#lands of lore the throne of chaos
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retrocgads · 1 day ago
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USA 1993
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mediaomnivore · 1 month ago
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Nathaniel, the herbalist, in Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos
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gmology · 1 year ago
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Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos (1993) | 30 yrs
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wsc-arachne · 7 months ago
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bangpuddingmuffin · 2 years ago
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Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos
I think Lands of Lore is the first commercial dungeon crawler I've finished. I'm sort of torn on the game. I enjoyed about half of the game. The core gameplay was fun. The plot was a bit by the numbers, but the visuals were nice. Some of the design choices, however, were rough. There were frustrating mechanics (disarming, item destruction) and some of the level design ended up just being tedious.
In the end, I ended up feeling more or less neutral on it. I've heard the sequel is quite different (and I got it as part of the same purchase on GOG), so I'll still check that one out.
Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMOeTsMoezKakaDd1ZkUhqe0mcYTi_MQd
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angelremnants · 1 month ago
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A TALES OF... l Jasmins and Prayers
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OR.. Still seething with frustration from what had transpired in the cave, Loki storms into his room while cursing your damned dress that lingered in his mind. The tension inside him grows as he struggles to maintain control, and the white jasmin petals floating in his bath only heighten the ache. Caught in a whirlwind of temptation and self-loathing, he finds himself confronted by the dangerous path his thoughts have taken—and, more urgently, by the overwhelming need to act on them.
pairing : Loki Laufeyson x f!reader
warnings : Mature themes (18+—MINORS DO NOT INTERACT), Loki-centric, emotional turmoil, graphic sexual content, gratification (male masturbation), twisted fantasies running wild, oral sex (male and female receiving), unprotected penetrative sex (wrap it before you tap it!), themes of norse lore and worship, edging, degradation & praise kink, choking kink, power play, dom!Loki/sub!reader, strong language. Proceed with caution if you're sensitive to such material.
word count : 15.1k
author's notes : Trust me when I say that I was biting my nail the whole time I was writing this—then again, I was also listening to Kiss Land on loop. The man is too hot for my well-being, Your Honor.
This is a continuation of A Tales Of Tides and Mishaps—you can also read this separately, but I'd recommend reading the first part to understand the context. This is the first time I've ever written something NSFW, so please do let me know how I did.
(ao3 version)
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The torches lining the grand corridors of the palace flickered and hissed against the weight of the evening air, their golden glow casting restless shadows on the towering marble walls. The echo of footsteps—a sharp, deliberate rhythm—carried through the vast halls, announcing his approach. Loki moved swiftly, his cape billowing behind him like the rippling edge of a storm cloud, the emerald and black of his attire catching the light with each stride.
The palace was quieter at this hour, subdued under the veil of twilight, yet it was far from peaceful. Whispers of court intrigue hung in the air like smoke, weaving through every corner of Asgard’s opulent halls. It was a place that thrived on appearances, on masks as intricate as the golden carvings that adorned the throne room doors. Loki was no stranger to this game. He played it better than most—deftly, effortlessly, and always with an edge that dared others to challenge him.
Tonight, however, something gnawed at the edges of his mind, unsettling his usual composure. The weight of unspoken words lingered on his tongue, and the echo of a gaze—not his own—followed him like a shadow. He had faced gods and monsters, chaos and ruin, yet there was something about the quiet tension of that earlier encounter that refused to let him go.
The grand corridors seemed to stretch endlessly, the silence amplifying every subtle sound—the faint rustle of his cape, the barely perceptible sigh of the wind brushing against the windows, and the distant murmur of voices from somewhere deeper within the palace. Loki barely registered any of it. His focus remained inward, on the fire still simmering beneath his carefully constructed facade.
It had been a fleeting moment, no more than a handful of exchanged words, but it had been enough to unearth something he had long buried—a vulnerability he could not afford, not now, not ever. And yet, there it was, clawing at him with an unrelenting persistence.
The throne room loomed ahead, its doors partially ajar, spilling warm light into the corridor. A faint hum of voices drifted out, the low cadence of his parents and their guest among them. Loki slowed his pace, his expression hardening as his gaze lingered on the doors.
He could walk in. His presence would be noticed, his words sharp enough to cut through whatever discussion you were undoubtedly steering with your usual reckless charm. He could force himself into the center of it all, just as he always did—commanding attention, manipulating the narrative, and ensuring that no one, not even his mother, could look past him.
And yet, Loki hesitated.
The previous fire burned hotter now, threatening to consume him if he did not retreat. He turned on his heel, his movements swift and precise, and strode away from the throne room. Whatever tension awaited him within those gilded walls would have to wait. Right now, he needed to be anywhere else.
The corridors seemed darker now, the torchlight dimmer as he navigated the familiar path to his chambers. Each step brought him closer to the solace of solitude, to the space where he could strip away the mask he wore so effortlessly and face the tempest within.
His mind raced, the unease gnawing at him with increasing intensity. He had tried to ease the tension—an impromptu training session in the palace's sparring chambers had seemed like the perfect solution. The clash of blades and the heavy exertion of physical combat usually grounded him, soothed the simmering anger that had no outlet. But tonight, even the sharp sting of combat had failed to settle the fire within him. His movements had been fluid and practiced, and yet, the burning frustration lingered—nothing had worked.
As he reached his room, Loki paused for a fraction of a second, his hand resting on the cold metal of the door handle. The thoughts he had tried to suppress surged again, sharper this time, cutting through his defenses like a blade. With a sharp exhale, he pushed the door open and stepped inside, the heavy wood creaking as it swung shut behind him.
The silence of his chambers was a stark contrast to the noise in his head. The air was still, undisturbed, save for the faint scent of cedar and leather that always lingered here. Yet, even in this sanctuary, he could not escape the weight of your presence, the echo of your voice, and the pull you had over him.
Tonight, Loki realized, no amount of distance would be enough to silence the chaos your had left in your wake.
⠀⠀
The door shut behind him with a finality that seemed to press against his chest. Loki’s chambers were dimly lit, the golden light of a single lantern on his desk flickering faintly against the polished surfaces of dark wood and stone. The quiet hum of Asgard beyond his walls was muted here, but the storm inside his mind was deafening.
He took a step forward, shrugging off his cape and letting it fall onto the back of a chair. The fabric slid noiselessly to the floor, but he didn’t bother retrieving it. His boots echoed softly on the smooth stone floor as he crossed the room, every movement deliberate yet restless.
He paused near the tall windows, the view of the city below sprawling in shimmering lights. For a moment, he allowed himself to stare out at it, his sharp features etched in the pale glow of the moon. The beauty of Asgard, timeless and magnificent, failed to reach him tonight.
Instead, his mind lingered on the moment he had fled from. Your gaze, steady and unrelenting, had burned through the walls he had spent centuries perfecting. The way you had spoken to him, your tone laced with something he couldn’t quite place, had stirred something dangerous within him—something he had tried to bury beneath layers of wit and cruelty.
Loki’s jaw tightened, his fingers curling into fists at his sides. He could still hear your voice, the faintest trace of challenge, or perhaps curiosity, woven through it. You had looked at him in a way that made his thoughts crumble, and for reasons he couldn’t comprehend, he hadn’t hated it. No, what he hated was how much he had wanted more of it.
It made no sense. He didn’t crave closeness, didn’t long for understanding—those were weaknesses he had abandoned long ago. But this? This was different. This was something he couldn’t name, and it terrified him as much as it thrilled him.
The tension that coiled in his chest now was almost suffocating. His body betrayed him, heat pooling low in his abdomen as he fought to chase the thought away. He let out a sharp breath, running a hand through his hair as if the act could dispel the intrusive images crowding his mind. He could still see you in his mind’s eye, the way your lips had curved, the way your hands had moved as you spoke. Would your hands feel as soft as they appeared? Would your lips taste as sweet as they seemed?
Loki squeezed his eyes shut, but the images only became more vivid, more intrusive. Your laughter, light and warm, played on repeat in his memory, tugging at him in ways he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in ages. And your touch—he could almost imagine it now, your fingers grazing his skin, your breath mingling with his. The thought sent a shiver down his spine, one he couldn’t suppress.
“Foolish,” he muttered to himself, his voice low and bitter. “Utterly foolish.”
But even as he berated himself, his body betrayed him. His pulse quickened, his breathing shallow as the ache beneath his skin grew harder to ignore. He felt you everywhere—in the warm air that wrapped around him, in the faint flicker of the lantern’s light, in the silence that hung heavy in his chambers. You weren’t there, but it felt as though you had seeped into the very fabric of his being, your presence undeniable and inescapable.
Loki began to pace, his steps measured but restless, like a predator stalking the confines of a cage. His movements were sharp, the tension in his frame radiating with every step he took. His hands itched with the need to do something, anything, to dispel the storm inside him. They brushed against the buttons of his tunic, and with a frustrated sigh, he began unfastening them. His movements were quick and almost angry, as though shedding the layers of fabric could rid him of the thoughts that clung to his mind.
The cool air of his chambers kissed his skin as he pulled the tunic from his body, but it did little to extinguish the fire raging within. He tossed the garment aside carelessly, his breath coming faster now. His eyes darted back to the window, to the city below, but the view offered no solace. All he could see was you, all he could feel was the pull of you, and it was maddening.
Loki leaned heavily against the windowsill, his palms pressed against the cool stone as he stared out into the night. The lights of Asgard below shimmered in a haunting dance, indifferent to the turmoil within him.
“Why?” he whispered, his voice barely audible, as though seeking some answer from the vast, indifferent universe.
The question hung in the air, unanswered, like a bitter curse, and Loki squeezed his eyes shut, fighting back the surge of emotions threatening to drown him. The need to control was a constant in his life, but now, it was slipping through his fingers like sand. He couldn't make sense of any of this. Why you? Why was his mind consumed by someone so... insignificant? Someone who could never understand the weight of the worlds he carried or the gods he had to contend with.
His frustration surged again, building like a pressure that had nowhere to go. He slammed his fist into the nearest table, but it wasn’t enough. The magic thrummed beneath his skin, begging for release, demanding action. And in a moment of unbridled rage, his hands flared with green energy, bright and violent, slicing through the room like a storm tearing through the air. A flash of blinding light erupted, and before he could even register what was happening, his magic shattered the nearby mirror, sending shards of glass scattering across the floor in a chaotic spray.
The sharp sound of cracking glass filled the room, and for a long moment, Loki stood frozen, chest heaving as he stared at the destruction. He had lost control. Again. The realization hit him like a wave of cold water. You’ve let it consume you. A mortal. And this is what it leads to.
A deep sigh escaped him as the weight of the situation began to sink in. He was not a man to let his emotions dictate his actions. But there it was, the undeniable truth—your effect on him was far more than it should have been. The intensity of his feelings, his desire, his frustration—they were more than he could stand. And here he was, a god, destroying things that held no real importance in the grand scheme of things.
His hands trembled, not with weakness but with the uncontrollable surge of magic. He closed his eyes, his breath shaky as he reached out with his magic again, this time not in destruction but in self-repair. With a wave of his hand, the pieces of shattered glass began to float back together, the cracks mending themselves, the mirror reassembling as if it had never been broken at all.
Once the room was quiet again, Loki stood still for a long moment, his fingers flexing as he allowed the tension to drain out of him, though it was impossible to completely erase it. The ache still gnawed at his insides, relentless and unforgiving. His breath came out in a slow exhale as he straightened his posture, fixing the collar of his tunic and wiping the last traces of anger from his expression.
He couldn’t stay here, surrounded by the evidence of his volatile nature. I need to cool off. He needed to distance himself from the fire that raged inside him. And perhaps a bath would do that—remove the tension from his body, quell the heat that seemed to pulse beneath his skin.
With a final exasperated sigh, Loki turned toward the door, his movements purposeful, though his mind still felt like a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and desires. This will pass, he thought, trying to convince himself. It’s only a fleeting distraction.
But deep down, Loki knew that you were no fleeting distraction. He had already allowed you to slip too far into his thoughts. And he hated himself for it. Yet, the ache remained, and all he could do was seek solace in the solitude of a hot bath, hoping that somehow, the water would cleanse him—if only for a moment—from the chaos you had stirred within him.
⠀⠀
As he pushed open the heavy wooden door to the bathing room, a cool breeze greeted him, the scent of lavender and cedarwood drifting through the air, mingling with the faint scent of stone and ancient marble.
The room before him was a sanctuary, a perfect reflection of Asgardian elegance—spacious, luxurious, and imbued with a sense of tranquility that seemed to pulse from the very walls. The floor was polished white marble, veins of gold tracing through the stone like lightning trapped within, glowing faintly in the low light. Tall, arched windows lined one side, offering a view of the vast garden outside, though the curtains were drawn, leaving only the soft glow of magical lanterns to illuminate the space.
At the center of the room sat a large, circular bathing tub, crafted from gleaming obsidian stone. It was deep, large enough to engulf him entirely, a perfect retreat for someone of his status. The water within was an inviting shade of blue, shimmering with an ethereal glow that suggested it had been heated by some unseen magic, its surface smooth and still, reflecting the light above.
Loki paused for a moment in the doorway, letting the serenity of the room wash over him. The tension that had gripped him so tightly seemed to ease just slightly, though the ache in his chest remained. His thoughts swirled back to you—your eyes, your voice, the way you had looked at him. He couldn’t escape it, couldn’t shake it, and it gnawed at him with every breath.
With a sharp exhale, Loki closed the door behind him and turned to face the room fully. He flicked his fingers, a subtle wave of magic rippling through the air, and the lanterns brightened, their light now casting soft pools of warmth across the marble floor. A gentle mist filled the room, adding an element of tranquility, as though the very atmosphere was designed to soothe his frazzled nerves.
His gaze moved to the mirror above a stone counter, where his reflection stared back at him, eyes intense, troubled. A god, reduced to this. His hands moved to the fastening of his tunic, slow and methodical, as though the very act of undressing held some measure of control.
