#in tears of the kingdom she loses her mother figure again

[mariigoldzz]

why do some people hate botw zelda for being "annoying" just imagine if you were in her place she was a teenage girl with the world's fate on her shoulders😡

[thefadingyouth]

Thousand Miles to Find a God

word count: 3000

The blood in my mouth was a small comfort to remind me that I was alive. A swift punch to the face and a stumble back as I stared into the crowded bar. My mind tried to find a way to spin this story as I took another step back. A hand touched my shoulder, causing me to jump. A woman in fine fabrics and gold jewels glistened on her face; my body was without air for a moment as she waved the brutes off. Her smile was like wine, addictively sweet, as she walked with me to the treeline.

Day 5456 of the Journey

“Dad? Dad!” My daughter’s voice awakens me as I'm greeted by the sunlight. I sat up as my sweet girl moved to tack the horses. Dazed by the golden rays greeted alongside her, a vision of her mother. I on the other hand looked of death, as she had been up for longer.

 "C'mon, old man.” Was the next thing I was greeted by as she hurried me to pack up our supplies, her least favorite chore. It had been years since we began this adventure, since her 15th birthday, and now, on the cusp of her 18th, we had traveled over four kingdoms. The summer sun beat down on us today, and many complaints flowed from my girl. 

“Tonight I’m cutting my hair.” Was a favorite of hers today as a combination of Mud deciding to run and the strong breeze caused her to lose most of her composure. The gelding already had made it known that he refused to follow the pace.  

“Yeah, you said that last week, kid.” I laughed. I looked back at her thick black hair, which was then tangled in the wind. The only thing she gained from me was that attitude. The path we followed coiled like a snake, leading us to the nearest town, and despite the troubles that we had faced, all I had was a smile.. We pitched camp for the night a few miles from Old Kilshire, as it was the summer equinox 

Day 5457 of the Journey

“Hey chickadee, ya ever wanna see where your old man grew up?” I covered my anxieties about my return with optimism as we reached the gates of Old Kilshire. The town was a bustling trade route due to the many rivers flowing from it, and it showed as we trotted into town. Fresh carts of fish and fruits sat along the path, as we entered the market. The smell was a delight, despite looking at the horrendous look on my daughter's face. 

“Ugh, you like this smell??” She gagged out as we stopped at an old tavern. I nodded, soon dismounting and tying the horses up. The aged oak doors greeted me as we walked in, as the music roared out. We walked into the tavern, I saw an older woman—her figure lost to time, now old and frail. She calls out her usual greeting until her eyes meet mine. Tears pooled into her eyes, as she smiles. 

“Dear Artie, sit, sit.” She called, tapping at a seat near her. “You look like your father.” She spoke as if I were still a child. She analyzed my aged face as I sat beside her, soon changing her gaze to my daughter. They appeared to be in a deep conversation without speaking a word to each other. The contrast between them was startling, but I forgot how my mother’s eyes shined like emeralds. The two shared this, maybe by coincidence, but as I shifted in my seat, I once again caught their attention. 

The evening came with less rest than what we’ve had for a while, between my sudden return and the festivities of the summer’s equinox. I sat on the porch of my childhood home, my daughter resting on my old bed.

“Now, Arthur, why didn’t you come home?” I heard my father’s voice join me.

“It’s not that simple, ol’ man.” I tried to dissuade him from this, I didn’t need this less than a month from our destination. 

“Arthur, you disappeared for almost 19 years.” His voice was like gravel “We thought you died, and now you turn up with a strange girl?” 

“That’s your granddaughter, not a strange girl. Trust me.” 

The music could’ve drowned out this conversation if I had tried. The moon was full, and people were wild as they celebrated in the streets. We stayed quiet, and after a few minutes of silence, he spoke once more. 

“Kid, you worried your mother to death; we mourned you.” I sat watching his face, the worry in his voice, and the wrinkles that were once faint now fold over each other.

“I get that; I was...busy.” I didn’t know what to say, and I couldn’t apologize. I wasted no time. “You didn’t see the mess on the field—men dying in filth and cities turning to ash.” His face was unmoved as he placed a hand on my shoulder.

“I know, the town was nearly destroyed.” His voice once sounded kind. “What happened to you, though?” 

War is brutal, and when fueled by the divine, it’s worse. The plan we created was horrendous, and as the general walked out of the tent, I grabbed his arm. 

“Leon, we can’t do this; it goes against everything we know.” His face and the glare I was given lacked any humanity.

“Longstern, I said, burn it down. End of story.” I stood there, watching him leave. I knew I had been horrendous, unredeemable even. Now I watched the man I had trusted with my life disregard innocent lives and so many innocent people. 

“No...” I watched his face turn into a scowl. 

A quick pain, a broken nose, and my body in a ditch. 

I shook my head, trying to erase any remnants in my mind. My father understood at this moment; we both stared out at children in the streets chasing each other with wooden swords. 

“Her name’s Ashae.” I sighed out, “She honestly answers anything but.” 

“Good name, strong one too.” He shorted out. “She reminds me of you, Ornery.” He patted my shoulder as he laughed, coughing, reminding me of our age. 

 The bright moonlight shone on my father’s figure, his face a mirror to mine, as he turned to go inside. I remained on the porch, taking my father’s old post. The night was long with parties and other celebrations, none of which allowed me to rest well. 

Day 5458 of the Journey

“Dad, can’t we stay for another day?” Ashae yawned as I prepared for today’s journey. The sun had yet to even rise as we finished saddling up our horses. I couldn’t face leaving again, but it was out of necessity, unlike before. I watched Ashae look back onto her grandparent’s home, the fresh braids in her hair as she turned back to the path ahead.

“We’ll be back in a month, kiddo. Hell, we can celebrate your birthday in the tavern.” I laughed as we continued. In two weeks time, we’d be in the next village getting supplies, and she would become obsessed with that town as well. 

“Think of it as house hunting, hmm, I mean, who else travels like this?” I tried to persuade her as we continued through the woods. Her silence was unnerving, she was always a chatty child, but the farther we went, it turned to complaints.

“Are you sure mom even wants to meet me?” Her voice was sudden as we crossed a stream.  

“Of course she does; she’ll love you, hun.” Another lie, how many did this one make? I looked back at her face, full of distrust. I had to try to convince her. "Sweetheart, you can’t raise a kid in the temple; it’s so dangerous.”  The next hours were filled with bickering, and trying to remind her of why we were doing this

No one could reason with how she was for the next few days; if we lived a normal life, she’d be hiding in her room. Instead, she refused to speak to me, and I wondered which would be worse.  The days would drag due to this, and to cope, I’d talk to the horses. Despite her efforts, I at least got a smile from that.

Day 5472 of the Journey

 It was almost two weeks until her next words. Silent treatment is rough. 

“Is that a lake?” Her voice was filled with energy, it was rare that our routes we’d take would drive us this close to water. Often, because of flooding, we’d be miles from any water, a nice surprise for the sweltering day.

Tacking horses was the easy part of setting up camp; making sure that neither of us got snagged on the fishing line we set up was the difficult part. I saw the little girl my child used to be—her smile with crooked teeth and a wrinkled nose. I missed that curly hair and how happy her emerald green eyes were. This was one thing that never left after all those years—that smile. She lay on the lake shore, identical to her mother. The sunset on the lake was like a sight from my youth. Ashae brought in the fish we caught and the mussels that lay by the shore. She laughed as we talked about the good ‘ol days from before this journey. The days of camping by the creek, hiding away in old cabins, and such—as a father, I wish the life I gave her was better. We sat watching the moon rise across the ridge, and sleep soon took hold.

Day 5475 of the Journey

The morning dew had soaked through my socks, a normal nuisance. Ashae was still asleep late into the day, as the morning sun had yet to cause discomfort. Her hair was still in the braids I gave her last night, but this morning it looked more blue. I shook my head; it was more likely the lighting than anything fantastical. This world was anything but fantastical; while many types of people walked this land—elven folk was her favorite—something about how they behaved with magic. This was beyond my forte; I was a soldier by blood; I just needed to get to the temple and keep her safe. This was everything to me— correction she is everything. 

“Mornin pop’s” She yawned out, she rummaged through our packs for breakfast. She always looks so tired in the morning

“Mornin Chickadee, plan to head out in ‘10.” I told her, "We are less than a day away. Just a few more miles and you’ll see your mom.”

The morning was quick, and we knew that it was almost over. The rush of what we were to accomplish in our 10 years on the move. The excitement took hold as we reached town. 

“How ‘bout an early gift, hmm.” I yelled back as we reached the town’s gate. Her face filled with joy at the thought of no longer wearing my hand-me-downs. 

The stores were the highlight of the day as by dusk she glowed in the elaborate fabrics of her outfit. We ate at the town’s inn for dinner and stayed for the night. I decided to tell Ashae more about the war and my part in it. She deserves to know.

Day 5478 of the Journey

The best rest we’ve received for awhile, and despite the lack of stars, a hot breakfast was a nice change. Ashae changed from her normal attire into her new outfit as within the next hour we will be reaching the Temple of Saffronia. To say I’m nervous is an understatement as truly meeting with the overseer of conquest is no small thing, but despite that a girl needs a mother… even if she is an ancient goddess.

 The path has been serene today, low with humidity and without clouds. If all goes well we’d be a happy family, and She will never have to worry about anything ag— 

A sudden thump and a horse snorts as its rider falls off. A young woman follows as she hurriedly tries to stop his bleeding. A man in blue robes tries to pull her off of the injured rider, his hand burned by an unknown flame and soon overcome by it. 

 A scream, and after a few minutes she grabs the reins of both the horses and sets the fallen rider upon his own steed.  She returns her path towards the temple. 

Day 5479 of my living hell

They need to build better temples, this one burned too easily. The goddess of conquest and her religious freaks had another thing coming. Outside of that, I have to take care of two horses and figure out how one buries the only family they’ve known. I look insane in these clothes, and I plan on using whatever I stole from that glorified pyre of smoke to buy him good clothes for when he goes into the dirt.

I wanna go home… The quiet has been horrible. I went to the woods outside of town with the horses, but I swear I can still hear him calling my name. 

Day 5490 of being alone

Dad’s buried at the lake, today is the first day of being alone now… officially. Word has gotten out about the temple, luckily the current assumption is that it was a cult. I think I’m gonna go back to dad’s old town and live with my grandparents. Cordell has been down of course, but Mud’s trying to help. I’ve been wearing dad’s clothes to help.

I tried making his fried trout, instead I had burnt trout for dinner. He probably would’ve had an old story from when he was a cadet to tell me because of this. 

Day 5494 of being alone

I keep hearing voices at night, I think it’s paranoia but I’m cutting my hair to make sure I pass more masculine before I decide to leave the lake. I haven’t decided to leave yet, it still feels too sudden. I can’t seem to figure out what killed him, right now the assumption is a poisoned dart.

It had to have been poison or magic, maybe even both but whatever it is can’t be of any use to me if I can't sleep. 

Day 5496 of running from nothing

The woman’s voice is still strong and I swore I saw someone last night. I have cut my hair, it’s gross and short, but I will make do. Last night I ate off of leftovers before he passed. I wish I could have gotten the recipes. 

I made it to town at around noon, I saw more blue robes like the charred one who killed him. I’m keeping my head low, I’m staying at the tavern tonight. If I don’t sleep inside tonight I’m gonna go mad.

Day 5497 of running from nothing

Last night I think I saw the woman. She was sitting on the foot of my bed, she looked so cruel. I just laid there, pretending to remain asleep, I think it’s a ghost or something to tell me to leave. Though templemen are now doing patrols, I’ve decided to stay at this tavern for some security. 

Dad had told me about how he used to live in taverns and all he’d do instead of pay is be a guard. Those stories would end with him getting caught drinking and being thrown out or a rowdy fight due to a girl. I’d kill for one of those over dramatic tales right now. 

Day 5499 of being alone

Another spotting of her tonight. She was in the treeline, I’m almost certain I saw her. I may be going insane truly. Just a bit longer before I return to the fish smelling town, there I'll have a normal life and after a few years everything will be fine.

Day 5505 of journey to nowhere

I made it to old Kilshire, I was afraid to see it in ruins. It was worse, many homes abandoned, the market was gone and charred and runes of that damned goddess carved into the remains of homes. I took the horses to my fathers childhood home. It was gone, nothing remaining but a seared line in the dirt on where it stood. 

 My grandparents are nowhere to be seen, most likely with everyone else. I’m staying in what remains of their tavern and debating on what to do . Everything I could have had is gone, everything I knew was gone. I never had a home until this and even now as I sit with the only smell in the air is soot and sulfur. 

 These journal entries to keep me sane were for nothing, and yet I can’t help but to write. My only comfort is the woman standing across this river staring at me as she calls my name once more. I don’t wanna be alone anymore, she sings promises of a home and I just want to trust her.

The river divided Ashae’s worlds. Her appearance was that of a soldier drunk on rage as she swore at the ethereal woman from across the riverbed. Despite all that screamed in her to run and to fight, she collapsed into the ash and dirt. The woman glided to her, and the evening sun shined like gold upon her skin and into her garnet eyes as she held her daughter's face. A cruel smile upon her lips formed as Ashae accepted the embrace. This was the only family she could have, one that could never die. The goddess knew that, as she took her hand, allowing Ashae to stand once more. She had created the perfect soldier, one devoid of almost all comforts of humanity. A soldier so willing for praise, and one that can still be trained as the goddess stared down at her daughter's tear stained face and stroked her hair. Sure raising a child herself would have been easier, but the joy of watching it all unfold was better. Now to train her abilities, that would be the fun part

[ctrlsznwrites]

a familiar face.

summary. after n'jadka's return, things tend to go the exact way the reader hadn't hoped they would. pairing. erik 'killmonger' stevens x black!reader word count. 1.57k author's note. I've sat on this series for a while and I finally want to finish it since I've been writing more regularly at the moment so please bare with me. and leave behind some thoughts.

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PRESENT DAY WAKANDA

            [Your Name] hung up her phone, saying a silent prayer to bast that everything would be alright after this ritual to place and that her kids make it to their destination safely.  Letting out a deep sigh she made her way to the waterfall were the ceremony was being held. And even though she was hoping for the best, she couldn’t shake the feeling this wouldn’t end the way the elder and the kingdom would hope it would.

Once she got to the waterfall, she made her way next to her mother holding her hand as the ritual started. Her stomach felt as if someone had punched her repeatedly, as the ritual went on tears were present in her eyes. Watching the King who just lost his father fight his long lost cousin who was failed by two systems and his family. The anger felt from N’Jadka made her head swim watching as he delivered blow after blow onto Prince T’Challa.

