#ilia: my snow queen

[powertaco]

I've seen some biased polls recently so here's one of my own...

And of course reasons and what not if you prefer and don't mind

[spindleprick]

I'm willing to be under anything, she said, as long as it isn't somebody's thumb.

Amor Towles, Rules of Civility

[rwbybutincorrect]

I have some suggestions for your RWBY pokemon AU

I think Absol makes more sense as a pokemon either for Ruby, or, what I think is more fitting, for Qrow. Absol in the pokemon world is considered a harbinger of disaster because of its ability to sense oncoming calamities, and Qrow considers himself a bad luck charm and his weapon is called Harbinger, so I can imagine it being like, his signature pokemon, and maybe Ruby, wanting to emulate her Uncle, catches one for herself.

I also think Ruby and Yang's starters make more sense swapped around, Blaziken fits more with Yang (a hot headed fighting type) rather than Incineroar (a Dark type meant to emulate Heels in wrestling I.e the bad guys). Incineroar also fits better with Ruby's v1-v3 colours, though I also don't think a fire starter would fit Ruby, I think Sceptile fits more, as it's a fast pokemon that uses its leaves on its arms as blades, which I think fits Ruby better.

I'd also pick Rosarade over Florges but that's just my purrsonal preference.

Now for Weiss, my only suggestion  would be changing Corvinkight with something else, and I'm thinking Glaceon. I love the idea that Weiss as a child finds an injured Eevee in the large family garden and secretly takes care of it, but her father finds out and forces her to take it back to the wilds, but while out there it saves Weiss from several Beowolves and in the artic climate evolves into a Glaceon which Weiss then adopts.

Blake, id replace Absol with Greninja for aesthetic, but otherwise I would change Gallade's past, Ralts' only show themselves to trainers with strong positive emotions, so I can't see Adam ever having one, but I like the idea of maybe Blake and Yang being helped during the forest exam at Beacon by two Ralts/Kirlia's who they then take (Yang saying its the sign of their new partnership), and otherwise I would change Gallade for Gardevoir for Blake and have Gallade be Yang's pokemon, since it's a pokemon with strong morals and I feel fit Yang better.

Now for Yang, and other than the previous suggestions of Blaziken and Gallade as hers, I would replace Tyrantrum with Hitmontop, storywise I'd say that, when she's recovering post Beacon and on her way back from visiting Summer's grave, she encounters a Tyrouge rushing headfirst into fighting a stronger pokemon and getting seriously hurt, so Yang saves it and takes it home to recover. Despite all its injuries it still insists on training, Tai seeing this starts encouraging Yang to train with it, hoping it'll help her out. As both Yang and the Tyrouge bond and train, learning not to rush headfirst into battles and to adopt a more balanced fighting style, it evolves into Hitmontop to symbolise Yang's recovering and training.

And thats just RWBY, I have plenty of suggestions for JNPR, Sun, Ilia, Adam, Salem's forces, STQR, the Ace-Ops, Happy Huntresses and Neo~

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submitted by @ladydevoir thank you :EYES:

[for reference, this is about this post]

treating this like an ask because i assume that's why you submitted it, because of the text limit but :EYESY:EYES:EYES

my choice of absol for blake is because i knew about the lore implications of absol and thought it would be a tragic detail if an absol appeared before her trying to protect her from the travesties she's repetitively had to face. i might give one to qrow anyway because I'm not afraid of duplicates!!! i didn't think about any supporting adult pokemon teams quite yet!

i will be honest, the blaziken choice for ruby was mostly self indulgent :3 i love chickens and blaziken's aesthetic. notable moments in the anime stuck with me, like during xy's series when there was a vigilante "blaziken man" protecting luminous city - that's a big reason why i chose it for her, that kind of over the top kind of heroism i thought worked. as opposed to incenroar who fights dirty. early in rwby, yang is a very backhanded and not exactly noble kind of hero. just look at the "yellow" trailer, fucking shit up for self motivated reasons (good for her.) i thought it fit her! --- but i can absolutely see what you're saying with sceptile, that is another favorite of mine and i'd love to see her with a sceptile that could mega evolve!

roserade, yeah i can see that fitting too! i forget it exists sometimes- my bad - and i like the grass type a little bit more to some extent than the fairy type because ruby has less of an association to the balance of nature~ that fairies do

i like the glaceon idea a lot too!!! the concepts of potential and direct reflection of her cold home - not to mention it's my second favorite eeveelution :D corviknight, yeah, it's my weakest link and i wanted to add it purely on the basis i'd like the snow queen to have her knight - but i think a glaceon would be much cuter, considering she already has plenty of stand ins for her glyphs!

I'm also interested about the greninja for the aesthetic! I'm not all that attached to the kalos starters so i tend to forget about them a lot more, i leaned on the "dark" type for blake but definitely didn't consider the. actual ninja pokemon. but i also tried to hold off on giving her a proper starter because in this little hc concept of mine, starters come specifically from pre-huntsmen schools (like signal in yang and ruby's case). i liked having the narrative of some students being "othered" by lacking starters - a visual tool when displaying their teams that they didn't have the opportunity to start where others did. not to say greninja couldn't have been a wild encounter or something else - fun to think about and really fits!

i DID not know about the kirlia lore though, i thought it was pretty weak when i was coming up with it and that is so interesting to know. i enjoy the idea of a pokemon switching allegiances from adam to protect blake but with this new information, I'll probably rewrite it in a way where the bee duo's ralts evos are more exclusive to them :3 i do like your idea of switching them, though, i tried to switch them to divert expectations, right (yang being a bit more masc than yang yet having a gardevoir, blake having the more showmanshy evo) but i might switch them. or i can just say the pokemon are practically shared and will switch up who they're paired with by their own choice. gf things <333

the hitmontop concept is really interesting for yang! it really does fit her - and i never paid attention to the line because, i will be honest, it never aesthetically pleased me, but narratively it works super well. i liked tyrantrum because i loved giving yang dragons and i also thought if she restored a tyrunt herself, it would be a nice indication of yang's genuine intelligence and wisdom. i don't like people boiling her down to a bimbo, haha funny stupid lesbian, but i feel like people also fail to recognize her genuine technical and social intelligence that she's portrayed throughout the series. then again, a hitmontop could show that emotional and protective instinct and intelligence she carries. it's sweet!! I'm torn!!!

AAAAANYWAY LONG STORY SHORT thank you so much for your opinions!!! i love the feedback and second opinion. i did a little bit of brainstorming with few friends in our discord server and its nice to hear an unrelated voice's takes!

feel free to send us more ideas if you'd like!!! :D as of right now I'm working on (the original) jnrp's post, and have penny, oscar, roman, neo, emerald, mercury, and cinder's teams planned! (I'm not sure how to section them off atm so their posts are coming later!) I'm curious to hear your ideas for when i get around to these other characters

[rwbyvein]

Firen Lhain: Chapter 804: Phoenix:  Part II / III

Cinder developed a light red glow to keep herself warm. Ruby Petal Burst over beside Jaune. "So, what's the secret?"

"Oh?" Cinder asked, "Nothing much, just that Salem is planning to undermine faith in the good General."

Weiss then stepped up, causing her sister on the wall to look on curiously. "But, the kingdoms are technocracies?" Weiss asked.

"Oh?" Cinder asked, "How cute. They aren't talking about elections, they are talking about REVOLUTIONS! The General has done more than enough to infuriate the masses, as it is."

"But he opened the borders, didn't he?" Ruby asked.

"Oh?" Cinder asked, with a vicious smile, "Did he?"

"He gave the order to..." Weiss tried to say.

"Oh, did he?" Cinder asked.

"He did say..." Weiss continued.

"Do you have any proof?" Cinder asked. "Where is the written order."

"I'm sure it's..." Weiss stated.

"Are you saying he lied to us?" Ruby asked.

"I am saying that IF his orders existed, they do not anymore."

"You destroyed them?!" Weiss asked.

"Me?" Cinder asked, "No. Salem, yes. Having two seats on the council leaves little room for others."

"Who does she have?" Weiss asked.

"Oh, a number of them. The highest one is a Lieutenant General looking to slide into his seat."

"And his other seat?" Weiss asked.

"Oh, you know the candidate." Cinder stated.

"I do?" Weiss asked.

"Quite well, in-fact."

"Quit dancing around." Jaune nearly shouted at her.

"Jacques Schnee." Cinder with a wicked grin.

"He would not..." Weiss tried to say.

"Oh, he doesn't know who he's working for." Cinder said, and brushed the hair away from her false eye. "He just had a bit of a vedetta with the General stealing his prized daughters."

"WE ARE NOT HIS!" Weiss screamed.

"Sorry, snow queen, but he doesn't agree." Cinder said to her, "He doesn't know who he's working for, but he's just his corrupt, corporate self. His being in charge of Atlas Academy would be disastrous for the world. But, you're not going to be able to prove it. He genuinely doesn't even know he's working for someone. He just thinks he's being given opportunities, a favour for a favour."

"The currency of the elite." Blake stated, appearing beside her friends. "At least from what Aurora says."

"Even if it's distasteful." Cinder stated, "Even if it's incredibly immoral, it's not illegal. As far as he knows, all he's fighting against are the General's ruinous restrictions. He's a proud and noble scion of one of Atlas' great houses, removing the Fascist control of a dictatorial general."

"He is none of those." Weiss huffed.

"But he thinks he is." Cinder stated, her dull glow turning brighter. Those close to her could feel the warmth. "That makes him easy to manipulate."

Jaune looked over to Neo, everyone else following his gaze. "Is she telling the truth?" he asked, and Neo simply glared at Cinder. "Now's the time to make your choice, you can be bitter and alone, or you can help us, and try to do something that matters."

Neo pouted for a moment and then pointed, first at Cinder, and then at Ruby.

"Why did Ruby fight Roman?" Jaune asked, and she glared at him, she then vigourously and angrily pointed at Cinder. "No." Jaune said, and she looked at him like he wasas dumb as a sack of hammers. "Salem." he said. Neo glared at him, "No, I don't think we can beat her." he said, and Neo crossed her arms. "She's actually kind of immortal." Neo once again gave him the look where she questioned his intelligence. "She's cursed to live forever until she learns the value of life and death." Neo still glared at him. "Okay, we can't kill her, but we can stop her. How?" he asked her, and she nodded, "Because the world is still here. Salem has been doing this for hundreds of years, and the world is still here. If she loses, we win."

Neo crossed her arms and pouted.

Ruby Petal Burst next to Neo. "We can do it!"

Neo first instincts were just to stab Ruby. The first problem is she didn't have Hush, the second was that now was maybe not the best time to be stabbing. She crossed her arms and turned away from Ruby.

"I kind of have to ask," Blake stated, "why we are so interested in getting her to join us. I mean, with Cinder if she leaves Salem, Salem loses something she absolutely needs. But, with Neo?.."

"She's hurting." Jaune said to her, and a look of clarity appeared on her face. Neo looked at him wistfully before looking away. Neo appered to stand still until her illusion shattered.

* * *

Neo sat in her cell, back turned to where the bars had been torn off. A nude Ilia removed her camouflage as she walked up behind her. Neo huffed but did not turn around. "You'd rather stay in your cell?" Neo did not reply. "I know what Jaune is asking seems like it's impossible, but if you give into it, you will be happier." Neo huffed again, back still towards the hole in the cell. She huffed again and slowly turned around, eyes focusing on Ilia breasts and then cleft of venus. She managed to draw her eyes away and then looked into her eyes, giving her a questioning gaze. Ilia then shifted to make it appear as if she were wearing lingerie. Neo's eyes shot to Ilia's breasts and cleft before glaring back into her eyes. "Sorry," Ilia said to her, "it's the best I can do." Neo wiggled her nose and Ilia suddenly appaeered to be wearing Neo's clothes. "I suppose you like pink?" Ilia asked. Neo glared at her a moment before lightly nodding. "I'm not used to standing out this much." Ilia shyly said. Neo rolled her eyes and Ilia's dress adopted a much more drab red. Ilia looked back at Neo, "I didn't say I didn't like it." She then looked down as the dress returnd to it's former, brightly-coloured glory. Ilia then kneeled down. "Tell me, if you don't join us, what is your plan?"