Loki's movements radiated a sensual confidence, each action steeped in an intoxicating blend of precision and allure. He took his time, weaving an intimate dance with the fabric of his clothing, each piece falling to the floor like a whispered secret—soft, intentional, and laden with significance. He navigated the dimly lit room, the soft glow of flickering candles casting playful shadows that danced along the walls. He wasn’t in a rush; there was an artistry to his undressing, each piece of clothing becoming a symbol of the facade he wore, now being shed in this private sanctum.
As the fabric of his shirt slipped off his shoulders, it fell to the floor with a whisper, a soft thud against the wooden planks, almost reverent in its descent. The air was thick with a tension that mirrored the slow cadence of his movements, as though he was peeling away layers not just of cloth, but of burden. The shirt landed, joining a delicate mosaic of who he could be—each article holding memories, masks, realities.
Next came his trousers, the fabric snaking down his legs, revealing the sculpted lines of his body illuminated in the dancing candlelight. Muscles taut beneath pale skin, he moved in a way that was both sensuous and fierce, the shadows playing across his form, creating images of both beauty and danger. As the heat of the moment surged through him, he became acutely aware of his body’s response, the way his muscles tensed with anticipation, each sinew straining beneath the surface. A flicker of arousal sparked within him, causing his hardness to awaken, a subtle yet undeniable shift that added to the intoxicating energy swirling around him.
Yet, amid this heady mix of sensations, a sliver of disappointment crept in, gnawing at him like an unwelcome specter. He felt almost ashamed of his reaction, wondering how he could be so easily swayed when he prided himself on his control. It was merely the stress and the biting cold that wrapped around him, he assured himself, drawing deep and steadying breaths to dispel the tumult within. He paused for a fleeting moment, taking in the reflection of his body, the duality of godhood and vulnerability coiling within him, a tension rippling just beneath the surface, a potent mix of the primal and the divine swirling together in the glow of the flickering light.
In a final, almost reluctant motion, he let the last vestiges of his clothing fall away, relinquishing that last act of defiance. Standing there in the barely-there illumination, he felt the cool air wrap around him like a lover’s embrace, tender yet precise—inviting yet cautious. His skin prickled at the contrast, the air a stark reminder of both exposure and freedom.
With his gaze drawn to the tub—water rippling softly, steam curling sensuously into the air—he felt an anticipation unfurl within him. The promise of warmth beckoned, a siren’s call for solace amidst the whirlwind of emotions swirling within. Yet, there lingered in his heart a feral tug, an instinctive hesitation, a wildness that resisted the notion of surrendering to something so simple as water. It was a battle within, between the aching need for release and the primal urge to remain untamed, unsurrendered. There was a beauty in this struggle, the rawness of his being laid bare in the stillness, poised on the precipice of either yielding to warmth or holding fast to the tempest that raged just beneath his skin.
But he was a god of control, and this was necessary. Just a moment of peace.
His magic swirled around him again, a green glow radiating from his hands as he guided the water to shift, the surface rippling softly before calming once more. He wove intricate spells, adjusting the temperature, ensuring that the water was just the right warmth—neither too hot nor too cold, but perfectly comfortable, a balm for his strained muscles and his mind.
Loki’s fingers hovered just above the water, watching the gentle ripples his magic created, feeling the subtle shift in the room’s atmosphere. With a final, sharp flick of his wrist, the water settled into perfect stillness, the surface smooth as glass once again.
A slow, almost imperceptible sigh left his lips, and he stepped forward. His body, tense from the moment before, finally released its last vestiges of resistance as he lowered himself into the tub, the cool water meeting his skin with a comforting embrace. The water rose around him, enveloping him with its warmth, soothing the ache that had burned within him for far too long.
Loki leaned back, his head resting against the edge of the tub, eyes closed for a moment as he let the water cradle him. The tension in his shoulders, his chest, and his legs seemed to dissolve as the heat seeped into his muscles, coaxing them to relax. The water, now lapping gently at the sides of the tub, seemed to hum with its own energy, resonating with his magic.
But still, the thought of you lingered, persistent as the heat in his body. He couldn’t escape it—not even in the quiet solitude of the bath. His fingers, tracing the surface of the water, clenched for a brief moment, his nails scraping softly against the ceramic of the tub. The conflicting feelings of anger, frustration, and desire—they all bubbled within him, mixing in a stew he could neither ignore nor understand.
For now, he would let the water soothe him. But deep down, Loki knew that the tension, the ache—it was only temporarily quelled. Like the magic that swirled through his veins, the thoughts of you would return, relentless as ever.
He tried to focus on the soothing embrace of the bath, the gentle ripples caressing his skin. His breath slowed as he let the water hold him, but even then, in this sanctuary of water and solitude, the thought of you crept back into his mind.
Your face, so close to his in the cave, flashed before his eyes. The way your breath had quickened, the flicker of something more than just a shared moment of tension between them. The warmth of your body, the steady pulse beneath your skin, the way your gaze had lingered on him. The hunger, the unspoken invitation. It haunted him.
Loki’s eyes snapped open, and his hands clenched around the edge of the tub, his pulse quickening as an image of you lingered—your lips so close to his, the soft touch of your hand against his chest. The thought of you in such proximity, your scent mingling with his own, sent a shiver down his spine.
No.
The word was a bitter hiss in his mind, the sharpest of rebukes. She’s mortal, he reminded himself, though it did little to quell the heat that surged within him.
His breath grew shallow, his pulse drumming in his ears as the desire swelled, thick and unyielding. It filled his chest, squeezing, suffocating. He couldn't control it—not when all he could see, all he could feel, was you.
Loki's eyes clenched shut as the thought of you intensified. His stomach twisted with frustration, his body aching with need he had no desire to acknowledge. He couldn’t stay here, couldn’t let this consume him—not now, not in this moment of fragile peace.
With a sharp, exasperated breath, Loki plunged himself beneath the water, his magic swirling in the depths as he submerged his entire form, letting the cool embrace of the liquid swallow him whole. The world above disappeared, and for a moment, he was weightless, suspended in the depths of the tub.
The coldness of the water stung against his skin, sharp and refreshing, but it did nothing to wash away the images of you. They clung to him, persistent and relentless, like shadows in the depths of his mind.
Foolish.
The word echoed in his mind as he held himself underwater, his breath held tight as the world remained muffled, distorted by the pressure around him. The steady rhythm of his heart was the only sound, the only constant as he lingered in the dark stillness. Time stretched on, but he could not escape it. The ache in his chest burned, the tension in his body still there despite the cold water.
He remained submerged for what felt like an eternity, the minutes slipping away in the quiet abyss. The longer he stayed, the more he realized that the thoughts would not leave—not just like this, not with any amount of magic or water.
Reluctantly, with a slow, frustrated exhale, Loki pushed himself back to the surface, breaking through the water with a gasp, his hair plastered to his face, droplets clinging to his skin like a reminder of his defeat. He dragged a hand through his damp hair, his breath ragged as he lay there, floating in the stillness of the room.
The lingering warmth of the water against his skin did nothing to soothe the fire that still simmered inside him. As much as he tried to push it away, he could still feel the imprint of you—the way you had looked at him, the way your voice had tangled with his thoughts. And for the first time in centuries, Loki found himself unable to control the ache that pulsed through him, unable to banish the thoughts of you from his mind.
His mind began to drift again—against his will, like a tide pulling him back to the same, dangerous shore. The silence of the room felt too heavy now, too quiet, and the very stillness of the water seemed to echo with your presence. He could still feel the weight of your gaze, as though you were standing there beside him, watching him in this private moment, your eyes lingering on him in ways he couldn’t dismiss.
He closed his eyes and exhaled slowly, but the thought of you wouldn’t fade. It surged forward, unstoppable. The way you had leaned in close to him in the cave, how your breath had ghosted over his skin. How close you had been.
Loki clenched his jaw, his muscles tightening involuntarily. He had wanted to pull you closer, to feel your body against his, to lose himself in the heat of it. The thought of it was maddening, and yet it brought an odd thrill that he couldn’t explain.
The way you had been perched so close to him—the soft heat of your breath against his neck—had made his entire body hum with something unfamiliar, something raw. And your touch... the way your fingertips had traced the contours of his skin, leaving behind a trail of fire that burned long after you had pulled away. The memory of that touch tormented him now, echoing through his mind with unbearable clarity.
His pulse quickened as a flash of that moment surged through him once more. Why couldn’t he let it go?
Without thinking, his hand reached out to the small table beside the bath, fingers brushing against a bottle of scented oil—cinnamon and citrus, a soothing blend he usually used after a long day of training. He didn’t even register what he was doing, lost in the spiral of his thoughts.
He uncapped the bottle, the faint scent of lavender and citrus filling the air, and without hesitation, he poured a small amount onto the length of his torso. The droplets were cool and soft against his skin, but as his hand moved lower, his thoughts drifted again—back to you.
Your skin... soft, delicate. How would it feel to touch you like that? To press his fingertips into you, to feel your body respond to him in ways he had only dreamed of?
The oil dripped onto his abdomen, the cool droplets traveling from the perch of his pectorals down to the navel of his hips. Loki’s eyes squeezed shut, but the memory of your touch was impossible to push away. Your touch could be like that. Your fingers, warm and slow against my skin.
A shiver ran down his spine as the cool oil continued to trickle down his abdomen. His breath hitched when the thought came unbidden, If she had done that...
He imagined you, perched on the edge of the tub just as you had been in the cave—your body so close to his, your breath mingling with his. Your fingers, trailing over his skin, leaving a burning path in their wake. The thought was so vivid, so intoxicating, that he didn’t realize he was still rubbing the oil into his skin, his movements becoming more deliberate, more sensual, as if he were trying to mimic the sensation he had felt in that moment with you.
His fingers, almost without thinking, moved—mirroring the sensation in his mind, tracing a path down his own body just as he had imagined you doing. The movement was slow, deliberate as if he were trying to imitate your touch, to feel it against his own skin. His fingertips brushed lightly down the length of his torso, where the oil had left a trail that seemed to burn even in its coolness.
The more he thought about it, the more the tension inside him grew. His chest tightened, and his body, betraying him, responded to the fantasies that plagued his mind. Loki’s hand faltered for a moment, his thumb hovering near his navel as the reality of what he was doing settled over him.
What am I doing?
But the thought of you—the memory of how you had looked at him, how close you had been, how you had made him feel—was too powerful to resist. His chest heaved slightly, his fingers tracing the curve of his abdomen, the droplets of oil now warm against his skin as they mixed with the heat of his body. He was unaware that his movements had become more purposeful, as if trying to recreate the sensations of that moment, that touch, over and over again. His breath became shallow as the oil slid across his skin, and the fantasy, once small, bloomed into something more dangerous, more tangible.
His fingers pressed against the base of his navel, his thoughts spiraling further into the fantasy. He imagined you again, your hands on him, your body close—too close. It was like a fever, impossible to escape, a longing that twisted deep inside of him. The oil, cool at first, was now nothing but a reminder of that same burn, that same ache in his chest, the ache that he hadn’t asked for, that he couldn’t ignore.
Loki’s heart raced, his fingers slipping lower, brushing against the taut skin of his lower abdomen. His eyes shot open then, as if a switch had been flipped. The realization that he was doing this—falling deeper into a dream, into a desire that should not be his—hit him like a thunderclap.
“No,” he hissed, clenching his jaw tightly, the word coming out sharp and furious.
He abruptly pulled his hand away from his skin, the sudden action leaving him breathless. He quickly closed the bottle of oil, the small sound of the cap snapping into place echoing in the stillness of the room. But even as he tried to stop, to force his thoughts to turn elsewhere, his body refused to listen. The desire was still there, simmering just below the surface, igniting something deep inside him that he wasn’t prepared to face.
Loki sank back into the water, burying his face in his hands, as if trying to rid himself of the images, of the fantasies that had invaded his mind so effortlessly. But no matter how much he willed it away, no matter how much he tried to drown the thoughts with water, with cold, with magic—it was there, clawing at him, persistent and unrelenting.
The ache in his chest had not dulled, and despite his efforts to push it aside, the restless tension lingered, coiling in his gut. His body was on the edge of something he didn't want to acknowledge, and it only grew more intense the more he tried to deny it.
His eyes flickered over to the small decorative jar at the edge of the bath. Inside, delicate jasmine petals rested in an elegant arrangement, their white blossoms giving off the scent of calming sweetness. He reached for it, his fingers brushing over the petals with a gentleness that contrasted with the storm of thoughts swirling in his mind. He needed to relax. He needed something to distract him, to ground him. He closed his eyes as he sprinkled the jasmine petals into the water, watching them float gently, their fragrance filling the room.
The scent was intoxicating, subtle yet powerful, and it seemed to settle the storm in his chest, if only for a moment. He inhaled deeply, the calming effect of the jasmine wrapping around him like a soft, invisible embrace.
But even in this moment of tranquility, his mind refused to be still. The petals floated serenely on the surface of the water, their white silk-like texture reminding him of something else—someone else.
You.
He couldn’t help it. His thoughts wandered back to you, back to the way you had looked in that cave, bathed in the dim, flickering light. The way your robe had clung to your skin, almost like a second layer, leaving little to the imagination. The soft, translucent fabric—white, like the petals—had clung to your curves in a way that made his pulse quicken. He could remember how the fabric had shimmered, catching the light as it molded to the shape of your body.
Loki's breath hitched, his gaze unfocused as the image of you lingered in his mind, vivid and undeniable. The robe, almost too delicate, seemed to shimmer like gossamer threads in the soft light, so sheer that it practically beckoned to him, enticing and inviting. He had found himself frozen for a brief moment, utterly mesmerized, unable to tear his gaze away from the sight of you. Your silhouette was barely concealed, each curve and contour tantalizingly revealed, igniting a fire of desire deep within him that was both exhilarating and maddening.
He could still see how the fabric draped over your body, caressing your every curve, accentuating your femininity with an intimate familiarity that sent his heart racing. The translucent material clung lovingly to your skin, almost teasing him, whispering promises of warmth and intimacy beneath its sheer veil. He had almost been envious of the way it clung to you, as if the robe shared an intimate secret with you, a bond that left him yearning to touch, to discover the warmth of your flesh nestled against that delicate barrier.
