#kiss gerda

[spring-vibes-only]

Kiss, marry, kill

[kallypsos]

[sailforvalinor]

oc Kay

Ends of the Earth by Lord Huron // Empress by The Arcadian Wild // Infinity Street by Richard Walters // Barefoot Kid by The Arcadian Wild // Rosyln by St. Vincent and Bon Iver // "Rhapsody on a Windy Night" by T. S. Eliot // The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen // Blood for Blood by Sarah Sparks // Winter: Will by the Arcadian Wild

[anytimebitchess]

NAAAT 😭😭 You're a menace in the tags 💀 (I love it tho and ily 🫶🏼)

Stawp..you’re maiking me blush 🤭💖 I am a menace, especially in the tags 😗 and I don’t think I’ll ever stop 😇

This is just 1/20th what my dirty mind can do…👀

[darcydarlingdabbles]

You are Safe - Deepest Desires

//One shot of Deepest Desires - Astarion Drabble. Very fluffy/comforting smut with many feelings. Not edited... Song Rec: Light by Sleeping at Last//

Explicit, Astarion x f!Tav, post cannon, 2.2k

cw: coping with sex/intimacy issues & allusions to Astarion's past

Astarion Ancunin was a sight to behold in any light.

The moon might make him look like some ethereally wicked beauty, but Tav much preferred the golden glow they were bathed in now. 

She sank into the plush leather sofa near the crackling hearth, cradling a cup of mulled wine. The spiced aroma chased away the chill of the night fallen outside the inn as her eyes drew lazily over the trophies adoring the walls—swords, shields, mounted heads of beasts. Theirs was just another story to add to the collection. 

Tav might be warmer still, without the vampire stretched out languidly beside her, but she would not give up the comfort of his closeness for the world.

“You know, I still don’t like being the hero. It is beyond tedium. ”

Astarion mused over the rim of his cup, as if he could detect her thoughts and had to refute them. 

“That so? You play the part so well.” Tav quipped back lovingly. 

“Well, I suppose I do enjoy all of the fawning adulation.”  Astarion mused. “And the gold, of course.” 

Tav shook her head fondly. She’d let him maintain the charade as long as he liked; she had already seen under the mask. He sent a smirk her way, his ruby eyes glinting with the firelight. Distracting her from the way he was balancing his goblet on its very edge, one of his dexterous fingers on lip of the drink, tilting further and further as if he dared the wine inside to spill. 

Or he was simply teasing Tav with the threat of it. 

“Beggin’ your pardon,” The inn keeper, a matronly half-orc with a smile around her tusks approached them. “Finest room we have is ready for ya, token of our gratitude for dealin’ with our Worg problem.”

“Thank you, Gerda, that’s too kind of you.” Tav said graciously. “We’re happy we could help.” 

She shot her companion a glance, but he was intently finishing his wine with only a raise of his eyebrows. 

She felt Astarion’s eyes on her as she conversed cordially with the inn keeper, his gaze as tangible as a caress along her cheek. Tav knew the warmth of that look. Little flickering moments of unguarded affection more sincere than any pretty picture his words could paint. 

The only recognition Tav gave was the smile at the corner of her lips. Because that was the game they played. Sparing his pride until the rest of the world faded away. 

This. This was everything she fought for. These quiet nights  brighter than any flames. 

…

Soon they retreated to the comfort of their room after a long day. Astarion led her up the stairs, silently twining their fingers together. Tav knew it was another gesture she wasn’t supposed to linger on, but if he kept this up, the dam would burst sooner rather than later. 

He pushed the door to their chambers open with an overly theatrical flourish. “Not quite fit for a king…but I suppose it will do.” 

Tav rolled her eyes, stepping past him to take in a very comfortable room that was downright luxurious in its details. Plush carpet, dark wood walls, and a canopied bed piled with silken sheets and pillows. 

“After sleeping in bedrools on the hard ground,” Tav put her hands on her hips, a smile on her lips with her tone placating him. “I think it will suffice.” 

Astarion came up behind her then, his cool breath ghosting over her ear as he murmured. “Then it is a shame you will not have the time to admire the finer details.” 

In the second of warning he gave, Tav knew well he could hear every uptick of her heart.

Astarion had her spun around, capturing her mouth in a searing kiss. Tav’s back hit the wall with a soft thud, her lover’s lithe body pinning her in place as he lifted their still entwined hands above her head. 

Those clever fingers hand already snuck under the hem of her tunic, drawing lines over the swell of her hip. 

“I have all that I need to admire.” Tav arched to the touch with a sigh as she finally exhaled. 

“Such flattery.” Astarion’s smirk was downright sinful, sending heat and want curling through her. Those ruby eyes glinted bright in the soft firelight of the room. 

Soon, their packs were dropped to the side, shedding the last trappings of battle with the armor and gore already tucked away. Leaving no more barriors between them as passion sparked in the scant space between them. His nibble fingers made quick work of the laces of her tunic, the fabric falling away to expose her collarbones, and her chest. 

Tav lifted her chin, playfully offering her neck, knowing how it thrilled him though he would not bite—not just yet. But Astarion would duck his head to draw his teeth teasingly along the colomn of her throat. 

She peered over his white curls. “My love, the door is still—” A sharp kick shut the door, and its lever lock clicked into place. “Thank you.” 

Astarion’s scoff tingled against her pulse point. He was far more preoccupied with mapping out the newly exposed skin, like it hadn’t been under his lips a thousand times. As if he wasn’t intimately familiar and once again confident with his ability to drive her mad. As if she didn’t know him just as well. 

When he pulled back to rid her of her pesky tunic, she used her chance. Tav’s fingers slid into his silky curls, just brushing her thumbs over the tips of his pointed ears. 

That got his attention. 

Astarion made a low, pleased sound in the back of his throat, finding her mouth again. 

The kisses grew more urgent as Astarion pressed Tav back against the wood-paneled wall, her arms around his shoulders as he used his thigh to part hers. 

Easy as could be, like they were dancing together again. Tav took his lead, her leg hooked around his waist before he had to reach for her. Their bodies were brought flush together--letting her feel the hard press of his arousal. 

“It would be a shame,” Tav murmured against the vampire’s lips. “Not to make use of the bed, don’t you think? I know how much you do enjoy fine linens.” 

Astarion laughed, the sound decadent yet playful. “My darling, the only thing more appealing than being wrapped up in silk, is being wrapped up in you.” 

Heat flooded into her cheeks, just like he knew it would. Even now, his lines always worked on her. 

Tav reached for the hem of Astarion’s shirt, ridding him of it and letting it join her tunic on the floor. He was already walking her back towards the bed—but it just wasn’t enough to map out the planes of his chest with her fingers, hooking into the waist of his breaches. 

“Can I?” Tav lifted her eyes, her mouth already watering. 

“You hardly have to ask.” He purred, pecking her lips just once more. “But…I’m glad that you did.” 

She always would. Sometimes to his annoyance, but the vampire seemed more than in the mood to humor her sweetness tonight.  Astarion freed his cock from his breeches as he sat back on the bed, stroking himself languidly, watching her with bright ruby eyes as she eagerly sank to her knees. 

He was so damn gorgeous like this, confident in seeking his pleasure, knowing Tav was more than willing to give. 

Her hand curled around his, before she was drawing the tip of him between her lips. She adored the sweet, strangled sound he gave as he relenquished his hold to her, those deft fingers threading into her hair as she swallowed him down. 

Tav loved him like this. Loved that she was the one who got to see Astarion this way—wanting and vulnerable and utterly hers. 

She poured every ounce of devotion into the slide of her mouth, wanting him to shatter from it. For all pretense to fall away like the filthy praise faltering from his lips, and let her catch him when he fell. 

Astarion tensed under her, the muscles in his thighs and the hand in her hair gone ridgid. 

Tav pulled back, her eyes seeking his, looking for the glassy sheen to cover his red irises or the distance in his gaze. “You can let go, love.” lacing the reassurance his ego sometimes spurned in a seductive purr. “I want you to.” 

Astarion’s scoff was breathier than he intended, she could see it on his face, but the hand in her hair curled around her chin, capturing her jaw as he bent to claim her lips. 

“As tempting as that mouth of yours may be…I’d much rather be inside you.” 

Her pulse quickened under his hold. 

Tav was on her feet, ridding herself of any thing that could get between them. Before straddling Astarion’s lap. Reveling in his groan as he tasted himself on her tongue. 

Those damned fingers of his were already delving between her soaked folds, thumbing her clit so perfectly it was maddening in an instant. 

“Astarion, please…” Tav breathed against his mouth. 

“I know darling.” His grin nipped at her lower lip, fingers sliding into her and curling just so. “No one knows you as I do.”

He was distracting her, and he was so very, very good at it. Tav rocked needily into him, pleasure sparking up her spine. Her fingers  clutched into the fine curls at the back of his neck. Trying to ground herself to meet his burning gaze. 

“No one loves you as I do.” 

Something beautifully yearning moved across his face. The ghost of a longing to be known—and to still be loved. It was all he could never bring himself to ask for, and yet she gave it, freely, whenever she thought he may need it. 

The next meeting of their lips was filled with nothing but tenderness, even as he pulled her closer still, breaking only as he filled her completely. 

Astarion’s grip tightened on her hips, and Tav understood. 

She let him bear her back onto the plush bed, surrendering to his need for control. Her hands fell back to either side of the pillow, as she searched the ethereal beauty of his face above her, assuring herself that he wasn’t lost to the old shadows. 

Clear crimson eyes gazed back at her, their only darkness that of desire. 

Satisfied, Tav wrapped her legs around Astarion’s waist, urging him deeper inside her. He obliged her with a precise roll of his hips that nearly had stars bursting behind her eyelids. 

“That’s it, my love.” Astarion purred, his breath played over her lips as his body moved with hers, sweet and aching, their fingers wound together even as he kept her wrists pinned. 

Tav could feel the edge of her bliss tugging at her, the way she clenched desperately around his cock, it was so damn close—

Astarion shuddered above her, tensing on instinct, resisting that final surrender, even now. His old wounds would never go fully away, but she could soothe them when they surfaced. Because she knew him. 

“Let go, my love, I have you.” 

He did, spilling into her with a choked cry, his hips snapping hard and fast into hers, sending pleasure that arched up her spine until it overwhelmed her. 

Spent, still tangled together, collapsed together. 