Neo glared her her and crossed her arms. "Is your plan to just die?" Ilia asked, and Neo looked at her for a few moments before nodding. "Jaune was right? You lost someone?" Once again Neo glared at her with crossed arms before huffing and then finally nodding. "Someone you cared about?" Once again Neo glared at her before nodding. "Someone you cared about dearly, more than life itself?" she asked, and Neo pointed at her, emphatically nodding. "Would this person want you to die?" Neo glared at her before shaking her head. "He'd want you to live?" Ilia asked, and Neo proudly stood up to her just under 5-foot height. She then looked down, dejectedly. "He was your king, and you were his queen?" Ilia asked, and Neo nodded. "I feel the same way about Blake." Ilia stated, "Though, in my case she loves another."

Neo looked at questioningly. "Why am I here?" Ilia asked, and Neo nodded. "It's actually quite simple. She's right, and I'm wrong. I thought what I was doing was right, but it turned out it's wrong. Have you ever worried about that?" Neo shook her head. "I suppose it would be lot easier if you don't worry about right and wrong. I know. What happened?" she asked, and Neo glared at her. "You were doing so well, he was so brilliant and powerful?" she asked, and Neo nodded, "And then what?" Neo looked at her questioningly. "And then he bit off more than he chew?" Ilia asked. Neo sadly looked at her before slowly nodding. "So, even from your own point of view, what you were doing was wrong." Neo simply glared at her. "What do you want to do?"

Neo pantomimed stabbing with her umbrella. "Other than that?" Ilia asked, and Neo looked like she had never been asked that question. In truth, there's only one person who had ever asked her it before. "If he was your king, and you were his queen, you probably want a mansion! Be the queen of whatever city you end up in!" Neo paused for a moment before nodding. "So, tell me, does he think revenge is more important than his own life?" she asked, and Neo nodded. "What about yours?" she asked. Neo developed a completly blank look.

"Looks like our streaker finally put something on." Yang said as she walked down the stairs, Blake just behind her.

"You look good." Blake said with a smile.

"It's... actually not real." Ilia voiced, "How did you know?.."

"Jaune." Yang said, "His apparent Aura Radar or whatever it is. Figured you would be cold, what with all the nekkid and everything."

"He sent us down to keep an eye on our prisoner." Blake stated. Neo turned to glare at her.

"You are the one who returned to your cell." Yang said. "You want to act like a prisoner, we'll treat you like a prisoner. Though, if Jaune wasn't here we'd probably just turn you over to General Clank and be done with it. Make no mistake, you're here because he wants you to be. I can say, as a broken girl he's saved, that it might just be worth it to trust him. But that's just me. Rainbow Girl, same rules, you can use our bath if you want."

"And we would appreciate if you didn't use any illusions." Blake added. Ilia's clothes shattered.

"We did kind of ask for that." Yang said, having trouble taking her eyes off of Ilia.

[dragynkeep]

Weiss for the character ask

meme, accepting.

my top three ships for the character.

freezerburn ( weiss / yang )  —  their relationship is one of the best in the show when it’s actually given some focus ; these two have always been the type of friends to tease each other & play fight but they are also ride or die. freezerburn supremacy.

black ice ( weiss / mercury )  —  they’ve literally never interacted in canon but boy if i don’t love the parallels & potential in this relationship ; especially if mercury didn’t come over to the side of the good guys but did begin to work with them.

monochrome ( weiss / blake )  —  i don’t ship this in canon but in the canon of better writers? absolutely fucking yes. they’re the quintessential star crossed lovers, from two different worlds but they prove that their divides don’t have to be stronger than their love for each other. when put into the hands of competent writers, monochrome really does become the ship that should’ve been canon, for all the reasons shippers want the actual “ canon ” ship canon.

my three least favourite ships for the character.

white rose ( weiss / ruby )  —  while i personally have nothing against the ship as a ship, it’s the cliche of the tsundere & their verbally abused kohai that i really can’t get into. the shippers as well have just been so obnoxious that it turned me off the ship unfortunately.

prismatic ponytails ( weiss / ilia )  —  purely in a canonical setting but this & sunflakes feel like “we’ll pair weiss with a faunus she has no connection to, to show she’s not racist anymore  /  make her bigot father uncomfortable” & i hate it.

bees schnees ( weiss / yang / blake )  —  this otp is bees + weiss in most iterations & i’m not here for it. it felt like some people saw the popularity of freezerburn & their actual canonical connection & felt threatened so they just tacked her onto bees for an ot3.

my biggest criticism for the character.

oh my god, the resolution to her “racism” arc. one, it shouldn’t be an arc, it’s a flaw of her character & needs to be continually kept in mind while writing weiss, that she has these misinformed assumptions about faunus, that she had these biases, that she probably hasn’t gotten rid of them all yet & that’s fine. it makes her a flawed, fleshed out character  —  this isn’t something that should’ve been “solved” in a volume without even an apology to the two faunus she was outright racist to. everything else for weiss afterwards is her white saviouring blake to prove she isn’t racist, with that motivation coming second to protecting her friend & it’s gross, i don’t like it. again, the white comfort of these white writers highly motivated this storyline unfortunately.

my favourite thing about the character.

her personality. weiss is established from day one to be aiming for perfection, & in something that cannot ever be achieved because no one is perfect, we’re given miles & miles of potential for character growth. weiss has to come to terms that she doesn’t have to be perfect & flawless to be deserving of love & it’s one of my favourite things about her, that she is this flawed, imperfect character who has a temper & is snobby & a little bit of a bitch but also cares so deeply about those she lets into her life & will protect them with her life.

a headcanon i have about them.

weiss loves apples, for the nod to her allusion but also because what she ate was heavily controlled by both of her parents. she had to eat healthy, she had her calories monitored, she wasn’t allowed any sweet stuff so apples were the right mix of sweet & tart she was “allowed” because it was healthy.

what i would change about them if i was making a re-write.

definitely let weiss actually win some fights, for gods sakes, she’s meant to be one of the best fighters in her class. she fought against a geist haunted giant statue because she wanted to go to beacon so badly; but then we get to most of her recent fights & again & again, she’s losing. weiss has one of the worst glass jaws in canon & i think it’s also in part because they changed her fighting style.

what i think of their character allusion and what (if anything) i would change about it.

i really enjoy snow white as weiss’s allusion; i think there are a lot of cute little nods in her design & that what we’re given in those who connect to her allusion like klein, it’s a nice take on the tale of a girl just wanting to be accepted for who she is & learning to depend on others. my only criticism is that we really aren’t sure which family members are meant to be which characters in the tale, like the evil queen, the mirror, the huntsman, etc. personally i prefer willow for the evil queen, whitley for the mirror & winter for the huntsman.

[figureskatingfanblog]

More Confirmed 2020-21 Program Music Choices

Men

Ikrali Maysuradze - FP: “Pale Yellow” by Woodkid - Coreography by Nikita Mikhailov

Kazuki Tomono is going to be recycling his Moulin Rouge FP

Tomoki Hiwatash - SP: “Standards” by Leslie Odom Jr

Vincent Zhou - SP: “Vincent (Starry Starry Night)” by Josh Groban

Sondre Oddvoll Boe - SP: “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi - FP: “The Four Seasons” by Vivaldi - Both with coreography by Tom Dickson

Mikhail Kolyada - SP will be coreographed by Tatiana Prokofieva - FP: From the Film “Nureev. White Crow” - Coreopgrahed by Ilia Averbukh

Matteo Rizzo - FP: “The Greatest Showman”

Artem Kovalev - SP: "Adagio" by Andre Rieu - FP:  "Don't Stop Me Now," "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen

Matvei Vetlugin - SP: "Per Te" by the Italian Hitmakers - FP:  "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen

Evgeni Semenenko - SP: "The City That Isn't There" by Igor Kornelyuk - FP: “ "Les sans-papiers" by Marie-Josée Lord from Cirque du Soleil: Stone; "Le pape des fous" by Garou and "La fete des fous" by Bruno Pelleter from Notre Dame de Paris

Andrei Kutovoi - SP: "Apologize" by Timbaland/One Republic - FP: OST from Les Miserables

Andrew Torgashev - Some Flamenco program (couldn’t remember the name when he gave the interview) - FP:  “Dream”, “Battle Cry” and “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons

Dennis Vasiljeves - FP: “Romeo & Juliet” by  Sergei Prokofiev

Alexey Erokhov - SP: “Fallin’” cover by Nicola Cavallaro - Coreographed by Nikita Mikhailov - FP: “You Raise Me UP” by Josh Groban

Andrei Mozalev - FP: Ennio Morricone "the man with the harmonica"

Ladies

Alexandra Trusova - FP: “Romeo & Juliet” - Coreography by Sergei Rozanov

Alexia Pagaini - SP: “Caught Out In the Rain” - Coreography by Lambiel and Brunner - FP:  “Hable con ella” by Alberto Iglesias and “Le di a la caza alcance” by Estrella Morente and Michael Nyman -  Choreograpy by Lambiel

Stanislava Konstinova -  FP: “My love” by Kovacs / Tango theme from “Take the lead” / “The devil you know” by Kovacs - Coreography by Martine Dagenais

Maiia Khromykh - SP: "I'll Take Care of You" by Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa - FP:  Anna's Theme, Birth of the Red Violin (from The Red Violin) by John Corigliano; Agony Suite: III. Tango by Alfred Schnittke

Anna Frolova is keeping her "Mathilde" SP from last season - FP: “ Following a Bird "Out of the Room" by Ezio Bosso

Sofia Samodelkina - SP: "Aimer" from Romeo and Juliet - FP: “The Snow Storm” by Georgy Sviridov; Masquerade Waltz by Aram Khachaturian

Daria Usacheva - SP: "One Day I'll Fly Away" from Moulin Rouge - FP: “Romeo & Juliet”

Loena Hendrickx - FP: “Fever” by Beyonce - Coreography by Adam Solya

Mariah Bell - SP: “Glitter In the Air” by Pink - Coreographed by Adam Rippon - FP: ABBA Medley (including Dancing Queen and The Winner Takes it All) - Coreographed by Shae-Lynn Bourne

Pairs

Boikova/Kovlovskii - SP: OST for The Captivating Star of Happiness - Coreogaphy by Alexander Zhulin. They will be keeping their FP from last season

Moore-Towers/Marinaro - SP: “Give Me Your Love” by Alabama Shakes - Coreographed by Julie Marcotte

Ice Dance

Sinitsina/Katsalapov - FP - “Smile” , “Come Together” by Michael Jackson

Komatsubara/Koleto - Will be reusing their 2019/2020 RD and their 2018/2019 FD

Guignard/Fabbri - Will be keeping their RD for next season - FP: OST from Atonement 

[zwei-the-penguin-with-a-pen]

‘Kiss from a Rose’

"Come on, Rubles! It'll be super fun!" Yang encouraged, trying relentlessly to get Ruby to come to the upcoming sleepover. Ruby rolled her silver eyes for what seemed like the hundredth time. She'd rolled her eyes so much they were starting to hurt.

"Yeah, for you! They're all your friends, after all! I'm not gonna know anyone at the party!" Ruby clapped back. She wasn't much for large parties or gatherings.

"Neither will I. A bunch of them will be Blake's friends, and I've hardly met any of them. But really, Ruby, you should make the scene. There will be tons of cute girls in their pajamas for you to look at. Huh? HUH?" Ruby shook her head at Yang. "Come on! You don't want to visit Blake, even? She'll be disappointed if you aren't there."

It was tough to argue with that. Blake was one of Ruby's favorite people since she and Yang had gotten together, and she made Ruby's sister remarkably happier. Could Ruby really stand to disappoint her favorite faunus?

"Fine... but only because Blake invited me herself. I'm not here to pick up girls. I'm not even sure if I like girls."

"Well, I know you don't like boys. What are you into, then?"

"Video games, weapons, Gurren Lagann, y'know. Cool junk." Ruby beamed as she mentioned her favorite anime. Yang grinned at her kid sister.

"Maybe you'll meet up with someone who likes giant robots and weapons and stuff as much as you do, sis. Blake knows some interesting people." Yang encouraged again. Ruby shrugged as she leaned into her closet to grab some pajamas. She settled for her usual rose-print pants and a top with a Beowolf printed on it. "You'll nab yourself a sweetheart for sure in those jam-jams!"

"Shut up." Ruby blushed brightly, her face turning ten shades of red. "I just want to visit Blake. I'm sure she misses her favorite gemstone." Ruby smirked at her own comment.

\/\/\/\/\/

Ruby and Yang entered Blake's pajama party in their sleepiest clothes. Yang wore an orange tank top with a yellow flame print and some small black shorts. Blake greeted them at the door, looking stunning in a black yukata shirt and a matching skirt. Her purple undershirt had a Gengar on it, one of her favorite Pokemon.