The jasmine petals scattered about like whispers against the deep water only amplified the sensuality of the memory, their pure white softness echoing the ethereal glow of your robe. It seemed as though the petals mirrored those intimate moments, each delicate blossom a reflection of the way the fabric clung to your body, effortlessly sculpting your form in a dance of elegance and allure. He imagined you gliding toward him, your skin bathed in the silvery embrace of moonlight, each step orchestrating a balletic shift of the fabric that clung seductively to you, igniting every sense within him.
Loki’s fingers tightened against the edge of the tub, the cool stone under his grip grounding him in the heat of the moment. The pull of his desire was intoxicating, an unquenchable thirst he could feel consuming him. He could almost feel the weight of your presence beside him, the heady warmth of you, the intoxicating scent of your essence wrapping around him like a fragrant embrace. He could hear the soft rustle of your robe brushing against your skin, each sound a silky promise, hear the delicate rhythm of your breathing—soft, steady, a symphony of desire that drew him in deeper.
He squeezed his eyes shut, willing the image of you to disappear. But instead, it grew stronger, more vivid.He imagined reaching out, the tips of his fingers grazing the fabric of your robe, feeling its divine softness beneath his touch, the warmth of your skin simmering just beneath it. He envisioned how it would feel to press himself closer, to let his lips trail along the graceful curve of your neck, to slip beneath that fragile seam where fabric and flesh met, to taste the sweetness that awaited him—his body aching with the promise of connection, longing to bridge the distance that separated them. To raise you out of that damned pool and let the thin fabric slide off on the stone, to—
Loki’s breath caught in his throat, and he suddenly felt a sharp, urgent pressure building within him. With a frustrated growl, he plunged his hand into the water, scattering the jasmine petals as his fingers clawed at the surface in an attempt to break the chain of thoughts that had consumed him. But it was no use. The image of you lingered, relentless.
“Damnation,” he muttered under his breath, his voice hoarse. He leaned back against the edge of the tub, his eyes burning with frustration as he tried to steady his breathing. The jasmine scent, now stronger than before, filled his senses, but it only seemed to heighten the memory of you. He could almost feel you there with him, your soft skin, the way the fabric of your robe had clung to your body most invitingly.
Loki forced himself to close his eyes again, breathing deeply in an attempt to regain control. But no matter how hard he tried to suppress it, the image of you, the memory of that translucent robe, haunted him. The petals, the scent, the softness—it all became intertwined with his hunger. He could still feel your fingers trailing over his skin, the heat of your body against his.
His body trembled with desire as he succumbed to the memories and fantasies that had been consuming him. He could no longer deny himself the pleasure that he so desperately craved.
With a low groan, he allowed his hand to wander back down his abdomen, feeling the defined muscles ripple beneath his fingers. His other hand was still clenched in the water, sending jasmine petals drifting to the surface. He trailed his fingers lower and lower, feeling the heat emanating from his body.
He closed his eyes, imagining your hands on him instead, your digits tracing patterns over his skin. With a sharp intake of breath, he slipped his hand beneath the matter, feeling the soft trimmed hairs on his lower abdomen.
Loki's breathing grew ragged as he allowed himself to indulge in the fantasy, his mind filled with newfound scenes of him, of you, of an 'us together'.
⠀⠀
He envisioned himself entering a temple with quiet confidence, his footsteps reverberating against the cold stone walls as he moved toward the inner sanctum. His attire was nothing short of magnificent: garments woven with iridescent threads, shifting in color with every step, embodying the very essence of his trickster nature. His cloak, a masterpiece of fine silk, cascaded gracefully around him, embroidered with intricate patterns and symbols that spoke to his divine status.
As he crossed the threshold, his gaze was drawn to you. You sat within a large stone basin, the water steaming gently around you, its surface dotted with fragrant petals that seemed to float in harmony with the light filtering through the stained-glass windows. The sight of you struck him like a physical blow; you were even more captivating than he had envisioned.
Your infamous robe still clung to you like a second skin, damp from the water, accentuating the delicate curves of your body. The radiant Wyrmscale artifact resting against your neck glowed with soft golden light, its power pulsing through the room, almost as if in tune with your very being. Your long, damp hair was swept back, revealing the delicate lines of your face, and your eyes—those damned eyes—met his with a mixture of trepidation and something far more potent: desire.
He circled the tub slowly, his gaze never leaving you. Each step was measured, deliberate, his mind consumed by the sight of you—your beauty, your vulnerability, your submission. His pulse quickened, a quiet flutter deep within his chest that echoed through his veins. The heat of the room wrapped around you both, intensifying the weight of the moment, but still, he found it difficult to tear his eyes away from you. You were a vision, an offering he couldn’t resist.
“I’ve seen you in many visions,” Loki’s voice was low, almost a purr as he spoke, his words laced with something darker, more thrilling. “I’ve spent nights wondering what it would feel like to have you here. To see you like this—vulnerable, willing to give everything, your body and your soul laid bare. And now... here you are, offering yourself so freely, so openly. Tell me, priestess, are you sure you understand what this means?”
His fingers brushed your collarbone, the lightest touch, but it felt as though it was searing your skin. The warmth of your skin under the damp fabric sent a jolt through him, stirring something primal deep inside. His breath caught as he trailed a finger down the curve of your neck, feeling the soft pulse beneath your skin, steady and inviting. You were trembling just slightly—whether from fear or desire, he couldn’t be sure. But it only made the air between you more charged, more delicious.
You met his gaze, the challenge in your eyes unmistakable, even as your fingers tightened subtly around the edge of the tub. “I don’t know,” you replied, your voice steady but with an underlying edge, “But I’m sure you’ll be eager to show me.”
Loki’s smile deepened, his eyes glinting with both amusement and something far more dangerous. “Such confidence. But you know as well as I do, the gods take no mercy when they’re pleased,” he whispered, his lips brushing your ear as he leaned in closer. “When I fuck you, it will be more than a mere battle of wills. It will be your surrender, your desire, your need that I feed. And when it’s all over, you’ll know exactly who owns you.”
Your breath hitched as his words sank in. The weight of them, the intensity of his gaze—it felt like you were standing on the edge of something profound, something that could consume you entirely. But somehow, a part of you wanted it. A part of you wanted to give in to him, to the promise of pleasure and power he dangled before you like an impossible temptation.
Loki pulled back slightly, his finger resting on your chin, lifting your gaze back to his. He gazed deeply into your eyes and lowered his voice to a husky murmur. “I’m certain you’ve imagined it, priestess. But the difference is that I make your fantasies real. What I offer you is beyond anything you could possibly have dreamt. Tell me, are you ready to be taken, to be claimed—body and soul?”
Your body tensed, but your gaze never wavered from his. “We’ll see, won’t we? Then I’ll simply make sure it’s not you who has the final say.” The defiance lingered in your voice, soft yet insistent, despite the way your breath betrayed you.
Loki’s eyes darkened, his smile widening as he stepped back, eyes alight with an undeniable hunger. “You think you have control in this game? You’ve already surrendered more than you realize.”
He ran his finger along your chin, tilting your head back slightly, his voice a dangerous whisper. “It’s time for you to do your due diligence.”
A shiver of excitement ran down your spine as Loki rose from his crouched position, striding with almost sensual slowness to his dedicated altar on which he took place. The sight of him, poised and confident, filled you with an intoxicating mix of desire and fear, emotions that tangled together in a heady rush. His dark eyes never left you, and you could feel the weight of his gaze like a tangible thing, burning into your skin. Your breath hitched as he ascended, his silhouette framed by the soft glow of the room, the shadows falling just right to highlight the chiseled perfection of his form.
The air between you thickened with vibrating tension, as if the very space you occupied pulsed with the energy of your closeness. Your pulse quickened in your neck, your heartbeat erratic, and the anticipation settled heavily in the pit of your stomach. You could feel his power—dark and alluring—drawing you toward him, a magnetic pull you couldn’t escape. You were trembling, your skin sensitive under the damp fabric of your robe, which clung to your body like a second skin, accentuating the curves of your breasts and hips. Every inch of you seemed to be on fire as your body responded to his presence, a mixture of anxiety and anticipation thrumming through your veins.
Loki’s voice sliced through the air, a low, beckoning command. “Come along, priestess. Join me.”
His words were soft yet laced with an unmistakable power, a challenge, an invitation, and something darker—a promise. The tension between you grew almost unbearable, and despite the trepidation swirling in your gut, you found yourself obeying, rising from the water as though compelled by some unseen force. Your body was stiff with both reluctance and yearning, your knees weak as you took your first step toward him. Your skin, slick with water, glistened under the light, and the weight of the robe clinging to you only heightened the sensitivity of every nerve in your body. Each movement felt slower, more deliberate, as you crossed the distance between you, your every step trembling.
Loki watched you intently, his eyes narrowing slightly, a flash of something dark crossing his features, his lips curling into a faint, knowing smile. “That’s it,” he murmured, his voice like velvet wrapping around you. “Come closer. Show me that you can follow through, priestess.”
Your breath caught in your throat, and you fought to steady yourself as you made your way toward the altar. Your legs felt like they might give way under the weight of his gaze, but you continued forward, each step echoing your growing need, your pulse racing as you neared him. Your hands, trembling slightly, reached out instinctively, grasping the cold stone of the altar’s edge for support.
Standing before him now, you felt small, fragile even, in contrast to his towering presence. Loki’s eyes roamed over you, their gaze calculating yet filled with an unmistakable hunger. The intensity of his stare made you feel exposed, as if he were unraveling your very soul with nothing but a look.
“You’re trembling,” he said, his voice a whisper, yet every word felt like a brand against your skin. He reached out, his fingers brushing against your trembling hand where it rested on the altar. The simple touch sent a jolt of heat racing through your body, an electrifying sensation that made you want to both pull away and draw him closer.
“I can feel it,” he continued, his eyes never leaving yours. “You’re not as composed as you’d like to pretend. But do not worry, I’ll teach you how to surrender.”
Loki’s smile deepened, an expression of quiet satisfaction that made your heart race. “Don’t be shy,” he breathed, as his hands moved to undo the golden tie of your robe, fingers brushing the fabric slowly, deliberately. “Come worship your god.”
The anticipation was unbearable now, every motion seeming to stretch time, prolonging the moment between you as he loosened the knot. The robe, heavy with water, fell slightly from your body, revealing more of your curves, the soft, enticing shape of your figure exposed to his hungry gaze.
Your breath quickened, your body trembling with anticipation, but you did not pull away. Instead, you stood still, your chest rising and falling rapidly with each breath, waiting for him to make the next move. There was a strange mix of defiance and longing in your eyes, the embers of resistance still glowing, but you couldn’t help yourself. You were drawn to him—compelled by something darker, something you couldn’t name, and that terrified you more than anything else. You felt his presence wash over you like a tidal wave, filling your senses and drowning out any other thoughts. You were trembling, not just from fear, but from something deeper—something you couldn’t control. And with every passing second, you realized that you had already given yourself to him, even if you hadn’t fully admitted it yet.
Loki's fingers traced the curves of your hips, the delicate touch sending a shiver of anticipation through you. You couldn’t help but react to his every movement, your body trembling under his touch, as though every inch of your skin was attuned to him. His presence enveloped you, warm and overwhelming, stirring emotions you were both eager and afraid to face.
He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against the soft skin of your neck, tasting the remnants of the water that clung to you. The sensation of his lips, warm and demanding, sent a jolt of heat straight to your core. Your breath hitched, the tension in your body rising as his hands roamed upward, gently parting the collar of your wet robe, exposing the smoothness of your shoulder. His fingers traced the delicate curve of your shoulder blades, making you shiver as a thrill of sensation coursed through you.
His lips followed the path of his hands, soft at first, exploring the skin of your shoulders with slow, languorous kisses. The warmth of his mouth, combined with the sensation of his hands on your skin, made you lightheaded with want. You tilted your head back instinctively, surrendering to the sensation, offering him more of your neck, and Loki took full advantage of the invitation. His tongue traced a path up to your ear, the action sending a tremor through you as a soft gasp escaped your lips.
Loki’s breath was hot against your skin, his voice a low murmur in your ear. “You can feel it, don’t you?” he whispered, his hands moving down your arms in teasing strokes, the light touch leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. His fingertips skimmed over your skin as though savoring every inch of you, his touch light yet laden with intent.
Your pulse raced, your body betraying you, drawn to him in ways you couldn’t fully understand. You swallowed, trying to steady yourself, but the tension between you was palpable, thickening the air with every passing moment.
“Please,” you let out in a shaking voice, the defiance still lingering within you even as your body reacted to him. You could feel the heat radiating from him, the strength in his frame pressing against yours, but it was the hunger in his kiss, the way he seized your lips as if he couldn’t hold back any longer, that set you completely aflame.
His mouth was urgent, claiming, and yet his hands remained gentle, pulling you closer, as if he were testing the boundaries between you. His lips moved against yours with a growing intensity, a hunger you couldn’t ignore. Your hands now timidly fisted the front of his tunic, pressing your body more firmly against his. Your heart beat erratically, a rhythm of need and desire you were now powerless to deny.
Loki’s hands slid around your waist, pulling you flush against him, and for a moment, everything around you faded away. There was only the feel of him—his warmth, his presence, the taste of his kiss—and the undeniable pull between you that neither could escape. Your breath came in quick gasps, your lips parting as you tried to steady yourself, but there was no stopping it now. Not when Loki’s touch was like fire on your skin, lighting every nerve ablaze.
Loki’s fingers traced every curve of your body with a gentle yet possessive touch, as if memorizing the feel of you beneath his hands. His fingers skimmed across your waist, sending waves of sensation through you, before slowly traveling down to your hips. His touch was deliberate, his skin leaving a trail of fire where it met yours. The sensation was intoxicating, and your breath caught in your throat as you fought to keep control, but each brush of his hand made it more difficult to resist. Your body seemed to respond of its own accord, your pulse quickening, your skin flush with anticipation.
You couldn’t help but tremble under his touch as his hands ventured lower, tracing the outline of your thighs, fingers grazing over the soft skin, sparking a flood of warmth that radiated out from your core. With each slow movement, each teasing caress, you felt as if you were being pulled deeper into him, your body writhing, arching under the pressure of his touch, desperate for more.
