuated by the tapping of mallets, and the low grunting of workers as tent poles were rocked loose from their holes and heaved forth from the earth, and heavy support beams were lowered to the ground or stacked into waiting carts. Marinette’s face fell a little as she wove her way through the organized chaos, what was just yesterday a camp of brightly colored tents and stands was already only scattered wooden skeletons now. By sunset, even those would be gone, leaving nothing but muddy tracks and the memories of shows and stories that would be told in her town for months, possibly years to come. She sighed heavily, shifting the stack of paper-bound packages in her arms as she dodged a support pole and sidestepped a mud puddle. She turned her focus back to the task at hand, rather than the regret that the troupe was leaving. Her face brightened as she spotted her friends across the way, steps lightening over the rutted paths as she sped up to join two of the performers, waiting next to their orange and blue house-wagon.

 “Alya!” Marinette called out to gain the woman’s attention, and she turned from the young man she was talking to, bright eyes glinting in the mid-day sun even from this distance. A smile lit her face, and she gestured broadly for Marinette to hurry over, then winced as the rushing young woman nearly tripped herself on one of the muddy wheel ruts. Alya’s companion dove forward, catching the stack of packages as they tipped forward from Marinette’s arms. She chuckled self-deprecatingly, righting herself before she could muddy her skirts. “Thanks, Nino.”

 “Don’t mention it, kid,” he grinned back at her, blinking briefly as his arms were suddenly emptied. A glance to his right showed that the oddly lumpy packages were in the custody of his wife now, who was torn between pawing them open right there, or getting them into their home first where they could be properly (and safely) unwrapped. “Alya, honestly, slow down! Come on in, Marinette, I don’t think she can restrain herself this time.”

A genuine laugh escaped her lips this time, Marinette shaking her head as she watched Alya rush up the little ladder steps and into the structure. “I hope you don’t mind, I did some extra embellishments along with the repairs. I gave them a little extra flash…” She followed her friend up inside, to be greeted by a gasp as Alya had already eased the bindings and the paper from the packages.

 “Oh Marinette, they’re perfect!” The giddy woman shook out one of the layered dresses, one that had been sewn from airy fabrics in autumn hues, the skirts formed from overlapping scarves scattered with glass beads, the facets catching even the dim light within the enclosed wagon. On the table behind her several other dresses, trousers, and shirts were laid out, in a range of rich jewel tones. Most glistened and gleamed with embroidery, glass, and simple polished stones. “These are fit for royalty, hun! I swear they’re hardly the same old, worn garments I gave you to patch! …in fact, I’m pretty sure some of these aren’t… Oh Marinette…”

 The dark-haired girl blushed at the accusatory but loving stare leveled her way, and shook her head slowly to defer any lectures. “Okay so maybe I completely redid a couple of them… but I swear I had the work mostly done already! And these will go so much nicer with the production. You’d think you were using magic, I don’t know how you do it! You really make the stories come to life, you need clothes to live up to your skills!”

 Alya chuckled low, a strange glint in her golden eyes as she smirked at the impressionable young woman before her. “We’re traveling performers, what would we be without a few magic tricks?” Outside the wagon Nino huffed out a soft laugh of his own, barely audible over the sounds of the camp disassembling around them.

 Marinette smiled fondly, dismissing it as a joke and shaking her head. “Of course, a “Fox” has to have her tricks, doesn’t she?”

 “But of course,” Alya returned, smiling slyly. “Thanks so much for this, I really don’t feel like we’re paying you enough for these. Are you sure you can’t come with us? You’ll be a famous seamstress in no time, make it big in one of the major cities on our route.”

 “I really can’t,” Marinette demurred, her smile sad. “Maybe next year. Right now, Mama and Papa need me more at the bakery. And I make good enough money on the side right here…”

 “But you really aren’t doing what you want to, just repairing regular clothes. I know you love doing THIS,” Alya gently shook the autumn-hued dress for emphasis, the scarves swirling and beads glistening. “Fancy things, flashy things, ROYAL things.”

 “And I will, Alya, I promise. Just. Mama is sick, I can’t go just yet, it’s too much for Papa to handle alone. When she’s better…”

 “I understand, girl, I do.” Alya set the dress down reverently, wrapping the smaller woman in a hug that was quickly returned. She ruffled Marinette’s ebony hair, then let it fall back down around her slim shoulders. “Family is important, and that’s where you need to be right now. But. NEXT time we come through…”

 “NEXT time you come through, you can try again to spirit me away with your ‘magical’ caravan of wonders, Alya.”  

 The russet-haired performer squeezed Marinette’s shoulders and tutted at her. “Hey now, watch your phrasing, dear. What if I was some fae creature and that was a contract you just signed with your words? You’d better watch your tongue around strange folks, little lady.”

 A bemused huff escaped Marinette’s lips. “Ah, but if you were as magical as you claim, you would have enchanted away half the populace by now, Alya.”

 “Hah, see, that’s where you’re wrong, hun. If we enchanted everyone into following us from every town, who would we perform for on the next turn through? We have to leave the people here to make the money, so that they throw the money at us on the next trip around!”

 Nino piped up from the front steps, laughter in his voice. “It’s a good thing you keep your true powers under wraps, then, love, I don’t want to have to fight off quite that many suitors… Or be responsible for feeding their lovelorn asses as they follow the caravan…”

 “Ever practical…” Alya blew a kiss at him and he caught it over his shoulder without looking, a grin making his ears shift higher beneath his lopsided cap. “So, Marinette, can you stay long, or…?”

 “Sorry, Alya, but I’m going to have to dart right back. I need to help with the evening rush, and it won’t do to be stuck outside of town when the sun sets… not now that the Troupe Town won’t be lit…” Alya pulled her in for another hug, and the two squeezed each other tight, neither saying an actual goodbye. It wasn’t their way.

 “Til next turn then, little sister. Keep yourself with care.”

 “And you, Alya, Nino.” He ruffled the top of her head as she passed him on the stairs, and she gave him a quick side hug.  “Send word when you reach the next town! I want to hear all about the new show you’re debuting there!”

 “Of course!” Alya and Nino waved as Marinette trotted off, weaving back through the dwindling campground to the town just past the rise. Alya’s eyes went to the forest that curved in to the sides of the camp, a look of focus tightening her expression as she sighed. Nino could almost see a tail stiffen behind her as she pursed her lips. “I really wish she would come with us, Nino,” she murmured, unease in her voice.