"Ooh, you brought the kid!" Blake joked as she hugged her girlfriend. She gave Ruby a tight hug as well, grinning at her favorite gemstone. "Speaking of gemstones, my friend Emerald is here. She's adorable, so you should maybe chat her up," The catgirl told Ruby with a grin. Ruby rolled her eyes.

"Geez, you sound like Yang!" Ruby complained, but she smiled through it. She knew Blake meant well, just as Yang did. Ruby just didn't care about dating or anything of that sort. She never really noticed people that much, as she was always preoccupied with weapons or video games. She tried to talk to a girl or two and got along well enough.

Ilia, Blake's chameleon friend, chatted Ruby up for a moment before Yang spooked her as a joke and her entire body changed color. "Cripes! Blondie, I'm gonna wreck you!"

"Come on with it, Scale Face!" Yang yelled as she ran. Ilia gave chase, and then suddenly all of Ruby's progress was gone. The chameleon girl was definitely pretty, especially wearing that rainbow-colored pajama suit. She'd worn an undershirt that read 'No One Knows I'm A Chameleon' also.

Ruby caught up with Blake's friend Emerald, an absolute knockout with a sea green bob haircut. Her pajamas were a silk suit as red as her eyes. There wasn't much for Ruby to talk with her about, though, so Ruby waited for something else to catch the green-haired girl's attention and made a swift escape.

She was just about ready to find Yang and start complaining when she saw a goddess made flesh. Short and petit in a soft blue gown that fell to her knees, this beauty had long white hair tied back into an off-centered ponytail. Her bright blue eyes mesmerized Ruby. She suddenly had a mighty need to be in this girl's presence.

She sidled up to the white queen as subtly as possible... which is to say, as subtle as a brick through a window. The girl noticed her, pausing for a long moment to stare. Could she feel the same? Surely she hadn't been thoroughly hypnotized by Ruby... right?

"Excuse me... have you seen Blake? I need to let her know I'm here." The girl spoke. Ruby's soul left her body for a moment. She had the voice of an angel. Ruby almost forgot her own name for a moment.

"Sure, I can take you to Blake. She's probably near my sister..." Ruby replied once she remembered how to function. She took the girl by the hand, an involuntary action, but one she did not regret. Her left hand was soft and cool, and very comforting. Ruby nudged her way through the crowd of girls until she saw Yang.

"Hey, sis! OH!" Yang instantly assumed something. Ruby shook her head.

"A new arrival looking for Blake," Ruby replied, Blake turning her head at the sound of her name.

"Welcome to the party, Weiss. I see you're making friends fast." Blake told the white angel. Ruby's heart melted at the name. She swiped her hand away when she realized she was still holding Weiss's hand.

"You didn't have to stop..." Weiss told her. "What's your name?"

"I'm... gay." She hiccuped as she realized what she'd said. "I'm Ruby! Ruby Rose! Ruby is my name, not 'Gay', although that's a pretty cool name too, I suppose." Ruby stammered. Yang chortled at her sister, and Ruby rolled her eyes at Yang for delighting in her suffering. "My sister is dating Blake."

"Yeah, that blonde is all Blake ever talks about these days. If it weren't so cute it'd be disgusting." Blake laughed as Yang stuck out her tongue. "So, are you here with anyone, Ruby?"

"Not really. I sort of only came to see Blake... Are you meeting a girl here?"

The angel blushed at the question, as Ruby had blushed while asking it.

"Well, if I might be so bold, I think I just did," Weiss replied, her pupils slightly widening as she looked at Ruby more and more.

"Well, I bet she's pretty great." Ruby winked. The two girls clasped hands and found a quiet area to talk.

\/\/\/\/\/

The next morning, Ruby opened her eyes as she felt a slight pressure on her chest. She looked around for a moment and saw piles and piles of sleeping girls. Gods, how many girls did Blake know? Two redheads that were sleeping close by stood up and found their way to the nearest bathroom. One had a short orange bob while the other had flowing scarlet locks.

Ruby looked down at her chest to discover a white-haired girl was laying on top of her.

YIKES! Had she and Weiss gotten that close so quickly? Ruby could remember talking with her for hours, and even getting a small kiss. Wow, Ruby was smooth as all get out... or so she wished.

"Hey there, Flower Pot," Weiss told her, yawning and smiling at Ruby.

"Good morning, Snow Angel."

"I'm thinking of going to grab breakfast. There's a small diner across the street. Do you know if it's any good?"

"It's great! Blake's friend Neo works there. She must have had work this morning because she was here last night but I don't see her now." Ruby mused as she gazed out into the sea of sleeping girls. "Wow, Blake must make friends with every girl she meets."

"Yeah, people love her. She's the coolest. So... you wanna have breakfast with me?" Weiss asked, blushing all the while. Ruby nodded, and the two girls tiptoed their way through the mass of sleeping girls. Once outside they let their eyes adjust to the sun before crossing the street and entering the diner.

A girl with pink and brown hair addressed them with a wave. She came to the table and signed them a greeting.

"Good morning, Neo! Wasn't that party crazy fun?" Ruby asked. Neo signed rapidly. Weiss could hardly catch any of it, but Ruby seemed to keep up well enough.

"Uh, I don't think anybody paired off and did... the thing. I mean, I know Yang jumped on Blake the second they were alone together, but I'm not sure about anyone else."

Neo signed more and more, Ruby nodding and laughing. "Oh, Ilia and Emerald were here? Maybe they will be a thing now."

"So, are we going to order breakfast or just chat up this adorable server all morning?" Weiss asked. Neo looked at her sharply, signing the letters 'G' and 'F' at Ruby with a curious face. "Uh..."

"Um..." Ruby and Weiss thought for a long time. "Sure." They said simultaneously. "JINX!" Neo smiled at them. Weiss ordered a coffee while she perused the menu, and Ruby asked Neo for 'a coffee as black as her soul'. Neo brought her a glass of milk, much to Weiss's amusement.

\/\/\/\/\/

\/\/\/\/\/

\/\/\/\/\/

Day 10: Professor or Headmaster FORGET PROMPTS IT’S WHITE ROSE WEEK!

Nah, since I was behind and sorta did a two-in-one for ‘yesterday’ I figured I’d do one for WRW. 

Day 1: First Date / Coffee

Idk if I’ll go the rest of White Rose Week but I decided to do at least one.

[liv-andletdie]

Kintsugi

Author: liv-andletdie Rating: Teen and up Pairing: TP Zelink  Word Count: 6000+ Summary:  kintsugi (Noun) To repair with gold; The art of repairing metal with gold or silver lacquer and understanding that the piece is more beautiful for having been broken. “The Hero of Twilight wasn’t unfamiliar with scars; nor was he ashamed” 

Available on Ao3 [x]

Dedicated to Matt, the coolest nerd, and Gigi, the most loving person I've ever met. Without you two this wouldn't be possible. 

<><><>

The Hero of Twilight wasn’t unfamiliar with scars. He had earned his fair share over the years. Accidents from his training with Rusl, burns from a campfire, souvenirs from an overly excitable goat. His skin told the story of a life well lived long before he ever donned the Hero’s green.

He wasn’t unfamiliar with scars; nor was he ashamed.

Each scar was a lesson learned. The nick on his shoulder taught him to keep his guard up, the burns on his arms told him to be mindful of flames, and the crescent moons on his side reminded him to be more aware of his surroundings (and the power of a goat’s kick).

The lessons had grown deeper as he set out on his journey. Bite marks across his torso taught him to be weary of Deku Babas, crosshatches over his shoulder blades taught him not to underestimate a Bokoblin, and claw marks over his legs warned him to be mindful of Wolfos in the snow.

To say he was proud of his scars would be an overstatement. He certainly didn’t carry any strong feelings concerning the marks that littered his skin, good or bad. They were simply reminders.

Ilia had seemed worried when she first saw his new scars. Shaking fingers hovering in the air over his skin, tears welling up in her mournful eyes. Even years after, he could still remember the way her voice shook, heart break present in every syllable.

“Does it hurt?”

Not anymore, he’d told her, mostly to spare his friend any more heartache.

That was, perhaps, the only aspect of his scars that troubled him: they changed the way people saw him. Strangers in the pub cowered when he passed, trainees in the yard spun myths about him, and loved ones cried hidden tears at the idea of him in pain. Uli, Ilia, Rusl... they all looked upon his flesh with a strange mixture of disgust, grief, and pity.

Zelda however…

She was different. She carried a curiosity in her that the goat herder turned hero couldn’t help but admire. No question was asked without thought, each lingering stare was calculating, as if he was a difficult puzzle she was determined to solve.

She had noticed the marks on his neck first. The cruel corner of a Redead’s fatal kiss, peeking out over the top of his starched collar.

The southern heat had finally made its way up north, filling the streets of the city with a thick fog of perfume. The myriad of scents from the vendor's stalls mixed with the stench of the alleyways. To combat the near oppressive heat, Link had taken to pushing his shirt sleeves up and pulling his collar down. Normally such a brazen display of skin would be frowned upon, but in the stables, under shady awnings, no one seemed to care. Not even the Queen.

And that’s how she found it, her eyes tracing over the mark on his neck, almost burning a hole in his shirt with their intensity.

“I hope you don’t think me rude,” She began, her hand dropping from her stallion’s side as she handed him off to a stable hand. “But how did you get that?”

It was a question he was used to answering. Many men and women had shoved pointing fingers in his face, or prodded sharply at his body. He had no issue with it, curiosity was healthy after all. And anyone brave or reckless enough to get that close to him deserved some kind of reward. Usually he spun them some tall tale, the stories ranging between anything from a particularly vicious farm animal to a scorned ex lover. It didn’t matter what lies he told, he was unlikely to ever see them again.

But Zelda deserved the truth.

“Redead.”

He could tell by the look in her eyes that no more detail was necessary. Her brow furrowed in understanding, lips twisted into a slight frown.

“It looks deep. It’s a miracle you’re still standing.”

They both knew she meant more than she said, though neither said anything else.

<><><>

She saw the scar on his arm second. Harsh white skin wrapped over his wrist, curling under the cuff of his shirt.

He’d tried to dress smartly for the occasion, new shirt, new doublet, same old brown brown boots shined up to perfection. After all, image was everything to the Royal Court. He could tell as much from the sea of silks and taffeta that flooded the dance floor. Swirling cyclones made of elegant fabrics that threatened to pull him under and drown him beneath waves of ruffles. Glittering jewels reflecting like stars in a storm against the candlelight. Voices crying out, fake laughter melting into screams.

It was all a bit too much for him.

He found himself on the terrace, the cold wind biting at ears, the rough stone of the balustrade pressed against the palms of his hands, new cotton gloves tucked under his arm. It was silent, and he liked the silence. He wasn’t sure how he’d gotten here. Perhaps he’d ran? Perhaps he’d snuck out when no one was looking? Or maybe he had appeared here through sheer force of will? Either way it didn’t matter, the terrace was silent nonetheless.

However silence was as fragile as glass - shattered by a touch.  Or the voice of a friend.

“Got out while you still could, I see.”

Zelda stood behind him, silver moonlight shining down on her like a spot. Everything else fading into darkness around her.

“I like the quiet,” Link mused. “Helps me think.”

She stepped closer, the soft swish of her skirts seemed to echo across the space between them. The smallest sounds turned into a cacophony by the relative quiet they shared. He let his eyes leave her, focusing on the stars above him. Each spec of light so far away yet still so tantalisingly close. As if he could reach out and take them in his hands.

“They’re beautiful,” She sighed, leaning against the balustrade, head tilted back, long brown hair falling over her shoulders in a cascade. The silver of her jewellery catching the light of the ballroom. And though she stood an arms length away, she seemed lost to a different world as she spoke.

“I wish I were closer to them.”    

She didn’t seem to be looking for a response, lost in her own thoughts as she was, so Link let her be, his own eyes tracing a path back home. He’d learnt to read the stars from a young age, to search the sky and plot a course to safety through ink black woods. If he was ever lost, all he had to do was look up.

“Link,” her voice was soft, wrapping around his shoulders like silk. “Can I ask you a question?”

“You’re the Queen, you don’t gotta ask my permission for anything.”

She didn’t seem to like that response.

“How did you get that scar on your wrist?”

Tearing his gaze from heavenly bodies to his own mortal hands, he glared at the scar in question. It had been a clean incision. Not enough to end him, but enough to cause worry. Enough to make it difficult to swing a sword.