Loki’s voice was low and husky as he broke your kiss, his hand wrapped around your throat and his lips brushing against your ear as he whispered, “Now, priestess, I want you to undress me. Slowly, deliberately, as if every touch is a worship of my body.”
Your heart skipped a beat at his words, your breath hitching in your throat as you nodded, your hands trembling with anticipation. You reached up, your fingers finding the hem of his tunic, and slowly began to lift it, exposing his toned abs and muscular chest. Your eyes traced every inch of his skin, taking in the defined lines of his muscles, and the smattering of dark hair that peeked out from his Apollo’s belt.
Loki’s voice was smooth and laced with arrogance as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against your ear. “You should consider yourself fortunate, priestess,” he whispered, his tone dripping with confidence. “Not many are allowed to touch a god like me. So take your time. Let every movement be a tribute to what stands before you.”
A surge of boldness and desire filled you as Loki's words of encouragement caressed your ears. Emboldened, your delicate hands slowly slid up the length of his tunic, inching it upwards to reveal more and more of his godly physique inch by tantalizing inch. His skin was unveiled to your hungry gaze—you could feel the heat radiating from his very being, his muscles rippling and tensing beneath your fingertips like coiled steel as they glided across the expanse of his abdominal muscles.
Your tongue explored his heated throat as you pressed soft, open-mouthed kisses along the column of his neck, taking your time to thoroughly savor the taste of his skin. Your lips moved lower, trailing over his defined collarbone until you reached the hollow at the base of his throat. There, you let your teeth graze the sensitive flesh before soothing the sting with a slow, firm lick.
Loki's breath caught in his throat, a ragged hitch that spoke of barely contained longing. His emerald eyes blazed with smoldering desire as they roamed hungrily over your form, drinking in every dip and curve of your body. Reaching up with a hand that trembled with need, his fingers tangled in your silken tresses, the cool strands slipping through his grasp. Tilting his head back in wanton surrender, he exposed the smooth column of his throat to your questing mouth.
"Yes," he rumbled in a deep growl that sent delicious shivers cascading down your spine. The velvet timbre of his words caressed your heated skin like a physical touch, stoking the flames of your desire higher. "Just like that."
His tone dripped with sin and dark promise, full of tempting subtext that left little room for misinterpretation. Loki's voice painted sinful pictures in your mind, hinting at secrets and pleasures only he could provide. Each low, raw word fell from his lips like a forbidden confession, igniting your blood until it burned through your veins.
Your heart pounded wildly, your breath coming fast and shallow as you leaned into the delicious friction of his fingers in your hair. The light pressure at the back of your skull sent sparks skittering across your scalp and down your nape. Loki's grip held you in place, keeping your mouth pressed to the supple skin of his throat where his pulse fluttered like the wings of a caged bird. The heat of him seeped into you, his quickening heartbeat a counterpoint to your racing rhythm.
He imagined your lips brushing against the corded muscles of his neck, feeling the coiled tension thrumming through his body like a tightly wound spring. As your phantom touch grazed his skin, he found himself arching instinctively into the sensation, craving more of that teasing contact. His thick throat flexed and undulated beneath your mouth as he swallowed hard around the lump that had formed there, fighting to control the intense reaction coursing through him.
Loki's gasps encouraged you to continue your sensual exploration. He felt you apply light suction, pulling at his skin until you could feel his pulse jumping beneath your lips. Reluctant to release him, you transferred your ministrations to the opposite side of his throat. This time, you used your teeth more insistently, worrying the flesh and nipping at his hammering pulse until you could taste the coppery tang of blood on your tongue as it beaded on his skin.
You could practically feel the heat of his breath as you traced the strong column of his neck with your lips and tongue, igniting sparks of sensation with every pass. His skin prickled with goosebumps, drawn taut and hypersensitive, as if your imagined touch had burned away every layer between you until only nerve endings remained. He strained towards the pressure of your mouth, blatant in his need for stimulation, his body an instrument thrumming with tension.
Again and again, you returned to the spot, alternating between deep, open-mouthed kisses and teasing licks and nips until his neck was mapped with darkening love bites. Each mark was a brand, a symbol of your possession, the evidence of your claim on him. You loved seeing the proof of your wanton lust decorating his fair skin.
Releasing your mouth from his throat with a wet pop, you admired your handiwork, trailing your fingers over the tender, reddened flesh. Loki's hands had found your hair, tangling in the silken strands as he held you close. His breaths were shallow, chest heaving with the force of his exhalations. The visible strain of his erection pressed against your belly, but you ignored it for now, lost in your need to taste every inch of him.
In a frenzy of lustful desperation, you wrenched Loki's tunic up and over his head with an almost violent urgency. The flimsy garment was hastily cast aside, fluttering forgotten to the floor as your hungry gaze raked over the newly bared expanse of Loki's sleek, pale skin. You drank in the sight of him with fevered eyes that glittered with unslaked craving, your pupils blown wide with desire.
The air between you felt charged and taut, thick with the promise of what was to come. It crackled with an electric tension that made your very skin prickle, so dense with want that it seemed to pulse and undulate like a living thing. The space seemed to swell, heavy and swollen with the weight of your unspeakable needs.
You began a worshipful descent down the sculpted planes of Loki's torso. You laved your tongue over his cool skin, tracing the elegant sweep of his collarbones and the dip of his sternum. Your lips brushed feather-light over the flat discs of his nipples, drawing a shuddering hiss from between clenched teeth as you suckled and nibbled, determined to wring as much pleasure and praise from him as you could. Your teeth scraped carelessly, leaving crimson blooms on his skin like stigmata.
Loki shivered and flared, his powerful frame surging beneath your ministrations. His fingers clenched in your hair, dragging you inexorably up and molding your curves meltingly flush against the hard, unforgiving lines of his body. Loki's gaze burned into your own, twin flames of liquid emerald fire that seared straight to your soul. "The pants," he commanded, his voice a rough, guttural sound edged with feral hunger. The raw command in his tone sent primal heat licking through your core, urging you onward even as it threatened to undo you utterly.
Your trembling fingers fumbled at the waistband of his breeches, clumsy with desperation. You wanted to tear them from his body, to lay him bare before you, but some distant scrap of coherence kept your movements measured. The air felt too thick to draw a proper breath, the anticipation coiling tighter and tighter in your blood until it was almost painful.
Finally, blessedly, his breeches joined his tunic on the floor. You hummed in satisfaction, drinking in the sight of him laid out before you in all his naked glory. You reached out to trail reverent fingers down the dips and ridges of his abdomen, savoring the way he shuddered and tensed beneath your touch. But you were only allowed a brief moment to admire him before Loki was surging up to capture your mouth in a bruising kiss.
As he broke your deep, passionate kiss, his piercing gaze locked onto yours, smoldering with an intense, almost feral hunger. A knowing smirk played at the corners of his lips as he made you advance towards him in a slow, deliberate manner, his voice dropping to a low, dark purr.
"Go on, priestess," he rasped, the words dripping with a sinful promise that sent shivers down your spine. "Take what is yours to worship and claim as your own."
You gulped for air, your lungs burning, fervently nodding as much as you could with the firm grip he still maintained in your hair. A needy whimper escaped your parted lips, your body yearning for more of his electric touch. 
You redoubled your descent down his chiseled body, pressing small, reverent kisses along the way. Your lips mapped a winding path over the planes of his chest, down his taut stomach, savoring the taste of his skin, the heat of him. Reaching his navel, you dipped your tongue inside, circling the sensitive dip teasingly and drawing a groan from the god and his grip tightened, spurring you on to go further.
Finally, you arrived at the apex of his thighs where his long, hard and imposing member jutted proudly towards you. Its thick length seemed to throb, begging for your worshipful attention. You knelt before him in obedience, gazing up at him with hooded eyes clouded by lust and a hint of trepidation. 
As he sat there, watching your crafted image intently with anticipation, you hesitated for a moment. You could feel his intense gaze on you, and you knew what he wanted. Gathering your courage, you slowly reached out a trembling hand towards him. Your fingers inched closer to the hard, rigid length of his cock, and as you made contact, you felt a shiver run through your entire body. The feel of him was intoxicating—hard yet silky smooth, just like the rest of his toned body.
He couldn't help but let out a low groan as you touched him—as he imitated your touch. His hand moved unconsciously to wrap around his member, mirroring your makeshift movements. You would watch in fascination as he began to stroke himself, and you couldn't help but feel a sense of power and arousal at the divine sight that he displayed.
In his mind, you’d marvel at the feel of him, so different from anything you had ever experienced before. Your fingers looked so meager that he doubted they would quite close around his girth. He imagined you, feeling even more turned on by the contrast between your delicate hand and his thick, hard cock like he was to the idea.
"Do you like that?" he asked, his voice low and husky with desire. 
You nodded, unable to find your voice at that moment. You couldn't believe you were doing this, touching him like this, but you couldn't deny how much you were enjoying it.
"Good," he murmured, his eyes darkening with lust. "Because I relish the way your touch sets me alight," he murmured, his voice velvet-soft yet edged with longing, as if the confession itself was both a gift and a weapon.
Fingertips danced along his length, tracing the prominent vein that ran along the underside—he didn’t know if it was your phantom touch or his very real one, he didn’t care for it. He’d pretend that it was yours for now, that he could trade the feeling of the rough palms of his hand for your soft ones.
You watched as his eyes fluttered closed, his breath coming in quick gasps as you touched him. You could feel the heat radiating from him, the way his muscles tensed under your touch. You circled the base, marveling at the size and the heat it emanated from his member. A bead of clear liquid welled from the slit, making his erection jump. Softly, reverently, you swiped your thumb over the tip, smearing the precum and eliciting a strangled groan from above.
Then, another flash: slowly, almost shyly, you leaned forward and placed a feather-light kiss on his inner thigh, right at the root of his shaft. Your lips trailed up the sensitive skin, pressing soft open-mouthed kisses in their wake. A faint whimper escaped you as you tasted him for the first time, the salt, musk, and pure masculine essence of his arousal thick and heady on your taste buds.
He hissed in pleasure, his fingers tightening in your hair as he pulled you closer. You flicked your tongue over the weeping slit in response, lapping up the salty essence. Another kiss was placed right at the crown before you started to slowly circle the flared head with the flat of your tongue. You took your time, mapping every ridge and vein, savoring the taste of him on your tongue.
But he wouldn’t let the exploration go on any longer, or else he’d go mad beyond reason with want. The massive hand gripping your silky damp tresses gave a sharp tug, wrenching your head back and forcing your face upwards. You let out a yelp at the sudden motion, eyes widening in fear and surprise darting up to meet the smoldering gaze pinning you in place. A deep, rumbling growl emanated from above, the sound resonating in your very bones and sending sparks of trepidation skittering down your spine.
Above you, his imposing form loomed, all chiseled planes and rippling muscle. Sweat gleamed on his alabaster skin which heaved with each labored breath. Heavy thighs bracketed your smaller frame as he towered over your kneeling form, his commanding presence seeming to fill the very air around them. Drawing in a shuddering gasp, you tried to give a jerky nod of acquiescence, your delicate throat working nervously under his stern glare.
His calloused palm dragged from the silken coil of your hair to seize your chin, fingers pressing firmly into the delicate curve of your jaw as he forced your gaze upward. "Enough games," he snarled, his voice a low, dangerous rasp steeped in authority and promise. A flicker of fear danced along your spine, sharp and electric, under the weight of his piercing glare. "Open," he commanded, the single word carrying the weight of inevitability.
You could only whimper in response, breaths coming in short, precipitated puffs as his other hand guided the thick root of his cock to nudge demandingly at your parted lips. With a final, shallow inhale, you let your jaw fall slack, allowing the heavy weight to rest against your waiting mouth. He slowly thrust forward, pushing into the velvet heat past your lips and over your tongue. You could feel every rigid vein, every throb of his width stretching you open as inch by delicious inch sank into the clutching confines of your mouth and throat.
Tears sprang anew to your eyes at the sudden intrusion, but you held his gaze, giving a tentative suck as he hilted fully. The wet glide of your tongue traced over the bulbing head, dipping into the weeping slit to lap at the salty-sweet essence gathered there. Above you, you could hear the hitch in his breathing, feel the air between them crackle with building tension. 
Slowly, he began to rock his hips, sawing in and out with deep but shallow thrusts as he mentally fucked into you face as he did to his enclosed fist. Your lips worked over his length, hollowing your cheeks to suck harder as you brought one small hand up to gently fondle the heavy orbs below. You breathed harshly through your nose, tongue fluttering along the underside as he thrust between your lips.
"Norns' mercy," Loki gasped, his head falling back on a low, wanton moan that echoed through the chambers. "Your mouth is exquisite, a divine temple of pleasure."
Emboldened by his praise, you began to bob your head along his impressive length, hollowing your cheeks to suck hard as you took him deeper, feeling him hit the back of your throat. You ghosted one hand up the length of his body before lightly scrapped your nails down starting from the navel, teasing the sensitive skin. 
Losing yourself in the act of pleasuring him, you consumed yourself in carnal desires that threatened to overwhelm you. You loved tasting him, feeling the hot, hard weight of him sliding between your lips, stretching your mouth. You loved his musky, masculine scent filled your nostrils, making your head spin with lust.
Loki's grip on your hair tightened, fingers tangling and tugging as he began to speed up his thrust into the heat of your mouth, not enough to gag you, but just enough to show he was rapidly losing control. "Just like that, priestess, don't you dare stop," he growled, his voice strained with need. "You look so lovely with your lips wrapped around my cock, worshipping me like the god I am. Such a good girl, so eager to please."
His filthy words inflamed your lust to new, dizzying heights. You redoubled your efforts, taking him to the hilt and swallowing around him, throat working to milk his length. He let out a string of filthy curses in the Old Tongue, hips snapping as he chased his impending release, fucking your face with shallow thrusts.
But just as you felt him start to pulse and swell, he forcefully pulled himself from the slick heat of your mouth with a lewd pop. He pictured strings of saliva connected from your swollen lips to the engorged head of his cock as he squeezed the base hard enough to prevent him from cumming so soon. He didn’t want it to end just yet. Too soon.