The bile in her stomach rose as she saw him turn into the hurt little boy she had seen appear so many nights as he took the life of someone who he once knew as an uncle. Tears streamed down her face at the screams for Zuri losing his life, turning her head she couldn’t stomach much else as tears ran down her face.

Erik started on his speech as T’Challa fought to find the strength to continue the fight. [Your Name] couldn’t take her eyes off of Erik as he picked up T’challa throwing him off of the waterfall. All the wind had been knocked out of her chest as she tried to find the air to scream watching a childhood friend of her die at the hands of her first true love. Soon enough the council was scattering, the Queen and Shuri had been safely removed from the scene before Erik could notice.

But the same luck couldn’t be extended for herself, as she made her way to leave she was stopped by the sound of his voice.

“So, you think you can just up and leave lil’ mama?” This question caused [Your Name] to turn around taking in his appearance.

Looking him over she took a deep breath, watching the erratic breathing he had along with the cuts along his body. It made her sick to her stomach but a weight in her heart knowing it was just a scared child lashing out the fill the warmth of the village that left him to struggle after his father died.

“Yes, my King the ceremony is over, with the previous King being dead and all. I have to go report to my tribal elder , since she is my mother of this before you hold the first meeting. Now, excuse me but this is an urgent matter.” [Your Name] quipped, turning to walk away.

“I just got one question for ya’. Why’d you leave after you told me you got an abortion. And why didn’t you tell me you were from Wakanda? You could’ve helped me come here. We could’ve done this together.” He explained walking towards her.

[Your Name] looked Erik up and down quickly. “My king, if I recall you said, ‘Either you have an abortion or never speak to my ass again’ and that’s exactly what I did.” She rambled before quickly leaving the waterfall making her way back into the streets of Wakanda as quickly as she could. 

After what she had said to Erik, [Your Name] knew deep down in her heart that he would catch on.  That he would find out she had his children, but they wouldn’t meet him as long a single breath went through her lungs. 

A FEW HOURS LATER

Once [Your Name] had gotten home she’d explained everything to her mother, down to why her sister had to take the kids to M’Baku for safe keeping until everything was figured out. The sickness she felt had made an appearance earlier, which is why she is in her current predicament. Sitting on her mothers couch nursing water trying to get ride of the anxiousness she felt about the current situation happening.

This feeling only got worse when there was a knock at her door. Her mothers head snapped towards [Your Name] knowing it could only be the Dora coming to get one of them for whatever reason N’Jadka saw fit. [Your Name] signaled for her mother to sit down, going to get the door so this could be over soon then later. Hopefully the ball of emotions she had would go away once she finally was able to talk to him face to face. But even in her heart of hearts, she knows it’ll only get worse before it gets better.

“Hello, how may I help you two?” She questioned opening the door, with her mother standing right next to her.

Since Amala is the elder in the situation she would now be the head of this conversation, much to [Your Name]’s dismay.

“The new King has requested for your eldest daughter [Your Name] to come to the palace to meet with him. We also have strict instructions not to leave without her.” One announced, which the mother and daughter duo took in.

Amala went to objects but before she could her daughter beat her to it, putting on her shoes to leave with the two members of the Dora.

“I’ll go with no issues, but do you know why he asked to see me specifically?” [Your Name] knew exactly why he wanted to see her, but she was wondering what he was telling the people around him at the moment.

“Personal.” The two answered in sync, this caused her to nod her head following them out of her mother’s house.

On the way to the palace, [Your Name] couldn’t help but replay every moment she’s ever had with N’Jadka good or bad. She knew he was hurt by how he found his father, but she never thought he would be so blinded by his rage, if he did this to Wakanda. Its no telling what he did to get here, and that is what really shook her to her core.

Upon their arrival, she was escorted to the throne room where he was seated waiting for her. A weird sense of annoyance rolled over her at the irony that a few hours ago it was him entering this room, while she sat to the side watching him challenge his now deceased cousin.

Snapping out her train of thought she proceeded to greet N’Jadka. “My King.” She spoke softly moving into the room a bit more.

This caused him to wave his hand while a small chuckle left his lips.

“You can forget all that shit, [Your Name] you know me better than anyone. Ain’t not need for all this formal shit.” He held this smirk on his face as he walked away from his throne to get closer to her. Her eyes never left his person, as he started to circle her.

“There just one thing that really is getting under my skin at the moment. And with you knowing me better than anyone else in the entire world. Why the fuck didn’t you tell me you were from Wakanda!” He questioned roughly, she watched as his breathing started to get more rapid how his upper lip was curled in disgust.

“You knew my father was from here, what I went through in my childhood. And you still looked me in face, claiming to love me and lied to me.” Now, it was [Your Name]’s turn to feel awful.

She was caught in between a rock and a hard place, she loved him, she truly did. But she had a duty to her country to not tell him that she was brought up to speed of everything by her Uncle and the he knew she was carrying his nephews children. So many times she had thought to end it all, but she loved him too much, selfishly.

“Answer me!” He yelled, causing her to jump as tears rolled down her face against her will.

“I couldn’t let anyone know about who I was or where I was from. N'Jadaka I understand how this seems, but I was there to see how life was. I met you unexpectedly, I couldn’t blow my cover. You never know who the King sends to watch you.” She explained.

His face remained cold as he took in what she said. [Your Name] was now avoiding his face at all costs, she still had love for Erik. But she knew he wasn’t the person she met at MIT. He had changed and for the worst and she knew there was no way she could help him. He was a lost cause, and this isn’t the way she wants to remember him, or for their children to remember him. Even if they didn’t know he was their father, she wanted to keep the good memories she had if them, that she had told her children.

Her thoughts were soon interrupted by Erik. “[Your Name] I have one last question before I let you go. And please answer this honestly.” He started walking closer to her, lifting her chin up with his index finger.

“Are the children you have mine?” [Your Name] studied his facial expression and she could tell for once Erik was truly being sincere and vulnerable. 

[lyranova]

It’s Not You

Hiya guys! So I’m having serious Zerilliam brainrot these days, and this idea has been floating around in my head for a few months, and I just sat down to write it 😆. It’s a little angsty, but I hope you all enjoy~!

Word Count: 1,305

Warnings: Manga Spoilers, Mentions of Blood and Death

————

William silently laid on the ground, blood pooling underneath his missing arm. He could hear the shouts of his Squad members and the citizens of Clover as Lucius and his Paladins attacked them, he heard buildings collapse as magic spells and other objects hit them. The world was in absolute chaos, and he could do nothing but lay here, helplessly.

He heard some shouts for a healer as a few members of the Golden Dawn protected their Captain and tried to use their own recovery spells on him, but his mind was somewhere else. His mind was racing, trying to figure out how he missed all the signs, how he didn’t see Julius’s betrayal coming. But then again…no one saw his betrayal coming those years ago.

William felt so stupid as he thought about how obvious it was, especially recently with Julius disappearing along with Damnatio Kira.

Where did it all go wrong? Was it when he tried to help Patolli and the elves? Or was it when Julius died before coming back as his 12-13 year old self? Or did it go wrong long before any of the recent events transpired?

From the very beginning, they were all playing a losing game.

He felt his head slowly getting fuzzy, and his eyes growing dark and blurry. He smiled a bit, that meant he was dying, right? He felt tears well up in his eyes. He didn’t want to die, he still had to look after his Squad members…he still had to protect the Clover Kingdom…and he had to get home to his son.

His son!

William’s eyes widened, he couldn’t die, not now, not yet! His son needed him, his son didn’t have anyone else, and he was still only a baby, he needed his father now more than anyone.

Especially since he no longer had his mother.

As his vision continued to blur and fade, he saw an outline of a figure above him. The figure wore a white dress with a long white robe, they had a pair of beautiful large wings on their back, and they were surrounded by beautiful white and yellow flowers. Which they used to attack the Golden Dawn members that surrounded and tried to protect him.

His frown deepened, why would an angel, who was coming down to take him to the afterlife, attack his squad members?

He could hear the angel land a few feet away from him with a soft ‘thump’ before he could hear them walk across the gravel, dirt, and stones towards him. He faintly heard the Squad members shout as they continued trying to protect him, he wanted to scream and tell them to stop and to save themselves. He was a dead man.

William suddenly saw the angel stand beside him before crouching down, and a loving smile appeared on his face.

It was his wife, Zera. She was coming to get him, to greet him, just like she had said should those months ago when she parted from this world.

He sighed, this was it. He said his goodbyes to his Squad members, to his friends, to his son who he would never get to see grow up. The tears pooled in his eyes and fell down his cheeks, he was ready to go, he was ready to leave this world to be with his wife. He closed his eyes, so he could be welcomed in her warm and comforting embrace one final time.

“ William~, William~, open your eyes.”

His eyes snapped open at the sing-song voice, he turned his head as his vision and mind both began to clear, and his eyes widened in shock and horror at the sight before him.

It was Zera. She was alive, but worse of all…

She was a Paladin.

“ There are my husband's beautiful purple eyes,” She said, her voice sending chills down his spine. It was her voice, but it was monotone and void of any emotion, it was as though she was reading from a script or was just an empty shell of her former self.

“ Z…Zera,” He stammered before coughing up a bit of blood, but his ‘wife’ just stared at him. The gaze in her ice blue eyes, the eyes his son shared with her, were dead and completely void of any emotion.

“ Dear,” She said in that voice that made William’s blood go cold. “ We can be a family again, just like we dreamed of. You, me, our son. But only if you let Lucius purify the world. He promised me that we could all be together in the new world that he is going to create. Don’t you want that?”

William swallowed as his throat grew dry and more tears welled in his eyes. Of course, he wanted that, he wanted that more than anything else in this world. He wanted his beautiful, spunky, and silly wife back, and he wanted his son to finally meet his mother who gave her life for his. He looked at her outstretched hand, oh how he wanted to reach out and take her hand.

He began to extend his hand out to grab hers. Who cared if he lost himself and ended up becoming one of Lucius’s paladins, for most of his life he had been used by one person or another, so why would now be any different? Although this time stung a little more as the knife Julius, no, Lucius had put in his back twisted at his wife being used as well. But as long as he got Zera back, and they could be together, did it really matter?

William paused just as his hand hovered over hers. Did he really want to continue this endless cycle of being used for someone else’s gain? How was he supposed to be a good example for his son if he did this? And did he really want to lose himself again, just like he did with Patolli?

“ Not if it’s not with the real you.” He muttered as his hand dropped to the ground, he watched Zera blink emotionlessly. “ I would rather die and us meet again in the afterlife, then live with an empty version of you.”

“ So leave,” William told her softly as he closed his eyes. “ Go work for your puppet master, and leave me be.”

“ Oh, my darling husband, death isn’t a choice,” Zera said, and William’s eyes opened as he felt healing plants and vines wrap around his body. He could feel his wounds and arm begin to heal, he turned to face her again and she had a wicked, but still empty, smile on her face.

“ You, me, and our son will live together in the new world that Lucius is going to create. I wanted you to do this willingly since it would be much easier, but you wanted to do this the hard way, so I have no choice but to force you.” Zera told him as she tightened the vines around his body, William gasped and struggled for a moment before he opened his grimoire and used his World Tree Magic to slash at her. Effectively knocking her back and causing her plants to let go.

“ I don’t think so, Zera,” William said as he landed on his feet and looked at her. “ I love you, and I miss you every day. But this isn’t how I want us to be reunited, I want to see you again, not Lucius’s version of you. But, in order to do that, I need to free you from his grasp.’’ William said, as he began to make tree’s and limbs come out from the ground. He didn’t want to fight his wife, he didn’t want to hurt her, but had to save her.

And this was the only way he knew how.

———

Thank you all so much for reading and I hope you all have a good day~!

[loracarol]

Yes, I know that this makes no sense in the context of the Hyrule Historia...

....And like, I do own a copy of the Hyrule Historia & I've actually read it, so I get in theory the way that the timelines in the Legend of Zelda series work, and I get that some people find it genuinely enjoyable to try and figure out where various games fit in the timeline (shine on you crazy diamonds) but honestly I find it easier to borrow comic book universes and think about the Legend of Zelda in that term. Sometimes the same event, or something similar, can happen in multiple universes, but that doesn't mean it happens the same way in all universes. Think about the Marvel comic version of Civil War vs. the Marvel Cinematic Universe version of Civil War.

(some Tears of the Kingdom spoilers)

With that in mind, here's the part where I start spouting completely made up nonsense as I'd like to make two hypotheses based on this framework:

Firstly: The imprisoning war in Tears of the Kingdom, as it's understood by future historians is the BoTW/ToTK universe's version of Skyward Sword.

No, I'm not saying the Skyward Sword didn't happen/isn't canon. It 100% happened exactly how it happened in the game/manga/how you personally played it in the Prime Zelda Universe.

But here me out, and remember that I'm basing this off of how people might remember it/not necessarily how it actually went down.

Both stories have:

People who live in the sky and fly on birds - or in TotK's case, bird-shaped gliders/planes

A goddess figure (put a pin in this) who suffers grave injuries and passes away

This goddess figure was part of the founding of the new Hyrulian nation

The goddess figure had a descendant/incarnation who had the same powers who went around rallying the people of the time to fight a new foe

A sword is forged in holy, "goddess" energy

Dragons

The foe could not be defeated permanently, and would instead return at some later for a hero/the descendant to fight at that time instead

Ganondorf and Demise look visually similar

Again, I am not saying that Skyward Sword happened in BoTW, just that this war may be a plausible interpretation of why Skyward Sword may look like in this universe.

As for that pin:

A goddess figure (put a pin in this) who suffers grave injuries and passes away

My second theory is that Sonia and Hylia got syncretised either accidentally or intentionally-for-political-reasons.

In this bullshit I just made up theory, Hylia is still genuinely a Hyrulian goddess, however she has nothing to do with Sonia, or any of Zelda's line.

At some point, Sonia's actions (having a descendant with Light powers that could seal darkness) accidentally got merged with Hylia.

This could be why Zelda had no luck praying to Hylia, despite the fact that Link can go to the different statues and get hearts/stamina; Hylia genuinely couldn't have helped Zelda because she had no connection to her.

Admittedly, I'm not sure if this works in the context of people like Zelda's mother, or the glowing lady that Zelda mentions in her diary in BotW.

I'm not saying that Hylia isn't real! I'm just saying that maybe in this universe, she has no connection to Zelda/the Hyrulian line. She's still around as a valid Hyrulian goddess though. Possibly even one that Queen Sonia worshipped herself?

This either was intentional/political, or could genuinely have been accidentally by scholars trying to decipher ancient Zonai text and mistranslating/the script being worn away.

