#jaime x mc

[oneshotprincess]

Cove, Terry, and Randy, also at the venue, watching all of this unfold like: 🤯, 👀🍿, 👁️👄👁️

[lovelyladyabsinthewrites]

From the Ashes Pt. 38

Pairing(s): Pairing(s): Rhaegar Targaryen x Lannister!Reader, one-sided!Jaime Lannister x Lannister!Reader, Jaime Lannister x Cersei Lannister

Warnings: slow burn fic, changing povs, MC POV, departure to Asshai!,

Words: 3,007

Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 3.5  Part 4  Part 5  Part 6  Part 7  Part 8  Part 9  Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20 Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30 Part 31 Part 32 Part 33 Part 34 Part 35 Part 36 Part 37 Part 39 Part 40 Part 41 Part 42

Book Two of Dārilaros hen ōrbar se perzys (Heir of Ash and Fire)

Dritan’s cheek stung from where Rhiannon’s hand had slapped him. Away from the prying eyes of party goers, even in the dark archway the Fiery Hand soldier could feel the intensity of Rhiannon’s glare.

“I don’t want to hear you ever speak ill against (y/n), let alone my sister.” She growls out her warning. So much did she remind Dritan of her older sister Thalina. From her gold hued eyes to her hefty soft brown hair, but the sisters were so different. “If you know what's good for you.”

Her words brought up the memory of when Dritan last encountered Thalina.

Clenching his fists, he found the bitterness inside of him grow and fester. “She will lead you to your death as she did with Thalina. All of you will perish in Asshai for trusting that darkin. She is too young, too naive. The moment she allowed the darkin to live was the moment she condemned us all!”

“Do you desire another slap?” Hissed Rhiannon, prepping her right hand if need be.

Like many others in the temple, Rhiannon was blinded by the miracles (y/n) had performed during her time in Volantis. Dritan alone could see earth swirling around the Westerosi girl, the one Thalina had forsaken him for. When word of Thalina’s ultimate fate was leaked, Dritan had done his best to persuade her to stay for in his heart Thalina reigned supreme. Hard did he fall in love with the clumsy red priestess. Within the first few months of his service to the temple, Dritan knew that he wanted Thalina as a wife. He had even gone so far to confess his love, hoping it would be enough to stop her. Nothing could change her mind, not even the potential of romance. Thalina broke his heart in the same breath she used to scold him. This was her duty and she was happy to follow out the flame’s divine plan. How content she was to go to her death!

Rhiannon was following in the footsteps of her sister. Stubborn and polluted by the faith of R’hllor. There was no talking her out of it.

They were all sheep.

Not having anything else to say to Rhiannon, Dritan stormed to the barracks that housed the temple’s warriors. Rhiannon watched his departure with narrowed eyes. She debated on going after him or even alerting a priest of his blasphemous speech. Disparaging her sister’s memory by condemning (y/n), uneasiness produced a lump in Rhiannon’s throat. It made her worry about leaving. What would Dritan’s resentment lead him to do?

“That one has always been filled with unquenchable anger, I’m afraid.” Dreamy voiced Alizah walks out from the shadows, her traveling cloak around her shoulders and hood pulled over her head. Behind were the quiet figures of Haakon and Kafele who possessed hair like flames.

“You are leaving so soon?”

Her pale face grows sad as she nods. “Yes. If I am to get there in a timely manner, I must leave at once.”

Pursing her lips, Rhiannon tentatively asks “Are you allowed to divulge where you’re going?”

Alizah pauses for a moment before Kafele whispers into her ear. Whatever he had told her makes Alizah’s features alert once more. “In due time. We must be off. Remember your lessons, Rhiannon. The night is dark and full of terrors.”

The trio hurries past Rhiannon leaving her alone. Her destination must be important if they were in such a rush to leave. To herself, Rhiannon finishes the verse that Alizah had left her with. “The day is bright and beautiful and full of hope.” That’s what (y/n) represents for the future. No matter what Dritan had to say.

You swore your brain had a pulse as your head ached from the night before. Taking everything in you to start getting ready for your long journey, thankfully Rhiannon and Inanna had arrived to help you gather at least your necessities. Every now and then though you were seized with the need to throw up.

Small Inanna, although still terrified of the small dragon curled up in your sheets, hurried to your side with a tonic Siofra had produced. “This should help you. Siofra worried about this last night.”

The thought that people were looking out for you warmed your heart and just that was enough to make you feel better. “Thank you, Inanna.” Her dark eyes sparkle at your gratitude before she laughs at the face you make. Unbearably bitter, you were sure that it was meant to truly make you vomit but in a few minutes your nausea all but disappeared.

“It will definitely be quiet while you are gone.” Inanna admits a little sadly as she folds her hands in front of her. “I’m sure Ser Jaime and Lord Tyrion will offer some entertainment to those who will miss you.”

“Is it really okay for Weles to be leaving the Fiery Hand for so long? He is the captain afterall.”

“Iyan is second in command, capable of doing all that Weles does.” she informs you. “The others respect him as much as they do Weles.”

Rhiannon snaps your leather trunk closed, having finished gathering all that you may need. “Besides, that’s the least of your worries. Where we are going is a place hardly anyone has ever ventured. Stygai is the territory of the darkin and other shadow creatures. Things that shouldn’t be alive dwell there.”

Entering your chambers with a plate of cooked meat, Siofra sets it down on the bed next to a dozing Latilth who promptly wakes up at the smell. Crawling on her belly, she begins to toss back her breakfast with delight. You and Rhiannon chuckle at what a messy eater she was.

While helping you dress, Siofra comments “I wonder how big Latilth will be when you come back.”

Inanna nods. “She’ll certainly be a sight to see.”

At hearing her name, Latilth hobbles away from her plate and stretches her wings in an attempt to fly to you. Her wing strength was still weak, only being two days old, and was unable to pick up any air. Upset, she squawks unhappily until you go to her and allow her to scramble onto your shoulder. Her nails certainly scratched up your skin but it was a small price to pay.

Sirvart is called upon as are Ilta and Vidarr to help with your two personal trunks and one of Rhiannon’s.

During your trek through the temple to the docks that were below the cliff, red priests and priestesses alike joined your entourage silently to see you off. Even a handful of temple slaves sneaked away to add themselves to your retainers. Some sang hymns and others prayed for R’hllor to watch over you and your companions.

The sun was barely an hour into the sky when you made your way down the wooden staircase that curled up to the training ground. The Red Temple had their own section of docks for personal use. Nippy winds brushed your short hair away from your face and made you cling tightly to the little furnace that was Latilth. You could make out moving dots on the boardwalk leading to what assumed was your ship. They carried large crates up to the side of the ship where they would hoist it up with ropes up on the deck.

At the base of the cliff, you turn to Inanna and Siofra who had joined you up until that point. The rest of your group that you had accumulated on your way, watched up top. Dozens of figures clothed in various shades of red and orange.

“We all wish you great fortune on your journey, nuha kosh.” Siofra bows low, her tight curls on her head springing when she rises back up.

Inanna offers a small smile as she too bows. “Please be careful. All of you. We will make sure your brothers are taken care of.”

“Thank you. Both of you.” You take each by the hand and give them a small squeeze.

Rhiannon gives each of them a hug, lingering a few seconds longer with Siofra as she whispers something. When she pulls away, Siofra gives her a firm nod. “Don’t worry about us here. Take care of nuha kosh.”

You and Rhiannon depart from your group and follow Sirvart, Vidarr and Ilta to the wooden platform that leads up to the awaiting ship. Already your brothers were there speaking with Weles. Tyrion’s face was set in a stoic facade until he spotted you. One green and one black eye deceived how he was truly feeling. The breaking of your heart was definite at such a face. You were leaving him again. There was no worse thing than that knowledge and you half consider taking him with you.

You couldn’t be that selfish. Who knew what perils there were in Asshai. Tyrion was safer here with Jaime and the rest of the temple’s residences. They would protect him and raise him in your stead. Asshai was no place for children let alone one like Tyrion. Ture that the myths you had been told about the darkin were false, but Inniros himself had verified the validity of the myths about his homeland. One could not tread safely in the Shadowlands. Many who iced there wore masks for belief that it protected them against such evils that lurked.

Tyrion gets Weles and Jaime’s attention, pointing to you and Rhiannon who were fast approaching. The three Fiery Hands move around them, briefly giving a salute to their captain before passing them to drop off the trunks.

Gloom settled above your brothers now that the time had come. This was really happening.

Tyrion clears his voice and quietly asks “Do you have everything?”

“Everything except for my brothers.” You sigh and bend down to gather a stiff Tyrion in your arms. Close to the side of his face, Latilth preens his unruly curls. Eventually Tyrions does melt into your embrace. “I’ll bring you a souvenir.”

He shakes his head, face buried in your chest. “Just come back safely and soon.”

Tears brimmed your eyes and with great reluctance, you release Tyrion and quickly wiped your eyes. You’re faced with Jaime now.

Jaime. . .

Vague memories of last night dance in your head but you couldn’t quite put everything together yet.

Conflicting emotions waged war inside of you. Since leaving Westeros it had only ever been the two of you. How would you survive without his reassuring presence? Your relationship with Jaime has come a long way. Through childhood he had been a complete stranger. Now he was the one person in the world you were closest to.

You throw your arms around his waist and hide your face in his robes. Jaime’s powerful arms encircle around you. Yes, this felt familiar. Did you hug him last night as well? The two of you were never really a physical pair, but you couldn’t help yourself now that you were leaving him.

Where did you even begin to tell him how much you loved him? How important his presence was in your life. You had grown to cherish Jaime. Your younger self would have never considered Jaime an important figure in your life.

You bite your lip and simply tighten your hold. Words could never describe the loneliness you would feel without him. Your tears were enough to tell Jaime.

Abruptly, Jaime lets go and takes a step back. Understanding his action, you gently smile at him. He tries to hide his face by looking away from you. Warming your heart was the knowledge that Jaime would miss you just as much.

“Both of you behave while I’m gone.” You sniffle, barely able to maintain even a small smile.

Tyrion nods and gives your hand one last squeeze. “Next time you leave for another far off land, I’ll be ready to go with you.”

“I don’t doubt it.” Tyrion was proving to be a man of his word. Next time he will be ready. The next journey you plan on making will be back to Westeros. Once Latilth was big enough to carry you and your brothers.

Weles turns around to wave at the approaching Melisandre, Inniros and the red priest who must have been Rayzer. The priest had long, dirty blonde hair and the telltale fire priest flames tattooed on his olive skin. He carried only a burlap sack and a leather pouch hanging from his sash.

“Good, looks like those who need to be here are present. And no one else.” Just to make sure, her red eyes scan the docks. Sirvart and the other two Hands were walking back up but other than that is was your small group. A few yards away were fishermen going about their daily lives, unaware of the dark destination your ship was routed for.

The red priest smiles at you and bows. “It’s a pleasure to actually meet you, nuha kosh. I am Rayzer, but you may call me Ray.” Smile lines crinkled around his brown eyes and mouth as he spoke. Most of his hair was gathered in a top know while the rest easily flowed on to his shoulders.

“The other red priests were just briefing Ray on his duties for this trip. Of course Iomhar put in his piece on how Ray should behave.” Rhiannon rolled her eyes and gave Latilth a scratch under her chin. Evidently she enjoyed such attention for it made her normally unblinking eyes closes with content.

Ray’s eyes sparkle when his gaze lands on Latilth. “Extraordinary! I had seen glimpses of the dragon last night but I didn’t get the chance to actually approach you.”

You notice how precise his Common Tongue was. Many of the hands and priests you have met had heavy accents. Ray didn’t seem to have one. His speech was that of a native to Westeros.

With a smile, you show Ray the honor he bestowed upon you with a small curtsy akin to what you would see in the Seven Kingdoms. “Thank you for coming with us. Our journey will be safer with you in attendance.”

He chuckles and rubs the back of his neck. “I will do my best, nuha kosh.”

