#maybe Alice from Alice in Madness returns??

[history-of-art-scholar]

I am not very good at this ahahah.

The one next to me is Viktor, from Arcane. I liked him also before when he was just a character in League. I relate to him because he’s disabled, he has physical disability while mine is mental (idk if it’s right adjective), and also because he’s very obviously Slavic (like come on that accent). There’s also the part about being a researcher, that’s like part of me life.

(Btw I like and relate to most of the characters in Arcane but I think only Ekko was right, obv).

Thanks for tagging me as always!

I shall tag @bunnymoon-phase (if you want)

New tag game! Use this picrew to make yourself, and your current blorbo

(Mine is Maude Flanders, surprise surprise)

No reassure tags @krispyy-lotol @ablatheringblatherskite @justarandombrit @or-not-2b---i-dont-know @spaghettiwithnachos13 @excusemewotdidyousaytome @literary-lesbian @ginevralinton @nocturnal-cryptid @spineless-lobster @sitdownfeargalyounerd @ticcywhaleshark @ineffablelunatic @blue-eyed-giant and anyone else who would like to :)

[victorluvsalice]

Valicer Multiamory Month, Day Twenty-Eight: Magic (Valicer In The Dark AU)

The end of Multiamory March (as made by @polyamships) creeps ever closer, and today's prompt is a simple but fun one: "magic!" I have a number of AUs where magical things happen, so filling this one? Not a problem. :p Now, one might have expected that I'd do something for the All The Fairy Tales AU for this one, or perhaps the Medieval Fantasy AU, or maybe even the Valicer Forgotten Vows AU --

But when it came time to figure out something for this prompt, the first thing that actually came to mind was my beloved Valicer In The Dark AU. Which does indeed have magic in it -- just, uh, magic you don't want to mess with too much. Which led to me thinking about what the trio would have learned about magic, growing up in Duskwall -- and what Alice and Smiler might think about Victor getting into it once he embraces being a Whisper. And so the story below was born! I hope you enjoy. :)

--

Magic was dangerous.

That was a fact of life one learned early on, living in Duskwall. Magic, and anything related to it, was dangerous. The old tongue of sorcery was the domain of demons now, who used it to torment all who opposed them – from freezing them in storms of ice, to drowning them in massive waves, to burning them with whips of fire. And rituals? Well, you never knew what mysterious, otherworldly force would consent to lend you a bit of its power – or for what purpose. The city was full of stories featuring those who had dabbled in what they didn’t understand, and ended up paying a terrible price. Who had discovered that the power they so eagerly sought was also their inevitable downfall. Magic was dangerous, and thus best avoided.

Alice and Smiler had known that too – they’d grown up hearing all the stories, all the warnings, after all. And for the most part, they’d followed said warnings – Alice had confined her interest in the fantastical to her imagination, where magic could run wild without hurting anyone, while Smiler had channeled their desire to accomplish incredible things into alchemy, which often ran up against the side of magic, but never quite crossed over. Even after Alice suffered the death of her family and ten years in Rutledge Asylum, and Smiler finally ran away from home and was cheerfully swallowed up by the Advocates, neither of them were tempted much by the mystical.

And then they met Victor. Who – after some initial reluctance – wholeheartedly embraced life as a Whisper. Who poured through ancient volumes of spellcraft and sorcery, studying distressingly complex diagrams and practicing words no human tongue should be able to form. Who asked his ghostly mentor what rituals he knew, and how best to perform them. Who eventually came up with his own spells, designed to translate any language or ward them against spectral attacks or even drag them all temporarily into the ghost field. All the sort of terrifying, dangerous activities that any sensible person would want to avoid.

But – well. One could accuse Alice and Smiler of being a lot of things, but “sensible” was not usually one of them. And things Victor did – first, they were genuinely incredible feats of arcane power. Second, he always tried to be as safe as possible, and only use them for the whole crew’s benefit. And third – whenever he spoke a word that brought lightning arcing down from the sky, or drew a symbol that lit up a ghostly map of the city, Alice and Smiler would see the joy on his face –

And think, how could they deny the man they loved such pleasure?

[cece693]

Can you do jasper hale x top male reader

Bratty (Jasper Hale x Top M! Reader)

Thanks for the request. Since it didn't have anything other than a top male reader, I took creative liberties and made Jasper a bratty king :) I didn't feel like writing smut, so apologies in advance, but some elements show reader being the dominant of the relationship :)

tags: bratty jasper, no smut but mentions of it, reader is pissed off

It had otherwise been a normal day—well, at least by vampire standards. You were outside, feeding on some wildlife, a young buck that had the misfortune of crossing your path while Jasper was inside the school. He’d been distant lately, opting to spend time away from you. Normally, this would’ve been fine; you weren’t exactly the clingy type. But lately, he’d been acting strange. Concerning, even. Jasper was usually stoic, his cold demeanor softening only when he was with you. Yet, these last few days, he’d been unusually…smiley.