Astarion’s cool skin was a balm against her heated body, when he finally released her hands. Tav’s arms wrapped around him, feeling the faintest of trembling in the raw moments after.  He hid his face crook of her shoulder, letting her fingers slide through his curls. 

Tav shifted only enough to bare her throat to him, remembering how he teased that she tasted better shortly after their coupling. 

Far from a distraction, it was a gesture of the intimate trsut they shared. Astarion only hesitated a moment, before sharp fangs pierced her skin, and Tav relaxed into the familiar heat and sting. 

He drank from her, lost in the bliss of her blood. Comforted by the familiarity of it. 

When the vampire pulled back, a trickle of red dripped from his grin, and Tav swiped it away with her thumb. 

Astarion turned his face into her touch, a kiss pressed into her palm. Before he gathered her into his arms for the rest of the night. 

…

Golden sunlight crept across the room as dark became day. 

Astarion stayed with his head tucked under Tav’s chin, her heart beat a comforting rhythm against his ear. He stirred only as the warm glow softened his sharp features, and she finally gave in to the urge to trace the contours of his face. 

Astarion’s eyes fluttered open, immediately seeking hers. A lazy smirk tugged at his lips as he lifted a hand to caress her cheek in turn, the warmth of the Ring of Daylight around his fourth finger a delicious contrast to his cool skin. 

“Looking for a cuddle?” he asked, his tone playful yet tender, echoing their first morning together.

Tav laughed softly, leaning into his touch. “Always,” she replied, her heart swelling with love for this man who had come so far, who had learned to trust and to love despite everything he’d endured.

Their fingers intertwined with the comforting sound of his ring meeting hers. Warmed by the golden light forevermore. 

[bethanydelleman]

I want to tell you about my favourite fairy tale as a kid that I wish got a real adaptation (Frozen was supposed to be but they changed it). It's called The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson.

Summary (because this is a long one): There are two kids, Kay and Gerda. They live across from each other, they are extremely close and very cute friends. Then suddenly, Kay gets a shard of demon mirror in his eye and it makes him a massive jerk. Like just the worst. He is then kidnapped by the Snow Queen who kisses him on the forehead so he can't feel cold.

Gerda thinks he's dead, but when she finds out that he isn't she goes on a Persistence Hunter Quest to bring back her platonic bestie (there is never a hint of romantic love). She has no skills except being good at telling her sob story and just keeps freaking going until she find the Snow Queen's castle. She even convinces a robber girl to give her a tame reindeer to ride at one point.

Eventually she finds Kay, whom she hugs to melt his heart and then he cries out the mirror shard. They escape all the way back home and then are like, "Huh, we are all growed up now." End of story.

I don't know why I loved it so much as a kid, but it has similar vibes to East of the Sun and West of the Moon, which is also about a woman who has no skills except the ability to keep going no matter what. I love it as an adult because Gerda wants to save Kay even though he doesn't deserve it at all and I love how persistent she is in the face of severe adversity. She's an incredibly strong character just for going on, not because she is badass in some unrealistic way. It makes me think about trying to save a friend from addiction or a bad relationship.

This was my childhood copy:

The illustrations are beautiful, but I can't find them online. Here are two:

[wholoveseggs]

Crimson Frost {Part One}

18+ ---- {Masterlist} {Tag-List}

Part One

You are to be wed to Niklaus of the Mikaelson clan, but when tragedy strikes and blood is shed in the snowy night, the true strength of family bonds and the power of love are put to the ultimate test.

♡♡ I'm back with another series, one I've wanted to write for a long time. This series explores the lives of the Mikaelsons as ordinary individuals in the Viking era, told from the reader's perspective but also Niklaus's. ♡♡

6k words - Warnings: Viking AU where the Mikaelsons are completely human (no magic, werewolves, vampires... etc) lots of death and violence, sprinkle of norse mythology... no smut in this part, {Spoiler: it will be eventually reader x Elijah}

{Part Two} {Part Three} {Part Four} {Part Five}

"Gerda! Come help me with these flowers," you yelled from the back garden. You were gathering the best wildflowers you could find to make a wreath to wear for the feast that evening. It was still winter, but it had been mild for almost a whole moon, bringing the wildflowers early.

"Coming systir!" she replied. Gerda came out into the garden a few moments later, carrying a basket full of wildflowers and a smile on her face. "These will look so lovely in your hair tonight," she said holding up a bunch of lavender. "I'm sure Niklaus will be so happy to see you."

You blushed slightly at her words. Niklaus.

Your mother had told you that the feast tonight was to announce your marriage to the young Mikaelson. Your family was thrilled, having you marry one of the sons of the Karl increased your family's standing among the clan. However, you were still nervous. You had grown up with Niklaus, he was kind and had a sweet smile, but he was also quite wild and battle hungry. He had just returned from his first raiding voyage to the coast of the English lands, and the stories of his bravery were spreading.

“I'm sure he will, but he is not my betrothed yet," you said as you put some more flowers in your basket.

"That does not mean that he will not be soon, and you will have to kiss him eventually," Gerda replied.

"Gerda!" You threw a bunch of flowers at her. "Do not be so improper."

"Sorry systir," Gerda said laughing. "It's just exciting, you are getting married to a Mikaelson!"

"Let us hope that the gods smile on our union," you said, picking up your basket of flowers.

Gerda had only seen eleven summers yet she was eager to grow up, while you were less than eager. Your betrothal had been a long time coming and it was a good match for your family, but you didn't have the same excitement as your sister. You felt unprepared to be a wife.

You saw Niklaus coming over with his little brother Henrik and a small smile crossed your face.

You looked up at Niklaus. "Hello, Niklaus."

"My dear," Niklaus greeted, bowing his head. "You look beautiful as ever."

"Thank you," you replied.

Henrik stood beside his brother. "Nik, you promised we could spar today!"

"Henrik, patience," Niklaus said, placing a hand on his younger brother's shoulder. "How about you go with Gerda, she can watch while you practice."

"Come on Gerda, let's go," Henrik said excitedly, taking her hand and pulling her over to the field.

"Your brother seems enthusiastic," you remarked.

"It's what he was born to do," Niklaus said, watching his brother and your sister run off.

"They would make a good match, your Gerda and my Henrik," he suggested.

"Oh yes, Gerda is very fond of Henrik," you agreed. "But they are both so young, it's a bit too early to make a decision such as that."

"Of course, I would not wish to rush them," Niklaus said. "Besides, you are the one I'm here for today."

You looked away, a slight blush appearing on your cheeks. He was a true charmer and had seen many battles even at his young age, the ladies in the village loved him and were always fighting over his attention. But the truth was you didn't feel anything when you looked at him. There was no spark or tingle of love the way it was described in the fables, just a friendship that you wished would turn into something more.

But it was an honor for your family, to be marrying into such a noble household. And it wasn't like he was ugly, or cruel. He was a good man and would no doubt make a fine husband.

"I think it will be an early spring, with all of these flowers in bloom," Niklaus said, reaching down and picking a blue wildflower and handing it to you.

"I do too," you replied, smiling and putting the flower in your hair.

"Nik, I thought you were sparring with me!" Henrik yelled, trying to gain the attention of his older brother

"Very well!" He responded, giving you a wink before running after his little brother, he picked up Gerda and gave her a spin, making her laugh.

You laughed at the sight and watched the three of them. Niklaus, Henrik, and Gerda. Playing around and having fun, but soon the time would come for them to grow up, and you feared what that would bring.

The sound of laughter and music filled the longhouse, you were sitting on a bench between your mother and father, enjoying the feast.

Henrik and Gerda were dancing and playing near the fire, laughing and smiling. They had been inseparable all day, both excited about the wedding to come.

Your eyes found Niklaus, sitting on the other side of the longhouse, chatting with his older brothers, Finn and Elijah.

Your engagement was to be announced tonight, in front of the whole clan, but you had already heard the news. You were going to be Niklaus' wife, and the next lady of the Mikaelson clan.

But you would be lying if you said that the thought didn't fill you with dread. You didn't feel ready to be a wife.

You saw beautiful Rebekah, Niklaus's sister, dancing with her friends. Her long blonde hair in a thick braid with ribbons and flowers. She was laughing and having a good time, while you sat alone and tried to hide how nervous you were.

She came over and took your hand. "Come dance,”

You smiled and joined her, spinning and twirling around.

"I've heard the news, congratulations," she said. "My brother is a very lucky man."

"Thank you," you replied.

Rebekah pulled you in close. "Soon you will be with child and I'll have a little niece or nephew to dote on," she said, her hand moving down to touch your belly.

You laughed, a blush spreading across your cheeks. "Yes, that is my hope."

"Well, the sooner the better," Rebekah replied. "Nik is getting antsy."

"What do you mean?" You asked.

"There has been word that the Blackthorne clan has been moving in this direction," she said. "Nik's been preparing for a battle, he says he will not let them pass our borders."

"I see," you replied. The Blackthorne clan were known to be ruthless and merciless. Their leader, a man named Einar, was notorious for his brutal raids and pillaging. It had been said that he once slaughtered an entire village just because they refused to give him one of their daughters.

"My father doesn't think they will make a move, but Niklaus is worried," Rebekah said. She gave you a searching look, "He lusts for war and glory."

You frowned, looking at her. "What if he's right? What if they attack? What will happen to us?"

"Don't worry sweet girl, you are apart of my family now, and the Mikaelsons will protect you," Rebekah promised.

As the night went on you feasted and danced with the people of the village. There was food and drink for everyone, and the mood was jovial.

You saw your father sitting next to Mikael, they were deep in conversation and your father was nodding along with whatever the elder Mikaelson was saying.

Mikael suddenly stood, raising his mug and the room fell silent.

"Tonight, we celebrate the engagement of my son Niklaus to the daughter of Erik," Mikael announced, looking over at the two of you.

"To a bright future, may they have many sons to lead us into battle and may their union bring great fortune to both families."

The clan erupted into cheers, banging on the table and lifting their mugs.

"A toast, to Niklaus and his bride!" Mikael called.

Everyone raised their mugs, cheering for the couple. Niklaus approached you and wrapped his arms around you. “It seems the gods have finally smiled upon us," he whispered.

You nodded and smiled at him, trying not to let him see the uncertainty in your eyes. He kissed your cheek and danced with you, the feast continuing on.