Melisandre turns to look at a very quiet Inniros. “Shall we board then?”

Stiffly, Inniros nods and makes his way for the ship, brushing past you in the process but not before shooting Jaime a suspicious glance. Jaime’s demeanor changed to almost one of hostility.

Not phasing Inniros, he continues his stride; Melisandre feet behind him.

This was it.

One last group hug with your brothers, you turned to follow them. While your stomach performed acrobatic tricks inside of you, you breathe deeply and place your foot securely on the first rung of the dangling ladder. Latilth peeks over your shoulder, pressing her body closer to your neck to prevent herself from falling over. Men waited above once you reached the edge of the deck. They helped you onboard, making sure your feet were planted firmly on the creaking wood floors. Your brothers were so small on the docks yet your eyes held onto them for as long as you could. Siofra’s tonic, working its way through you, prevented the wave of nausea that would have swept you up from being on the sea again.

The wind air exciting her, Latilth clambers off of you and jumps onto the much taller Inniros who had just been pulled up. Inniros eyes the dragon on his shoulders, stoic as ever. In a soft tone, he starts speaking to her in a language you had never heard before. Having traveled through most of Essos, you had thought you had experienced all the languages out there.

A breeze tickles the back of your neck sending a chill through you. You close your eyes and pray to whoever would listen:

Please take care of Jaime and Tyrion.

Rhiannon’s cheek lands on your shoulder but did not startle you. “They will be okay. Trust in Ser Jaime.”

You press your head against her’s. “I do. That does nothing to alleviate how lonely I will be without them.”

“You may not have your brothers, but you have your sister.” She smiles.

You hug Rhiannon. That was right. Rhiannon was your sister; blood be damned. You weren’t accustomed to having a decent sister, this would be a good change.

“Ladies, will you join me in a small prayer for safe travels?” Rayzer bumps in, separating you and Rhiannon.

Nodding, you grab his hand with your left and Rhiannon with your right. Melisandre and Weles joined the small circle, leaving Inniros as the odd man out. He stood off to the side, making sure not to get in any sailor’s way while also scratching Latilth atop her head.

Letting go of Rayzer’s hand, you hold your now free one out to Inniros, beckoning him to join.

Hesitantly, Inniros leaves his spot to awkwardly situate himself in between you and Rayzer. The fire priest smiles and offers his hand to Inniros. “You don’t have to do anything. Just being in this very spot is good enough.”

Inniros tilts his face down, wanting to avoid any eye contact with the others in your circle. You hadn’t missed the sharp stare that Melisandre fixed on him nor the twitch in Weles’ sword arm. There was still unfriendly air swirling around them.

You grab his hand, surprised at how warm his palm was. His frame went rigid at your touch but you simply offered him a smile. From the angle you had of him, you could only see the eye patch that hid his missing orb. Slowly his fingers curl around your's, reciprocating your offer. Latilth hopped from Inniros' shoulder to your's and in an odd way, she bowed her head as if listening to Rayzer's impromptu sermon.

Rayzer’s prayers in the Valyrian tongue was more beautiful than any poem and reassured you that you would return to Volantis soon.

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[jamespotterthefirst]

Familia (Ethan x f!MC)

Book: Open Heart, beyond

Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey and MC (Lilac Allende)

Word Count: 2.7K

Rating/Warning: T/ Some Language

Summary: Ethan meets her family over a traditional meal of tamales.

Note: In which Lilac's Mexican mother teaches him how to make tamales. Translations at the end :)

The usually cold, pristine kitchen of his apartment appeared like a different place entirely that afternoon. For one, it was crowded as Lilac's family bustled about, the sounds of music, laughter, and lighthearted conversation filling the space. Every inch of the counters was covered in a colorful mosaic of ingredients, each meant for a different dish and each tended to by a different Allende. Tendrils of steam swirled into the air as Mrs. Allende stirred the contents of a sizzling pan, the aroma nothing short of mouthwatering. 

It had never felt so inviting or close to a real home and Ethan felt momentarily stunned. 

He paused at the threshold to admire it, his attention finally resting resolutely on Lilac. She, too, appeared entirely transformed as she cooked and joked with her siblings in both of her languages. Sparkling green eyes creased at the edges, more alive than ever, as she dodged a dusting of flour sent her way by her younger brother. 

“You'll pay for that,” she told him mid laugh, followed by more vows of retaliation in Spanish. 

Ethan basked in the sound of her voice and how her native language made it sound different— like a soft melody that swelled pleasantly with every word. Something soared within him as he watched this version of her, taking root in his chest and blooming very much like the first time he saw her at Edenbrook. 

“Ya basta, muchachos,” Mrs. Allende chided over the hiss of the frying chilis. “Jaime, look at the mess you made all over Dr. Ramsey's kitchen. Clean up all this flour and go keep your dad some company in the living room.”

“Sí, señora,” Jaime Allende said with a mock salute that made his mother roll her eyes lovingly. Once her back was turned, he smirked at his sisters. “See you later, feas. I'll be in the living room enjoying the game.”

Laurel, the eldest, shoved him with her shoulder as he passed. It looked almost comical to Ethan since she was significantly shorter than him.

 “Hey, you better clean this shit up,” she called out after him. When the warning fell on deaf ears, Laurel shook her head and murmured to Lilac, “Twenty four and he still knows how to trick his way out of doing any real work.”

“Typical,” Lilac returned cautiously, eyes on her mother's back. 

Ethan took that opportunity to rejoin his girlfriend at the kitchen, his arms banding around her waist as he quickly kissed her temple. 

Lilac let out a pleased little laugh, her body relaxing against him. 

“How's my dad?” 

“Quiet,” he replied, trying his best not to take it personally. Still, the nerves he felt about meeting her father had tapered into a fine point when the man had spoken less than five words to Ethan. 

“That checks out,” Laurel commented knowingly from beside them. 

Lilac threw her sister an unappreciative look which did nothing to help with his anxiety. She swiveled in Ethan's embrace, her scowl softening when their eyes met. “My dad's just a quiet person at first. Once he gets to know you, he's the goofiest marshmallow imaginable.”

Ethan remained unconvinced, afraid that her father was less than thrilled about their relationship. Then again, if Ethan had a daughter, he would absolutely take issue with the bastard who was both her boss and boyfriend. 

“We found a football game on TV that he likes,” he commented, unsure of what else to say. 

“As long as it's real fútbol, he'll love you already.”

“Yes, he can excuse sleeping with his daughter but he draws the line at American football,” Laurel mused with a wicked laugh, already dodging the slap Lilac sent her way. 

Their mother caught the end of that exchange and sent them a single, silencing look that made both sisters cease at once. Then her eyes swiveled to Ethan and at once, her expression softened. Mrs. Allende straightened her spine and cleaned her hands against her apron. 

“Doctor,” she said cheerfully in Spanish. “Thank you again for inviting us into your lovely home.”

“Es un placer,” he returned as he studiously avoided Laurel's gaze. It would no doubt silently communicate “Kiss ass.”

“Thank you for making dinner,” Ethan said to Mrs. Allende, who waved this away dismissively, though she looked thoroughly pleased. 

“No thanks necessary. I hope you like tamales, Doctor. It's my mother's recipe.”

“I'm honored to try them. How can I help?” 

This was evidently the right thing to ask because Mrs. Allende lit up with pure admiration and approval. If he didn't have her blessing before, he was convinced he did now.

 Waving her daughters aside with fluttering hands and instructions in both languages, Mrs. Allende led Ethan to the part of the counter Jamie formerly occupied. She spent the next few minutes teaching Ethan how to prepare the masa. 

“Muy bien,” she praised minutes later when Ethan had caught on to the technique quickly. “Ya está listo para casarse, Doctor.”

You're ready to get married now. 

Three reactions occurred at once: Lilac coughed, Ethan felt his ears flare with heat, and Laurel all but cackled. 

“Madre!” 

“It's just a saying, mi vida,” her mother returned innocently, finding her way back to the stove. “Why don't you start on the filling?” To Ethan she added, “My Lilita makes the best green salsa, did she tell you?” 

Ethan paused his movements, the sticky dough beneath his palm melting against his skin. 

“She didn't.”

Lilac was studiously avoiding his gaze now, cheeks as red as the tomatoes she rinsed. For as long as he had known her, Lilac had made a show of professing her lack of culinary skills. 

“You're missing out, Doctor,” her mother proclaimed proudly. “Her chilaquiles are the best too.”

Ethan quietly assessed his girlfriend, who gave him a fleeting, embarrassed look. 

“You didn't tell me you could cook.”

Cheeks brighter still, she refused to look at him for longer than a moment. 

“Nothing anyone I know would like.”

“What do you mean?” 

“Mostly obscure Mexican food my grandma taught me how to make.” 

The words were an embarrassed mumble. 

“Your friends and I would love it.”

“Yeah, well…” 

Something about the shame in her expression and the tension in her shoulders opened little fissures along the surface of his heart. With a pang, he began to comprehend that every time his Lilac said, “I can't cook!” it was the simpler alternative. Feigning incompetence was easier than explaining the dishes she loved so much to people who often looked down on them. Not that Ethan or her friends ever would, but all it took was one asshole to look down on her customs with disgust for a protective barrier to emerge.

When Mrs. Allende busied herself with the oven, Ethan moved to encircle his arms around his girlfriend, careful not to get any of the dough still coating his hands on her. 

“Make it for me someday?” 

She blinked at him in surprise and when he smiled, she relaxed against him, nodding quietly. The grateful smile she gave him made his heart skip. 

“Dad's team is losing,” Jamie announced a

minute later as he reentered the kitchen, closely followed by his father. “He's mad. So he'd rather come in here and help wrap the tamales.”

Mr. Allende rolled his eyes at his son. “They have the ref bought, mijo. It's a waste of time to even watch.”

Unbeknownst to him, Laurel and Jamie silently mouthed their father's words in perfect sync behind his back. Ethan almost allowed a smile, unable to resist the infectious laughter that proved to be an Allende family trait. Before he could join in the myrth, however, Mr. Allende's eyes met Ethan's. The older man's expression was an impenetrable mask and it made Ethan's nerves buzz with a start. 

It was only when Mr. Allende's eyes fell down to Ethan's hands, clasped securely around his daughter's waist, that he realized he still held Lilac in a rather close embrace. 

Without thought, Ethan released her, almost shoving her away instinctively. 

Lilac, slightly affronted, shot him a funny look. She was no doubt incredulous that a man Ethan's age was still afraid of his girlfriend's father like some kind of hormonal teenager. A cheeky part of his mind mused that when it came to Lilac, he was much like a juvenile version of himself. 

“You're almost forty,” she teased in a whisper when her family was too preoccupied with an argument over what music to play. 

Ethan threw her a dry, unappreciative glare. He couldn't add anything more because at that moment, the notes of an upbeat and unmistakably eighties song drafted from the small Bluetooth speaker. 

All three Allende siblings groaned in unison, the sound dropping lower still when Mrs. Allende began to dance unabashedly to the beat. 

“Not Luis Miguel,” Laurel sighed. “Our mother's crush.”

“Luis Mi Rey,” their mother corrected with a lovestruck sigh. 

“I'm standing right here,” their father returned, arms crossed.

 Ethan could see, however, that the faux stern expression threatened to break as he watched Margo singing happily. His wife pulled him close, singing lyrics about falling in love under the sun on a beach. 

“I really lucked out,” Mrs. Allende said, voice sing-song and eyes fixed adoringly on her husband. “I ended up with someone better than El Sol de México himself.”

The sun of Mexico belted a high note from the speaker. 

“Yeah, you ended up with the entire solar system with Dad,” Jaime teased, a wicked gaze falling on their father's generous belly. 

“Don't body shame my dad,” Laurel returned sternly, though she looked on the verge of laughter. 

The family dissolved into a good-natured argument. 

Ethan watched them in silence, admiring the small pocket of chaos they occupied as they each spoke over one another. Even in doing so, they laughed and joked until all that could be heard was a chorus of mirth that made his heart ache. 

