#it was ragnar's favorite when he was little

[beskarfrog]

our honeymoon, our honeymoon

just really obsessed with the idea of luke having the worst day ever (aside from all of his interaction with vader lol)

luke hates his coruscant apartment, he hates the city in general, he's had to separate the jedi order from the new republic for various reasons (add in a fight with leia for extra angst) and he's being vilified by the same people who used to prop him up as the poster boy for the new republic

luke is beyond exhausted and then he's coming back home to his weird little family and just crying bc he's so relieved to see them

not pictured: all the kids jumping on luke the minute they realize he's home

also very obsessed with honeymoon by lana del rey rn, its got dinluke vibes in my brain, so i will probably do a few more arts of them based on the lyrics

[theyhavetakenovermylife]

Random facts about Valentina or I can say the princess XD

Random Facts About Valentina

Bayverse!Leonardo x reader

All Children Romeo Marcello Gerardo

A/N: Of course we have to do one for the Princess! Do you have any idea how mad she is, because I did Joan and Romeo before her?😂💙

Warnings: None💙

Just like with your sons, you and Leo wanted to name your first and only daughter, something that fell in line with the Italian theme you already had in place. Therefore you decided on the name Valentina, meaning strong and healthy, along with inspiring mental depictions of love and happiness.

The youngest of the flock, and the apple of everyone’s eye, Valentina pretty much has everyone wrapped around her finger, especially her brothers. Treating her like a princess, refusing to hit too hard while practicing. That eventually became a problem, with you and Leo having to explain that if they held back on her, she wouldn’t be able to learn.

At 15, Valentina was finally gifted her weapon, after having seen her cousins and brothers train with theirs for such a long time. The weapon grandpa Splinter gifted her was a bow and arrows, citing her focused ability to reach a goal from afar.

The nickname Princess, was one that Valentina herself actually came up with. Well, sort of. It came after she at 3 years old, started dancing around the lair in her favorite princess dress, saying that she was exactly that. Her adorable little smile as she stood jumping in front of you, singing “I’m a princess! I’m a princess!”, leaving the whole family smiling. And given everyone’s tendency to do and bring her anything she asked for, the name Princess was just fitting.

As the youngest of the Hamato family, with a 8 years age gap between her and her youngest cousin, Ragnar, Valentina had a lot of attention on her. Growing up, there was always someone to play with or talk to, and every birthday and Christmas brought her a lot of gifts.

What is more adorable than a toddler playing dress up and having a tea party with her father? A toddler playing dress up and having a tea party with her father and all three of her big brothers. The amount of times you had walked into Valentina’s room, confused of where your family disappeared to, only to find them all crowded around a small table, each with a very small tea cup, pinkies out, tiaras, tue tues and all of it. Yes, you have taken pictures, and yes, you shared those pictures to all of the turtles’ partners in the group chat.

If anyone knew how to do a smokey eye, a killer sharp eyeliner, or any of the latest makeup trends, it was Valentina. Growing up, she learned much about makeup from not only you and her aunts, but Dorothy and Minerva as well. But once she hit her teens, she was the one teaching you and the others many new tricks and tips.

Being the youngest had its pros, but certainly also had its cons. Imagine the day your sons learned that their 16 year old baby sister had actually been sneaking to the surface, in order to hang out with a group of humans, who she had been friends with for around a year. They freaked out, way more than you and Leo did. Actually, Leo had seemed to relax quite a bit when it came to his children, seeing how the oldests was now adults, but your sons freaked out. Even Gerardo was freaking out, yelling and screaming about how dangerous it was, all while you and Leo watched from the couch.

At the age of 8, Valentina started begging you and Leo, wanting to have a cat. For a long time, Leo stood fast and wouldn’t allow her to get said cat. But then a 21 year old Marcello came home with a cat he had found on the street, and when Valentina said she wanted to keep it, Leo could not fight it any more, deciding it was time to get a cat. And of course, Valentina named the cat Lady.

Like her brothers, Valentina takes her training very seriously, but in a very different way than her brothers. Although the art of ninjutsu was important to her, her main focus was to keep healthy and fit. But as she grew older, she became more and more aware of how important it was to learn self defense, especially given her nature, being a half human, half mutant turtle, in order to protect herself. And well, it would prove handy, once while she was out with her friends.

[grantairescurls]

Athelstan & the Lothbroks headcanons (s1 centered)

Athelstan rocks Gyda in his arms and sings lullabies in Old English when she cant sleep (Bjorn, who sleeps in the same room as her, pretends to be annoyed by it but secretly loves his songs. will never admit it though).

Weeks later after gathering enough courage Athelstan asks Lagertha to teach him lullabies in Old Norse. She laughs, and he mentally curses himself blushing up to his ears in embarrassment, but then she agrees and they spend evenings practicing together.

Gyda teaches him how to make flowers crowns, Lagertha how to braid hair and sew, Ragnar how to carve wood and fight and Bjorn… well Bjorn tests his patience quite a lot. He learns a lot from that, as well.

Him and Gyda go on walks and stop to stare at every pretty plant/insect while Athelstan whispers fun facts in her ear. Gyda doesn’t understand Latin and she knows that she certainly won’t remember most of the names he’s saying, but she always listens and waits for him to be done before starting to walk again.

He is slightly allergic to cherries, but Lagertha loves them, so every time she seems sad he walks to the market in Kattegat and gets a bunch, washes them carefully, and waits until shes not so caught up in work to bring her a little bowl of her favorite fruit and cheese (His neck and hands are going to be itchy for the next couple of days, but he tells himself that the woman’s soft smile makes it worth it).

One day Ragnar accidentally cuts him badly during training, which lead to Athelstan biting down on cloth so hard he feels his skull crack as Lagertha cleans his wound with fire and salt. Ragnar is also there, but he doesnt do much other than wipe the sweat off his face and tell him how cool that scar is going to look once healed.

Ragnar likes to tease him by calling him by many names, but if there was one which annoyed Athelstan was “little goat”. He didnt get it at first, thinking he was just insulting him, until Ragnar explained that: “You remind me of a goat, yes. Goats look dumb and weak, but they hide great intelligence and courage behind their silly round eyes”. Athelstan didnt know whether to feel even more insulted or flattered.

Lagertha and Ragnar realized that he has nightmares often pretty soon as, since the first days he arrived at the farm, they could hear him toss and turn and grunt and even cry in his sleep every other night. Sometimes Gyda hears him too and wakes him up gently, offering comfort, but when it gets really bad Ragnar picks him up in his arms and carries him to their bed. Most of the times he manages to sleep the rest of the night peacefully.

[vikingshieldmaidenx]

Torvi is a shieldmaiden, who was trained by Lagertha. She was a princess, was the wife of Jarl Borg, Erlendur and Bjorn and is now the wife of Ubbe, was the mother of Guthrum, Hali and Asa, who all three died. She's the mother of Ragnar and Leja Talvi, her children with her husband Ubbe. She was the second hand maid of Lagertha, has a close relationship with her. Torvi is a caring, beautiful, smart, and strong-willed young woman. Bjorn described her as "having a wildness that can only be just contained," which Bjorn also says is what he loves and admires about her. Torvi is very protective of those she loves, willing to go as far as killing. For example, when she killed her second husband Erlendur, when he threaten to kill her son and attempted to force her to kill Bjorn. Since becoming a shield-maiden, Torvi has become ruthless and more fearless. She does not let her emotions get the better of her. She becomes Lagertha's second-in-command. Torvi is very observant. She is always quick to notice a potential attack. Torvi seems to be more shy and less outspoken with her now ex-husband Bjorn, despite how outspoken she generally is. She has a close bond with Edda and is a part of the shieldmaidens which are subordinate to Edda. With Xenia and Caya she has a strong and close bond and a sister like relationship.

Proud wife of @ubbesonofragnar and proud mother of @ragnarsonofubbe and @daughterofashieldmaiden - my beloved favorite men and my perfect little girl, my family. I love you so much. We will stay together, always.

[briar-moon]

Red Rising Characters as Tortured Poets Department Songs

Darrow: i'mgonnagetyouback

-> "Whether I'm gonna be your wife or / Gonna smash up your bike / I haven't decided yet / But I'm gonna get you back"

Cassius: I Can Do It With a Broken Heart

-> "I was grinning like I'm winning / I was hitting my marks / 'Cause I can do it with a broken heart"

Mustang: The Alchemy

-> "He jokes that it's heroin, but this time with an 'E' / 'Cause the sign on your heart / Said it's still reserved for me"

Sevro: Florida!!!

-> "Little did you know your home's really only / The town you'll get arrested / So you pack your life away just to wait out / The shitstorm back in Texas"

Victra: But Daddy I Love Him

-> "I'd rather burn my whole life down / Than listen to one more second of all this bitchin' and moanin' / I'll tell you something 'bout my good name / It's mine alone to disgrace"

Lyria: Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?