As the night wore on, you sat by yourself, watching the dancing and laughter. Rebekah and her friends were talking, Henrik and Gerda were still spinning around, and Niklaus was deep in conversation with Elijah.

Your parents had left, they were a bit older and didn't stay up late like the others. You wanted to leave as well, but Gerda was having so much fun, you didn't want to cut her night short.

Kol came over, sitting down beside you. "You should be out there having fun, not sulking here all alone."

"I'm not sulking," you replied.

"Yes you are," Kol said, grabbing a piece of bread from the table and stuffing it in his mouth. The two of you had grown up together, and he always knew when something was wrong.

"Well, the whole marriage thing has been weighing heavily on my mind," you confessed.

"Oh, come on, Nik's a fine warrior," Kol remarked. "My brother has always been taken with you, he will make a good husband... I think," he teased.

You laughed a bit, pushing him gently. "I know, I know, but I just wish to wait a bit longer. It seems like this has all happened so quickly."

Kol put his arm around you. "You will come to love him, and even if you don't, I am sure the bedding will be enjoyable."

"Kol, stop it!" You giggled, shoving him away.

He grinned and took another piece of bread, "You go home and rest, I'll watch Gerda."

"Are you sure?" You asked.

"Positive," he said. "You are both family now, I will protect her as if she were my own blood."

"Thank you, Kol," you replied, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "I will see you tomorrow."

You made your way out of the longhouse and back towards your home, the cold night air filling your lungs, you breathed out a plume of heat into the chilly air, perhaps winter was not quite done yet. As you walked you thought about Niklaus, he had been so kind and thoughtful lately, he was a good man, you had no reason not to marry him.

You were pulled from your thoughts by the sound of rustling in the bushes, you paused and listened. It was probably just a fox or some other woodland creature, but something didn't feel right.

Suddenly, you were knocked to the ground, a man pinning you down.

"Don't scream," he hissed.

You struggled beneath him, trying to push him off. He smelled of mead and sweat, his face was covered in dirt, his teeth rotted and bloody.

He pressed a blade to your throat, you stopped moving and let out a gasp.

"Do not fight, and I won't hurt you," the man growled.

He had black hair and was wearing a thick fur cloak, his body pressed against yours as he held you down. He pulled at your dress, ripping the fabric and exposing your skin.

"No!" You cried, struggling against him.

He moved his hand up and grabbed your face, his fingers digging into your jaw.

"You are a pretty one, will fetch a good price," he said, running his hand down your body and touching you roughly.

You heard the sound of a horn blowing, signaling a raid. Panic coursed through you.

The Blackthornes had come.

The man was distracted momentarily by the sound and you took the opportunity to grab a rock and smash it against his head. He grunted and fell back, letting you go. You scrambled away and stood up, running to your home.

You heard the shouts of the villagers as they prepared for battle, the sounds of swords clashing and people dying.

As you ran, you saw a group of warriors, led by Einar Blackthorne, storming through the village, killing and setting everything on fire. By the time you got to your house, it was in flames.

Your parents were nowhere to be seen and your heart dropped. You picked up the wood axe sitting on a stump and broke down the door, the heat and smoke burning your lungs.

"Faðir!" You shouted, coughing and looking around. "Móðir!"

"Y/N," a voice called. You saw your mother, kneeling on the floor and holding her hands over her chest.

"Móðir!" You cried, rushing over to her. "What happened, are you alright?"

"Dóttir," she said, reaching out to you, her breathing was labored and her hands were covered in blood.

Your father lay next to her, a wound in his stomach and a pool of blood surrounding him.

"Faðir," you gasped, looking at his lifeless body.

"Gerda," your mother croaked, clutching at your dress. "Go get Gerda,"

"I will," you assured her. "But first I must get you out of here."

You tried to help her stand, but her breathing became ragged and her eyes fluttered closed.

"Móðir?" You said, shaking her.

She didn't respond and her head slumped forward, her body limp in your arms.

"Móðir!" You screamed, tears streaming down your cheeks.

The smoke grew thicker, and the fire was getting closer. The wood beams above cracking and falling.

You laid her down gently, the smoke stinging your eyes, the heat of the flames singeing your hair and burning your skin.

You stumbled through the flames, making your way out of the house, you coughed and sputtered, trying to breathe in the clean air. Your village was engulfed in chaos and flames, you could see the invaders killing and stealing, their cries echoing through the night.

"Gerda," you whispered, trying to catch your breath.

A figure appeared in the darkness, a man wielding a sword, his body covered in blood and his face masked by the smoke. He was wearing the Blackthorne colors of gray and red. You raised your axe and struck him down, the blade slicing through his neck. Rage and adrenaline coursed through you, the fury of Tyr fueling you as you continued on, searching for Gerda.

Your family, your clan, your home had been destroyed. Everything you loved was burning, but you were determined to find your baby sister.

Your ran back to the longhouse, it was in flames, the heat radiating off of the building.

"Gerda!" You screamed out for her, trying to find her in the chaos.

You could hear the sound of fighting and screams, the smell of burning wood and blood filled the air.

Suddenly, a man emerged from the smoke, the same one who tried to rape you earlier, you raised your axe again, ready to strike.

But the man grabbed the blade, stopping the swing mid-air and pulling it from your grasp. He smirked and grabbed you by the hair, throwing you to the ground. You looked up at the longhouse, the place where you had spent so many nights with the Mikaelson family, the place where Gerda and Henrik were.

"You will make a good prize," he growled, running his hands over your body.

"No!" You screamed, thrashing around and he laughed and pinned you down, his hands tearing at your dress.

You could hear the cries of the villagers as they fought for their lives, the screams of the children and the clash of steel.

A hand grabbed the back of your attacker's neck and he was ripped away from you, you gasped, scrambling back. You watched the men fight viciously, exchanging blows.

Your savior was wearing the Mikaelson colors of green and blue, and you realized it was Niklaus.

You stood and grabbed your axe, raising it and attacking other raiders as they tried to approach, giving Niklaus the advantage.

"Y/n! systir!" You heard the sound of your name being called and you looked up, seeing Gerda and Henrik being hauled off by the raiders.

"Gerda!" You shouted, running after them.

You couldn't reach them, another raider jumped in front of you, swinging his sword. You ducked and avoided his blow, swinging your axe and catching him in the side.

He fell to the ground and you kept running, chasing after the raiders and your sister. You ran as fast as you could, dodging the raiders who were trying to stop you. But it was no use, they caught you and dragged you back.

Snow was starting to fall, and you could feel the cold biting at your skin. Two raiders had you by the arms, dragging you along the cold ground, you knew it wouldn't be long before you saw Valhalla. They threw you onto the back of a horse, the cold metal of a knife pressed to your throat.

"Don't struggle or we'll throw you into the fire," the man behind you growled.

You kicked him hard, and he struck you across the face, but you didn't care. Your family was dead, your home was gone, and Gerda was being taken away.

Suddenly, the men on the horse yelled, and the knife was pulled from your throat. You looked up to see a figure in armor, holding a Mikaelson shield in one hand and a sword in the other.

He struck down the Raiders, their bodies falling to the ground. You were disoriented from the blow, unable to see who had come to your rescue.

The figure grabbed the reins of the horse, and the beast whinnied, bucking wildly. He pulled you against him, the metal of his armor cold against your skin.

"Shhhh," he whispered, trying to calm the horse.

You recognized the voice, it was Elijah, Niklaus’ elder brother.

"We have to get out of here, can you ride?" He asked.

You nodded and he handed you the reins. You could see the bodies of the raiders scattered around, and the sounds of the battle were beginning to fade. Snow and ash fell from the sky, and the scent of death hung in the air.

"Come on," Elijah said, pulling himself up behind you.

He wrapped his arm around you, taking the reins back. "I will take you somewhere safe," he promised.

"What about your family? They took Gerda and Henrik," you asked, tears stinging your eyes.

The horse took off, galloping through the woods and away from the destruction. You looked back, seeing the flames and smoke rising into the night sky, and you wondered if Gerda was still alive.

"I saw Niklaus going after them, we have to hope he can save them," Elijah replied.

You held onto the horse tightly, the wind and sleet whipping against your face. The snow falling heavier now, the trees bare and the branches covered in a layer of ice.

Elijah's voice cut through the cold, "I know a place we can shelter from this storm,"

The wind howled and the snow fell heavily, obscuring your vision. You could barely see a thing, but you trusted Elijah.

You didn't know how long you'd been riding, but eventually, Elijah stopped the horse and helped you down.

He brushed away some snow to reveal a small cabin built into a overhang of rock. He tied the horse to a post under the eaves of the structure and opened the door, motioning for you to enter.

"It's not much, but it will keep us warm," he said.

The cabin was made of logs and stones, and there was a fireplace in the center. You shivered, your body numb from the cold.

Elijah started a fire with some wood that was already stacked inside the cabin, and soon the room was filled with warmth and light.

You sat on a bench, the flames from the fireplace flickering, casting shadows on the walls. Elijah sat beside you, and you could see the exhaustion and sorrow in his eyes.

"What of the rest of your family? Your parents? Rebekah? Kol? Finn?" You asked.

Elijah let out a sigh, "my parents and Finn were killed, I lost Kol and Rebekah, I don't know where they are or if they're even alive,"

He turned to look at you, his dark eyes full of sadness. "What about your parents?"

You looked away, a lump forming in your throat. "Dead as well."

You tried to stop the tears, to be strong, but the thought of your mother and father, and all those people, gone, was too much to bear. You buried your face in your hands and sobbed, the grief washing over you like a tidal wave.

Elijah placed his cloak around you and got up to stoke the fire. He added more wood, and the flames crackled and popped.

He sat back down and you moved closer, resting your head on his shoulder, his arm wrapping around you. You were both tired and hurt, and you knew that this might be the last night you ever spent alive. You were both silent for a moment, the weight of the night's events heavy on your minds.

"I am sorry about your family," Elijah whispered.

"As I am sorry about yours," you replied, looking up at him.

This was the first time you ever really spoke to him, as children you were always running around with Kol and Rebekah. Elijah was the stern older brother, the one who was always scolding you for being reckless. But now, he seemed so different.

He placed his hand on your cheek, his thumb gently wiping away the tears that were rolling down your cheeks.

"We will find them, and send every single one of those Blackthornes straight to Hel,"

Niklaus was smiling as he feasted and celebrated his engagement. The scent of meat and ale mingled with the smell of pine and fire, the flickering candles casting a warm glow on the room.