“Bokoblin.” he grumbled. “Little shit got a lucky hit on me. Too bad for him I’ve always been a little luckier.”

She reached for him then. Silk covered fingers lingering in the space between them, so close yet oh so far. They hung there, in that moment, for what felt like a decade before her hand slowly curled over his wrist. The soft fabric covering her thumb catching on the rough broken skin.

“I shall pray that your luck does not run out,” she breathed and Link noticed just how close they had gotten. The air between them growing warm, puffs of white breath dancing above their heads. The kindness in her voice made his chest ache in the strangest of ways. And as she shifted her weight to stand taller beside him, he couldn’t help but stare at her.

Her hair, so soft, growing tangled in the light evening breeze. Her cheeks, flushed pink from the cold. The candlelight of the ballroom, caressing the apple of her cheeks as a lover would. The moonlight, dancing in her Royal blue eyes. Have they always been so blue? He wondered, transfixed by how they shined brighter than the diamonds wrapped tightly around her throat, brighter than the guiding stars above.

And, before he could find the words to thank her for her prayers, she was gone. Disappearing into the hurricane and leaving him alone on the silent terrace once more.

He hated the silence.

<><><>

The third time she asked about a scar they were in Ordon, spring flowers all in bloom. A country retreat for an exhausted monarch.

He had taken to wearing more casual clothes whilst in the village. After all, there was no one around who could possibly judge him. No stuffy nobles to look down on him. No stuck up dukes to frown at the technicolour patches in his trousers. No countesses to sneer at the fast repair jobs to a well loved shirt. Only Zelda. And, quite frankly, he trusted her to keep any opinion of that ilk to herself.

They lay in the field, watching the goats graze. The warm spring sun beating down against their skin. Zelda had mentioned before how she enjoyed the season, watching the rebirth of life after winter. An ever turning wheel, nothing ever truly being lost. It was a beautiful sentiment.

Zelda could find beauty in anything. An enviable trait, really.

“How do you do it?” he’d asked one night over supper. She’d simply shrugged, finished the last of her wine and smiled.

“You just have to know where to look I suppose.”

Since then he had been looking, gazing at everything. He’d look to the flowers in the gardens, to the fish in the stream, to the clouds in the sky. But nothing ever compared to that pair of blue eyes on the terrace, or the soft flush of pink cheeks lit by candlelight.

He was drawn out of his musing by a soft fingertip grazing against his shin.

Zelda lay with her head in his lap, brown hair pulled back into a braid which snaked over her shoulders. From this angle he couldn’t see her face, something that both saddened and comforted him.

Saddened in the sense that a moment without her charming smile was a moment wasted. Comforted in the sense that he couldn’t see the pained look in her eyes as she fixated on the twisted flesh of his leg.

They’d grown closer over the past few months. Tentative meetings in the hallways turning to afternoon tea for two. Quick lunches surrounded by company becoming private late night suppers. Goodbyes growing more and more difficult. Hellos growing more and more joyus.

As such, they’d come to know each other quite well.

He’d learnt of her love of cakes, her passion for the theatre, her dry wit, and her constant desire to help people. He’d come to know that the marks on his skin bothered her somewhat, a fact which caused his insides to twist as if he’d been run through with a lance.

Dragging himself back to the present once more (since when did he get distracted so easily?) he brought his hand to the back of her neck, fingers playing with the fine hairs there. Her long ear twitching slightly at the sensation.

“It weren’t anything serious,” he murmured, voice dropping low enough so only she could hear. “Just a dumb mistake I made as a kid.”

Her fingers halted in their path along his scar and he took it as a sign to continue.

“I was playing by the creek, slipped on the rocks and tore up my leg something awful. Hurt like a bitch, but I was able to walk it off.”

Zelda let out a short breath, her palm pressing against his shin, warm fingers wrapping around the muscles of his calf.

“I would have expected fancier footwork from the man who bested the Demon King in single combat.”

He could practically hear her smirk in her voice.

“I was only eight, cut me some slack,” her griped softly, too comfortable to hold any real malice. “My footwork has only gotten fancier since then, I assure you.”

She shifted then, lying on her back to face him, a lazy smile curled over her lips.

“I am truly glad to hear it.”

<><><>

The fourth time she asked about a scar it caught him by surprise.

Privacy was a near luxury in the castle. Schedules filled with appointments and meetings and training and lessons and parties and plays and luncheons and dinners and secret suppers and late night talks left very little time to just relax. To stop. To compose your thoughts. To work out stressed and worries. To curl in on yourself and block out the world for a moment. To recharge.

That was why Link found himself here. Late at night, in the training arena. Alone. The straw-filled dummies his only company, the sounds of polished steel against wood the only symphony.

It had become a habit for him. When the days were too long and his mind too full of thoughts to rest, he would sneak into the arena and train. Train until his thoughts were clear and his body exhausted. Running through practice drills he had long since perfected, the repetitive motions as soothing as they were tiring.

Taking a seat on the bench to rest for a moment, he pulled his shirt off over his head. The fine linen, soaked with sweat, clung to his back uncomfortably like a second skin.

It was getting late. The sun would no doubt rise soon, painting the sky in greys and pinks as she arrived. But as beautiful as the dawn was, Link didn’t fancy staying up to greet her. Pressing his face into the damp fabric of his shirt, he attempted to wipe the sweat from his brow. He wished he could lull himself into exhaustion. He’d been at this for hours. And, while his body now craved rest, his mind still raced. Brown hair in a braid and royal blue eyes swimming in his vision everytime he blinked.

“I’m so sorry,” a voice called out, her tone achingly familiar. “I hadn’t expected anyone else to be up at this hour, I… oh… Link?” Draping his shirt around his neck, he twisted his head to look at her.

Zelda stood, partially hidden by shadow. She looked embarrassed, like a child caught doing something that they shouldn’t be.

“S’alright, I can go if you’re looking for some privacy.” He started to stand, but her outstretched hand stopped him in his tracks.

“No! I’d hate for you to leave on my account.”

“I was practically done here anyway, Zelda.” A lie. “It’s no bother.” She seemed to deflate slightly, eyes dropping to the ground as she wrung her hands in front of her. “Or I can stay. If you want the company, that is?”

Despite the distance between them, Link swore he saw her cheeks flush pink. A small “thank you” tumbling from her lips, tripping over her shy smile. And, not for the first time, he cursed the silver moon for not being bright enough. For not allowing him a glimpse of his Queen as she shifted around in shadows. Why is she so far away?

“So,” Zelda started, trying to break the silence that had grown between them. “What brings you out here at such an hour as this?”

“I could ask you the same thing. If you must know, I was practicing my fancy footwork.” He felt his heart skip at the sound of her soft laughter. Barely concealed giggles echoing around the empty arena.

“I wasn’t aware my teasing had such an effect,” she chuckled, arms pulling her robes tighter. “I’ll be more mindful in the future.”

“Don’t change on my account.” He smiled, cheeks heating slightly. “I like you just the way you are.”

He wished he was closer to her. Wished he could watch as her cheeks flushed and her eyes widened. Blue shining like sapphires in the stars. Wished he could hear her clearly as she mumbled back, “I like you too.”

Patting the seat next to him, he fixed her with a questioning gaze. His invitation silent but clear.

“I wouldn’t want to impose-”

“It ain’t an imposition if I’m offering,” He cut in, hoping that he didn’t come across as pushy or rude. He didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable when she was already upset about something.

Zelda stayed silent for a moment, her eyes distant in thought. She looked like she was weighing pros and cons, or maybe she was trying to find a polite way to reject him. Bracing himself for the worst, he was pleasantly surprised when she took the space beside him. Her body pressed against his, the cold silk of her robe biting against his bare arm.

In the light of the torches he could see her more clearly. The nightgown she wore, a soft shade of pink, that fell down to her mid calf. Her legs were covered by a pair of warm, brown britches. Her robe was pulled high over her shoulders, covering her collar, Her hair, left long and loose, fell like a curtain in front of her face.

“You cold?” he asked, nodding his head to her unusual attire. The summer had long since come and gone, the heat of the days making way for the chill night winds.

“Something like that.”

Link didn’t push for an elaboration. He knew Zelda well enough by now to know that she’d give him one if she wanted.

The silence between them grew, but Link found that he didn’t mind. He enjoyed just being with her, sitting with her, watching the stars pass by. Her head resting on his shoulder, her hair draping over his skin as soft as silk.

“Don’t think I didn’t notice the scars on your back,” she warned, low voice shattering the silence around them. “The claw marks are particularly worrying.”

Link had almost forgotten about those. The memory of their creation foggy and blurred with pain. It hadn’t been pretty.

“They’re nothing.” he lied, shifting to take her hand in his. He felt her breath catch slightly, the sound causing his heart to skip, as he wrapped her arm around his back. Pressing her fingertips to the long white scars that ran down the back of his ribs. Her hand felt like ice against his sweaty skin, but he grit his teeth and bore it. “I didn’t keep my eyes out is all. Wolfos got a lucky hit. It looks worse than it really is. It’s just a flesh wound. Honest.”

He wasn’t sure why, but he felt the need to comfort her. To show that the marks didn’t hurt him as much as she feared. To desperately put her mine at ease.

“I wish you weren’t so reckless,” She sighed. Her touch grew warmer, her palm running circles over his back, her lips pressed against his shoulder. She was hypnotic, and Link found himself relaxing into her with every beat of his heart.

“And I wish you’d kiss me.”

Zelda froze.

Her breath stopped short against his skin. Her palm still pressed against his spine. He could feel her lean away from him. He could feel his blood turn to stone in his veins. For months he had kept that wish hidden. The desire to kiss her pressed against his heart, kept a secret from everybody. And now that he’d vocalised it there was no taking it back.

“Link,” her voice was quiet, almost shy. Link dared not look at her, his eyes fixed on the burning torch in front of him. Maybe he could pretend that it had never happened! And then he could-

Her fingers gently held his chin, turning his head to face her. He tried to hide, to avert his gaze but he just couldn’t! Even hidden by shadows her eyes were so shockingly blue.

And then she leaned in.

Her nose bumped softly against his, her warm breath fanned over his chin. Link could feel his eyes close, lips parting slightly. He could hear his heartbeat pounding in his ears as their lips finally met. It was only the lightest of touches, but it was enough to set a fire in his blood. He leaned in, desperate for more. His hand found its place on her cheek, his thumb caressing her skin as the candlelight had done months before.

When the two broke apart, Link wasn’t aware of how much time had passed. Nor did he particularly care. He was too preoccupied with the feel of her hand against his jaw and her fingers running up his spine. He bumped his nose against hers playfully, his eyes falling to her smile. Large and toothy and perfect.

“I promise I won’t be so reckless anymore,” he sighed, feeling his own smile grow to match hers, “if you promise to kiss me like that again.”

Zelda appeared to take a moment to think about it. Her grin teasing as she tapped her chin with her finger.

“It’s a deal,” a chaste kiss against his cheek, “but now I should be going, Goodnight Link.” Another kiss, this time to the tip of his nose.

He barely had enough time to whisper back to her before she was gone. The pale silk of her nightgown trailing behind her.

With a resigned sigh, Link reached for his sword once more. He certainly was not going to get any sleep tonight.

<><><>

She didn’t have to ask about the fifth scar.

Her hand, pressed against his chest, pulled at the linen of his shirt. Short nails scratching his skin through the fabric. A rush of warmth washed over his body as he claimed her lips with his. Her soft moans sent a rush of blood to his head.

He felt dizzy, light headed almost. The need to kiss every inch of her consumed him like fire. The desire to press against her, to lose himself in her embrace, drove him wild in the best of ways. He felt like each second was a battle for self control, and he was ready to wave that white flag. Desperate to submit.

They fell backwards onto the sheets, Zelda’s hair fanning out around her like a halo. She was heavenly, angelic in a way words couldn’t describe, and she was his.

Soft hands turned greedy, gentle kisses turned roush. Bites and pecks peppered his throat as desperate hands gripped her thighs hard enough to bruise.

He muffled a groan against her hair as he settled between her legs. Her thighs wrapping around his back, her petticoats rucked up to her hips. A soft whimper left her lips. A silent plea kissed against his neck as her hands tugged at the hem of his shirt.

Leaning back, he tugged the offending article of over his head. Throwing it to the side with a careless wave of his hand, he turned his eyes back to her.

The look on her face stopped him in his tracks.

