#mairi don't look

[ervotica]

warnings; major character death (but not rly!!), r and liam are tethered like violet & xaden, not a real fic or anything jus a daydream i've been having about my angel liam. shhh ik it doesn't make sense but idgaf it was fun.

liam who survived.

liam who's been healing in aretia since fighting the venin, since his close call with death; liam who's been too weak to do anything, really, until deigh finally started to heal, too.

you, who's dragon and his are mated. and losing him and deigh nearly cost you both your lives, too.

the second you step through the threshold of the riorson house, the bond that's left a gaping wound in your heart in its absence seems to ignite, clicking back into place in your head.

you can feel him.

your heart leaps into your throat; xaden winces when you turn on your heel to watch him, panic etched into every crevice of your expression.

"where is he?" you're quiet, brows pushing a crease into your forehead when xaden reaches for your hands, holding you steady. your whole body thrums with nervous energy.

"i need you to understand that i couldn't tell you. for both of your safety-" he starts.

"xaden, i don't care," you cut him short with a scathing glare. "where is he?"

you ground yourself, focusing every ounce of energy into the newly reinstated bond; you imagine reaching through the tether that runs between the two of you, and you speak through it.

"liam?"

his voice fills your ears, deep and gravelly but unmistakably him, and tears crowd your vision, catching on your itching waterline.

"hi, my girl."

you rush to turn the corner down to the vast hallway, and a disheveled mop of blond you're all too familiar with draws your gaze.

you're frozen, muscles locked tight where you stand, fixated by the sight of the boy you've been grieving, aching for, standing just a few feet away.

his arms outstretch and he takes a step towards you, and you break. a sob seizes you, arms curling around yourself in some semblance of self soothing.

"come here," he croaks. "c'mere, baby."

you rush in a surge of frenzied limbs, colliding with his chest with an audible thump; he stumbles back a step, but plants himself to accommodate you clinging, white-knuckled, to his midriff.

the way you squeeze him makes his heart ache, the guilt of hiding from you slapping him in the face full force. your balmy cheek rubs against his shoulder, nose scrunching in the way he's always found terribly endearing- except the silent sobs that wrack your body contort your features, and you tremble under his touch.

"why would you do that?" you whisper, but even through the bite of your words, your iron grip never lets up. you're terrified that he'll disappear from beneath you. "it almost killed us, liam."

he pulls back to look at you and your chin plants against his chest to gaze up at him through heavy lashes, weighed down and kissing at the corners. his thumb catches a stray tear, brushing it across the length of your cheekbone before he leans down to press a kiss between your brows.

"i'm sorry," he murmurs. "i know i should've told you." his thick bicep wraps around the back of your neck, anchoring you to his chest.

"i kept tryin' to get her to eat and she wouldn't, li. and the bond was so weak. it nearly took us both down with you."

"shh, shh," he soothes. "i'm so sorry, my girl."

you slap feebly at his chest, no real force behind it as you sniffle, swollen eyes watching his every move.

"you ever do some shit like this again and i'll kill you myself, mairi."

dimples crater at the centre of his cheeks, his eyes crinkling when he laughs down at you, deep and earnest.

"i love you so much."

[mrsjoeythehurler]

When I Met You

(OC FMC x Liam Mairi)

I’ve decided to write a fic about an OC and Liam Mairi from Fourth Wing. It’s going to follow the events of the first book and I’m so excited to share it with you. This is my first fic I’ve ever written so keep that in mind while reading :)

I hope you enjoy it!

All characters except for Aurora Sallow who is my OC and the FMC of this fic belong to Rebecca Yarros. The plot of Fourth Wing also belongs to Rebecca Yarros.

Content Warnings: most of the warnings that are for Fourth Wing are also going to be for this fic. That includes: Blood, death, injury, violence and war. The only content warning I am adding is panic attacks (2).

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ Aurora Sallow ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

It's Conscription Day—a day I'm not particularly happy to take part in, but I don't have a choice.

I was always meant to become a Scribe. I was always meant to look at books all day and spend my time transcribing them. It's what I've been studying for since I could remember.

That all changed when my parents sat me down two days ago to tell me I was required to become a Rider. My whole world was flipped upside down, my entire future ripped away from me in one 20-minute conversation.

The Riders' Quadrant is apparently in need of more Riders. I heard it's because most dragons are uninterested in bonding with humans, and I'm one of the unlucky ones who's been chosen to try and change that.

Looking around me, I see guards mounted on either side of the entrance and walking about. I see people hugging and conversing with their loved ones and the occasional person silently praying, most likely to any gods who will listen to ensure their safety. They're probably going towards the same destination as me.

Sighing, I look down and make sure my outfit is in order before fixing my hair. I tried to dress appropriately for the Riders' Quadrant—well, as appropriately as my closet back home had to offer. I'm wearing a gray long-sleeved shirt and corset, black pants that are a bit too tight for my liking, and my favorite pair of black platform boots. I'm just about to look through my bag to double-check that I have everything when I hear a familiar voice.

It's Violet Sorrengail. We've been classmates for a really long time. She's always been really kind and someone I consider a friend. Like me, Violet always wanted to become a Scribe; we would always talk about our hopes for the future and look forward to reading books all day.

What is she doing in this line?

She's talking to her sister Mira, so I don't want to interrupt, but I want to know why she's not with the Scribes anymore. She was always among the most intelligent people in our class, if not the smartest. She was going to be the best Scribe the Quadrant ever had. I don't see her wanting to give that up, especially considering it was her dream.

The line continues to move slowly, and when there's only one person ahead of me, I start to really feel the anxiety. I don't know how I'm going to do this. I didn't know two days ago, and I sure as hell don't know now. Who knows if I'll even pass the Parapet? I could be slowly walking towards my death right now. Maybe I should have talked to my parents more and tried to convince them that I can't do this and that anyone else out there is a better fit for this than I am. But I hate disappointing people. My parents don't even know that my panic attacks are back. They were so happy and relieved that I was doing better over the last year, but it all fell apart.

"Next!" Someone calls from ahead of the line.

It's a rider, a marked rider. Along with Captain Fitzgibbons, who’s a Scribe. "Aurora Sallow? First Violet Sorrengail, and now you?"

I give him a small smile. "I'm sorry, sir."

He nods. "It will be sad to see you go. Your future as a Scribe looked so bright."

I want to cry. Instead, I keep my small smile in place and try my best to keep my voice level. "Thank you."

As I go through the entrance, I climb the hundreds of stairs.

After what feels like 100 hours, I'm at the top of the turret, and it's raining. The turret is all stone, formed in a circular platform. The river below shines, with the sun glinting off the surface. Darkness runs through it that rivals the deep sea. I shouldn't have looked down.

Straight ahead lies the Parapet. It's a very slim bridge made of stone with nothing on either side to hold onto. It's a test to see how well you would manage while riding a dragon.

I'm screwed.

There are three riders at the entrance, but only one catches my eye—a mountain of a man with black hair and warm, tawny skin. He turns my way, and I can see the scar running through his left eyebrow, and that's when I know who it is. Xaden Riorson.

Xaden is the son of the Great Betrayer, Fen Riorson, who led the Rebellion. All of the children of the rebels were forced to join the Riders' Quadrant in response to their parents' decisions. I bet they hoped Xaden would get killed, but they were wrong. He's a third-year Wingleader now.

And he's also kind of scary.

Once he sees me staring at him, he narrows his eyes. I'm not sure if it's with recognition or disgust.

Then, I decide to wave at him like an idiot.

He turns back to talk to the Rider beside him, pretending I don't exist.

Yeah, I'm so screwed.

"Next!" Another Rider calls, and I step forward.

[tearsaura]

I love you // Liam Mairi x Tavis!reader

A/N: Based on the prompts by @northspiritstorm under this Post. I am so sorry that you had to wait so long for this one.

I do hope that you enjoy it. :)

Word count: 0.9k

warnings: none? Spoilers for fourth wing and iron flame (messed around with the timeline a little bit)

Picture is from Pinterest: bgtm9d

‘Again.’

‘I-’ she began, but paused, trying to catch her breath. Her heart was already racing, and it felt like it was going to jump out of her chest at any moment. She rested her hands on her knees. Varrish had dragged her up here hours ago.

Stop it, Cuan admonished her. Stop it before something happens to you.

‘I- I can't anymore,’ she groaned, looking down.

‘You're not leaving until it starts raining here. If you want to go, pull yourself together.’ Varrish grabbed her by her hair and pulled her up.

‘Again.’

It was already dark when she was finally released and went back to school. There was no one else in the courtyard when she reached it with trembling legs. Her hair was sticking to her face, covered in sweat, her cheeks were burning and every breath she took felt like being stabbed. Her eyes landed on the large oak tree that stood in front of the entrance and with a relieved smile she walked towards it. She slid down the trunk of the tree and closed her eyes. Her thoughts wandered to blue eyes and soft blonde hair. Rough, calloused hands wrapped around hers, the scent of sandalwood...

Empathic one!

Cuan's human is unconscious in the yard under the oak tree Liam jerked out of his sleep so hard he almost hit his head on the wooden post of his bed. Without hesitation, or even thinking about putting on shoes, he ran down the corridor out of his room.

There was hardly anyone else in the corridors, except for a few couples here and there enjoying their time. As he walked past the third year's corridor, one of the doors opened and her brother ran out of his room. Garrick almost bumped into the younger rider, the two looked at each other for a moment, one more worried than the other, and ran out into the darkness together.

‘Did you see her today?’ Garrick asked, his usually confident voice trembling slightly. ‘Only at breakfast,’ Liam replied as the two of them walked towards the oak tree.

In the moonlight, a motionless body could be seen next to the tree trunk. Before Garrick could even react, Liam approached and dropped to his knees beside her. With careful hands, he pulled her body towards him and placed his fingers on her neck.

‘Her pulse is weak. We should take her to the healers quadrant.’ Garrick nodded wordlessly and helped him carry his sister in.

---

The sun slowly dawned and both riders sat wordlessly side by side outside the quadrant. Winifred had told them hours ago that they should come back in the morning, that the young Tavis sister was fine and just needed some rest to regain her strength.

Liam and Garrick, being the stubborn riders they were, ignored her words and didn't move.