For example, in Japanese, the kanji for "dog" is pronounced "inu" and it looks like this: 犬 while the kanji for "big" is pronounced "ooki" and looks like this 大. Lose that stroke in the upper right of the kanji and you can drastically change the meaning. If "Son" and "Hyl" in the ancient Zonai script had something similar and the carvings were worn away, that is one possible way that could have happened.

Another way is if "Son" and "Hyl" in ancient Zonai have the same symbol but are pronounced differently, like the kanji for "tree" 木 which can be pronounced both "ki" and "moku."

I know that people have translated the Zonai script IRL, this is hypothetical in-world shenanigans

Maybe Sonia wasn't referred to by name in some of the originally found carvings, but by an epithet, and people made that assumption that that epithet was about Hylia instead. "Mother of Hyrule", for example. And then later researchers found out otherwise.

IDK, this is just a theory. A game theor-

But what about Link and Fi?

Hylia is still around as a goddess, so it's possible that she still created the original master sword, it was just unrelated to Zelda's powers.

Link is the kind of guy who wakes up from a 100 year coma with amnesia sees Calamity Ganon and goes, "yeah I'll go kill that thing", so he's definitely Hero material, but Hylia could be involved in this as well.

Alternatively, Hylia was also around to hear the stories about Link and thought, "damn that kid will need a sword."

Like, literally I'm not saying at all that Hylia isn't real, just that she has no relation to Zelda in the BoTW/ToTK timeline/universe.

-----

tl;dr

Legend of Zelda is more like comic book universes and some events happen across multiple timelines but with some differences

The Imprisoning War is the BoTW/ToTK timeline/universe version of the events of Skyward Sword

Sonia was syncretised with Hylia (a real goddess) at some point in the past, and that's why everyone in the BoTW, pre-Calamity timeline thought that Zelda had to go to Hylia to unlock her powers, however in this universe Zelda either doesn't have any divine connection to Hylia at all.

[monmuses]

"I saw you once when little. You stole my mother from me... Why are you here again?" Asked the princess to El Lobo With concern and fear. The princess then understood, the doctord of the Kingdom were honest the Kong was awfully ill. "My father... You are here for him?..." She wasn't thinking, the idea of lose the last thing she had left made her skin crawl. "Please no... Spare him!" Said her grabbing on the other's arm In an attemp to make him walk back. Tears In her eyes as she contines to beg. "Don't steal him from me!" / Have some little angst 🌚🌚 for Lobo/Muerte

UNPROMPTED ASKS - Always Accepting!

     The wolf stood over the father’s bedside, sickles in hand. His red eyes had been staring down at his figure underneath the covers, sickened to the core. He was near death, and he was aware of it. However, his time was limited, and he had a child crying for him. His sleeve had been tugged at while hooking is other sickle onto his belt, resting a paw on the King’s chest.

     Death remembered her face. Her mother was the first to go. Now, it was her father. Terrible and tragic, he must say, but what’s done is done. There was no sparing with what time her father had left.

     “Terribly sorry, niñita,” he spoke apologetically. “But unfortunately, your father is on his last life. If I were to spare him, he would come to me sooner or later. And, no disrespect to your mother. Our times come in some way or another.”

     His other sickle was hooked on his belt now, ready to take her father’s soul to the other side. It was tragic for a princess such as herself to witness both deaths. It was traumatizing in one way or another, but for her to stay and try to make him change his mind... it was cute, but he could not allow it.

     With a sigh, he left his paws from her father and moved to rest on the backs of his heels, paws reaching to cup her cheeks to wipe the tears that dropped. “Listen to me. You will see your father quite soon. Live your life, little one. Your mother is there awaiting him. Love them dearly, but their time has come. They will see you soon, mi preciosa.”

[satohqbanana]

Anyway, here's the (summary of the) story of Leon Pendragon and Rowan Tenobor, my canon-aligned AV1 2nd gen OCs.

--

Crown Prince of Thais and Queen Rhen's son, Leon, is an optimistic boy named Leon. Aside from being a good swordsman, he has a promising career as a politician.

To much relief and pleasure, the one whose hand in marriage he seeks is the daughter of an Empirean noble, Rowan Tenobor. The match is rather favorable for Thais: not only is her father, Lord Lars Tenobor, related to the Empress, but also, it is powerful enough to hopefully bring the two nations together better.

That very same match, however, is frowned upon in the Empire. The Empire sees it as Thais' way of trying to control their nation.

This does not deter the two families from bringing their children together. After all, their parents were old friends in their youth. The couple were childhood sweethearts, and even as they grew, their feelings for each other did not change much.

What changed, however, is that Rowan began to lose her eyesight and her hope in the future. In her perspective, she is slowly becoming a burden to her widower father and her already married brother Lir, who she believes she has relied so much upon since her mother died when she was born. She does not want to impose more responsibilities upon Leon.

Leon, however, still sees hope. He does not mind having to support Rowan through her eventual blindness. He helps her discover ways to use her magic to "see" and "feel". He leads her through different lands to help her etch the visual memory of the world in her heart. He gives her a compass as a promise of love and hope, and that very compass becomes Rowan's physical symbol for her dreams.

Things are looking up. Rowan is given a place in the palace of Thais. Leon is planning for the betterment of the kingdom's layout and infrastructure in accommodation of Rowan's disability. Back in the Empire, Rowan's father has successfully pushed back against his opposition and has had slavery banned.

Two months later, Lord Lars Tenobor is found in his house dead. Assassinated. The law he pushed for is immediately repealed. Slavery is no longer illegal (again).

Lir immediately hides the rest of the family in Tar Vedron, where his wife originates. It puts him and his sister Rowan at a tight spot. Saving face in the Empire is one thing, but how can they assure they can still walk in its streets safely?

Lir suggests they simply never go back home again, even if it pains him and the family. Life will be different, maybe their reputation forever tarnished, but it will at least give them a better chance at life. However, Rowan sees this as an opportunity to give back to her family once and for all: she decides to marry an Empirean noble who is part of the opposition.

Knowing what his sister truly wants, Lir opposes the decision, but Rowan insists. She plans to use the marriage as a bargain with her father's enemies and have his name written in history as one who contributed to the Empire rather than one who tried to tear its traditions apart. And as for bearing children, she plans to brew tonics to make herself barren, so that the marriage will be fruitless and be simply a symbol. If their parents had withstood living with their loveless marriages, so can she. Futhermore, she fears that if she continues associating with the Pendragons, it might cause a petty, unnecessary war between the two nations. She has to make this sacrifice.

Rowan convenes with the Pendragons about her decision. Leon pleads with her for one more chance for him and Lir and everyone else to figure out a better solution. But, even if she herself is deeply saddened, Rowan is adamant that she return home and offer her hand in marriage to the Empirean nobles.

Before she boards the ship home, Rowan leaves Leon the compass he gave her. She takes her time looking at his face and touching it, wiping his tears and assuring him that her dreams will live on in his hands, just as his heart will live in hers.

Thus is the tale of the Leon Pendragon and Rowan Tenobor.

[bonemarrowrites]

For some time now, I’ve had trouble writing almost anything at all and I thought I would not get any good ideas ever again. Then I made a little anthro story in my head and here we are, over 3k words later and hopefully I have more for you soon. This one has only a little spicy content, but the next one will be a doozy (I think).

Treasure Other Than Gold

Marras Series - Chapter I Anthro Erotica

F / M ┃ Erotica / Dark Fantasy ┃ Anthro ┃ Transfem ┃ Masturbation ┃ In heat ┃ +3.6k words

Content Warning: Abduction, blood, puking, violence, death (wow, such erotica)

Scroll to this ╭ᑎ╮ mark to skip the story parts.

Hundreds of years ago when humanity's light finally faded away, another species took their place as the dominant species. As the bipedal thaunon raised from the ashes of the long-dead humans, they inherited a ravaged land filled with indescribable dangers where survival is not guaranteed even for the strongest individuals and where different factions fight for control over the land of Kaaruu.

Abducted from her home in the faraway highlands, Lady Mhairi is imprisoned and taken to meet a fate worse than death, when an unknown group suddenly ambushes the cavalcade.

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

The forest was alive and couldn't care less for the trembling black figure lying in the silver cage, curled into a tight ball too frightened to move even though the humid air around the cavalcade was unbearable, a feeling which was only increased by the loud sounds of the different birds and buzzing insects. The lionesses who had captured her found the temperature strenuous yet tolerable, but for a unicorn like Mhairi, it was suffocating. She had only ever lived in colder climates and her homeland was slipping further and further with each step they took. Mhairi’s cage was carried by two lionesses holding on to two poles attached to both sides of a small sedan chair where her cage had been placed and the uneven terrain made her ride rough. Mhairi had been stripped naked by the lionesses fearing she could have hidden weapons and make her more vulnerable forcing her bare dark coat to touch the pure silver beneath her which stung her painfully no matter what position she took. Nevertheless, it compared little to the pain she held in her heart, thinking about what she had lost a few weeks earlier was far worse than any physical suffering. Mhairi had seen her whole family slain and now the Golden Mane would have their last laugh as she would be taken to their leader to be his bride and a pet, ending their generations-long rivalry through her cries.

The lionesses had been carefully collecting her tears for weeks and some had even hidden some of the collected vials in their belongings to sell later for a good price by themselves. Her kind had always been a target for their body parts, but for the Golden Mane, Mhairi would be more than a priceless addition to his collection. Her silky dark coat made her a rarity even among her kind and made her stand out from the rest of her family. Mhairi’s looks had awarded her with multiple suitors, some coming even from continents she had never heard about before, but only one had become completely obsessed with her.

King Arron, The leader of the Golden Mane.

Mhairi had only met him once during peace negotiations in the city of Valkia when she was younger and the moment their eyes locked, the king had decided to pursue her, even though he had been a lot older than her. Mhairi had no intentions of reciprocating his feelings and he had followed her late at night to her room only to be stopped by Mhairi’s enraged mother ending the negotiations between the two bordering kingdoms and possibly leading to a future where she would lose everything she had held dear. Mhairi was tired and in pain, daring only to give a little thought to what that future might hold for her. She knew King Arron already had multiple wives, one of which had led the attack on her homeland and murdered her family. She also recalled hearing rumors about him and his infertility. The king might be infertile, but she was not. Her kind were known to be able to breed successfully with any other thaunon which Mhairi presumed to be the reason why she was kept alive. The king was desperate for an heir and she would give him one whether she wanted or not. The feeling of hopelessness flowed through her and Mhairi could feel tears running down her cheeks again.

The scout of the party, marked by the tight braid hairstyle all of King Arron’s wives had returned looking very ill, the others kept their distance as she stumbled closer to the convoy, a few even raising their muskets and aiming their rifles at her, some of the lionesses whispered amongst themselves when their leader stepped forward and raised her hand to keep everyone calm.

“Stop right there, Sister Adair. You know you can’t get any closer,” the leader yelled, covering her scarred face with her golden cowl, her gaze giving away her sorrow even if her order had been colored by her disgust. The woman in front of her threw up violently, the sludge coming from her insides was black and it looked like part of her intestines were mixed into it. Sister Adair hobbled ahead, puking again before falling down to her knees.

“T-the eastern road is…” she stammered in pain, “I-its t-tainted.” Her last words poured from her mouth with more blood and she fell face-first into the leaf-littered ground with a guttural moan. The leader cursed under her breath while ushering the group to go further from the dying Sister Adair. Even the forest had stopped to witness the lioness’ miserably slow death, an eerie silence had replaced all the noises.

“It must have been moved by the storm…” the leader said quietly before taking a moment to think about their next step. Behind her, Sister Adair was still clinging to life and groaning. The rest of the group gave her sympathetic glances, but it offered little comfort to her.

“Alright, come on sisters. We will take the longer path,” the leader said as she took the point yet again, “And I’m going to need another scout!” As she said it she pointed at one of the lionesses guarding Mhairi’s cage, who seemed less than enthusiastic to be appointed as the scout, “Sister Alys, take your map and get going, I want to get out of this jungle before nightfall,” the leader shouted and Sister Alys obeyed. Mhairi was shocked and watched as her cage was carried past the dying lioness, the carriers made sure to keep a safe distance, but she could still see the dying woman and realized the further they got from her the forest began to sing again with a buzzing tune. Mhairi couldn’t help but wonder how the lionesses could leave one of them suffer like that. Mhairi had never encountered the poisonous Veil or its victims before, but she had heard stories about it. The Veil had been present even before Mhairi was born and it would be present for a long time after she was gone. No one knows where the Veil came from, but it has been presumed to be something ancient, created by those who had come before the thaunon hundreds of years ago. The areas tainted by the Veil have spread and changed over time and sometimes a simple summer storm was enough to move tainted areas. Even though the Veil has always been there, little is known about it since its lethality and unseen nature leave it too hard and dangerous to research.

Mhairi had learned from her studies that the poison it carried was everywhere; In the ground, water, food, and even in the air of the afflicted areas. You can wander in without realizing where you are and die soon in some gruesome way. Even living near such an area was dangerous and usually led to early death or birth defects. Sometimes one could realize the danger from the warning signs like eye irritation or chest tightness but most of the time it was accumulating in the body quickly yet silently. Very rarely one could survive it, but even then it always left permanent scars.

Sister Adair might have belonged to a clan that Mhairi had all the reasons to hate, but she still felt pity toward the poor woman and wished her companions would have had the decency to put an iron ball through her head or even a bolt from a crossbow to ease her suffering. As the convoy made its way further away from her, Sister Adair’s groans were still carried by the wind into their ears.

“Cover that cage, make sure none of that gets in there!” The leader barked and Mhairi’s cage was covered with a rough canvas, making her feel even more suffocated. The noises from the outside were muffled, but Mhairi could still hear her captors talking. One of the lionesses, clearly a younger one, made her way to their leader and cautiously brought up her worries to her.

“Sister Amery, I beg your pardon, but is this a good idea? You do know where we’re going right?” She said with fear in her voice, “We could still take the main path and just be careful, and if we-...” Before she had any time to finish her sentence Sister Amery roared at her, making Sister Annis take jump back.

“DID YOU NOT SEE WHAT HAPPENED TO SISTER ADAIR?!” she lashed, before taking one deep breath and changing to a noticeably calmer tone, “You’re young, but even you can see what can happen if we wander through the Veil. Believe me, I know we’re all tired from the mission, but I’d rather risk another battle than the Veil.”

A mission? Is that what you call what you did to my family, Mhairi thought through her distress, angered at how they dared to brand the massacre as such, they hadn’t even spared the little Cailean, who had been too young to even walk by himself.