Pain. Heartache. Guilt. Etched into her features. Tears pooled in her eyes. Her hand hovered in the air between them, inches away from his heart and the starburst scar over it.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, crystal tears sliding down her cheeks. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” he promised, pressing her hand against his heart. The steady drumbeat dancing under her fingers. “The chainmail caught it, I wasn’t hurt. It’s okay, Zelda.”

He pressed kisses against her hair as her sobs grew louder. He murmured words of comfort, reassurance, and love into the air around them. It’s alright, It was just a bublin, they can’t aim for shit. It’s alright Zelda. I’m safe, I’m okay, I love you.

She buried herself in him. Her face pressed into the crook of his neck, her arm wrapped around him like a vice. She kept her palm pressed over his heart, his hand over hers soothing in it’s familiarity.

They held each other like that till morning. Neither willing to let go as she pressed apologises into his skin.

<><><>

Link noticed the mark on her neck first.

Then the one on her shoulder.

Then her face.

Her collar.

Her ears.

Her arms.

Long, deep, lacerations. Relentless in their numbers, aggressive in their style. Powerful slashes against milk white skin. Deadly and familiar, because he knew those marks. He knew the weapon that caused them, the hand that dealt them.

“I didn’t want you to find out like this.”

He felt ill. His breaths catching, bile rising in his throat the longer he stared at her scars. Scars he was so intimately familiar with because he was the one who caused them.

He wasn’t unfamiliar with scars, but looking at her he felt ashamed.

“Why’d you hide them?” Why’d you never tell me? Why did I have to find them like this? By accident as we got ready for bed?

“You know how it is,” she was shaking, a false dead smile curling over her lips. “Appearances are everything here. It wouldn’t do to make people uncomfortable.”

Sickness turned to anger.

How dare he. How DARE he! How dare he hold her in his arms! How dare he kiss her flesh, how dare he whisper words of adoration against her skin when HE was the one who hurt her! It was because of him that she was forced to hide behind unctions and pastes, to cast glamours over her skin for the sake of snobby nobles and gossiping dukes. It was because of him that she now led a life of secrets! How long has she agonized over him finding out? That night in the arena, their first kiss. She had covered herself from head to toe, hid in the shadows. Had he really been so close to her and not noticed? How could he have not noticed!?

The mark on her neck, deep and painful. He had aimed to decapitate. She would be dead if he hadn’t faltered last minute.

Oh Spirits, he could have killed her.

“Do they hurt?” he found himself asking.

“Not anymore.” She sounded so… frightened. Had he frightened her? He could feel his heart twist and he wished that the bublin’s arrow had found its home there.

“I’m sorry,” He choked, bile rising with each agonised heartbeat.

“Don’t be,” her eyes grew watery. “You did what you had to do.”

“I didn’t have to hurt you!” He cried, sickness and shame growing in the pit of his stomach. Why didn’t she hate him?

“It was the only way to stop him.”

He watched as she wrapped her arms around herself, knuckles turning white as she gripped the fabric of her chemise. “These marks are my fault.”

His heart stopped dead in his chest.

“How can you say something like that?” He wanted to scream, but the look in her eyes stole all breath from his lungs. Her false smile was gones, and in its place was only pain.

“If I had chosen to fight instead of surrender, if I had risked my life the way you were forced to risk yours, maybe I could have spared you.” Her eyes turned hollow as she clung to herself. Bright blue growing dim with guilt and heartbreak. He felt her gaze trail over the bite on his neck, a wound that would have killed anyone else. “I deserve this,” she held her arms in front of her, watch the way the light danced across her own scars. “It’s my divine punishment.”

“What the fuck are you talking about!?” He gasped, everything in his body compelling him to run to her, to take her in his arms. Even if guilt held him back.

He reached out, ignoring the twist in his gut as he wrapped his hands around her wrists. He could feel her pulse hammer under his fingertips. “If you’d have fought you’d be dead like the rest of ‘em. You did what you had to do.”

“And you paid the price!” She cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. She pulled roughly out of his grip, pressing her arms close to her chest as she folded in on herself. “You and hundreds of innocent people!”

“You didn’t scar me! You ain’t the redead who bit me, you ain’t the bokoblin that cut me, you ain’t the wolfos that scratched me, or the bublin that fired an arrow at my heart!” He stepped closer, thanking whatever god of hers that was listening that she didn’t step away, that she let him put his hands on her shoulders.

“I got these scars because I made mistakes,” He started, keeping his voice as soft as he could. She didn’t need a shouting match right now. “I wasn’t quick enough or careful enough,” a kiss pressed against her forehead. “None of this was your fault, Zelda.”

“And these scars aren’t yours.”

Her scars. He’d almost forgotten the damage he’d done.

Dropping his hands from her skin, shame burning in his blood. “I wielded the blade,” he choked. An admission of guilt.

“It wasn’t aimed at me,” she reasoned, her hand reaching out for him. “I don’t blame you, Link. I hold nothing but love for you. I should have told you sooner, but I didn’t want to hurt you. I’m sorry.”

Sorry? Love?

How could she apologise at a time like this?! She was innocent!!

“How can you love me? Zelda, I could have killed you!” He could see the blood dripping from his blade. Her body slumped in a pool of red. Pink skin turned a sickly green as dead golden eyes stared up at him.

He could have killed her.

“And I, you. I am not the only one who walked away from that battle with injuries.” He thought back to a scar on his bicep where her rapier has drawn blood. She hadn’t seen it surely? He’d hidden it well enough. “Ganon would have killed you by my hand, Link.”

“That doesn’t make it any easier.”

To blame him, would be to shirk all responsibility Link felt. To blame him would be to pretend that he had never taken up arms against his princess To pretend that he had never wounded her, shed her blood. To pretend that he hadn’t looked upon her face and aimed to kill. It may have been Ganon’s intent, but it was Zelda who took the blows.

He was stuck.

He wanted to free her from the burden he felt. The burden she had chosen to carry. The souls who had been lost as the first wave hit. The permanent reminders on their skin. Her punishment. As if someone so noble was deserving of punishment.

“Do my scars upset you?” he asked, watching her expression out of the corner of his eye.

“Yes… but not for the reason you think.”

Because you blame yourself.

“They don’t upset me.” He kept his eyes on the floor, away from her confused stare, away from his own guilt. He needed a clear head if he was going to get through this.

“Every mark on my body has taught me something. It ain’t always been fun, but I’ve grown ‘cus of it. I’ve become who I am today, and I like who I am today. Because this me… this me is someone who has been through hell and back, and he’s still standing. This me is someone who gets to know you. This me is someone who gets to love you. I wouldn’t change a damn thing because then, who would I be?”

“Link…” a soft hand pressed against his arm. “You’d still be you. You have a good heart-”

“And so do you! You can’t blame yourself for my scars, Zelda.” And, building all the courage he had ever had, he turned as he pressed his palm to her cheek. His thumb grazing over a cut on her lip. “Not when I’d rather be with them than without.”

“And you think it’s different for me?” She pressed her hand against his, holding it to her cheek. “Link, I don’t hide these scars because I’m ashamed of them. Appearance is everything here, you know that better than most. If they saw me like this… with these marks…” she swallowed, forcing a small smile to her face. “They would never take me seriously.”

“Zelda…” They’re not worth it, he wanted to say, You’re better than the whole wretched lot ‘em.

“These scars,” she continued, running her thumb over his knuckles. “They remind me of everything I lost. The invasion was difficult for everyone, I know. But when I see these marks on my skin, I’m reminded of what I sacrificed. And what I gained. I know they hurt you, and I know it’s a lot to ask of you, but… when you look at these scars, please, don’t think about how they got there. Don’t think about that fight. Think about what they show.”

“And what’s that?”

And she smiled, brighter than the sun and the stars and the moon. Brighter than the spirits in their springs and the sacred light they protected.

“They show that, despite everything, all of our losses and our injuries, we’re still standing. We’re still alive when that man tried to take everything from us.”

And how could he refuse her when she looked at him like that?

He was going to say as much, was going to act suave and calm and deliver some real cheesy line about never being able to turn down a beautiful woman. Something dumb to lighten the mood. Then she took his free hand in hers and pressed it to the scar on her neck.

The skin, rough against his palm, reminded him of just how real it was. How close they had both gotten to losing their lives and each other. And all he could choke out was a small, “I’m sorry.”

“I am too,” she sniffed, holding back tears. “But it’s okay. I’m okay, I’m alive. I love you.”

“And I love you.” he choked, replacing his palm with his lips, trailing kisses over her scars. He could feel his tears run hot down his cheeks, but as he wrapped his arms around her he couldn’t bring himself to care. “Spirits, I love you so so much.”

<><><>

They lay facing each other, scars bared openly. Bodies wrapped in furs and silks, sweat slick with exhaustion. Matching smiles decorating their faces, and kisses littering their collars.

Link pulled her close, his hand trailing down her spine and the countless scars found there. “You’re so beautiful” he sighed, pressing a lingering kiss against her forehead.

“I am, aren’t I?”

“And modest too!” He laughed, tucking her hair behind her long pointed ear. “Everything I look for in a woman.” He stifled her laughter with a kiss, reveling in the feel of her smile against his.

“I adore you,” She breathed as they separated. A large goofy grin on her lips, so different than the small smiles she gave at court. “I wish we could stay here forever”

“You’re the Queen, you can do whatever you want,” He chuckled, lips ghosting over the apple of her cheek. “If you want to stay here, then who am I to deny you?”

Her soft laughter echoed through the room like the romantic strings of a violin. Enchanting as an orchestra, a melodic symphony that pulled at his heart.

“You make a valid point.” she gasped, words fading into a soft moan as his teeth trailed over the skin of her neck. Over the large scar that lived there.

Months ago, he would have paused. Guilt and fear seeping into his bones at the very sight of twisted flesh. Memories of polished steel flying through the air, of metal hitting roughly against bone, and screams of agony ripping through the air.

There were some days that were worse than others, days where the memories were too strong and they’d collapse into each other. Loving words pressed against their skin, prayers and apologies and assurances filling the air. But healing is not linear, and as bad as these days got they would never cancel out the good days.

Good days like today. Wrapped in each other, tracing lines of gold. Precious metal swimming in their veins. Their scars becoming beautiful reminders of lessons they’d learned.

Reminders of the lives they had lived, and the paths that led them to each other.

~Fin~

HOLY SHIT I'M BACK?! It's been just under a year since I've really posted anything, I promise that Puppy Love: The Date is on it's way (just life get's hectic y'know) I really hope you guys enjoy this, I'm really proud of it. Also HUGE thank you to Mey and @andelynkinsey for their edits and to @zeldasdiaries for hyping me up. Also thanks to Matt for inspiring me through the first two sections and with conversations about DEEP LORE!

If you're liking what I'm doing here feel free to check me out on Ao3 under the same name. 

Thanks so much for your support guys, I couldn't have done it without you.

[funkadox]

Stealing Stars From The Night

Part 2

"Ruby please stop snickering about my underwear drawer! Everyone has one!"

"But you have granny panties!" Yells an amused Ruby from Weiss' bed. Since Weiss had asked her to grab a pair of pantyhose from her dresser Ruby had been teasing her. Who puts pantyhose and period panties in the same drawer? Apparently Weiss

"For the last time. THEY ARE NOT GRANNY PANTIES YOU DOLT!" Weiss says as she steps out of her closet fully dressed. Elegant and beautiful were understatements to describe Weiss. The white haired girl wore a long, black velvet dress with black heels that made her taller than Ruby by about an inch or two. The spaghetti strap dress looks like it was made to be worn by Weiss Schnee, it even has a silver snowflake across the back.

"Holy shit."

"Language. But thank you.." Weiss says bashfully and walks up to Ruby who's jaw is open and eyes are lit up with not the purest thoughts running through her mind. Her hand cups the younger girl's jaw and smiles as it shuts. "Careful you might catch a bug, Yang does live here you know." She jokes and walks to the door.

"I- I gotta get dressed. I'll be right out." Ruby says and salutes her awkwardly. Weiss just shakes her head and leaves.

-

The clock strike 10 and the group is ready to bounce. The club is pretty close so they decide to walk which is a good idea considering that none of them would be in the best shape to drive after tonight.

"Remember, do not ask for pictures with celebrities! As far as everyone knows you are celebrities. No hookups in the bathroom, this is not a normal club and so don't treat it as such. Finally, do not talk to celebrities unless talked to first! I repeat do not talk-" Weiss is interrupted by a hand being drapped around her waist.

"We got it snow queen, we are not kids you know." Ruby states with a cheeky smile and chuckle.

"You are most definitely a child but whatever just behave everyone."