He could almost hear you whine at the loss as you gazed up at Loki through heavy-lidded eyes, your plump lips glistening and swollen from his earlier bruising kisses. He imagined your enticing face flushed with pride and deep feminine satisfaction knowing you had thoroughly pleased your god, his divine favor a heady rush of power and approval. Loki's eyes gleamed molten green, his expression one of ravenous, possessive hunger as his heated gaze roved over your naked form kneeling wantonly at his feet.
"Well done, priestess," he’d purr to you, voice a dark, sinful promise. "You've more than earned your reward. I'm going to taste every exquisite inch of you until you're writhing and begging for completion."
Loki prowled forward like a wolf, his powerful body looming over her in dark promise. Calloused fingers trailed scorching paths along your quivering thighs, leaving shimmering trails of magic in their wake. You shivered and arched into his expert touch, dizzy with need.
"Please, my god," you breathed. "I'm aching for you. Make me yours."
Loki's fingers trailed down her forearm, gripping your hand and pulling you up. He pushed you down onto the marble of his altar in a smooth show of strength, admiring the way your breasts bounced from the force. Settling between your splayed thighs, the god inhaled your heady, alluring scent. "So desperate for your god's favor," he growled, pressing hungry kisses up the column of your throat. "I'm going to make you scream my name." 
With a wicked grin, he turns to you, his eyes gleaming with desire. "May I?" he asks, indicating the delicate fabric of your robe. At your nod, he rips the flimsy material to shreds, exposing your naked body to his feasting gaze. Loki's gaze lands on a part of untainted skin, and he wastes no time, sucking hard enough to leave a vivid mark. You can't help but gasp at the sensation, your body reacting instinctively. 
He continued his path of destruction down your body, licking and nipping every inch of bare skin. Reaching pert breasts, he caught a nipple between his teeth and tugged just shy of pain, to which you answered by unconsciously spreading your legs in wanton invitation, practically begging for his touch.
"Oh, my sweet [Y/N], so desperate and needy for me," he hummed, trailing his fingers down your arm. His touch was cold fire, leaving goosebumps trailing in its wake. Loki's lips curled into a wicked smirk, his voice a silky taunt as he leaned closer. "How utterly delightful. Let us see if you can endure as well as you deliver, shall we?"
He descends upon you like a starving man, licking and sucking at every inch of your damp skin. His lips and teeth marked you with dark bruise shaped like crescent moons and love bites as he made his way down your body. You writhed and moaned helplessly beneath him, your back arching as he teased your sensitive flesh.
"Mmh, perfect. Sing for me," he growls against your hipbone before dipping his head in your mound.
Loki licks a broad stripe up your dripping slit, his skillful tongue circling your aching clit without directly touching it. He parts your folds with his fingers to delve deep, pumping in and out of your fluttering walls while he laps at the sensitive bundle of nerves. Your thighs trembled and clenched around his head as he devoured you mercilessly, his silvertongue more than living up to its title.
"Such exquisite nectar you have, my priestess," he’d mumble into your sex, the vibrations making you see stars. He suckled your clit and thrust two fingers knuckle deep, curling them to rub that special spot inside. "I could feast on you on my altar for ages and never have my fill."
You tossed your head back with a loud moan as Loki's skilled mouth worked you over. "Yes, god, just like that!"
He sealed his lips around your throbbing clit, suckling the sensitive bud while his wicked tongue flicked rapidly. Two fingers delved deep, curling just right to stroke that velvety patch along your front wall. "That's it, let me hear all those pretty moans while you fall apart on my face," he urged huskily, hot breath gusting over your drenched folds.
Leaning on your elbows, your gazed down at him with glassy eyes, desperate little pants falling from your lips. Your thighs trembled violently, muscles pulled taut. "Please, please," your babbled incoherently, fisting his inky locks and yanking him impossibly closer. "I need—oh!"
"Need what, pet?" His lips and tongue never ceased their sweet torment, fingers plunging and stroking without mercy. "Tell me and I'll give it to you."
"I need—ah! I need to come!" Tremors wracked your frame as you ground yourself wantonly on his face. "Make me come, please Loki!"
"What pretty begging." He doubled down, sucking your clit greedily as you bucked and thrashed. Lips and fingers worked you into a frenzy, wringing out your pleasure with devastating intent. Pressure climbed, tighter and tighter until it finally snapped.
You threw back your head with a choked scream, core clamping down rhythmically. "I'm coming, mmh—fuck!" Your back arched sharply, juices gushing to coat his cheeks and chin as ecstasy overtook you.
His hips thrust upwards as he imagined the expression you would make when reaching climax, writhing in the water as he desperately tried to hold back, not ready for the end just yet. The ripples of the water surrounding him served as a reminder of the feeling of being blessed with your sweet release, droplets splashing onto his face.
With a final thrust, he slowed down, gasping uncontrollably. He gentled his touch, mimicking how he would with you, licking broad and slow to keep you suspended in bliss. "That's it, that’s it. Ride it out on my tongue. You taste divine when you let go."
He knew all too well the effect he had on you; even your casual, teasing banter left you unraveling. His words and actions now, deliberate and charged, were designed to push you to the brink—to drive you wild in ways only he could. He made a low, hungry noise, never stopping until the last aftershock shivered through you and you collapsed back against the altar, spent.
"Good girl, you took it so well. Such a pretty picture you make in your pleasure," he praises, giving your sensitive clit a final kiss before rising to cover your body with his own. "You please me greatly, my priestess. I knew you'd be the perfect consort."
He couldn’t endure the torment he was inflicting upon himself any longer; it was unbearable, a relentless ache that clawed at his sanity. He had to put an end to it—one way or another. Loki's lips curved in a wicked smirk as he visualized him pulling back to admire his artwork, hands gripping your hips possessively. 
"Turn over," he’d command, voice rough with need. You scrambled to obey, rolling onto your stomach and lifting your hips in the air. The position left you completely vulnerable, your dripping core exposed and ready. Loki groaned at the sight, his cock throbbing. "Hands behind your back," he growled, giving your rear a sharp smack.
You gasped and complied, crossing your forearms at the base of your spine. Loki manhandled you, using his strength to pull your arms higher until they were pinned tight against the curve of your lower back, your wrists crossing one another. He nestled your chest down against the altar, leaving you arched and spread open. "Such a good little offering," he purred, running a hand over your naked form. His fingers dug into your hips as he notched the flared head of his cock against your entrance. 
"I will ravish you to the point of forgetting everything but my name." Loki declared with a salacious smirk. His eyes gleamed with determination as he charged forward, impaling you with a single, ruthless thrust. The force of his entry elicited a startled cry from you, your back arching as Loki filled you to the hilt. The exquisite stretch of his length was unprecedented, breaching depths no other had ever reached.
"There we go," he praised, starting to move. His strokes were deep and powerful, pulling nearly out before slamming back in. "Take it. Take every ounce of pleasure your god deigns to bestow upon you." You sobbed brokenly, overwhelmed by the sensations. The altar bit into your breasts as Loki used you, pounding into your pliant body. Lewd squelches filled the air, mixing with the sound of flesh slapping against flesh. 
Just when you thought you couldn't take it anymore, Loki hauled you up by fastening his free hand to your throat, squeezing lightly as he constricted his grip on your wrists. "Look at you," he crooned while sending another mind-blowing thrust that made you almost shout. "A perfect little slut, born to be bred and used. You relish this, don't you? The sensation of being utterly filled and ravished by your god?" You had no choice but to dumbly nod with parted lips and hazy eyes, his words igniting something primal in you. Loki's hand tightened around your neck, further restricting your airflow. Simultaneously, his thrusts grew fiercer, pummeling you with relentless intensity.
"You were made for this, pet. Made to serve. I will ruin you for all others. You will adore only me, and my name will be your mantra." He accentuated each word with punishing thrusts. You convulsed, his degrading words and ruthless pace pushing you to the brink. Your cunt clenched desperately around him, trying to hold him deep. You were so close, teetering on the edge of oblivion that all it would take was a slight pressure in the right place, and you would shatter completely. 
Sensing your readiness, Loki slid a hand down, zeroing in on your swollen clit. He circled the sensitive nub with a knowing touch, keeping you vacillating on the cusp of release. "Come for me, priestess," he ordered with a gasp, voice a sinful purr. "Come apart on my cock, my little whore. Let me feel your pleasure." You couldn’t do nothing except obey, your body seizing up as your climax crashed through you. A guttering scream ripped from your throat as you came violently, cunt clenching down on Loki's pistoning cock.
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As he allowed his mind to wander, lost in the picture of you falling in the throes of ecstasy, his eyes flew open with a start. He hadn’t realized how deeply he had slipped into it until he felt a sudden jolt back to reality. His hips were moving rhythmically, thrusting as if he were actually buried deep inside of you.
His breath came in gasps, the air stolen from his throat as he imagined the feeling of your tight walls clenching around him. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, his breath coming in short, shallow gasps. His hips were gyrating wildly, thrusting up and down in his grasp, like a ship caught in a stormy sea. How deep had he been lost in his fantasy for his state to go unnoticed, even to himself?
The pleasure was all-consuming, a tidal wave of sensation that threatened to drown him in its depths. His blood rushed through his veins like a raging river, surging downward to pool in his aching cock and upwards to flood his face with a burning heat. Stray and thin tears streamed down his cheeks, unbidden and fierce, as he gasped and writhed for oxygen, his thrusts growing wilder and more desperate with each passing moment.
“Oh, fuck—fuck!” With a final, desperate cry, he came violently in his hands, shouting his muse’s name in a reiterative and frenzied manner, as if it was a prayer made to the gods. Spurt after spurt of his release shot forth, hitting the water with a soft plink and splattering the few jasmine petals that had survived the violent waves. It seemed as if the pleasure would never end, each wave of release only serving to build the tension higher and higher until it threatened to consume him entirely.
But eventually, the storm subsided, leaving him spent and shivering in its wake. He laid there, his breath slowing as he came back down to earth. The fantasy had been so vivid, so real, that it took him a moment to remember where he truly was. The sensation was intense, a violent explosion that seemed to rock his entire body, leaving him utterly shaking from the intensity. 
Loki collapsed against the smooth, cold marble steps of the grand tub, his body spent, a haze of exhaustion clouding his senses. His breath was ragged, still trying to catch up with the frantic, overwhelming rush that had just passed through him. For a moment, he was weightless, floating on the remnants of the high he had just experienced, the delicate hum of release thrumming under his skin. The contrast of the warm water around him and the cold air against his exposed skin sent shivers racing up his spine, but it was not the chill that made him tremble.
His eyes fluttered shut for a moment, his head tipping back to rest against the edge of the tub. The silence in the chamber felt deafening after the storm that had ravaged through him. The heat of the moment still lingered, but now, it felt oppressive. He was left with a deep, gnawing emptiness, as though a part of him had been drained away with the surge of release. But that empty feeling was nothing compared to what came next.
As the steam clouding his mind began to clear, the aftermath of his actions came crashing down on him like a tidal wave. His breath caught in his throat, and for a brief second, he felt like the room was spinning, his body still reeling from the aftershocks of the desire he had just indulged. His chest tightened, a knot of unease tightening in the pit of his stomach.
He hadn’t just given in to the pleasure of the moment. No, that would’ve been easier to accept. What had really shaken him was who—or rather, what—he had let himself desire.
He dragged a trembling hand through his damp hair, his lips pressed into a hard line as the remnants of his thoughts taunted him. A mortal, really? The thought of desiring you—so mortal, so beneath him—made him feel physically sick. His heart pounded in his chest, but not from desire this time. The heat in his veins was no longer a heady rush; it had morphed into something darker, something that made him feel dirty. He had let himself be ruled by a fleeting impulse, a mortal who—by all rights—shouldn’t have mattered to him. You weren't worthy of his attention, let alone the attention of his body. And yet, he couldn’t shake the memory of the way your presence had consumed him.
A bitter laugh escaped his lips, though it lacked any humor. How could you? he asked himself, gripping the edge of the tub as if it could ground him. A sharp pang of disgust sliced through him, his jaw clenching tightly. How could I stoop so low? he thought bitterly, his disdain for his weakness growing with each passing second. The heat of his actions still lingered, clinging to him like a second skin, and he hated it. He hated himself.
As Loki's breath slowed and the weight of his actions pressed down on him, his gaze drifted to the scattered jasmine petals that floated lazily in the water. Their delicate fragrance filled the air, and for a brief moment, it was almost suffocating. His eyes narrowed as he focused on the pale petals, their soft white against the dark water mocking him with their innocence. They reminded him of that damned robe, the mortal woman who had worn it—you.
He scowled, a wave of irritation rising in him as he cursed them for being the catalyst, the one thing that had led to this moment of weakness. It wasn’t their fault, of course; it never was. But in his mind, they were the symbol of everything that had gone wrong. If only she hadn’t worn it, he thought bitterly. If only I hadn’t noticed her at all...
With a sharp wave of his hand, he dispelled the jasmine petals and the evidence of his indulgence, watching as they disappeared into nothingness, as if they had never been there to begin with. But the disquiet that followed lingered, refusing to vanish as easily as the evidence of his lapse.
Another gesture and the steaming bath turned icy cold, the sudden shock making him shudder. The chill was a reprieve—a way to snap himself back to reality, to wash away the lingering tremors still trembling his resolve.
“This means nothing,” he muttered under his breath, the words more of a command than a truth. He busied himself scrubbing away the remnants of his lapse in control, desperate to rid himself of the memory. His movements were quick, almost frantic, as if staying in the tub any longer would trap him in the thoughts he wanted to escape.
Nothing. He forced himself to believe that. He had allowed himself to be overwhelmed by his body’s basic urges, by the frustration of months of mounting stress—the endless manipulations of his “parents,” the suffocating chains of his conditional freedom, the constant reminder that his every action was watched and judged. And then, you—this mortal who had somehow wormed her way into his thoughts. You were simply an enticing distraction, an irritation that had lodged itself under his skin, and nothing more. He had no time for such trivial mortal attachments.