“... But Sister Amery,” the quivering voice continued, “Maybe Sister Adair wandered astray from the path? The Veil is close to it, true, but she was fickle and might have gone in accidentally.”

╭ᑎ╮

“Keep questioning the king’s wife and I’ll make sure you’ll get the chance to find out yourself,” Sister Amery growled as the convoy made its way through the forest shutting the conversation down with one simple threat. The stifling air in the covered cage combined with the heat made Mhairi sweat profusely, the droplets falling from the tips of her shimmering curls to the cage’s floor made it slippery. The growing warmth also did something less than appropriate to her body. Tonight, the hunter’s moon would rise from behind the horizon bringing with her Mhairi’s heat.

She had felt it growing inside her for a couple of days and now the uneasiness was yielding before another feeling, a more dangerous one. Mhairi was getting more aroused by the hour and even the distress she was going through wasn’t going to stop that. Her slender hand found the swelling shaft and she was unable to stop herself. Gently, she began to massage the tip of her member fighting in her mind against the thought of offering herself willingly to King Arron. Begging him to mount her and make her bear his cubs. Mhairi’s other hand grabbed her soft breast and she caressed her nipple, giving it a few pinches.

She hoped the lionesses surrounding her covered prison would not sense her heat or dared to remove the cover, yet some part of her knew they had decided to attack her home when they had to have known her heat was coming up.

For years she had blocked her heats with herbs to preserve her purity. In the past, she had waited a few times in secret until the very last day to take them to experience what it could feel like, but she had never dared to let herself enter the peak. Now that inevitable fate was upon her and she would lose her purity to the man she hated with a burning passion.

Mhairi’s cock was harder than it had been ever before, but there was no release until her heat would take over completely, leaving her wanting. Her soft hands touched all the right places, sending shivers down her spine all the way to the tip of her tail which was no different from those walking outside the cage. Mhairi slid her hand from her member between her cheeks and began to circle her rim softly, imagining what it would feel like to be bend over by the feline king and hopefully, he would have a cock large enough to fill her hole completely. She pictured his hand pushing her head down on the bed and pummeling his fat member viciously deep into her, opening her breeding tunnel with his flared tip until the king was ready to pour his hot seed inside completing her defiling.

Mhairi could feel herself getting closer to reaching orgasm and a soft whimper almost escaped from her lips, but she was quick enough to muffle it against her hand before anyone could hear her. Embarrassed by her actions and finally finding clarity she quickly withdrew her hands. Mhairi had almost gotten lost in her desire, something she had never felt before, and even though she had not come, she had gotten herself back together, hating what she had imagined in her mind and how her body had neglected her mind. Mhairi’s member was still half-chub and if the lionesses were to uncover her cage, they would immediately see her sweaty nude body and the proudly erect shaft which she could hide behind her palm only as long as the cage was on a steadier ground she she wouldn’t have to steady herself inside it. Some part of her enjoyed the idea, but she quickly forced herself to discard it.

She would have to get used to her nearing future as the king’s seventh wife and the possible carrier of his cubs. One day she might outlive her usefulness, maybe as soon as she gave birth to the first cub, and then King Arron would have his final revenge and end her life as he had done to the rest of her family. A thought, which made the rest of her fervor fade somewhere far enough not to meddle with her mind anymore.

The cavalcade had made a good distance as the midday sun began to slowly turn towards the west. After the group of lionesses had crossed the border of Narra and entered the rainforest separating it from their savanna they had not rested until the sun had set and the weeks' worth of travel by foot had made every one of them tired. The group was used to make long distances but the battle at the Adharcach family’s summer estate had taken its toll and the constant traveling was not making it easy. They had lost a lot of good women during the fight and some, like poor Sister Adair while traveling back home. Even Sister Amery, who was known for her stamina was feeling it with every step she took, but King Arron had ordered her to finish the task at hand on a certain date and Sister Amery would never let her king down. Besides, staying in the green inferno too long was dangerous and the path they were on took them closer to another threat, which was still preferable to the certain death presented by the Veil. Here, the air was getting colder as they got further from the savanna and the desert behind it, the humid air turned dryer and the further they traveled, they would have to climb a steep mountainside delaying their journey even more. Sister Amery didn’t like the idea, especially considering how that area had a new player spreading their reign with an iron fist.

For the past few years, the Mornscorched had conquered the previously inhabited mountain and made it their home, spreading terror and growing its territory ever since. Sister Amery had clashed with them once and it had been enough for her to know they were a formidable enemy and now she had led the group into their lands. Staying near the border might keep them relatively safe, but they still had to be careful. That’s why she had chosen Sister Alys to scout for her. She might have been indifferent towards the job, but that’s how she had always been. Sister Alys was her best scout and could move so quietly even those bitchy faléna folk could not hear her coming or so Sister Amery hoped. Still, she knew they would make a lot of noise, and hiding a pack of 30 warriors wasn’t going to be an easy feat to pull, yet she had survived worse, back when she had still been unmarried, she had led a much larger group consisting mainly of young cubs silently through two warring armies and endured, saving them which had led to her marriage with King Arron. Back then such marriage required great deeds to accomplish and now she was bringing his king a new bride, someone who had not earned her place beside him and who would never be deserving of such honor.

The weakling had cried and whimpered almost the whole journey, not even picking a weapon when her family was slain right before her. The unicorn disgusted Sister Amery and she was disappointed with her king, choosing to hide her disdain as any good wife should. She knew the pony wouldn’t last long under King Arron’s court and when she would perish for good, the king would see reason as well as end such nonsense for good, giving Sister Amery finally the title of the high queen and giving her a chance to dethrone king Arron. The thought made her grin. The other wives might have their little schemes, clawing desperately at small pieces of power, but she had always been the smart one, willing to do anything for her king and show her true loyalty to the crown that belonged to her. The king had been unable to fill his part of the bargain, he had never given her living cubs, and the harlot she was taking to him was not going to give him any either.

She would make sure of that.

The convoy was crossing a small stream when a loud bang echoed through the forest, alerting everyone to get to a shelter. Mhairi could feel her cage rattle as the lionesses ran to take her to a cover. The forest air was filled with loud shouts and the firing of muskets. Mhairi couldn't see anything, but she could feel the rising frenzy. Something heavy swung over the small gorge, creaking loudly and as it hit someone, there was a loud screech. The sounds got so loud Mhairi had to cover her ears yet even then she could hear the clinks of the swords and the screams of the wounded. Two lionesses who had carried Mhairi had been forced to join the battle and one of them already laid dead over the small stream. Someone fell over Mhairi’s covered cage, stabbed by a long sword that impaled its victim so hard it almost gashed the unicorn before it was pulled out and the body slumped to the ground leaving behind a fingerbreadth long bloody rip into the canvas. Through it some of the daylight shone in and Mhairi could see the unfolding chaos outside. There were a lot of dead bodies lying outside, mostly covered by the red and gold decorated armor of the Golden Mane, but some belonged to the attackers wearing unknown colors. Sister Amery was pierced through her throat by a bolt, but it didn’t kill her, the Golden Mane’s rapidly vanishing numbers forced her to order a retreat and her guttural screech almost reminded Mhairi of Sister Adair who had been left to unceremoniously die in a ditch.

The retreating lionesses didn’t even try to pick up Mhairi’s cage with them. The attackers had the upper hand and their only hope for survival was a quick escape. The battle ended almost as soon as it had started and Mhairi trembled in fear, she didn’t know what the attackers would do to her. Her vulnerable state might give them some awful ideas or she might meet her deceased family members sooner than she had thought, which truthfully was something she looked forward to.

The thaunon outside cheered as their victory was confirmed and Mhairi saw something large getting closer to her cage. It grabbed the blood-stained canvas with one hand and tore it off. The large almost brightly white-furred boar looked surprised when his eyes met with Mhairi’s whose eyes had not yet gotten used to sudden sunlight, stunned he looked at her for a long while as an embarrassed unicorn tried to hide her nude body with her slender hands. The boar towering over her had long braided hair and a beard with imposing tusks decorated with shiny jewelry protruding underneath. His black and gray hair contrasted his white coat that was only covered by leather armor with a bear pelt covering his lower parts as well as goatskin straps going across his bulky chest underneath which there was extensive scarring some won from various battles and others carved by someone as symbols. Mhairi couldn't help but stare at the two curled horns on the man's head. He was no ordinary boar, but Mhairi didn’t dare to ask out loud any questions.

When Sidik lifted the canvas, he had expected to see a hidden treasure. As a chieftain of the Mornscorched, he had rumors that the Golden Mane were transporting something priceless and he had planned to steal from them. Instead, there were two dark eyes looking back at him, scared and belonging to a stunning creature whose bare tender body had certainly made a good impression on him. For a short while Sidik had been unable to open his mouth as he admired the view before him, letting his gaze trail over her plump figure. It was then that he realized he might have something better than gold after all and he would be taking it back home with him.

[majoras-puppet]

Why Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is so heartwrenching

!!!PLEASE DONT PUT ANY END OF GAME SPOILERS IN MY COMMENTS!!! TEARS OF THE DRAGON QUESTLINE MAJOR AND MAIN QUESTLINE LEADING UP TO THE FINAL DEFEAT GANON QUEST SPOILERS AHEAD

People talk about how sad totk is, but not exactly why, and why we feel such a strong connection to the characters. First off lets talk about the Sages. The first four (Riju, Yunobo, Tulin, and Sidon) already carry the trauma from Breath of the Wild (Tulin less than the others). Riju lost her mother at a young age, and was thrown into politics at around the age of 9. At the age of 12 she was forced to save her entire town and her people from a threat much larger than her, and she feels as though she let the town down by letting the Thunder Helm get stolen. All this is happening while the people of Hyrule think that the world will be ending soon due to the Calamity. Sidon lost his elder sister as a young child, seeing what it did to the people of the Domain. He had to look at a statue of her every day and remember his loss, all while Link shows up, presumably having known him when he was a child, and doesnt remember him OR his sister that was in love with Link. Then HE has to save the Domain with Link just like Riju, afraid that he's going to lose his friend. In totk, Sidon has a fiance and is afraid to leave the Domain in fear of losing her like he did Mipha. Yunobo had to deal with life threatening issues while helping Link with Vah Rudania, almost dying many times having to rely on a power that couple potentially fail. Tulin was very little when everything was happening, but the fact that he almost lost his father and his entire village as a child, and started training at such an early age has put a huge weight on his shoulders. The sages now have to save Hyrule yet again only a few years later, each of them fighting an internal struggle with not feeling good enough, then pledging their lives to aiding Link, seemingly having no other purpose in their life. They gave up part of their spirits for him, all while Sidon has become a king, having to take on those responsibilities as well.

Now onto Zelda. In her lifetime, Zelda has lost her mother, her father, her father emotionally and verbally abusing her, telling her that if she doesnt unlock a power that she has no control over she would be useless, assigned a personal knight that reminds her of her failures simply by existing, falling on love with said knight, he almost dies trying to protect her and if she had unlocked her power one moment sooner he would have been ok, her mother figure (urbosa) dying in a horrific manner, all the champions that SHE assigned dying and blaming herself for it, and the fact that she couldnt protect everyone, THEN has to seal herself in the calamity for 100 YEARS ALONE using up her power with no rest, then finally when things are going back to normal people get sick around the castle, she finds a corpse under the castle, falls in a hole and goes BACK IN TIME where she doesnt know if link survived or not until he sends her the master sword, then she TURNS INTO A DRAGON GIVING UP HER HUMANITY WHILE SHE COULDNT SAVE RAURU OR SONIA LOSING TWO MORE PARENTAL FIGURES IN THE PROCESS?????? This poor girl needs a break.

And finally Link. He was made a knight as a toddler, who knows what happened to his mother, she was never mentioned, the princess he is assigned to seems to hate him, then everything goes to shit, the calamity returns, all his friends and soon-to-be-fiance are dead, he still has to protect the princess, falls in battle, feels like a failure because he was supposed to be the savior, passes out, wakes up 100 years later, no memory of who he is, gets told by a ghost of the king that he needs to go to the castle, fight the calamity, free the divine beasts, and save the princess, gains back his memories sowly but he cant remember his family, THEN after he saves the princess (while saving EVERYONE ELSE in the process) and it probably have taken months, then he gets her back and only a few years later after they probably fell in love he LOSES HER AGAIN and has no idea where she went only to find out that shes 10,000 years in the past she turned herself into a FUCKING DRAGON JUST SO HE COULD SAVE ALL OF HYRULE and he finds out that she sacrifices herself AND THEN HE SEES HER AT THE CASTLE ONLY FOR HER TO TURN BACK TIME AND BRING UP ALL HIS TRAUMA AND FOR A FEW MOMENTS HE THINKS THAT THE PERSON HE LOVES MOST IN THE WORLD HAS INTENTIONALLY CAUSED HIM TO RELIVE HIS TRAUMA AND TAUNTING HIM WITH IT THEN SHE TURNS OUT TO BE A PUPPET OF GANON LIKE THE HURT IN THIS POOR BOYS EYES. THIS MAN HAS BEEN THROUGH HELL AND BACK AND HE CANT GET A BREAK AND NOW HIS ZELDA IS GONE WITH NO WAY TO BRING HER BACK BECAUSE SHE MADE HERSELF IMMORTAL OMGGGGG

this game is so heartbreaking istg. It may not be the darkest game like we were told, but it sure is the saddest by far, at least in my eyes

reminder please do not put any end game spoilers in the comments

[cherryc1nnam0n]

can i please request a loki x insecure plus size reader?

Oh my gods! You read me like a book, I literally crave this all the time. I am a plus size person so I will reflect a lot on this.

Thanks for the request, remember they are open!

Beautiful | Plus Size!Reader x Loki

Summary: As a princess you live to high standards and surrounded by perfect bodies, feeling like you're not deserving of love, Loki shows you otherwise

Cw: Insecurity, fatphobia, dysmorphia, rude comments, rude mother, fluff, comfort, angst, body worship, slight innuendos, talks of sex and slight NSFW

"Princess Y/n, your mother is waiting for you in the dinning room." Your maid said as she snapped you out of your thoughts

"Oh, I'll be there shortly" You said to her with a small smile, the maid nodded and walked out of your room

You eventually stood up, ignoring the reflection on the mirror, the one that you always avoided because of your larger body and how you didn't seem to find yourself looking good in any dress you wore

"Ugh finally you appear young lady, I'm starving- don't serve her too much, she needs to cut calories" your mother said to the server, making him give you a way smaller portion

You sat down and stared at the food, the smell was amazing but you didn't want to eat, not after what your mother said

"Remember tomorrow we are traveling to Asgard, your sister has her engagement party and we have to be there, I prepared a dress for you, hopefully the corset will fit you tight" you huffed, looking down bashfully "What? It's the truth, no one will curt you if they see you like that"

At the end you didn't even eat anything, you felt too self conscious about your body and how as much as you tried, you couldn't lose weight, accepting the fate that your destiny was to die alone, fat and alone

The next day...