-> "I was tame, I was gentle 'til the circus life made me mean / 'Don't you worry, folks, we took out all her teeth' / Who's afraid of little old me? / Well you should be"

Theodora: Clara Bow

-> "Beauty is a beast that roars down on all fours / Demanding more / Only when your girlish glow flickers just so / Do they let you know / It's hell on earth to be heavenly"

Tactus: I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)

-> "The smoke cloud billows out his mouth / Like a freight train through a small town / The jokes that he told across the bar / Were revolting and far too loud"

Roque: The Tortured Poets Department

-> "I laughed in your face and said / 'You're not Dylan Thomas, I'm not Patti Smith / This ain't the Chelsea Hotel, we're modern idiots'"

Ragnar: The Albatross

-> "I swept in at the rescue / The devil that you know / Looks now more like an angel / I'm the life you chose / And all this terrible danger"

Sefi: The Prophecy

-> "A greater woman has faith / But even statues crumble if they're made to wait"

Pax Sr.: So High School

-> "Truth, dare, spin bottles / You know how to ball, I know Aristotle"

Evey: My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys

-> "'Cause he took me out of my box / Stole my tortured heart / Left all these broken parts / Told me I'm better off / But I'm not"

Dancer: Fortnight

-> "And for a fortnight there, we were forever / Run into you sometimes, ask about the weather / Now you're in my backyard, turned into good neighbors"

Eo: Cassandra

-> "Bet they never spared a prayer for my soul / You can mark my words that I said it first / In a mourning warning, no one heard"

Julian: Robin

-> "You got the dragonflies above your bed / You have a favorite spot on the swing set / You have no room in your dreams for regrets"

Volga: I Hate it Here

-> "I hate it here so I will go to lunar valleys in my mind / When they found a better planet, only the gentle survived / I dreamed about it in the dark, the night I felt like I might die"

Orion: So Long, London

-> "And you say I abandoned the ship / But I was going down with it / My white-knuckle dying grip / Holding tight to your quiet resentment"

Lysander: The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived

-> "You kicked out the stage lights, but you're still performing / And in plain sight you hid / but you are what you did / And I'll forget you, but I'll never forgive / the smallest man who ever lived"

Should I do other albums?

[thatfoxnamedfinley]

LET'S BURN aka Morning Star thoughts

YOU KNOW HOW WE DO

SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT lets GOOoOooooOooooooOOO

Trigg was a gay icon "Stay close. Nut to butts here, dont be shy."

RAGNARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

I cried UGLY TEARS on my drive home from work. The only time I cried during the book. Ragnar talking about how he will build him a house next to his but don't come to the Veil too quickly because it will take him a while to build it. Telling his sister to live for more. Smiling even at the end.

PB, why bro. You have damaged me by doing the following.

1.) Killing Pax (THE ENDING DONT TOUCH ME, WELL GET TO IT)

2.) Killing Pax's archetype replacement

You make me like Pax, you take him away. You make me LOVE Ragnar and you take him away. Ragnar UNDERSTOOD, he understood the Rising and what it all meant more than most and you TOOK HIM AWAYYYYYYY. *Slams fist on table*

Ok ok ok ok also small side note when they crashed and encountered Cassius and Aja (i love to hate this bitch) and Mustang has her bow drawn on Cassius and is like

I WILL PUT YOU DOWN

and in my brain I'm like "nah she wouldn't"

and then she FIRES the shot into Cassius' neck

((the plot armor on this man is actually crazy))

And I had this amazing moment when listening to the audiobook that I got goosies...I imagined the snow around her and her hair blowing around her face and DETERMINATION in her eyes as she fires the shot

I was so PROUD of her

I was like

Sevro and Darrow's fight was awesome. Sweet, even. Talking about how he can see the protectiveness in Darrow's eyes when he was looking at the refugees on Tinos. His head on Darrow's knee. Talking about Eo & Sevro talking about how all he wanted was to cause wrath in the wake of his father's murder. He questions his leadership abilities and doesn't want it. I understand because he was the one that was still looking for Darrow. Saved him from torment and torture. He came back different, broken and defeated. Sad. ANGRY. Then how quickly leadership fell back to Darrow when he was the one that worked during that year that the Rising wavered when everyone thought The Reaper had been killed.

OH OH OH

one of my favorite parts of this book was The Reaper's speech. Because he wasn't Darrow, he was REAPER. He's also dramatic as fuck and I love him. He was standing up there in front of Refugees and I got GOOOOOOSIIESSS bitch when the people were like, reaching out to touch him, I was like THIS SHIT IS CRAZY. He has no branding and he's like

"I STAND BEFORE YOU A MAN UNBOUND" and people are gasping in shit cause he's like the first person in hundreds of years to bear no sigils of color.

"I speak now to Golds, to the Aureate who rule. I have walked your halls, broken your schools, eaten at your tables and suffered your gallows. You tried to kill me. You could not. I know your power. I know your pride. And I have seen how you will fall. For 700 years you have ruled over the dominion of man, and this is all you have given us. It is not enough."

I could see why people wanted to follow him. That speech was fucking EPIC.

Other thoughts. Romulus us gunna be a problem. I also think Lysander is going to have a big role. Idk what but my spidey sense is tingling. After all that trauma he was just TOTALLY OK to talk to the Ash Lord and help get the plan moving...?

Pls dont tell this little boi is about to be Jackal 2.0

OMFG THE JACKAL

BOIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII this man is inSANE!

Nuclear warfare because he wasn't getting his way??? Wanting Darrow to kill himself LIVE? DARROWS HAND GETTIGN CHOPPED OFF

BRO I THOUGHT CASSIUS BETRAYED THEM I WAS SO FCKING PISSED. I was like YO CASSIUS IT IS ON FUCKING SITE THE NEXT TIME WE SEE YOU BRO COUNT ON IT COUNT YOUR DAYS

Then I was like oh ok nevermind

All because of that little fucking holocube, the GOAT of GOATS. Showing Cassius' family being disposed of.

I have a few GOATs of this book.

(secret GOAT is Sophocles. i want to give him a jellybean)

1.) Mustang. Firing that arrow and in the discussion with Romulus she was KEY.

2.) The defiant Pink that opened the bay on the Moonbreaker. Shaking but defiant, angry at her overlords. Amazing moment.

3.) Victra. Her moment when she saw Darrow having to make a hard decision and blowing the stuff on Ganymede to cripple Romulus and The Rim. "Share some of the load, darling. This is on me." What a fucking GOAT.

4.) Sevro. CRUCIAL to taking Aja down. That shit was 3 v 1 and they would NOT have won without him. Him low to the ground moving like an animal smirking like "YOURE GUNNA DIEEE TODAY BITCH" im like

Because Aja was such a THREAT bro. I was so NERVOUS someone was going to die and they almost did!

OH OH OH (im so sorry i was up all night until like 9am finishing the audiobook so Im kind of delirious) Darrow rushing Octavia on LIVE TV and going like *shink shink shink shink shink shink shink* in her stomach with his teeth bared and I'm like YAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS BITCCHHHHHH

Finally, I was oddly, ODDLY uderstanding of why Mustand kept baby Pax a secret. For a split second I was like "WOAH WAIT WTF-" But then I was like ".....Yeah, no that makes sense." She understood what Darrow wanted but wasn't sure if the Rising would be like the genecide of Golds, her people. So she wasn't sure she couldt rust him. I get it. Nodding in understanding. Valid. She wanted to see if he was capable of BUILDING. She knows he can destroy. But can he follow up the revolution by actually building a better future.

Now she knows he can, and he has a BABBBBYYYY

I do know there is a massive time jump in the next book and multiple POVs. I'm nervous but ready.

*Random side side note

Sevro and Victra came out of nowhere for me and was something I didn't get at all

*side side side note

The Telemanus' are also GOATs

Kavax and Daxo are babies

*side side side side note, one of my other favorite moments was before they drilled with their clawdrills intot he Moonbreaker and Darrow says

"Drills hot. Helmets up. LET'S BURN." GOOOOSSSIESS

audiobook narrator performance was FANTASTIC

[princessoftherus]

𝓧𝓮𝓷𝓲𝓪 𝓛𝓸𝓽𝓫𝓻𝓸𝓴 𝓫𝓸𝓻𝓷 𝓥𝓲𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓟𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓡𝓾𝓼