Garrick kept looking at his friend. He wasn't stupid: he had noticed that there was a spark between Liam and Y/N. And as he looked at him, his eyebrows drawn together in concern, the way he cracked his fingers and how dishevelled his hair was, he knew that it probably wouldn't be too long before the couple finally admitted it to each other.

‘Gare, I like your sister.’ Well, that was faster than expected

‘I know, you guys are best friends,’ he replied, trying to hold in his grin.

‘I mean that I like her, like her. More than a friend. Are you- are you getting what I’m trying to say?’ he asked, turning to face him. Garrick raised his eyebrows.

‘No,’ Liam sighed and leaned back in his chair.

‘I have feelings for her, I really like her, and I wish she was my girlfriend.’

‘Ohhhh’ it took a lot for him not to laugh. ‘Have you talked to her about it?’

‘I don't think she feels the same way...’ There was a silence at first before Garrick bursted and laughed out loud.

‘Really? Don't be so loud before Winifred chases us away.’

‘I'm sorry. But are you listening to yourself? Everyone knows you're into each other except for you,’ he brought out between laughter, wiping the tears that threatened to fall out of his eye corners.

‘So you... wouldn't mind?’ Garrick finally managed to stop laughing and, in a more serious matter, put a hand on Liam's shoulder.

‘I couldn't wish for a better boyfriend for my sister…. and I couldn't wish for a better brother-in-law for me either,’ Liam grinned at him.

‘Dude, that was probably the corniest thing you have ever said’ ‘Yeah, I immediately regretted it. The second part at least.’ Garrick gave him another encouraging pat on the shoulder and stood up.

‘Well, I'm off then, she's in good hands with you-’ “Hey, hey wait a minute, you have to help me come up with an idea on how I can confess my feelings to her!” Liam interrupted him and Garrick groaned. ‘No, believe me, I'm the wrong person for this kind of stuff. Ask... Imogen or Quinn, or even better ask Xaden. He's on cloud nine right now anyway and he's unbearable. ‘Violence this’ ‘Violence that’... I even caught him picking flowers.’

‘Flowers?’ ‘Yes! He's gone soft. He's certainly got enough ideas to help ever single rider here with a love confession.’ ‘Okay then, I'll look for Xaden later.’ Liam said slowly. Garrick nodded and left the waiting area with a last encouraging smile.

A few minutes later, Winifried stuck her head out the door to the healer’s quadrant. As her eyes fell on Liam, she started smiling.

‘Hi. She just woke up; do you want to see her?’ Liam nodded immediately and jumped up. With shaking legs, he followed Winifred in and over to her bed. Y/N was sitting up, leaned against the pillows and smiled tiredly at him.

‘Hi Liam, how are you?’ she asked.

‘I love you’

[dee-writes-angst]

DROWNING

FEATURING Liam Mairi x reader

SUMMARY seeing the ghost of you hurts almost as bad as watching you go.

CONTENT WARNINGS major character loss, depression, depictions of grief

AUTHORS NOTE I don't know what it is right now, but I am just living for writing about grief. Sorry, not sorry! <3

"Look at me," Liam croaks from where he's splayed out on the ground by Deigh. Violet is sobbing loudly in Xaden's arms on the other side of him, but you can't hear them. Not when your ears feel like they've been filled with cotton when the love of your life is lying weakly on the ground beside you dying.

He's dying.

Oh gods.

As the realization sinks in, a heavy weight presses against your chest, squeezing the air from your lungs. Panic rises like a tide within you, threatening to overwhelm your senses. You reach out to Liam, your hands trembling as they hover over him, unsure of what to do, of how to help him.

"Stay with me, Liam," you plead, your voice barely a whisper, yet it reverberates with desperation. "Please, don't leave me."

But Liam's eyes are distant, glassy orbs that seem to stare into a void beyond your reach. His breathing is shallow, each exhale a painful reminder of his fragile state. You feel a tear escape your eye, tracing a path down your cheek as you struggle to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to engulf you.

Around you, the world seems to blur into an indistinct haze. The sounds of chaos and anguish fade into a distant hum, overshadowed by the deafening silence that fills your ears. All that exists in this moment is Liam, lying motionless before you, his life slipping away with each passing second.

Memories flood your mind like a torrential downpour, each one a bittersweet reminder of the moments you've shared together. The laughter, the tears, the whispered promises exchanged in the dead of night—they all swirl together in a kaleidoscope of emotions, too painful to bear yet too precious to let go.

You clench your fists, feeling the sting of helplessness gnawing at your insides. You would give anything—anything at all—to turn back time, to undo whatever led you to this moment, to save Liam from this cruel fate.

But time is a relentless force, indifferent to your pleas and regrets. And as you watch the light slowly fade from Liam's eyes, you realize with a sinking heart that there is nothing you can do to stop it.

"Please, Liam," you whisper, your voice cracking with grief. "I love you."

Liam's gaze meets yours, a flicker of recognition dances in his fading eyes. His lips part, words trembling on the precipice of his breath. With a herculean effort, he manages to muster the strength to speak, his voice barely a whisper, but each syllable heavy with emotion.

"Please…," he rasps, his voice barely audible above the din of chaos surrounding you. "You have to… keep living. For me."

His words strike you like a dagger to the heart, the pain of his plea tearing through the fragile facade of composure you've struggled to maintain. Tears stream down your cheeks unabated, hot and salty against your skin as you shake your head in disbelief.

"No, Liam," you choke out, your voice raw with anguish. "I can't… I can't do this without you."

But Liam's hand finds yours, his touch feeble yet filled with a quiet strength that belies his frailty. His fingers intertwine with yours, holding on with a determination born of love and desperation.

"You have to," he insists, his voice growing weaker with each passing moment. "You're stronger than you think… You can't let this… destroy you."

His words hang in the air like a solemn vow, a testament to the depth of his love and the sacrifice he's willing to make for you. And as you look into his eyes, you see the truth mirrored within them—the agonizing realization that this is goodbye.

A sob escapes your lips, a gut-wrenching cry that echoes through the desolate landscape of your heart. You bury your face in Liam's chest, clinging to him with a desperation born of fear and despair.

"I can't do this without you," you whisper brokenly, your voice a mere shadow of its former strength. "Please, don't leave me."

But Liam's grip weakens, his breaths growing shallower with each passing second. His eyes flutter closed, and for a moment, there's nothing but the deafening silence of impending loss.

Then, with a final exhale, he slips away, leaving behind nothing but the hollow ache of his absence. And as you cradle his lifeless form in your arms, the weight of his words settles over you like a shroud, a solemn reminder of the unbearable burden of grief that now lies ahead.

For in that moment, you realize that you've lost more than just the love of your life—you've lost a part of yourself, a piece of your soul that can never be replaced. And as you mourn the emptiness that now fills your heart, you know that nothing will ever be the same again.

There is no respite from the suffocating weight of grief that hangs heavy around your neck, dragging you down into the depths of despair.

You move through the world like a shadow of your former self, hollow and numb, the spark of life extinguished from your eyes. Friends and loved ones reach out to offer comfort, but their words fall on deaf ears, their gestures meaningless in the face of the gaping chasm that now consumes your soul.

Nights are the cruelest, long and lonely stretches of darkness that stretch on into eternity. You lie awake in bed, staring up at the ceiling, your mind consumed by thoughts of Liam—of all the things you wish you had said, all the moments you wish you could relive, all the ways you failed to save him.

The pain is relentless, a constant companion that gnaws at your insides, leaving you hollow and empty. You try to drown it out with alcohol, with drugs, with anything that will numb the ache in your heart, but nothing can fill the void left by Liam's absence.

And so, you continue to exist, day after day, trapped in a never-ending cycle of sorrow and regret. You wonder if it would have been easier if you had died with him, if you could have spared yourself this endless torment.

But deep down, you know that even death would offer no escape from the torment of your memories, no relief from the agony of your loss. And so you carry on, a shell of the person you once were, forever haunted by the ghost of the love you lost.

Days melted into weeks, and weeks into months, but the ache in my heart remained unyielding, a constant reminder of the void that Liam's absence had left behind. I found myself adrift in a sea of memories, unable to escape the relentless tide of grief that threatened to consume me.

Each morning brought with it a new battle, a struggle to find the strength to face another day without him by my side. I would drag myself out of bed, my limbs heavy with exhaustion, my mind clouded with sorrow, and force myself to move forward, one agonizing step at a time.

But no matter how hard I tried to bury my pain beneath layers of routine and responsibility, it always found a way to claw its way back to the surface, a gaping wound that refused to heal. I would catch myself staring blankly at the wall, lost in the labyrinth of my thoughts, my mind a swirling maelstrom of regret and longing.

It was in those moments of quiet desperation that I would feel him—Liam's presence hovering just beyond the edge of my consciousness, a whisper in the wind, a flicker of light in the darkness. I would close my eyes and reach out to him, my fingers grasping at the empty air, longing for the warmth of his touch, the sound of his voice, the comfort of his embrace.

But he was always just out of reach, a ghostly apparition that danced on the fringes of my perception, taunting me with the promise of solace that I knew would never come. And yet, I couldn't bring myself to let go—not when the mere thought of him was the only thing keeping me tethered to the world of the living.

I tried to lose myself in my work, throwing myself into my studies with a fervor bordering on obsession. But no matter how many hours I spent buried in books, no matter how many experiments I conducted in the sterile confines of the lab, I couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness that gnawed at my soul.

My friends and family tried to help, offering their support and encouragement in the hopes of lifting my spirits. They would invite me out for dinner, take me for long walks in the park, even organize weekend getaways to try and distract me from my pain.

But I couldn't escape the suffocating weight of grief that hung over me like a shroud, a darkness that followed me wherever I went, tainting even the most mundane moments with its oppressive presence. I would smile and nod and pretend to be okay, but inside, I was crumbling, piece by agonizing piece.

It wasn't until one particularly dark night, when the weight of my sorrow threatened to crush me beneath its relentless onslaught, that I finally reached my breaking point. I found myself standing on the edge of a precipice, staring out into the yawning abyss that stretched out before me, the urge to let go—to surrender to the sweet release of oblivion—almost overwhelming.

But then, in the depths of my despair, I felt a hand on my shoulder, a gentle pressure that pulled me back from the brink. I turned, expecting to see nothing but the empty darkness of my own mind, but instead, I found myself face to face with Liam—or rather, a ghostly apparition that bore his likeness.