Even the humans had noticed his sudden change in attitude, daring to encroach on what was rightfully yours. And worst of all? He let them. Hell, he smiled at them. It was as if he were inviting their attention, practically basking in it. He even started letting Alice pick out his clothes, something he never cared about before. It was like overnight, Jasper had turned into someone you barely recognized.

You had tried to brush it off, to ignore the gnawing feeling of jealousy and worry that clawed at you. But today, it got too much. Seeing him flash that grin at some brainless mortal girl in the hall had sent you over the edge. In a fit of rage, you stormed out of school, needing to get as far away as possible before you did something regrettable.

This brings you to the present moment: draining the blood of the unfortunate buck, trying to drown out your frustration with the taste of copper on your tongue. You didn’t expect Jasper to appear behind you, casually leaning against a tree, his lips curled into that smug smile that drove you mad.

"You stormed out in quite a hurry," he drawled, arms crossed as if he hadn’t just ignored you for days. "Jealous, are we?"

You wiped the blood from your mouth, narrowing your eyes at him. "What do you think?" you snapped, not in the mood for his playful tone.

Jasper shrugged, unbothered. "I think you’ve been overreacting. Alice said the same thing."

"Oh, Alice said that? Well, that just makes everything better," you shot back, sarcasm thick. "You’ve been acting like I don’t even exist, Jasper. Smiling at humans? Letting them flirt with you? Do you enjoy watching me lose my mind?"

He smirked, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement. "It’s kind of cute, actually."

You glared at him, fists clenching. "Cute? You think this is a game?"

His grin only widened, and he stepped closer. "Maybe. Or maybe I just like seeing how far I can push you before you snap."

For a moment, all you could do was stare at him, your emotions a chaotic mess of anger, jealousy, and possessiveness. Jasper had always been difficult, but this was new. You weren’t sure if you wanted to strangle him or kiss him senselessly.

"Fine," you said, your voice dangerously calm. "If you want to parade yourself around, don’t let me stop you."

Jasper’s smirk wavered, just for a moment, a flicker of something like surprise crossing his face. But it quickly vanished, and the smirk returned in full force. He nodded, his eyes gleaming with a self-assured smile. "Good. I knew you’d see it my way."

Without another word, you turned on your heel and walked away, not bothering to look back. You could feel Jasper’s eyes on you, but you didn’t slow down. Back at school, you entered the cafeteria and deliberately avoided the table where your family sat, heading straight for Bella and her friends instead. "Hello." You greeted politely, "mind if I sit here?"

"No!" Rebecca quickly exclaimed, pulling out the chair beside her. It was entertaining watching her try to impress you—Rebecca was beautiful in an obvious way, blonde with striking green eyes, and her slight resemblance to Jasper made it almost too easy to flirt. Bella was confused by your sudden appearance, but looking behind her explained everything. The Cullens were still, but their shoulders shook in silent laughter, as Jasper evidently fumed in his seat. Eyes narrowed and lips drawn in a tight line as he watched you and Rebecca flirt.

"You know, I’ve always thought you had the most beautiful eyes." you said, flashing her a charming smile. The compliment made her blush, and she laughed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Your smile widened, hearing the obvious sound of wood breaking. You spent the remainder of lunch interacting with Rebecca, acting oblivious to the eyes burning a hole in your back. Wanting to push your beloved further (because he ignored you for days) when the bell rang, you offered Rebecca to walk her to class. An action that you solely reserved for Jasper. Well did.

By the time the school day ended, Jasper was furious. During the ride home, he made it a point of giving you the silent treatment, not even answering questions concerning you from your siblings. He didn't look at you, and you were sure he was also thinking badly of you, judging by Edward's soft chuckles.

Once you got home, you headed straight to your bedroom. Jasper followed, closing the door behind him with a little too much force. "What’s wrong, babe?"

Jasper’s eyes narrowed at your mocking tone, his arms defiantly crossed over his chest as he leaned back against the door. He looked at you like you’d just asked the stupidest question in the world, his lips curling into an irritated pout. "What’s wrong, babe?" he mimicked, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he threw your words back at you.

"Oh, I don’t know. Maybe it’s the fact that you spent lunch flirting with Rebecca like it was your new favorite pastime, calling her eyes beautiful and letting her practically crawl into your lap. Seriously? You looked like you were one second away from asking her to the prom."

"I'm pretty sure she's already going with Jason—"

“Not the point,” Jasper hissed, his frustration evident. “I never allowed them to touch me. I didn’t encourage them to twirl their goddamn hair and giggle every minute. And I sure as hell didn’t walk them to class.”