He sat with his brother, Elijah, watching as the members of the clan drank and danced. The atmosphere was festive, and everyone seemed to be having a good time, Niklaus loved a good party, especially one that was about him.

"Isn't she a beauty, brother?" He remarked, watching you from across the table.

"She will be a fine wife for you," Elijah replied, sipping his mead.

"Do you think she will let me bed her before the wedding? I do wish to know what pleasures await me," he grinned.

"Niklaus," Elijah sighed, "You cannot speak of your betrothed in such a manner, have some respect."

"Relax brother, it is just the two of us," he shrugged.

"Still, a woman's virtue is not a subject to be jested about,"

"Oh come on, 'Lijah, I'm only joking. Even the gods would agree that the wedding cannot come soon enough." He said, taking a sip of his mead.

The men were sitting around the table, feasting and drinking. Niklaus watched his little brother Henrik playing with Gerda, they were dancing and spinning in circles.

"I'm surprised Kol is not joining in on the festivities," Niklaus said, nodding to where Kol was sitting alone at the end of the table.

"He's been moody lately," Elijah remarked. "His courting of the Blackthorne girl did not go well, he returned with an arrow in his thigh."

"He was lucky to come back at all," Niklaus muttered. "Father won't listen to reason when it comes to the Blackthornes."

"What would you have him do Niklaus? Wage a war we cannot win?" Elijah replied, his eyes flickering over to where you were talking to some of the women.

"This is how I see it. We either bring the fight to the Blackthornes or wait for them to bring the fight to us," Niklaus stated.

"You two talk of politics like wise old men," Finn piped up. "But you're nothing more than fools, unprepared for battle. The Blackthornes are a mighty clan, and if we were to attack, we would lose everything we've built here."

"When have you seen battle Finn? When you put your trousers on in the morning? Or when you wipe your ass?" Niklaus laughed, grinning at Finn maliciously.

Finn rolled his eyes and ignored the insult, "This is a peaceful village. The only bloodshed we've seen is at the hands of wolves and bears. Father is right to avoid conflict."

"I stopped listening after you said 'father is right', that means nothing to me," Niklaus remarked, downing his drink.

"Well, then I shall take my leave and continue this conversation with someone who actually has the capacity to understand it," Finn huffed, getting up from his seat.

Elijah shook his head, "He does have a point Niklaus. War is not something we can take lightly, the consequences could be dire."

Niklaus watched as Finn went over to you and offered his hand, no doubt asking you for a dance. He watched as you politely rejected Finn. He smiled to himself, you really were the perfect wife.

"We can't avoid the Blackthornes forever. Eventually, we will have to make a move," Niklaus stated.

"Not today, Niklaus, not tonight. Tonight is a night of celebration," Elijah said. "You cannot lust after war on the night of your engagement."

"Fine," Niklaus sighed. "We will discuss this tomorrow,"

"Very well," Elijah agreed.

"I'll hold you to that," Niklaus said, downing the rest of his mead, he watched as you danced with Rebekah, he loved the way you smiled and laughed.

He felt a sense of peace and happiness, knowing that soon, you would be his wife. He looked to his father, who raised his mug and toasted to the union, a gesture that surprised Niklaus, but also put him at ease.

The music began to play, and the men started dancing with their wives. He came over to you, and told you how the gods were smiling down at your union. You looked so beautiful, and he could barely take his eyes off of you.

He danced with you for a while, before Elijah approached and asked for a private word. The brothers found a quiet corner, away from the crowds and music.

"What is it?" He asked.

"I've gotten word from a scout that the Blackthornes are near. Their numbers are great, and they are preparing to attack," Elijah informed him.

"When will they be here?" Niklaus asked, his mind already racing with possible scenarios and outcomes.

"On the morrow, if the scouts are correct," Elijah replied, his voice tense.

"Then we must prepare. I'll rally the men, and we'll set a trap. We'll lead the Blackthornes into the woods, and ambush them," Niklaus said, his eyes flashing with excitement.

"Father has it well in hand, enjoy the celebrations Niklaus," Elijah said. "And be careful not to drink too much, I will need your help in the morning."

Niklaus nodded, but couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in the pit of his stomach. He glanced over to where you were sitting, chatting and laughing with Kol. You were so happy and carefree, and he wanted to protect that, even if it meant risking his life.

Niklaus spent the rest of the evening drinking and dancing, trying to push aside his worries. You left not long after, and he went to follow, but Kol stopped him, "Let her be Niklaus. She's tired, and I'm sure she has a lot on her mind."

He begrudgingly agreed and stayed, dancing with Henrik on his shoulders as Gerda did on Kol's. It was late, and he could feel the effects of the mead and ale taking hold.

"Off to bed now little Henrik. I'll walk you home sweet Gerda," Kol said softly, setting her down and kissing her cheek.

Suddenly the sound of a horn rang through the night air, and they froze, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end.

"To arms!" Mikael shouted, his voice echoing through the longhouse.

The room erupted into chaos, the men rushing to grab their weapons and armor. Niklaus laughed, rushing to grab his sword, "So much for a peaceful night!"

He grabbed his shield and rushed outside, joining the fray of battle.

The smell of blood and sweat filled his nostrils as he swung his sword, cutting down raider after raider. Glory and honor filled his heart as he fought, but the thought of you was never far from his mind.

He had promised you that he would keep you safe, and he intended to keep that promise. Your father was old and you had no brothers to defend you, tonight it was his duty. He headed towards your home, but stopped at the sound of his sister screaming, he turned to see Finn swinging wildly at Einar Blackthorne.

His eldest brother was standing in front of Rebekah, she was holding a sword with shaking hands.

"Finn, don't!" Rebekah pleaded, watching him try to fight Einar, but it was an uneven match, Einar struck Finn across the torso with his axe and he crumpled to the ground.

Rebekah fell to her knees at his side, "No! Finn, no!" She cried, clutching to his body.

Einar grabbed Rebekah by the hair and dragged her away.

Niklaus roared and chased after them, but was cut off by a group of raiders, and he slashed and hacked his way through them, searching for where his sister had been taken in the chaos.

Kol was fighting nearby, the young warrior was up against a beast of a man, he stabbed Kol in the arm and he collapsed to the ground.

He heard the sounds of Kol's screams, the boy was fighting for his life. The sight of Kol, bloody and beaten, snapped something inside Niklaus.

He ran towards the man who had stabbed his brother, his eyes full of rage and fury. The man was large and strong, but Niklaus was faster, he plunged his sword into the man's chest and twisted, watching as the life drained from his eyes.

Niklaus could almost hear the drum beats of war, as though the gates of Valhalla had opened, and his ancestors were cheering him on.

The scent of blood and death was thick in the air, and the sounds of clashing metal and screams filled the night. The ground was covered in the bodies of the dead and wounded, and the snow was stained crimson.

He pulled Kol to his feet, and saw Elijah fighting off a group of raiders, his movements a blur as he sliced and cut.

"I can't find Rebekah, they've taken her!" Niklaus cried out.

"We will find her, brother. I promise," Elijah replied, his gaze fierce and determined.

Niklaus could see the fires from the longhouse, the smoke rising into the sky. His family's home was burning, and the village was being pillaged and raided.

Elijah pulled his younger brothers into an embrace, his hands on their shoulders, "our father and mother have been stuck down, I could not save them,"

"Finn?" Kol asked, his eyes darting around, looking for the eldest brother.

"Gone," Niklaus replied.

The three brothers looked at each other, the weight of their losses settling over them. Elijah pulled his younger brothers into an embrace, their foreheads touching.

"I will find Rebekah, I promise. Niklaus, find Y/N, get her to safety," Elijah instructed.

"But brother-" Niklaus began.

"Now!" Elijah roared.

Niklaus and Kol exchanged a glance and nodded, and Elijah took off in one direction.

Niklaus and Kol began to search the village, but all they found were the bodies of their people, dead and dying.

The sound of your screams caught Niklaus' attention, and he rushed towards the noise, Kol close behind.

They found you, being held by a raider, he was ripping at your clothes, and you were fighting him with all your might.

Kol saw Rebekah being loaded onto a cart and he rushed after it.

Niklaus' vision turned red, and he charged at the raider, pulling him off of you and tackling him to the ground. His blood was boiling, and he couldn't stop his rage.

He slammed his fist into the raider's face, again and again. The sound of bones crunching and the taste of blood filled his senses. He attacked him like a rabid beast and he watched you get to your feet and lunge at another raider, cutting him down with just a wood axe. He smiled and laughed at the sight, the goddess Freja possessed you, beautiful and deadly.

He heard the sounds of Gerda's screams and watched you chase after her. He went to follow but was knocked over by a blow to the head.

He rolled over, the world spinning around him. He tried to stand, but he stumbled and his vision blurred. It was like everything was moving in slow motion, and silence fell.

He saw you being dragged away, kicking and screaming. He saw Kol, fighting a few paces away, his movements becoming slower and sloppier as his wounds took their toll. But he had saved Rebekah, she was helping him stay upright, the two of them fighting back to back.

He saw a raider raise his axe to strike Kol, and he saw Rebekah push him out of the way. Blood burst from her face as the blade made contact. She fell to the ground, clutching her head.

It was as if Thor himself had struck him with lightning, he forced himself to stand, roaring with pure rage. He grabbed a spear from the ground. He hurled it, watching as it impaled the raider, a look of surprise and pain on his face as he fell to the ground, dead.

Niklaus rushed towards his siblings, grabbing them and dragging them to their feet.

"Go!" He shouted, picking up Rebekah and dragging her towards the tree line, Kol close behind.

He looked back, trying to see you, but you were gone.

They stumbled into the woods, the sounds of the raid fading into the distance.

"Where's Elijah? Henrik, Gerda, Y/n?" Kol asked, panic in his voice.

Niklaus didn't reply, the weight of his sister and the wound in his side making it difficult to breathe.

"Niklaus, where are they?" Kol repeated.

"I- I don't know," Niklaus panted, stumbling over a branch.

The trees loomed above them, the darkness of the forest threatening to swallow them whole.

They continued to run, the sounds of the battle growing distant.

"We will find them. But first we must get Rebekah to a healer, she will die if we do not," Niklaus stated, his voice low and determined.

"We can't just leave them," Kol protested, his voice cracking.