Xenia the Great, as she was lovingly called by her people, was the first Queen of Kattegat and all of Norway, supporting her husband Ivar's side and born Xenia Rurikovich, Xenia of Novgorod, Viking Princess of the Rus and comes from the ruling house of Rurik. Mother of her beloved treasures, Cailan, Vidar, Edda and Iwan, proud aunt of Illian, Marlena and Ellinor and Grandmother of Ragnar Ivain. She is the daughter of the former King Rurik, ruler of the Rus and older sister of the young Igor. From an early age, Xenia knows how to get what she wants, always insists and can easily wrap others around her finger when it comes to getting her way. From an early age, her father Rurik took her on raids, negotiations and taught her the gods and life as a Viking, whose beliefs she has always kept and, despite the Rus people, has always remained a Viking. So the young, intelligent girl not only learned quickly, but quickly understood business and rule, took part in planning and the affairs of the court and tactics of battles and was the only woman among her father's men who advised her, still a girl. After her brother was born, she helped raise Igor, becoming his loving, caring mother substitute, but the tragic death of her mother made her withdrawn and cold. After their father, who wanted to ensure that his children were safe in Oleg's hands, died, both siblings were separated. While Igor stayed with Askold, Xenia grew up under Oleg, who took over the kingdom of Rus. Nevertheless, Oleg was like a father to the young princess, took advice from Xenia and was not just his little favorite, but his daughter, closest confidante, secret weapon and yet enemy. Over time, the cold princess not only grew, but also gained self-confidence and a sharp intelligence and talent for leading and having the upper hand. She enjoyed great respect from the people, who both adored and feared the Viking princess. After Oleg's power grows after hunger, Xenia secretly begins to turn against her uncle, who realizes what a great danger Xenia is to him and his quest for power and his rule over the Rus, and begins to distrust his formerly beloved daughter, as he always called her, and wants to get rid of her, while he oppresses the Rus and Igor. Although Xenia resembles Oleg in her hardness and arrogance and is feared, she finds allies and plans for her and Igor's freedom, and finds a confidant in Ivar the Boneless. Because unlike Oleg, even though Xenia also has a hard time letting others get close to her and knows how to control the cool, self-confident facade despite her temperament, she, like her brother, has a pure, good, soft heart and would give anything for those she loves and cares for them tenderly. When the Rus are freed from Oleg, Xenia stays with her brother and Dir to prepare Igor for the throne, but knows that her fate lies elsewhere, which she finds in Ivar and Kattegat. After she and her husband hand over the throne to their youngest son and his wife and give up her crown, Xenia lives with her husband, simply as the loving, caring mother, the strengthening force of the family with her advice and fully supporting her family and takes care of her beloved husband like the rest. ⸻ Vikings.

[eu-nicola]

Ragnar Lothbrok x Reader

summary: you have been in love with Ragnar all your life, a situation led you to be with him and you thought that the feelings were mutual until you saw that they were not.

inspired by Lana del Rey's monologue

sorry for my english, is not my first language

posted on my ao3: abigaildaen

And I remember when I first thought about him, it was so clear that he was the one for me. I knew immediately.

And as the years passed the thoughts were still there. I had known him all my life, he had always been close to my family, he was like a son to my father, the son he never had. He was around every chance he got, he was a charismatic, electric, magnetic man and everyone knew it. When he entered a place, everyone stood up to talk to him, that's when he met Lagertha and fell in love, forgetting who I was.

When I was just turning 16 he for other side was already having a child with Lagertha, sometimes I forgot that he was a few years older. Over the years I learned to carry that weight and I let it go, he was still there for me when i still needed him but i was already a woman and i didn't need him anymore. When I turned 18 I began to accompany him on his trips because when i did I felt free, it was so beautiful to find new places and new faces.

We would go back and spend time with his family, over time I had learned to get along with Lagertha and even now little Bjorn his son was also like a son to me, the boy spent a lot of time with me, I was his favorite aunt, he liked to be teach him to fight and treat him like one more. When I had the opportunity I convinced his mother to let him travel with us, she at first resisted the idea but with a little persuasion she allowed him to go.

That trip was extremely strange for me, when we arrived at our destination I got very sick and nobody knew what had caused it they only knew that it could cause my death, Ragnar was with me from the first day helping me to recover, not even his son left me alone at any time and they had decided that we would not return home until I was fully recovered.

I was in bed for a month and a half without being able to do anything and with a high fever when I was finally able to get up Ragnar wouldn't let me do anything but I certainly wasn't the best at following orders and although I couldn't go out and train so i stayed at home in which we stayed doing the chores of the place trying not to feel so bad about myself, all the time that Ragnar and I had passed we had gotten even closer as we were years ago and it felt good to have him close again but at the same time there was a certain discomfort from which incould not escape.

He was so charming that for a moment he reminded me of the man I fell in love with when I was still a child and with whom I was also disappointed. One night in which I had run away from everyone I had decided to get away and lie down under a tree away from everything trying to feel the air through my body i was so at peace that I didn't even hear him arrive and when I opened my eyes he was there watching me, he didn't say anything, he just sat next to me and I rested my head on his shoulder, our breaths were connected and it was just perfect.

Then I felt his hand rest on my cheek, raising my face to see him, he approached me and kissed me, that was the first night we spent together, I felt loved and wanted. He was the first man and the man I would have fallen for a thousand times, from that night on he took me every night under the stars praising me like I was the only woman in the world until we had to go back. When we returned i was already carrying his son but i had not wanted to tell him for fear that he would leave me.

When we finally returned the fear became real and he erased all memory of me, leaving me as if I were nothing, someone strange who he had only wanted to hang out with while his wife was away, on one occasion I begged him to stay, what to try to remember what we had but he didn't listen to me, it hurt my soul like I never thought it would and he left me. And even though I tried to hate him, I understood that I couldn't and I loved him, I loved him, I loved him.

And I still love him.

[imaginesmai]

Once upon a fairy tale - Ubbe Ragnarson (7)

Barely alive, it’s been a couple of rought weeks BUT I’M BACK. Other parts: Once Upon A Fairy Tale Masterlist  

Plot: Ubbe and you take important decisions, about your future and the future of your kingdoms, not knowing that something bigger than you is happening outside the castle’s walls.

When Ecbert told Ragnar about your decision to stay, the king didn’t look surprised at all. He humored you with your father, agreeing about the old age and bad knees. They both exaggerated their physical conditions between laughs, and concurred that they needed to take the hunting trip easy.

From behind your father, you watched with a soft smile the interaction.

You hadn’t noticed until that year how close your father and Ragnar were. Back at Wessex, you didn’t have many friends, and not a relationship as close as them. As you stared at their interaction, you felt your heart growing bigger, feeling that you had taken the right decision.

The moment was cut short when Ubbe and Sigurd appeared. Apparently, Aslaug had had a bad night and wouldn’t be gracing you with her presence. And, since Hvitserk hadn’t shown up for breakfast, he had declined going with them.

The hunting raid was complete and ready to go, you guessed. And it was time to share with Ubbe the news.

Both kings looked at you when the brothers arrived. Before you could notice the difference between them, Ubbe talked.

“I’ve been looking for you” he lifted the corner of his mouth, not completing the smile. “Good morning, father. King Ecbert”

“Ubbe” your father nodded in recognition.

“Where is your saddle?”

Indeed, while Sigurd was wearing his riding clothes, Ubbe was still in his usual, prince-ish robes. Not only he was wearing a long, cobalt tunic with silver embroidery, but he didn’t carry the usual smell of staying in the barn for hours.

When his brother rolled his eyes and walked away, Ubbe smiled. He had had enough time to prepare his horse, clean his riding boots and choose his favorite saddle. If he had wanted, he could have gone to the hunting raid, just as it was planned for him to go.

He liked to hunt. Like the adrenaline of chasing a prey and the silence of the forest. When they hunted, his father and him went back to his childhood, where they shared a deep bond. But he had decided against it.

“I won’t be accompanying you today, after all” Ubbe explained. “There are… matters I need to take care of. Maybe I can help princess Y/N packing”

“You won’t have to” Ecbert interrupted him.

“Oh”

Looking at your father, Ubbe lowered his head. His idea had been to stay behind with the excuse of helping you to pack. He didn’t know why, but after you were interrupted in his chambers, he had felt the need to spend one last day with you. Hvitserk had left the castle early in the morning to complete his weekly activities in the cabin, which included two brunets’ servants and the daughter of the baker.

So there was little chance of being interrupted.

He tried not to show his disappointment, because if you didn’t have to pack bags, then he didn’t have a reason to stay.

“We’ll be… staying. For another day” you explained, not meeting his eyes. “Because my father might get tired in the hunting raid, and it’s a long way back to Wessex. If it’s not a problem”

When Ragnar didn’t answer, Ubbe realized you were talking to him.

It took him by surprise that you were staying, but it was even more surprising that it was just for a day. Because he had known, deep down, that his intention today was to convince you to stay. That, during the last seven days, he had tried; first unconsciously, then as a choice. He started the summer mildly convinced that he had to marry you, and now he didn’t know what he wanted anymore.

Just that a day was an awful short amount of time.

“You could always check the old storage room” Ragnar proposed finally, breaking the silence. “It’s full of games and objects you used as children, and I’ve been asking you to take a look for a while. Maybe Y/N can help you”

“She can. She’s really organized” Ecbert contributed. “Besides, it is a bad day to stay outside. Just let these old dogs enjoy the hunting raid and find something to do. We will be back soon. Don’t want to get too tired”

“Indeed. Only God knows how many days in bed will earn us the hunting trip” Ragnar started at you with an amused smile. “Might be weeks”

“Might be, my dear friend. Shall we go?”

Both kings turned around and walked towards the carriage, that would take them to the designated part of the forest. Where the rest of the town would be waiting, with their dogs and bows ready.