I blinked, unable to believe my eyes. "Liam?" I whispered, my voice barely a breath in the stillness of the night.

He smiled—a sad, wistful smile that tugged at my heartstrings. "It's me," he said, his voice a mere whisper in the silence that surrounded us.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I reached out to touch him, my fingers trembling with disbelief. "But how?" I asked, my voice choked with emotion. "How is this possible?"

Liam's smile faded, replaced by a look of profound sadness. "I'm not really here," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "I'm just a figment of your imagination—a manifestation of your grief."

I shook my head, unwilling to accept the truth. "No," I protested, my voice rising in desperation. "You're real. You're here with me. I can feel you."

But Liam's expression remained unchanged, his eyes filled with a quiet resignation. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice barely audible above the sound of my own heartbeat. "I wish I could stay, but I can't. You have to let me go."

I felt a surge of panic rise within me, a primal instinct that screamed out in protest. "No," I cried, my voice echoing in the emptiness that surrounded us. "I won't. I can't. I need you."

But Liam shook his head, his features fading into the darkness like smoke on the wind. "You don't need me," he said, his voice a distant echo in the recesses of my mind. "You're stronger than you think. You have to find the strength to carry on, even without me."

And then he was gone, leaving me alone in the darkness, the emptiness of his absence a physical ache that echoed in the depths of my soul. I sank to my knees, tears streaming down my face, my heart shattering into a million jagged pieces.

But even as I wept, a small seed of hope took root within me—a tiny flicker of light amidst the darkness that threatened to engulf me. I realized that Liam was right—that I couldn't continue to cling to him, to the memory of what we once had.

I had to find a way to let go—to honor his memory by living my life to the fullest, by embracing the future with open arms, even in the face of uncertainty and pain. It wouldn't be easy, I knew, but I was determined to try—for Liam, and for myself.

And so, with a heavy heart and a newfound sense of purpose, I picked myself up off the ground and began to walk—away from the edge of the abyss, away from the darkness that had threatened to consume me, toward a future filled with possibility and hope.

It wouldn't happen overnight, I knew. The road ahead would be long and difficult, fraught with challenges and setbacks that would test my resolve at every turn. But I was ready—ready to face whatever the future held, armed with nothing but my love for Liam and the knowledge that he would always be with me, guiding me every step of the way.

And as I walked, the darkness began to recede, slowly but surely, replaced by the warm glow of dawn breaking on the horizon. I smiled, tears still streaming down my face, but now they were tears of hope, of gratitude, of a newfound sense of purpose.

For even though Liam was gone, his love remained—a beacon of light that would guide me through the darkest nights and lead me toward a future filled with possibility and promise.

And with that thought in my heart, I took my first steps into the unknown, ready to embrace whatever lay ahead, secure in the knowledge that I would never truly be alone. Liam would always be with me, a whisper in the wind, a flicker of light in the darkness, a love that would never fade away.

[alexandia03]

Grow as We Go (GaWG)

Yes yes, a new fic. I have more than enough WIPs already but this plot bunny did what a dedicated plot bunny does and harassed me until I wrote this.

So here you have it! My newest fic, the fluffiest thing I could ever come up with (I am afraid it doesn't get any less angstier with me) and my pride and joy at the moment!

I want to dedicate it to my amazing betas who encouraged me to write it and brainstormed ideas with me whenever I hit a block - @ramzesfics, @istarbel, @siobhanbooks, @tegantales, @ubiquitouslyme (who is a fucking mind reader, my soul sister and everything in between - check out The Odyssey of Imrrick for more context)

A special thank you goes to my better half and my favorite person, @sarahydeart. There is no one else I would have trusted to share this baby plot bunny with. Love youuuuu <3

Summary

After Xaden Riorson and Violet Sorrengail's great exit from Basgiath War College during IF, Lieutenant Garrick Tavis along with third-year cadets Imogen Cardulo, Bodhi Durran, Quinn Artan, Liam Mairi and Ridoc Gamlyn embark on a clandestine mission to rescue from the Navarrian foster homes all the underage marked kids and bring them back to Aretia.

However, they did not plan for their whole lives to be turned upside down when one of those kids turns out to be their niece. Maybe battling Venins and surviving as a dragon rider was the easy part, compared to the challenges of having to adapt to their new situation - all while stubbornly clinging to any excuse not to admit their feelings for one another.

What could go wrong, right?

Excerpt

“We will be here until the dark wielders come knocking on our doors and Xaden won't say a word, so spill it, Durran.” Bodhi takes a deep breath, his earlier anger dying down somewhat as he visibly struggles to find a way to say whatever it is he has to say. Imogen is impatiently tapping her foot as she waits and I notice in my peripheral vision how both Ridoc and Violet visibly tense. “As it turns out, Xaden decided that it would be too big of a complication if he told the two of you that you have a niece among the marked kids we rescued today,” Bodhi finally says, awkwardly avoiding to look directly at me or Imogen. I raise an eyebrow as I process his words, before I burst into laughing, some of the tension in my shoulders lifting. “Good one, Bodhi. But really now, what is going on?” I insist, slightly amused at the absurd scenario he came up with – if he is able to crack jokes, it means that the situation is not as grave as I initially assumed based on his fight with Xaden. But no one else is laughing. I scan the room, already feeling a bit irritated with how far they are taking this joke, expecting to see… well, I don't know, an amused grin on Ridoc's face? Maybe a timid smile on Violet's and pure frustration on Xaden's? But instead, I am met with a pitying look from Gamlyn as the other two just avert their gazes, guiltily. “Wait… you can't –”

[skyfallscotland]

So this has been in my head all day and I just had to get it out. I don't know if I'll just leave it here or uh...yeah. @justallihere I want you to know you're taking FULL responsibility for this nonsense. This is your fault 🫡

(consider this some AU world where Tyrrendor successfully seceded years ago, Xaden is king, and they have their own riders academy but Tairn still bonded Violet because he lives to make Xaden's life difficult, also...violet/cam/liam has a certain appeal to it...no, someone stop me)

“You know you can enjoy yourself while you’re here.” Violet Sorrengail says judgementally. “If you’re forced to follow me around, you may as well have some fun.” 

“I’m not forced to follow you around.” He replies immediately, shifting on his feet as his eyes scan the dark tavern, noting each of the patrons lingering by the bar. It’s true he’s not. His brother had asked and he had accepted. It’s the least he can do while they try and figure out how to deal with this—the mess that Tairn has caused, bonding a rider from Navarre.

“Sure you’re not.” There’s that judgemental tone again.

“Perhaps I just enjoy your company.” He tosses back, a hint of flirtation in his voice. Violet eyes his boyish grin before snorting, shaking her head as she picks up her drink—some sweet-looking lavender concoction. 

“And if I decide to enjoy someone else’s?” She challenges, a hint of conceit in her voice as she leans around him, nodding her head. “Like maybe Prince Cam’s? He’s been watching me since we got here.”

Liam’s head whips around and he instinctively moves to the side, shielding Violet’s body with his own as his eyes search out Navarre’s third prince. It takes a moment to find him, shrouded in darkness where he sits in the far corner of the tavern, boot on his knee as he nurses a glass of bourbon, his posture unnervingly relaxed. 

He can’t quite make out the other man’s eyes across the room, but he knows from memory they’re a deep forest green, just like the rest of his family. “Yeah, totally fine with it.” Violet says sarcastically, drawing his attention back to her. She looks pointedly at his torso and the way it’s shifted automatically to shield her from the prince’s view. 

“I’m not forced to do anything.” He insists, dragging his attention back to their conversation. “But I am here to keep you safe and that,” he shifts his eyes back to Cam, “is not safe for you—not anymore.” 

It’s entirely out of her control—out of all theirs—but Violet Sorrengail is now the key to taking down Tyrrendor, so regardless of how she might feel about it, he’s going to protect her and that means not going anywhere near Navarrian royalty. “I’ll go and see what he wants.” Liam says sternly, his hand on the shorter girl’s shoulder. “Go back to your friends.” 

Her jaw tightens and she opens her mouth like she might protest, but clearly thinks better of it. “Fine.” She rolls her eyes, swiping up her drink and turning on her heel. She tosses one final glance over her shoulder towards the dark corner the subject of their conversation is in, but otherwise doesn’t falter, storming back over to her squad.

He watches, waiting for her to be safely ensconced between Rhiannon and Ridoc before striding slowly to the other side of the tavern, moving easily through the Saturday evening revelry until he’s standing over a man he’s only ever seen in passing.

“Liam Mairi.” The prince’s lips tick up. He drags his eyes up over Liam’s frame as the blond rider does the same. He’s sprawled out in the chair, relaxed as could be, his knees slightly spread as he takes a long draw of liquor. “Come to threaten me away from Sorrengail?” 

“You know who I am.” It’s half statement, half question. 

“I made it my business to know.” He taps his fingers on the table in front of him. “A Tyrrish citizen attending Basgiath War College? That sort of news travels fast.” 

Liam crosses his arms over his chest. “What do you want?”

Cam’s lips tick up like that’s something amusing. “Many things.” He pauses for a moment, studying Liam’s face. “Where’s your king?” 

Liam tenses. “In Aretia. Obviously.” He tries to appear as relaxed as the prince in front of him, but he’s certain he fails. “Xaden has a country to run, unlike…some.” His tone is mocking, challenging in a way he should probably refrain from, given his status as a diplomatic representative. 

“Yes, it’s terrible being third in line. I really detest having all this free time to do whatever I like, truly.” He downs the rest of the bourbon in his glass, dropping it onto the table. “Tell me, does she know?” He climbs to his feet, circling around the table slowly, like a predator. “Do you plan on filling her in? After all, it’s only fair given the danger it puts her in—being bound to your king.”

“She doesn’t know.” Liam lowers his voice threateningly, “and you’re not going to tell her.” Blue meet forest green in a fierce glare. “Interesting that you do though,” he moves closer until there’s only an inch or two separating them. “I guess that means you’re just like the rest of your family—happy to sit back and watch the world burn.” 

That gets a reaction out of him, the younger man stepping forward with a snarl on his lips. “You know nothing about me.” He looks up into Liam’s eyes. “You riders always think yourselves so superior to everyone else.” His voice drops to a low murmur, barely audible over the revelry of the tavern. “Just because I’m not flying around on the back of a dragon, doesn’t mean I’m doing nothing.”