He exhaled sharply, dispelling the shame that clung to him like an uncomfortable cloak. It was just stress. A temporary lapse. The heat of the moment. It didn’t mean anything.
He turned his attention to the water, an escape of sorts, as he manipulated the temperature. His magic flowed effortlessly, and the warm bath transformed into an icy, biting chill. He let the cold seep into him, willing it to numb the stirring emotions that had begun to surge. But the cold only made him feel sharper, more exposed, the shock of it heightening his awareness of every thought, every tremor within him.
He couldn’t stay in the water any longer. The longer he lingered, the more the memory of what had just transpired would settle into his mind. And he couldn’t bear that. He didn’t want to acknowledge how badly the moment had shaken him.
His movements were quick, almost frantic, as he grabbed a towel, wrapping it around his waist. His fingers were stiff as he dried off, each movement seeming mechanical, as though he was trying to force himself back into control, back into the careful, calculated Loki that he prided himself on being.
But even as he dressed, the thoughts didn’t fade. He told himself it was nothing. He told himself that it meant nothing. But even as he stepped away from the tub, a small, nagging voice echoed in his mind. Unless?
He stopped, mid-step, his chest tightening again. Could it be that simple? Could he dismiss it so easily? His gaze flicked to the empty tub, and a deep, unsettling feeling curled in his gut. The space seemed too quiet now, too still, and he could almost hear your voice again in the silence. Loki quickly turned away, his mind racing. No. He refused to entertain it. It was stress. Nothing more. You were nothing more. Still, as he left the bathing chamber, his steps quick and unsteady, that seed of doubt lingered. He could feel it in the way his heart beat a little faster, the way his breath caught for a fraction of a second longer than it should have. And no matter how much he tried to push it away, there it was: Unless...
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The way I was acting like that for the entire writing is SHAMEFUL. Lord have mercy on me.
Also, I'm not sorry for the length. I hope you enjoyed it thoroughly nonetheless. And get your mind out of the gutter, I'm talking about the fic, not Loki. :p
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see more A Tales Of related ficlets.
Want to read more of my works? Check out my masterlist !
taglist : @stilleobjection — @the-fandoms-onceler .
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dividers ©️ @angelremnants + @arminsumi .
angelremnants ©️ 2024. All rights reserved. Do not repost, reproduce, or distribute without explicit permission.
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weatheredfailnot · 1 year ago
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Please take these sections from EE3 on the Shadowkeeper (Cylva) because I love her so dearly
Transcript below:
A NAME SPOKEN IN WHISPERS
Around the time Ardbert and his comrades left Tomra, they stumbled upon evidence of the larger design. Threads linking together the disparate troubles of the realm. A name spoken only in whispers— the Shadowkeeper.
A singular force sowing chaos and discord throughout Norvrandt to an unknown end.
During Nyelbert's search for an energy source to replace the crystal he shattered, he began to suspect that the now-lost stone was not, in fact, a naturally occurring mineral, but rather had been deliberately placed under the mountain. Pursuing the truth of that theory led them to discover a connection to Lamunth, the gem counterfeiter whom Ardbert and Lamitt apprehended so long ago in Nabaath Areng. When they visited Lamunth's gaol cell to interrogate him, however, they found the man convulsing on the floor and frothing at the mouth. Ere the poison took his life, he managed to sputter the name of the Shadowkeeper. Further investigation revealed that this sinister figure had ordered Lamunth to secret the crystal in the mine shafts, and in return rewarded him with the illusory magicks he would employ in his forgeries.
They also came to learn that Tadric, the mastermind behind Voeburt's monstrous plague, had not worked alone. Research documents recovered from the court mage's laboratory mentioned the Shadowkeeper by name, the meticulous entries describing how the arcane lore shared by his co-conspirator had contributed to the completion of his transformation magicks.
The mining industry of Nabaath Areng threatened with demolition.
A scheme culminating in the death of Voeburt's royal heirs. The Shadowkeeper had plotted the downfall of two mighty nations, and Ardbert's band feared that Lakeland, the third of Norvrandt's major powers, would be next.
Lo and behold, a rebellion erupted in the home of the elves. The reigning king was deposed, and the Shadowkeeper, their heretofore faceless nemesis, took the throne.
The elven king, Lelfrey, was a passionate proponent of the arts- music and dance in particular- with his focus on such refined pursuits earning him equal praise and scorn. His was a peaceful rule, free of war and strife, but this passivity cost his kingdom dearly in matters of foreign diplomacy. A poor negotiator, he ceded border territories to Voeburt to avoid conflict, and signed an economic agreement with Nabaath Areng that put Lakeland at a clear disadvantage.
As these political blunders chipped away at the nation's authority, a sentiment of discontent among Lakeland's high-ranking nobility began to fester and grow. Traditionalists dreamed of a return to the golden age when all of Norvrandt lay under their control, and it was the Shadowkeeper who granted them the power to act. Rumors that this new player was the king's bastard child ran wild, and, true or not, served to unify the disgruntled nobles under a single banner. They indulged in treachery to undermine rival nations, while at home, their assassins targeted influential royalists. The scene was set for revolution.
The Shadowkeeper was attended by two dark-robed mages, by whose malevolent arts the traditionalists were empowered. One of their gifts was lupine transformation, a change which granted the recipient preternatural strength and agility. Thus bolstered by a company of these wolfman soldiers, the Shadowkeeper's faction stormed Laxan Loft and captured the royal seat for their leader. No sooner had the winning side declared a new age of glory for the elves than did they muster their forces and launch an invasion into Voeburtite lands.
Caption reads: The Shadowkeeper emerged amid blood and chaos, a formidable and enigmatic figure perpetually encased in stygian plate armor. Similarly clad in midnight raiment, the Shadowkeeper's forces inspired terror in all who witnessed their advance.
THE BATTLE OF LAXAN LOFT
The heroes were poised to continue their search for Nyelbert's replacement stone in Nabaath Areng when the silver-haired Cylva abruptly left the party. The swordswoman excused herself on the premise that she wished to reconnoiter the troubling situation in Lakeland, but in truth, she was hurrying back to don her black armor, unsheathe her blade, and lead the elven traditionalists in their rebellion. Cylva, the great deceiver, had been the Shadowkeeper all along.
She was, in truth, no bastard child of King Lelfrey-that was merely a fiction concocted by Mitron and Loghrif, her Ascian accomplices. Her true origin lay in the Thirteenth, where she had died young and powerless, an unrealized champion of the reflection-turned-void. The Ascians had found her in the moment of her demise, and it was they who brought her soul to the First to serve as a pawn in dark machinations.
Cylva was to insinuate herself into Ardbert's band, and guide them along the path to becoming Warriors of Light. That which they cast aside in their journey towards heroism, she would take into herself, growing ever stronger as a disciple of Darkness. And when all was in readiness, she would reveal herself as the villainous Shadowkeeper. By her hand would the Warriors of Light be slain, and despair sown in the hearts of the populace.
What the Ascians did not plan for was the Shadowkeeper's defeat at the hands of Ardbert's party. Cylva had steadily amassed her power, feeding on her erstwhile comrades' respective sacrifices of personal ambition, innocence, independence, and tradition. Yet despite her best efforts, Ardbert would not forsake what she sought to purloin- his caring heart.
Even in the midst of their deadly confrontation, he regarded her as a comrade in need of saving.
Thus denied her full ascension, the Shadowkeeper wavered and fell.
Swallowing their grief at the loss of a friend, the heroes turned their wrath towards the villains who had orchestrated this tragedy. The Warriors of Light now shone so brightly that even high-ranking Ascians could not stand against their incandescent fury. Even as Ardbert struck his final blow, fulgent power swelled in a cataclysmic wave, and the Flood of Light was unleashed upon the lands of the First.
Caption reads: In her bid to slay the Warriors of Light, Cylva turned her transformation magicks upon herself. Though Ardbert and his comrades did indeed struggle against this formidable lupine abomination, it was the necessity of striking down their former friend that presented the greatest challenge.
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kaihuntrr · 2 years ago
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The Sea Prince: Prince Chromia and Prince Pearl.
THEY'RE HERE! The two prominent princes, the rest are a kept secret. They've been redesigned to fit their human forms. Closeups and lore under the cut. I hope you love these designs as much as I do, and I hope you enjoy the lore tucked away ;)
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GOD. THESE TWO. They were so much fun to redesign and live up to their names now. If you're new, I think you can notice who these two resemble, and I'm just making it obvious hehe!
Let's talk a bit about the princes before we get started. These guys are embedded deep in the hunters' myths and stories. Gigantic, powerful beasts made by the sea gods to reign over the oceans. They say they bleed gold and silver, and they rule over the watery graves, leading hunters to their demise. Due to how much fear is built into these beings over the years, people chalk it up to stories to scare children with; making current generations of humans fear the oceans and its beasts.
In this world, rain is dangerous. Rain is a sign of the sea gods, calling upon their monsters to come on land and wreak havoc. Hunters claim they hear unknown wailing during thunderstorms, and fleets of ships disappearing in minutes with no survivors. This couldn't come from any beast, they had to be from the Sea Princes.
But they weren't real. They can't be. They can't be that good at hiding. They're massive creatures, they had to be spotted at some point, right?
Something those stories have never told the humans was the hidden ability all princes have; the ability to shift into a human form.
Who knows if there was a prince listening to those stories, even adding to them to strike more fear? What if this was all one big game to them?
It doesn't look like the princes see the humans as anything other than pests, so they could be acting out of pure boredom. No one knows for sure, as no one knows anything about the princes other than their brute force and being larger than any other sea monster there ever was.
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Prince Chromia.
The second out of his generation to ascend to the throne, Chromia feels a great weight on his shoulders. He balances his duties as a prince and his identity as 'Scott Major' and is interested in the life of humans, studying them and observing them closely. When his eyes are set on a specific hunter, he starts to question everything around him. Much like other princes, he doesn't think highly of humans. They're small, fragile, and annoying. His conflicting feelings for the blonde shake his stance on things, and he must learn what comes from it.
Both his human and his true form retain his playful, sassy nature. He likes toying with his food and gets quite upset if he gets hungry.
He's currently distant from the other princes, but if anyone were to be close to him, it would be his best friend, Pearl. Though, they aren't in the most... amicable relationship as of now.
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Prince Pearl.
An outgoing, boastful prince. She loves to stir chaos and wrecks any ship that passes her domain. She doesn't care for human attention, using her true name as her human one instead of picking something different. She gets odd looks as she introduces herself as 'Pearl Moone', but that's a perfectly viable name. A specific hunter group catches her attention as Chromia seems to be interested in them. What was so interesting about them? All she saw were nuisances. It would be a fun chase, she was sure of it.
Her human and true form has her energetic personality, but her human form has the ability to talk down on hunters with a smirk on her face. It was better to scare them, but it didn't hurt to talk back. It's not like they'd hurt an 'innocent human' for speaking her mind.
She sees other princes, but she's closest to Chromia. She wants to reconnect with him again. There seems to be a problem there, but she'll fix it. It shouldn't be that bad.
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Aaand there they are! absolutely wonderful designs all touched up and ready for the story. I took a lot of inspiration from their skins to make it work, and I think I nailed it. Both of them have similar traits to their human designs and with each other! I wanted them to remain connected in a way as their relationship is very important for the storyline.
What do you guys think about these new designs? Are you excited to see where this all goes? I sure am!
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itspointydumbass · 2 months ago
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Post-Veilguard Thoughts
Considering two weeks ago, I wasn't even sure I was gonna finish this game, I got through it. I even cried, and I do feel better having played through it. I wish the rest of the game had kept pace with the last few missions - they felt really worth it, you know? Real Mass Effect 2 Suicide Mission vibes. The pacing for the game in general was just a bit weird, to be honest, and hard to get over. And I'm still mad things didn't carry over from the last few games. Having finished, I now have thoughts on decisions that COULD have carried over whilst still being made accessible for new players. Under the cut...
King or Queen of Ferelden
To me, this was one of the things that could have made a huge difference. Investigate the benefits and pitfalls of each ruler, how they've adapted, how they're ruling. When making the choice at the start of the game, there could have been a blurb for each.
For example:
Alistair, the bastard son of King Maric, was installed on the throne during the chaos of the Fifth Blight. Despite having little political experience and no desire to rule, he earned the respect of the people and became a hero in his own right, alongside the Hero of Ferelden. He is an extremely popular ruler, and the people fight harder knowing he is by their side.
Anora, the widow of King Cailan, became Queen during the Fifth Blight. With her political acumen, she quickly rallied the nobles to her side who helped Ferelden recover quickly after the Blight - as well as creating great defences around the major cities that could stop any invading army in their tracks.
And so on and so forth for the five or so choices you have for ruler (Alistair, Anora, Alistair & Anora, Alistair/Anora & HOF). This could have determined the fate of Ferelden against the Blight. For example, by choosing Alistair many of the people fight for their country, but they do lose a lot of land trying to preserve as much of their army as possible. With Anora as queen, many of the big cities withstand the initial waves of Blight, but a lot of the smaller towns and villages get swallowed by them. A nice callback for returning players, a non-intimidating decision for new players.
King of Orzammar
This also seems like a no-brainer to me. Harrowmont wanted the status quo, Bhelen was looking to change things up. If things got changed, the Orzammar dwarves may have gone to the surface to assist with the Blight. If things were staying the same, then the dwarves of Orzammar are more insular than ever, instead shoring up their own defences to protect themselves, affecting the survival of Orzammar.
Ruler of Orlais
Again, a decision that could have been made relatively non-intimidating by describing the various options. Celene could be more willing to work with Ferelden to help them fight the Blight, building on the diplomatic ties we had forming in Inquisition that apparently had dried up by Veilguard. Gaspard, on the other hand, might have been solely for the interests of Orlais, turning Fereldans away at the border. Again, variations of this would have worked into the narrative for Briala with puppet Gaspard and the alliance between all three of them.
There are other choices as well that I think were relevant. Divine Victoria for example, as well as potentially the Fade Survivor. Either way, I just think that big, world-changing events could have (should have) been incorporated into the game. They'd have provided a more satisfying resolution to the situation in the South, without swamping new players in lore about whether or not they helped set up a Chantry in Orzammar in Origins, and so on. I would have liked all my choices over too, but unfortunately that wasn't to be. Still, I think that more than three were needed.