While they walked away, you thought about how lucky you were. Your father would willingly stay for the whole summer if that’s what you wanted to, if that made you happy. He would also cancel the hunting raid and ride back to Wessex himself.

You stayed in silence as they got into the carriage and told the driver to move, until they drew up dust from the path and Sigurd kicked his horse to lead the way.

You had never had any problem talking with Ubbe. With remarks or mean words, you always kept the conversation going until you were torn apart by the adults or one of you couldn’t physically talk. But while the first drops of rain hit the ground, you kept quiet, not knowing what to say.

The meaning behind your decision was clear – that you wanted to try again, that you were willing to finally accept his hand. That you had consciously turned away the chance of changing your fate, consciously had chosen to marry him, without a proposal or weeding plans.

Staying meant you had admitted your intention of moving forwards, to whatever future you could hope for, and now it was Ubbe’s turn to answer. The decision of staying instead of going to the hunting raid could be an answer, but he didn’t know your decision yet.

So you waited, as rain started to wet your hair and soak your dress.

You waited in silence, until a cape was wrapped around your shoulders and a pair of hands turned you away from the path your father had just disappeared from.

“We should get inside” Ubbe spoke through the rain, that had gotten heavy a matter of seconds. “Fuck. It’s – fuck!”

“Oh my god” you couldn’t help but laugh when suddenly you were hit with what felt like a gallon of water.

You let yourself be lead away from the main door while Ubbe wrapped an arm around your shoulder. With a natural instinct, you shifted closer to him until you fit under his arm.

It wasn’t funny, but you couldn’t stop laughing, and soon, Ubbe was laughing too. It wasn’t the pearly smile you had seen that day at the courtyard, that flashed in your mind without your permission. It was different, and at the same time, wonderful.

You ran through the rain, not tripping against each other’s feet by luck. Servants that were taking cover in the barns stared when you passed by, and a man with bulky clothes tried to stop Ubbe with a scandalized scream.

Once you finally took cover, you were soaked. The rain had drenched Ubbe’s cape, now heavy on your shoulders, and the bottom of your dress was full of mud. Even your socks, under thick books, were wet. Still smiling, you stared at Ubbe as he moved your hair out of your face, letting you see his full smile. It was beautiful, his chipped front tooth a reminder of you.

Although he was too drenched to the bones, his hands felt warm, or maybe it was your cheeks. Or maybe you were running a fever and you were hallucinating, because suddenly, it was a déjà vu from that morning. He was looking at your lips and you were wondering what it would feel to stay forever, not just for a day.

His finger hovered over your mouth, a ghost touch.

“You look like a wet rat”

“And you smell like a wet horse”

He scoffed and for a second, you thought he was going to actually kiss you. That he was going to move forward and you were going to meet him at the middle. In a perfect fantasy, he would ask you to stay and you would choose to, not using excuses or prologues.

You would never know, because thunder roared in the sky and the moment was broken.

 -

 What Ragnar defined as an old storage room was everything but that. It could have been a room, a long time ago, with high windows and a clear view of the forest. But someone had decided to start accumulating things inside, and now you could barely take two steps straight.

You hadn’t bothered bathing, neither had Ubbe. As if not spending every minute of the day together was an offense, you changed clothes with your backs to each other, not even using the bathroom. You chose a dark green dress that showed your boots, comfortable to move, and Ubbe had put on a different tunic.

He showed you the storage room, moving the curtains. Everything was covered with white, dusty sheets, and you were in for a long morning.

“I threw Hvitserk down the stairs with one of these” Ubbe said from behind you, breaking the comfortable silence in the room. “He broke through a window and didn’t even get a bruise”

You looked away from the pile of children’s clothes that you were trying to organize. He was holding up a large piece of wood attached to one wheel, the other missing. Indeed, you remembered using a similar one in some occasions, although you didn’t have a specific memory with it.

Between mountains of garbage, you had found many children’s toys and clothes. After spending a lifetime of summers together, you had gathered a good amount of entertainment options. In a useless attempt of bringing you closer, your fathers had brought you everything a child would want or need. Not realizing until it was too late that you would hit each other with it before sharing.

“Didn’t you race me with one of those in the gardens?” you tried to remember, getting closer.

“You were winning so I tried to shorten through my mother’s roses” he chuckled. “She got mad, but you were furious”

“You destroyed every last of them!” you laughed too, remembering that summer.

It was one of the first ones you spent in Mercia, and you had never used a toy like that one. Thinking you wouldn’t know how, Ubbe had raced you and you had won, and in the meantime, he had destroyed half of his mother’s garden. You remembered her scolding and feeling furious at him.

So angry, that you used his favorite wooden sword as a throwing dagger during the next day.

You moved closer to him, looking at the piece of wood. Even if you had argued more than talked, it wasn’t always boring. There were games and competitions. When you were all young, Ubbe didn’t discriminate you from being a girl, and included you in the games where he thought he could win. Somewhere in the way that changed and your worlds drifted apart.

“You care too much about flowers” he said, raising from where he was sitting.

“It’s not I have many things to care about in here. I can’t cook, train or ride, and needlework is definitely not one of my passions. No matter how much your mother tries” you explained. There was only a foot between you two. “Flowers are… nice. They are beautiful”

“If you want to, I could assign some more servants to the garden. So they can help you take care of them”

If you want to stay, I could make you happy, just so you know

Ubbe let the hidden meaning clear. Because if you left after your father rested, then the garden was the least of your concerns. He couldn’t care less about the flowers or the garden, and he knew right then, that if it made you stay, he would send his whole army to take care of those flowers.

In that dark room, crowded with objects from your past, he waited for you to answer. It was impossible that you hadn’t understood what he meant, and by the way you stared at him, he knew. In just seven days, he had made a decision that had been asked from him for sixteen years. Sixteen years under the pressure of getting to know you and take you as his wife.

Only when you were no longer under that much pressure, he finally saw it clear.

“It would be nice” you answered, your voice small. “You could help me sometimes. If you want to”

Through the window, another lighting broke the sky. The storm was now loud and wild, thunders and lighting accompanying the rain. Someone appeared through the trees riding a horse at full speed, towards the castle. It would take them a while to reach the gates, and you didn’t notice them.

Not when Ubbe’s blue eyes were staring right into your soul, and when yours couldn’t decide where to look – to them or to his mouth.

“You’re staying” he tried, not a question but a fact. A need.

“If you want me to”

Before you could notice the smoke that was raising from the middle of the forest, he crossed the invisible line he had drawn sixteen years ago and pressed his lips against yours. They were rough and demanding, not like the shy, first kisses you had shared with boys in your kingdom.

You could have fallen if it wasn’t for the table that was behind you, or for his hand that pressed your hips against his. There was no air between you two, no space for second guesses. Only his lips and hands on your body, and yours on his neck.

One of yours caressed the back of his head, your thumb brushing the soft hair where his braid started. Not knowing what to you with the other one, you held yourself together by holding onto the desk. Afraid he would let you go and you would crash into the ground, knees turned into jelly.

But he didn’t let you.

With his free hand holding your head straight, demanding more of you, he broke free for air. His pupils were blown, almost no trace of blue behind them. No one had ever touched you the way he was, and you understood that no one would in the near future, if you had a saying in it.

Ubbe didn’t move his hand from your face. Instead, giving you time to push him away, he lowered it down your neck. Something inside him screamed to let go, to forget about what was expected from him and lower his hand more, until there was no turning back. The way you were looking at him, the way you weren’t moving, made it harder.

But he resisted and let his hand go to his original place, to your cheek.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked after a long minute, his voice rough and deep. “We don’t – you don’t have to. Not even if you stay”

“Shut up”

Once more, you crashed your lips against his and he let you, smiling against them. You could feel every curve and corner of his body that you had guessed that morning under the covers. The room’s temperature grew in seconds, and when the hand on your waist moved lower, you let him.

Sixteen years of frustration, hate and disagreement were forgotten as you felt your skirt move higher, his leg making its way between yours.

One thing was to sleep in the same room, to let people assume you were together, but another one was to actually do it. Before you could regret your decision or let your brain caught up with your heart, someone knocked at the door urgently.

“It’s the king! The king is dead!”

Want to read more? Check out my side blog @imaginesmaimasterlists, where I keep all the masterlists! Feedback is always appreciated

Taglist:

@66vikings

[swan-of-sunrise]

Taking Care of Business (Chapter Thirty-Six)

Summary: After rescuing the foundling, Din returns to the covert and receives some advice from Bo-Katan, but an unexpected visitor soon shatters the peace his clan had fought so hard to achieve.

Pairing: Din Djarin X Fem!Reader

Word Count: 3.1k

Warnings/Disclaimers: None

A/N: I’m excited because we’ve almost reached my favorite scene to write from this season of the show! Thank you for reading, I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter Thirty-Six The Ranger (Previous Chapter)

“Well, this is certainly the strangest mix of passengers I’ve ever flown in my ship,” Bo-Katan remarked with amusement in her modulated voice as she glanced over her shoulder at the three trussed hatchlings being looked after by several of their fellow Mandalorians. “But I’ll bet this is nothing to a former smuggler like (Y/N), huh?”