“What’s your problem, Jasper?” you shot back, your anger bubbling to the surface. “It’s not like this came out of nowhere! You were the one who started paying attention to those humans, letting them flirt with you even when I was right next to you. And don’t get me started on how you’ve ignored me these past days, opting to spend time with Alice or Emmett, of all people!”

“Oh, so now it’s my fault?! Me wanting to get my husband’s attention is a crime?!”

"That's the reason for your bratty attitude?!" you exclaimed, disbelief thick in your voice. “You thought acting like a complete jerk would somehow get me to notice you?”

Jasper shrugged, a pout forming on his lips. “What else was I supposed to do? You’ve been so distant! We haven’t had sex since last week! Do you know how long that is for me? I thought maybe if I made a scene, you’d realize you actually want me.”

You stared at him, your mouth slightly agape. “You could have just talked to me about it!”

“Talking hasn’t exactly worked out for me,” he snapped. “Every time I try to bring it up, you act like I’m being dramatic. Well, guess what? I am dramatic! I’m a vampire, and I have needs!”

Despite your irritation, you felt the heat of your anger cooling, replaced by that familiar, annoying fondness you had for his childish antics. It was hard to stay mad when the root of his pettiness was so disarmingly sweet. “Admit it, Jasper. You were just being petty because you missed me.”

Jasper opened his mouth to retort, but before he could say another word, you grabbed him by the collar and pulled him into a fierce, searing kiss. His initial surprise melted into fervent eagerness, and he clung to you like you were the very blood he needed to survive. The tension between you dissipated—your fingers tangled in his golden hair as you deepened the kiss.

When you finally pulled away, you smiled down at Jasper—his eyes wide, pout replaced with an adoring smile that sent a rush of satisfaction through you. “If you want my attention,” you murmured, your voice low and teasing, “ask for it nicely, like a good boy.”

Jasper bit his lip, his cocky bravado entirely undone as he nodded, eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and submission. “Yes, sir. I’ll be good.” With that, you knew he’d be on his best behavior...for now.

[aemondapologistfrfr]

A Way Out

benji x targtower!fem!reader 

Summary: You’ve only wanted to be free with the wind for as long as you can remember. You know war is coming and you make an attempt to flee and seek the future you want. When it all comes crumbling down madness is the only thing left to comfort you. 

Warnings: 18+ vulgar language, wine, depression, panic and anxiety attacks, thoughts of wanting to die, mention of sex, pregnancy, birth, kidnapping, poison, mention of death, death/suicide(reader), alicent not being a mother, other targtower children appearances, slight timeline au but the dance is still there, mention of war 

Authors Note: a request from @chainsawsangel - the most angsty thing i’ve ever written! literally the main song in my head and that i played while writing this was Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want by The Smiths so idk !

Word Count: 8.7k  

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A Year Before

Over the years your mother and grandfather have slowly taken hold of the Iron Throne. You’ve watched the rapid decline of your fathers health and he’s been nothing more than a corpse these past couple of moons. Your eldest brother drowns himself in his cups day in and day out while the younger of your two brothers hones himself into a deadly weapon. Your only sister is so closed in on herself that you can barely hold a conversation with her. The only person you can turn to is your mother who should be offering you warm embraces but can seem to only muster a cold shoulder.

You try not to blame her for your poor upbringing and push it onto an unlucky draw from the Gods before entering this world. Many aren’t as lucky as you and your siblings and you try to remind yourself of this. You have never wanted for anything besides maybe love and a true family. The only living thing you feel a genuine connection with is your dragon. He is your only solace in times of distress and the feeling of the wind blowing through your hair causes you to dream of flying off, never to return. There is nothing for you in King's Landing, you’re only a daughter and not even the first. Some days you don’t even feel like a daughter but a painting to be stared at until they tire and walk away.

You weren’t a painting but a song on the wind. Something never to be grasped or locked away. You were made to free and soar on the breeze. The wind would sing back to you in its high pitched tone and promise you the escape you desired. You and your dragon fly higher into the clouds chasing the sound of freedom away from the city below. One day you promise to yourself and your dragon. One day we’ll leave this place for good. For now you settle for disappearing for a day or two in the depths of the Kingswood. 

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After drinking the last of your water you decide to relent and make your way back to the dragon pits. You coast above the city before your dragon walks you into his cave. Upon exiting the cold stone halls your mother is waiting for you with her hands folded and a frown etched on her face. 

“Let’s go.” she turns on her heel and you follow behind her to the carriage. She glares at you from across the enclosed space and pinches the bridge of her nose as the carriage comes to another stop. “Stay here.” she’s out of the carriage instantly and the door is snapped shut. You lean back into the seat and groan just wanting to be back in your chambers and alone. 