Travelling to Asgard was tiring enough, but listening to your perfect sister talk about her perfect fiance and his perfect physique was even more tiring, along with the horrible comments about your body from your mother was enough to make you wanna jump out the carriage

Finally at Asgard, you were taken inside the beautiful castle, it was all so elegant and magical

"Queen Rhoda, it's always a delight to have you here" Queen Frigga said to your mother, saluting her old friend as always, with a huge hug and a bright smile "Mory, good to see you again sweetie" She said to your sister, who after saying her greetings excused herself to go see Thor, of course she did "And you must be Y/n, dear you're so beautiful" you smiled at her, muttering a quick thank you at the kind queen "Let's get you to your rooms shall we? You must be exhausted"

While walking through the halls your mother and the queen were talking about the kingdoms and how things were going, you suddenly stopped walking when a male voice was heard, you peaked from behind the queen to see no other than the Dark Prince, Loki, God of Mischief himself, talking to his mother when his eyes travelled to you

"Who would this beautiful lady be, mother?"

"This is Princess Y/n, daughter of Queen Rhoda" you went to curtsey but he stopped you

"Please, no formalities, were both royalty"

You smiled at him and he had a mischievous grin on his face, something flashed in his eyes, you quickly looked away

After what seemed like an eternity of silence, your mother interrupted saying she needed to rest to you continued walking, looking back Loki was fixated on you, making you hide your body with your arms, not wanting him to look at you

The next day...

"No, no, no, suck in your stanch lady! Gosh you really don't want anyone to look at you don't you?!" Your mother snapped making the corset tighter around your figure, making tears almost fall your eyes

"I can't... Breathe..." You barely said

"Pain is beautiful my daughter, if only you were like your sister" she said before getting out of your room, leaving you feeling even worse than you did before

The night had been a torture, everyone celebrating the engagement of your sister with the future king of Asgard, your mother throwing looks at you and the dress, gods the dress was killing you, all you wanted was to rip it apart and go to your room and sleep, but no, you had to stay there receiving looks from people

And looks from someone else too, Prince Loki had been looking at you from afar, grinning at you everytime you looked his way, finally he approached you

"I must say you look exquisite tonight my lady" he said grabbing your hand, placing a kiss there

"Well, thank you my prince" you tried to retrieve your hand from his but he held it tight

"I must say the dress is beautiful but... I'd rather see it on my chambers floor" he said looking straight into your eyes, making you look away

"Prince Loki, I should go now"

"Why my dear? The night is young, so are we" he circled you, taking in your frame, quickly hugging your body you wanted to bury yourself into a hole "Don't be shy now, let me see you"

"I-I want to go..."

"Sure dear" he grabbed your hand and walked you to your mother and his mother "Mother, Queen Rhoda, if you excuse us, I would like to take Y/n to a walk around the palace"

Your mother gave you a look that you couldn't read, surprise? Amaze? Confusion? You didn't know

"Sure Prince Loki, I'm so glad you're taking a liking of my daughter, she doesn't attract many" your mother said casually, that hurt you even more

Your breath hitched and Loki heard it, smiling fakely at her he excused you both out, walking out the ballroom he spoke again

"How are you feeling princess?" You sighed, feeling like you might cry

"Awful, I want to dig a hole and cry there, I feel like a whale in a cute dress and I, you, I just-" a sob escaped your mouth, he turned to look at you, stopping your walk

"A whale? What are you talking about princess? You are beautiful" he kissed your forehead "And no one can tell you otherwise"

"But... I'm fat, greasy and no one will ever love like this" those were your mother's words towards you and your body

The truth was, she loves you yes, but since your father left for another woman, she became insecure, transmitting all that to you through the years, she was obsessed with having perfect daughters that would marry important princes and have perfect families and children

"Princess..." He brushed away your tears "You are beautiful, look at you, you are a princess, the most beautiful creature I've laid eyes on, it would be a privilege to well, court you" he brushed your hair away from your face "If you let me, I will show you a new perspective on yourself, on your body, you deserve to be loved, to be ravished, to be fucked out of your senses until you forget your name" you gasped at his words "If you let me..." You closed your eyes and nodded, he gave another kiss to your forehead "Allow me to show you what love is like, what I can do to show you that love and make you feel it, you won't regret it, and after tonight, you'll belong to me and I'll take you away from your mother and you'll be happy"

"How do you...?"

"I am a god sweetheart, can't lie to me, I see through you, your insecurity comes from your mother and has to stop, come with me princess and I'll show you how loved you are"

You smiled at him, seeing nothing but honesty in his eyes, nodding again he walked you to his chambers, were a long night of passion and love making awaited you... Along with so much love... More than you could ever imagine...

[cielrouge]

YA SFF Books by Black Authors 

A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow: About the strength of black sisterhood set in Portland, OR, best friends Tavi and Effie discover their true supernatural identity when Effie starts being haunted by demons from her past, and Tavia accidentally lets out her magical siren voice during a police stop.

A Chorus Rises (A Song Below Water #2) by Bethany C. Morrow: Teen influencer Naema Bradshaw is an Eloko, a person who’s gifted with a song that woos anyone who hears it. Everyone loves her — well, until she's cast as the awful person who exposed Tavia’s secret siren powers. When a new, flourishing segment of Naema’s online supporters start targeting black girls, however, Naema must discover the true purpose of her magical voice.

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown: Inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess, Karina, and a desperate refugee, Malik, find themselves on a collision course to murder each other, despite their growing attraction.

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor: Sunny Nwazue, an American-born albino child of Nigerian parents, moves with her family back to Nigeria, where she learns that she has latent magical powers which she and three similarly gifted friends use to catch a serial killer.

Akata Warrior (Akata Witch #2) by Nnedi Okorafor: Now stronger, feistier, and a bit older, Sunny Nwazue, along with her friends from the the Leopard Society, travel through worlds, both visible and invisible, to the mysterious town of Osisi, where they fight in a climactic battle to save humanity.

Bad Witch Burning by Jessica Lewis: For fans of Us and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina comes a witchy story full of black girl magic as one girl’s dark ability to summon the dead offers her a chance at a new life, while revealing to her an even darker future.

Beasts Made of Night by Tochi Onyebuchi: After he eats the sin of a royal, Taj, a talented aki, or sin-eater who consumes the guilt of others whose transgressions are exorcised from them by powerful but corrupt Mages, is drawn into a plot to destroy the city, and he must fight to save the princess he loves and his own life.

Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray: Two Black teenagers, talented Beastkeeper Koffi and warrior-in-training Ekon, must trek into a magical jungle to take down an ancient creature menacing the city of Lkossa, before they become the hunted.

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton: In the opulent world of Orléans, where Beauty is a commodity only a few control, Belle Camellia Beauregard will learn the dark secrets behind her powers, and rise up to change the world. 

A Blade So Black by L.L. McKinney: A whimsical and butt-kicking Alice in Wonderland retelling featuring a black teen heroine who battles Nightmares in the dark and terrifying dream realm known as Wonderland. 

Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves: 16-year-old Hanna reunites with her estranged mother in an East Texas town that is haunted with doors to dimensions of the dead and protected by demon hunters called Mortmaine.

Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury: Set in near-future Toronto in which, after failing to come into her powers, 16-year-old Black witch Voya Thomas must choose between losing her family’s magic forever or murdering her first love.

The Bones of Ruin by Sarah Raughley: Set in Victorian England, African tightrope walker Iris cannot die; but soon gets drafted in the fight-to-the-death tournament of freaks where she learns the terrible truth of who and what she really is.

The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris: A gripping, evocative novel about Black teen Alex Rufus, who has the power to see into the future, and whose life turns upside down when he foresees his younger brother’s imminent death.

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi: 17-year-old Zélie and companions journey to a mythic island seeking a chance to bring back magic to the land of Orïsha, in a fantasy world infused with the textures of West Africa.

Children of Virtue and Vengeance (Legacy of Orïsha #2) by Tomi Adeyemi: After battling the impossible, Zélie and Amari have finally succeeded in bringing magic back to the land of Orïsha. But with civil war looming on the horizon, Zélie finds herself at a breaking point: she must discover a way to bring the kingdom together or watch as Orïsha tears itself apart.

Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron: 16-year-old Sophia would much rather marry Erin, her childhood best friend, than parade in front of suitors. At the ball, Sophia flees, hiding in Cinderella’s mausoleum. There, she meets Constance, the last known descendant of Cinderella and her step sisters. Together they vow to bring down the king once and for all.

The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris: A gripping, evocative novel about Black teen Alex Rufus, who has the power to see into the future, and whose life turns upside down when he foresees his younger brother’s imminent death.

Crown of Thunder (Beasts Made of Night #2) by Tochi Onyebuchi: Taj has escaped Kos, but Queen Karima will go to any means necessary--including using the most deadly magic--to track him down. 

A Crown So Cursed (Nightmare Verse #3) by L.L. McKinney: Alice is ready to jump into battle when she learns that someone is building an army of Nightmares to attack the mortal world, before she learns of a personal connection to Wonderland.

Daughters of Jubilation by Kara Lee Corthron: In Jim Crow South, black teen Evalene Deschamps finds her place among a family of women gifted with magical abilities, known as jubilation - a gift passed down from generations of black women since the time of slavery.

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland: The Civil War is over, but mostly because the dead rose at Gettysburg—and then started rising everywhere else. Fighting the undead is a breeze for Jane McKenne, an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. But the fight for freedom? That’s a different story.

Deathless Divide (Dread Nation #2) by Justina Ireland: After the fall of Summerland, Jane McKeene hoped her life would get simpler. But nothing is easy when you’re a girl trained in putting down the restless dead, and a devastating loss on the road to Nicodermus has Jane questioning everything she thought she knew about surviving in 1880’s America.

A Dream So Dark (Nightmare Verse #2) by L.L. McKinney: Still reeling from her recent battle (and grounded until she graduates) Alice must cross the Veil to rescue her friends and stop the Black Knight once and for all in Wonderland.

Early Departures by Justin A. Reynolds: Jamal’s best friend Q is brought back to life after a freak accident … but they only have a short time together before he will die again.  How can Jamal fix his friendship without the truth?

Fate of Flames by Sarah Raughley:  Before they can save the world from the monstrous phantoms, four girls who have the power to control the classical elements: earth, air, fire, and water must first try to figure out how to work together. 

For All Time by Shanna Miles: Tamar and Fayard, two Black teens, are fated to repeat their love story across hundreds of lifetimes, from 14th-century Mali to the distant future, as they struggle to break the cycle.

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna: Inspired by the culture of West Africa, a feminist fantasy debut traces the experiences of 16-year-old Deka, who is invited to leave her discriminatory village to join the emperor’s army of near-immortal women warriors.

The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis: The country of Arketta calls them Good Luck Girls--they know their luck is anything but. Sold to a "welcome house" as children and branded with cursed markings. When Clementine accidentally kills a man, the girls risk a dangerous escape to find freedom, justice, and revenge.

Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron: Set in a West African-inspired fantasy kingdom, Arrah comes from a long line of powerful witchdoctors, yet fails at magic. When Arrah trade years off her life for magic to stop the Demon King from destroying the world—that is if it doesn’t kill her first.

Legacy of Light (The Effgies #3) by Sarah Raughley: After Saul’s strike on Oslo—one seemingly led by Maia herself—the Effigies’ reputation is in shambles. Belle has gone rogue, Chae Rin and Lake have disappeared, and the Sect is being dismantled and replaced by a terrifying new world order helmed by Blackwell. If the Effigies can’t put the pieces together soon, there may not be much left of the world they’ve fought so desperately to save.

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn: In this King Arthur retelling, Black teen Bree Matthews infiltrates a secret society of powerful magic wielders to find out the truth behind her mother’s untimely death.

Mem by Bethany C. Morrow: In alternate reality Montreal (1925), a young woman’s personality is the result of a startling experimental procedure, leaving her to struggle with the question of who she really is.

Miles Morales, Spider-Man by Jason Reynolds: But Miles Morales accidentally discovers a villainous teacher's plan to turn good kids bad, he will need to come to terms with his own destiny as the new Spider-man. 

Oh My Gods by Alexandra Sheppard: Half-mortal teenager Helen Thomas goes to live with her father—who is Zeus, masquerading as a university professor—and must do her best to keep the family secret intact.

The Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds: After falling for Kate, her unexpected death sends Jack back in time to the moment they first met, but he soon learns that his actions have consequences when someone else close to him dies.

Orleans by Sherri L. Smith: Set in a futuristic, hostile Orleans landscape, Fen de la Guerre must deliver her tribe leader's baby over the Wall into the Outer States before her blood becomes tainted with Delta Fever. 

Nubia: Real One by L.L. McKinney & Robyn Smith: When Nubia’s best friend, Quisha, is threatened by a boy who thinks he owns the town, Nubia will risk it all—her safety, her home, and her crush on that cute kid in English class—to become the hero society tells her she isn’t.

A Phoenix First Must Burn: 16 Stories of Black Girl Magic, Resistance, and Hope edited by Patrice Caldwell: Filled with stories of love and betrayal, strength and resistance, this collection contains an array of complex and true-to-life characters in which you cannot help but see yourself reflected. Witches and scientists, sisters and lovers, priestesses and rebels.

This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron: In this contemporary fantasy inspired by The Secret Garden, Black teen Briseis has a gift: she can grow plants with a single touch. Up against a centuries-old curse and the deadliest plant on earth, Bri must harness her gift to protect herself and her family, when a nefarious group comes after her in search of a rare and dangerous immortality elixir.

A Psalm of Storm and Silence (A Song of Wraiths and Ruin #2) by Roseanne A. Brown: As the fabric holding Sonande together begins to tear, Malik and Karina once again find themselves torn between their duties and their desires.

A Queen of Gilded Horns (A River of Royal Blood #2) by Amanda Joy: After learning the truth of her heritage, Eva is on the run with her sister Isa as her captive, but with the Queendom of Myre on the brink of revolution, Eva and Isa must make peace with each other to save their kingdom.

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko: In a West African-inspired empire, Tarisai is raised by The Lady and sent to kill the Crown Prince once she gains his trust. Tarisai won’t stand by and become someone’s pawn—but is she strong enough to choose a different path for herself?