Din hummed in response from his seat behind her, staring out the viewport at the scenic landscape while his thoughts were consumed by his discontented wife. Their mission to rescue the foundling from the raptor’s nest had been enough to distract him from his worry over (Y/N)’s mental well-being, but his worry for her was quick to return the moment they reunited young Ragnar with his father Paz. He knew the captain well enough to tell that she was hiding her true feelings about their clan’s acceptance into the covert and although she’d given in without any argument, he knew that she didn’t appreciate being left out of their mission to rescue the foundling. Her happiness means more to me than anyone could ever know but I cannot protect it if I don’t know what’s bothering her, he thought with an inward sigh, his finger tracing along the wedding ring that was hidden beneath his glove.

“Is there something on your mind that you wish to discuss, Din? I’ve been known to be a fairly good listener.”

Din sat forward in his seat and rested his elbows on his knees, clasping his gloved hands together and looking down at his worn boots before finally speaking. “I noticed that (Y/N) didn’t seem herself yesterday. Has she mentioned if there’s anything that’s been bothering her or if she’s unhappy?”

Bo-Katan glanced away from the controls to spare him a look. “You don’t know?” When he only stared back at her, she shook her head and sighed. “She’s not unhappy, Din, she’s insecure. For her entire life, she’s always been sure of herself and her abilities; she adapted to her circumstances – being orphaned, growing up as a smuggler, taking up arms against the Empire – and her great capacity to adapt is what helped her survive. Now that she’s found herself living amongst a covert of Mandalorians, she’s finding it difficult to adapt to our lifestyle.”

“I…I had no idea.”

“I wouldn’t beat yourself up about it too much if I were you; (Y/N)’s a proud woman who hides her emotions behind a mask of strength,” The Nite Owl replied with a noncommittal shrug, turning her attention back to her controls with a hint of a smile in her voice. “So, we’re obviously nothing alike.” Din chuckled at that. “She just wants to fit in, Din, and in time she will. You’ve just gotta be patient with her until she finds her place in the covert.”

While they journeyed back to the covert, Din considered Bo-Katan’s wise words and in no time, they were initiating the landing sequence and touching down on the lakeshore just past the cave. Paz and Ragnar walked down the Gauntlet’s gangplank accompanied by the celebratory cheers and the clanging of beskar vambraces, and Din and Bo-Katan followed after them; (Y/N) was standing off to the side of the gathering of Mandalorians with Grogu nestled in her arms, the both of them looking happy that their mission was a success but also a little self-conscious, and the sight of them caused Din to take longer strides to reach them quicker.

“We knew you’d be able to do it!” (Y/N) beamed and passed a squirming Grogu over to Din once he was standing before them. “Didn’t we, Grogu?”

The child happily cooed and snuggled his face against Din’s cowl, making him chuckle and gently pat his back. “I appreciate the vote of confidence, kid.” He cupped (Y/N)’s cheek with his free hand and leaned forward to press his forehead against hers in a Keldabe Kiss. “How were things while I was away?”

“Very insightful, actually.” The captain pulled away far enough to look into the visor of his helmet. “Sweetheart, there’s something I have to talk to you about-”

“I know, alor’ad, and I understand.” Din took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “I promise you here and now, I’ll do whatever I can to help you find your way here.”

(Y/N)’s brow furrowed but before she could reply, Paz and Ragnar walked up to them and the older Mandalorian bowed his helmeted head in respect. “Captain (Y/L/N). While he recuperates from his ordeal with the raptor, my son Ragnar wishes to learn the basics of piloting until he can resume his drills. Would you be willing to take him on as a student?”

A smile tugged on the corners of Din’s lips as he watched (Y/N)’s brows raise in surprise and her face brighten with unabashed happiness. “O-Of course, I would be honored to teach him.” Giving Din’s hand a tight squeeze, she focused her attention on the blue-helmeted boy standing beside his father. “If you’re feeling up to it, Ragnar, we can start bright and early tomorrow morning.”

“This is the Way,” Ragnar replied and, just as Paz had, bowed his head in respect before looking up at his father. “Is it dinnertime yet? I haven’t eaten since yesterday!”

Paz huffed out a chuckle. “Of course, son. Come, we’ll fix you something to eat.”

With one last nod, the older Mandalorian led the foundling into the cave and without warning, (Y/N) laughed in delight and threw her arms around Din’s neck. “This is perfect! If everything goes well with Ragnar, I’ll be able to put my piloting skills to good use and teach all the children how to pilot!”

“Ner mirdala alor’ad. My clever captain, always thinking five steps ahead of everyone else.” He wrapped an arm around his wife’s waist and held her close, beyond thankful to the Maker that she’d found a way to feel more secure about herself amongst the rest of their covert. “Just one of the many, many things I love about you.”

(Y/N) arched a brow and bit her lip to keep from grinning as she finally released him. “Well, as much as I’d like to hear the rest, we should probably find something for Grogu to eat before he goes after one of those hatchlings you brought back. And speaking of the little guy, there really is something important I have to tell you about him…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Over the next week, they were beginning to fall into a routine of sorts. (Y/N) would begin the day teaching Ragnar and a small handful of apprentices the basics of piloting while Din worked with Grogu on his drills, and the both of them would spend the evening helping Grogu practice using the Force; the other Mandalorians, seeing how willing the captain was to both teach all she knew about piloting and to learn all she could about their culture, warmed up to her presence and welcomed her into their covert, and they treated Grogu with the same level of respect as any other foundling among their ranks. In their spare time, Din and (Y/N) used their beat-up holopad to research Naboo and Kelleran Beq, the Jedi who rescued the child from the Jedi Temple at the end of the Clone Wars, but to no avail; they couldn’t seem to find any information on why the Jedi was assisted by the Naboo Royal Guard and Grogu seemed reluctant to show them another Force vision, so they decided not to push the issue with him.

Their peaceful bubble that they were slowly becoming accustom to was eventually shattered by the arrival of an X-Wing piloted by a familiar Adelphi Ranger. As word quickly spread throughout the covert, Din and (Y/N) followed the troop of Mandalorians that volunteered to block the officer of the New Republic from stepping foot into the cave, an unsettling feeling beginning to take shape in the pit of Din’s stomach.

“Captain Carson Teva, Adelphi Rangers. I have a time-pressing matter to attend to.”

“Clear out, Blue Boy,” Paz commanded as the other Mandalorians fanned out on either side of him. “The New Republic isn’t welcome here.”

“Sorry for dropping in unannounced, but if I’d given warning, your settlement would’ve cleared out before I ever hit atmosphere.”

Exchanging a wary glance with (Y/N), Din stepped out of the cave and weaved past the blockade of Mandalorians while the captain followed close behind. “How did you manage to find us? Mandalorians pride ourselves on our secrecy.”

Captain Teva, looking the same as he had when he’d saved their lives on Maldo Kreis and nearly arrested them just outside of Tatooine’s atmosphere, gave them both a small smile. “Fortunately, someone I served with in the Rebellion is amongst your ranks.” Din’s brows rose in surprise and he scanned the group of Mandalorians standing behind them, only stopping when he spotted their anxious astromech droid rolling to a stop beside (Y/N) and sighing in exasperation when he greeted the pilot with a series of chirps and whistles; unaffected by Din’s annoyance, Captain Teva saluted R5-D4. “Thanks, R5.”

Din placed his hands on his hips and stared down the unflinching officer. “The entire covert will now have to relocate.”

“Or we could kill him,” Paz gruffly offered. “Stay right here.”

Fighting the obvious urge to roll her eyes at the older Mandalorian’s dramatics, (Y/N) shook her head and crossed her arms over her chest. “Din, need I remind you that Captain Teva here once helped us out of a very sticky situation and is the sole reason why we’re alive right now?”

“Of course, alor’ad, you’re right.” Din glanced over his shoulder at his fellow Mandalorians. “This man cut us a break once, and now I’m returning the favor.” He turned back around to face the officer. “Clear out, Blue.”

Ignoring Din’s order, Captain Teva patted the pocket of his orange flight-suit’s pocket. “Greef Karga sent this holo-message.” (Y/N) stepped forward but when the officer reached into his pocket, the Mandalorians raised their blasters to defend the captain in case of any subterfuge; Captain Teva cautiously withdrew a black puck from his pocket and slowly handed it over to (Y/N) before continuing. “Nevarro is under siege by pirates. He’s asking for help.”

Biting his lip, Din hesitated a moment before joining (Y/N) and quietly asking, “Why are you really here?”

“They’re about to blow Nevarro to hell.”

“Then call in a strike; we don’t even have ships.”

“Coruscant doesn’t care,” Captain Teva pointed out as the three of them walked down the beach towards his X-Wing. “Karga is your friend; you won’t let him die.” He glanced over at (Y/N) and pointed at the Rebel Alliance symbol stitched onto the shoulder of his flight-suit. “And a veteran of the Rebellion won’t just sit back and let innocent civilians get hurt.”