 “You know we can’t make her, and the seer’s warning is no guarantee… She’ll weather this if it does come, Alya. She’ll be fine, and we’ll find her again. Maybe then, we’ll even be able to tell her…” His voice trailed off, sadness in his tone. He’d known Marinette from childhood, she was as dear to him as a sister, but she had no inkling of the world he’d become a part of at Alya’s side. A world she’d have to stumble into on her own, soon, if an old fortune teller’s vague warnings were to be taken seriously. Sometimes nothing much came of them, the pomp and flash of the profession blowing the glimpses of true possibilities out of proportion. But even Alya was on edge, which had him worried. She had a knack for reading the air, and to see her so serious did not bode well for the fledgling seamstress and her small family back in the bakery.

Endnote:

Again, this little bit is a teaser for "To the Bidder Go the Spoils," a Demon!AU I'm working on based on characters from Miraculous Ladybug and Chat Noir. You might have noticed that things are a little odd here. I didn't get far enough to show you just how much, so watch the EnberDusk account for the full chapter and continuing story! I'll be adding to this and polishing it up a bit before it shows up there.

Just be aware, it will have adult themes in later chapters. I will warn for content there as necessary... It's going on Dusk because it's not a gentle kiddie fic. It will be one of my happier ones overall, though? (And as far as warnable blows go, it's going to be downright kind compared to two of my other AU arcs. I don't know why my bunnies thrive on angst...)

[theonlyjelly-iwillput-inmybelly]

Escapade- Chapter Two

A/N: Hi, friends, here’s chapter two! You can read the full fic here on my AO3 (this link will take you to the beginning), or you can read Chapter One here on my Tumblr (this link will take you only to Chapter One). Reblogs are deeply appreciated! 

Please let me know through a comment, reblog, or message if you want to be added to the taglist! Chapter Three is scheduled to be posted this Saturday

Tagging people below the cut

After Roman had shut the door to his room, he took a deep breath and shook his head. The ache in his heart had acutely throbbed when he had turned his back on Virgil. Despite the warm rays of sun that filtered down onto his uniform, he felt a distinct chill around the areas Virgil had touched. He licked his lips, tasting a faint trace of cookie, and sighed. Spreading his shoulders back, he strode off into the direction of his stables.

It had been decided unanimously by all the Sides to keep from Thomas the knowledge that Roman had a horse called Maximus. There was, of course, a reference to Tangled in Roman’s choice of name. Roman found it a little difficult to merely sink into the darker corners of his kingdom, a corner of his room that fell into the darker portion of Thomas’s mind. Whether it was because he was harboring a well hidden fear of that corner of his kingdom, or whether he had too poor of a mental map of the area, Roman loved an excuse to ride his horse just like the stereotypical prince he was.

Maximus was a powerful white steed who stood at a solid fifteen hands high. His coat, mane, and tail were snow white. He was, of course, another child of Roman’s mind, so he had some good qualities unusual to other horses. Roman sensed that the horse possessed a certain level of intelligence abnormal to his equine brethren, and that he was empathetic and brave. This notion was often questioned whenever Maximus was frightened by his own shadow, or walked into posts. Despite his clumsiness, Roman knew Maximus was an intelligent creature.

Roman took the time to explain to Maximus their mission as he readied his gear for the long journey through his kingdom. Maximus always watched him with careful eyes whenever he spoke, his ears pointed forward, and he nickered at all of the right places. However, the horse’s eyes usually strayed to the saddle bags full of supplies for the trip; the horse knew that a number of treats lay within those bags.

Within ten minutes, Roman had stepped up into the saddle, and urged Maximus to a gallop as they headed West into the sunset. The cliche was not lost on Roman, but it also could not be denied that it lent him a great thrill.

As the sun began to set and the familiar terrain began to be cloaked in shadow, Roman became lost in thought. It was easy for him to daydream as he rode a horse. He knew he was an expert horseman, and Maximus was an easy horse to handle. The pounding, repetitive rhythm of the horse’s hooves was conducive to deep thought.

He found himself worrying about the Dragon Witch.

Roman had faced many a foe in his day, but none was ever so difficult to face as that vile serpent. He often came back from battles with her battered, bruised, and recovering from her various charms and spells; all she had were mere scratches. However, the most impressive damage Roman had inflicted on her was blinding her in her right eye.

She, in return, had torn a terrible gash along his back. Fortunately, Roman always carried a Dragon Witch first aid kit, in which he was able to stitch himself up and stop himself from bleeding to death. The wound had taken a while to heal, yet none of the other Sides had seemed to notice his stiffness and unwillingness to take off his shirt, as he often did when he slept. Virgil was the only one who knew of its existence, due to his recent upgrade from ‘friend’ to ‘ lover’.

Roman was slightly apprehensive of his imminent encounter with the Dragon Witch, but something in his gut told him that this would be his last time venturing to the Witch’s lair. The wounds he inflicted on the dragon’s body seemingly could not be healed by magic; as the ruler of this world, Roman had his own version of magic, and he had enchanted his sword so that the wounds it inflicted could not heal.

After a long while of galloping, Roman slowed Maximus down to a swift trot. The horse seemed to protest by a sharp flick of his mane and a tug on his reins; he wanted to keep going. But Roman knew his limits, and resolutely kept him at a trot. Roman focused on the terrain around them; the area was scrubby, with low growing shrubs and and knots of of sage. There were occasional groves of ash trees, and a twitch of movement could be attributed to a rabbit frightened by the powerful hooves of Maximus. A chilly breeze swept across the land. Roman shivered slightly, pressing his arms closer to his sides. A slight twinge in his chest reminded him of how warm Virgil’s embrace had felt just hours before.

He already missed him.

Maximus nickered, turning his head slightly to look at him. Roman smiled softly, once again certain that the horse possessed deep emphatic mindsets. He patted the horse on the neck.

“Thanks, pal- Merlin’s beard! ” Roman said, ending his sentence with a swear and a cry as Maximus stumbled down a shallow bank and into a creek. The horse whinnied with fright, and bucked several times, splashing up sprays of chilly water.

Roman, recovering from his shock quickly, leapt off of Maximus, and with a calm voice and soothing gestures, calmed the stallion back down.