Redemptor (Raybearer #2) by Jordan Ifueko: For the first time, an Empress Redemptor sits on Aritsar's throne. To appease the sinister spirits of the dead, Tarisai must now anoint a council of her own, coming into her full power as a Raybearer.

The Ravens by Danielle Page & Kass Morgan: The sisters of Kappu Rho Nu share a secret: they’re a coven of witches. For Vivi Deveraux, being one of Kappa Rho Nu’s Ravens means getting a chance to redefine herself. For Scarlett Winters, a bonafide Raven and daughter of a legacy Raven. When Vivi and Scarlett are paired as big and little for initiation, they find themselves sinking into the sinister world of blood oaths and betrayals.

Rebel Sisters (War Girls #2) by Tochi Onyebuchi: Though they are working toward common goals of helping those who suffered, Ify and Uzo are worlds apart. But when a mysterious virus breaks out among the children in the Space Colonies, their paths collide.

Reaper of Souls (Kingdom of Souls #2) by Rena Barron: After so many years yearning for the gift of magic, Arrah has the one thing she’s always wanted—at a terrible price. But the Demon King’s shadow looms closer than she thinks. And as Arrah struggles to unravel her connection to him, defeating him begins to seem more and more impossible.

A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy: A North African-inspired feminist fantasy in which two sisters, Eva and Isa must compete in a magical duel to the death for the right to inherit the queendom of Myre.  

Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves: In Portero, Texas, teens Kit and Fancy Cordelle, daughters of the infamous Bonesaw Killer, bring two boys with similar tendencies to a world of endless possibilities they have discovered behind a mysterious door.

Siege of Shadows (The Effigies #2) by Sarah Raughley:  After Saul reappears with an army of soldiers with Effigy-like abilities, threatening to unleash the monstrous Phantoms, e-year-old Maia and the other Effigies hope to defeat him by discovering the source of their power over the four classical elements, but they are betrayed by the Sect and bogged down by questions about the previous Fire Effigy's murder.

The Sisters of Reckoning (The Good Luck Girls #2) by Charlotte Nicole Davis: The blockbuster sequel to an alternate Old West-set commercial fantasy adventure.

The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow: Set in the near-future, in which a captive teen human and a young alien leader—bonded by their love of forbidden books and music—embark on a desperate road trip as they attempt to overturn alien rule and save humankind. 

War Girls by Tochi Onyebuchi: Set in a futuristic, Black Panther-inspired Nigeria, sisters Onyii and Ify, separated by a devastating civil war, must fight their way back to each other against all odds.

Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst: When the goddess Bayla fails to take over Liyana's body, Liyana's people abandon her in the desert to find a more worthy vessel, but she soon meets Korbyn, who says the souls of seven deities have been stolen and he needs Liyana's help to find them.

The Weight of Stars by K. Ancrum: After a horrific accident brings loners Ryann and Alexandria together, Ryann learns that Alexandria's mother is an astronaut who volunteered for a one-way trip to the edge of the solar system.

White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson: Black teen Marigold and her blended family move into a newly renovated, picture-perfect home in a dilapidated Midwestern city, and are haunted by what she thinks are ghosts, but might be far worse.

Wings of Ebony by J. Elle: Black teen Rue, from a poor neighborhood who, after learning she is half-human, half-goddess, must embrace both sides of her heritage to unlock her magic and destroy the racist gods poisoning her neighborhood with violence, drugs, and crime.

Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Thomas: In this Jamaican-inspired fantasy debut, two witches from enemy castes—one seeking power, and one seeking revenge—will stop at nothing to overthrow the witch queen, even if it means forming an alliance with each other and unleashing chaos on their island nation.

Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood: An Ethiopian-inspired Jane Eyre retelling in which an unlicensed debtera, or exorcist, Andromeda, is hired to rid a castle of its dangerous curses, only to fall in love with Magnus Rochester, a boy whose life hangs in the balance.

Yesterday Is History by Kosoko Jackson: Black teen Andre Cobb undergoes a liver transplant and as a side effect winds up slipping through time from present-day Boston to 1969 NYC on the eve of the Stonewall riots, delivering a story that is part romance, part gay history, and part time-travel drama, exploring how far we have and haven't come. 

[thehappiestgolucky]

Allow me for a moment, to ramble to myself about Hornet and Tiso in the Vigilante Tiso au. It’s been on brain and I wanna ramble it out.

It’s not a secret that at the start Tiso became a guardian figure to baby Hornet - initially from the request Herrah had - and later from his own free will. They bonded. They did become close.

But it’s also no secret that a divide happened. At some point Hornet even forgets she ever considered Tiso a guardian nor that they were close. She viewed his efforts as futile and draining - in spite of the hypocrisy it was. Her duty was to protect the kingdom - imposed to her upon birth afterall. His was self-inflicted.

Something caused the divide. Something started making Hornet distance herself and force her to forget it. That’s what I’ve been thinking about lately. What caused the distance?

The biggest incident I feel - is when Hornet loses Herrah. The infection is reaching such a horrific peak - that Tiso is more and more occupied. He barely has time for anyone else. The Dreamers finally take their place and Hollow is locked in the Black Egg. Hornet loses her mother at such a young age and is in desperate need of comfort, of safety, of a supportive figure. Tiso was not there. The one this child had called a guardian angel was not there during her most vulnerable hour.

The other instances - I feel are PK and WL induced. No one was privy to who Herrah had entrusted as a second guardian to Hornet. At some point through baby Hornets own mannerisms - they deduce that the Vigilante has some sort of influence on her. A bad incfluence on royalty, that needed to grow up to protect their kingdom. It’s not big what they did, with the limited time they had, but it was seeds of doubt that were left for an emotionally hurt Hornet to dwell and fester on when the time came. They weren’t planning on it to emotionally devastate her - let’s not get it wrong. They simply wanted Horent to not be badly influenced - feeling like since the Vigilante was known for also messing with the Pale Rulers, they’d be trying to sabotage other kingdoms too. They wanted Hornet to understand that as a royal she had certain duties that a Vigilante would never understand. They didn’t know the attatchment. They didn’t even know fully if it was the Vigilante. Personally, this is one of the least bad things they’ve done, if anything it’s actually understandable why they’d want to try and distance a baby Hornet from influences that might cause disorder for both their kingdom - and Deepnest. Of course they were wrong as Herrah delibrately chose Tiso.

But oh did it end up causing a tear. A still growing and hurt Hornet was left to fester on it, that when Tiso eventually tried to get back into looking after her - especially now Herrah was gone - she snapped.

Hornet as she is now doesn’t remember the incident - choosing to bury those memories along with others in a very unhealthy manner to forget this traitor that abandoned her. Not fully anyway. She remembers, when she thinks about it, there was shouting from her, but the details are blurred. It’s ingrained more in Tiso’s mind than hers. 

But she did snap. She was a small bundle of emotions and pain. She had just lost her mother. She had been allowed to think and think and think to the point of running in circles and convincing herself of the worst possibilities. She was still young. It hurt Tiso. It did. Even after as he tried to mend things she avoided him, until eventually he stopped trying, needing to once again focus on other things. But he always kept an eye on her. Simply at a distance. He never blamed Hornet.

Now I’ve rambled about how much they got divided and how ouchy it is yes - but remember this is still me and they are still absolutely found fam. They do mend their relationship. One of the biggest factors I feel - is the sign of hope that Ghost brings. You’ve got two bugs going through it - both going through the futile effort of trying to protect what’s left as the Infection begins to slowly creep back up again. Hornet didn’t bond with the vessels that Tiso had rescued thus far. She was trying to spare them their fate - whilst he was trying to allow them a chance at a normal life they were denied. Ghost became the only other sibling besides Hollow that Hornet had bonded with. Ghost also bonded and got very attatched to Tiso. Ghost brought a hope with them that the two probably never thought could exist anymore. Hope allows for change.

So you’ve got these two that have a strained relationship now close to the same person. You’ve got Hornet being slapped in the face with the fact all her siblings consider Tiso a father - Ghost doubly is not subtle about this fact. You’ve got Hornet now recalling the things Tiso did for her all the way back when she was a tiny feral baby.

But she’s still hurt. He still wasn’t there when she lost her mother. She still had those festering thoughts about a Vigilante that she has trouble distancing Tiso from.

What I’m saying is this time she deserves to vent. Vent without pushing him away but instead letting him stay and listen. And this time her staying when she’s done and hearing his side. She’s only a teen, but she’s learned to listen. Trauma does things to your growth.

Both their hurts are valid. Which is why they both deserve to talk it out healthily to one another. Post game naturally - as they’re occupied beforehand. It doesn’t fix things immediatly, naturally it doesn’t. That’s not how it works. But it’s a big step in the right direction. There’s no more buried hurt they’re festering over - they both know how they’ve hurt the other. They’ve both apologised. Which means they both can start moving in the better direction of mending and improving their relationship. Hornet takes ages before she considers Tiso a sort of guardian again - and being forced to be her own guardian also made it take a while. But she can’t deny it - it is nice when she does think it a couple of times. It’s like remembering the nicer times in a dark place. It’s just nice for her to slowly have a family again, to be allowed to be a child, a sister, in a family.

Their relationship was rocky, and its one of the reasons why I think about it sometimes. It’s had many ups and downs thanks to circumstances and emotionally charged decisions but at the end of the day they still are family. They still end up getting better and choosing to be a father and daughter after everything they’ve been through.

*holds gently, sobbing* You don’t understand I just fucking love the found family trope and it gives me emotions-

[bridgyrose]

Please can we get more of the Faunus Raven AU. Seems super interesting.

Raven flew through the trees on Patch, feathers shifting colors in the light as she tried to keep herself unseen as she flew closer to the home at the edge of the forest. As she lowered herself, she shifted and bounded from tree to tree, her skin keeping herself camouflaged as she finally made it to the edge of the forest. A small smile crossed her lips as she watched Yang spar with her father… until she felt a rock hit the back of her head and caused her to lose her balance. 

“You’re late, Raven,” Qrow said as he tossed a small pebble in his hand. “I thought you were going to be on time today.” 

“I am on time, not my fault they started early!” Raven half-yelled as she caught her balance and rubbed the back of her head. A heavy sigh left her as she made her way down the tree. “I would’ve been back sooner, but I… had to check on something.” 

“You were looking for Summer again, werent you?” 

“Because she’s not dead!” Raven’s skin turned red and yellow as she yelled at her brother, her fingers tensed up as she took a breath to calm herself. “She’s… she’s not dead. She’s out there somewhere, I know it. I… I just need time to figure out why my semblance doesnt work to get to her-” 

“Because she’s gone and we all need to accept it.” Qrow sighed and leaned up against a tree. “We… need to accept that she’s gone and isnt coming back. But that’s not anything you should worry about right now. You need to get to Yang.” 

Raven nodded and slowly walked over to the house as she watched Yang spar with Tai. Golden scales reflected light and shone the same way her hair did in the sun. “I thought you both were going to wait until I got back.” 

“Yang… got a bit… excited.” Tai quickly dodged out of the way of one of Yang’s punches and grabbed her arm to stop her. “Time to take a break, my little sunny dragon.” 

“But daaaad-” 

“No buts. You promised your mother you’d train with her when she got back.” 

Yang rolled her eyes and smiled, scales shimmering against the sun like flames. “What are you going to teach me today?” 

Raven motioned for Yang to follow her into the forest. “Today, I’m going to teach you a little about survival.” 

“I thought you were going to teach me how to use a sword like dad’s been teaching me close quarters combat.” Yang rushed ahead and jumped up onto a fallen log and mimicked how she watched her mother hold a sword. She made a few quick slashes in the air with a small grin. “Dad says you’re deadly with a single strike! O-or you can show me how to use a sword like Qrow’s! Or maybe-” 

“After your first year at Signal, I’ll teach you how to use a sword. But how to use weapons is only a part of how to be a great huntress. Knowing how to survive, blending in with your surroundings-” Raven smiled as she disappeared into the shadows. “-knowing your own talents and how to keep yourself alive are all equally needed. And since I grew up outside of the kingdoms, I’m better suited to teach you than your father is.” 

Yang watched as Raven reappeared, her skin taking its natural color again. “And how do you plan to do that?” 

Raven smiled and pulled out her sword and sliced into the air, her semblance activating as a portal opened in front of her like a tear. “I’m going to take you on a trip to watch my old tribe. No better way to learn than trial by fire.”

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Hue and Cry XI

Warnings: non-consent sex and rape, sad reader, Bucky being Bucky because he don’t quit.

This is dark!medieval!Bucky Barnes x reader and explicit. 18+ only.  Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Synopsis: You try to make things better.

Note: Finally it’s the weekend! Got this done catching up on FATWS and just kind went with it. Also if anyone’s interested in making a moodboard/banner for this, I’m not sure if I like the one I have and I might play around with it. I would forever be indebted to you.

Thanks to everyone and thanks in advance for all your feedback. :)

I really hope you enjoy. 💋

<3 Let me know what you think with a like or reblog or reply or an ask! Love ya!

MASTERLIST

You were frightened by the gentle touch on your elbow. You were so ensnared in your despair, you hadn’t heard the soft footsteps or sensed the figure right beside you. It was only May’s sweet voice which woke you from your drunken malaise.

“Oh dearie, what is the matter?” she rubbed your arm, “I did see how you left but Peter did not say what upset you. It wasn’t him, was it? I swear, I taught that boy better--”

“No, no, it wasn’t him, never, I… No, he has only been kind to me,” you sniffed, “it is only… I have been untrue. I do not deserve his, or your kindness.”

“Dearie, that is ridiculous, you are a good girl, you deserve all good things. Perhaps we only did just meet days ago, but we care for you. We could not be unhappy with you for anything,” she cooed.

“You don’t understand,” you daubed your eyes with your knuckles, “I… I lied to you, to your husband, and your nephew. Everyone here.”

“Is it a lie that would hurt us? Truly?” she asked, “would it lead any true plight for us? Would we lose our livelihoods or our lives?” She tried to look you in the eye, “I do not think so and so I do not worry of it.”

“What do you want from me?”

“What do I want from you?” she blinked in confusion.

“Yes, everyone wants something of me. If it is to be your friend, I do not know I could be much of one, and if it were to be… something else to your nephew, that surely could never be, and whatever it is, it cannot end well.”

“You speak in riddles, girl, and no doubt foolishly because you are already my friend and I would not rescind that title for anything.”

“And if I have no other title? Hmm? If I am only a servant painted to be a lady?” You looked at the floor and more tears streamed down, “do you still call me friend?”

She was silent. Her hand fell down your arm and she took your hand. You were surprised as she embraced you and pulled your head onto her shoulder. She rocked you as your tears spilled onto her gown.