A line formed between (Y/N)’s brows as she silently pondered the officer’s words and Din pursed his lips beneath his helmet, a part of him still wary of his intentions. “What’s in it for you?”

Captain Teva looked between Din and (Y/N) as he lowly replied, “The New Republic has to know that the Empire is growing again.”

“And you think the Pirate King has something to do with it?” The corner of (Y/N)’s mouth was turned downwards into a troubled frown. “Gorian Shard’s a menace, but I can’t see him willingly taking orders from Imps.”

“I can’t say for sure, Captain (Y/L/N), but something doesn’t smell right.” Din and (Y/N) exchanged another look and the officer sighed. “Look, it’s not your fight. I just came to tell you your friend’s in danger and I thought you should know.” Captain Teva climbed into the cockpit of his X-Wing and he slipped his flight helmet on as Bo-Katan strode across the lakeshore towards where they stood. “I know you’ll relocate anyway but you have my word, I will not reveal your location. Sorry to intrude.”

“May the Force be with you, Captain Teva,” (Y/N) called out over the noise of the X-Wing’s engine and the officer saluted her before lowering the windshield and taking to the sky. “I should’ve kriffing known that Gorian Shard would retaliate against Nevarro…”

Din wrapped an arm around her shoulders and held her close. “It’s not your fault, alor’ad.”

“So, what’re you guys thinking?” Bo-Katan asked.

Sighing, Din looked down at the black puck clutched tight in his wife’s hand before answering. “He’s right. We’ve gotta help the guy.”

The Nite Owl nodded. “Well, you can’t do it alone. I think it’s time we called a council meeting, don’t you?”

Din watched the X-Wing grow smaller on the horizon, his mind already decided on their next course of action; convincing the Mandalorians who’d once taken up arms against Karga to help him won’t be easy, he thought to himself with an inward sigh, but we owe it to him to try.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Din paced before the bonfire burning in the center of their covert’s council chambers, he felt a surge of gratitude that there were two supportive faces sitting amongst the crowd of gathered Mandalorians. (Y/N) was seated beside Bo-Katan and Grogu was nestled comfortably in her lap, his large eyes bright with curiosity as Din addressed the chamber.

“Now, many of you don’t know Greef Karga and those that do fought against him when you rescued me from his ambush many cycles ago on the streets of Nevarro.” Din’s gloved hand tightened around the Armorer’s forging hammer while the Mandalorians quietly muttered amongst themselves, taking a deep breath and remaining calm for the sake of his argument. “Since then, he’s had a change of heart and has risked his life to save mine as well as my riduur and the foundling in our charge. I stand before you to petition an intervention, to help rescue Nevarro before it’s too late. I am in no position to ask any more of you, however-” More indistinct chattering interrupted Din’s words, but he merely raised the hammer in his hand and spoke over his fellow Mandalorians. “However, the enemy that decimated this very covert were Imperials, not Greef Karga’s bounty hunters. Greef Karga is now a High Magistrate and has offered my riduur and I a tract of land on his independent world.” He smiled beneath his helmet at the look of surprise on (Y/N)’s face; he’d spent so long living with the guilt of not providing the captain with the peaceful life she’d always dreamed of – a stable home and the ability to open her own seamstress shop as her late mother once had on Naboo – but now, that weight was taken off his shoulders as she beamed in happiness at him from across the chamber. “Perhaps it is time for us to live in the light once again on a planet where we are welcome, so our culture may flourish and our children can feel what it is to play in the sunlight.”

There was a tonal shift in the murmurs amongst the gathering of Mandalorians as Din handed the hammer over to the Armorer and took a seat beside (Y/N), lacing his fingers through hers and letting Grogu crawl over to sit on his lap. “Does anyone else wish to speak?” The Armorer looked around the chamber and held out the forging hammer for the next person to take.

“It’s up to them now,” Din quietly remarked.

(Y/N) squeezed his hand but silently watched as Paz stood and crossed the chamber. “I do.” He took the hammer from the Armorer and waited for her to take her seat before addressing his brothers and sisters-in-arms. “I was there on Nevarro that night. I fought against Greef Karga and his hunters. I saw my brothers and sisters fall at the hands of the Imperial butchers that hunted us in the sewers. I saw many die to save the life of this one, tiny foundling.” From his place on Din’s lap, Grogu softly cooed and (Y/N) ran a soothing hand over the top of his wrinkled head. “And now we are asked to sacrifice yet again. The question we should be asking ourselves is, ‘Why? Why should we lay our lives down yet again?’” Paz paused to let his words sink in but as Din braced himself for an argument against intervention, he bellowed, “Because we are Mandalorians!” (Y/N) and Bo-Katan exchanged a look and Din straightened in his seat as the older Mandalorian gestured towards him. “I have had my disagreements with this man, but he risked his life to save my son. Captain (Y/L/N) fearlessly volunteered to join the rescue party, without a single piece of beskar armor or years of combat training to protect herself. And Bo-Katan Kryze did not give up on my child’s life, even when the rest of us did. These three are asking us to take up arms in the name of a brighter future, and I for one will take up arms to fight by their side.” The gathered Mandalorians nodded in agreement and voiced their approval of Paz’s rallying words as he raised the forging hammer high. “This is the Way.”

“This is the Way,” The assembled Mandalorians echoed.

The Armorer nodded. “This is the Way.”

As the Mandalorians talked amongst themselves and filtered out of the chamber, Bo-Katan let out a long sigh. “Well, that was easier than I thought it would be. I’m gonna go and check on the Gauntlet, make sure it’s running smoothly for our mission on Nevarro.”

Patting Grogu on the head, the Nite Owl stood and walked out of the chamber and (Y/N)’s eyes were sparkling with joy as she turned to face him. “Have I told you that I love you today?”

“Once or twice, but I could always use a reminder.” The captain giggled at his reply as he gently pressed his helmeted forehead against hers. “Your culture deserves to live on through you, alor’ad, and you deserve to live the life you’ve always dreamed of. Just as you honor and respect our Way, I honor and respect your people’s traditions and I will do anything to ensure that we can walk both paths together. Ni kar’tayl gar darasuum, ner cyar’ika alor’ad.”

“And I love you too, my honorable Mandalorian.”

The clan of three sat alone in the council chamber and enjoyed their moment of solitude before leaving to begin planning their new mission, eager to save their friend and the citizens of Nevarro and establish a new home and permanent home for their son and their people.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mando’a Translations:

Alor’ad-Captain Ner mirdala alor’ad-My clever captain Riduur-Spouse Ni kar’tayl gar darasuum, ner cyar’ika alor’ad-I love you, my darling captain

A/N: Thank you all so much for reading and commenting! Oh, and I’ve created a Spotify playlist of all my favorite music from the world of Star Wars, so if you’re interested in checking it out the link is down below!

Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2KuSKJhVOPPvxdJ9YHeo4M?si=2977ff31bf0c4bdd

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Taking Care of Business Masterlist

Tagging: @remmysbounty​​​​ @sinon36​​​​ @seninjakitey​​​​ @thatonedindjarinfan​​​​ @ginger-swag-rapunzel​​​​ @mostclevermiss​​​​ @momc95​​​​ @welcometothepedroverse​​​​ @sarahjkl82-blog​​​​ @elinedjarin​​​​ @itsnottilly​​​​ @crowleysqueenofhell​​​​  @goldielocks2004 @wondergal2001​​​​ @groovy-lady​​​​ @impala1967666​​​​ @fluffy-canada-pancakes​​​​ @icee228​​​​​ @siimiasoi​​

[4seasonsofart]

What are the ship dynamics of Thorunte?

We are starting off with my newest and favorite one, which is t4t Thorfinn and Canute. Both of them being transmascs in the Viking Age just makes so much sense and is wonderful. I also love writing about queer characters, as there is not enough representation in the media. Canute is not cisgender. Let's just be honest with ourselves. I go more in depth about it in this post, if you would like to go read that.

We have Witch Thorfinn and Christian Canute. Canute being Christian is canon, and War Arc Thorfinn is enough of a little gremlin to be a witch. (Bjorn taught him all about witchcraft, by the way. He enchants his berserker mushrooms.) Canute is absolutely appalled at how Thorfinn ends up being a witch and is supposed to be protecting him. He always carries a cross necklace around his neck and holy water under his royal cape. He hides behind Ragnar anytime Thorfinn is near because he fears what may happen.

To be fair, Thorfinn has threatened to curse Canute a number of times, so it is a given at this point. Although he never would because Askeladd would never allow him a witch's duel to honor his father's passing into the beyond.

We have flirty Canute and flustered Thorfinn. This would be more along the lines of when they are in Season 2 because Season 1 Canute would not have the gall to flirt with S1 Thorfinn. (Thorfinn would probably punch him.) However, Season 2 Canute, with his new status as the king of two kingdoms, would definitely have the willingness to flirt with Thorfinn. Thorfinn is kind of clueless the entire time and is confused by the fluttering of his stomach and the pounding of his heart.