“How about we stop for the night, buddy?” Roman suggested, shivering as he stood in the chilly flow of the creek. Moonlight quivered and quaked on the slight trickle of the water.

Maximus blew into his hand, and under Roman’s lead, walked onto the pebbly banks of the small creek. Roman did a quick inspection of the horse to make sure he had not injured himself in the slight tumble. Satisfied that he was fine, Roman unpacked a picket line from Maximus’s saddle bag as the horse gracefully lowered his neck for a drink. Unhitching and caring for Maximus was a simple task for Roman, so he found his thoughts wandering again. As he curried the sweat from Maximus’s sleek coat, he wondered how the others were doing.

Logan was probably in his room, an arch of notebooks, books, and crumpled papers littering his desk, a pen skittering enthusiastically over notebooks, post-it notes, and graph paper. He would rocket back and forth between his vast desk and his whiteboard on his wheeling stool, working on one of the great mysteries of the universe, enjoying every moment in his weird, nerdy way.

Patton was probably just cleaning up from dinner, washing the dishes and not at all feeling bitter that Logan usually disappeared directly after dinner to work on some idea that had been fed to life by the sustenance. Roman occasionally helped with cleaning, but he too often had a rush of ideas after eating. It was sort of a ritual of Virgil and Patton’s to wash up after dinner. Though Virgil would never admit it, it was their bonding time. The two were probably quietly talking about how cute or dorky (depends upon who you asked) it was that Logan always put his whole soul into his work, or that Roman always worked on his ideas from the bottom of his heart. After cleaning, Patton would probably return to his room, tidy up, and settle down to nostalgize or play on his gameboy.

Virgil, after helping Patton clean, would also return to his room. Depending upon his mood, he would either go straight to bed, or stay up to browse the Internet while listening to music. Roman now knew that he also sometimes wrote little stories or poems, but he had been sworn to secrecy. He would stay up late into the night and early into the morning, naturally being a night owl. Roman alway had to fight hard to stay awake with Virgil as they lay together in the living quarters of Roman’s room. That was one fight he was willing to lose.

Roman blinked as Maximus nuzzled his hand softly, his nostalgic train of thought interrupted. He hadn’t noticed that he had stopped currying until Maximus had licked his hand, the other of which was clinging tightly to the horse’s soft mane.

Roman sighed. “I’m sorry, old friend,” he whispered. “I just...miss him, is all.”

Dejected, Roman packed Maximus’s gear away and scrounged around the surrounding area for wood. He could hear the soft breeze whistling over the stones, and the grinding of Maximus’s teeth as the horse picked and chewed the sweet grass.

Within half an hour, Roman was settled against Maximus’s side, the horse having laid down beside the fire, his ears pricked and alert. Roman was snapping twigs and tossing them into the small flame he had going. The sound of summer crickets and katydids chorused quietly in the air.

A chilly breeze blustered from the west. Roman inhaled deeply, closing his eyes; the scent of the darker corner of Thomas’s mind hit his nose. He faintly smelled the characteristic scent of burning and decay. He shuddered, bringing Patton’s care package up to his face; it smelled of cookies and of the moral side’s sweet caramel and vanilla scent. He smiled, feeling slightly closer to home. Roman rooted around in the package, withdrawing a first aid kit filled with excess gauze, sutures, disinfectant, and morphine syringes (Virgil’s gift), a small, handmade pamphlet on navigation (Logan’s contribution), and two treat apples for Maximus (Patton had a special spot in his heart for the horse).

Roman dug around one last time in the satchel, listening to Maximus making delighted horse noises as he nibbled the apples, and pulled out a bag of Patton’s home baked cookies. They were already opened. Roman smirked as he imagined Virgil unable to resist the urge to steal a cookie even as Roman was saying goodbye. The man never could deny a sweet.

As Roman settled down to read the manual on navigation he had read a hundred times already, as this was not the first time the pamphlet had made its way into the Roman’s care packages, he suddenly felt a chill that was unrelated to the eerie breeze to the west. Even though Maximus’s living warmth was keeping his shoulders and back warm, and his feet were warm in the heat of the flames, a distinct chill roamed his midsection.

Roman closed his eyes and listened intently; all of the sides were deeply connected, and they could feel one another’s presence if they listened hard enough. It was a simple heartbeat that they heard. Roman was listening for Virgil’s.

Virgil always had a quick heart rate. This was hardly surprising, as he was the literal embodiment of anxiety. But as Roman focused, he noticed that Virgil’s heart was pounding unnaturally fast, and that it occasionally skipped a beat. Roman knew at once what this meant; Virgil was having an anxiety attack.

Hot guilt and shame washed over the prince as he curled closer to Maximus. He wished he could be there to comfort his boyfriend, but all he could do was listen to his heart. So he did the next best thing; he took deep breaths to steady his own heart, and sent out an aura of reassuring vibes, hoping that the anxious side would listen. If the sides listened hard enough, or if one of them was feeling something particularly strongly, they could feel what the others were feeling.

Soon, Maximus began to grow restless. He whickered quietly, licking Roman’s ear to gain his attention. The prince turned, and saw Maximus nudging the care package.

“No more apples, Max,” Roman said, taking the bag and turning it upside down to demonstrate its emptiness. To his surprise, a small, plump book tumbled out, along with a scroll of hastily torn notebook paper tied with a strip of fabric.

Roman raised an eyebrow at Maximus, who immediately lost interest in everything Roman was doing and contented himself by watching the stream go by, and snatched up the letter before it was lost to the breeze.

It was tied closed with a long strip of fabric. In the dark of night, Roman could not read the note nor see the fabric or the book, so he leaned forward to the light of the flames.

The scroll was tied shut with a thin strand of purple plaid.

Roman tore it open at once. He recognized Virgil’s untidy scrawl: Here’s some better reading material, because Logan has no taste- V.

Roman, grinning like an idiot, picked up the book and saw that it was his favorite; a volume containing the tale of King Arthur and his fellow knights on the search for the Holy Grail. Virgil must have snuck it in when he was stealing a cookie.

Setting the book aside, Roman tenderly tied the strip of purple plaid around his wrist. A lover’s favour to their knight. Suddenly, he felt a distinct warmth spread through his chest. He focused back again on Virgil, sending all of his gratitude and positive vibes. To his relief, he could feel a steady heartbeat and happy yet aching aura from Virgil. Roman sighed, patted Maximus on the nose, and curled back up to read.