He’s slightly shorter than Liam but just as well built and when he steps further into the blond’s space, Liam can’t help but look. His sandy brown hair is immaculately styled, his clothes are clean and pressed, and when he glances down even the man’s boots shine. It’s obvious he doesn’t belong here but…there’s something in the way the other man holds himself—with a spine of steel—that stirs something within him. That same steel is reflected in his eyes. 

“So what are you doing?” He murmurs, the corner of his lips quirking up mockingly. “What’s your plan to help fight a war your family would stop at nothing to keep quiet?” Cam’s jaw is clenched, like he’s fighting to keep something in, rather than speak his mind. Almost against his will, Liam’s hand rises, his fingers sliding over the scruff on the other man’s jawline as he cups it gently. “All that power and what do you have to show for it?”

Cam’s lips part, his eyes roving over the blond’s face. “Nothing I can talk about here.” His green eyes are hard, unflinching as he tilts his head, pressing his cheek into Liam’s hand.

“Are you asking to get me alone?” The Tyrr’s lips curve up in a smirk.

“Would you like that?” The prince fires back.

He would actually. The shock of that revelation has him faltering, his usually unflappable composure dissipating as he stares down at the slow, arrogant smile spreading across full pink lips. 

“Tell your king I want to speak to him, Mairi.” The younger man whispers, reaching up to lace his fingers through Liam’s before removing the blond’s hand from his face. It feels like it takes an eternity for their hands to separate, his fingers sliding purposefully over Liam’s own. “Whenever that dragon of his drags him back here.” The prince turns to leave, his torso brushing Liam’s as he slides past him, far too close for it to be considered accidental. 

“And where will you be until then?” Liam enquires, his eyes dark.

Cam looks over his shoulder, a smirk on his lips. “I’ll be around.” He disappears into the crowd, going unnoticed by the rest of the taverns patrons and Liam watches him go, a dangerous, terrible curiosity stirring in his chest. 

He remains frozen for a moment, unmoving until a flash of silver catches his eye and he shakes it off, striding across the floor to rejoin his new squad.

“That looked like it went well.” There’s laughter in Violet Sorrengail’s voice and a hint of arrogance as she ribs him. “I’m glad you took care of it.” A sarcastic grin slides over her face as she lifts her drink to her lips. “I’m fine here if you need to take care of anything else.”

He stares at her, unimpressed. “Very funny.”

“Mhmm.” She hums, her eyes dancing with mischief. “First time with a man?” This woman is entirely too smart for her own good and it’s only going to cause him more and more headaches as time goes on, he just knows it. 

“I’m not into men.” He shuts her down. 

“You’re a consummate flirt, Liam Mairi.” She laughs. “I refuse to believe that.” 

But he’s not lying. Consummate flirt he may be, but he’s never been interested in anyone of the male gender…until now. Liam knows himself and his own mind well. He’s not into men, but Navarre’s third prince and his quiet arrogance, his ridiculously green eyes and the way his skin feels beneath Liam’s hands? That…that he may be into. 

Shit. 

[garricks4thwingqueen]

Your Boys: Reader is Bodhi's younger sister x Garrick????? X Liam????

Your Boys 

Prompt: Please Please Please Don't Leave me Please.

Prompt was given by: @a-cure-for-writers-block  

This fic is a part of the #Fourthwingbirthdaybash thanks to @skyfallscotland

Reader is Bodhi Durran’s younger sister X Liam Mairi? X Garrick Tavis? 

Synopsis: You loved Garrick, you had a relationship with him before he left for Basgiath that ended before he left thinking it would be easier for the both of you. This caused you to grow closer to a certain friend in your life and you did have a friend with benefits relationship with Liam which started around winter solstice the first year that Gare had left. When a certain injury be folds into your life it makes you realize one of the true feels for one of them. But which one?

P.s. this is the fic I based on the poll I did a few weeks ago where Liam won. 

Trigger Warnings:” Break up”, Unconsciousness due to injury, Swearing, angsty and fluffy! (I think that's it?) 

***Your POV***

“You have this.” Liam soothed you as you got ready to spar Jack Barlow. You sighed heavily resting your head on his shoulder. “He's only been trying to get his hands on one of us since he saw you and I in the line for the parapet in the beginning of the year and with me being Bodhi’s younger sister I’m his perfect target. “You're strong, you have this. Will have our date later tonight.” Liam soothed as you heard Professor Emettiro yell “ Y/N Durran, Barlow, you're up.” I sighed leaving Liams side and glancing across the room where Garrick, Xaden and Bodhi stood against the wall all with arms crossed against their chest; expressions unreadable but knew they were ready to protect you at all costs. 

   You stepped onto the mat watching Jack Barlow do the same. Both of you started to pace the mat and size each other up. Jack had made the first move and grabbed for your braid. You hissed as he took you down with the sudden jolt. “I’ve been waiting to get my hands on one of you marked bastards.” He hissed that you took everything in you to lift your knee up and aim for his most sensitive part of his body. Jack jumped back at the sudden contact giving you some space between. You went to close the gap, but Jack was stronger and had a good two feet of height on you as he slammed you onto the mate on your back and that was the last you remembered as you heard your brother frantically yell “She yields.” before you had blacked out on the mat. 

    You woke up in the infirmary, not sure how long you had been out. You felt a strong grip on your hand and tried to sit up as you hissed through the pain; your head throbbing “Hey, hey don’t you even try.” Garrick said softly standing up and putting a hand on your shoulder to help you ease back down, you patted the side of your bed and scooched over slightly as he gave you a questioning look. “I should go before Liam comes back.” He said softly, looking away from you. You shook your head “Stay please. Also how long was I out.” Garrick sighed sitting down on the bed next you, it had been years since you two had any time alone like this. “It’s been five days.” He said softly. “Jack?” You asked curiously. “He took a pretty good beating from the four of us.” Garrick chuckled as you laid your head on his shoulder. 

           You could feel his sigh as you did so, but that didn't stop him from running his fingers through your hair and kissing your forehead. You smiled softly at his touch.” I missed this.” You said softly. Before Garrick had left for Basgiath you had been dating for three years; somehow managing to keep those years quite, but you had started to drift away from each a few weeks before he and Xaden had to attend Basgiath knowing that that would be easier then the pain of being away from each other. This was the first time since you started this year that you and Garrick really had a chance to talk and a month had already crossed since you crossed the parapet.   

    “Thought you would have fallen in love with Liam by now.” He said softly as you leaned into him and shook your head against his chest. “I mean sure friends with benefits but nothing more at least for me. He was never you. Extreme polar Opposite of you actually. What about you? Any girls find their way into your room?” Not that you wanted to know but you had to and honestly you couldn't blame him for you and Liam had messed around many times. You felt his chest rise as he sighed. “A few. Even Imogen once. But they weren't you, not even close.” he admitted softly and ran his fingers through your hair. “God's, I've missed you. Missed this.” You sighed leaning into his muscular chest. Gare chuckled softly and you could feel the light vibrations in his chest. You smiled up at him and smirked cupping his cheek. “Are you ready for Boh’s rath?” Garrick smirked; “Your brother doesn’t scare me Durran; I have more muscles then he does.” At that you let out a soft giggle and pulled his face down to meet yours; your lips finding each other. 

        You both become so wrapped up in each other's touch and the pure bliss of having each other again that you didn’t realize the door to your infirmary room was now open. Between the door frame stood a speechless Liam Mairi.

                                       ***  Liam’s POV***

    Liam wasn’t sure how long he stood there watching the two of you before he could talk. He knew Y/N and Garrick had a past but he had thought that ship had long since sailed, especially with how he and the girl had grown closer to each other in the older boy's absence. But then again he and Y/N had always been close but the thoughts contradicted in his head as he also realized you and Garrick had always been close. Liam was beginning to love you more than the friends with benefits relationship you had and he cursed to himself as he thought you had started to develop the same feelings. Liam finally got the courage to speak as the two were still deep in their reunion; “What in the actual fucking hell is going on?” The two before him instantly parted but Y/N still leaned into Garrick’s side. “Liam.” The girl started to plead.  “I’m glad to see you're finally awake again. Garrick and I had been taking shifts checking in on you. I see he managed to get the right one.” Liam said in a sharp and salty tone fist clenched at his side and leaning on the door frame to support himself. 

              “Liam-” she started to say softly again he could see the tears that were rimming her eyes and threatening to escape. “I thought you had gotten over him?” I snapped a little too sharply at the glare I had received from Garrick shot stone cold in my direction. She shook her head softly and buried herself into Garrick’s chest. It was in that moment where I felt my entire world collapse around me. I hadn’t realized what Bodhi’s younger sister was starting to mean to me until I felt her slip away as I dropped to my knees beside her bed. I took her other hand in mine that was engulfed by Garrick’s much larger hand, even larger than mine. She looked at me longingly and tried to pull away as I squeezed tighter and managed to spit out a very stammered and staggered “Please please please don't leave me please.” “I’m so sorry Liam.” She whispered softly barely audible as she inched herself further away from me and closer to Garrick as if that was even possible for her. “I thought we were starting to fall in love with each other and you're leaving me for Garrick?” I stammered, stepping back on my last thread of strength. I saw her shake her head again, tears steadily falling as Garrick whipped a finger across her cheek. Y/N finally spoke, and the words were like daggers to my heart “I thought I was truly Liam, but then being reunited with Garrick this year. I- we realized how much we truly missed each other. I’m so sorry Li. I was going to talk to two days ago, but then that match with Barlowe happened and then this.” Your words cut like ice. I decided to try my luck another time with another “ “Please please please don't leave me please.”  With another shake of your head and a glance down towards your lap and Garrick whipping more tears away; “I’m sorry Liam; I truly wished this wasn’t how you found out.” And with that I couldn’t respond and walked out of the infirmary room and slammed the door behind me and bumped into Bodhi almost knocking him over on the way out. “Woh Mairi, slow the fuck down. Care to talk about it?” “Fuck off Durran.” I hissed and shoved him in the shoulder out of the way and made my way to the flight and needed a good flight with Deigh to clear my mind. 