“Whatever you are, you are good,” she whispered, “I, nor my husband, nor my nephew would take offense at your true bearing. The lie is small, but your character has shown true.”

“I can’t--I couldn’t--”

“What you will do is you will come with me for the night. You will let the wine drain from your veins and your tears subside,” she coaxed, “and whatever it is that truly troubles you will wait until then.”

“But what about--”

“Those men can tend to themselves,” she hooked her arm through yours and carefully drew you from the wall, “now let us go. I am weary myself.”

You let her lead you away even as uneasiness boiled in your stomach. You should go after Lord Barnes, find your way back to his chambers, but you were just as afraid to appease him as to defy him in that moment.

🏰

You slept beside May. Actually slept. You hadn’t done much of that in a long time. She was warm and reminded you of your mother. When you were young and she served the former Lord Barnes and you slept between her and your father on a straw mattress. He always smelled of hay and she smelled of some indiscernible pollen.

May smelled of cinnamon or something like it. You woke with a heavy head and limbs. You sat up in nothing but your shift as the older woman moved around in the dim. She hung a kettle over the small hearth in the tight chambers, nothing so roomy as the duke’s.

She stood and arranged two cups on the table. She wore a plain robe over her shift and rubbed her hands together in the morning chill. She smiled at you as she neared the window, “I didn’t mean to wake you, dearie.”

“No, I should,” you slid out from under the blankets as she pulled back the curtains from the only window, “I should go--”

“You should stay. I’ll brew some berry tea, it’ll do your head well,” she insisted.

“You don’t understand. I shouldn’t have come here last night, I should have--”

“Is this anything to do with Lord Rogers?” she interjected, “you did not say exactly how you knew him.”

“Rogers? No, he is not…” you pulled on your gown but it droop as you could not reach the laces, “please, help me dress. I must be back.”

“Back to what? To who?” she urged.

"Just back," you walked to her and turned your back to face her, "please, you've been so kind but you cannot know what should ensue should I delay."

"Because you won't tell me," she pulled the laces tight and jerked your entire body, "if you did, perhaps I might help."

"You couldn't even if you knew," you murmured as she knotted the ties, "I'm sorry. Thank you for all you've done," you faced her again, "but…"

"It's Lord Barnes." She declared staunchly, "isn't it? I saw him last night with you and Peter. My nephew would not share what was said but he was as out of sorts as you."

"As I said," you took your cap and pulled it over your head, "I am only a maid dressed to be another," you reached around your skirts to wiggle into your slippers, "I was remiss to lie to you, to involve you in my mess. You should stay away from me and I will do the same."

"You don't have to go back to him," she stopped you as you tried to flit past her.

"Where would I go?" You asked, "he will find me. He found me before. He is close with the king and every man of esteem in the kingdom and I haven't a coin to shield me."

"You could go to our stead. We could take you back with us, we are ever in need of another hand--"

"To be what? I would serve well but I expect you mean as more. Your nephew's interest in me is misplaced. I am not of his stature, in title or repute." You brushed past her and grabbed the long door handle, "I am a whore, that cannot be undone."

"Dearie--" you left her and pulled the door to clatter loudly behind you. It was early still but too late to please Barnes. You would face his wrath so it did not again stray to Peter and his kin.

You found Lester outside his door. The horse-faced guard snickered as he let you through and you hid your sneer from him. You knew how he listened through the door and there were times he mocked you when Barnes was not around, mimicking those whines and whimpers drawn from you in your torment. He would have more fodder that day.

The duke was awake. He sat only in his nightshirt before the blazing fire as he stirred it with the iron poker. He grumbled as the latch fell back into place. 

"You're overdue," he stated bluntly, "how is the boy? Hmm, were you so desperate to beg his pardons that you could not be troubled with mine?"

"It was his aunt, she saw me through the night. I was drunk," you neared him cautiously, "I wanted to be back but she kept me. It is no excuse for my… straying." 

You went around him so that you stood between him and the flames. He raised the poker to point it at your throat as he glared up at you. You grabbed it lightly and pushed it aside. He let you and dropped it to the floor with a clunk. He squinted up at you curiously. You bent slowly and gathered your skirts to lift them.

"No--" Bucky began and you put a finger to his lips, a shaky finger, and came closer as you hushed him.

You straddled him as your skirts bunched behind you as you held yourself up with your knees against the bench. You let your hand fall to his shoulder, that one which did not lead to more, and bent to kiss him through the thin linen.

"I came back, my lord," you said, "I wanted to all night but the wine… let me make it right."

He grabbed your chin with his other hand and forced you up. His jaw clenched as he looked you in the eye and held you there. You slid your hand down his chest and stomach and rubbed him through the tails of the shirt. He responded quickly as you felt him growing hard.

"You tell me all the things you want of me but do not allow me to be them," you leaned in so that his lips were close to yours, "so let me."

His blue eyes glimmered and you felt him gasp as you hand slipped under his nightshirt. His hand slipped down to your chest and squeezed as he moaned airily.

"You think I would forgive you?" He asked, his lips grazing yours hotly.

"For what, my lord? You thrust me into another's arms but what more did I do but dance," you struggled to keep your voice from quivering, "you left me there alone but I came back to you…" you stroked him and he gulped, "don't I always come back to you, my lord?"

You kissed him and forced down the revulsion and anxiety of what you were doing. This was the only language he understood. You angled his member and lifted yourself over him. You angled him against your entrance and shuddered as you let him inside. You croaked as you parted from his lips and sheathed him completely,

"I don't want that boy," you whispered as you moved you hips and latched onto his shoulders to keep on him, "only you, my lord, as you want me."

"Sweeting," he murmured, "ohhhh…" 

His hand went to your hip beneath the layers of your gown and shift. He grasped your thigh as you kept your motion steady. You flinched only as his fingers crawled to your vee and he flicked your bud. You moaned without thinking and focused on your hips.

A heat built at his fingertips as he kissed you again, deep and desperate as his hips tilted into you from below. The bench creaked under your weight and the fire flickered against your back. You slung your arms around him and closed your eyes, they stung but you would not cry.

You huffed as the tension coiled inside of you, his fingers working faster and faster, urging you on as his smoky voice filled your lungs. You tore your mouth away from his and hung your head back as your body moved out of instinct. 

You felt the same rise as that day in the carriage when he first touched you. Ripples rolled over you and you exclaimed as they rained over you like hail. Your walls clenched him and the tenderness that lingered dissolved. It had never felt this good, never felt good at all.

He pulled his hand from between your legs and hooked his arm around you. He stood and flipped you swiftly so that your back was across the bench. Your legs dangled down, splayed before him as he took control. He hammered into atop the narrow bench as you head and shoulders hung off the back. 

Your hood fell onto the floor and sweat gathered beneath the silk and linen of your day-old attire. You swooped your arm around Bucky's neck as he pinned you on the thin cushion and the noise of his frantic intrusion filled the room. He smelled of leather and smoke. He felt like fire and ice at once.

He rammed into you as hard as he could and pushed his face into the crook of your neck. His heavy pants warmed your flesh and his bit into your throat as he groaned. His hips spasmed wildly and he came with a final pinch of your tender skin. He stopped at his hilt and rested atop you like a stone.

The blood pounded in your head painfully as you hung over the bench. He pulled you up with him and your vision swam from the disorienting rise as he kept inside of you. He staggered around the seat and carried you to the bed, falling atop you on the cushy feather mattress. 

He pushed himself up on his elbow and gazed down at you. He shoved his cock as deep as he could and watched you squirm. His eyes were alight as he delighted in your helpless whimpers and you grasped the front of his nightshirt.

"You will always come back to me," he rasped and thrust hard, "always."

"Always… my lord," you squeaked as the pain once more filled your core and soul alike.

[beifongsss]

blush [zuko]

Pairing: Zuko x reader

Summary: Requested by anon “ Zuko x reader where she meets uncle iroh for the first time!!! Zuko has only talked to reader about him but she finally meets him”. Takes place when they find Iroh and the Order of the White Lotus right before Sozin’s Comet.

~

It had been a few weeks since Zuko had joined your group. And in those weeks, you had found yourself becoming a stuttering, blushing mess whenever he wandered anywhere near you. 

You had always thought that the prince was attractive but you kept those thoughts bottled away deep, deep inside your mind. He was the enemy. You shouldn’t have been fawning over his looks. However, now that he had had a change of heart and wanted to teach Aang firebending, a part of you couldn’t help but think that technically, your feelings weren’t forbidden anymore. 

Zuko and Aang spent most of their time training in the courtyard, which was a good thing seeing as how you spent most of your time there with either Sokka or Katara. It was quite a sight to see, the avatar being trained by the very person that used to be his sworn enemy. Their movements were strong and fierce, almost hypnotizing. It also didn’t hurt that Zuko had the tendency to lose his shirt halfway through their training sessions. 

Surprisingly, it was Sokka who had eventually caught on to your feelings instead of Katara. It hadn’t been hard considering that you were always bright red whenever Zuko was within twenty feet of you. Instead of confronting you and teasing you about it, he went to Zuko instead. 

~

Aang had scrambled off immediately after training, wanting to go for a ride on Appa. Shaking his head as Aang ran off, Zuko bent down to pick up his shirt, pulling it on before turning and coming face-to-face with Sokka.

“Agh!” Zuko exclaimed stumbling backwards at the water tribe boy’s sudden appearance before scowling. “What do you want?”

Sokka smiled widely, leaning on the pillar next to him. “Nothing. Just thought you should know that our very own (Y/N/N) has a crush on you. Although to tell you the truth, I don’t know what she sees in you buddy.”

Zuko’s scowl disappeared as he turned to glance at you. Sokka followed his line of sight, his smile becoming impossibly wider as he noticed Zuko’s puzzled expression. “N-No, there’s no way she likes me.”

“Believe me or don’t,” Sokka said, once again earning a scowl from the scarred prince. “But a girl like that? You’re one lucky guy.”

Sokka and Zuko stood in silence as they watched you talk to Katara, You had said something to her, causing her to bend a stream of water out of the fountain and splash you with it. You threw your head back as you laughed, unaware of the two boys watching you from a distance. 

Zuko’s chest tightened uncomfortably as he looked at you, a large smile still on your face as you splashed Katara with your foot. He had always thought that you were pretty, but his main concern had always been capturing the Avatar. Now that Aang’s capture wasn’t his concern, he could start to live his life as normally as he possibly could while in the midst of a giant war. And so, it was in that moment that he figured out that he had feelings for you as well. 

And of course, Sokka noticed and decided to take matters into his own hands.

~

It started off small. Sokka would make sure to call you and Zuko last for dinner so you’d end up sitting next to each other, he’d clean the sleeping hall and put your sleeping bags back next to one another, he would ask you to go hunt or get water together. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, just Sokka being Sokka. 

Eventually, Aang and Toph caught on and things became more obvious. Their manner of approaching things was more direct, and it usually ended up with you stumbling into Zuko. One time, Aang had sent a gust of wind into a door you had just stepped through, causing it to slam into you and throw you into Zuko, who had been walking past at that particular moment. 

Another incident was when Zuko was making his way over to an empty seat and Toph had suddenly caused the ground to become uneven. Zuko had tripped, falling against you and bringing you down to the ground with him. Everyone had gone silent at the scene before them. Zuko was hovering above you, his arms on either side of your head as he tried not to crush you under him. You were staring at him, wide-eyed. Your chests brushed softly with every breath you took and in that moment, as you looked into each other’s eyes, it felt as though it was only the two of you in the Western Air Temple. 

Katara was the one to break the silence, clearing her throat and asking if the two of you were alright. Zuko had scrambled up, stumbling over his words as he assured everyone he was fine before extending a hand to you. He had underestimated his strength however, and pulled you up harder than he meant to, sending you crashing against him. Your free hand was pressed against his chest as you regained your balance, cheeks blazing bright red as you made eye contact with him. After a bunch of stuttered assurances that you were both fine, the two of you departed from the courtyard with Zuko heading into the nearby forest to release some of his pent-up emotions and you heading to the sleeping hall to think about what had just happened. 

By the end of the night, everyone knew how the two of you felt about each other. Even if the two of you were still unaware. 

~

After the incident Toph had caused, Zuko had begun to approach you more often. Everyone had been surprised, assuming that the incident would’ve just embarrassed Zuko to the point of no return and that he would simply avoid you. 

And so, a friendship blossomed between you and the prince. 

After seeing the way the two of you interacted, everyone had decided to stop trying to push you together. It was much more interesting to see you blush profusely and Zuko stutter for a ridiculously long time whenever your hands brushed against each other. Not to mention the way Zuko would be rendered speechless whenever your eyes sparkled as you talked about something important to you.

Teasing the two of you became the new normal and you often found yourselves going for walks in the woods to avoid everyone and converse without interruptions. The two of you opened up to each other fairly quickly, talking about everything and nothing. When you learned about how he had gotten his scar, you had hugged him tightly, making sure that he knew it wasn’t his fault and that he didn’t deserve what Ozai had put him through.

It was after this that he began to talk to you about his uncle Iroh and how he had been the only person who had ever truly loved him, other than his mother. He spoke about Iroh with great love and respect and you could feel your heart break at the pain Zuko felt after betraying Iroh.

“He hates me now,” Zuko said roughly, bowing his head as his eyes filled with tears. You approached him slowly, placing your fingers under his chin to lift his gaze towards yours. Your heart ached at the pain that was visible in his striking gold irises. 

“He doesn’t hate you,” you whispered, not breaking eye contact. “The way you talk about him, he’s like a father to you.”

“More of a father than Ozai ever was,” Zuko muttered softly, avoiding your gaze.

“He loves you,” you insisted. “He will forgive you. I know it.”

You engulfed Zuko in a hug to which he responded by pulling you close and finally allowing himself to cry. After that, your relationship was only strengthened and when you walked back into the Air Temple, everyone could tell. 

~

A while later, you all found yourselves back in the Earth Kingdom, looking for the woman (June, Zuko had called her) that Zuko had once employed to hunt you all down. After proclaiming that Aang was just gone from the physical world, Zuko had gotten desperate and attempted one last thing to try and gain an advantage over the Fire Lord. 

And that is how you found yourself sitting next to a visibly anxious Zuko as Appa followed the shirshu, who was tracking Iroh’s scent. You eventually found yourselves back in Ba Sing Se, June telling you that this was where Iroh was. You all traveled a little further before Zuko came to a stop.

“It’s been a long day,” he stated, pausing slightly. “Let's camp and start our search again at dawn.”

You helped Sokka set up camp, shooting worried glances at Zuko every once in a while. 