The breeze continued to blow as Roman read, and despite the token on his wrist and the steady heartbeat he heard suggesting that Virgil was sleeping, he became achingly more aware that the space beside him was so, so empty.

Taglist:

@celiawhatsherlastname @monikastec @jordandobbertin @greymane902​ @lostgirlggwen @kittenvirgil @iamahumanwaitnothatsalie

[piermanwalter]

What if The Clone Wars had an eighth season?

In an alternate reality, George Lucas showed up to a meeting with Disney executives two hours late while drunk, pantsless, brandishing two stolen live pet chickens like Uzis, and covered with mysterious geometric bruises, forever ruining the rapport between the two companies, preventing Disney from purchasing Star Wars. 

As a result, the Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV show is not cancelled and I think these are some of the episodes that will be created. 

THE FILLER EPISODES

“I don’t care that you fools see me as weak if it means that I will see you drowning in your own arrogance.”                                                                          The show sort of raises the stakes by having General Grievous be brutally competent in an early episode, but he gets beat as easily as usual in later episodes, so there isn’t much point.

“HOOOOO YEAAAAAAH!” *sound of four Z-6 rotary blasters being fired at once by one man*                                                                                                 There’s an episode with absolutely no story or coherence solely focussed on Plo Koon and the 104th and it’s rad as hell.

“I think I’m a bad person if this is what I want.”                                          Katooni and friends try to show off in front of Jedi so that they might be chosen as Padawans, but when they are thrown into a real combat situation, they realize how terrible the war is and give up.

“Relax, friends! Judging by how well things are going, I think that only two of us will die! Pretty good, no?”                                                                                 Obi-Wan returns to his Rako Hardeen persona in order to team up with Hondo and Boba Fett to scam a fortune out of a Hutt crimelord, Grabo the Prosperous, freeing his slaves in the process. 

“BUT DESPITE ALL SETBACKS, THE REPUBLIC CONTINUES TO BRAVELY DEFEND- argh! Stop! HELP ME!”                                                                      The opening bombastic narration of this episode is cut off when the Separatists KIDNAP THE NARRATOR HIMSELF, a Republic newscaster/propagandist and the police of Coruscant have to rescue him. Tan Divo is there, no matter how hard everyone tries to get him to go away.

“Excuse me, sir! I can tell these are not truly Sluissi emeralds from their lack of diffracting lustre! Give me back my credits!”                                                       C-3PO and R2-D2 do some mind-numbingly boring errands for Padmé because there has to be at least one per season for some reason.

THE MERCHANDISE-DRIVEN EPISODES

“Oh no. That’s too many wheels.” “WAY too many wheels.”                                 A show producer accidentally puts in an order for many incredibly bizarre clone vehicle toys, and as a last ditch marketing attempt, a funny, heartwarming episode is made starring a new clone, Rotor, who is not a soldier, but he works in weapons and vehicles R&D. 

“That’s right, boys. I’m dressed to kill.”                                                           Aayla Secura, Adi Gallia, and Shaak Ti infiltrate an elite fashion show disguised as models in order to protect Senator Orn Free Taa, while Aurra Sing, Latts Razzi, and Asaji Ventress, also disguised as models, try to assassinate him. 

The cruddy, mediocre Republic Heroes game gets rebooted using the Battlefront engine. Because executives are imbeciles and believe that no human being in existence wants to buy a story-based FPS, an entire 3-parter, starring Cad Bane, is made to promote the game. It’s basically Casablanca with explosions.

“Ha. Ha. Ha. What do you mean by ‘How’re yer shtil alive?’ You imbecile. ‘Hurr how im gonna kill dat shkakoan? Oh im genius put the high presser lovin’ critter in a high presser.’ The best bounty hunter in the galaxy. Incredible.”                                                     Cad Bane is doing great, until he finds one of his many enemies, Kul Teska, in his favorite bar, despite having personally killed him years ago. Most of this episode is flashbacks composed of in-engine cutscenes lifted directly from the new game, but the animation is good enough that it’s almost impossible to tell.

“Get out of my way. I can’t shoot through you, nice as that’d be. Why you gotta be so damn huge?” “I was a preposterously fat youngling.”                                                                                                      Cad Bane gets a job assassinating Black Sun Vigos for Grabo the Prosperous, the same hutt that got scammed eight episodes ago. Unfortunately, Kul Teska had the same idea and the two of them are forced to work together. Cad Bane hates his life and Kul Teska is mildly amused. This episode is full of crazy action, colorful characters that die after ten seconds of screentime, and petty bantering. Bane finds himself not hating his nemesis as much.

“With luck, I will never see you again.”                                                          Grabo doesn’t uphold his end of the deal, so Bane and Teska put their rivalry on hold to scam him a second time before barely escaping with their lives. Cad Bane decides being a misanthrope loner is a waste of time and asks Teska if he wants to continue being a team. Kul Teska reveals that the only reason he agreed to the gig was to make enough money to get a ship to go back to his home planet. And then he leaves forever. Cad Bane spends the last minute of the episode drinking himself into oblivion.

THE PLOT EPISODES: TOO SERIOUS FOR DIALOGUE QUOTES (Come up with your own. I’m out of ideas because the opening paragraph is the most amazing thing I’ll ever write and this post is too long already.)

There’s an episode about Ahsoka dealing with an existential crisis after being abandoned by the Jedi Order. After struggling with her beliefs that only Republic soldiers are allowed to be heroes, her desire to help others is too strong and for the first time on this show, she kills a tyrannical Republic general and allows the droid army to move in because innocent people would be legitimately better off this way.

Narrated from the perspective of Darth Sidious, this episode shows his daily life, switching from persona to persona, thinking about the best way to exterminate an entire race while smiling and shaking their representative’s hand and consoling depressed politicians so they become so overconfident that they get themselves killed. It’s a parody of the Robot chicken parodies, but manages to be utterly terrifying. 

It’s Life Day. This episode is a bunch of vignettes about how different people celebrate. The clones scrape together some cash in order to buy a feast at their favorite cantina. Padmé is at a fancy gala but wishes Anakin was there. Cad Bane gets an unmarked crate filled with terrifying custom weapons thrown through his window. There is an underlying plot about the clone troopers investigating the spooky rumors of Order 66.