"Sir yes sir!" Sun drones and continues his conversation with Yang about how he is going to get pictures with every celebrity he sees.

-

The line for Atlas is incredibly long but Weiss just passes it by.

"Do you need an ID?"

"N-no ma'am please go on ahead." Is all the bouncer says as he opens the door for the group. Weiss' father owns Atlas so the staff all know Weiss.

"Woah this place is amazing!" Yang gasps as she looks around. The club has a decent amount of people in it but not nearly enough to seem crowded, the dance floor is lit up with neon colors alternating color tiles. She definitely understands why this place is so popular. "Hey I'm gonna get a drink are you guys coming?"

"The colors are so pretty! I'm gonna dance first but I'll see you soon!" Ruby says and runs to the dance floor.

"Ruby this is a club not a playground!" Yells Weiss who runs after the excited girl.

"I'll come with you, I can't leave the most dashing girl here alone." Sun flirts jokingly and walks with her to the bar.

"Ya know, god sure was cruel in making me a lesbian because I'm in love with you Sun!" Yang dramatically states and wipes a fake tear away.

"If only I was a girl! Then we could be together my love!"

"If only!" The two crack up and the bar keep just looks at them confused.

"So what'll it be for you two?" He asks and smiles charmingly.

"I'll have a strawberry sunrise with one of those little umbrellas! And he will have-"

"Your number~" He purrs smoothly and leans in.

"H-huh? I mean... Okay.."

"Wait that really worked!?"

"Yeah the name is Neptune and my standards have just been met."

"Wow they must be pretty low then." Yang says quietly and Sun growls at her. Neptune writes his number on Sun's wrist and goes to get Yang her drink.

"I didnt know you liked dudes?!"

"Neither did I." Sun shrugs and looks at Neptune who is trying his best not to look at the blond.

"So I'm the only one here who has no date? Wow I'm lame." She looks down at her long sleeved navy dress. "And I thought I looked like Hell in heels!"

"Oh honey you do, you are just too picky for your own good. It's not a bad thing but if you are looking for someone there is a dark haired beauty who keeps eyeing you from across the room." He says quietly and takes the drink Neptune was giving Yang.

"Thanks I'll be around, say when do you get off?"

Yang quits listening when she turns around and sees none other than Blake Belladonna. She is indeed looking over at her from a booth in the back corner. The red haired man from earlier is next to her talking to a girl with brown hair pulled into a pony tail. Yang smirks and turns back around. "Ay Nept what does the girl in that booth back there like?"

"Ah Belladonna? She doesn't drink a lot when she is here but- oh shit she ordered a long island! I totally forgot!"

Ay calm down, make it and I'll go give it to her so you can continue talking to lover boy over here."

"Thanks fam! I owe you one." Neptune says and begins making the drink. Yang smiles and puts a hand on Sun's shoulder.

"You sure you want that one? He seems a lil spacey."

"He's perfect shut up!" Sun says and looks up at her. "So youre gonna go flirt up some celebrity huh? Even better Blake Belladonna? She's like so famous! Especially now that the third season of White Fang dropped on Netflix. Better make sure Weiss doesn't see ya."

"Hey she's eyeing me so technically that's kinda talking to me first right?"

"Oh definitely." Sun says and shakes his head. Neptune returns with the drink and hands it to her.

"Good luck, Adam can be a bitch so try not to get into it with him."

"Will do!"

Yang begins her walk to Blake and waves at Weiss who is currently trying her best not to look like she is having fun with Ruby dancing with her. The guards stop Yang before she gets to the booth but Blake waves them off.

"Finally my tea."

"This is a long island, darlin."

"Yes, the best kind of tea around." She says softly and smiles up at Yang. Yang grins and sits the drink down.

"I would agree with you but I'm not much of a tea drinker."

"Yeah you seem more like the alcohol 24/7 type."

"Why does everyone always make that assumption!? I'm not a raging alcoholic I'll have you know." Yang shoots back with no malice in her tone but a pout on her face.

"Sorry, sorry well now I feel bad is there anyway I can make it up to you?"

"Hmm maybe a dance could help your case but I wont promise anything."

"A dance sounds lovely." Blake says gently and slips out of the booth. A hand grabs her wrist and she groans. "Adam I'm fine, just because you're my tv boyfriend doesnt mean you have to be so protective or whatever.." She says and shakes her wrist free. Yang had been ignoring the glares she was getting from the man since she had walked over. The two walked to the dance floor and began to dance to the techno beat that was playing. The sparks only got brighter as they dance. Their bodies seem to fit together like puzzle pieces, finding their way back together when one separates to get a drink. It's like magic. And not drunken magic that you'll regret later buy real, heart racing magic that only comes once in a lifetime.

"So I'm gonna guess ex boyfriend?" Yang begins when he catches Adam scoffing at them.

"Hm I guess you can say that.. We kinda got together for publicity reasons but he is just so uptight and mean to fans and just people in general that I couldn't handle being anything more than costars with him."

"I'm sorry, well maybe he will get the hint that you're not into him now."

"And why's that?" Blake asks with a sly smirk. Yang only answers by putting a soft hand on the other's hip and dragging her hand down her spine, pulling her closer as she does so.

"Because you're obviously into me." Yang says seductively into her ear. The girl is surprised when she hears a purr like sound escape Blake's lips and a hand on her neck.

"Hmm well I might be but I don't do one nightstands or club flings so if you really want me and not because I'm hot and famous meet me at that library around the corner."

Yang is certainly surprised by the beauty's words, Blake is smart for not wanting to go home with some stranger off the street. It would ruin her image in the public eye and make anyone think they could just walk up to her and ask her out.

"Alright, what time?"

"Hmmm how about 3? And dont bring any friends with you, I dont like to share." Blake says softly against Yang's lips, tempting her but Yang knows what she is doing. Yang knows that she is seeing if she will take the bait and try to rush things.

"3 sounds great and I was guessing you'd be possessive." Yang jokes and spins Blake around to which Blake only grins back. Yang spots the guards making their way towards them and looks at Blake. "Well I guess this is farewell."

"It seems so, but not for long. I'll see you tomorrow. By the way I didn't get your name."

"It's Yang. Yang Xiao long."

"Well Yang, Yang Xiao long here is my card." Blake grabs a card out of her bra slowly and tucks it into Yang's hand. "Bye~"

"Bye" Yang looks at the card and back at the girl.

-

Adam tries to push her for entails on Yang but Blake only brushes him off to talk to Ilia who gets in the limo awaiting them. She looks back to Adam who just walks back in the club ignoring the camera flashes.

"So tall blonde and goofy huh?"

"Yeah she's really sweet and not like in a creepy overbearing way. Which is surprising to find at a night club."

"Well you are a celebrity, maybe she is just a raging fan."

"I thought that too but she has never watched the show, she knows what it is but it never peaked her interest. She thinks the CGI cat ears are cute on me though."

"Well of course she isnt going to tell you she watches the show."

"Oh dont be like that, you sound like Adam."

"Well maybe he is right!?" Ilia says a little too loudly, but takes a breath and sighs. "Sorry.. I'm just tired I guess."

Blake looks at her in confusion but shrugs. "I don't expect you to get it but he isn't right. I'm a person before a celebrity you know? And I guess I like being treated as such for once.." Blake gets out of the car once it reaches her large estate. It's not as big as she could get but it is indeed very nice. "See ya around Ilia." Is all she says before walking up the gravel path and going inside.

-

Yang makes her way back to Sun who hasnt stopped flirting with Neptune. The two seem to really be hitting it off especially now that Neptune isn't working anymore. "Hey guys hows it going?"

"Well well well if it isnt the deserter."

"Oh I'm the deserter? Boy you are so caught up with him that you might as well be pinning him-" Sun covers her mouth before she finishes.

"Ahahaha shut it."

"Sorry sorry."

"HellO Everyone I love you all!" Yells a very VERY intoxicated Ruby with Weiss holding her up.

"I told her drinking 5 strawberry daiquiri's in an hour would be dumb but she never listens." Weiss groans and puts Ruby on a stool. "Cross your legs your dress is short."

"No." Ruby says defiantly and spreads her legs.

"Ruby close your legs!" Weiss says and covers her face.

"Make me then." Ruby pulls Weiss close and winks at her making Weiss a blushing mess.

Yang cant help but laugh which doesnt help the situation at all. It only spurs Ruby on making her hug Weiss and lay her head on her chest.

"Yang, Sun help me!"

"No can do sweetheart I have a hot date~" purrs Sun and wraps a hand around Neptune's waist offering a shy wave.

"Wait, wait Sun you are a gay too?! That's so cool bro! You can like all the dudes cause I like no dudes, none of them. I mean I like you but not LIKE like you, you are gay and I'm gay so we are just bros! You keep doing you boo, I love you Sun-" she starts to cry and buries her face in Weiss' dress. "I love you!"

Sun holds back a laugh and shakes his head. Yang chuckles and helps Ruby up.

"Alright Ruby-roo lets get going wouldnt want you confessing your love to anyone else." Yang says softly and practically throws Ruby over her shoulder. She offers a small wave farewell to the boys and leaves with Weiss. Or does she?

-end part 2

I wanted to continue more but I hit max length :/ hope you guys like this part tho!

[rwby-hhh]

My tags this is literally just so I can remember them

Ruby - strawberry sweetheart

Weiss - ice queen

Blake - kitty cat

Yang - dragon babe

Jaune- soft boy

Ren - perfect boy

Pyrrha - destiny child

Nora - queen of the castle

Emerald - mint choc babe

Cinder - wifey

Mercury - robo shorts

Neo - ice cream queen

Roman- dum dum

Ilia - child my daughter

Oscar - babby

Velvet - bunny babe

Winter - snow queen

[spindleprick]

She is such a conduit of rage, it is a wonder she does not catch alight.

The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock, Imogen Hermes Gowar

[simplicity1511]

Family

Something I just realized is that even though Blake within human society has to fight for her rights as a faunus, she is actually quite privileged because, within faunus society, her family is practically royalty. Her father is chief of Menagerie and was once the leader of the White Fang and unlike Ilia's parent’s who ended up dying during a mining accident, her’s are still alive and well (hopefully it stays that way). 

Blake didn’t experience the same suffering that Iliua has. It’s easier for Blake to justify not hurting the innocents because she has had power within faunus society. She speaks from a moral high ground but Ilia does make a good point, no one is truly innocent when they let hatred, bigotry, and oppression go unchallenged to target a group of people just because their different. I’m not saying I agree with her method but I can understand why she would use them. Eventually, people get tired of being stepped on and will fight back, however, fear does not equate to respect. Just more hatred.

Ilia needed a reason to keep living. To keep making her existence matter in a world that was denying it and that just happened to be the White Fang. Blake, on the other hand, doesn’t need the White Fang to legitimize her existence because unlike many other characters within the series like RubY whose mother died, Yang whose mother left, or Weiss’s dad who only cared about the family name and not the family, Blake had a family waiting for her when she came back. A whole family. With both of her parents alive and for that matter happy.

That’s why I love, looking back at season one, what Rooster Teeth did with Blake and Weiss in the beginning. They portrayed them as enemies in a sense, with Weiss thinking all faunus are criminals and evil and Blake thinking Weiss is nothing but privileged incarnate who doesn’t understand suffering. Turns out they were both wrong. Weiss is definitely misunderstood about having a happy childhood because her parents are together and she lives a life of luxury but let's be honest, her home has no warmth in it. It’s like a freezing tundra.

Blake and Weiss are portrayed as opposites - black and white - but really they are more of a Yin and Yang. They may be different from one another and lived different lives but Blake can never say that her father only married her mother for the family name when they clearly adore each other and care for the wellbeing of one another and their daughter. 

The fact that the person who helped Yang see past the haze of her anger towards Blake was the person who once saw Blake as an enemy, tells you about the wonderful character development that’s taken place since season one.

I got to say I love the fact that Yang is becoming emotionally unhinged in a way as her emotions seem to be creeping up a lot, hopefully by the end of the season, Yang will learn to control it and harness her power without always having to rely on her semblance.

I got to say, Weiss is probably my favorite character this season. My cold-hearted ice queen has melted and is now a gentle snow fairy :’) I couldn’t be more proud.

Weiss words at the end of her conversation with Yang about considering team RWBY as more of a family then even her biological one says a lot about what RWBY is about. That family is more than biology. It’s about the people you choose, who choose to love you unconditionally :)

[rwbyvein]

Firen Lhain: Chapter 706: The Great Beasts:  Part II/III

Jaune lead the party. Blake was off to his right flank, Ren to his left. The rest of the group were together, behind.