“The sun is a solitary star,” Ethan found himself saying through the cheerful chatter. 

Everyone fell silent, casting him glances that ranged from curious to downright confused. Only Lilac glanced up at him with a brilliant, knowing smile. 

“Many astronomers believe it once had a companion. As it stands now, it's an anomaly because it's alone in the universe.”

Still, no one said anything. 

Ethan was beginning to wonder if he overstepped and interrupted a family moment with his nonsense. Before panic could settle over his insides like a sheet of ice, his girlfriend wrapped an arm around his waist, settling into his side. 

“In other words,” he continued, eyes moving to a quiet Mr. Allende. “You don't want to be like the sun. You and your wife are more like binary stars, who are gravitational bound forever.”

More silence followed his words and Ethan had half a mind to retreat from the room. 

Finally, when the pause was almost unbearable, Mr. Allende chuckled. 

“You hear that, viejita? I'm better than Luis Miguel. I'm a star.” 

“Made of gas,” Jaime supplied. 

In the chaotic symphony of their laughter, Lilac reclaimed Ethan's attention with a chaste kiss on his cheek. “Ethan Ramsey,” she murmured, impressed. “You are a bit of a poet after all.”

It's how I feel about you. 

“I could've come up with that.” Jaime said loudly. 

“No way,” Laurel returned at once. “You literally said Dad was as vast and old as the solar system.”

“Old?” her father asked in mock offense. “No one said anything about old before.” 

After that brief glimmer of Mr. Allende's approval in the kitchen, the awkward edge in the air lifted. By the time Mrs. Allende promptly sat all of the men at the kitchen table to wrap the tamales, Ethan had proudly earned himself a smile from Lilac’s stoic father. His eyes crinkled at the edges as he watched Ethan studiously wrap the corn husks.

“My wife is going to favor your tamales, Doctor. You’ll make us look bad,” Mr. Allende commented. 

“We do that all on our own, pops,” Jaime returned without missing a beat. As though to prove this point, a glop of dough fell from the corn husk he haphazardly wrapped. 

Ethan paused, concerned. “Am I doing it wrong?”

“Not at all. They’re nearly damn perfect,” Mr. Allende chuckled. 

“Ethan does everything with mathematical precision,” Lilac commented as she approached, placing a kiss on Ethan’s forehead. 

Laurel muttered something from behind Lilac. Whatever it was scandalized her sister. 

Luckily, Mr. Allende missed this because he grinned at Jaime. “See, mijo? You should put your degree to use, too.”

“I was too hungover the day they covered tamal wrapping in my engineering classes,” Jamie returned. 

“Cabrón,” Mr. Allende laughed. 

As it turned out, Mr. Allende was correct. His wife adored the neat work Ethan made of the task she assigned. Bursting with pride and delight, she squeezed Ethan’s shoulder. “Excellent work, mijo!” 

Ethan’s heart felt weightless at the term of endearment.

“Ma, don’t go replacing me as the favorite son,” Jaime joked. 

“About time,” Lilac muttered. 

Jaime and Laurel rolled their eyes, exchanging a look. 

“Middle child,” they chanted in unison. 

They dissolved into a melody of voices and laughter once more. As the tamales steamed, they found themselves locked in a boisterous and heated game of Lotería. Ethan proved to be exceedingly good at it, much to everyone's delighted surprise (except Lilac's). After winning a particularly dramatic and fast-paced round, everyone flashed him an impressed smile.

 Everyone except Laurel. 

“Looks like you met your match, Lau,” Mr. Allende laughed. 

“I only lost because I was calling them,” Laurel responded, red in the face. “It slowed me down.”

“Then let me call them,” Ethan returned, matching the challenge in her voice. 

Lilac smacked an excited hand against the table. “This I have to see!” 

Mrs. Allende, looking just as delighted, proclaimed, “Have him call out the personalized cards too, mija.”

“Personalized?” 

“La Doctora,” Laurel said pointing at Lilac. “Mine is La Maestra and Jaime's is El Ingeniero.”

“Your parents don't have one?” 

“Dad's is already in the original deck,” Jaime began with a devilish grin. “El Borracho.”

Mr. Allende responded with a string of curse words and hearty laughter. 

“Ethan needs one, too,” Mrs. Allende said, kind eyes surveying Ethan. “We need to think of what his will say and I'll ask your cousin Natalia to make it.”

The group erupted into suggestions of what to name Ethan's card but he remained silent. His throat felt inexplicably tight as he watched them, thinking of ways to include him. 

“How about El Anciano?” Lilac whispered close to his ear, her warm hand atop his under the table. 

Ethan smiled at her jab but it was half-hearted. 

“They love you already,” she said reassuringly, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. 

For once, Ethan was speechless. 

“Alright, alright,” Lilac called out through the jovial clamor of voices. “We can decide on Ethan's card over the tamales and the bottle of tequila he bought for tonight.”

Jaime let out a loud cheer, his hands rubbing together in exaggeration. Lilac rose from her seat to retreat the bottle. When she returned, she raised it over her head like a trophy to the cheers of her siblings. 

“Good choice, Doctor,” Mr. Allende commended as he caught sight of the label. “How did you know that was my favorite?” 

Lilac telling him that morning is how Ethan knew. 

“I just knew you had good taste and went with that.”

The smile Mr. Allende gave him left little doubt that he had effectively won him over too. 

Laurel scoffed quietly, flicking a finger to the tip of her nose and spearing Ethan with a look that basically shouted “brown-noser.” On a whim, he flashed her a swift middle finger, careful to keep it hidden from her parents. 

Jamie howled with laughter, Laurel looked impressed, and Lilac grinned, looking far more in love than he'd ever seen her. 

It was then that Ethan realized that the foreign warmth coursing through him, welcoming and comforting as a morning sun, was a sense of belonging. 

Translations:

Masa: Dough

Tamales: A Latin American dish made of dough and filling. It is steamed in corn husks or banana leaves.

Chilaquiles: a traditional Mexican dish consisting of corn tortillas cut into quarters and lightly fried. Usually topped with cheese, cream, and other ingredients.

Mijo/Mija: Term of endearment meaning "son" or "daughter"

El Sol de Mexico: The Sun of Mexico. A nickname dubbed to singer Luis Miguel.

Viejita: Affectionate way of saying older lady

Loteria: a traditional game of chance, similar to bingo, and is played on a deck of cards instead of numbered ping pong balls.

Maestra: Teacher

Ingeniero: Engineer

Borracho: Drunk

Anciano: Old Man

Note: Hi. Lots of apologies to give out. First off, sorry it's been literal months! I'm back. Sorry this is long. Sorry this is long overdue (I wrote it two years ago and held it close to my chest.) Sorry I still have other fics to finish!

And thank you so much if you're still here and read this!

[destructivisms]

The Boys X Brazilian Music

headcanoning the music tastes of the boys characters with brazilian music! because i am brazilian and have decided to make that everyone's problem. shout-out to my best friend who does not have tumblr and thought of half of these. most of the artist names have links to songs!

includes the boys and assorted other characters that we had ideas for.

BILLY BUTCHER

Butcher listens to punk rock, the revolting bastard, and the language won't make much of a difference — he'd love the Brazilian punk bands with a history of dirty lyrics and censorship such as Plebe Rude, Os Replicantes, Inocentes. However, as with the Spice Girls, he knows a powerful pop teamup when he sees one...

HUGHIE CAMPBELL

He's a classic rock/pop guy, 80s stuff, so he's bingo-ing all the standard "plays on the radio" bands — Legião Urbana, Paralamas do Sucesso, Barão Vermelho... He cries to Epitáfio by Titãs and 100% has dedicated Tarde Vazia by Ira! to Annie.

M.M.

Undoubtedly our family man loves a good pagode — a subgenre of Brazilian samba that comes from a community celebration with food, music, dance, and drinks. He'll go out to dance with Monique to Turma do Pagode and Grupo Revelação's hits. Also, as a fan of rap and Black protest music, M.M. would be really into fundamental Brazilian rap artists such as Racionais MCs that denounce racism and political violence.

FRENCHIE

This guy canonically listens to French trap/rap so there's no doubt he'd get hooked on artists such as Matuê and Teto. However I also feel like he'd be into psychedelic rock and its trippy guitar riffs — which leads us to artists like Raul Seixas, Os Mutantes, and O Padre dos Balões (will never pass on an opportunity to recommend my favorite small band). He'd also listen to Mamonas Assassinas because I think so.

KIMIKO

She has a soft spot for classic musicals, jazz standards, and slow ballads — the samba and bossa nova classics would be a gold mine, from Cartola to Chico Buarque, João Gilberto and Tom Jobim. She'd be obsessed with Carmem Miranda! And I can also see her falling in love with Elis Regina and Marisa Monte's voice. I can also see her jamming to 80s pop that sticks to your head — A Fórmula do Amor by Léo Jaime and Kid Abelha jumped immediately to my head (and it's been there since, send help).

ANNIE JANUARY

Annie is the type to have grown up listening to sertanejo — a very popular genre of Brazilian country music. The classic duos, such as Chitãozinho & Chororó, and especially the movement of female-centered sertanejo led by artists like Marília Mendonça and Maiara & Maraísa. However she probably stopped following these artists around 2019, so anything newer than that (like Ana Castela) "doesn't sound right" and takes her on an angry rant.

BONUS:

THE DEEP

Unironically listens to O Sol by Vitor Kley while staring at the sunset. Firmly against Mestre Jonas by Sá, Rodrix & Guarabyra because that is whale abuse.

ASHLEY

Unironically listens to Manu Gavassi looking at the mirror and thinking "literally me."

HOMELANDER

This one song on loop.

[dhampiravidi]

when you dislike the MC of a good series AKA Who Will Die in The Wicked Powers

damn, being petty enough to flip off the MC x canon ship in my (favorite) fandom is really kicking me in the ass--

yeah, basically I can't touch half the TSC stuff on Tumblr bc I'm so anti-Clace...(meanwhile I love literally every other character that's been in every Shadowhunter series)...& they're probably gonna have a wedding + kids in the next books (assuming Jace isn't killed)...

The Wicked Powers is most definitely gonna have the Princes of Hell as the main villains. I feel like Luke, Gwyn, or Izzy will die, since the younger Shadowhunters are supposed to be central & well...look at the couples who will be alive/extant by TWP:

SPOILERS FOR ALL SHADOWHUNTER BOOKS!!

Jace & Clary

Magnus & Alec

Simon & Izzy

Julian & Emma

Kit & Ty

Kieran/Cristina/Mark

Dru & Ash (& maybe Jaime)

Diana & Gwyn

Luke & Jocelyn

Tessa & Jem

(forgive me if I'm missing anyone!)

Jace already died once. Clary had dreams about dying, but those were shown to be visions of Thule. Based on canon events, I think they're Clare's favorite ship. SAFE.

Magnus almost gave himself to Asmodeus in CoHF. Alec almost-ish died saving Magnus in The Eldest Curses. Also, Alec almost died thanks to that poison demon in TMI (the one Magnus saved him from). Malec might end up forced to rule some region of Hell (reason unknown but I think it'll have to do with them beating/destroying Asmodeus). I feel like past events foreshadow Magnus dealing with the unfortunate sides of being a warlock. But he won't die--the "killing your gays" trope might actually save he & Alec.

Simon nearly died when the vampires attacked him (when he was a mundane), then when Valentine bled him pre-Daylighter (then Jace's blood saved him). He "sacrificed" himself to Asmodeus CoHF, in the form of his vampire immortality + memories (which he basically got back later on). Izzy...she's been through a lot psychologically & about as much as I think most Shadowhunters would physically. She lost Max & her dad. But she's a badass (I'm not faulting her for it, either). So I don't think she's safe.

Julian & Emma both lost their parents in horrible ways. Their whole series was about the parabatai curse (which, to me, was conveniently not mentioned in chronologically earlier series...probably because it wasn't invented til TDA was written, lol). They're kinda written to be the leaders of Livvy's Watch. SAFE.