The first of a 3-parter, Anakin and Obi-Wan are fighting to escape worker drones on Cato Neimoidia and have a disagreement over whether to kill everyone because they are mindless insects, or to spare them. Obi-Wan never allows Anakin’s plans to be put into effect, leading to Anakin becoming more and more frustrated until he deliberately allows Obi-Wan to get shot. Now in charge, he puts his murderous plans in action, which worked extremely well and they escape. Obi-Wan is extremely grateful that Anakin rescued him, completely unaware that he wanted him injured.

Without Obi-Wan to veto his ideas and keep him in check, and Ahsoka to go with his plans so hard that he gets concerned and gives up for her sake, Anakin’s tactics grow more and more brutal, and he gains more and more public adoration for how effective he is. He tries to keep this hidden from Padmé, but she finds out anyway and they have a huge argument ending with Padmé realizing he was like this from the very beginning, from when he first slaughtered the Sand People, and she was too lovestruck to notice.

The first half of this episode is Padmé getting involved in banking intrigues with Rush Clovis yet again to avoid Anakin. The second half is Anakin trying to reconcile with her. The episode ends with them forgiving each other and getting back together, but Anakin is already being torn apart by his feelings of guilt, jealousy, and rage, foreshadowing his complete mistrust of everyone and his fall to the Dark Side in Episode III.

[princess-of-the-corner]

I spent far too long mapping out MLP Tarot Cards. So I’m putting the list here to help myself remember to do something with it and possibly discuss with others?

Major Arcana

The Fool- The Cutie Mark Crusaders

The Fool is for innocence and beginnings. The Crusaders are kids starting to figure out who they are. It is also for recklessness and inconsideration. While not malicious, children don’t fully think through their choices and make mistakes.

The Magician-Trixie

Obviously.However, she does fit the card meaning.Willpower and desire are words associated with the card, something Trixie has a lot of. But so are trickery and illusions, when she cared only for Trixie.

The High Priestess- Discord

My choice for this is more on my own headcanons of Discord’s past. But the card is for Intuition and Inner Voice, but on the reverse we have repressed feelings that cause a loss of said Voice. 

The Empress-Chrysalis

The Empress is a symbol of Motherhood, nurturing guidance. Things Chrysalis is supposed to be. But the Empress is also controlling. Mother Knows Best, after all.

The Emperor- Nightmare Moon

The Emperor is for structure and control. A father figure. Stern but wise and understanding. Quite like Luna. However, it’s reverse is a cold tyrant, the grip on the Kingdom causing them to suffer, much like Nightmare would have.

The Hierophant-Starlight Glimmer

Tradition and Conformity, much like Starlight’s Town. But also taking new approaches, diverging from the restrictions. 

The Lovers-Cadence and Shining Armor

Self explanatory. The Card of Union, but also Harmony. But reversed could be a loss of balance.

The Chariot-Rainbow Dash

Willpower and control, harnessing the world around you to achieve goals, like becoming a Wonderbolt. Yet she is also at the mercy of opposing forces. Rainbow is Loyal to many ponies, which causes her to be stuck in the middle when friends fight, even if it’s a friendly competition like the Equestria Games. 

Strength-Fluttershy

Bravery and Compassion. Some argue that Flutters isn’t brave due to her fears, but ‘ bravery is not ‘being without fear’ it’s standing up for what is right even though you are scared’. That said, the reverse is self-doubt and insecurity.

The Hermit-Spike

The Hermit represents contemplation, finding out who you are through journeying by ones self, but also the loneliness of losing your way on that journey. All I can think of is Spike’s search for who and what he is, a Dragon that acts like a Pony or a Pony that looks like a Dragon.

Wheel of Fortune-Pinkie

The Wheel is for changing cycles, and also Luck. But also the uncontrollable. Change and cycles, like that of seasons or the Sun and Moon. But it’s also for the fact that even when things are bad, there will always bee something good just around the corner, always another reason to smile.

Justice-Blueblood

This is another connected to personal headcanons, involving Blueblood being, essentially, an inside informant on the Nobility’s misdeeds. Justice stands for fairness, but also karmic retribution. However, there is also accountability.  Turning a bling eye to something that should have been given the proper punishment. In Blueblood’s case, that is Sunset Shimmer.  

The Hanged Man- Rarity

This card is about sacrifice, self-sacrifice to be exact. while the card is a bit literal, it’s about Generosity, giving your all to others, even if it could hurt you. But there is also a thing as too much sacrifice, or hesitating out of your own wants. Rarity finds a good balance, but has moments of giving too much or hesitating for her dreams. 

Death-Thorax

The Death card is for Change, Metamorphasis and the end of a cycle that starts anew, so it is quite literal here. It’s for a radical transformation, losing something to be better. Thorax is the symbol of Change for the Changelings, but also the end of a cycle. The end of Queen Chrysalis’s reign and the beginning of King Thorax’s. 

Temperance-Applejack

Temperance is about walking the middle path. Unlike Rainbow and her Card(the Chariot) being torn between her Loyalties, Applejack goes for who is objectively right, but stays emotionally neutral in the conflict. The Mom friend. However, she does have her buttons to be pressed.

The Devil- Sombra/Obsidian’s Posesion

One of the more literal ones, and 100% headcanon related. This card represents fears, obsessions, and insecurities that hold people back. The Reverse, however, is about freeing ones self from the Devil’s clutches, restoring your own control. 

The Tower-Diamond Tiara

Had to have Diamond in here because I love her so much. Anyway, the Tower is a card about the dangers of Pride, the destruction of the foundation of our lives to remake ourselves. Diamond’s whole life was about the things her Mother taught her, but she has seen the path she was heading down and has begun to fix it. However, as long as her mother is there, she can’t fully rebuild. 

The Star-Twilight Sparkle

The Star is for Hope and Rejuvenation. She’s the Hero, and as long as she stands they are Invincible. But she also gives others second chances, and helps them remake themselves on their journey. That said, there are times where she gets into insecurity, and loses faith in herself, but just a Spark will give her what she needs to save the day.  

The Moon-Luna

Duh. The Moon card is about the unconscious and illusions, Dreams that reflect our minds and hearts. But there is also confusion in the vagueness of Dreams, and it is easy to lose your way in the dark. 