"You don't think I know that!" Niklaus yelled, louder and angrier than he meant to.

Kol was quiet, the only sounds were their labored breathing and the crunching of leaves beneath their feet.

They walked for what felt like an eternity, the pain in Niklaus' side growing worse with every step. The rapidly falling snow making it hard to see.

Niklaus could hear Kol sniffling and muttering to himself, his younger brother was barely holding on.

He was struggling too, the guilt and pain eating away at him.

He had failed you.

{Part Two} {Part Three} {Part Four} {Part Five}

♡♡ Tag-List ♡♡

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[incorrectringsofpower]

Not saying I'd write made up canon to troll the antis, but if I were to write/make content for something that doesn't exist:

[gamerbearmira]

You know, I always loved fairytales, and those episodes of TV shows where the characters are part of a fairytale or in a fairytale setting were always fun for me. A fairytale AU would be super cool, where the Madrigals are all royalty, and each Madrigal is the protagonist of a different fairytale.

Alma is the beauty from Beauty and the Beast, Pedro didn't die, he was cursed and ran away after an angry mob attacked him, he hides in a dark castle in order to protect his family from the angry mob and watches over his family from a distance, whether or not Alma knows what happened is up for debate.

Julieta is the princess from the Princess and the Frog, Agustin is the frog of course, that's why he's so clumsy, the story is basically the same as Julieta helps Agustin break his curse.

Pepa is the Snow Queen, after being bullied as a child for her weather powers, she shuts herself off from others until Felix, the Kai of the story, comes along, he can only sees the bad in the world due to a shard of the cursed mirror in his eye but doesn't see fault in Pepa's perfect snowflakes, Pepa falls in love and helps Felix's sister, the Gerda of the story, break the curse of the mirror shard.

Bruno is the protagonist of The Golden Goose, he wanders into the jungle to hide from bullies and offers some of the food he has on him to an old man, who guides him to the Golden Goose, as Bruno makes his way back home, many people try and steal feathers from the goose and end up getting stuck, they are only freed when Bruno comes home and his family ignores the goose as they embrace him, as he had been gone for hours and they had been worried.

Isabela is Sleeping Beauty, cursed at birth by an evil fairy to prick her finger and sleep forever unless she is given a kiss of true love, when she pricks her finger, everyone thinks Mariano can break the curse, but of course he isn't her true love, so it doesn't work, Julieta ends up being the one to break the curse with a forehead kiss.

Dolores is Cinderella, after Mariano discovers he isn't Isabela's true love, he holds a ball to try and find his true love, Alma is very embarrassed by what happened with Isabela and refuses to let any Madrigal attend, so Dolores has to sneak out with the help of her fairy godmother, when she leaves her shoe behind and Mariano starts looking for her, she ends up coming clean to her family and admitting her feelings for Mariano so she can try on the shoe.

Luisa is the princess from The Princess and the Pea, she gets lost in a different kingdom during a trip and seeks shelter at the kingdom's castle, the Queen doesn't believe Luisa is a real Princess due to her 'un-princess-ly stature' and gives her the pea test, the next day the rest of the Madrigals show up at the palace begging for help to find Luisa, Alma and Julieta give the Queen an earfull when they're told what happened, and poor Luisa is given a week off of chores to rest.

Camilo is Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk, he trades a piece of jewelry for the magic beans, he didn't really believe the beans were magical he just didn't like the jewelry he had and wanted to get rid of it, once the beanstalk grows, he climbs it out of curiosity and takes the opportunity to cause some mischief when he finds the giant, including stealing a goose that lays golden eggs and a harp that plays itself, needless to say he gets in massive trouble when he gets home and Alma returns the items to the giant with a sincere apology.

Mirabel is Little Red Riding Hood, Alma is visiting her family who lives on the other side of the jungle when she gets sick, since she's too sick to make the journey back home, Julieta sends Mirabel with a basket of food to help her get better, the 'wolf' she encounters is actually her Abuelo Pedro, still cursed, he keeps Mirabel safe on her journey and Mirabel is able to reunite Pedro and Alma.

Antonio is the Pied Piper of Hamelin, he uses his flute to help with a rat infestation and decides to keep the rats as pets, but when people start bullying him for having rats as pets, calling the rats disgusting and Antonio himself diseased, he releases the rats back into the town until they apologize, both to him and the rats.

I LOVE FAIRYTALES TOO!!! THEY’RE SO SILLY!!!

All of these are so cool and fit so well. Tbh I like Alma, Luisa, Mirabel, Antonio and Pepa’s. I mean all of them are so rad, but those have my heart‼️‼️ They’re all so unique and. Love how some of them tie into each other. And all of them fit so well with each of the Madrigals and that is just so cool tbh. Love seeing AUs like that. AND PEDRO MENTIONED 🗣️🗣️🗣️ YEAHHHHHH

Wanted to draw Alma and Pepa but didn’t :((((

LOVE THIS AU RAHHHHHH 🗣️🗣️🤠🤠🤠🤠🦅🦅🦅🦅

[spacedoutman]

【𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤】

(𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭)

Description: They called themselves Kiss, deciding the moment they joined, they'd kiss everything goodbye in exchange for going out in a blaze of glory. But is it really worth it? Is anything really worth it?

(Heavily inspired off the Dillinger gang + Pretty boy Floyd.)

♥ X

Note: I wrote this at 1:42 a.m and finished it at 2:20 am. I am running on no sleep for the past few days. It's canon, Peter Criss wears a stetson and dresses like walking dollar bills. Ace has had about thirty death scares and looks like a farmer (Reference: Homer van Meter) , Paul has been arrested twice and Gene had an edgy phase a little too early.

(I have so much lore for this | Art is Gerda Wegener, Queen of Hearts)

Warnings: Violence

!𝐚𝐨𝟑

Cackling and gunshots made for a terrible chorus—oh, and screaming. There was a hell of a lot of that. Ace’s legs shook as he sent a fury of bullets into the crowd after the pure gold chandelier. His heart jumped like he’d been shocked. His shoulder threatened to fly out of socket as his Tommy gun kicked like a mule. The light was so bright it burnt.

He stumbled back into Paul, who gripped his colt, jerking it to any unfortunate soul in the crowd who dared to twitch. His eyes rested ungodly wide. He breathed shakily, Ace pulling him a bit as he fell.

“You gonna’ give us what we want?” Gene snapped to a low growl as he let the rough sack sink over his shoulder.

The bank teller’s eyes widened. More people dropped. He stumbled back, slamming against the larger-than-life safe. Crystals glimmered in the sunlight as they dropped off the chandelier like rain. Ace jumped to catch as many as he could. “Ace, you’re supposed to be watching!” Paul hissed, pushing Ace off. Ace wobbled back, giggling as Gene kicked open the golden gate, storming around the counter.

He pressed his fingers into the teller’s face, pulling him over hard. He made it look easy. He glared at him through a wicked gaze. The man’s chest caved with every shallow breath he took. Gene grinned as he watched the cold sweat pour down his face. “What’s your name?” Gene taunted slyly, caressing his cheek.

Paul gulped. Hard. Ace shoved him away. “Back off.” Ace groaned, more bored than anything. He combed a hand through his messy hair. The teller’s eyes darted to the rest of the staff, who cowered against the sparkling fence separating them from the rest of the lobby. Paul rushed in, his heels clicking and reflection racing across the blue marble tiles.

Gene could hear Paul’s heart thudding through his ribs. Paul leaned to the counter, snatching everything that even looked valuable. His head was about to burst.--oh. He also grabbed the shotgun. “You know what?” Gene reached in his pocket with his spare hand. “I like that. What’s the code?” The teller shook his head rapidly.

“It’s a time lock!” He shrunk as far down as Gene would let him.

Gene looked down from a lifted chin. A smirk spread on his lips. “Is it?” Amusement drenched his voice. “You’ the manager?”

Paul raced out, slamming the gate behind him. His hat threatened to fly off. “I like those pearls.” Ace said childishly, holding out his open hand. Large, gaudy pearls hung around a lady’s neck. She reached back with trembling hands, barely able to hold herself up as her legs turned to jello. The man beside her held himself. A tight scowl landed straight on his face. “—Oh, and I’ll take your rings.”

“Paul, is anyone outside?” Gene’s shouts echoed through the massive bank.

Paul hopped over the sprawled out bodyguard and the pool of red. He raced to the window, sliding the dramatic gilded-maroon curtains out of the way. A crowd started to gather and no one in it looked particularly happy. Paul jerked to face Gene, who leaned closer to the teller, flicking his tongue like a snake. Ace climbed onto a desk, swinging his legs to and fro like a kid.

“Peter, work your magic.” Paul huffed, barely able to even chase his breath even though the smell of fine perfume was appetizing.

Papers flew off along with a jar as Paul caught himself on another desk. Ink splashed. He held his machine gun tight, crouching behind it and gulping down his thudding heart. His ribs were too tight for it to go down. Ace’s laughter boomed louder than any explosion. Gene smirked, backing out with the teller. He took him by the hair and turned him around to face the vault. The teller gasped.

Peter Criss straightened his silk tie. His face was straighter. He wore a dull look as he slid his sleek black bag off his shoulders, kneeling in front of the safe. The teller gulped down vomit. “Come on out, girls.” Gene cooed, glancing at the all male staff, who could win a record for how fast they did what they were told.

Peter grabbed his bag and walked out, dusting his hands like he wasn’t robbing a bank. Ace curled up on the desk, chest burning from laughter. He forced out little sob-wheezes and clutched his bowler hat tight to his head. Paul dropped his gun, throwing his hands over his ears. Gene dropped the teller, doing the same and crouching away.

BANG!

Ace screamed and giggled as his heart picked up pace. The adrenaline pumping through their veins numbed them, just like the intense, grating ringing. Gene swept his bag off the floor, blowing a kiss to the teller, who hugged himself tight as possible. Gene backwards jogged, tipping his hat before spinning around and speeding in.

The safe door creaked before—CRASHHH!!! It fell like a boulder, denting the floor. Peter ran over with a couple bags.

“Watch them, Ace!” Paul cried, holding back panic as he rushed for it.

Gene held his jaw from dropping. He had never seen anything like it for the third time. Peter’s bags were already almost full. Paul stumbled and fell. It was like being a pirate and stumbling on millions of years of treasure. Cash was stacked to heaven—aka, the roof of the shiny, dark grey safe. Gene clutched his chest as his heart leapt over a beat so hard it hurt.