* * *

Jaune felt something, and looked over to see Ren beside him. He followed his smiling gaze. Ren disappeared a moment later. Jaune slowed down as he stepped forward and saw the giant footprint. He stopped and looked behind him. Jaune's gaze fixed on Weiss. Weiss smiled but did not understand what he wanted until Ruby pushed her forward. "He needs your Weissiness." Ruby said. Weiss' first thought was to give Jaune an offended look, but she breathed in deep and told herself to accept it as a compliment. She straightened her hair and then her dress before stepping forward.

"Got to look your best." Yang chided, and Weiss glared at her.

"Would she really be Weiss?," Nora asked, "if she didn't look her best? It's like her Semblance or something."

Weiss stopped midstride as the thought deeply weighed upon her psyche.

"Weiss Queen?" Yang asked her. Weiss looked over to see Yang pushing her hands forward. Weiss turned back to walk towards Jaune. She found a way to sashay in the woods and made her way up to Jaune. He was looking at the footprint, and turned. Before Weiss knew what was going on, he picked her up, craddled her, and gave her a passionate kiss. When he put her down she could barely stand. She heard a click, and turned around to see Yang and Nora pointing their cameras.

"Must you?.." Weiss admonished. She tried to frown but found herself smiling. She crossed her hands in front of her and turned towards the footprint. She then looked back to Jaune. "Not that I'm objecting, but why?"

Jaune pointed at the footprint, "You're Professor Port's star student."

Weiss thought it over for a moment before it occurred to her. It hit her so powerfully that she nearly lost her footing. Thankfully Jaune wrapped his arm around her waist to steady her. She heard significant movement behind her and turned to see the others rushing in. She stood up properly, bowed her head to Jaune, and turned to them, bowing. "I apologize."

"What's wrong?!" Ruby asked.

"What is wrong is that I am suddenly confronted with who I used to be." Weiss sadly stated.

"Huh?" Ruby asked.

Ren appeared in front of her, "Well that embarrassment, that desire to go back and tell yourself not to be so stupid, that just proves you're not the same person you used to be. You're smarter, you're kinder, you're stronger, and you're not done growing yet. None of us are."

"I swear I've heard that before." Jaune stated.

"Indeed." Ren said with a smile.

"From you." Jaune said accusingly.

"Indeed." Ren said with a brighter smile. "Some things need to be learned more than once."

Blake appeared beside them, "They say you learn things once for a day, twice for a week, and three times for the rest of your life."

"Which means," Ren continued, "after the third time there's going to be a test."

"What?!" Yang asked, "You can't do that, right? Can he?"

Ren turned to smile at her before turning back to the footprint.

"Ren is like really wise, so?," Nora asked, "mmaayybbee?"

"You can study for it later." Jaune dismissively uttered, waving his hand over his shoulder. "Snow Angel?" he asked, and she swooned. He turned towards her as she collected herself, "Do these look like the footprints of any large Grimm you know about?"

Weiss made to kneel down, but paused, and decided to adopt a less elegant squat instead. She lowered herself down and closely inspected the footprint. She then stood back up. "I can't make heads or tails of it. It has some passing similarities to a Boarbatusk, but I've never seen any of this size."

"So, giant armoured boar?" Yang asked.

"The feet are too pointed to be a boar." Jaune stated, "It honestly looks more like a giant deer."

"So, a deer Grimm?!" Nora asked.

Jaune then turned to the group, "Does anyone know about a deer Grimm?" he asked, but as he looked between everyone present, no one showed any recognition. "Alright," Jaune said, "we know how to fight Boarbatusks." Ilia looked confused. "Maybe Blake can talk to Ilia about it." He made to turn away, but paused halfway and turned back, looking Ilia in the eyes, "And remember, you're not a Huntsman. We want you to learn, not die. If you move in, only do so when you see an opening, and move back out again." He turned back to the tracks. He turned back to everyone. "Everyone get a good look."

"Even me?!" Nora asked.

"If you launch yourself," Jaune stated, "it might scare off what we're chasing."

"Which is what?" Yang asked.

"Something big with hooves." Jaune stated.

"Uh-huh." Yang sarcastically said, "Real helpful."

"Whatever it is," Ruby added, "we'll be able to defeat it! With the power of friendship!"

Weiss developed a sour look that sweetened with every moment until she found herself smiling.

"And punching." Yang stated.

"And punching!" Ruby exclaimed.

* * *

The party followed the hoofprints, up, and down, and around through the woods, until they saw movement. Large, black movement off in the black woods. Jaune turned back to everyone, "Keep your distance until we know what we're fighting."

"Or," Yang said, "we just wait for you to start the thing, since you want to be big daddy about this, and all."

"I concur." Ren stated.

"Even the big daddy part?" Yang asked.

"He is fatherly." Ren stated. "Though calling him daddy might be a bit much."

"Let's just spread out and keep quiet," Jaune said, "until we find out what we're up against."

"Yes, Daddy." Yang stated.

Weiss glared at Yang for a moment before looking at Jaune, "And, for those of us, who, perchance, are not so good at stealth?"

"Just hang back until you hear Dustfire or something." Jaune stated.

"Or Yang getting Yangry." Nora added.

"Duly noted." Weiss stated. Nora still looked eagerly forward. "You do realize you are one of them, do you not?"

"What?" Nora asked.

"She's right." Jaune stated.

"Yes, Daddy." Nora stated, and Jaune glared at her.

"I thought you were my minion?" Jaune asked.

"That would make you her master." Ren quipped, and Jaune looked shocked.

"Master?!" Nora eagerly exclaimed, and Jaune just sighed.

"We'll have to work on that, later."

* * *

Blake, Ren, and Ilia all creapt forward, keeping their profiles as low as possible. Jaune simply walked through the heavier brush. As they approached, they saw a ridiculous set of antlers, at least 12 points. They approached even more and it was a colossal black buck of some sort. Suddenly it turned towards them, and they all stopped in their tracks. Even more startlingly it had a black head. It didn't have the Grimm mask you would normally find, but it's eyes glowed blue-green in the dark of the forest.

"I know you are there!" it's great, deep voice bellowed, "Come and present yourself!" No one was sure of what to do, except Jaune, who walked forward out of the brush and up to the great beast. "You are at home in the woods. State you name."

"Jaune." he said, "Jaune Arc." Giggling could be barely heard from behind him, back in the woods. "And you are?"

"I am the Black Hart." the great beast bellowed, "King of the woods."

"We?," Jaune asked, and paused for a moment, "heard howling?"

"Why would it be strange?," the Black Hart asked, "for a king to be given tribute?"

"The howl?" Jaune asked.

"All give what they can." the Black Hart stated, "The wolf his howl, the bird his song, the tree her fruit."

"What... are you?" Jaune asked.

"I could ask you the same question." the Black Hart stated, "You are half man, half beast. I decided to simply watch you in my dominion, and what you did was come to me."

"We are called Faunus." Jaune stated.

"Who created you?" the Black Hart asked.

"We don't know." Jaune replied.

"How could you not know your own creators?!" the Black Hart asked.

"If I might ask?," Ren asked as he approached, "but who created you?"

"The Brother of Light, of course." the Black Hart stated, "Before his brother created the Grimm, and before our father lost interest in us to create Humans. But you are not Human, nor are you beast. I do not know what to make of you."

"While not exactly Human..." Jaune stated.

"We do not think of ourselves as all that different." Ren finished for him.

"If you were Human I would banish you from my woods." the Black Hart stated. "They carry the same power of destruction as the Creatures of Grimm."

"We were worried you might be Grimm." Jaune stated.

"And now that you know we are not?" the Black Hart asked.

"We assure you," Ren stated, "that we mean no harm to you or your wood."

"We ask to be allowed safe passage," Jaune stated, "the right of hunting and forage, and the right to sustainable forestry."

"YOU WISH TO CUT DOWN MY WOODS?!"

"Trees, yes," Jaune stated, "but not your woods."

"And what, dear halfling, is that?" the Black Hart asked.

"To take a section of the woods, cut down the trees, and let it regrow."

"The woods are always replenishing..." the Black Hart stated. "In light of your nature as beasts, I will give you the chance to prove your case. But, if I find my woods diminishing, your rights as beasts will be suspended. But, as beasts, you must also pay me tribute."

"I am afraid we have not much to give to one such as you." Ren stated.

"We are Huntsmen." Jaune said to him, and then turned to the Black Hart, "You can call us, and we will hunt Grimm in your woods."

"The Grimm rarely approach," the Black Hart grumbled, "but when they do, I will call."

"We ask that you grant us lordship over the woods," Ren stated, and the Black Hart glared at him, "In doing so, we could keep other people away."

"And what form would this take?" the Black Hart ask.

"Well," Jaune said, "for it to work with the Human kingdoms, it would have to be a Letters-Patent."

The Black Hart thought for a moment and then stamped his hoof. A letter appeared in Jaune's hand. It had cursive black ink with golden filligree.

"I, Black Hart, King of the Woods, hereby grant Title-Patent of Earl to Jaune Arc. He is to be granted sole right to the woods known as the Woods of the Beast, along with the Tower that so overlooks, though this right can be revoked at my displeasure." Jaune finished reading the letter and looked up solemnly. He then glared at Ren who simply smiled in reply.

* * *

Jaune and Ren walked back to Ruby, Weiss, Yang, and Nora.

"So?!" Nora asked.

"He made me an Earl." Jaune non-commitally said.

"Wait, what?" Yang asked.

"My thoughts, precisely." Weiss quipped.

"We should talk about it at home." Jaune said, and then looked at Ruby and Weiss, "Could you two head back to the glade and call Taj?"

"Why us?" Ruby asked.

"Perhaps our alacrity." Weiss stated.

"Okay, well, then why not Nora?" Ruby asked.

"Because I have some hope in restraining you." Weiss added.

"How?" Ruby curiously asked.

"But offering you a kiss."

"Okay, yeah, that would probably work." Ruby said. "When was that?" Ruby asked.

"When we arrived." Weiss replied.

[immaterialgirls]

Attempting to be Snow White - a girl who spent all of her puberty getting her beauty sleep - on almost no sleep at all!  Yeah, a really good idea.

My face is so puffy and swollen today.  But my makeup has been really lovely lately! I am trying a number of new products out since I discovered you can get samples of so many lovely things from The Detox Market (4 good-sized samples for 10 dollars with shipping in the US).  I’ve probably put down like, 50 dollars on samples in the last two weeks.  There were a lot of green beauty products I wanted to try that I couldn’t swatch even if I could walk into a Sephora, and this was a brilliant alternative.  I’ve mostly been trying face and skincare products, but I hope to go back for more color cosmetics eventually.  They offer samples from so many good brands I already love or want to try: Rituel de Fille, Ilia, RMS, Vapour, Ecobrow, w3ll people, Indie Lee, Briogeo, Rahua, and Kjaer Weis all spring immediately to mind.  Being able to test colors and formulas when you have an unusual skin color or sensitive skin is such a big deal.  So I might have gone overboard in my excitement to get so many multi-use samples of things I can’t even afford to get right now, but who can blame me?

Face:  Vapour Stratus Instant Skin Perfector in the shade 902, used as primer Ilia Vivid Foundation in Santorini, applied with the Sephora Pro Collection Flawless Airbrush #56 w3ll people Bio-Correct Multi-Action concealer in the shade Light (undereyes only) w3ll people Realist face powder The Body Shop lip & cheek stain in Red Pomegranate Vapour Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector in the shade 902, used as highlighter

Eyes:  Ecobrow in ‘Liz’ on my brows RMS beauty Contour Bronze as a crease shade RMS beauty eye polish in Myth on my lid DHC pro perfect double protection mascara Bite beauty multistick in Anise applied to the inner corner of my eyelid NARS eye pencil in Vogue Rose on the lower lashline primed/set with the same w3ll people realist powder

Lips: same Body Shop lip and cheek tint Lipstick Queen lipstick in Medieval

[sparkadreama]

List of all my current threads and their status. This is not meant to rush replies but merely serve for organization (in other words my own sanity) and as a reminder of sorts as well! If you know we have a thread and it is not listed here then let me know as I may have forgotten it! Also let me know if anything has been mislabeled (like something marked as waiting on has already been replied to) or if you’d like to drop any of the threads here! No reason needed! If you’re not feeling it anymore LET. ME. KNOW! I want to make sure everything is accurate so please please take the time to give this a look over and let me know the status of things when you get the chance.