The Sun-Celestia

Again, duh. This card is for Joy and Celebration.Success overcoming any obstacle, just like the Invincible Sun Princess. But sometimes, the cloudcover can block the Sun’s rays, making it difficult to be optimistic. Making it difficult to see things right in front of you until it is too late.

Judgement-Sunset Shimmer

Judgement is for reflection, to evaluate your life and lead to your Rebirth. But you can also judge too harshly, letting yourself be lost in the details you don’t like instead of seeing the full picture. Sunset has definitely done the reflect and rebirth, but we only saw a little of the harsh judgement. She focused on the terrible things she did, letting it define her despite having good parts of her past(hey, she was Celestia’s Student for a reason!). While she has accepted her past and has been Reborn, there are moments where she focuses on the bad(her anger management issues in FG.)

The World-The Elements

Again, self explanatory. The World stands for Harmony and Completion. Unity and Perfection from inner and outer sources. And how empty everything is without them. 

Minor Arcana:

I don’t think I’ll give as much Meaning to the Minor Arcana as I did the Major Arcana. Mostly because that’d be a pain to go through and match each one to one specific character. Like, matching the Death card or the Sun card is easy. But matching the four of Pentacles? Actually, that one could be Filthy Rich... ignore me. I’m not doing that for all the cards. 

That said, the Suits are mostly organized. The Kings of each are one of the four princesses, and each suit itself is made up of a corresponding race of pony, or said pony’s ‘Court’(aka, important characters that don’t match but I put in that group) in the Crystal Pony case(Seriously, can we get more Crystal Pony characters that have legit names and personalities????).  The Ace is a non-pony(or not exactly a pony) that is associated with that Suit or Race. Some will get an extra ‘why I put them there’ note.

Wands-Unicorns

Wands represent creativity, passion, desire, and the Spark of beginnings. It’s element is Fire. Wands are perfect for the magic wielding Unicorns. 

King- Twilight Sparkle

Twilight was born a Unicorn, and a part of her will always think of herself as one.

Queen-Sunset Shimmer

A Unicorn just as powerful as Twilight, but not the Princess. 

Knight-Rarity

Page-Sweetie Belle

10-2-Starlight, Trixie, Moondancer, Lyra, Blueblood, Party Favor, Sugar Belle, Vinyl Scratch, Fancy Pants

Ace-Spike

Not only is Spike only associated with Unicorn characters(Twilight, Shining, Rarity, etc.), but he is a Fire element. 

Pentacles- Earth Ponies

Pentacles relate to worldly things, are much more ‘passive’ than the Wands’ ‘active’ nature, and is associated with the Earth Element. 

King- Celestia

Celestia is the most ‘grounded’ of the Princesses, but also the most ‘princess-like’. 

Queen-Applejack

Knight-Pinkie Pie

Page-Applebloom

10-2-Big Mac, Maud, Marble, Limestone, Bonbon, Double Diamond, Cheerilee, Octavia, Nurse Redheart

Ace-Timber Spruce. 

Another personal headcanon

Cups- Crystal Ponies

While they aren’t related to the Suit’s Element(Water), the suit is associated emotions, especially Love. Considering the Crystal ponies run on Emotions, it’s a good fit.

King- Cadence

Princess of the Empire

Queen- Shining Armor

Hey Jori! This one’s for you! Okay, really, while he’s not a Crystal Pony, he’s husband to the Princess

Knight- Sunburst

Headcanon-wise, I headcanon him as part Crystal Pony. But he is the Crystal Mage.

Page- Diamond Tiara

I headcanon her as part Crystal Pony and I love her too much to not include her.

10-2- Flurry Heart, Autumn, Mercury, Rose Quartz, Verity Lucky, Scarlet Heart, Amber Laurel, Fleur de Verre, Golden Harvest, 

Honestly, there aren’t any Crystal Pony characters that aren’t background ponies. Seriously, how and why so you’ll have to go to the wiki to know them,

Ace- Thorax

Not a Crystal Pony, but his default disguise is one, and he lived with them for a while.

Swords- Pegasai

Pegasai match this suit’s Element(Air) more than its symbolism, as Swords are for reason and logic. Not to say they aren’t reasonable or logical, but it’s not something they’re known for. 

King- Luna

Mostly by default, but she is the one seen flying most often(and also the one seen using magic most often but I digress). Also Air is a Moon Element. 

Queen- Rainbow Dash

Knight-Fluttershy

Page-Scootaloo

10-2-Flash Sentry, Derpy, Daring Do, Spitfire, Soarin, Thunderlane, Night Glider, Lightning Dust, Alula

Ace- Gilda

Not a Pegasus but related by flight.

[breaktimewritings]

Palm Reading II SpunLace Oneshot

In which Lacey is a gypsy and gets attached to a spinner.

(( This was a plot bunny I got and had to write down. I kind of fell in love with this verse??? I'm opening it for prompts and...kinda begging for them so please feel free to throw prompts at me!! I’d love to explore every member of the caravan~! ))

AO3

The Festival Caravan was no longer welcome in Longbourne. However, that suited them fine. They much preferred The Frontlands. They had much livelier celebrations.

The caravan had never been to The Frontlands before their first visit. However, at the time they didn't have much of a choice. Longbourne was no longer on their route, and a stop before Avonlea was necessary. The Frontlands would simply have to do. They arrived while the kingdom was in the midst of its Summer Solstice celebration, and had decided it was meant to be.

Somehow, the band of gypsies had become a staple of the Summer Solstice without incident. The guards had grumbled a little about the new additions, but they were always present when the dancing started.

“Come one, come all!” Called Jefferson from his perch atop his makeshift stage, waving his signature top hat above his head. “Come see the finest show of magic in all the lands!”

Lacey couldn’t help but giggle. Jefferson’s show was probably one of the only things in their caravan that WAS true magic, which was ironic. The usual crowd gathered, and Lacey relaxed for a moment, straightening the many wares of her stall. Charms, potions, fortune reads. Jefferson was the life of their Caravan, drawing in crowds with his boundless energy that bordered on madness, but it was Lacey that was the heart of it.

She'd been hailing customers all day. The people of The Frontlands were sometimes quite wary of her stall, but for every person who passed her with a sideways glance, there seemed to be two more than happy to indulge themselves.