Early War Arc naive Canute and guardian Thorfinn will always be one of the most amusing to me. Canute just has to deal with this dude who hates him while simultaneously being attracted to him. Canute doesn't have the confidence to speak with him and is unable to protect himself. So Thorfinn always has to make sure he doesn't fall over himself and act like a fool. 'Anything for a duel with Askeladd' is just an excuse Thorfinn uses. It's more of 'anything to pretend that I'm not attracted to that stupid princess.'

Askeladd notices how Thorfinn is always around the prince, despite claiming his hatred for the young noble. 'Ah, young love, just like Bjorn and I.' Askeladd thinks.

Slave Arc, King Canute, and slave Thorfinn are when you see the tables flipped. Suddenly, Thorfinn is lost amidst the seas of his trauma. (In this au, we are just going to say that Canute is keeping Thorfinn as a slave. One of his servants.) Canute is torn, as he is unable to stand how defeated and sad Thorfinn looks. What happened to his fiery and angry kitty boy?

Eventually, Canute slips from his duties and tries to make amends with Thorfinn. It helps Thorfinn a little, as he is plagued with Asleladd's spirit and constantly tormented. He rolls around in his sleep and has blood-curdling nightmares. It's only when Canute sneaks into his chambers and speaks sweet nothings that Thorfinn is finally able to be lulled into a peaceful sleep.

It becomes normal for Canute to end up in Thorfinn's chambers just so he can sleep. Thorfinn is healed, and his warm spirit comes back to him. Canute declines any possible suitors, as he sees Thorfinn getting better. One day, that man will rule along with him and be his king.

In a modern high school, we have nerd Canute and Emo Thorfinn. (This one is separate from my other modern au. They aren't related, and Canute is whatever gender they want to be.) Canute is top of his class, class president, and neurodivergent. He does drag in his free time, and his father hates him in general. Oh yes, modern au Canute has worse daddy issues than canon Canute.

Thorfinn is someone who is more alternative than emo, but Askeladd just calls him 'emo bitch.' He is a guitarist and the main singer of his band, Vinland Rockers. He is working towards becoming a tattoo artist and illegally tattoos kids at the school as a side gig. He makes a ton of cash from it, and Askeladd (his adopted father) doesn't care as long as he doesn't get arrested.

Thorfinn ends up getting Canute into detention, and they have an entire enemies-to-lovers arc. Canute comes out of the closet and happily does their drag as Thorfinn gets tutored by Canute.

Thorfinn gives Canute their first tattoo.

Shout-out to: @kelolololol

[inafieldofdaisies]

WIP Wednesday | Tagged by @adelaidedrubman ❤️

"Nothing like little arson to make a point." won the last WIP poll game, so I'm dropping the sentences for it below.

"Ah, bud, I kinda wish my old man was here.", Calahan grunted out into the night air, sending a quick glance in Zorro's direction and finding him sniffing at something in the overgrown grass, "We used to joke about catching Ragnar before-" Just as a fish finally bit, the tranquility ruling over the small boat ramp dispersed with the appearance of a pair of headlight, accompanied by shouts and all-too-familiar pleas for help. "For fuck's sake, you fucking Peggies. We have company, Zorro.", he quickly got up, swapping the fishing rod for his gun and turning in the direction of the distressed calls. After putting a bullet or two between the eyes of unlucky cultists and cutting lose the group of kidnapped civilians that were chosen for a midnight Cleansing, he found himself gathering his things as his mood only soared by the idea another one of his favorite fishing spots was about to be polluted with Bliss and that maybe, just maybe he had finally hooked Ragnar. "Let's go, son.", he called for Zorro as he deposited his gear in the back of his truck, an idea carrying a promise of destruction forming while he helped him into the passenger seat, "It's about time I send Johnny a message he'd understand clearly, especially since he ain't taking the hint from my notes." The road ahead of them was for once empty when Hartley set out towards Fall's End and neither the cool air or the cigarette he had lit up helped dispel the anger bubbling inside him. Goddamn John Seed, why should I have peace for even one night, while you're sleeping in your fancy ranch and probably dreaming of Gray givin' ya some?! Tires screeched as he came to a stop in front of the Spread Eagle and jumped out, pushing his way in and coming face to face with a confused Mary May. "What in the hell, Rookie?", she asked in disbelief when he vaulted over the bar and grabbed the first bottle of booze he could, her complaints dying down the moment his lips found hers and he stole a kiss before heading back out. "Cal, where are you going?", she followed close behind him and into Gus' abandoned garage, heated gaze falling on him as he grabbed two jerrycans, "Calahan." He ignored her appeals, dropping off the gas cans in his trunk while his mind ran over the plan that was bound to result in John having a guaranteed shitty night. "You gonna give me an answer, or just steal my liquor and drive off?", Mary May probed again and rested her hands against the rolled down window, examining Calahan as he leaned back in the driver seat with an expression that screamed trouble. His lips twisted in a devilish smile when his baby blues met hers, "It's time to say 'No', Angel, and what a better way to do it than getting rid of that goddamn ugly sign?" "Give me a second.", she instructed sternly, breezing into her bar before he could argue how taking her along would be a bad idea and put her in unnecessary danger. A tired sigh left him as his gaze moved over to Zorro, "She truly is the one, ain't she, buddy."

Tagging, @chazz-anova @jillvalentinesday @poisonedtruth @madparadoxum @strafethesesinners @josephseedismyfather @g0dspeeed @florbelles @clicheantagonist @strangefable @corvosattano @euryalex @josephslittledeputy @voidika @trench-rot @theelderhazelnut @aceghosts @socially-awkward-skeleton @black-dragon-posting @simplegenius042 @direwombat @nightbloodbix @cassietrn @stacispratt @v0idbuggy @thesingularityseries @purplehairsecretlair and anyone that would like to do the tag ❤️

[jazmine-here]

Author Questionnaire Tag Game

Tagged by @aninkwellofnectar

About Me

When did you start writing?

I was eleven years old when I wrote my first story. According to my mother, it was over five hundred pages with no paragraphs in sight.

Are there genres/themes you enjoy reading different to the ones you write?

I've always been glued to "The Last Unicorn" by Peter S. Beagle, which is in a very different genre from most of my original works at the moment.

Is there an author you want to emulate, or one to whom you're often compared?

In my late teens, I wanted to emulate Peter S. Beagle. Nowadays, I want to fuse aspects of my old writing style with my new one. I was hitting a point where my voice was beginning to come across the way I wanted it to before my abrupt hiatus threw me onto a different path. As for comparisons, I've never been given one.

Can you tell me a little about your writing space?

Like @aninkwellofnectar, I write in my bed on my laptop or at my computer's desk.

What's your most effective way to muster up some muse?

Music paints everything I do. "In Your Hands" by Halle Bailey helped me write a story called "Goldfish," which I'm currently turning into a novella. The plot follows two young adults with very different perspectives on their relationship and what it takes to lead a life well-lived amid prejudice. I'll be talking more about this original work before the year ends. The characters have my heart; they call each other "Goldfish" and "Bumblebee" because they have been friends since childhood, but their real names are Samuel and Ethelana.

In order to flesh out the people in my stories, I create a character's voice in my mind as I type. The voices of Goldfish and Bumblebee were very easy to hear. Their story wrote itself while I was in my bed.

Did the place(s) you grew up in influence the people and places you write about?

Rarely.

Are there any recurring themes of your writing, and if so, do they surprise you at all?

One's perspective of life and death is a reoccurring theme in my original works. Surviving prejudice in some shape or form is also another one. Neither shock me.

My Characters

Would you please tell me about your current favourite character?

Despite his brief appearance, my current favorite character is Ahanu from another story of mine called "The Breath Seeker." He's a wolf spirit created by the breath of an indigenous elder, and I love the way his voice frames the story. Close behind him are Goldfish/Samuel and Bumblebee/Ethel themselves; as flawed as they are, their voices are wonderful to write. Samuel is easygoing on the outside, but he's deeply troubled by all the death he's seen. Though Ethel is sharp-tongued, she has her adorable moments.

Which of your characters do you think you'd be friends with in real life?

I'd befriend Bumblebee/Ethel from "Goldfish." She needs a female friend to discuss her feelings with, especially the ones toward Goldfish/Samuel.

Which of your characters would you dislike most if you met them?

Although the character was created for a well-known franchise, he still belongs to me, and his name is King Ragnar from "The King" and "My Dearest Cousin." His brother, Aloysius, falls right behind him in this area.

Tell me more about the process of coming up with your characters.

My original 2024 characters came out of nowhere, to be frank. I created half of them while freewriting and listening to music. Once I have their voice in my mind, they're alive. The rest were inspired by dreams and writing prompts.

Do you notice any recurring themes/traits among your characters?

Most of them are introspective or eccentric. Society doesn't take kindly to them.

How do you picture your characters?

As with @aninkwellofnectar, face claims help me. Goldfish and Bumblebee are particularly gorgeous.

My Writing

What's your reason for writing?

Writing brings me joy. I love to smile and laugh at what I create. Once upon a time, it was used to express dormant trauma.

Is there any specific comment or type of comment you find particularly motivating coming from your readers?