Kit has his whole faerie power reveal shit to explore & he + Ty are some of the major characters in TWP. I'm pretty sure they'll spend the series healing their relationship. SAFE.

Kieran/Cristina/Mark will survive because 1) Kieran as the Unseelie King is an important Shadowhunter ally, 2) they're poly rep in YA, which is rare, and 3) killing one of them off would leave the others to mourn in such a weird way. SAFE.

I love Dru Blackthorn. She's one of the main of TWP, so I think she'll survive, plus tbh I don't think any more Blackthorns will be killed. Ash will probably end up as the Seelie King or as Clace's adopted son, to "redeem" Sebastian in a narrative sense. Jaime's sort of a main for TWP as one of Dru's love interests. SAFE.

Diana & Gwyn aren't main characters (though I like their romance). Diana also is the ONLY transgender person in all the books (unless I missed something). I don't think she'll be killed off. Gwyn might be just because I see the Wild Hunt as an important group in TWP & he might die protecting Diana (narratively, this shows strengthened faerie-Shadowhunter relations, despite the Wild Hunt being unaffiliated with either Court).

Luke & Jocelyn deserve to be endgame, but I could see Luke being killed off as one of those "MC's loved one is killed so the MC goes & avenges them" type of things. I love Luke & Jocelyn as characters, though.

Tessa & Jem deserve to be endgame, arguably, more than any couple. They were the mains in their series, then Jem survived but was sort-of-"lost" when he became a Silent Brother. Then he miraculously became a (mortal) Shadowhunter again when he was burned by heavenly fire, he just left the Clave behind to hang with Tessa (good choice!). Tessa has a baby & she's gonna suffer enough when she outlives Jem. SAFE?

[little-paperboat]

Hi there! 🌸

I'm Paper Boat (she/her, late late 20s) and you can call me paper, or boat, or however you want 😌 This blog is the recipient of all my current ships and hyperfixations & is multi-fandom by essence.

I'm still very focused on Baldur's Gate 3, notably on Rolan and all the main gang too (and I'm an occasional Zevlor / Dammon / Raphael / Gortash (Durgetash) enjoyer) 🧡 More recently I've fallen into the Arcane rabbit hole and I'm not getting out anytime soon - Viktor especially has my whole heart (with a healthy dose of Jayvik).

I also hold a decade-long obsession for my top 3 otps of all time: Rose x the Doctor from Doctor Who, Jaime x Brienne from Game of Thrones and Zutara from A:TLA - they occasionally appear here.

I'm getting back into writing and you can find me as paper_boat on AO3. My fics are listed below!

Feel free to interact or tag me in games, I really don't mind and I'm always happy to participate! 🤍

✨ Baldur's Gate 3

i burned my fingers on this forbidden fire • Rolan x Tav (series, ongoing) tagged: series:forbidden fire

— Part 1 : Wild Winds Are Death To The Candle (2/2) — Part 2 : Through Shadows To The Edge of Night (3/3) — Part 3 : What We Owe To Each Other (3/3) — Part 4 : i burned my fingers on this forbidden fire (ongoing)

✨ Arcane (League of Legends)

is a heavy heart too much to hold? • Viktor x reader (f!reader) (ongoing)

tagged: fic:heavy heart

✨ Hogwarts Legacy

take my hand, wreck my plans • Seb x MC x Ominis (on hiatus) tagged: fic:tmhwmp

— general tags: writing • fanart • fandom shenanigans • art • misc • life tips

— main tags: [ baldur's gate 3 • rolan • astarion • gale • wyll • halsin • shadowheart • karlach • lae'zel • bloodweave • shadowzel ] •• [ arcane • viktor • jayvik ] • [ jaime x brienne ] •• [ zutara ] •• [ doctor who ] •• (others)

— my ocs: ariel mithcallor (BG3) • rune pendragon (BG3) • "tav" (BG3)

(c) dividers by saradika-graphics & roseschoices

update: 29.11.24

[houseofthewolves]

The Arrangement

Part I. Terms and Conditions

Jaime Lannister x OC

MC is Breena Baratheon. The little sister of King Robert and Stannis, the younger twin of Renly. I originally planned to write my Jon Snow story for her first, since I ship her both with Jaime and Jon 🤭 Buuuuut the Jaime story is a lot angstier, and I was in the mood for some angst.

Summary: Tyrion is sent to the wall for the murder of Joffrey. Jaime is released from the King's Gaurd per his agreement with Twyin. Tywin has made an arrangement with Breena so that she will willingly and comfortably marry Jaime. Breena and Jaime come to their own agreement as well.

"I have found you a wife," Tywin declared as he watched his eldest son and heir from across the Hand's chambers. Jaime was uninterested. Fiddling with any small knick knack he could find in his father's office.

"And who might that be?" The Kingslayer asked. His tone was flat and bored. He did not want a wife. Nor children. He did not want Casterly Rock. But these were the sacrifices he made to save his little brother's life. Now here he was, being mated like cattle.

"See for yourself," his father said as he motioned for the guard to open the door. In stepped a young woman with raven hair and eyes of lilac. Her full lips were closed in a line. He knew her. Breena Baratheon. King Robert's little sister. He had not seen her since the trip to Winterfell. Since then, she had been married off and sent to the Vale. She'd squeezed out a babe, and her husband had since died. Luckily for him.

She was beautiful. There was no denying that. Her raven hair was almost darker than the night. She'd inherited the almost hauntingly beautiful Valyarian eyes from her grandmother Rhaelle Targaryen. She had a naturally sweet looking complexion. Though, when she was angry, her face no longer looked so innocent. Such as this moment. She looked as though she wanted to skin Jaime alive.

To make matters more complicated, Cersei despised her. He did not know why. For years, Breena had been the little sister Cersei never had. Then, almost overnight, Breena became her worst enemy.

Breena looked as excited about this arrangement as Jaime did. Her violet eyes looked him over, clearly unimpressed. "Lady Breena," Jaime forced himself to speak, nodding to his intended respectfully.

"Ser Jaime." She replied as she too tipped her head forward at him.

"Lady Breena has agreed to this match under certain conditions," the Hand explained.

"Such as?" Jaime inquired, his eyes not leaving his intended bride. He did not remember her looking so womanly before. It was most likely because she had been hidden beneath layers of warm wool and furs in Winterfell. Robert had sent her North years before. He believed Ned Stark would have been a better example for her than he or his brothers ever could. It was so rare for him and Robert to agree on something.

"Such as Storm's End will be returned to Lady Breena. She will inherit the castle and carry out her duties as Lady of Storm's End from Casterly Rock until she has given you two sons," Tywin went on.

"Two?" He questioned.

"Our firstborn son will be a Lannister and will inherit Casterly Rock after you," Breena spoke up, stepping closer to Jaime. "Our second son will bear the name Baratheon and will inherit Storms End after me." She explained, her chin held high as she laid out her demands. "And I am free to leave Casterly Rock whenever I please after I've given you an heir. If I choose, I can return to Storm's End and remain there as long as I like."

"This sounds like quite the marriage. When can we start?" He asked as sarcasm laced his words. "I imagine you've already agreed to this?" The Kingslayer asked as he turned to face his father. Jaime felt powerless. Trapped like a pet in a cage.

The Hand nodded. "We need to reclaim the Stormlands after we've defeated Stannis Baratheon," he said as he nodded to their solution standing just before them.

"How do you know we can trust her? That she won't betray us?" Jaime asked.

"Because we'll have her son," Tywin said simply, his deep voice almost threatening as his eyes watched the Baratheon woman before him.

"And I'll have yours," Breena reminded Jaime, her arms folding across her chest as her violet eyes darkened.

The new Lord of Casterly Rock stared in silence. He was surprised she would use her child as a weapon against him. This was certainly no longer that innocent girl from Winterfell, he thought.

"You'll be married in a fortnight. I suggest you get to know one another," Tywin dismissed them.

[ratanslily]

for @choicedits song challenge

song: formidable- twenty one pilots

pairing: jaime lewis x mc (my fav friendship and relationship ♡‿♡)

i cherry picked some lyrics suitable to the pictures!

[takingcourage]

By Your Side

Pairing: Jaime x MC

Word Count: 1,150

Rating/Warnings: Teen; mild innuendo

Summary: New nightly accommodations lead Jaime and Arden to reveal their true feelings. 

Note: This story is a half-baked variation of the “there’s only one bed” trope, written for @choicesficwriterscreations​ ’s Silly Love Stories event. It also fits the @choicesfebchallenge​ prompt for “Gossip,” if you squint. 

Arden turned the corner sharply, small backpack hitting the ridge of her spine with an audible thump. She took a deep breath, resisting the urge to sigh with her exhale. Here, the air was clean and clear. 

If she wanted to, she could still catch the scent of the city on her clothes: the traces of asphalt and stale beer held tight to the collar of her denim jacket.

Maybe it was a good thing Ellen hadn’t been available for this trip, after all. It was difficult to imagine the older woman blending in at the downtown hostel for five whole days without setting off someone’s alarm bells. Comfortable as Arden was conducting interviews on the set of The Ellen and Arden Show, undercover investigations remained her favorite part of the job. When this opportunity had arisen, it had been too tantalizing lead for her to pass up. 

Behind her, a taxi slowed and came to a stop. The smack of the door was followed by a well-known pattern of footsteps. With Ellen otherwise engaged, she’d traded one partner for another. 

Patience running low, she slowed her tread for Jaime to catch up. This far from the city, she was no longer worried about people seeing them together. 

“Miss me?”

“Always,” she replied, a giggle hovering at her lips. 

The entered the hotel together, Jaime staying close as she checked them in for the night. He’d insisted many times that he was comfortable with the arrangements of the past week, though his unspoken concerns as they’d passed one another in the hostel hallways had been frequent. Clearly, he was just as relieved as she was to have reached this stage of the journey. Tomorrow's flight would take them both back to Northbridge and the normalcy that came with it.

Leaving the front desk with a smile, Arden pocketed the key cards and made a beeline to the elevator. The doors sealed shortly after, leaving her alone with Jaime for the first time in nearly a week.

“Did you--” 

“I can’t wait to--” she hesitated upon realizing that they’d been speaking over each other. 

Sorry, too excited there. 

Arden smiled knowingly. “You go first,” she prompted, reveling in the feeling of his proximity and the comparative silence. These past few days, her mind had been so full. 

He shifted closer, the flannel of his sleeve raising the hairs on her forearm. “I was going to ask if you’d filled that notebook with new leads. I know I only saw bits and pieces, but it seemed like things were going well.” 

“So well! You would not believe how believe how much intel I got talking with those women.” 

"I might, actually, considering your ‘secret weapon’...”

Arden winked at his exaggerated air quotes. 

“...Anyway, what were you saying?”

“I was saying that I can’t wait to get cleaned up and put on fresh clothes.”

Their legs swayed with the motion of the elevator before it stabilized. “You’ll have your chance soon.” 

Key in hand, Arden led him into the hallway until they reached room 437. Jaime was close behind, still taking his role as protector a little too seriously. “This place is going to seem like a mansion after the bedrooms in the hostel,” she mused as the light on the handle flicked from red to green.

She hit the switch for the overhead light as she passed, taking in the quaint accommodations with an appreciation born of recent experience. Sensing Jaime’s presence nearby, she looked up to find his attention directed to the center of the room. 

“There’s only one bed,” he whispered. The hand that had been floating at her side made contact, thumb finding its way beneath the hem of her sweatshirt.

“Of course there is.” She arched into his touch, leaning her head back until it nudged his collarbone. "We’ve been married and sharing a bed for four years, Jaime. Were you expecting me to book a room with two?”

His eyes screwed up with distaste. “I’d push them together if you did.” 

“And I’d help. Hostels are excellent for blending in and getting in on local gossip, but not so much for spending time together.” She dropped her bag to the chair and began searching for her small pack of toiletries. 