                                   

  ***Your POV***          

   You sighed leaning back into Gare’s chest as he wrapped his arms around you. Your first thought shouldn’t have been this but “Was I really out for two days?” you asked softly. You felt Gare’s chin nod on the top of your head; “Two long days and don’t worry Boh, Xad and I already got back at Barlowe.” You sighed and shook your head at the thought of the three most protective boys in your life; your brother, your cousin and your boyfriend sticking up for their girl once more. “What the hell is up with Mairi?” You bother stammering into the room looking at Garrick and not realizing that you were awake yet. “Oh, thank the Gods you're finally awake.” he sighed giving you a hug; “So what’s up with Mair?”  “He kind of walked in on Gare and I kissing each other.” You sighed, still feeling bad that that was how he found out. “Back with my sister Tavis?” Boh smirked. “You knew?” you asked, taken back slightly by the sudden statement out of your brother’s mouth. Bodhi chuckled “Of course I did. We all did, you two really thought you were being that subtle before Garrick left?”  Bodhi was about dying with a hand clasped over his chest. “Oh, shut up Durra.” Gare snickered still holding you tightly. “What the hell is up with Mairi?” your cousin asked, now joining the room. “Oh, you're finally awake Y/N.” Xaden smiled, giving you a hug just like your brother who was still laughing his head off. “What the hell is wrong with you?” Xaden asked, looking at your brother. “These two actually thought they were hiding a relationship from us before they split when you and Gare left to come here” Boh said through a fit of giggles looking at Xaden. “So, you're back together, is that what's wrong with Mairi?” Gare spoke for you this time before you could even muster a response “He walked in on us kissing. I think he was starting to develop feelings when Y/N wasn’t returning the same.” “I still feel bad about him walking in on us and finding out that way.” You sighed. Your brother grabbed onto the other hand that Gare wasn’t holding as Xaden walked around and stood by the top of your bed and placed a hand on your shoulder. Your brother was the first one to say “We’ll talk to him. We will all get through this, and this isn’t going to put a wrinkle in our group. Sure, he's going to be pissed for a while and probably won’t speak to you and Garrick for a while, but you’ll always have the three of us supporting you. All at the same time you felt your brother and Garrick squeeze each hand they were holding, and you felt your cousin tighten and squeeze your shoulder lightly in reassurance. You weren't exactly sure how your relationship with Liam was going to progress; but you knew that you would always have the three boys that meant the most to you by your side protecting you through anything. In this moment you were never more grateful to have your boyfriend, older brother and cousin by your side and couldn’t help but bury your head in Garrick’s chest and let your tears fall. They weren’t sad tears necessarily but tears of contentment and reassurance as you took in the rare moment of the three of you together where you actually got peace and quiet. I felt Garrick wipe your tear and you let yourself mumble out a soft “I love you all.” As you yawned. “Rest little one. We are here and not going anywhere.” Gare said soothingly as you drifted off into sleep let your body get its rest that it still needed surrounded by the people that you loved the most in life. They would do anything for you, and you would do anything for them in return, that is if they let you.

[autumngracy]

Hi, just a random question from a fan of AROS (for which I have no coherent words to decribe my admiration)- I'm sure you've been asked this a million times already, but I'm quite new to this fandom, so forgive me and feel free to ignore the question, of course- who did you base your Javert on, appearance-wise?

Actually I don't think anyone directly asked this before!

To be honest I didn't actually base him on anything or anyone in particular ... I think the reason for this is because I read the brick before ever seeing any adaptations of Les Mis, so the first Javert I pictured was just my own interpretation of him from the brick ...

And what's funny is I can't remember if I originally pictured him with short hair or long hair. I read the 1938 Heritage Press edition of the brick, which is the Wraxall translation + about 1500 Lynd Ward illustrations, and in those illustrations he has short hair. But, oddly, I didn't remember it as being short in those illustrations? I had to go back and look years layer to confirm. (Alas, my beautiful Heritage Press copy is lost somewhere now!)

So I don't know if the long hair thing was me originally picturing it that way despite the illustrations being otherwise (possibly because the illustrative style made it somewhat vague at first?), or if it was from me later getting brainrot from looking at all the post Terrance Mann Javert designs ...

Best I can say about the hair issue is, well ... I just really happen to like male characters with long hair ... idk why lol. I have a lot of male OCs with long hair and every time I make one, part of my brain goes "Another one? For real? Do we not have enough of these little bitches already? If you don't stop putting long hair on all these characters people are gonna start to think you have some kind of kink."

Which. Well. I'm actually asexual so idk lol I think it's just an aesthetic preference

ANYWAY

For his wardrobe, that's just the brick descriptions plus factual research into 1830's era menswear. The only anachronistic element of his appearance really is his hair, but I do get around that by pointing out that he could have simply picked the (older and naval oriented) style up while he was at the Bagne (which did in fact have a dress mandate for keeping long hair tied up, suggesting it was a common enough hairstyle among the guards) and just never dropped it even after it became unfashionable—because A) he doesn't seem to give two shits about being fashionable, B) keeping short hair means either spending money to keep it short or having an intimate enough relationship with someone that they will do it for you free—neither of which I can see him wanting to do—and also C) he appears to be a creature of habit, so keeping the same, easily self-maintained hairstyle over the years fits my understanding of him.

Also, I'm not even exaggerating his tools of the trade because there really is a line in the brick about him having some kind of sword, which I had to go back and reread several times because it surprised even me (but it's 3am and I'm too assed to look it up rn). And we already know he has 2 pistols and a bludgeon (which the brick says he holds tucked up invisibly in his sleeve, Assassin's Creed style, lmao).

On another subject—

Given his stiff and distanced way of interacting with the world, questionable of social skills (see him bluescreening when Fantine is pleading with him in the mairie by way of what may be thinly veiled sexual advances), as well as his black and white thinking, penchant for being distracted by his thoughts to the point of complete obliviouness, propensity to either give extremely short responses or to go into ranting monologues, with little in between—plus the idea that he hates reading but makes himself do it for self improvement reasons, and how he seems to start stimming when lost in thought—I could definitely see him possibly being Autistic or having ADHD.

Now then, about his race ...

I know originally I actually pictured him differently than the Javert I wrote for my fic—as more white, at least—the way he appeared in the Lynd Ward until I read people discussing how he was probably supposed to be part Romani. And when it came to me having to pick conclusive character designs for my fic, I thought it would be much more interesting if it was a Javert who was visibly Romani instead of white passing, which he seems to be in most everything that bothers to mention his background.

I do find it weird that he's seemingly been played by nothing but white guys except for Norm Lewis and David Oyelowo (that I can find). So there's never really been a Romani Javert in stage or screen adaptations ... However, there's still a decent amount of fanart that shows him as darker skinned/Romani, so at least there's that.

Anyway I find that a visibly non white Javert just adds a lot more nuance and depth to his character, even compared to a still Romani but white passing version of him. Because then it changes how he interacts with and views the world (and vice versa), and it changes or adds to his motivations for doing what he does. It brings his (very canon!) struggle with internal racism to the forefront, which a lot of adaptations downplay or completely ignore.

I think part of why this appeals to me is that in modern times we are very used to the idea of the shitty oppressive white cop who is approaching everything from a position of absolute privilege and authority (which is a very shallow and uninteresting archetype, character-wise) ... and brick canon Javert, regardless of whether or not he is white passing, is not coming from a position of privilege—and not just because he is poor. He is coming from a position of social insecurity and vulnerability, which (at least it seems to me) he is trying desperately to escape/overcome.

And this makes his motivations for choosing his specific job far more interesting than "shitty white cop that enforces the status quo because he gets off on exerting power over other people". It suggests a sort of willful mental dissonance and denial that also make a lot of sense in hindsight when we consider the effects of his derailment.

The idea of him snapping and realizing for the first time that most everything he was doing was morally corrupt (or at least highly questionable) is one thing (and a level of obliviousness/ignorance that is somewhat hard to believe, imo) ...

But the idea that he knew how morally reprehensible his actions were all along, and was repressing it on purpose? To gain the only foothold he could see on the ladder of a world he was born on the lowest rung of? And after decades, is forced by external factors to finally, finally look his decisions in the eye and confront himself about them?

Well, shit. That hits a lot harder, doesn't it?

And it certainly hits him pretty hard. Obviously (as I pointed out in the the fic) he did mentally store away notes of things he found morally questionable about/during his career over the years—he just didn't let himself act on them. But it implies he was aware of the injustices, even if he only relegated that awareness to his subconscious.

The brick talks about how he felt he existed outside of society and had only two choices in life—black and white thinking; criminal vs protector, etc.—and it spells out how this is pretty much the direct result of his internalized rascism—so, I mean ... I don't think it's unlikely that canon Javert knew from the beginning that he was sacrificing his his heritage, culture, and moral compass in pursuit of respect and recognition from society (and thereby, social safety).

And in a Post-Seine world, he's forced to reconcile with all of that.

I may have just spoiled a major upcoming plot point for AROS tbh but oh well I was dropping breadcrumbs of foreshadowing about it the entire goddamn time lmao

[kandisheek]

FIC REC WEEK 9 – AUs

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: betheflame

Flame is the queen of fluff in my book. Her fics are like little pieces of candy, and no matter which one you choose, they're all delicious. I love the way she explores different AUs and makes them her own, especially the No Powers variety. So if you're looking for some treats, you're in the right place.

Here's some of her work that I think you should check out:

Have You Met My... Husband?

Pairing: Steve/Tony, Bucky/Natasha Rating: M Words: 7,317 Tags: School Reunion, Fake Relationship, Mutual Pining

Summary: Steve's high school reunion is coming up and for reasons that make no sense except in fic, Tony goes with him and poses as his husband. ... and things progress from there ...

Reasons why I love it: Natasha and Pepper really steal the show in this one, what with their meddling ways. Honestly, Steve and Tony need all the outside help they can get, my god, idiots in love is exactly right. I really love the humor in this one, and Bucky and Natasha's banter especially. This fic is adorable, and I hope you give it a shot!

Crouching Genius, Hidden Soulmate

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: T Words: 1,276 Tags: Bucky Barnes is a Good Bro, Soulmates, No Powers

Summary: “We’re going to chat about that imaginary numbers bullshit, Stark,” Bucky said with a laugh, “but right now, come with me.” “Where?” “Downstairs,” Bucky said, offering his hand. “I’m about to change your life.” Tony barked out a laugh. “Okay Angelica.”