Anyway, that's my thoughts. The actual game had a great ending. It's not as bad as people are saying, though it's far from perfect. Davrin and Bellara were two of the most compelling characters in the game. I have other thoughts, might post about them later.
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agirlsawalittlerose · 4 months ago
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SILK STRINGS
Aegon x OFC
Aegon Targaryen wanted nothing to do with that cursed crown. So, he fled to Volantis, hoping to live the good life amidst spiced wine, exotic whores, and strange customs, all paid for with the gold he'd stolen from the throne. But when he awoke outside the Black Walls of East Volantis, with no memory of how he had ended up there, he found himself entangled in the machinations of the Triarchy’s elections. With the help of an unlikely ally, he would come to understand the true value of power.
TW: Eventual Smut, Non-Con, slavery, sexism, inaccurate lore, canon divergent
Chapter 1: Volantis
CHAPTER 2: Dragonlords, C**ts & Tigers
Once Qorlo and Dila had left, the silence of the palace settled over Aegon like a second skin. Aegon had watched them leave, the great bronze doors of the palace closing behind them, the echo of their departure reverberating through the hallways like a final command: stay.
He could scarcely believe it. Not when he thought back on the events of the past few hours. He was certain he’d paid that whore far more than she’d asked for, but wasn’t that the point of his escape? He might as well enjoy it.
Sure, that morning he had felt as though the gods themselves had cursed him—alone, still half-drunk, his tunic torn, and a vicious hangover pounding at his skull. But now? He had been bathed, dressed, fed, and restored, and tonight he would sleep in the room next to the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.
After all, everyone knew how little the Volantene cared for monogamy.
As he gazed at the opulence of Qorlo’s palace, Aegon couldn’t help but let a wry smile curl at the corners of his lips. Fate had finally decided to favor him. So much so, that even the foolish traits of his family had worked to his advantage at last.
He wandered the stone halls, unsure of where his feet would take him. The palace was a sprawling testament to Valyrian arrogance, every pillar and mosaic reminding him of his own ancestors, the greatness they had left behind. It had been carved from stone older than the Black Walls themselves, each arch adorned with dragons, serpents, and forgotten gods that predated the Freehold. This was not Westeros—there was no attempt to hide the power and cruelty that came with wealth here. Aegon couldn’t help but think that these people, at least, weren’t shy about it.
Aegon’s boots barely made a sound on the polished marble floors. It was strange to be in such quiet luxury after the chaos of King’s Landing, where every step had felt like a negotiation, every glance a trap waiting to spring. Here, no one questioned him, no one demanded anything from him—a part for his freedom, of course.
Aegon snorted at that thought.
The air was cooler inside, the thick stone keeping out the relentless Volantene heat, but the scent of incense still lingered, a reminder of the ceremonies that had taken place the night before. He passed tapestries woven with scenes from Old Valyria, battles fought by dragons and kings long dead. He stopped before one particularly detailed depiction of the Doom, watching as the fires of the Fourteen Flames consumed the once-mighty city.
Father would have loved this, Aegon thought, tracing a finger over the woven flame. So much for your happy ending, you dragonlord cunts.
As he moved deeper into the palace, the architecture grew even more imposing. The ceilings rose higher, supported by pillars carved into the likeness of dragons twisted around one another. The windows were narrow slits, not for seeing out, but for keeping the brutal sunlight at bay. Every surface gleamed with the wealth of the family—onyx floors, silver candelabras, and furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
His hand brushed against the cool marble as he moved through the corridors, pretending for a moment that this was all part of some grand plan rather than an accident of circumstance.
Turning a corner, he nearly stumbled into a woman standing in the shadow of a column. She was draped in sheer silks, the fabric clinging to her curves with the kind of deliberation that made his mouth dry. Her eyes were sharp beneath dark lashes, and as she shifted in the dim light, he noticed a single black tear tattooed beneath one eye—a mark he recognized even in his unfamiliarity with Essosi customs.
A slave, and one devoted to the art of pleasure.
“Are you the man with amnesia?” she asked, her voice a purr, as if every word was designed to lure him closer. “The one Qorlo has taken in?”
Aegon straightened, his lips curling into a smirk that felt almost natural now. “I am,” he replied, tilting his head. He felt her eyes roam over him, evaluating him like he was something worth savoring.
“You serve Qorlo, don’t you?” he asked, keeping his tone casual, letting his eyes roam just enough to seem interested.
The woman smiled, slow and knowing. “I serve his household,” she corrected, her fingers playing with the edge of her gown.
He nodded, shifting closer to her, emboldened by the privacy of the moment. “He owns quite the palace,” he commented, his eyes flicking up and down the opulent hall, feigning awe.
Her lips twitched, and there was amusement in her eyes as she shook her head. “No. This palace belongs to Lady Dila and her family. She is Maegyr. Qorlo only came to it by marriage.” Her words dripped with the subtle power dynamics of Volantis, and Aegon felt his intrigue deepen.
“I see… Lady Dila,” he mused, testing her name on his tongue. “So she’s the one in charge?”
“She is the one who owns the walls,” the woman replied, her tone teasing, but with a layer of meaning beneath. “As for what happens inside them… well, that depends.”
Aegon let that hang in the air, sensing there was more to be understood between the lines. He shifted, feigning nonchalance. “It sounds like a balanced arrangement. I imagine a pure Volantene marriage like that must have its… complexities.”
The woman’s smile widened, her eyes flickering with understanding at the sight of yet another man acting guided more by the heath between his legs than the wit in his mind. “You could say that. They understand each other well enough. No need for the… distractions some other marriages might allow.”
Aegon felt a flicker of interest. “No distractions at all?” he asked, keeping his voice light, as if it was a passing comment.
Her eyes gleamed as she caught his meaning. “Not for either of them,” she replied, the hint of a challenge in her tone.
Aegon’s smile faltered, his fantasies deflating as quickly as they had formed. He hadn’t expected that—he had hoped Dila would have lovers of her own, hoped he might find some… opportunity there. He didn’t say it, but the woman must have sensed his disappointment.
She tilted her head, lips curling in amusement. “I’d perish that thought, Stranger. If you’re thinking of pursuing her…” She let the words hang, her laughter soft but laced with a mocking edge that cut deeper than Aegon wanted to admit.
Aegon stiffened, a flicker of shame sparking in his chest. The sting of rejection gnawed at his pride, but before he could retort, the slave's voice shifted, turning casual, almost indifferent.
“So, what are you then? Their prisoner?”
The question struck him harder than he expected. “They offered me to stay,” Aegon replied, though the words felt heavier now, like stones sinking in his gut. He forced a chuckle, trying to brush off the unease creeping in. “At least they didn’t kill me or sell me.”
“Yet,” she added, the single word slipping from her lips with unsettling ease. Her tone remained light as she turned away, disappearing into the shadows as if her presence had never been.
The silence that followed stretched uncomfortably. Aegon’s chuckle died in his throat.
Yet.
For the first time, the thought gnawed at the edges of his mind—perhaps he wasn’t a guest at all. Maybe his newfound fortune, the opulence, the generosity of food, drink, and luxuries, was nothing more than a cage dressed in silk.
************
Dila stood beside Qorlo, her husband’s hand resting lightly on the curve of her waist as they made their entrance into the grand pavilion. The gathering of the Tigers was a sight to behold, a spectacle of opulence and excess that made even the most lavish of Westerosi feasts pale in comparison. Silks of every hue draped from the high beams of the pavilion, billowing in the breeze that swept in from the Rhoyne. Tables groaned under the weight of fruits, meats, and exotic spices from lands far beyond the horizon. Incense burned in golden braziers, filling the air with a heady, intoxicating fragrance.
Qorlo moved with confidence, though Dila could sense the tension beneath his calm facade. His every step was measured, his face a mask of easy charm, but the slight tightening of his fingers on her waist betrayed his unease. The elections loomed over them both like the shadow of a great beast, and though Qorlo was favored to take his place among the Triarchs, nothing was certain in Volantis. Power was as fickle as the tides of the Rhoyne.
“Look at them,” Qorlo murmured under his breath as they passed a group of fellow Tigers. They wore robes embroidered with snarling beasts, their necks heavy with chains of gold and jade. “Each one thinks himself a king.”
Dila smiled, though it didn’t reach her eyes. She knew these men—ambitious, greedy, ruthless. Many had once been allies of her father, when the Maegyrs were the beacons of Tigers values. Now, they eyed her husband with thinly veiled jealousy, their own ambitions simmering beneath the surface. Volantis was a city built on bloodlines and power, and in a room filled with Tigers, the air was thick with the scent of both.
As they made their way deeper into the pavilion, Dila couldn’t help but let her gaze drift over the crowd. These were the men who controlled the fate of the city—the Old Blood, the descendants of the Valyrian Freehold. They wore their heritage openly, with silver hair bound in intricate braids or violet eyes glimmering in the candlelight or skin like pale marble: never all three together. It was easy to forget, in the opulence of the Black Walls, that they were not gods, though many of them believed otherwise.
“Qorlo, you’ve kept us waiting too long!” boomed a voice from ahead. Dila recognized the speaker—Sallario Vaenaros, one of the wealthiest and most influential of the Tigers. His family had once controlled vast pieces of land across Essos, though they had fallen from grace in recent years. Still, he remained a force to be reckoned with.
Qorlo’s lips curled into a grin as they approached Sallario and his entourage. “I wouldn’t dream of keeping you waiting, old friend.”
The two men embraced, though there was little warmth between them. Sallario’s dark eyes flicked over to Dila, and his smile widened. “And Lady Dila. As radiant as always.”
She inclined her head gracefully, but said nothing.
As the men exchanged pleasantries, Dila’s mind wandered. She could feel the pulse of the gathering, the shifting currents of power and intrigue that swirled around them. It was in the way the Tigers laughed too loudly, drank too deeply, and spoke in riddles, their words lacking, more often than not, of hidden meaning. They were playing a game, all of them, and tonight was just another move on the board.
“Come, Qorlo,” Sallario said, gesturing toward a private alcove where a group of men had already gathered. “There are things we must discuss.”
Dila followed, her hand slipping from Qorlo’s as they entered the alcove. It was quieter here, though the murmur of the festivities still echoed in the distance. The men seated themselves on low couches, and slaves appeared almost instantly, filling goblets with wine and setting trays of delicacies before them.
“You’ve been quiet, Qorlo,” one of the men remarked, his voice smooth as silk. It was Seriyon Draxos, another Tiger with designs on the Triarchy. “One would think you had nothing new to offer us.”
Qorlo chuckled softly, though the sound was strained. “Oh, I have something to offer, Draxos. Something that none of you will believe.”
Dila saw the flicker of doubt in their eyes. Men, she thought, they trusted nothing that didn’t come with a price.
“And what would that be?” asked Sallario, his tone laced with skepticism.
Qorlo leaned forward, his gaze steady. “A Valyrian. A true Valyrian. Not just one of the Old Blood, but one who bears every single mark of our ancestors.”
The men exchanged glances, some amused, others intrigued. Dila could see their thoughts racing, weighing the possibility against the absurdity of it. She knew what they were thinking—there were no true Valyrians left in Essos, not outside the Black Walls. The bloodlines had thinned, diluted over the centuries, and the few who remained were little more than shadows of the greatness that had once been.
But Dila knew better.
Dila had begun to toy with theories about his true identity almost at once, but the men around her were far too dull, too blind and ignorant to piece it together. To them, those features were nothing more than a symbol, a figurehead for their ambitions, while the truth of him lay buried beneath their arrogance.
“The Vala,” Dila said softly, her voice cutting through the murmur of the men. They all turned to look at her, curiosity and surprise flickering across their faces. “That’s what you should call him.”
"The Vala?” Sallario echoed, his brow furrowing.
“The Lost Son of Valyria,” Dila explained, her gaze sweeping over the gathered men. “He appeared at our doorstep, unbidden, unlooked for. A man who bears the blood of the Freehold, yet is unknown to any of us. Is it not a sign from the gods that he should arrive at a time like this? A sign that Qorlo is destined for greatness?”
The men listened, some leaning forward, their eyes gleaming with interest. Dila could feel the power shifting in the room, the subtle change in the air. Her words had taken hold, planting the seed of possibility in their minds.
“And what proof do you have of this?” Seriyon Draxos asked, though his voice had lost some of its earlier skepticism.
Dila smiled, her lips curving into a knowing smirk. “Come and see for yourselves. Look upon him, and tell me if you do not feel the stirrings of our ancestors in your blood. The gods have spoken, and they have sent us a sign.”
Qorlo, emboldened by her words, nodded. “He is more than just a man. He is a symbol of what we once were… and what we can be again.”
The Tigers exchanged glances, the weight of Dila’s words settling over them like a cloak. She had given them something more than just a curiosity. She had given them the new toy, the new distraction to their boring lives consumed by wealth and luxury and covered by the lie and promise of greatness they had as a banner.
As the men murmured among themselves, Dila leaned back against the cushions, her eyes glittering with satisfaction. She had played her part well, and now the seeds were sown.
All that remained was to see if they would take root.
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birdy-the-tweet · 1 year ago
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Nexocember
Pt. 1 — Royal
And so it begins! I wanted to use this challenge as a way to infodump about the rewrite and the lore around it. And what better way to start off than to talk about the man who started it all?
The Halbert royal family has been the only one to claim the throne of Knighton for almost a thousand years. With no competition against their kindness and godly understanding of technology and innovation, the kingdom remains the strongest empire in all the realm, all thanks to the goodness and grace of the Halberts of the past.
In the beginning, there was no order. Only chaos rampaged a land shrouded in darkness and disaster. But when all seemed bleak, a light beckoned through the shadows and summoned forth a team of mighty heroes to save the domain from anarchy. With a halberd forged by the hands of the otherworldly and all knowing, he sliced through the darkness and summoned the first bolt of lightning to illuminate the world. All would know him forever more as the first king of Knighton, King Augustin Halbert.