"I’m just saying, I’m glad we’re together tonight.” 

“I am too.” Locating the desired object, she ventured toward the ensuite. “Turns out, it’s hard for me to sleep without having you there to grope me all night.” 

“Grope?” 

She showed him a sliver of tongue when he joined her at the sink. “You know what I mean.” 

“I’ll keep my hands to myself tonight,” he threatened, though his thoughts told her a very different story.

“Ha ha,” she intoned blandly before cutting a length of floss. Jaime grazed her with a hip on his way to the faucet, and quiet reigned for a few moments as they completed their respective tasks. Though his mouth was obscured by a toothbrush, she could make out his smile by the squint in his eyes. 

She grinned back, leaning away from him momentarily to dispose of her floss. “Also, I never realized how much your breathing lulls me to sleep. The room at the hostel wasn’t quiet, but it was the wrong kind of noise if that makes sense.” Arden prepped her own toothbrush while she waited for him to spit. 

“Perfect sense. I kept expecting to hear you to start talking half-asleep like you usually do when you’ve been researching all day.” 

Her eyes widened at the undesireable prospect. “Let’s hope my poor roommates weren’t subjected to too much incoherent mumbling. I try to save that for you.” Arden shoved the toothbrush into her mouth, expecting Jaime would follow his normal routine and hop into the shower within moments.

As predicted, the faucet started running just seconds later. “There’s one thing I didn’t miss.” He’d chosen the perfect moment to make his revelation: he was out of sight, and she was unable to speak. 

It didn’t take long for curiosity to get the better of her. “Hmmhh?”

“You trying to tuck your ice-cold nose into my shoulder blade.” 

Arden rinsed her mouth quickly. “Sorry, but I can’t promise I won’t do it again. You’re awfully warm.” 

One end of the curtain opened to reveal her husband’s familiar face. Even from several feet away, Arden could make out the glimmer of water on his dark lashes. “As long as my days end with you next to me in bed, Arden, I don’t care what state you come in.” Although you did kind of stink earlier... And come to think of it, I’m very, very warm right now. 

Without waiting to hear anything further, she shed her jacket and sweatshirt onto their growing pile of clothes on the cold floor. She’d been planning to shower regardless; resisting her sudden urge to shower with him seemed foolish. 

“Thought so,” Jaime chuckled, pulling the curtain shut again as she entered from the other side. 

[justapenguinfanatic]

Jaime for @choicescocappreciationweek 💖

Day 6: Wishful Thinking

[omgjasminesimone]

Pets

Jaime x MC

A/N: Quick ficlet for day 3 of @choicesmonthlychallenge

...

Jaime lifts the diet cat food to his nose, taking a whiff. His nose scrunches in distaste. That is absolutely foul.

He’s schooled his expression into a pleasant smile before he places the bowl to the floor in front of Jinx. “Mmm!” He exclaims.

Jinx sniffs the food, and then gives him a look.

“Don’t look at me like that. This stuff is good for you!” Jaime insists.

Jinx’s unimpressed stare only intensifies.

“The vet says you need to lose ten pounds.” Jaime counters. Jinx glares at him. Jaime turns to Lydia, who’s enjoying her morning coffee at their kitchen table. “What is she thinking?”

“You don’t want to know.” Lydia replies.

[oneshotprincess]

recently finished my playthrough of our life up to cove's wedding dlc and i started a new file to play the baxter dlc.

i always had cove at 'fond' or 'crush' so this time i tried it with 'indifferent' and i'm really liking it actually! it totally changes the flavor of the relationships and my mc's character

i wonder though, since i'm planning to romance baxter, if it's more interesting to have cove at 'indifferent' in step 3 or at 'fond'

anyone have any opinions?

[lovelyladyabsinthewrites]

From the Ashes Pt.46

Pairing(s): Pairing(s): Rhaegar Targaryen x Lannister!Reader, one-sided!Jaime Lannister x Lannister!Reader, Jaime Lannister x Cersei Lannister

Warnings: slow burn fic, changing povs, MC POV

Words: 7517

Part 1 Part 2  Part 3  Part 4  Part 5  Part 6  Part 7  Part 8  Part 9  Part 10  Part 11  Part 12   Part 13  Part 14  Part 15  Part 16  Part 17  Part 18  Part 19  Part 20 Part 21 

Part 22 Part 23  Part 24  Part 25  Part 26 Part 27  Part 28  Part 29  Part 30  Part 31  Part 32  Part 33  Part 34  Part 35  Part 36  Part 37  Part 38  Part 39  Part 40 Part 41 Part 42 Part 43 Part 44 Part 45 Part 47

Taking the mountain passage once more, your stomach appeared better equipped this time as Inniros’ shadow swept you up to deliver you outside the secret tunnels of the Shadow Hills. Everyone else agreed upon this fact. Rhiannon came out with a slightly pale face, but her citrine eyes still held a healthy shine when she smiled up at you.

When you turn to look out at the landscape before you, you realize that this was a different exit from where you had first entered with the darkin. You stood on an unfamiliar mountain range that lacked any sort of foliage except for column-like mountain peaks. The sun weakly attempted to break through the permanent bog of the Shadowlands. In the distance, you could see where the mountains finally ended to the tall spires of a forgotten city, lost to time and darkness: Stygai.

You creep over the cliff’s edge to find the descent to be a long and arduous one. No wonder you had been awaken so early in the morning. Jagged rocks jutted from the sides, assuring anyone who fell over a painful death. Eyes roving back to your cliff, you see an extremely narrow path along the mountainside, barely noticeable by the naked eye. Casually winding down the summit.

“We will have to travel in a single file.” Lovissa nods to the beaten path. A black veil covers the bottom portion of her face. Bright and early, she had risen both you and Inniros out of your slumber. You had almost forgotten that you had spent the night outside, securely tucked underneath Latilth’s wing. Her naturally hot body kept you warm and content all through the night. Behind her waited Weles and the others of your group.Along with a foreign figure you hadn’t met the day before. Tall with wild, long black hair that reaches down to muscly calves. His limbs were long and sinewy, the only definition to them was large muscles. Loviisa had introduced him as Qheen. His true face was hidden behind an eerie mask that was hard to look at. Perhaps it was the mask’s stretched-out smile that disturbed you, or maybe how Queen stood still at attention like a statue. He merely nodded his head as his form of greeting.

You knew it was a custom in Asshai for many to wear a mask when leaving their homes. Thought to keep evil spirits away, the more terrifying the mask, the better.

Latilth, having the luck of wings, took flight and soared as the rest of you were forced to make it on foot. Seemingly watching everyone in case someone slipped. Not that she was large enough to carry anyone on her back, let alone eight people. In the gloomy atmosphere of Asshai, her scales still shimmered without the help of the sun.

Thankfully, you had never been one to fear heights; you grew up on Casterly Rock, a castle high up on a bluff much like this one. Although there was much lovelier scenery there than where you were at the moment. This, however, did little to soothe you when you misplaced your foot as it slipped too close to the edge. Your heart would run up into your throat, and you broke out in a cold sweat. Moments like that reminded you that you didn’t have wings like Latilth and could possibly die by one silly mistake.

A sweaty hand reaching out to the side of the mountain offered you some small support and assurance.

Deep breath, (y/n). You remind yourself and slowly side-step behind Loviisa.

Loviisa, Qheen, and Inniros quickly slinked along with skillful feet.

“Inniros. . .” Ray spoke carefully, eyes trained on his feet. “You once mentioned training on a mountain ledge. Is this the very one?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Like baby birds, the masters would push us off the cliff, one by one, with the hope we would shadow dance to prevent our death.” Even though she was upfront, you could hear the resentment in Loviisa’s voice. After that, many remained quiet except for the soft gasps emitted as someone’s foot ultimately slipped along a tapered ledge.

Pebbles that were dislodged tumble softly down, warning of your fate if you were to do the same. You kept your conscious focus on the shuffling feet in front of you. Loviisa made no noise and was nearly dancing precariously and effortlessly. The back of her blue head was done up in extravagant braids and swirls that made you dizzy as you tried to make out a design.

Every so often, Latilth would glide beside you and everyone else; eyes like bursts of fire watched you in a guarding manner before veering off to explore the barren forest scattered around the mountainside.

“Now she’s just showing off.” You hear Rhiannon complain, taking all your restraint to turn your head to look at her pouting face. You giggle a little bit.

“I thought Shadowlands still fostered living dragons.” Weles mutters.

“It’s true that dragons originated from the Shadowlands, but now they are scattered and in hiding. They only come out to hunt, which I doubt you will want to be around then.” Loviisa corrects him flippantly.

The idea of seeing another dragon excited and scared you. If you did stumble upon a dragon while it was hunting, everyone would be immediately killed. Latilth was still smaller than an adult horse, and there was no chance of her winning any fight against a fully grown dragon who had been alive for who knows how many centuries.

Still, you were hopeful whenever you looked up into the sky. You learned that Latilth possessed a natural sense of empathy and understanding. She was smart, and her intelligent eyes revealed that much to you when she looked at you. Were all dragons as intelligent? Maybe you could find one that didn’t have a naturally aggressive personality.

Unable to reel in your wild imagination, you let it entertain you. Before realizing it, you were at the end of the mountain trail, finally stable ground to walk upon.

If it hadn’t been for your previous training at the temple, you would have been drenched in perspiration. Instead, a few beads of sweat that gathered at your hairline were all that you suffered. That and the lightheadedness from the elevation change.

Rhiannon did not fare as well. The collar of her dress was discolored with sweat as she placed her hands on her knees and took deep breaths. She wasn’t used to physical exertion. Unlike Sirvart, who was an actual member of the Fiery Hand, Rhiannon had no background in fighting and had not even held a sword in her hand. A mere acolyte of the temple, Rhiannon spent most of her time in spiritual exercises with the rest of the red priestesses and doing other chores around the temple.

You pat her on the back, ignoring how damp the material of her clothes was, and smile. “Hey, you did really well!”

“I need to work out more.” She groaned in reply and straightened her back to fully stand. Her hair pulled back into her signature braided ponytail and fluttered against the slight breeze that drifted through the air. Light brown strands escaped from their ties and loosely fluttered around her face, reminding you of when Thalina had long hair. It was just as pretty, if not wavier than Rhiannon’s. Hard not to compare the two sisters. Your chest always thumped harder in your chest during moments like that when she reminded you of her older sister. You wondered if Rhiannon thought the same of you. Were there moments she experienced when you reminded her of her deceased sister?

Melisandre gazed up at the barely spruced trees. “How much longer until we reach Stygai? It must be midday by now. If we stay out till dark-“

Loviisa quickly reassured her, “It will be another hour or so before we reach the gates of Stygai. You will not have to worry about the dark.”

Not wanting to discover what happened after dark in the ruined city, you wrap your calluses fingers around one of Latilth’s horns. She was clearly happy to finally have your group back on the ground where you were safe. Well, it's moderately safe. There were still unknown forces that the darkin hadn’t bothered to tell you about. Only Inniros had half-asleep, muttered the creatures you might encounter in the wild of the Shadowlands. Deformed monstrosities that had no name lurked, especially in the crumbled architecture of Stygai. Mutated animals also called the dark region their home. Many rivers and streams were polluted, causing defects in what little animals thrived there. An unlivable land, whatever life managed to live was secluded to nighttime activities.

The bog you experienced on the ground level started to overwhelm you as everyone followed Loviisa and Queen once more toward a vaguely decipherable pathway. It would be quite the walk until you reached Stygai. The valley you passed through is a narrow cleft in the mountains that stopped several miles from the border of Stygai. This was known as the Vale of Shadows.

To make the time go by, Loviisa gave everyone a rundown of the city. “If you have any weapons, best sharpen them as we walk. Stygai is plagued by demons of all types. Things you would have never imagined to be walking. Some have bodies like a scorpion. Others could look like you or I. But these are corrupted beings. Dark magic lingers heavily on the earth there. You will never be safe in the city, so keep guard. And do not break away from our formation until I say so.”