“Simply hold that over your wife’s hand and watch the way it swings. It hasn’t been wrong yet.”

The man thanked Lacey happily, dropping a few coins into her hand. The brunette didn’t have time to turn away before more coins dropped on her counter. A boy bade her no mind, looking over her wares, eyes filled with determination. Lacey grinned at the boy. Children were easy customers. Their naïveté meant that they would believe just about anything they were told about what the gypsies sold, and Lacey was nothing if not skilled at storytelling.

“What can I get you, lad?” Lacey asked. “Would you like your fortune told? Or do ya see something that catches your eye?”

The boy didn't look at her. “Something for my papa. Something to make him brave.”

Lacey’s brows furrowed as she glanced to the row of feathers hanging from a hook, wrapped on a twine band and adorned with a bit of beading for good measure. Charms of daring were most popular among the young boys, but something about the way this little boy with his unruly mess of black curls asked gave her pause.

“I see.” Lacey said, leaning over the counter of her booth to be at eye-level with the boy. “And where is your papa, lad?”

The boy turned and pointed to the back of the crowd that had formed around Jefferson’s disappearing display. At first, her brow furrowed as she couldn’t quite tell which man he was pointing to, until she realized she’d missed a man entirely. The lad’s father was thin, and leaned heavily on a walking stick. It was obvious he’d perfected the art of invisibility. His eyes were low, barely looking up at anyone as he hobbled along, clutching onto his walking stick. When he spotted the lad his eyes went alight.

“Baelfire.” He said. “I told you not to wander off.”

“I didn’t mean to Papa I…”

“I was the one who called him over.” Lacey said, giving the boy a wink. “Didn’t mean to worry you, sir. Just wanted to show the lad my newest trinket.”

The boy’s father nodded. “Come along, Bae. We need to get home.”

“I'm gonna stay right here, papa. Honest. I'll come straight home when I'm done!”

The boy’s father looked wary, but his eyes softened when he spotted the coins on the counter. Lacey cleared her throat.

“I could bring him home.” She blurted. The boy’s eyes filled with hope, but his father faltered, torn between pleasing his son and his own cautions. She had no idea why it was so important that he trust her, but somehow it was.

“Alright, Bae. Straight home.”

The boy nodded vigorously, and Lacey gave him a wave as he started back up the path, towards the outskirts of town. His eyes kept low. Once again invisible.

“He's gotta be made brave!” Baelfire was insisting again. “You have to have something.”

Lacey watched as the man hobbled down the road, glancing back now and then as if to verify that his son was still alive. He kept his gaze low, not even fighting as a group of guards passed, nearly knocking him over with a jostle. Something in her heart ached for him. There was a story behind his tired eyes, and she'd never wanted to hear something more.

“I don't have anything to make your father brave, lad.” Lacey said.

Baelfire’s face fell. “I thought you had courage charms.”

She did. But none that would do any good for a weathered man who didn't seem to see himself good enough for anything in the world.

“I do have this, though.” Lacey reached under the stall, pulling out a jar of salve. “Once a week, rub this on his bad ankle. It'll help with the pain.”

The boy blinked at the jar and the odd containments. “Is it magic?”

“If you want it to be.” Lacey said. “Magic is...funny that way.”

The boy gave a focused nod, and Lacey couldn't help but giggle at the contrast between father and son. There was a chorus of cheers beside them as Jefferson popped out of his own hat. Yes. Lacey was fairly certain she could grow to like The Frontlands.

~

Lacey frowned as she scanned the crowd. Sometimes, The Frontlands were unforgivably tedious.

“Haven’t gotten a whiff of him huh?”

Lacey gave a glare to the brunette that had appeared behind her. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Ruby.”

Ruby only hummed, sliding behind Lacey’s stall to retrieve a deck of Tarot cards. “He’s somewhere around, I’m sure.”

“Better be. He owes me thread.”

“Is that all he owes you?” Ruby only gave a smirk at Lacey’s grimace, giving the other woman a wink as she skittered off to whatever fortune she’d read.

Lacey busied herself with straightening the wares of her stall, trying not to show how the absence of one spinner and his son could bother her so. Truly, she had no idea why it bothered her. It couldn’t have bothered her. It didn’t bother her.

Still, they never missed coming by her cart when they appeared. He’d always made it a point to come by every year, even if Baelfire didn’t always drag them over. Perhaps it had something to do with them being late this year. Yes, that was it. He probably just didn’t know they were there yet. Or perhaps he’d left to do some selling of his own in another town and missed them.

She pushed the thoughts away, focusing on hailing customers. Fortunes. Forecasts. Palm readings. Lucky charms. That she could do. That was easy. A little girl, Moraine as Lacey knew, cheered as her mother allowed her to buy one of their dream catchers, and it was only then that Lacey realized how late it had gotten. The sun was setting. The caravan was packing up. And yet still no spinner was found.

“Jefferson!” Lacey called as the performer beside her began to disassemble his stage. “Watch my booth?”

Jefferson grinned, and Lacey groaned, knowing that look. “Why Lacey what ever could be so important to pull you away?”

“A delivery.” Lacey said simply, grabbing the first thing her hand touched. She held up the dream catcher to Jefferson. “And a meeting with Ruby about tonight’s prospects.”

Jefferson hummed. “I heard something about thread earlier.”

“Leave it Jefferson.”

He didn’t, only giggling at her. “Come now, Lacey can you blame us? We’ve never seen you so attached to someone!”

“Just watch the booth you mad hatter.”

Jefferson gave her a bow and Lacey was off. Part of her, the part of her that was terrified because they were right, wished that she’d get lost. Yes. She’d get lost on the outskirts of The Frontlands and then have to bat her eyes at a guard and come back on his arm. Instead, her feet carried her exactly where she needed to go. She’d only walked the way to Rumpelstiltskin’s once, but somehow she’d never forgotten it.

She found him outside, spinning. His eyes were focused as his clever fingers ran over the wheel and pulled away at the thread. His wheel was the grandest thing he owned, and Lacey frowned as she noticed one of the legs was propped up by a log of firewood.

Baelfire was the first to spot her. “Lacey!”

The boy ran to her, throwing her arms around her middle. Lacey blinked. Wasn’t it only last year that he was at her skirts? Rumpelstiltskin didn’t look up.