Reasons why I love it: You had me at Angelica. This fic is so sweet! I love all the little tidbits like Rhodey and Pepper's daughter and Steve's career that really flesh out the world. And of course, I'm a huge fan of Hamilton playing a major role in this fic. I love this one so much, so I hope you give it a shot (and don't throw it away, badum tz).

Paper Crowns and Secret Keepers

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: T Words: 5,564 Tags: No Powers, A/B/O, Teacher Steve

Summary: Steve Rogers did not play favorites. He’d been one of the kindergarten teachers at Allensville Academy since he got out of graduate school and that was one of his key pedagogical beliefs - no playing favorites. But lands alive, if Peter Stark wasn’t testing his resolve.

Reasons why I love it: Aaaaaah not Flame subverting expectations in the best possible way, I am LIVING! Tony the not-alpha just breaks your heart once you learn about the circumstances that made his secrets necessary, and I love the political undertones throughout the fic in general. Also, Mairi (Askafroa) made some truly fantastic art for this that you desperately need to see if you haven't already, it's the cutest! This fic is amazing, and I hope you check it out for yourself!

A Totally Normal Dad

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: T Words: 3,103 Tags: Identity Porn, Parenting, Canon Divergence

Summary: Steve is a totally normal, boring, suburban, stay-at-home-dad. He's also a superhero. His husband only knows the first sentence.

Reasons why I love it: The Incredibles, but make it Stony. I really love how this ties into canon, and oh my god, that paragraph about Steve wanting to grow old with Tony made me genuinely emotional. Also, Steve and Tony are so sweet with Peter, it makes me want to cry. This fic is amazing, and I highly encourage you to read it!

Wax On, Wax Off

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: T Words: 1,354 Tags: No Powers, College AU, Merman Steve

Summary: Sure, a man could fall in love with a merman - but where would they make out?

Reasons why I love it: They're so fucking cute, ugh, I love them. Tony doing his level best to make life more comfortable for Steve is so sweet, and oh my god, the ending puts the biggest smile on my face. I also love the way Steve's merman-ism works and the cameos of the other Avengers in texting-form. This fic is delightful, and I hope you give it a go!

[toseeclearly]

There's a lot of really nice things about being on Dice Shame, but one of the biggest is the absolutely wonderful community that it has. And with community comes FAN ART, which is something that just endlessly brings me joy. You spend a lot of time just sitting there thinking about your character and their appearance and everything about them, but there's something so cool and wild about seeing how others interpret them. This is also why I don't really have a lot of "hard canon" thoughts about the appearance of the characters I play, like there's so much room to change them up. Is Mairi in a dress? Is her hair long and smooth or a giant tangle of kelp? Can she run in heels or would she eat shit immediately? This is a post of some of the absolutely phenomenal art that's been made by fans of the show, I feel so incredibly lucky to have helped at least a little to inspire it. Thank you all <3

This post is SO LONG but I refuse to pick favourites.

Starry Form Mairi - @stuff-and-such-art

Hand-felted Dice Shame! - @koscheyyy

"ARMOR!" - @marimo-art

Cab Dorin rides again - @stuff-and-such-art

Wizard Yelling at Tabaxi - @koscheyyy

Jack's Regret - @stuff-and-such-art

Biblically Accurate Mairi - @esperanzagalaxy

Mairi and her sisters - @stuff-and-such-art

Go Spidies Go! - @marimo-art

Mairi sketch (this actually inspired me to draw her for the first time) - @marimo-art

"Girl look how fucking orange you look!" - @koscheyyy

Mairi (I think I actually own this outfit in real life just by accident) - @koscheyyy

Necromairi - @esperanzagalaxy

The Angriest Turtle - @stuff-and-such-art

Mairi gives Jack fashion advice - @marimo-art

Bro I am straight up not having a good time - @stuff-and-such-art

Oh Kieran, we're really in it now - @stuff-and-such-art

FASHION - @koscheyyy

Pre-smiting - @stuff-and-such-art

Mairi and the soot kitty - @stuff-and-such-art

The TABAXI touched my HEAD???? - @koscheyyy

A line in the snow - @koscheyyy

Do not let Red eat those - @stuff-and-such-art

Approaching Waterdeep - @stuff-and-such-art

"We made it!" - @koscheyyy

SERIOUSLY WOW

[ceedaryaps]

Fourth Wing yap sesh pt1

!:Don't hate me guys lol it took forever to get back to posting but I swear I've been reading. I've finished fourth wing AND iron flame and i decided i was gonna do two parts in my reviews from now on 1 will be my thoughts on the characters. 2 will be my thoughts on the plot so these yap sessions are gonna have two parts per book.

So without further adoo here are my opinions on the fourth wing characters.

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

Violet Sorrengail

I genuinely think Violet is so funny but not in a " she has good jokes" but more of a "damn she's kinda real". Promising to stay away from Xaden went out the window QUICK. First glance and homegirl was hungry I respect it. Giving Rhiannon her shoe without even hesitating just shows you what kina person Violet is she rides for her friends fr and she barely KNEW Rhiannon. People doubted her sooo much (looking at you dain) but they would always compliment how smart she was but their compliments never really extended to how she applied her mind to doing stuff. I mean who would even think to come up with that way of clearing the gauntlet. She dosent let anything stop her and I got mad respect for it.

Xaden Riorson

Don't jump me guys please....sometimes he gives me the ick. Don't get me wrong he's cool but i feel like he's very...cut and paste in my opinion. He just reminds me of a less emotionally available Rhysand. Even the looks are the same. BUT, i respect his character, Xaden is still young but took over the responsibilities of every marked child, every last one. He loves his folks real bad and I fw it.

Rhiannon Matthaias

Queen. That's it honestly. Bad Bitch. Cuntress. What else do I say. Rhiannon was the first to witness Violets vulnerability and didn't say SHIT. Any time Violet needed cover Rhiannon got her. You fw Violet? Rhiannon is on your ass. And she kicks ass like what more can we want. I defiantly knew she was leader material the more scenes I read of her, this is a Rhiannon stan account.

Dain Aetos

Brother eugghhhhhhhhhhhhh. It's always the first love interest that ends up being the ick. And I know I said Xaden gives me the ick but Dain Aetos? Yucky. I truly cant stand that no matter how many times Violet succeeds with flying colors he still believes she cant make her own decisions, having conversations to move her elsewhere not on her behalf pisses me off, and he's so possessive for what, I understand the whole childhood friends thing but its weird and I don't like it. Also the millisecond we knew what his signet was I just knew he was gonna peep into her thoughts from the jump. And then after Violet nearly got murdered in her sleep he REFUSED to believe that it was Amber who let them in. You're telling me an alleged fling meant more to him than his childhood friend getting killed in the night. Dpmo.

Liam Mairi

The best to do it fr fr. At first he was just assigned to violet as a favor for xaden but after a while violet was his buddy, I also feel like he assisted in bridging the social gap between the marked ones and the rest of the cadets. He will be missed.

Mira Sorrengail

Typical older sister tbh, I dont have any overwhelming thoughts of her, kudos for going toe to toe with their mom about Violet joining the war college.

Jack Barlowe

Definition of a crash out, is responsible for a good portion of the cadets deaths in the first year and that blows my mind bc........for what purpose. Like what does this do for you. And going after Andarna????? What business is it of yours if she had decided to bond with someone why kill her? And why did he think the dragons would just LET them kill her. Tairn should have cooked him in that moment ong. Baide weird as hell for bonding with a mf willing to kill a baby dragon for no reason.

Imogen Cardulo

She gives me the vibes that she can talk some major shit, ik she gotta be a notorious shit talker and one who can back it up too.

Lilith Sorrengail

I don't like her. Girl your son died, your husband died, you eldest daughter could get cooked at any moment and you're so eager to send your youngest too? For what reason? "All my children are riders" well one is dead allegedly, the other ones squad keeps getting attacked and you knew damn well violet would be a target. Otherwise i feel like she's a boy mom.

Andarna

Sweet baby love her

Tairn

Tairn is so funny, "You're bleeding stop it" LMFAO?! Truly one of my favs tbh

Ridoc Gamlyn

Everyone says Xaden this Xaden that, I'm in love with Ridoc. He's funny but not the annoying funny, trying to keep things lighthearted for the group so they don't get depressed. Cracking jokes after an asshole got torched Infront of you is one way to calm your friends down lmfaoo. Bi icon

Edit: To add Brennan

Brennan Sorrengail

Bitch where tf have YOU been?!

Now other than these characters there are not a lot of characters that I find too much of an interest in nor do I have many comprehensive thought's about them so that's all for the Fourth Wing Review part 1!

[mrsjoeythehurler]

When I Met You

(OC FMC x Liam Mairi)

All characters except for Aurora Sallow who is my OC and the FMC of this fic belong to Rebecca Yarros. The plot of Fourth Wing also belongs to Rebecca Yarros.

Content warnings: most of the warnings that are for Fourth Wing are also going to be in When I Met You. That includes: Blood, death, injury, violence and war. The only content warning I am adding is panic attacks (2)

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟAurora Sallow ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

This is not ideal.

Looking straight ahead, I debate my options. The Parapet is thin, not something you can walk on regularly. One wrong move and the wind will take you to your death.

One foot in front of the other. Keep your eyes on the stone in front of you.

I can do this. I've seen countless others just cross it with my own eyes. There's no reason why I can't do it too. Except for the fact that I have no idea what I'm doing. I haven't trained like everyone else. I'm not prepared like everyone else.

I feel the anxiety start to take hold again, and I close my eyes, taking a deep breath and praying to the god of luck, Zinhal, that I don't fall to my death.

"I can do this. There's no other option. I can't back out now."

Opening my eyes, I look at the stone ahead of me and take a step onto the Parapet.

Inhale, step, exhale, step. I repeat the cycle. The rain is pouring down, making the rock slippery beneath my feet, but my boots hold, and I take my time, trying not to worry about those behind me.

The wind blows hard, making my hair fly out around me. The stone beneath my feet is steady, but some of the rocks on each side of the mountain crumble and fall into the thrashing river beneath.

I'm halfway to the other end of the Parapet when I hear a squeak, like a shoe slipping against pavement. Turning my head slowly, I see a boy about my age just starting to regain his balance. His dark blonde hair was wet from the rain.