Only Latilth remained unperturbed by her disturbing warnings.

This might have been the most terrifying thing you were willingly walking into. Scarier than when you were dying from poison; it even beat out when you were stuck in that damn lion cage. The fact that you had beaten the darkin master Batur, nothing comforted you. Darkin may have been different from your mother's tales, but you guessed Stygai was very much the nightmare-inducing place. Was this the right choice? Did Loviisa think this was the only way to help you better reach out to your past life? She could be lying.

You became heightenly aware of Qheen’s presence. An ambush could easily be performed with Loviisa in the very front and Qheen in the rear. Inniros, unperturbed by the new darkin’s presence, gave you a slight peace of mind. With time, your paranoia declined; the worry of them betraying you faded. Having not really spoken with Qheen, he was more suspicious than Loviisa. So far, Loviisa has only instigated a quiet kindness. Qheen’s aura held no warmth like his female counterpart. If you had a chance to speak with Inniros alone, you would ask him about this darkin.

Decaying archways of Stygai greeted you, and your group was finally pausing to assess your surroundings. At least when you walked through Asshai, it had some semblance of life, as seen in the candles you spied in the windows and the subtle movement of curtains. Stygai didn’t even have a breeze to break the staleness of the air. The only sound was the dirt and other miscellaneous debris that crunched under your feet.

Remnants of a great wall could be traced as thick vines clung onto whatever stones were left standing.

Great trepidation weighed heavily inside of you as you slowly passed under the curved structure. Even the atmosphere felt like it was pushing you down to the ground. How was it possible that people used to live there?

You kept your palm rested against Lightbringer’s pommel, your security blanket. From the entrance into the forgotten city, it was a straightforward path to the heart of the city. Much like Loviisa had described to you, the atrium of Stygai had a circle of black obelisks. Only the towering obelisks were fully intact among the decrepit buildings and structures. Surviving even after the city’s doom.

You swore you could hear gentle chants in the film of mist that overran the streets. Ghosts of the lives lost so many centuries ago from whatever plague condemned the City of Night.

Loviisa stops right outside of the obelisk circle. You could make out the carved inscriptions in the stone, although you had no idea what it said. A language beyond your comprehension, but the darkin that accompanied you stared at it with a certain type of reverence.

“This is it?” Weles asks incredulously.

Melisandre scowls at him before shaking her head. “You would be wise to check your tone in this place. We are but intruders.”

Eyes closed for a moment, Ray murmurs a prayer of protection.

“So what’s (y/n) supposed to do?” Rhiannon turns to Loviisa and Inniros for an answer. “Do you guys have a spell or something to activate it?”

“Like I told (y/n), I don’t know if this will work, but it’s worth a shot. All different types of magic run through the earth here. While the city looks dead, it’s pumping full of certain enchantments. You see the inscription on the stone? Part of it warns that whoever can withstand its intensity can access the deepest corner of their soul. It will unlock that you could have never achieved alone.”

Quietly, Ray speaks up “Isn’t it also rumored that it was the obelisks that also brought on the death of Stygai?”

“Who really knows what slowly killed Stygai. It’s been thousands of years.” She merely shrugs, doing nothing to bring hope to the rest of you.

Would these rocks actually help you? You encountered so many crazy things during your travels in Essos. Flaming swords, dragons, darkin. . . It wasn’t exactly that insane once you remembered all of your other ventures. Viewing everything with an open mind, you convince your body to start moving forward. Collective breaths were held and you were certain you could hear Weles’ heavy breathing. Taking a massive amount of self-control to stop him from following you. Leader of the Fiery Hand, it was his immediate instinct to be near you in case any misfortune was to befall you. Jaime had been much the same. Did he regret not going with you? You were certain he did. When you had last seen him on the docks of Volantis, his eyes had radiated concern, hands clenched, and feet grounded. If he didn’t ground himself, his body would move on its own and leap after you.

You wished he were there. Now that your anger toward him had cooled down, you longed to have your older brother at your side. In the end, it was for the best that he stayed behind. Tyrion was there and needed a familiar face to help him familiarize himself with the temple. A tinge of jealousy, you envied your little brother, who was able to bask in Jaime's security. To know that in the morning, he would be able to easily see Jaime’s face, or if fear struck him, he could instantly grab his hand.

A heaviness of the heart weighed down your steps and caused you to hesitate over the threshold. If things went bad, there would be no Jaime to fight alongside. Your partner was gone.

Something nudging your back startles you.

Latilth lowly coos before nudging you again.

Jaime may not be present, but Latilth was. She would be the one to give you courage, to offer you comfort.

Grateful, you smile at her and continue to pass into the center of the circle, the temperature dropping dramatically. You could see your breath in the freezing air. The gentle chants had even been choked into silence. Once, a gentle mist became a thick fog that blocked you from glancing at your friends. Barely able to catch a few muffled voices, they, too, grow quiet.

Inhaling slowly, you wander to the black stones that were like a gate to some unknown world. ‘Alright, (y/n). Let’s get this over with so we can get out of this creepy place.’

You squint your eyes at the chiseled writing, begging to see some clue or that magically you could read it. To you, it was simply a bunch of scribbles that meant nothing to you. Not even when you stared at it for several minutes. Idly, you run your fingers over the thin dips and run the tips over the outline of the strange hieroglyphics. Surprisingly, the stone felt smooth, almost as if it had been polished recently. Not like the rest of the city, where the architecture lay in ruin, taken over by weeds and vines. Rugged and crumbling.

An exhaustion that you hadn’t felt prior took a grip on you.

Closing your eyes for only a moment, you open them back up to a dark hallway. ***

(y/n) abruptly disappeared as a thick fog descended on her.

Weles began to run but was tugged into a halt. He looks over his shoulder at Melisandre. Garnet's eyes held him down as her stern expression gave him reassurance and told him to be faithful in (y/n). He didn’t like feeling so helpless, so weak. Restlessness tingled in his veins. The red priestess was right though, Weles needed to have more faith in his acolyte. He trained her, after all, did he not? She had proved herself a ready student and developed her skills from when she first started. Scars that now littered her once flawless skin were testament enough to her progress.

She wasn’t weak or helpless. That had to be enough to console Weles as he stepped back to stand beside Melisandre and Rhiannon who couldn’t wipe the dread she was experiencing off her face. Letting (y/n) go by herself wasn’t easy for Rhiannon either. Her concern remained internal as she prayed inside her head for (y/n) to be safe.

Inniros and Loviisa stood together. The red haired darkin couldn’t help but inquire “How long should we give her?”

Deep blue eyes stared at where (y/n) had vanished. Through her shadows, she could feel that the girl was still there physically. Standing still. With that knowledge, Loviisa allowed her eyes to cautiously glance to the side where a partial tower stood. Perhaps once, it had been tall and proud, looking over whatever residence passed by it, but now it was no taller than a hedge. Other buildings, scattered here and there, were all left of the main city courtyard.

They weren’t alone though.

“That depends on how long we’ll be left alone.” She could feel it.

Inniros followed her gaze. Loviisa had always been sharper than him. There was indeed a presence, many, hiding behind the cracked stones and bricks. “We need to spread out, surround the obelisks so nothing gets through.”

Loviisa nods and relays the message to the others. Qheen, who had been silent during the hike through the mountains, sidles up to Inniros. In a raspy voice from lack of use asks, “Do you really think that will be enough?”

His red brows furrow, and he shoots the masked darkin with a dark glare. Something in the way he said it didn’t sit right with Inniros. A condescending tone underneath the question.

He could practically hear the ugly smile that distorted Qheen’s mouth. “What happened to not believing in any gods let alone R’hllor.”

“You haven’t seen what I have. Haven’t seen her glory.” Inniros stonily replied.

“Glory.” Qheen chuckles to himself. “You’ve never concerned yourself with glory. Last I heard of you, you were cutting throats along with the rest of the Golden Company.”

Inniros would never deny his past. The many lives he had ruined and the blood that forever tainted his hands. He couldn’t resurrect those that were dead. There weren’t enough apologies he could make to ever amend the wrongs he had done, such vicious and violent acts against all of humanity. (y/n) should have killed him when she had the chance. Only his death would erase his mind clear of his sins.

But (y/n). . . When the Fiery Hand wanted his head, (y/n) offered mercy instead and took him back to the temple. As unpopular of a choice as it was, (y/n) remained loyal to her conviction and didn’t bow down when the others voiced their dissent. The shock he had suffered when they had spoken to one another for the first time. She was timid and childlike when introducing herself. At that moment, she treated him like he was still a person. Like he was a human being. And when she had pierced his shadowy tendrils with Lightbringer, a spark of understanding had fanned into a raging flame. The warmth of a connection. Something came alive in him because of (y/n).

He could never truly explain it and had ceased to find an answer. Content with the feeling of having a purpose for once in his life. “Yes. It is quite odd.” Inniros admits aloud to both himself and Qheen. “Maybe once you feel her fire, you’ll understand.”

Hardwood floor beneath your boot produces a clicking noise as you walk down the hallway where it gradually became the entrance to a dimly lit tavern. The sound of metal strings being strummed tickles your ear and makes you follow it around solid wood pillars and abandoned chairs and tables. Until you come across the bar, which is just as empty as the rest of the establishment.

That is except for the musician.

He sat alone but apparently happy to be playing. You only saw his side profile and muscular arms, which managed to hold his instrument so tenderly. A mane of thick, black hair fell off his shoulders, yet you could spy a few strands of white hair peeking out. His beard, however, remained like that of a raven’s feather.

You were afraid to disturb such beautiful playing. Loviisa said the obelisks offered you a view into the deepest part of your soul, but you had never met this man before.

“You know who he is.”

You hadn’t heard that voice in quite a long time. You turn around to see the Warrior smiling kindly at you. Your older self. How had you not realized her true identity sooner? Now, it seemed so obvious. She even possessed the scar above your left eye. Even her wisened, green eyes were your own.

“We are one and the same. All three of us.”

No. . .

Doing a double-take at the mystery man, you search what features you could see for anything familiar. This. . . This was really Azor Ahai?

Shy feet glide closer to where he sat.

His voice rolled smoothly past his lips, deep and harmonious. “I’ve been waiting to meet you, (y/n).”

He knew who you were. Of course he did. Azor Ahai was really part of you after all. The foundation of your soul.

“I-I’m. . . I’m honored to meet you, Azor Ahai.” How else were you supposed to great the man you were reincarnated from?

The music stopped, and he actually laughed and waved off your formality. Finally, he turns around to face you fully, barrel chest and all. Now that he set aside his odd string instrument, he stands to his full height. The man was a giant. While the rest of his hair may have been pitch black with shocks of white, his bangs were completely grayed. “I don’t want to hear any of that. We are closer than that. After all, I’ve been with you this entire time.”

He pulls a chair from the bar and gestures for you to sit down. You do so and watch as he leisurely throws himself into his chair. You are in complete awe at how different he is from what you imagined. It’s difficult not to gawk at the legend himself. Definitely friendlier than the image you had painted in your mind. His dark arms were thick, nearly rippling with the muscle underneath, and covered in various burns and scars. Fingers that had strummed ethereal notes were especially burned, you suppose, from forging Lightbringer.

“Not what you imagined?” Azor laughs.

Oh, his smile. How was it possible for someone else to have Rhaegar’s identical smile? Bright and inviting. “Not exactly. . . But you’re really Azor Ahai, aren’t you?”

Still grinning, he nods. “I get it.” Then, as if on second thought, he reminds you jovially, “Don’t forget there’s something important to ask me. I doubt your friends want to stay waiting long in Stygai.”

You nod. Right. You couldn’t waste time, although you had dozens of questions to ask him. “How do I show Master Batur that I’m truly you?”