I love thoughtful comments, which I often receive from my Tumblr circle. I couldn't be happier to have attracted people like @betagyre-writes, @aninkwellofnectar, @miranova23, @butterflydreaming-writes-fic, and @wintermoonqueen.

How do you want to be thought of by those who read your work?

I want you to see me as a cinematographer.

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a writer?

Creating extremely intense emotions was my strength in the past, but in the present, I think imagery is my favorite department to fool around in.

What have you been frequently told by others is your greatest strength as a writer?

I've been told that I create moving pictures, which is exactly what I like to do.

How do you feel about your own writing?

I want to improve. As with drawing, I stopped writing for years. Picking it up again has been wonderful, but finding the perfect voice is still a big part of my journey.

If you were the last person on earth and knew your writing would never be read by another human, would you still write?

Yes.

When you write, are you influenced by what others might enjoy reading, or do you write purely what you enjoy? if it’s a mix of the two, which holds the most influence?

I'm influenced by both, but mostly the latter. If no one likes "Goldfish," I'll still love it to bits and pieces. So far, my reading circle enjoys it.

tagging: @betagyre-writes @miranova23

[castbracelet240]

So I made a post a week (I think) ago on if I should draw dnd Lucy or Lucy and her past. Lucy with her past won, so now the “fun” part…figuring that out.

anyway question time for the bugs! And a scenario or two.

what are your bugs favorite hobbies?

scenario 1

Lucy Anya and your bug went to the village to get some supplies, on the way back Lucy shoved your bug and Anya out of the way of a arrow and caught it in her hand. Lucy turned to where the arrow came from and got tackled to the ground by a man that was at least 6’7 (it’s Ragnar)He wore a fur cloak and called Lucy traitor instead of her name. They started arguing as Lucy tried to kick him off of herself.

Lucy: the hell do you want Ragnar?! Ragnar: your death! You were a curse upon the village, you’re the reason Marina is dead and our son doesn’t have his mother! Lucy: it was a accident! I lost control!

Lucy then kicked Ragnar off of her, flipped over to be on her hand and knees as she reached for her dagger that was strapped to her belt on the back.

question 2

beach day modern au!

the bugs went to the beach. Anya is with some of the bugs getting ready for volleyball as Lucy gets hers and some other surf boards out from the back of her truck. what activity would your bug do on the beach?

Scenario 2

angst!

your bug sees a memory of when Lucy was in her early twenties and Anya was still a little kid, the memory shows when Lucy had horrible phantom pains from her burn scar and the scar under her eye. It was bad enough that Anya had ran to get help and came back with Warren (Warren is/was Anya’s father figure) your bug realizes the day of the memory marked three years since Marina’s and Lucy’s adoptive father’s death.

@rozeliyawashereyall @willowve01 @asmrbrainrot @kaiamtt @iistxrmyskyii @insignificant-anarchy @stxph-artist @aspenm00n @keyaartz @fangsshadow @rustycopper4use @piffany666 @dreamyshape @idontevenknow7878 @lunaritychuwolf @not-5-rats @strayharmony943 @proxdragon @tiefling-chaos @threeweekinsomnia @recated @wilderrorcard @diamondzoey @fennaboysenberry @lunnats @lightdragon789 @pinkcocopuff-aqualoid @itsargyle @astralbulldragon13 @puffin-smoke

[filipinosamflynn]

Golden Son tier list + review! :D

These books are so fucking good, I want to continue with book 3 already. I have never read books this quickly, but DAMN that was good. You can see my live thoughts while I was reading from the tag "#sam flynn reads red rising", but here are my post reading thoughts below the cut.

Characters: 9/10, everyone served their purpose well and was great except for Antonia, who SOMEHOW still disappointed me.

Plot: 9/10, I have no clue if there was anything for me to complain about.

Personal Enjoyment: 10/10, I was unfortunately spoiled to 2 events within the book before I started reading, but I had so much fun regardless. I wish I had come in 100% blind :(

I have NO CLUE where to start. I guess I'll start with Fitchner. His identity as the founder of Ares was no secret to me when I came into the book, I strayed too far and accidentally got myself spoiled. Despite that, the reveal was still fucking brilliant. I'm surprised by how far he shot up in my tier list, from close to the bottom to being top 5. Wish he didn't die though 😭

Another character that shot pretty dramatically up the tier list was the Jackal. I knew he was gonna betray Darrow from the start based on intuition (thankfully not from spoilers) but DAMN HE DIDNT HAVE TO DO ALL THAT 😭 He's so sociopathic, I love that. I am no longer disappointed by him, and are excited to see what this little fucker has in store next! (Unlike with Antonia. Maybe I hyped myself up too highly for her, I expected her to play a larger role in everything but she feels so much like a pawn, it's embarrassing. She is my unironic least favorite character because of how plain disappointed I am in her, and it's not a fun hatred, it's a "oh she is here again. will she do anythin- nope. okay.")

Roque. Sweet Roque. I thought you were eh in the first book, just a cool voice for darrow to talk to I guess. But after the ending, fuck you 😍 I got spoiled by his betrayal, but honestly I saw his betrayal coming when Darrow kept being unable to reconcile with him. Either that or Roque dies, but uhhhhh I got spoiled anyways so it was going to be the latter. yeah I wish he had died instead of this! 🥰 but honestly and to be fair, yeah Darrow kind of deserved some of it for being such an ass of a friend, but:

Cassius went down the tier list because the gala fight was AMAZING but he doesn't show up after that again until the end, and that made me feel sort of hesitant? BUT HE IS CLEARLY STILL BEING SET UP FOR THE FUTURE SO HE BETTER NOT PULL AN ANTONIA AND DO NOTHING BUT BE A PAWN.

Sevro is half red, cool! I am so glad he's still such a lovable scamp. I got excited every time he showed up, I love him.

Darrow is still an amazing protagonist, and I am so glad we are past his angsty "I miss my wife" phase, but I can guarantee I will see more of it after the ending. At least I will be mentally prepared for the whump this time.

Mustang is at her prime here. The scene with her in Lykos was so... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH i fucking hope she returns for darrow because these two are awesome and they deserve all the happiness.

Oh yeah, the scene where they revisit Lykos? As I said in a previous post, it watered my crops and cleansed my skin. I am so glad we finally got to catch up with Darrow's family. AND HE GOT TO HUG HIS MOM AAAAAAAAAA- I hoped we would see Darrow talk with the rest of his family, but just everything about this was comfort enough. Rest in peace uncle Narol though. 😥 Even if the meeting with darrow and his mom was cut abruptly short by Kieran's kids, but my heart... 🥹

Ragnar spawns in and just gets to business, and I love him. I love stories where people raised for only one thing learn to break free of their mold (that's why i was so interested in this series in the first place). I think it's so iconic that every time he speaks, the text becomes bold, that instantly endeared me to him somehow.

Victra was good, but her insistence on Darrow was weird. Could be because I'm a hard Darrow × Mustang shipper.

That's all the characters I feel like talking about. Onto other things like the plot! The plot was SO much better than the first book. We're finally out of that fuckass academy and doing actual rebelling finally! I don't know what else to say, the twists and the plots were phenomenal. The fight scenes here are even better than the ones in the first book. Overall, y'all weren't kidding when people said book 1 was the weakest of the series because I am flabberghasted by how good this book is.

I don't know what else to say, all of this has just been rambling. Darrow better break those god damn chains at the end of it all.

[kreinvulon]

🎻 (violin) 🎄 (christmas tree) 🍔 (hamburger) :]

ahh thank you so much for the ask!!! 😭😭😭 i’ll add a cut so i don’t clog up people’s dashes

🎻 — does your oc play any instruments? what is their skill level (beginner/intermediate/advanced/virtuoso/etc)?

vyn doesn’t play any instruments, and likely never will — he already hates the sound of ragnar the red sung and played on a lute, so i doubt he’ll pick one up in fear of sounding that bad. though, he does appreciate most forms of music, and i like to think he’d be a graceful player of the piano if he ever tried!

🎄— what is your oc's favorite holiday?

a holiday or special day he never fails to celebrate is the birthdays of his companions — whether they’re the type to have a grand celebration, or a simple day with a few gifts — orivyn values this. think of him as the type to offer a freshly baked good; perhaps a couple of small trinkets or presents; a handwritten letter and, if they’d like, a short walk.

other than that, jester’s day probably grew on him a little thanks to his friendship with the fool of hearts ( cicero ). are they incredibly different in disposition? yes. doesn’t mean they don’t get along. vyn’s surprisingly tolerant.

and, while an absolute dumbass when it comes to romance, hearts day. why not? he tries his best. usually, it’s a day out with his partner— nothing extravagant, like roses and flower petals in bed… but maybe something like a homemade dinner. and being a little soft and sappy.

🍔 — is your oc good at cooking? are they good at baking? which one do they prefer?

both— vyn’s skilled in both cooking and baking, thanks to an early start in his childhood, where he whipped up meals for his younger siblings most days and nights.

i’d say he has a roughly equal preference. nothing special. maybe cooking.