"Be careful!” I shout over the sound of the rain.

He looks up at me, and even though he looks neutral, I see the speck of fear in his eyes.

All I'm thinking to myself is, I don't want this boy to fall to his death.

Not thinking too much about it, I walk backward towards him.

"What are you doing?!" he yells.

"Helping you!" I yell back.

I look back at him and see I'm within arms' distance. "Hold on," I say, extending my hand for him to grab.

He looks at me, stunned momentarily, before grabbing my hand.

We inch our way closer and closer to the end of the Parapet, our free arms held out to keep balance. The rain continues with a vengeance, and the wind rips through, making it harder and harder to take a simple step.

I can hear the sound of rocks crumbling down the mountain and the river rushing below, but I never take my eyes off the stone ahead of me. I never let go of the boy's hand.

Gust after gust of wind slams into us, but we prevail, continuing to take step after step.

When we finally reach the walls, we run to the entrance.

I smile to myself. We made it.

Finally letting go of the boy's hand, we stand in silence, catching our breath and waiting for the adrenaline to ease. We're in a courtyard where two Riders stand to the side.

He breaks the silence first. "Thank you," he says, "for helping me. You didn't have to do that."

I give him a look. "I wasn't going to let you fall."

He gives me a small smile and reaches out a hand to shake mine. "I'm Sawyer."

Even though I've held this guy's hand for the last 20 minutes, I shake it. "Aurora."

After talking with Sawyer for a couple minutes, we both head over to give our names to the Riders in charge.

[caeli0306]

chapter 10 of castles crumbling (aka Tales from the Airport Bathroom extended version) now posted!

Chapter 10: Trust Fall is now up on AO3: READ HERE

We're back with chapter 10! Devera is dead, and Violet and Xaden each have something the other person wants. I really enjoyed writing this chapter and incorporating how Violet tends to brush aside her trauma. We all know it's going to come and bite her in the butt one of these days :)

Summary:

Violet should already be dead. People whispered about her weak body and how she would never live up to her family's martial accomplishments. Violet rose above them all, however, fighting and killing to survive the Navarrian Intelligence Agency's brutal BASGIATH training protocol. Now, people whisper about Violet's swift ascension through the NIA's ranks as one of its most valuable operatives and assassins. The whispers don't matter to Violet: She has her own agenda, and it's a dangerous one - finding out what happened to her father.

But one mission changes everything: Suddenly, Violet finds herself in the crosshairs when she stumbles on information Navarre wants buried, and the country she fought for begins to turn on her. Violet knows too much, but she's determined to do what she does best: Survive. Her only hope is the son of the man who they say killed her brother, but their partnership is far from assured. Some grudges run deep, and trust is a currency too valuable to give freely. Xaden realizes Violet may be the key to everything, but with enemies seen and unseen closing in on all sides, the consequences of failure are deadly.

===

I steel my resolve and rise to my feet, crossing the street in a hurry. I don't even bother to stop at the front desk when I step into the lobby, and the employee sitting there doesn't look up when I pass. I march for the elevator, punch the button for the third floor. Moments later, I'm standing in front of their hotel room. I take a deep breath, then rap my knuckles on the door. At first, there's silence on the other side, but before I can wonder if they aren't here, I hear shuffling, then a curse. A second later, the door is yanked open, and I'm met by a shirtless Liam Mairi, who squints at me through the bright light of the hallway. The room behind him is dark, and I feel a tad bit guilty for waking him up. "I'll be damned," he says. He's looking at me like he's not all that surprised to see me, which I wasn't expecting. "Violet Sorrengail, in the flesh." He's tall - not as tall as the other two he's traveling with, however - and I have to crane my neck to meet his gaze. "You don't look surprised to see me." Liam stares at me for a moment, then steps away from the door, a silent invitation. I step over the threshold and he shuts the door behind me. The world is pitch black for all but half a second before the lights are flicked on. I spy one of the beds, blankets rumpled, and I know that I was right about waking him up. "It's not that I'm not surprised," he starts, before pausing for a moment. "Let's just say that I had a hunch, and was hoping I was right about you." I cock an eyebrow. "A hunch?" He flashes me a grin, the kind that I'm sure has women lining up to try and have him. "That's all you're getting for now, Sorrengail. Care to share why you've woken me up from my beauty sleep?"

[starfall-spirit]

@rq-gift-exchange

Read on Ao3 // Masterlist

Pairings: Bodhi Durran/Sloane Mairi, Violet Sorrengail/Xaden Riorson

Summary: Liam and Sloane Mairi have spent the past seven years caught between a rock and a hard place trying to put together what could have made their parents choose to side with Navarre in the apostasy. Since that day that twisted their fate so completely they've stood in silent grief of the home and friends they lost.At last their reckoning has arrived as the people they once called friends set foot on Navarrian soil to strike a bargain.

Happy Gifting Day, @hoeelliexx! This is far from the fluffy three or four part story I originally planned, but writer's block just had to shove it's way in. Thus a new concept was born. Don't worry, you'll still get your fluff and forced proximity, though.

Very short chapter, but I'll be posting what was supposed to be the rest of chapter one in the next few days. Hope you like it!

Chapter One

Violet

“They’re here. The Tyrrish delegation just landed on the flight field.” 

Violet swallowed hard, setting down her pen before the ink could expose her nervous energy to her classmates. Still, they knew her well, and Rhi was already giving her an odd look. “Hand cramped,” she muttered, rubbing where her thumb joined her palm.

“Violet.” She closed her eyes, blowing out a defeated sigh when Dain called her from the doorway of her room. 

“Also, it seems it's time to discover what great role I’ve been assigned when dealing with the Tyrrish delegation. They’ve just landed.”

“Want some backup?”

Her eyes slid to Liam, and though he held her stare, she saw the pain behind it—saw the clench of his jaw and the curl of his fist as he offered to stand beside her and face the people he once called family. Friends he was forced to leave behind because of his mother’s shift in loyalty during the secession. If it wasn’t for Colonel Mairi’s actions, he may be standing beside them now. He and Sloane both. Once the girl earned her dragon and flight leathers, that is. 

“An invitation was not extended to you, Cadet Mairi.” 

Violet rolled her eyes. “Oh high and mighty Wingleader,” she grumbled. “Thanks, Liam. I’ll be fine. And Tairn will be there if things go south for whatever reason.” She lowered her voice again. “I’ll fill you in when I get back.”

“Don’t lose your shit on Riorson,” Ridoc shouted after her. “On second thought, the guy could probably use a bloody nose.”

“He certainly could,” Dain grumbled beside her, setting a brisk pace down the hall, only slowing when they approached the door to the meeting room, raising his fist to knock a sharp pattern at its center. “Alright, Vi?”

“I don’t need you hovering. We’ve talked about this.”

The door swung open before he had a chance to respond, revealing his father who looked far too nervous for her to feel any better about the conversation that was about to be had. “Dain, you may return to your afternoon duties.”

“I—but Violet—”

“Violet has all the company and protection she needs. Any information you’re due as her wingleader has yet to be determined.” Violet clasped her hands behind her back, doing her best not to shuffle awkwardly between them. Dain had always been closer to his father than she had to her mother. Seeing them in any sort of standoff was just plain awkward. “You’re dismissed, Wingleader.” His jaw feathered, but after giving her shoulder a light squeeze, Dain turned on his heel. “If you’re done chatting,” a new voice drawled, “the rest of us would like to resume this meeting.”

Taking a deep breath, Violet stepped around Colonel Aetos to at last lay eyes on the guests Navarre had received in the moments before her arrival. To her surprise, it wasn’t the full council waiting for her on either side. Instead she found only King Tauri, King Riorson, a single representative to his right—presumably his second in-command—and her own mother.

The young king was her focus. Only a few years older than her, she could help but admit the man was attractive. Her type, even, with the dark hair and muscular form his flight leathers only flattered. There was a great many things that put Violet apart from her fellow cadets, be they a physical weakness or a mental strength. But putting those differences aside, she was a woman before all else. And King Riorson was a very attractive man, more than capable of handling the steel at his side, she was sure.

“Violet Sorrengail,” he drawled, seeming to take her in with a genuine curiousity. “I heard the rumors. I had assumed when you bonded Tairn that they were exaggerated.”  She just kept from grinding her teeth, lacing her knuckes tightly to keep her hands from balling into fists. “I didn’t realize Tyrrish intelligence relied on the gossip mill alone. How disappointing.” King Tauri coughed into his fist. “Cadet Sorrengail, please make yourself comfortable.”

And close your mouth, his eyes seemed to say. She’d never seen the man so anxious. “Thank you. Is someone willing to explain why I’ve been summoned, now?”

“Of course,” Riorson said, lips curving into a smirk. “You’re here so we can discuss the fine points of the deal your mother and king have proposed.” She narrowed her eyes, trying to suppress the growing nervousness tightening her stomach and throat. “Or did they not tell you about the trade on the table?” His chuckle told her the answer was all over her face. “You’ve been traded, darling. A week from today you’ll be saying your vows. There are consequences to bonding a mated dragon, you know.”

[b3anieperson]

THE LETTER - An Epilouge To Fourth Wing - Part 1 - Part 2 -

Xaden's letter is marked with the same seal I've seen the last three years, a blue wax seal with a rising dragon. I snap open the seal, the wax breaking quietly.

Dear Sloane,

I'm so, so sorry.

My gaze shifts at the letter, sorry for what? As I pay attention to the paper, trying not to read ahead, the corner of one letter is torn, and slight dark spots appear on the paper, like tear stains.

Liam stands with Malek now.

My heart shatters, as I read.

We were attacked by Gryphons, while we were going to save a nearby village. Deigh died, and we didn't have long to say goodbye to Liam before we had to fight.

I am so sorry, I tried, he died in mine and Violet's arms- and so did Soleil.

I'm used to reading through the lines at this point, its how most words to me look. 'Gryphons" always the same, and yet, never Gryphons, Venin.

I barely remember Soleil, her mother was a lieutenant under my mother, and I maybe met her once- but Liam? He was my brother. I'm alone now, no family, no mom, no dad, no Liam. I continue reading, letting the tears spill onto the page as I try not to cry out in pain.