“So,” Sokka drawled as he nudged your shoulder, a wicked smirk appearing on his face. “How long is it gonna be before you and Prince Pouty over there are smooching?”

You straightened up, blushing at his words. “Sokka! Shut up. There is nothing going on between me and Zuko.”

Sokka scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Sure there isn’t.”

The conversation ended as you walked off to your sleeping bag, curling up in it as you avoided Sokka’s teasing glances. You were beginning to drift off to sleep when you heard a familiar voice.

“Well look who’s here!”

You all shot up out of bed, with Toph shouting in the process. “What’s going on? We’re surrounded by old people!”

You felt Zuko holding onto your wrist, bringing you slightly behind him as you looked around. You felt a smile grow on your face as you recognized the people around you. “Bumi!”

Zuko’s expression changed into one of confusion as you ran forwards, stopping in front of each man to bow to them. 

“They aren’t just any old people,” Katara said, talking to Toph. “These are great masters and friends of ours.”

Zuko approached slowly, bowing to Jeong Jeong when Katara introduced him as Aang’s first firebending teacher. Sokka bowed to Piandao before Suki broke the silence. “So wait, how do you all know each other?”

“All old people know each other,” Bumi snorted. “Don’t you know that?”

“We're all part of the same ancient secret society,” Piandao explained, looking at everyone. “A group that transcends the divisions of the four nations.”

“The Order of the White Lotus,” Zuko breathed, realizing that Iroh was much closer than he thought. 

“That’s the one,” Bumi confirmed, still chuckling. 

“The White Lotus has always been about philosophy and beauty and truth,” Jeong Jeong said. “But about a month ago, a call went out that we were needed for something important.”

“It came from a Grand Lotus,” Pakku continued, turning to face Zuko. “Your uncle, Iroh of the Fire Nation.”

Zuko smiled softly, Toph coming up behind him to speak. “Well that’s who we’re looking for!”

“Then we’ll take you to him,” Piandao stated, a nervous look overtaking Zuko’s face.

~

“Are you okay?” you asked softly, sitting next to Zuko as the masters led you to their camp.

“Yes,” Zuko spoke sharply before glancing at you, his tone softening. “No. I don’t know. What will I say when I see him?”

“You’ll figure it out Zuko,” you replied. “And he’ll forgive you, because that’s what people who love you do.”

Zuko didn’t reply, instead choosing to reach down and intertwine your hands. You were both glad that it was dark out so that no one would notice the blush dusting your cheeks. 

You reached the camp far more quickly than expected. Zuko felt his heart race as you came to a stop in the middle of the camp, facing Piandao when he addressed him. 

“Your uncle is in there Prince Zuko,” he said, pointing to a white tent standing across from the spot you were standing in before walking away. 

You made a move to walk over to Katara and Sokka when Zuko’s hand tightened around yours, “Please stay with me.”

You hesitated slightly before nodding, following him to the entrance of the tent.

“Are you ready?” you asked softly, squeezing his hand. Zuko nodded before moving forward, his hand squeezing yours desperately.  

“Uncle?” Zuko asked quietly, entering the tent. He stopped in his tracks, a soft smile appearing when he saw his uncle snoring softly on a cot. Silently, he sat down, pulling you with him as he curled up on the mat. You took a seat beside him, his head landing on your lap as he laid down. You leaned against a crate that sat next to you, your hands running through Zuko’s hair until his breathing evened out and he fell asleep. It was only then that you closed your eyes as well.

~

Zuko awoke when he heard a slight chuckle, and sat up to face his uncle. Immediately, Zuko threw himself forward onto his knees, his eyes not meeting Iroh’s as he remembered what you had told him about apologizing. “Uncle, I know you must have mixed feelings about seeing me. But I want you to know, I am so, so, sorry, Uncle. I am so sorry and ashamed of what I did. I don't know how I can ever make it up to you. But I'll- “

Zuko’s rambling was cut off as Iroh knelt down in front of him and embraced him. His eyes began watering, tears spilling as he hugged his Uncle. “How can you forgive me so easily? I thought you would be furious with me.”

“I was never angry with you,” Iroh said. “I was sad because I was afraid you lost your way.”

“I did lose my way,” Zuko mumbled. 

“But you found it again,” Iroh said, pulling back from the embrace and motioning towards you. “And something tells me she had something to do with it.”

Zuko didn’t reply, his face going bright red as Iroh chuckled. He had nothing to say, knowing that his uncle was right.

“Tell her how you feel soon, Prince Zuko,” Iroh said, smiling softly. “Do not let her get away.”

~

You emerged from the empty tent a while later to find everyone sitting around a fire. Quickly noticing the man sitting next to Zuko, you proceeded to bow down to him. 

“General Iroh!” you said. “It is an honor to be in your presence. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Iroh chuckled before waving you over to the empty seat next to him. “No need for the formalities Miss (Y/N). And it is I who am honored to be here with you. I have heard much about you from my nephew and I must thank you for taking care of him while I was gone.”

You missed the blush on Zuko’s face that appeared at Iroh’s words, too distracted by the cup of tea that the once-general had handed you. You took a sip, your eyes widening in wonder as you looked at Iroh once more.

“This tea is amazing! Ginseng tea is my favorite,” you exclaimed, taking another sip. Iroh smiled at you before sending a teasing glance at Zuko.

“It is my favorite as well,” Iroh chuckled. “I am glad to see that my nephew has such great taste in women.”

A silence followed, only made awkward by Zuko’s stuttering. 

“Uncle!” Zuko hissed, glaring at the jolly old man who simply took another sip of tea. 

Neither one of you had a chance to reply as the conversation soon turned serious. With Aang gone, you all needed to think of a plan just in case he didn’t return in time. It was then decided that Zuko and Katara would head to the palace to fight Azula while you, Sokka, Suki, and Toph would stop the airship fleet. It wasn’t until you were gathering your tools and weapons that Zuko managed to pull you aside. 

“Look (Y/N),” he began, fidgeting nervously. “Just in case something happens-”

“Nothing’s going to happen,” you cut him off, placing your hand over his to stop it from shaking. “We’re all going to be fine.”

“Just in case,” Zuko stressed. “I need you to know...”

“What Zuko?” you questioned, ducking your head to catch his gaze. He stared at you for a few seconds, causing you to shift under his gaze. “What is i-”

You were cut off as Zuko leaned forwards, connecting his lips to yours. You gasped softly before returning the kiss eagerly. You stayed like that for a few seconds before being broken apart by Sokka’s voice.

“Hey!” Sokka cried. “As glad as I am that you and Prince Pouty are finally smooching, we really do have to save the world right now.”

Chuckling softly, Zuko pressed another kiss to your lips before pulling away. 

“Stay safe,” you breathed, embracing him one last time. 

“Trust me, I will,” Zuko whispered into your ear. “Now I have someone worth fighting for.”

You watched him walk away, only looking away when you felt something hit your head. Turning, you found yourself facing an impatient Sokka, motioning for you to climb onto the eel hound. “Are you done? let’s go.”

Grinning, you grabbed his hand, sliding onto the eel hound behind him. You were ready to fight, knowing that Zuko would be waiting for you when this was all over. 

~

so the sokka fic will be out soon but for now here is this zuko fic. i hope its alright its my first time writing for him. hope you all enjoy :)

[beyondspaceandstars]

Take Me Away

Relationship: Wanda Maximoff x Reader Warnings: slight angst, eventual fluff Summary: Royalty!AU - You and your lady-in-waiting Wanda have been in a secret, forbidden relationship but everything gets tested when your father, the King, announces you are to be wed to a prince from a neighboring country. A/N: i’ve been loving royalty!au stuff lately and wanted to take my own stab at it. it’s not the most complicated, spectacular piece but i enjoyed writing it!

Masterlist

Wanda always arrived to your chambers right at the crack of dawn. Ever the punctual one, your lady-in-waiting never wasted a second once that bright light of a new day came through the windows. Sometimes she was even tasked with waking you up, ranting and raving about how your gown was going to take forever to lace up or that your hair wasn’t going to be dry enough to meet your family for breakfast.

Her frantic attitude always made you laugh. You thought her worrying heart was so silly and to show for it, you’d sometimes make it a point to shut her up with a kiss. One thing would lead to another until you two were lost among the silk sheets.

That all, though, had come to a stop today. Wanda was late this morning and you sadly knew why. Her heart must’ve been breaking, taking all her energy to pick up the pieces one by one this morning. You didn’t blame her, really, you felt the same break within you.

It had all fallen out last night. Your father, the usually benevolent King, had held a feast for your court and the royal family of a neighboring country. This wasn’t unusual for him as he very much loved to entertain. Everything had been going smooth. You were lost in the dancing and laughing with the patron, eagerly showing off the brand new dress your tailor had delivered that morning. You even got to sneak some cheeky glances at Wanda who stood off with the other servants, ready when needed.

Everything came to a screeching halt the second dinner had concluded. In between the refills of wine and arrival of dessert, your father had a surprise announcement to. It was as if a million bombs were going off. He revealed you were set to be married to the bordering country’s Prince. No one had told you, not even a hint from your mother, just this public declaration. You looked towards the king and his son — your soon-to-be-husband — and they were just beaming with joy. All plans and politics were falling into place for them while your world was crumbling.

You had excused yourself to the bathroom where you vomited profusely. Wanda, though, didn’t arrive to help. In fact, she didn’t arrive to your room for the rest of the night, sending one of the temporary servants instead.

You fell asleep feeling the loneliest you had felt in a long time. And those feelings certainly weren’t subsiding as you sat at your vanity the next morning, still waiting for Wanda.

You had been sitting alone for so long you thought she had abandoned her duties — or maybe she had just straight up retired last night and you were waiting on nothing — but then there was the unmistakable sound of your heavy door creaking open followed the gentle clicking of it closing. You peered into your looking glass, shifting it so slightly to show you the presence behind you.

"Wanda," you sighed, her naming falling from your lips as if it was the sweetest honey.

"Your Highness." While unsurprising, her cold and stoic response cut you. Your body tensed. Last time she had called you that was upon your very first meeting. Before she was the lover you kept in the shadows. Before there was ever a chance of losing her. The royal title felt like a death sentence now.

After a deep breath, you slowly placed the looking glass back on the table. You felt Wanda approach you from behind with caution. You didn’t know whether to turn around or ask her to begin her morning duties. If you were to be really honest with yourself, you just wanted to grab her and hold one another.

But Wanda seemed to have decided for the both of you. Hesitantly, she reached for the brush on the vanity and gently began on your hair. You wanted to cry.

"Wanda, please," you mumbled. "Talk to me."

"Talk to you?" She repeated, her fingers now running through your hair giving slight pulls as she fixed the curls. The actions reminded you of when she would… "And what would you like me to say?"

"Something, anything!" You were nearly crying, your words coming out in weak begs. "I didn’t know anything about it, you have to trust me on that. I—I don’t want… I could never—,"

"Never, what?" Wanda cut you off, the brushing motions in your hair suddenly halted. "You couldn’t possibly think we could ever be together fully. I’ll admit, I indulged in this fantasies but I’ve stopped. We weren’t meant to be and you sure weren’t meant to be a single princess forever." She cleared her throat. "This was bound to happen, I fear."

"No, no," you fought back, shaking your head insistently. Wanda placed a hand on your shoulder, trying to calm you down, but you only jumped at the touch, feeling that burning connection between you two. You couldn’t believe how much hold she had over you. How much you had over one another.

"Your Highness, I’m afraid—,"

"We can run away." The words slipped out of you so fast you never had a chance to bite your tongue. It felt like the world stopped, like you had created your own bomb to set off. Wanda’s grip on your shoulder got tighter. You straightened your posture, meaning business now despite the tears still flowing. You placed your hand atop of hers and continued, "I really think we could do it, dear. I can access the family funds, we could pack a few things, then be off in the night. Wouldn’t that just be nice? We could go wherever, start whatever life we want. You’re not wrong to say this was bound to happen but that doesn’t mean we can’t escape it."

"My Lady… There must be some consideration for the prince, the kingdoms, your subjects—,"

"They’re better to have no ruler than one who lives in constant agony."

The declaration was bold but it was the farthest from a lie. You decided to finally turn and face Wanda, your hand now holding hers with the greatest, most loving strength. The first thing you noticed were her eyes. They were so red and heavy, no doubt from hours of crying. Her hair was a mess as well, complimented by the worn down servants gown she wore. She hadn’t put any effort in today, probably dragging herself about as you predicted.

Slowly, you pressed a soft kiss to the back of her hand. Wanda let out a breathy gasp. When you met her eyes again, it appeared the deal had been sealed. But you needed her to say it.

"We can really do this, can’t we?" She asked shyly.

You nodded, a little grin playing at your lips. "I think we could go anywhere," you confirmed. "Maybe we can start a farm, raise some chickens or cows. Or — Oh! We could start a nice garden. I loved the one here but father wouldn’t let me learn how to care for it."

Wanda sighed as she watched you get lost in a new fantasy, one way beyond just being together but having a life. "Speaking of your father, he will send people after us, won’t he? The palace guards will die trying to find us if they have to."

You simply shrugged. Sure, she wasn’t wrong, but this was a big place and who knew what bigger places were out there. "Let them," you finally said. "We’ll be so far long gone before they realize it they won’t know what hit them."

Silence fell between you two.

"You’re going to give up all this for a chance for us to be together?" Wanda finally asked, motioning towards the gloriousness of the castle chamber. She was a very thorough one, extremely detailed-oriented, which made her the best partner-in-crime you had decided before ever engaging romantically. Eventually, it was one of the things that made you fall head over heals. She noticed everything, always the sweet and cool observer. You didn’t blame her for using the skill now.

"Wanda, dear," you sighed as your hand crept its way to her neck. "I’d give it all up a million times over to be with you."

Your sweet lover looked like she was now going to cry so you took the leap to lean up, catching her lips with yours. After a stunned moment, she returned the kiss, your lips moving in a familiar sync. It was electrifying knowing you hadn’t lost her. Knowing she was most likely going to be it for you, forever. Completely devoted to one another, comfortably and freely.

Wanda’s hand begin caressing your cheek when she pulled away slightly. Your foreheads were touching now but it still wasn’t close enough for you.

"Let’s do it," she whispered. "Take me away."

Words seemed so hard, something only the presence of Wanda could do to you. Unable to figure what was right to say now, of all times, you nodded and wrapped one arm around her waist. You pulled her into you, hugging her with all your might. She didn’t hesitate to return the embrace, soaking each other in.

"Of course, dear," you eventually said. Such small words they held the mysterious beginning and marked the glorious end.