DUE TO LACK OF MOTIVATION ANY THREADS NOT LISTED HERE HAVE BEEN DROPPED...not that that seems to have done much in terms of my count but uh...yeah...or I may have generally forgotten them. In short if they were here last time but aren’t now then they be dropped but if they weren’t there last time and still not here then that means I forgot.

Total: 116 Questioning: 0 Dropping: 0 My Turn/Continue Pending/Starter Pending: 25 Waiting On: 91 On Hold: 0

***A bold x has a link to latest reply.

@13mirrxrshxrds​

What’s a genie? [x] - Veillios & Whisp (waiting on)

The Lantern in the Tower [x] - Zel & Whisp (waiting on)

Ghost in the Library [x] - Nageki & Whisp (waiting on)

@1stclasszackfair​

Lost Devil [x] - Lucifer & Zack (waiting on)

Injured [x] - Adam & Zack (waiting on)

Soulmate AU [x] - Adam & Zack (waiting on)

Pain part 2 [x] - Adam & Zack (my turn - in drafts)

Remember Me [x] - Adam & Zack (waiting on)

Wing Care [x] - Adam & Zack (my turn - in drafts)

Break Time [x] - Cissnei & Zack (my turn - in drafts)

Escape [x] - Adam & Zack (my turn - in drafts)

@amorevoices​

Visiting [x] - Lucifer & Charlie (waiting on)

Mother to Son [x] - Zel & Arianna (waiting on)

Warrior Lady Friend [x] - Appa & Suki (waiting on)

Catching up with a Friend [x] - Veillios & Tiana (starter posted - waiting on)

@asmcdeus​

Taken in for now [x] - Sisora & Asmo (waiting on)

@aspiringparasyte​

Magic Lesson [x] - Merlin & Sora (my turn - in drafts)

@atonings​

Do you deserve Mercy? [x] - Mercy & Lohgain (waiting on)

@betterdcyz​​

Dragons, Princes, and Demons [x] - Zel & Samuel (waiting on)

Causing a Scene [x] - Adam & Baelsor (waiting on)

Supply Run [x] - Sophie & Hawke (my turn - in drafts)

@collidingmoral​

Not from Around Here [x] - Adam & x3n0 (my turn - in drafts)

@crossedsky​​

Trapped [x] - Fluttershy & Kiba (waiting on)

@dawnsblazing​​

Taking a Break [x] - Dodger & Varian (waiting on)

Secret [x] - Izayah & Holly (waiting on)

Moonstone’s Power [x] - Zel & Zhan Tiri (waiting on)

Hideaway [x] - Dodger & Varian (waiting on)

@dreamxalittlexharder​​

Take Two [x] - Damon & Leo (my turn - in drafts)

What is it You Want? [x] - Dodger & Remus (waiting on)

Unknown Even to the Shadows [x] - Eliza & Veillios (waiting on)

A Little Awkward… [x] - Sisora & Bea (waiting on)

Dark & Light [x] - Adam & Maverick (waiting on)

Music Time [x] - Avery & Felix (waiting on)

Comfort [x] - Jasmine & Ja’far (waiting on)

Sweet Rabbit [x] - Chesh & White Rabbit (waiting on)

Into the Spirit World [x] - Iroh & Azula (waiting on)

@fclsusrex​​

Meeting the Forest Guardian [x] - Moro & Yozora (my turn - in drafts)

Guarding A Human [x] - Dante & Yozora (my turn - in drafts)

Demon’s Forest [x] - Veillios & Yozora (my turn - in drafts)

@fleurdesxleil​​

Paint Fight [x] - Zel & Rapunzel (waiting on)

Queen for A Day [x] - Zel & Rapunzel (waiting on)

Trouble in Corona [x] - Chesh & Rapunzel (waiting on)

@ghaisgeach​​

Meeting on the Road [x] - Sango & Geralt (waiting on)

A New Challenger? [x] - Mirra & Elesa (waiting on)

@goofymuses​

A Dark Meeting [x] - Malleus & Maleficent (waiting on)

@hcwlingwind​​

Archery Practice [x] - Khojin & Shan Yu (waiting on)

@imbicilite​

What are you doing here? [x] - Harley & Lefou (my turn - in drafts)

@irnmaidn​

Stranger in Wonderland [x] - Chesh & Cassandra (my turn - in drafts)

Another Trip to the Isle [x] - Snow White & Cassandra (waiting on)

Cassandra’s Revenge [x] - Zel & Cassandra (my turn - in drafts)

Pouty Face [x] - Luci & Cassandra (my turn - in drafts)

A Thief Caught [x] - Jack & Cassandra (waiting on)

Not a Murderer [x] - Zel & Cassandra (waiting on)

@kindcstguardian​​

Stranger in the Tower [x] - Zel & Ayden (waiting on)

Speaking Thoughts Aloud [x] - Monika & Hana (waiting on)

@lifespentinadream​​

The Dragon Catches the Princess [x] - Izayah & Briar (waiting on)

Lost Item Found, the Reward? A Kiss From a Dragon [x] - Izayah & Briar (waiting on)

Hair Care [x] - Veillios & Briar (waiting on)

Girl in a bush [x] - Gwyneth & Briar (waiting on)

Taking a Nap Underwater [x] - Chesh & Briar (waiting on)

Off on an Adventure [x] - Harely & Briar (waiting on)

Within the Catacombs [x] - Zerel & Briar (waiting on)

Ditching the Party [x] - Kiran & Briar (waiting on)

@madgirltm​

TBA [x] - ??? & Alice (my turn - in drafts)

@merveiilles​​

Another Human(?) in Ponyville [x] - Diamond & Hagrid (waiting on)

Demons By A Half [x] - Veillios & Raven (waiting on)

@myfatherthetraitor​​

What? How? [x] - Diamond & Ebony (my turn - in drafts)

Hunting Trip Gone Wrong [x] - Khojin & Ebony (my turn - in drafts)

@offtoseaoncemore​​

Merfolk & Pirates [x] - Wakasa & Jewels (waiting on)

@queensconquest​​

A God at the Carnival [x] - Jack & Fenrir (waiting on)

An…Invitation? [x] - Malleus & Vil (waiting on)

Photobomb [x] - Chesh & Vil (waiting on)

Second Opinion [x] - Gwyneth & Barbatos (my turn - in drafts)

A Helping Fin Hand [x] - Ilias & Merrick (my turn - in drafts) 

@shxrikenjxtsu​​

Creepy picture [x] - Avery & Mai (my turn - in drafts)

@snxckersnxckisms​​

Wrong Turn Down the Rabbit Hole [x] - Nizsm & Mal (waiting on)

On The Run [x] - Veillios & Mal (waiting on)

A Living Jabberwocky [x] - Liliana & Mal (waiting on)

A Night In Gotham [x] - Harley & Matt [Mal] (my turn - in drafts)

@starryburglar​​

Fire Throwing Friend [x] - Appa & Zuko (waiting on)

Visit [x] - Iroh & Zuko (waiting on)

Green Hair [x] - Tatiana & Gumi (waiting on)

@sterrenlied​​

Sweets [x] - Veillios & Sigma (waiting on)

@strcngered​​

A Change Of Perspective [x] - Lucifer & Carrie (waiting on)

Place To Rest [x] - Entei & Mewtwo (waiting on)

Trying to Understand [x] - Death & Hector (waiting on)

They Always Return [x] - Death & Hector (waiting on)

Playing in the Snow [x] - Tatiana & Hector (waiting on)

@vengefulqueen​​

Definitely Not Envy [x] - Malleus & Chrysalis (waiting on)

TBD [x] - Malleus & Chrysalis (waiting on)

@we-thefairfolk​​

The Flame Burns Again [x] - Firebird & Nokk (waiting on)

Comfort from a Friend [x] - Jasmine & Rajah (waiting on)

Never had a friend [x] - Dinah & Sal (waiting on)

Not for Playing With [x] - Jack & Zizgaz (starter posted - waiting on)

Guarding a Myth [x] - Wakasa & Shang (waiting on)

@withinyourimagination​​

Offer Of A Date [x] - Jack & Prompto (waiting on)

Soulmate AU [x] - Jack & Prompto (waiting on)

Get Some Rest [x] - Veillios & Riku (waiting on)

Dark Forest Battle [x] - Veillios & Terra (waiting on)

Tour around the city? [x] - Dodger & Lycus (waiting on)

Busted [x] - Wakasa & Sylvain (waiting on)

Only Half Right [x] - Malleus & Chat Noir [Adrian] (waiting on)

Don’t Trust a Thing [x] - Izayah & Roxas (waiting on)

A Possible Safe Place? [x] - Sisora & Lycus (waiting on)

Explaining the Situation [x] - Dodger & Lycus (waiting on)

Confrontation [x] - Veillios & Riku (waiting on)

Another Task [x] - Bartimaeus & Sora (waiting on)

A Little Bit of Chaos [x] - Chesh & Ashe (waiting on)

Mardi Gras Masquerade [x] - Veillios & Riku (waiting on)

Undertaker and the Demon’s Contractor [x] - Riddle & Lycus (waiting on)

Time Off [x] - Dante & Hiren (waiting on)

Difficult Spirit [x] - Dante & Hiren (my turn - in drafts)

A Deal’s A Deal [x] - Chesh & Claude (my turn - in drafts)

Fluffy [x] - Gwyneth & Lycus (starter posted - waiting on)

What the Wind Blew In [x] - Nageki & Jack (my turn - in drafts)

Meeting on the Shore [x] - Ilias & Claude (starter posted - waiting on)

[misstrashchan]

I mean, does the red represent poison of jaques control, but weiss having white highlights in that outfit means she's freed herself from that, while the black tie/handkerchief for whitley means he's been completely poisoned and corrupted by jaques and is basically dead inside and become numb to all the abuse he puts him through (because being the "favourite" of an abusive parent trying to mold you to be like them probably puts you under a lot of pressure and is Not A Good Time, as we have seen from weiss, so whitley might have been even worse off) BUt ThEN weiss wears the red scarf (admittedly a much darker red unlike the light apple red) in volume 6 which is supposed to represent her grandfather, Nicholas Schnee, so does the red have positive connotations to it in this instance, or is it just to represent the schnee name, and if that's the case is whitley not a schnee? (If the whole Adam is actually Jaques' illegitimate son because he has jaques' emblem beneath his own and the same eyes, I wouldn't put it past him. Imagine if they pulled a Loki with Whitley and he's actually part of a race he's been taught to despise) Does the lack of red mean being disconnected from what the schnee name stands for, and once weiss gets her new outfit it'll have a lot more red in it to show shes the true heir to the schnee name? Or does it mean we're gonna see Whitley do some evil artemis fowl-shenanigam scheming? or that if he does get redeemed weiss gives him an red article of clothing (If she gave him her scarf I would die) or an entirely new outfit, like how ilia changed her outfit in volume 5 to show she'd changed. Literally and figuratively.

And this is slightly going off the colour theory and into a full blown schneebling rant, but Neath Oum tweeting about how the parallels between weiss and emerald has more weight to it than we think (forgive me I can't remember the exact words he used) which everyone took to mean that we'll be getting a weiss/emerald fight, but with the winter=jadis theory floating around in my mind, it seems more plausible that if weiss=emerald then winter=cinder (don't think winter will be as bad as cinder, but they both acted like mother figures to them, taught them things, and both idolise them) then by that logic whitley=mercury. Which makes him overthrowing or killing his dad more likely (outing his ass by exposing his crimes seems more likely though, because mercury was trained to kill by his dad, so he kills his dad. Whitley was taught to backstab, so he backstabs his dad. And if Winter taking inspiration from the Snow Queen as well as Jadis (both characters overlap really), then weiss is so very obviously Gerda (for crying out loud the whole bit in volume 5 with her being kidnapped by Raven while on the way to Winter plays out exactly like the Robber Maiden chapter in the Snow Queen), with the evil mirror in the Snow Queen being Jaques, then that would mean Whitley was most likely Kai, (obviously without the implied romantic relationship at the end, more referring to the sibling bond they have at the beginning of the book) meaning Weiss will be the one to reach out and save Whitley. And- well yeah, basically I have a lot of f e e l i n g s about these schneeblings and volume 7 cannot come soon enough. Until then I'm going to keep ranting about these theories to myself in the bathroom mirror at 3 am.

This really is hell.

The fact that every member of the Schnee family has one red article of clothing except Whitley and volume 4-6 Weiss really got me thinking for 3 years huh…