I wish I could be there, I'm leaving in a few days, as soon as we get back to Basgiath, we're currently waiting for Violet to wake up, we're in-

The next word is scribbled out, but I know what he means, they're in Aretia. Letting the one who lived- Violet Sorrengail- heal, while Liam is in a burn pit with his dragon and Soleil.

I don't bother reading the rest, I throw the letter across my bed and reach for Garrick's. This one is sealed with brown wax- I rip it open, and worry my lip as more tears fall.

Sloane,

I wish I could bring you good news.

Please don't be stupid- do something stupid more importantly.

I'll give you what the report says, but I'm sure you've already read Xaden's letter, or Eya's.

Included in his letter is his own personal report, since there were no scribes to write it down.

Name: Garrick Tavis

Rank: Third Year Flame Section Leader, Fourth Wing

Location: Athbyne

Beyond Wards Y/N: Yes.

Commanding Officer: Xaden Riorson

Riders Available: Masen Sandborne, Eya Wrenwrought, Garrick Tavis, Liam Mairi, Soleil Telery, Violet Sorrengail, Ciaran Jun, Bodhi Durran, Imogen Cardulo

Incident Report: June 24, 633 AU

War Games 633 of Basgiath War College, Gaurd and Riot of Wing Leader Xaden Riorson was set down at a lake 20 minutes out from Athbyne.

10 minutes in on break a scream was heard from the west side of the lake, in the woods.

A drift of Six Gryphons attacked and killed Deighabron-- a Red Daggertail belonging to Liam Mairi, saving Violet Sorrengail from impailment.

Soleil and Fuilinstrogh were killed in action by suprise attack.

In action Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson took out two Gryphons as well as rider. Violet was then impailed by poisoned dagger (awaiting condition updates), and incapacitated.

Eya Wrenwrought, Imogen Cardulo and Bodhi Durran fought the remaining Gryphons.

-INCIDENT END-

Injuries sustained:

Bodhi Durran: Broken Arm

Garrick Tavis: Six Inch Cut from Temple to Jaw

Eya Wrenwrought: Twisted Ankle

Violet Sorrengail: Stab Wound (poison)

Imogen Cardulo: Several Fleshed and Treated Knife wounds, (unpoisoned)

Liam Mairi: Deceased

Soleil Telery: Deceased

I don't bother to read the rest of the report. I throw it aside and ravage through Imogen and Eya's letters. All I can focus on is that he died for Violet, saved her, and she still got stabbed and might even die. He died for fucking nothing.

My heart pounds in my chest as I rip at a rouge peice of paper. Tears fall down my cheeks, and make my face sticky with grief.

When Helena walks in, towel wrapped around her head, I'm hugging myself, looking at my sheets instead of the letters. Her face drops as she sits next to me, an arm wrapped lightly around my shoulder as she consoles quietly.

When I think I've cried out every tear that ever existed in my body. Helena asks me quietly what's wrong.

"H-he's gone." I whimper out, my voice breaking.

"Fuck," I hear from another voice, I glance up. Fynn stands there, against my bedpost, and his hair is slicked back with sweat.

"Liam?" Helena asks quietly and Fynn and I nod simultaneously. A gasp escapes her mouth, and she tries not to shudder.

When Emek sticks his head in through door, Fynn shakes his head and waves him out.

"I'm sorry Sloane." Fynn whispers, but I begin to shut everything out. I haven't done this since- since I watched my mother be incinerated- six years ago.

My heart sits in the bottom of my stomach, and I find myself shrugging away from Helena's touch.

When others walk in, they sit adjacent to the bed, or like Fynn; against the bedpost. They ask hushed questions, "What happened?", "Why is Sloane-", "Is she going-". I shut my eyes closed, and just scream.

The room quiets. Nobody speaks. No one moves, then quietly, a hand clasps my shoulder. "Out." He whispers.

I don't bother looking up at Emek, I know it's him. Everyone leaves, and I slowly collapse in on myself, crying again. He shushes quietly, sitting down on the bed, running his fingers through my hair.

His hand passes in front of my vision, and he picks up a letter. He let's out a breath, and sets it down, no doubt reading what Eya had wrote.

Dear Sloane,

We lost Liam two days ago.

We were in a battle at Resson.

I'm not going to sugarcoat this, you know that's not my thing, and I guarantee you've read Xaden's letter.

You know what took him out. We tried, I couldn't get there in time. I will see you at Parapet. I'll be on the other side, you know I will be.

Just remember: You are strong, and you will get through this, you have gotten through worse, and you are amazing.

I love you kid.

-Eya Wrenwrought, Second Wing, Claw Section, Second Squad.

Emek takes my hand, "I know." I shake my head, a few tears falling.

"Y-you don't." I whisper, even though I know his older sister fell at Gauntlet two years ago. "Emma fell at Gauntlet. Liam was eviscerated with his fucking dragon. Emma died before her threshing. Liam did not."

Emek sighs. "Mom died by Venin, if you remember." He says, not trying to guilt-trip me, but informing. Pain flares in the back of my mind, a headache swirling. I fall back on Emek, and he catches me.

"I- I'm sorry." I let out.

"Don't be, we all know the sacrifices that are made."

And I know, from all experiences, it never gets better.

"I'm sorry Sloane."

[garricks4thwingqueen]

Does it have to be Lucifer? Bodhi Durran X Reader

Prompt: Empyrean Spooktober prompt number 16: Black cat. 

Synopsis: Takes place during Reader's and Bodhi’s second year at Basgiath (Violet's first year). Reader is a Mairi and the oldest Mairi sibling with an established relationship with Bodhi Durran. This is just a quick fun little halloween time blurb! 

Word Count 1029

       

 Y/N POV 

  It seemed as of late that you and Bodhi were doing the most supply runs to the gryphon riders. In part you knew it was secretly because Bodhi enjoyed spending that extra time with you. And honestly you enjoyed it too. It . was almost an escape from Basgiath and all the crazy that was currently going on at the moment. You both would often take the longer route back to the college just to have that quiet time together even though you were in flight and even though most of the time your dragon would complain about the extra distance. 

   Your dragon you’re supposed to love to fly. You chidded back at Saph your blue daggertail after her latest complaint with Bodhi deciding to take the route that was an extra hour longer than the other two. I’m tired. She huffed at you. Well if you and your mate didn’t stay up all night last night when you knew Bodhi and I had a run you wouldn’t be tired.  I said to her playfully with a playful glance towards bodhi and Cuir. We are basically there so stop your complaining. 

   You and Bodhi both dismounted your dragons as soon as they landed in the flight field. “Mated dragons.” Bodhi huffed as you and Bodhi watched Cuir and Saph playfully fly away in the sky. “Yeah mated dragons but I wouldn’t have it any other way Boh.” You said wrapping your arms around his waist. Bodhi chuckled softly and placed a kiss on your forehead. “Yeah I wouldn’t have it any other way either Y/N.” He said playfully.

   “Sssh.” You chidded him. “What?” He asked. “That!” “That what Y/N? You need to be a little bit more specific my love.”  “That meow! Did you hear it?” “Meow?” Bodhi asked as he started to look around towards the tree line of the flight field as he didn’t see any cat in plain sight and you could tell he was about to start thinking you were crazy. “Yes meow!” You said again a little bit more frantically worrying that the feline might be charred to death by a not so friendly dragon if you couldn't find it. 

  You started to walk towards the tree line hearing protests coming from Bodhi from behind you. “Y/N, it’s getting dark its late we should-” “Hush.” You said to him even though you could hear his footsteps behind you from the soft crunch of the autumn leaves and the ground that was already starting to frost. “It has to be here somewhere. We can’t leave it out here.” You said already looking within the first few feet of the tree line. “Y/N, we can’t we live at a war college-” He started to protest but you could hear his protests stop as soon as you said “There you are you scared little thing, How did a kitten your size end up near the big scary flight field all by yourself?” 

                                                    Bodhi’s POV 

   The sound of your voice started to pull at Bodhi’s heart strings when you talked to the small cat. “Y/N we can’t.” I said watching her step out of the tree line with the small bundle tucked under her flight jacket, “No one will know Boh, We can keep him in our room and with the sound wards no one well suspect a damn thing.” He sighed knowing that he was in defeat. Plus it was going to be winter soon and Bodhi was definitely not a cold hearted rider to leave a little kitten to freeze to death. Well that was until he noticed the kitten's color when you took him out of your flight jacket to give the kitten a good once over. 

   “We shall call you Lucifer.” Bodhi heard you say softly as you named the bad luck charm. “Babe, we can't know way we are bringing a black cat into the dorms.” He started to say frantically. “Oh my god Bodhi Durran, don't tell me you're afraid of a little black kitten.” Bodhi sighed as he heard the damned thing meow after his girl finished teasing him. “I- ugh their bad luck.” He stuttered. “Bodhi.” 

  God he hated when you said his name like that, especially when it was through a fit of giggles. He was about to fucking cave and let his girl keep a black cat that she wanted to name Lucifer of all things that she happened to find all alone in the tree line of the flight. “Bodhi Durran it’s just a baby and its a stupid myth. A cat can’t be bad luck. Can we keep him pleaseeeee? Plus his probably starving poor little guy.” She said tucking him back into her flight jacket with nothing showing of the animal besides his little head popping out. “Fine. But can we call him anything but Lucifer?” “Yeah!” Bodhi giggled as the love of his life squealed happily. “And no Lucifer is prefect!” “Ugh fine.” He groaned but scratched between the things little ears as they started walking back to the dorms. 

                                                         Y/N POV You're lucky you found that little fur ball. Saph said between the bonds, and you could tell she said it to Bodhi as he looked at you. Why? It would have been the perfect snack. She said and you honestly couldn't tell if she was joking or not as Cuir’s chuckle filled both yours and Bodhi’s mind.  Yeah, he wouldn't have even been a snack for the both of us. Cuir said still through his chuckles. Oh my god you are both awful dragons. You said slamming your mental shield up. “They were joking right Boh?” You asked, holding the little kitten tightly as Bodhi unlocked the bedroom door on the second floor of the dorms. “I honestly don’t know babe. But yeah, I’m glad we found the little thing before he became a dragon snack.” Bodhi said with a smirk as you hit his shoulder playfully.  But you yourself were indeed glad you found the little full ball before Lucifer was in fact a dragon snack; but now he was safe in yours and Bodhi’s dorm.