Centuries later, a horrid blizzard chased many hundreds of civilians out of their farmlands into the heart of the kingdom, Knightonia. With the city’s light disabled and no hope of restoring power to its network, the king of the era guided dozens of traveling caravans and families into the palace with only a measly candle to light the way. Many other households would follow in his footsteps, illuminating the grand city in candlelight for all the lost and unfortunate to find. On this day in the year 438, the first Candle Festival was held within the palace walls, and King Oddys Halbert would be remembered for ever more.
In the year 846, two monsters arose from the deepest pits of darkness and heartlessly attacked the good people of Knighton, one a fearless fey and the other a power hungry necromancer. Shadows fell on the bright land once more, and monsters prowled the earth in search of easy prey. But against all odds, the king and his loyal knights marched to battle and — with the help of the magnificent Wizards’ Council — vanquished both foes. The fey was banished to a realm of nothingness by the power of the king’s unbreakable sword Techcalibur, and the necromancer was destroyed by the compassion and power of the great wizard Merlok. Even today, the people preach the legendary battles in their movies and plays, reciting the glory of Merlok and the honor of King Arthus Halbert.
If only Macy could live up to that legacy…
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painted-pebbles · 2 months ago
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hello hi!! can't remember if i sent in an ask so sending one (or another) now - 8, 14, 26, 46 for the fr ask game :3
Thanks for asking! I don't think you've sent one in yet so you're all good ^^
8. Dragon with lore (or I wish had lore)
Oh Hollow here was maybe my first lore dragon I made when I used to be in Shadow :3 His goes as follows:
800 years ago, a great king overlooked his kingdom, silently satisfied with the order and tranquility that flourished around it. He thought to himself 'it is I alone that must keep the peace, shrouded in shadow is what keeps us alive...'
That night, as the moon rose high above the land, the dragons of Murkbarrow gathered around the town square, admiring the statue of Hollow, their great ruler. It was on this night that a festival was to be held, The Night of the Nocturne. The shadow Nocturnes would take flight in formation and soar high above the stars to put on a show for the citizens below.
But as the first one soared in the air, a streaking flash of light struck the Nocturne in their left wing, causing them to screech and fall back down to the ground. Everyone arose with concern, sudden yells of panic and scurrying to safety broke out amongst the crowd. Hollow was quick to action as he watched more streaks of light pierce the shadow veil. He could not understand what was happening.
The streaks of light were infact light arrows that were so hot, the heat from them were enough to burn the flesh of its victims. And so they did, a rain of arrows fell upon the citizens of Murkbarrow, and one by one they perished. Hollow's eyes for once in his life were fearful as he rushed to the aid of his people, trying desperately to pull the arrows out of the dragons, burning his mouth horribly in the process.
It was no use, his people were dying, so many wounded, and as he roared for troops to act as backup in the fray, he was hit. The wound blossomed across his chest as the arrow sunk deep into his heart, he instantly fell to his knees as the life from his body was rapidly leaving him.
The last sounds he heard were those of agony and peril, a symphony of chaos and woe....
------
Some years after the fall of king Hollow and the kingdom of Murkbarrow, the ruins were once again used for a greater purpose for a new group of dragons. Lady Esperia and her followers were able to re-build a community within using the magic of the arcane, little did she know, it would come with intriguing results...
Very fun stuff! He's my beloved <3
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14. Biggest pet peeve/nitpick
Oh scalpers/upsellers for sure, not to mention everyone knowing how much of a nightmare it is to camp at the MP for a specific gene and it taking probably days for it to come into rotation, hence going to the AH and seeing that it's being sold for higher because they know we so desperately need it, they capitalize on our desperation TT . TT (Dom shops are your friends tho people!)
26. Opinion on Gen 1 dragons
I can understand the hype if it's an old dragon that's gen 1 (bonus if it's an imperial because those are so hard to come by) but I can't understand the need to sell ones with XYZ colors at high prices just because they're a gen 1, unless it's for a holiday or they have unique numbers I suppose. To me, any dragon can be made special and there's no hierarchy to me as to which generation is better <3
46. Necessary genes every new dragon should have
I'm not sure if this question means every new dragon that's made since it's ancients right now and those come with their own specific genes, or every new dragon that I personally buy? I think overall we need more tert genes for dragons, things become imbalanced if the main focus is only on primary and secondary ones. Right now I'm everlux-maxxing so Throne is probably a gene I think every dragon should have because it's just that good
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mediaomnivore · 1 month ago
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Various versions' box art -- Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos
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reverieparacosm · 2 years ago
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Could I please have headcanons for what a relationship with Gideon Ofnir would be like? (F!Reader please) :D
Headcanons what it would be like to be in a relationship with Sir Gideon Ofnir
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Sir Gideon Ofnir (Elden Ring) x F!Reader
Warnings: manipulation, toxic relationship, non-consensual surveillance, non-explicit implications of Smut
Note: By the way, I love your fanfictions on AO3! Finally I can use all my Elden Ring lore knowledge! It was a little hard to write headcanons for him because he has a complex personality and I wasn't quite sure how dark to portray the relationship. I hope it makes sense what I wrote. :3
Sir Gideon is a paragon of reliability and dependability, a stalwart ally who will stand with you through thick and thin, and remain steadfastly at your side, come what may
His romantic nature is evident in his belief in grand gestures, and his willingness to go above and beyond to demonstrate his deep affection for his partner
“Harken to me, fair one, and heed my words. May the celestial bodies above, in their infinite wisdom, guide you to your throne, yes, to our throne. You are only one step away from your destiny, for all you have to do is approach the Elden Ring and accept the mantle of the Elden Lord. Let us go hand in hand on a journey of discovery, where we will explore the mysteries of heresy, the laws of causality, and the tumultuous realm of chaos. Together we will learn and grow, and together we will rule over this land, as one. One great power, one true order. Let us unite as lord and lady, my love... my dear
As a knight, he is instinctively protective of those he loves, and will spare no effort to ensure their safety and wellbeing
Sir Gideon is a man of tradition, steeped in the old ways of chivalry, which dictate that he must treat his lady with respect, dignity, and honor at all times
His approach to decision-making is characterized by careful deliberation, rather than impulsive action, indicating a level-headed temperament
He can be a man of action, always eager to embark on new and thrilling adventures, pushing his partner out of her comfort zone and helping her discover new things about herself
His inclination towards intellectual pursuits is evident in his interest in studying ancient ruins and researching books, with a preference for gaining knowledge and learning. This is also something he would like to do with his partners
The prospect of exploring Liurnia of the Lakes with his partners, an area steeped in ancient knowledge, would particularly appeal to him
Sir Gideon is a patient and attentive lover, who takes great care to understand and fulfill his lady's needs and desires
Gideon can be a passionate person, and this would translate into his lovemaking, where he is fully present in the moment, making his partner feel desired and fulfilled in every way possible
He is an excellent communicator, both as a conversationalist and a listener, and his extensive knowledge and experience as a knight make him an invaluable teacher, able to guide his partner through anything, from sword fighting to horse riding
Despite his many virtues, there may be complex and multifaceted aspects to Sir Gideon's personality that could pose challenges for those in a relationship with him. These hidden, multilayered aspects of his persona are, at times, dark and difficult to navigate, and may require a great deal of patience, understanding, and compassion on the part of his partner to overcome
Sir Gideon's vast knowledge and intellectual prowess are formidable tools that he may use to steer the conversation and shape the dynamic of his romantic relationships. He is highly attuned to his partner's emotional needs and weaknesses, and may use this insight to manipulate her into behaving in a way that suits his desires. Employing tactics such as guilt, shame, or other negative emotional manipulation techniques is not beyond him
“Verily, you are fortunate to have my presence in your life. Indeed, no one other than me truly understands and appreciates your value. You shall be full of gratitude for the attention and affection I show you. Moreover, you shall fulfill everything I ask of you without hesitation or question. That is the depth of my understanding and care for you.”
Furthermore, his dedication to independence is a noteworthy aspect of his personality, which may result in a reluctance to engage in emotional intimacy in a romantic relationship, prioritizing work over love
In his pursuit of his goals, Sir Gideon can become hyper-focused and neglectful of his relationships. Though it is not apathy, he may not always express affection through gestures or kind words, due to his preoccupation with work and knowledge
“In this world of disunity and despair, I have no chamber for love. The fate of the world rests on me, truly. My work is far from complete, and I must do it with all diligence. Although I know it may be troublesome to understand, my work is the only thing that matters. At a later date, I would like to talk to you more, because I think some of my other knowledge may be of use to you. Knowledge that might be... more pleasant.”
His occasionally cynical nature and self-righteousness may make him difficult to work with, and his critical tendencies and lack of active listening skills can be obstacles to effective communication
He possesses a highly critical and sarcastic disposition, and is unafraid to express his opinions, owing to his intelligence
His unfiltered expression of his thoughts and opinions may come across as judgmental, and could potentially hurt his partner's feelings
Gideon Ofnir is also quite controlling and stubborn, which may lead him to reject his partner's advice in certain situations
A relationship with Sir Gideon may require patience, understanding, and empathy, but for those willing to put in the effort, the rewards may be great
Ascertaining the safety of his partner comes at a considerable cost
His vigilance knows no bounds, as it extends far and wide. His ever-present eyes and ears, spread all over the lands, allow him to see every detail, good or bad
He has a network of spies dispersed across the Lands Between, which enables him to keep a watchful eye on his partner's movements, even in the most remote of locations
However, should she be disloyal, he would not hesitate to send Bloody Fingers after her to capture her
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wsc-arachne · 7 months ago
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houseboywife · 2 years ago
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Where in the world is Drangleic?
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Perhaps you've seen it, maybe in a dream. A murky, forgotten land. A place where souls may mend your ailing mind. Long ago, in a walled off land, far to the north, a great king built a great kingdom. I believe they called it Drangleic. Perhaps you're familiar. No, how could you be. But one day, you will stand before its decrepit gate. Without really knowing why... Like a moth drawn to a flame.
Dark Souls 2 is a very cryptic game: possibly even more so than the other entries in the series, which aren't known for being particularly transparent with their lore either. One of the game's many mysteries (which is never really elaborated on) is: where, exactly, is the kingdom of Drangleic located compared to Lordran?
There's a certain strangeness to Drangleic, certain parallels that seemingly ties it to Lordran. The most obvious is the 4 Lords that inhabit it, possessing the 4 Lord Souls from the first game: the Old Iron King, the Lost Sinner, the Rotten and the Duke's Dear Freja possess the Souls of Gwyn, the Witch of Izalith, Nito and Seath respectively. How did they end up here?
But there's more. When Manus died, its essence was split into four parts. These parts all ended up here, as the four queens that corrupted (willingly or unwillingly) the four monarchs that resided here. And again: the Chaos Flame, born from the Witch of Izalith turned Bed of Chaos, was found under the frozen City of Eleum Loyce. And again: the Chasm of the Abyss is accessible from Drangleic, and is seemingly inhabited by NPCs you previously faced in Dark Souls 1. What is going on?
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One interpretation I have seen is that Drangleic is none other than future Lordran, a kingdom that fell and rose again a countless amount of times, until the memory of old vanished, leaving only the ruins. It would fit with the themes of the game, but I personally do not believe it to be the case. The reasons are multiple: for example, I find it hard to believe that the entirety of Anor Londo would just disappear without a trace. But the reason, mostly, is Dark Souls 3.
Even if there is clearly a preference for the first installment of the series, Dark Souls 3 makes a pletora of references do 2 that clearly identify Drangleic as a foreign land.
Armour of the Drang Knights, proclaimed descendents of the land known for the legend of the Linking of the Fire.
Admittedly, I'm unsure why Drangleic and not Lordran would be the land known for the Linking of the Fire, but perhaps it has something to do with the Throne of Want (seemingly adapted in the Thrones of the Lords of Cinders) and the breaking of the curse for the (former) Bearer of the Curse. In addition, in the Ringed City DLC, we come across an area that, while very different, is identified as the Earthern Peak, presumably converging towards Lothric Castle as a result of the infinite cycle of the world, as stated by Ludleth. Also there's the fact that, you know, Anor Londo and Gwyndolin are still there as you left them in Dark Souls 1 despite not appearing in Drangleic, which would make little sense as Dark Souls 3 takes place after 2. Time fuckery? Perhaps, but I'm unconvinced.
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So, what in the hell is going on here? Let's look at some other things we know about Drangleic. First off, it is a place intimately connected to the curse of undeath and the endless cycle of fire and dark. While in Lordran most people were attempting to link the flame, the travellers to Drangleic are here to find an escape from the curse for themselves. Some have even come close to succeeding, like Aldia. In addition, the Kingdom seem to have been funded relatively recently by people coming from outside.
Let's also look at the place you cross to enter Drangleic. A location known as "Things Betwixt". A place between places, a gateway. Judging by the opening narration and cinematic, you were looking for something and somehow ended up there without really knowing why. The same is true for everyone else there. And, seemingly, you can't leave this land without fulfilling your objective.
Bearer of the curse… Seek souls. Larger, more powerful souls. Seek the King, that is the only way. Lest this land swallow you whole… As it has so many others.
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So here is my headcanon. Drangleic is a purgatory for those who are seeking something. A purgatory for wandering souls, left without a body and looking for a way to reincarnate: after eons of being lost, eventually both the Lord Souls and the Shards of Manus found their way here, as many other souls of enemies you killed have done. And it is also a purgatory for undead seeking answers: Lordran might be the epicenter of the curse, but Drangleic is the final destination for those who are desperately yearning to rid themselves of it (provided they do not go Hollow first, of course). One has to look for it to find it: and once they do, in time, they may find themselves here.
But the answer, of course, is that there is no answer. Drangleic might be the key to ridding oneself of the undead curse: but it is also the key to understanding that the real curse, the First Sin, cannot be escaped. One goes to Drangleic in the hope to find a purgatory, and at the end of it, redemption. Very few exit Drangleic, and those who do exit become aware that the entire world is a purgatory, and that there is no redemption. Linking the Flame, snuffing the Flame: it matters not. And yet.
There is no path. Beyond the scope of light, beyond the reach of Dark... What could possibly await us? And yet, we seek it, insatiably... Such is our fate.
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