“Get packing!” Paul cried, his voice breaking a bit.

Gene knelt. Ace slung himself up. “Alright, the lot of you..” He purred all flirty, resting his finger on his lower lip. “Whose ready to play a game of.. drop or get shot?” The thirty or so people hit the ground. Ace cackled, lifting his gun from beside him like it was his baby. A man stood up. He opened his mouth. Ace narrowed his eyes. A tight, long smile crept across his lips.

“You don’t want to play?”

Ace made a circle around the end before running his finger down the barrel. He watched like he was thinking over something. He couldn’t be more wrong. He looked back at the man, his hands shaking as adrenaline pumped. The man’s eyes were shut tight and his face contorted in fear. His arms were glued to his sides. He could hardly stand.

Ace was bordering euphoric.

He aimed the thing. The man’s eyes shot open as he tried to choke up anything before—

-he toppled like a domino. Gunshots exploded. A blood-curdling scream burst from Ace as he joined him, his neck almost snapping as he somersaulted over the desk, crashing into the floor hard enough to shatter every bone in his body. Paul whipped around. Gene joined him. Paul glanced before turning right back to look.

“T-The.. the fuck?” Peter stammered.

He could barely be heard over shots which fired like whole ass explosions. Their ears all rang like hell. Peter clenched the bag, freezing for a split second then hitting the ground. Paul’s rasping breaths quickened. His chest clutched his lungs as his whole body curled in on itself. He shut his eyes as tight as possible, screaming in horror. Gene’s breath fled.

He sobered like a drunk man as his eyes tried to dart from each row of fire. The curtains fell like feathers. Zipping ripped through the air along with a sharp stench as bullets smashed into and bounced off the walls, gates and even a couple people. A vacant look landed on Gene’s face as dizziness hit him.

“.. F-Faster!” He faltered, grabbing Peter’s shoulder and shaking him quickly. “Oh god, what the hell are we gonna’ do?!”

Peter yanked himself up. “Peter, Peter.. no..” Paul whispered through his clenching throat, Gene shaking him harder. Peter fell in on himself. Memories raced through his head. Paul just knew Peter was going to get up. “It’s a death run!” Each word flew through one ear and out the other. Peter grabbed his gun tight, standing up and racing straight into the fire.

Gene fell back against the counter. Paul did too. Shouting blared. Ace’s scratchy, guttural wails echoed like they were in a cathedral. Sirens made for a nice instrumental. Shock and horror melted off his voice. Paul exploded into terrified sobs. Gene’s head fell. He shut his eyes tight as possible. Peter shouted taunts and curses in a furious storm, racing from window to window and firing.

Gene’s lids were dyed red. His heart not only dropped into his stomach but hit every bump and ridge on the way. His legs grew weak. His gun slid from his hand.

Heat layered in the already burning room. Sparks hissed like a yard of angry cats. A firework flew in.

Maybe being in it to die wasn’t so worth it now.

[laurasimonsdaughter]

Hello! I was wondering if you could point me to any folk tales where forgetfulness, especially of one's youth, is a big thing? Thank you so much!

I'd love to help you, but I'm not sure if I know any! Forgetfulness is definitely a theme that shows up in folk tales, but it's more often about forgetting to be grateful to a (magical) helper, or forgetting specific instructions to follow. There are three folklore tropes that might be useful to you:

The motif "the forgotten bride" shows up quite a bit. It usually involves a young man forgetting the woman he promised to marry and who saved/helped him, because he does not heed her warning not to let anyone kiss him when he returns home. As soon as he is kissed, usually by a parent, he forgets his true bride.

People who enter another realm, like fairy land (as in "The Fairy Widower"), sometimes forget their human lives entirely.

In literary fairy tales the loss off one's heart might cause people to forget their loved ones and former life, like in Bomans' The Stolen Heart, or Andersen's The Snow Queen. In The Snow Queen we also find another motif that shows up occasionally: the kind (questionable) witch magically taking Gerda's memories away so she can keep her with her.

That's all I can think of, but I encourage everyone to share their folklore suggestions if they have any!

[frozen-snowflakesandsunflowers]

Hans' cold heart explained through 'The Snow Queen' | Theory | Analysis

I've seen posts that say Hans was actually hypnotized by the trolls on his way to the mountain, turning "evil" and though one wouldn't clearly see this possible or something the innocent trolls would do, after reading the Snow Queen, I believe that instead it's just used as a metaphor for Hans to show us that really just like Kai, there is a warm genuine heart underneath that cold blanket that covers it. If you read @a13thprincefora13thprincess's Who is this Hans? post (sorry I keep mentioning you every time I mention Hans, but your analysis is just that good! It changed my perception further on Hans - It could do to more!), it will allow you to see the sudden change in Hans' from good to evil and his reasons for his actions, scene by scene, frame by frame. She also mentions that Hans is actually the mirror in 'The Snow Queen', while as we all know, Elsa is the Snow Queen. However I also believe that both Elsa and Hans have elements of Kai too; while Anna is full on Gerda with the warm heart with Elsa/ Kai as their "true love" (in different forms) and Hans seems to be the one with the sudden cold heart. While we first see him as a genuine warm hearted man,

he's later shown to be a cold hearted one just like Kai was, though he was eventually saved by Gerda with an act of true love (just like Elsa was saved from Hans (the mirror and the cold hearted Kai) by Anna).

In the original story telling, Kai was struck by the mirror that the trolls made, but in 'Frozen' they're friendly, loving and family to Kristoff, so I don't think the trolls may have a direct impact on Hans' cold heart turn but then again you never know. Frozen is full of its glorious twists!

Breakdown of the original in the retelling

Originally, the trolls made the mirror to distort the appearance of everything it reflects showing the opposite of what actually is. They take the mirror all over the world and distort everything then they go on their way to God and the angels with the mirror to shove it their faces. But on the way, the mirror trembles and falls shattering into a billion pieces. Some get struck in the eye and sike in the heart making the warm hearts, turn cold. One shard struck Kai in the eye making him cold hearted. Kai had a best friend named Gerda and roses were their favourite flower as they grew in the play area they played in. Hence it is a symbolism of their love. After being struck, on a summers day, Kai goes off to the Snow Queen's ice palace. When Winter comes round, Gerda decides to find Kai believing he's still alive. On her way, in search of Kai, she befriends a few people. She also collects a horse, carriage and boots so she stays warm. At the ice palace, finally having found Kai, she shows him an act of true love with a kiss and thaws his cold heart getting rid of the shard in it too.

Now as we know, the movie isn't a direct retelling of the classic but it does keep some key elements to it. Instead of friends and being different genders, the main two protagonists are sisters, named Elsa and Anna. And the Snow Queen is Elsa with the given powers. When they were younger and they played together they built a snowman, named Olaf and it's a symbolism of their bond. But there comes a point when Elsa loses control of her powers and actually strikes Anna in the head. The family goes to the trolls who aren't evil but are the good wise ones and replace Elsa's magic in Anna's memory, with the two playing in the snow. Fearing Elsa might accidentally hurt Anna again, she locks herself in her room for years causing the sisters to fall apart. At the coronation when it's accidentally revealed Elsa has powers, she runs off to the North mountain where it's colder and more isolated and there she builds an ice palace. Just before the coronation, on summers day, Anna meets Hans, a handsome prince who she falls in love with - the warm hearted Kai. But with Elsa running off, Anna goes after her on a horse. On the way to find Elsa, Anna befriends a few people just as Gerda does. But as she does so, she is offered winter attire including a pair of boots. Given that Elsa accidentally froze the sea and hence the kmad, it's now an eternal winter. One of those friends who Anna befriends, is Kristoff who has a reindeer and a sleigh instead of a horse and a carriage. A few minutes after Anna's arrival at Elsa's palace, Elsa accidentally strikes her again but this time in the heart. When Anna is taken to trolls by Kristoff, who's his adopted family, they tell her to seek an act of true love. Anna believes her true love is Hans and seeks him for a kiss, like how Kai and Gerda do. But upon arrival to Hans, he turns out to be evil, almost as if he was stuck by the mirrors shard like Kai was in the original telling, and hence leaves Anna to die without a kiss even though he knows it wouldn't have worked anyways. Before Anna's arrival to Hans, he holds Elsa imprisoned but after she escapes she hears Anna's of Anna's death. "The shard in the eye, Kai" Hans attempts to kill Elsa but Anna sees this. At this point Anna can see Kristoff loves him truly rather than Hans but upon seeing her sister accept death she stands before Hans and saves Elsa from Hans as she literally becomes frozen. This was the act of true love that was needed and for the story just as Kai and Gerda's kiss was as it saves the other. And Elsa, realising love is the key, brings back summer in parallel to Kai and Gerda's return to their homes in summer.

Who will thaw Han's cold heart?

In the movie, Hans just gets sent back home to the family he wished to escape from given his traumatic past from the abuse from his father and brothers. As I've said, he's the shard in Kai's heart becoming the cold hearted Kai. Though it would make sense given the sudden change to Hans character, it also doesn't seem like something the trolls would do despite their own magic being capable of messing with minds. It's more of a metaphor to show that just like Kai, he was struck by a "shard" that turned him cold but can be brought back with true love. That shard may not be the trolls magic or a literal/ magical mirror shard but rather metaphoric shard for the stress Hans endures being under pressure from the responsibility of being out in charge. From finding Anna, to finding a solution for Elsa to end this winter, to making sure the people are kept warm etc. Anyone out in charge in the situation Hans was, would for sure feel the stress and end of taking it out on people and saying crazy stuff. So now you wonder who will save him from the cold heart? Given Anna saved Elsa as an act of the unconditional family love, one would now think that Hans' brothers or even father would save him from his, right? But sometimes true love isn't the same for everyone at least not in some circumstances. Elsa and Anna were always close, right from the start. Hans' brothers weren't. With a family of 13 brothers it's expected that some would have different dynamics given being in line with the throne and also given the oldest middle youngest dynamic too and other things would impact too. So what Hans needs is love of an understanding of not being loved and not ever being a monarchy and if you've read my Elsa losing her powers & Hans' Redemption post then you know exactly where I'm going with this. It's Elsa. Want to know why it is? Why would Elsa be the one for Hans, just read this linked post regarding Hans' redemption.