He hums, having already known what you planned on asking him. “I’ll let you in on a big secret. Something that the surly Master Batur may know, but definitely not the younger darkin. A secret passed among the elders until the darkin pupil surpassed them in battle. It’s given only by the lips of the dying. I’ll share the secret of the first darkin with you. Only if you vow to never tell anyone else until your dying breath. You must only share it with one other person who is at your side during your final hours. They must take this very same vow, for the name of the first darkin becomes the wax that seals their promise. It holds magic to it that makes a person follow through with their vow.”

His eyes are dark and almond shape, drilling into you with a new sense of severity. “Do you promise this, (y/n) Targaryen?”

“I do.” You confidently reply at level your own serious gaze on him. “You can trust that I’ll safe guard this secret. Until the day I day.”

Azor smiles. “I know.”

They emerged, one by one, from the crevices and bones of the courtyard. Odd shaped beings that at first couldn’t be deciphered due to the mist in the distance. Deformed monstrosities that crawled out of the lower bowels of the underworld. What had appeared as the torso of a human man stopped at the waist as a scorpion body takes form. A large, pointed tail bobbed as it’s many legs creeped over the earth. Its misshaped head and big, black eyes blink at them. Clicking noises emerged from a pincer like mouth.

Rhiannon nearly lost her courage but remembered that right behind her was (y/n). In the distance she could hear the chanting spells of Melisandre and Ray, the orange light of fire emerging. It was up to Rhiannon to finish the circle that her seniors were casting.

When the scorpion creature spotted Rhiannon, it grew faster in its steps. Right for her.

Grimaces, Rhiannon held her hands out and chanted “Ñuha āeksio, ōños hen, lēda troubled prūmia nyke māzigon naejot ao. Renigon ñuha sīr nyke sagon hen ñuha. (My master, divine light of the heavens, with troubled heart I come to you. Touch my spirit so I might be alleviated of my anguish.)” Words spilling out, sprigs of flames rushed out from the ground, putting it off it’s forward path to her. Her heart beat rapidly, it even crawled up to her ears so that she heard it’s frantic pace.

Others were now being brave and slithered into view. Demons that shouldn’t be alive shrieked so terribly, angrily leaping at the heat of R’hllor’s flames. As her chanting grew more rapid, the higher and fiercer the flames grew. Such an exertion of concentration fatigued Rhiannon though. Her endurance had never been good but she held on.

“Hey! You’re getting better!” Thalina’s smile grew as she crouched down next to her sister who was holding a candle that possessed a small flame that threatened to go out if she dared to even breathe on it.

An improvement it may have been, a young Rhiannon frowns with frustration. She would never be talented like her older sister at this rate. Slow with lessons, Rhiannon grew discouraged and would nowadays rather be watching the Fiery Hand practice than learning with the other young girls in training to be priestesses.

Sensing her sister’s frustration, Thalina makes her safely set down the candle so that she could hold her small hand. “I know it hasn’t been easy. I’m sorry I haven’t really been around to help you either. Ever since they tested me on my flame reading, my own lessons are being piled up.”

Rhiannon shakes her head. “I know. My progress is too slow to my liking though.”

“Sometimes its better to take things slow. And there’s nothing wrong with that.” She leans her head against Rhiannon’s. “You don’t have to torture yourself like this. Take a step back.”

Finding the memory a point of concentration, she replied it over and over again to keep her mind off of the spell draining her energy the longer she held it. Relishing at the memory of her sister’s support and confidence in her younger sister.

The tavern melted around you like watercolor. New warm colors brightened a small, shabby room that held a clay stove and fireplace. Brutal wind beat against their tile roof and rattled their wooden walls.

You and Azor still sat in your same tavern chairs, watching the scene in front of you unfold. A young man stoked the fire, humming happily to himself. He bore no scars that told of hard times. Not yet at least.

Nearly blown off its hinges, his door is thrown open and bangs on the wall behind it. In stumbled in a young woman, bundled up and struggling to close the door. Azor scurries to his feet to help her out.

When they manage to close the door securely, the woman airily laughs. “My goodness! I felt like the winds were about to sweep me up!”

“I warned you about going out, ñuha dyni (my goblin).” He laughs when she starts slapping his bicep.

“Will you ever stop calling me that?” She fakes a tired sigh as she starts to shed her layers. Underneath was the figure of an hourglass with hair so long and wild that it was hard to get control of it. Her skin glowed in the warmth of the fireplace, dark and blemish free except for her chapped lips which were quickly thawed by Azor’s in a kiss that had her melting into him.

“The first darkin given the gift of shadowdancing was my beloved, Nissa Nissa.” The Azor Ahai right next to you said in such a longing tone that it broke your heart. The very same Nissa Nissa whom he plunged in the heart in order to create Lightbringer. Seeing them being playful with one another, it was clear how in love they were. He did the unthinkable to one he cared deeply about. You recall fighting with Inniros, the first time your sword burst into flames was when you stabbed his shadow before he got away.

“Nissa was the only one after that to bequeth the gift to those she deemed worthy. No other darkin was able to do that. After. . . After I killed Nissa, the only way new darkins were brought into the world was through the usual act of passing it down through progeny. The people she chose in those early years became my first trusted allies.”

“Then how could you kill her?” You accidentally blurt out and quickly cover your mouth with your hands but the damage was done.

He wasn’t angry. Eyes cast down to his folded hands, he looks torn. Nissa Nissa, thought quite demure most of the time was a stubborn and defiant woman. If she thought something was the right thing to do, there was nothing that could stop her from doing it. Chosen by R’hllor, she was able to get an answer on how to make Lightbringer.”

She had insisted on her own death, much like Thalina had once she foresaw her end in the flames. Both were ready to do what was best for the majority.

“I begged both her and the unseen R’hllor. There must have been some other way. That couldn’t be the only solution.” He shakes his head.

The two of you are now in some sort of tent. Azor, covered in grime from hours in his forge, had his back turned to Nissa Nissa. “That is a cruel joke you tell me.”

“It’s not a joke.” Her voice is firm. “ Vēzos (Sunny), I’m not trying to upset you but that is what R’hllor has revealed to me.”

Cynically he laughs but it almost sounded like he was weeping. “Why must all gods be so cruel.”

Her hands flutter to his shoulders. “Don’t say that. R’hllor has given us so much. My death will be for the greater good. Tis the price we must pay.”

“Damn the greater good!” He bangs his fist on a table, scattering the pieces that represented his army. “Damn the whole world if killing you is the price.”

“Look at me.” So stern she had grown, Azor reluctantly turned around. “Do you honestly think death is the end of us?” Her hands slid down his arms to his hands which she held firmly. The pads of her fingers smooth the rugged skin of his knuckles, damaged from encountering hot temperatures while in his quest to make Lightbringer. “I’ll be a part of the weapon that will be used to slay the Others that bring the night.”

“No. I can’t do that to you.”

Abruptly, she grabs his face in her hands and yanks it down. “Listen, I want there to be a world for our children to thrive in. To enjoy life and grow old in. That’s the least we can do as parents.”

Now you could hear the high pitch laughter that is often associated with kids at play. Nissa goes to the flap of the tent and pulls it back to show a sunny day outside. Four little ones pranced outside.

“Don’t you want them to live without fear?”

“She always had to be right.” The Azor Ahai that sat next to you grudgingly admits with a small smile.

You knew you were short on time, but you wanted to know “How are they able to be brave enough to accept their brutal deaths? People like Thalina and Nissa Nissa I mean. Aren’t they scared?”

“Oh I’m sure they must be terrified. Love for others can give you the courage to do just about anything. Nissa was a devoted mother that literally wanted the world for her children. Thalina loved and raised you knowing you would do great things.”

You had the answer you were looking for, but you were reluctant to leave. “There’s so much more I want to ask you.”

His warm hand lands on the top of your head affectionately. “You already have the answers. You don’t need to ask me.”

You blurted out something that you had buried deep inside of you. The doubt that ate at you. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to succeed in what everyone expects of me. What if I fail?”

“You won’t.”

Tears blurred around your vision. "How can you be so sure?"

“(y/n),” He must have spoken to his children in the same comforting tone. “I know you won’t. I’ve watched you suffer pains the likes which I have never had to experience. The lion’s den, losing your baby, you’ve survived all of it and more. Not by sheer dumb luck. You have a strength all your own, (y/n). A spirit that refuses to die.”

Many of the people who should have loved you in your childhood had beaten you into submission with their cruel words. So easily you had become convinced that everything they’ve said about you was true. Your father saying behind closed doors how much of a disappointment you were. Refusing to even pay you the simplest kind of affection. Instead he lavished it all on Cersei and Jaime, they could do no wrong in his eyes. Not to even start counting all the things Cersei had done to you.

And. . . even Rhaegar had made you feel like you were never enough.

Hearing the Azor Ahai calling you strong ironically resulted in your tears flooding over your lower eyelid and onto your cheeks.

He tenderly holds onto your hands and presses his lips against your forehead to bless you. “Do you understand now?”

You close your eyes, nodding your head slightly forward. Azor gives your hands a squeeze before letting go.

“Then you’re ready to go back.” His sad yet kind face is still there in front of you when you open your eyes. “I really wished I had more time to talk to you. There’s so much I want to tell you and warn you about.”

A deep breath brings a small smile onto your face. “Me too.” You’d be okay though.

Azor led you to the Warrior who had been waiting so patiently with a knowing glimmer in her eyes. She holds out your hand to you. You don’t hesitate to take it, but once you do, the Warrior’s body bursts into light that you gradually reabsorbed through your skin. Gazing at your once tan skin, now glowing with a brilliant light, you feel your body become heavy before you realize the fog that had once enveloped you in the real world had once again descended into your vision.

Something from above released a booming call that almost sounded like thunder. Lifting her face up, Rhiannon watches a winged creature glide above and plummet into the fog encased (y/n) and Latilth. Then, another of the same breed did the same until more took flight in the same direction.

Her head snaps back behind her, hoping to see some sign that (y/n) was okay. Rhiannon could see nothing, and a great debate tore at each part of her brain. If she left her position, the flames she had conjured would gradually die out, allowing more monsters to get through. It already sounded like the others in her group were in the midst of their own fight for life. That piercing clang of swords and death screams emanated from the dwellers of Stygai.

Beyond the flickering tips of her holy fire, many others besides the scorpion had gathered. Teetering back and forth to find an opening like their flying brethren.

Then, there was the unmistakable sound of Latilth in distress. Her roar was loud enough to break through the spell that hid her. The piercing point of her tell slashes out of the barrier, offering Rhiannon a view of what was going on even for a brief moment before more fog came back in. (y/n) was standing utterly still, her hand rested against the stone’s surface as chaos ensued around her. Possibly dozens of flapping winged bodies are flitting about before they attempt to attack (y/n)’s frozen form. Latilth, biting into one that had bit into her back and flinging it off, opens her mouth to a cyclone of fire. The heat hit Rhiannon fully in the face, making her shield her eyes.

Shaking off the ground underneath her, Rhiannon saw the top of one obelisk come dashing down when Latilth’s burly body was slammed into it. What if it was the one (y/n) was under?

Rationality fled her. The darkin, even though they numbered at just three, was enough to stop the monsters that would slip through in her departure. Without thinking about the repercussions, she breaks through the fog and enters the eye of the storm. Latilth’s lashing body and fire offer Rhiannon the light she required to spot (y/n). Now, with a closer look, she wasn’t exactly unharmed from the spray of rubble. Small cuts were dashed across her face, and there was a long line of blood trailing from one nostril, but it didn’t look like she was seriously harmed.

She thanked R’hllor, hand about to touch her shoulder until something sharp sank into her ankles and abruptly pulled her down harshly to the ground. Her chin smacked painfully into the cobblestones of the floor. A tooth may have cracked, too, but she had no time to assess the extent of the damage. She’s pulled across the surface, and something else rips from her side. The set of teeth on her ankle now swings its head back and forth. Spitting out a quick prayer, it was enough to engulf them in flames. They made exceptionally good fodder for R'hllor's fire. Greedily, the dancing flames gobbled up whatever flesh and bone was available.