“We were going to come by.” Baelfire said earnestly. “Tomorrow, before you’d left…”

“It’s alright.” Lacey said, handing Baelfire the dreamcatcher. “I brought you something.”

Baelfire’s brows furrowed. “What is it?”

“It’s called a dreamcatcher.”

“Is it magic?”

“If you want it to be.” Lacey said, her usual answer for the boy. “See this circle? It catches bad dreams so they don’t come to you.”

Baelfire’s eyes filled with wonder, and Lacey’s heart ached for a moment. He was already getting older. Soon, he’d be too old for her wares. She glanced to Rumpelstiltskin. His wheel had stopped, and his eyes were a storm of emotion as he looked between her and his son.

“Where should I hang it?”

“Close to a bed, but not too far away. It helps if it’s by a window too. Or the opening of a door.”

Baelfire nodded, rushing inside. Lacey swallowed, wondering why she felt so nervous as she moved to sit by Rumpelstiltskin as he spun. She watched for a moment, having never learned the skill herself.

“We truly were coming tomorrow.” The spinner said by way of apology, only glancing at her.

Lacey nodded, mesmerized by the turning of the wheel and how his hands worked the thread. Then, she blinked. The wheel wobbled, as if no longer as sturdy as it had once been. Lacey got a look at his arm under his hempen shirt, the makings of a nasty bruise there.

“What happened?” She asked. The wheel stop, but he didn’t answer. She huffed, pulling his sleeve aside to reveal not only a bruise, but several cuts, as if he’d been pushed down and landed along a slope. “What happened?”

Rumpelstiltskin shook his head. “It’s nothing.”

“No it’s not.” Lacey’s tone gave no room for argument.

The spinner sighed, deflating. His hands dripped from the spinning wheel altogether. “It’s nothing more than what they usually do.”

“The guards.”

He nodded. “Your thread got ruined when I fell across the dirt. I had to make a new batch.”

“I don’t care about the thread.” She slowly ran her hand over the bruise, gauging his reaction. He flinched, but didn’t pull away. “Why do you let them treat you like that?”

Rumpelstiltskin didn’t answer right away. “I deserve it.”

Lacey’s brows furrowed. She couldn’t have heard him right. Rumpelstiltskin might not have thought much of himself, but he had one of the biggest hearts she’d ever seen. It was apparent simply by how much he cared for his son. “No you don’t.”

“Yes I do.” He said simply, as if he’d said it to himself many times before. “I’m a coward. I ran from The Ogres War. My wife left me. Bae is all I have. I deserve it.”

Lacey ignored the way his voice trembled. Rage coiled in her belly. She wasn’t sure if it was for the woman who left him like this, feeling as if he were worthless, or the guards that only sought to push him down further.

Well. That was enough of that.

“Give me your palm.” Lacey said firmly.

Rumpelstiltskin blinked at her. “What?”

“Just let me see it.”

He hesitated, though his eyes weren’t as wary of her as they’d been before. She considered that a victory. She took his hand gently in hers, turning it over so that she could see his palm.

“Hmm” She hummed, tracing her finger softly over the line running from the base of his thumb to his wrist. “A long life line.”

Rumpelstiltskin’s brows furrowed, but he soon began examining his own palm as she did. She couldn’t help but smile, wondering if he knew how alike he and his son were.

“This one.” She said, caressing a short line running perpendicular to his life line. “Means you’re shy. This one.” She caressed the line running from the middle of his first finger to the side of his hand. “Means you have alot of care in your heart.”

Rumpelstiltskin nodded, and she couldn’t resist running her fingers over his palm. It was caloused and felt like sand-paper. But that too was appropriate. It was just as worn as he was.

“Hm.” Lacey said, furrowing her brow and biting her lip in faux confusion. “ Hmmm hmm hm. That’s funny…”

“What?” Rumpelstiltskin said, looking to her. His hand began to tremble, but Lacey only held it tighter. “What?”

“No coward lines.” She said simply, locking their gazes. His eyes searched her, as if trying to find a lie. Lacey only gave him a single, triumphant smile. “Not a single one.”

He brought his palm away, looking to it, searching for something that he couldn’t find. By the door, she heard a small chuckle from behind her and turned to see Baelfire scurry back into the house. His original words echoed in Lacey’s mind. Something to make his father brave…

“Come with me.” Lacey blurted.

Rumpelstiltskin blinked at her. “What?”

“With the caravan. Leave this place.”

“I...I don’t…”

“You could spin and sell your wares all over the land. See the festivals of every town. That’s all we follow.” She took his hand in hers again. “You could be free of all this.”

“I...But Bae--”

“Would come to, of course. Jefferson’s daughter, Grace, would love to have someone her own age. And Snow White’s kingdom is our next stop. Their princess always sneaks away. She’s Bae’s age too. He won’t be without friends.”

Rumpelstiltskin still hesitated. “I don’t want to be a burden to you.”

“Never.”

His eyes fell to his hands resting in hers. He opened his palm, still searching for some kind of proof of what he’d told himself for years. Lacey covered his palm with hers. “That’s what they look like.”

“What?”

“Coward lines.” She said, taking his other hand and guiding him to trace a short line at her wrist and one just below her pinky. Two he didn’t have. “Twice where I wasn’t brave.”

He shook his head, looking at her “You’re not.”

“I am. But I learned. I learned that if you do the brave thing, bravery would follow.”

The sun was set now, the night lit only by the moon and the candle in the window that Baelfire had lit.

“If you don’t want to, that’s fine.” Lacey said, choking back the odd lump that formed in her throat at the prospect that he didn’t want to come with her. “But do think of leaving, Rumple. You can’t be brave here. This place won’t let you.”

Rumpelstiltskin covered her palm with his hand, looking away. His eyes fell to his spinning wheel, then the small hovel he called home. He swallowed as he looked back to Lacey, smiling at him in the moonlight. Offering him something more valuable than she could have realized. Something that made his heart stutter.

“Would you...would this make you happy?”

Lacey blinked at him. “Would it make you happy?”

“I don’t know. But I want it to.”

Lacey smiled. Warmth filled her chest. She stood, moving to retrieve his walking stick from where he’s placed it. “Then we should get you and Bae packed.”

“Aye.” He said. “I suppose we should.”