Conclusion

So the point is that the "shard" in 'The Snow Queen' is the metaphor for the anger that Anna feels, fear Elsa feels and stress is what Hans feels. Just as "Fixer Upper" explains, “People make bad choices if they're mad, or scared, or stressed. But throw a little love their way.. and you'll bring out their best. True love brings doubt the best.”. Anna was mad at Elsa for shutting her out and rejecting her marriage proposal. Elsa was scared of hurting Anna and others accidentally. Hans was stressed being in the situation he was being in charge of the kingdom.

As far as the characters compare,

Hans is the mirror shard in Kai's heart and hence the cold hearted Kai - having two faces, genuine and a cold hearted one

Elsa is the Snow Queen and Kai - having the powers of the Snow Queen and having a close bond with the other protagonist

And Anna is Gerda - having the warmest heart and saving their loved one from a cold heart

[the-twilight-sword]

The Snow Queen, the Tsaritsa, and Kaeya

I’m biased here- the Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen is one of my favourite fairytales of all time, and I’m named after a character. So I see it in everything. But I think Genshin Impact draws on it as a source of inspiration for at least two key characters- Kaeya, and the Tsaritsa.

If you know about the Snow Queen, you likely first came to know of it from Disney’s Frozen, and the two are extremely different stories. The Snow Queen is divided into 7 chapters- the first is about the Devil, who has created a mirror that reflects only the bad aspects of a thing, obscuring its beauty. The Devil’s servants tour this mirror about the world, distorting everything, and then they carry it up to heaven to mock God. But they drop it, and the mirror shatters, and its pieces scatter across the world, lodging themselves in windows, spectacles, or their eyes and hearts, making them cold and bitter. Notably, in art this mirror is often depicted as being the moon.

The rest of the story follows Kay (also spelled Kai or Kaj, pronounced like the first syllable of Kaeya) and Gerda, childhood friends who grow up as siblings. One day, Kay’s eye and heart become cold from sliver of the mirrors, and the Snow Queen kidnaps him, kissing him once to make him immune to frostbite and again to make him forget those he loves. The story mainly follows Gerda’s quest to find Kay when everyone believes he’d drowned himself.

In the Snow Queen palace is her throne, on a frozen lake called the Mirror of Reason. Kay is alone, working to solve an impossible puzzle of ice. When Gerda arrives, the power of love & friendship comes in clutch, though, and melts the ice in Kay’s eye and heart, and the puzzle is solved- the riddle’s answer is “eternity”.

So, how am I connecting this to Genshin Impact? I confess, the evidence is tenuous.

Kaeya’s name is very similar to Kay’s, which has many spelling but matches the pronunciation. Then there’s his eye, the eye he covered since before his fight with Diluc, which could be because of the sliver of icy mirror in it. And then there’s the stripes in his hair- the Snow Queen kissed Kay once on the forehead, and again in an unknown location. The stripes could be from these kisses.

Then there’s the Tsaritsa. It’s unclear, but metaphorically the Snow Queen and the Devil are united. The Queen seems to control the mirror’s icy shards to some extent. And, like in Genshin, it seems her mission is to mock heaven. She seems to be associated with mirrors through the Mirror Maidens who, it is emphasised, seem to be her priestesses.

The description of the Mirror Maiden in the archive is as follows:

A Fatui mage who can command a Hydro Mirror in battle. Her posture is highly dignified, as if she is one who worships a god.

The Hydro Mirror she manipulates lures those enchanted by her to willingly fall for her illusion. Nothing seems to escape her ears. No one knows what those covered eyes have seen, what kind of obsession might be reflected in them...

Notably, when Kay is kidnapped, he is sort of hypnotised by the Snow Queen. The only thing he finds beautiful is the mathematical perfection of ice and snow, and she uses this to her advantage.

[carrie-tate]

When did Zane and Gerda first start dating?

And who confessed their feelings first?

When did they start getting feelings?

When did they meet?

Oh, this is actually interesting... and corny.

In general, Gerda was the one who first fell in love with Zane, even at their first meeting. Which happened at the moment when the theater of her father (whose name is Hans, by the way) was attacked by Garmadon and a gang of serpentines (this also happened due to the fact that Gerda’s father dug up an artifact for a new performance that Garmadon urgently needed). Obviously, in order to deal with this problem, ninjas appeared, and even then something sank in Gerda’s chest when she turned her attention to Zane (and then she even found out about these strange ninja-guys, that in the end the rescue destroyed the floor of their stage and auditorium too, ahem). By the way, this event took place somewhere shortly before the event of the Ninjaball Run episode

It was interest at first sight, but Gerda herself would spend more than one week understanding that she was experiencing not only curiosity, but also love.

Zane also realized for a long time that his gradually emerging interest in the new student of their sensei and part-time fan of theirs (and Gerda was their fan at the beginning... but then she will understand what idiots they are sometimes) is something more. I think he will be attracted by the girl’s diligence in wanting to spend more time doing what she wants, no matter how hard it may be. And when they find out that she also owns some element, Zane’s interest in this phenomenal case will only intensify.

The moment when they both realize that they really feel something for each other will happen after the Dark Island arc. Gerda, who had just discovered her abilities at the time of these events, will remain in Ninjago (someone should look after Dareth after all) and during the separation she will miss Zane very much and worry about him, remembering exactly him more often than anyone else. Mutual thoughts: “I wonder how she is doing” visited Zane too.

And so, when the events of the 2nd season came to an end, everything would be fine and the moment of reunion would come, Gerda would become the one who, without thinking, would throw herself first on Zane’s neck (initiating the first kiss, yeah, I’m telling you that it's corny xD) Well, and so we can say that it is Gerda who is the first to admit her feelings.

And it turns out they will start dating somewhere between the 2nd and 3rd seasons, something like this ^^

[yaeggravate]

Kaeya, The Snow Queen and The Boar Princess

i believe kaeya is partly based on kai from the fairy tale the snow queen.

this is a theory that has been floating around for a while, but after recent events i would like to revisit and expand on it.

the thing is, the book the boar pincess that you can collect in the game is inspired by the snow queen. this book, aside from being quite disturbing, is potentially very important to the lore, as it was written by a member from the hexenzirkel, andersdotter, whose name is a nod to the author of the snow queen, hans christian anderson.

since kaeya is potentially a character from the snow queen, that would mean he might be connected to the other characters from the boar princess. i thought it would be fun to try and figure out the hows and whys.

please note that this will contain spoilers for every archon and world quest up until 4.1.

KAEYA AND KAI

i'll start by giving a brief summary of what the snow queen is about.

an evil troll created a magic mirror that would distort every beautiful thing reflected in it. this mirror shattered upon the earth, scattering its shards everywhere.

one day, a shard would lodge itself into the eye and heart of a young boy named kai. kai suddenly became very mean and cold towards everyone, even his childhood friend gerda, who was like a sister to him.

the snow queen whisked kai away, so gerda went on a long journey to save him. eventually, the shards melted because of gerda's compassion and love for him.

THE SIMILARITIES

most obvious similarities are their names. not much to say here, really. they just added a "ya" after "kai"

凯 = Kai 凯亚 = Kǎi yà

the story of the snow queen is a metaphor about losing your childhood innocence as you grow up.

in recent patches, it's been emphasized quite a few times that kaeya wants to protect klee's childhood and shield her from the cruelty of life. kaeya has also mentioned that he wished people could stay young forever and not deal with the troubles of adulthood.

kaeya and kai both changed drastically after their eyes were damaged.

kaeya's kit has some possible references to the snow queen: his fourth constellation frozen kiss could refer to the (platonic!!) kiss the snow queen gives kai.

极寒的轻吻 = Gentle Kiss of Extreme Cold

"Are you still cold?" she asked, and she kissed him on the forehead. Ugh! it was colder than ice, it went to his very heart, which was already more than half ice; he felt as if he were dying, but only for a moment, and then it seemed to have done him good; he no longer felt the cold.

his ultimate, which is a couple of a icicles spinning around him, has this voiceline when cast:

 …这刹那，将是你的永恒。= …This moment will be your eternity.

this could refer to kai having to spell out "eternity" with shards of ice.

[…] made many patterns forming words, but he never could find out the right way to place them for one particular word, a word he was most anxious to make. It was "Eternity."

we even get prince baited 💀 as gerda mistakenly believed kai became a prince by marrying a princess.

THE CURSED MIRROR

if you've played the melusines quest, you probably know where this is going.

we learn that, like durin, elynas and the melusines perceive things differently from regular humans. elynas and durin were abyssal beings brought to life by rhinedottir. elynas and durin both believed they were having fun on the surface, but they did not realize they were harmful to the humans and the environment around them.

melusines claim to see the "truth" of the world, or at least something close to it.

in the book of estoric revelations quest, we are dragged into a ruined post-apocalyptic world. however, the melusine canotila does not see destruction when she enters, but a beautiful serene garden. she does not see terrifying rifthounds but regular dogs.

Canotila: Perhaps you've heard that we Melusines can see things that humans cannot see… But for some reason, I see things differently, even when compared to other Melusines. I can always find things that have been hidden. I have read that the "nature" of things is hidden beneath them, and this "nature" decides their "future." Not that I know what that means…

why this is the case is unclear, but it might have something to do with the melusines being born from elynas.

anyway, back to the snow queen, all of this is very reminiscent of the troll's magic mirror that would distort every beautiful thing reflected in it…

Some of these bits were not as big as a grain of sand, and these flew about all over the world, getting into people's eyes, and, once in, they stuck there, and distorted everything they looked at, or made them see everything that was amiss.

the question is, who is actually seeing reality, us or the melusines? and does this have something to do with kaeya and pierro both covering their right eye?

remember how kaeya has a voiceline comparing himself to an owl that can see through things... a bit similar to what canotila said before.

Interesting Things: Have you ever seen the owl of Dragonspine? If you look directly at it, it seems to see right through you, while letting go of none of its own secrets... Quite fascinating, don't you think?

the goddess of flowers, nabu malikata also has something interesting to say about illusions breaking through the shackles of the land.

"And though the invaders (second who came) brought war to my former kin (seelies), they also brought about illusions that could break through shackles to the land. But the master of the heavens (heavenly principles), consumed by fear for the rising tide of delusion and breakthroughs, sent down the divine nails to mend the land, laying waste to the mortal realm…"

and last but not least, an abandoned letter to knight marshal anfortas mentions khaenri'ah throwing off the shackles of the world...