Latilth, noticing Rhiannon, draws closer to her while still fending off her own assailants. They formed a small protective guard around (y/n).

Something warmed her back, something bright too, for the fog dissipated in its presence. Rhiannon got her complete sight back and saw the small fights that had sprouted around the outside of the obelisk circle.

An iridescent hand cups her shoulder. (y/n)’s hand. Wide-eyed, Rhiannon takes in (y/n)’s glowing form, for she is covered in the sun’s fire. Both she and Lightbringer shined in a celestial light. The streak of blood that had dripped from one of her nostrils seemed to disappear, as did many features of her face, becoming lost in the bright light that had consumed her.

She passed Rhiannon, and she tore through the horde in one fell swoop of her sword arm. The obelisk ring was alive with fire, yet even though flames licked at the bottom of her skirts and arms, Rhiannon was not burned. Like (y/n) had control over the intensity of her magical blaze that spread rapidly. The others jumped back out of instinct when they realized the fire was about to pounce on them, but there was no need to. Red Priest Ray dipped his hand into the many tongues that flickered from the ground and watched how they only affected the monsters that had appeared from the shadows. He grins and raises his hands to the sky; a joyful litany of Valerian bursts from him.

The Darkin Qheen, having witnessed the others unharmed, also experimentally moves his hand out to caress a wayward tendril of fire. There was no biting pain from the blaze; a mellow warmth greets him, and he remains even when he pulls his hand away.

Behind his morbid mask, yellow feline eyes watched the unassuming young girl take on the role of a warrior with her dragon thrashing at her side. They made a fearsome sight, and Qheen would only admit to himself that he stood there in awe and admiration, becoming witnesses as her dragon danced alongside her in a macabre flurry of movement. Neither bumped into the other as they slid and struck. Whatever she had been looking for, (y/n) definitely found it.

Master Batur's utter expression of disbelief gave you immense satisfaction; a weight on your shoulders that you had not yet noticed was lifted. You felt you could stand a little taller and breathe a bit better.

Pinprick's blue eyes stare at you, and his mouth normally pinched into a scowl, goes slack. Probably the most emotion Batur has ever displayed in his life is that he looks at you; he really looks at you and takes in your presence. Could he see a change in you? You certainly felt something. No longer grasping out in the dark for answers and reassurance. You were whole, complete now, with Azor Ahai's blessing.

In front of Batur, you get down on one knee and bring Lightbringer to balance on the palms of your hand. Instantly, flames swirl to life, and the hesitance it had once displayed was vanquished. "Master Batur, the last thing I want to do is bring pain onto the darkin. I know it won't be easy seeing the red priests again, but I promise you that they will not subjugate you to slavery. Not like before. They'll have to go through me before that were to happen. Please, fight by my side once again as equals. I cannot defeat the Others without the power of the darkin."

To your confusion, Batur commands you to rise in a somewhat embarrassed tone as he keeps his gaze averted from where you are. You extinguish Lightbringer, returning the sword to its scabbard. Deep lines across his forehead are still furrowed even when it's he now who kneels in front of you. "I will not have our champion in a state of prostration," Batur grumbled.

For the first time since arriving in Asshai, your smile truly shined.

Taglist:

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@domoron

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[ladykateofledfordpark]

It's missing Jaime Lewis hours, folks. ❤

[endlessflame]

Melanie Barnes and Jaime Lewis

For Choices Character of Color Appreciation Week @choicescocappreciationweek

[krishu213]

My best birthday Ever

Pair : Jaime x MC(Prakriti) (Prakriti means Nature )

Characters included : MC,Jaime,Harry(Mc’s dad) Willie and lola(lola is willies friend and mate)

All characters are owned by pixelberry.

Rating- nothing mature 

A/N :Please do leave comments , like and reblogs .This fic is also for May’s prompt list for day  11 .Birthday.

also please note 

the line in italics are willie and lola thoughts

 Happy Reading!!!!

______________________________________________________________

She glanced at her watch to match the time.. and waited for a few mins

After a few min.. the clock chimed five times .. and arranged the photo frame around it.

Prakriti sighed in relief finally after hours of work it is repaired.. .. she took out cells from clock  and kept in drawer….

Finally, his gift is ready… I hope  it works .. she thought…soon she heard peter patter of paws nearing towards the guest room

Willie and Lola (Willie’s friend and mate)  came out of nowhere  ..running towards her.. greeting her with hugs and kisses

They entered the room.. but on finding her safe..  they asked her questions…!!

“What was that.. that sound ..  I have never heard it before Willie?  what sound is it that Willie..?”

“I don’t know… Lola dear… .never heard it before..oh whose pictures are this.. momma?”

“why are you laughing momma…?”lola asked 

“Do you need us to fight with that clock? Or the hoomans in the photo?” willie asked constantly looking for  any signs of danger from clock 

Again the clock chimed.. and both of them were super surprised when they heard sound was coming from clock…

“ Is this new kind of bell? Some new kind of hooman inventions bells.. gosh!! I love bells… I  love this sound” lola jumped with joy

Prakriti laughed at their thoughts.. how much she loved to hear their thoughts…she bends down to pet them

“ hey guys it’s your daddy’s birthday gift.. but don’t tell him okay.. and yes.that sound is coming from that clock.. and it's not a new invention. it’s an  old clock and few old pictures,,. do you know it belonged to your grandma Paula

She was happy with her family in 4 years of her married life, they were expecting their first child. She was 6 months pregnant and couldn’t be happier. Her father had moved in with them as after that hospital episode she didn’t want him to be left alone.

Next day…

As per her plan, Prakriti woke up before Jaime knowing that he would be up any min

She went to the kitchen  and prepared breakfast for all

When she entered the room Jaime was up.

Putting the tray on their side table  She gave him a   hug  

Happy birthday Jaime!  She wished him  followed by a kiss

Thank you!! He kissed her.

Thank you so much … love .. but why did you wake up so early and made breakfast I was going to do it.. you and baby should rest,  he tried to argue

But that words were deaf to her ears.. she gave him”  a look “ which told him she will not listen to him..he again tried to argue but was cut off  by her,

“I will be on maternity leave from work after a month.. so I will be having enough rest…and it's your day today Jaime.. and I want to make it special, she said while handing him a sandwich

You truly are a rare person Prakriti I can’t even get angry with you when you don’t listen to me…

Awww that’s so cute Jaime!!

After finishing his breakfast.

so where is my gift?  He asked

“You have to wait for it” she replied while taking another bite from he sandwich

“well I want my gift now  and by the gift I mean…he leans forward   to kiss her but they were interrupted by

“Ahem. Ahem”.  They heard someone clearing throat to get there,

harry who was standing at door.. all three of them froze for a moment looking at each other like a statue….

Breaking the silence…

“Happy Birthday Jaime!! My lad…..!!” Harry said cheerfully.

Soon it was Willie and Lola who entered and attacked Jaime with kisses and face licks and hugs…

Soon they all got ready and went out for lunch as planned

After lunch, Harry had gone back to their house… as he was feeling a bit tired. On the other hand, Jamie and Prakriti went for a movie.

But it didn’t go the way she wanted as Prakriti had a heated argument with ticket counter person who by mistake or intentionally as per her thinking gave their pre-booked tickets to someone else…

Jaime tried to pacify her but damn her hormones mixed with anger was not a good situation she was not ready to listen. Even he was angry with such behavior and irresponsibility from the manager of the cinema but right now at this moment, he was more concerned about her health.

 “I am sorry mam, But that customers were important and we can’t ignore their wishes, ”Manager replied timidly

“Unbelievable.. !! Unbelievable.. !!! Listen I don’t want to hear anything… but this is wrong, Just because they are so-called loyal customers you can’t give them our tickets”. She answered back

“ Mam!! I am sorry but we can’t help it.. the customers who bought your tickets are relatives of this cinema owners so we can’t say no to them.”

Before the situation worsens Jaime.. speaks in….

“Can you give us their tickets I will talk to them “, they handed him the tickets.

“Prakriti, I will talk to them okay, I don’t want you to get angry now and affect your health, it affects your health okay”, Jaime said more like requested her when they left the counter,

“‘Whoever it is I will handle him, I don’t want you to get upset’”…

She heard his thoughts

“Okay but better they don’t try to say something foolish …” she said while searching for their seats

They saw two youngsters were spoiled bratty kids who occupied their seats

Jaime decided to talk with them keeping his mind cool, no matter what he wanted to reprimand them for their behavior, but it turned out worst as those kids were a real pain in the head.

They didn’t agree with exchange and behaved liked they owned everyone here. But at last, after many arguments, those kids left their seats, but as if the day was laughing on them the movie was turned out bad so bad that they left the movie theatre after the interval.

They decided to take a takeout… for dinner and stop by the park for star gaze….

After their dinner and they sat down and watched the sky. Jaime tried to make some conversation but he only got a response in “hmm” or nothing.

Their ride back home was a silent one. Jaime decided to give her some time, after retiring to their room.

He heard little sobs

Prakriti hugged him taking in the warmth from him ‘ I am so sorry your day didn’t go as planned… its ruined  .. I wanted to make it special for you but it ruined and it ruined your birthday. I wanted to make it special. For you … you know.. ..I wanted to wear that purple dress you bought for me years ago..you loved that dress “

“ I made some alterations…. but it didn’t fit me… right from evening things didn’t work out it’s ruin. And now top of that I don’t even remember where did I kept your birthday present”, she let out another sob…

 He cupped her face making her face him, he couldn’t see her sad face or seeing her cry,” Hey now… now… come on don’t say that. Trust me no matter what it was the best day, no matter  how much bad food that was or the  movie but it was memorable , I enjoyed it  seriously. I would love to spend some time with you and the baby.. it has been a while.. when we have spent some time alone.. just you and me and baby. And doing our fav.. hobby to stargaze...so it's been a great day for me”. .. Jaime assured her.

“ you are just sugar-coating it”….she said timidly

Taking her in an embrace he kissed her forehead..,” nope I m not sugarcoating it is the truth I loved our day today, it was a  memorable day for me…

Now.. come on sleep.. you are tired ..and you both need rest,  we can find our lost gift tomorrow now please rest, he   started rubbing  her back.. to comfort her

Feeling she was not convinced he then  continued,

‘ Prakriti?

“Hmm ..” she responded while tracing some unknown patterns on his hand,“ I  don’t need a gift….  I have already got a wonderful gift and  that gift  is you, our baby, Harry, Willie, and Lola are the best gift  in my life. I could have never asked for more  Prakriti .. I don’t need anything.. “   she didn’t mean to cry but this pregnancy mood swings made her cry

Her sobbing was cut by the clock chime.. it chimed eleven times,

She sat up with wide eyes realization hit her.. now she remembered where she had kept the gift..

‘oh my god now I remember where I had kept it… she got up from bed  and went out of room  

Jaime followed her..

“Hey, I remember that clock chime… it’s the same chime…I know it..  I have heard it “.                                Jaime said

He found her standing near the guest room and she was smiling finally..smiling like a child who has just found his lost treasure.

He opened the door and was speechless.

He found the old clock shining brightly with new paint coat ,  hanging on the wall along with a few photo frames.

She waited for him to take in the surprise,

“Happy Birthday Jaime , It’s the same clock Jaime remembers which Paula bought from the garage sale and after some time it got lost.. well a few days ago I found it in some unattended boxes in Paula's room and these photos too.  I found them along with the clock now I remember it where I kept it. I kept it in the guest room.. to hide it from you”. She paused for a moment to see his reactions.

He still didn’t believe that finally the clock was found. he had some precious memories attached to it with Paula.

 It was broken  so  I fixed it with dad’s help  and I wanted to give you as a gift.. she continued..looking at him

He immediately took her in his embrace making sure not to hurt her and baby...

“ Thank you, Thank you so much Prakriti but you are my precious birthday gift from god I could have asked for, it was my best birthday ever,” he whispered.