Of course, I am keenly aware that the four pillars of our kingdom have achieved the prosperity they have today precisely thanks to us spying upon secrets from beyond the skies, and thus have our mechanisms been able to throw off the shackles imposed by this world's laws...

it's unclear what the nature of this power is, exactly, but it's speculated to be forbidden knowledge.

THE BOAR PRINCESS AND THE WOLF PUP

brief summary of the boar princess: once, there was a wolf pup who was cursed by an evil sorcerer. the wolf pup swallowed the sorcerer but by doing so his heart was pierced by an icicle and he became cold and mean.

upon hearing what happened, the boar princess felt great sympathy for the wolf pup and set out on a journey to save him… she accomplished this by sacrificing her two friends to him.

…i don't think i need to explain the similarities to the snow queen here.

it's highly likely the boar princess is an analogy of real events in the history of teyvat. this has happened before with nahida and scara, when she turned his backstory into a fairytale to keep it safe from irminsul alterations.

they've also referenced the book quite a few times this year, even going as far as to show alhaitham reading it in official art. this might mean they want us to remember this book or the book is simply being memed on because of its disturbing ending.

so, who are the boar princess and the wolf pup? to start with, they are meant to represent gerda and kai. notably, there is no snow queen equivalent in the story, instead it's the boar princess or gerda who is the titular character. this could mean the boar princess IS the snow queen or would become her later on…

THE BOAR PRINCESS

the following is pure speculation but personally, i have long suspected the boar princess is the tsaritsa for a number of reasons, not just because the boar princess could be the snow queen.

The Snow Queen (Russian: Снежная королева, romanized: Snezhnaya Koroleva).

it is heavily implied the tsaritsa is or was the god of love.

Dainsleif: She is a god whom no one will love ever again. She is a god who will never love anyone again.

the snow queen tries to make kai forget about his love for gerda. even so, the most important message of both books is that love is an all-encompassing force that conquers all.

the boar princess is described as a generous soul. likewise we are told multiple times of the tsaritsa's benevolence.

About Tsaritsa: Her Royal Highness the Tsaritsa is actually a gentle soul. Too gentle, in fact, and that's why she had to harden herself.

tartaglia's voiceline reveals that the tsaritsa is a gentle person, maybe a bit too gentle. this matches the boar princess sympathizing with the wolf pup, almost to the point of insanity, as she sacrifices her friends to save him.

"No one deserves this fate." The good princess sheds a tear of compassion.

Friendship demands sacrifice. No friendships come without sacrifices.

perhaps these two friends were venti and zhongli, specifically, their gnoses. or perhaps it's meant to represent god remains that the tsaritsa is possibly using to create delusions.

Venti: Five hundred years ago, I knew her well. But I can't say the same is true now. You see, a certain catastrophe happened five hundred years ago, and after that, she cut off all ties with me.

with all that being said, i should mention that according to the story, the boar princess might be from mondstadt, so that could put a dent in this theory. however, it's not impossible that the tsaritsa was originally from mondstadt.

THE WOLF PUP

the identity of the wolf pup is a bit harder to figure out as there are several characters refererred to as wolf pup. namely rostam, who was signora's lover, and the first knight of boreas. it could also be andrius himself.

but since this theory hinges on this assumption that the boar princess is the tsaritsa, the wolf pup must be someone she was willing to make great sacrifices for.

this line from pierro implies that both the tsaritsa and pierro know what the gnoses are, as neuvilette also refers to his stolen powers as authority.

Pierro: In the name of Her Majesty, the Tsaritsa, we will seize authority from the gods.

one possibility is that the tsaritsa is working with a dragon to get their powers back.

but how can a wolf pup be a dragon? wolf pup is merely an analogy. he might have nothing to do with wolves at all. just like how scaramouche has no cat motives or association with cats, yet he was portrayed as a cat in the fairy tale. and we know dragons don't all look the same. azhdaha is a giant…bull thing and apep is a worm.

still, it wouldn't be too far-fetched if the wolf pup was a wolf. in norse mythology, for example, there exists the mythical wolf fenrir who was destined to kill odin.

...as you know, khaenri'ah borrows a lot from scandanavian mythology. if this wolf pup is a dragon, they could be one of the sovereigns, specifically the cryo sovereign.

the second possible identity of the pup is pierro because of this line which might hint at visual similarities

The pup was a carefree child who had bright blue eyes and slick gray fur.

pierro has one visible bright blue eye and long gray hair with one blue streak in it.

pierro has one eye covered (like kaeya) which might reference the shard of ice piercing kai's eye and the wolf pup's heart.

pierro is from khaenri'ah so it is likely he is or was cursed like the wolf pup.

oh, and i want to clear up a common misconception about pierro: he does NOT have the same open gem pupils as dainsleif and clothar. it's hard to tell but if you zoom in, they're actually closed like kaeya's. what the meaning behind this is, is unknown. but visual similarities between kaeya and pierro DO exist.

pierro has also mentioned that the tsaritsa knows his pain well just like how the boar princess sympathizes with the wolf pup's predicament.

Pierro: Then I shall become instead a fool, a Fatuus, and devote myself to Her Majesty, who understands my pain...

the third possibility is the first knight of boreas. the new weapon wolf-fang gives us more information about him. the story seems to have taken place a 1000 years ago, back when venessa was the grand master of the knights of favonius.

what's interesting is that this nameless knight used coins with strange symbols as payment indicating that he might have been from a place free from the rule of the seven. this could've been the dark sea which includes places like enkanomiya and possibly khaenri'ah.

Some noticed the exquisitely crafted yet battle-worn armor beneath the cape. But that didn't mean anything. Perhaps the armor's bearer was just another lost soul who had lost their prestigious position with the changes wrought by revolution. The tavern's owner noticed that the man paid with real gold and silver coins, though none recognized the symbols on them.

not much is known about him, as he only stayed in mondstadt for a few years.

this brings me to the matter of what exactly happened to the wolf pup. it seems he was corrupted by an evil that changed his personality and possibly the way he perceived the world. his friends ended up shunning him leaving him all alone.

perhaps this is an analogy for being corrupted by the abyss or it has something to do with the Curse (tm).

after that, the boar princess came along and presumably cured him by way of sacrificing lives.

...

okay, so what does this have to do with kaeya? good question!

i have no idea.

here's the thing, i am reasonably certain kaeya is at least partly inspired by kai. and i am a 100% certain the boar princess is inspired by the snow queen.

if kaeya is kai and the wolf pup is also kai, then that could hint at a connection between them. but in what manner i can't say.

they could also have absolutely nothing to do with each other, like how fischl has no known connection to the real "princess fischl". (though it would be cool if there was.) in that case, kaeya might just be a narrative parallel to the wolf pup.

either way, it's something to think about.

Kaeya: History always repeats itself. When you keep this in mind and watch out for the echoes of past events in the present, things that appear unfathomable at first glance become much easier to comprehend.

[uniquezombiedestiny]

actually fuck it. i need to ramble more

thinks about the snow queen and bella. ive recently delved into her story and some of the of fairytale (dubious from some webbed site but. yknow lmao) and wound up with lots of think of... based on her ruina dialogue + appearance, the queen like to challenge the brave. in the fairytale, kai and gerda's childike hearts are still there at the end. bella is someone with a kind heart and not much bravery. (really, she polarizes, but her bravery is more around the alternate alone. she can be brave!! but usually and - especially as she declines - she loses that aspect, likely trading it for simple anger, red-shoes-y desire, etc.) she was also forced to grow up - she is still that lonely kid she was years ago. she is still in t-589, still in c-127. she has a lot to learn, still, and to discover.

the snow queen is.. an interesting figure to me when it comes to her relationship with bella. she is cold, silent, only watching bella as she simply speaks into basically nothingness. she may, sometimes, give her a cruel smile. what a childlike, brave little soul; one who chose to bear the cold. one who enjoys her presence.

"kai saw things he didn't need or want to see." / "he felt like what he knew amounted to so little."

to bella, the queen is a respite. friendcorp has shown her so many new things, good and bad. on the bad side, her mental issues have been unraveling. her unhealthy mindset isn't going to work indefinitely like it used to. but, with the snow queen, it's familiar. it's not even that cold anymore, you know? she's long been used to cold, quiet, endless hallways. talking into the silence - like her words are simply carried away by the wind - is a relief, because noone can hear them. for once, she can speak, and there will be no consequences. and if the queen does hear, well, that's alright. she trusts her, now.

the cold isn't so bitter anymore. it's homely. familiar. it's lively, biting into her skin, sending shivers down her spine. she feels real.

and, ofc, i'll talk about her suicide attempt too. especially her own views on it... eventually, it becomes like a knightly duty to her. she must do this to save everyone else - surely, we'll all be happier this way. yes, you'll have to face this loss. but beyond it is a better ending for everyone here. this is the most logical choice... isn't it?

the snow queen gave kai a kiss - one to no longer feel the cold, and one to forget everything. his family, friends, etc etc. that way, he would stay with the snow queen. she would show him the truth of the world - the shattered mirror shards, his knowledge being so little, the mirror of reason.

"what a shame... all your friends who could help you are gone." really, it's like she pities bella and her kind, lonely heart. she pitites most people, i think, like when she laughed at lee during their duel, or gave merry a sickening smile shortly before being frozen. where her heart should be is empty - she is a cold and calculating being.

in ruina, the mirror is surrounded with frozen people, with the throne being the head of the circle. really, both her and bella have done this time and time again. bella has endured loss after loss, leaving entire worlds behind. the snow queen has killed person after person, snuffing flame after flame. her suicidd isn't much different. it's just, this time. it's a calm, slow end. bella puts up no fight or front of bravery, now. she just wants to return to her dreams of a better world. the queen will gladly show her this, in a place made only for themselves, where bella can finally be completely and utterly herself, in all it's flaws, without consequence. with all of her emotions overtaken by freezing cold, she can finally smile.

and she'll be preserved as an angel. she'll look beautiful, perfect, in this ice, like a bug in amber. she will always be the perfect kid.

also, in the og story, the shattered mirror wound up being made into things like glasses and windows. that fits well with bella's glasses. when kai's eye gets a tiny, tiny shard in it, he sees everything as distorted and ugly. but he sees perfection in snowflakes. the snow queen is made of them, the queen to the "snow bees" that are snowflakes. (they're actually described as snow bees in the story!)