You start to loosen your riding gear wishing you could just put a night dress on and go to bed. You hear your mothers whispered shouts on the other side of the door before it’s being ripped open. You watch as your mother shoves a stumbling Aegon into the carriage before sealing herself in with you both. He takes the seat next to you and smells worse than he looks. Your mother looks over you both with disgust, mumbling under her breath. 

“The Gods must have been playing a cruel joke on me when they sent you both to me.” she shakes her head, grabbing her Star of the Seven necklace. “You disappear in your cups and whores and you,” she gives you a pointed look. “Disappear to Gods knows where.” she scoffs. 

“Do you wish for me to just sit in the castle until you marry me off?” you snap and Aegon chuckles from beside you. 

“And I sit and wait until you usurp the throne from Rhaenyra?” his throat sounding raw. 

“You two should be more grateful for all that is done for you. When we get back to the Keep you each will go straight to your chambers. I’ll hear no more.” she waves you both off off, turning her head to stare out the window. 

You’ll be grateful when you’re sealed away in your chambers alone. 

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11 Months Before

With the succession in question a war for the throne is inevitable. Ravens have been flying for weeks on end to secure secret alliances for the plotted usurpation. Many Lords and Lady’s have traveled to court to affirm these alliances and the Keep quickly becomes stifling. You can’t take the cramped halls and the constant feasts. You’ve had enough of the continuous parading about and the lunches and teas. Tonight is the night you leave. 

The bag on your shoulder should feel heavy but it feels light as the air itself. You’ve had this planned for some time now you smile as you make it out of the Keeps gates. You slip through the city streets and push off people who try to stop you. You sprint up the Hill of Rhaenys to the dragon pits not caring to look behind you at the life you’re leaving behind. 

The massive opening is dark as you slip in and wait for your eyes to adjust. You start in the familiar direction and rest your hands on the cool stones as you enter the caves. The familiar chuffs bring a smile to your face as you slowly enter the cave. He starts to uncurl and pushes his snout into you. You pat your hands down the length of him before climbing up and attaching your bag. You settle into the saddle and he takes you into the dark skies. 

The moon lights your path as he leads you both west. You lean down and hug against his neck feeling his mighty wing beats. You fly on the breeze for hours until the sun begins to rise and you land in a small forest. You unhook from the saddle and recline back feeling safest still atop your dragon in strange lands. 

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A week has gone by and you’re dangerously low on supplies. You have no idea where you are but you saw a town not too far off when you landed for the day. You pull your bag down from behind the saddle and start to change out of your riding gear. The nearby creek offers you a different hair color that will help you blend in. The mud feels foul in your hair but once it dries you just look like a commoner living on the streets. 

Holding your breath you wait at the edge of the tree line. You walk out and quickly make your way into the thrum of bodies down the main street. You stop at different stalls and pull coins out of your pocket trying to silently replenish your supplies. You move from vendor to vendor quickly trying to take as little time as possible so you can leave this town. Your bag is quickly filled and you turn on your heel to make an exit until a hand is wrapped around your wrist. 

“I make it my business to know all of the people who carry gold coins in my town. You, I’ve never seen before. Who might you be under all of this mud?” you look up at the man looking down at you with dark eyes. You look him over searching for a house symbol or anything that will mark who he is. 

“Let’s just take her back to the castle. Question her.” his company says. You look over this man and see the symbol of the Blackwoods. You know not all of the River Lords swore obeisance to your mother and grandfather but can’t remember if the Blackwoods were allies or not. 

The grip on your arm is sure to leave a bruise as you're pulled through the streets to the castle in the center of the city. Whispers and nods of ‘My Lord’ follow in your wake through the halls. Surely this man isn’t Lord Benjicot he can’t be a day over five and twenty. You study him and he pulls you through a large wooden door. It looks to be his council chambers but before you can look around you’re pushed down into a seat. 

“I’m a generous host when I know who my guest is.” the man sits back in his chair and looks you over. 

“Who might my host be?” you ask softly and he tilts his head. 

“You’re in my town and you don’t even know who I am?” he chuckles. 

“In honesty I don’t even know the town I’m in. Not for certain. From my observations I’m assuming you’re Lord Benjicot?” he squints his eyes at you. 

“Your speech is too fine and your pockets are too deep to be a commoner.” your heart starts to beat faster. “There’s been rumors of a dragon flying about at night and I’m wondering if you would know anything about that, as a traveler of course.” he tilts his head studying you. 

“I have seen no such thing, my Lord.” you shake your head quickly. 

“No? They say a Targaryen Princess is on the run. The Queen will pay well for any information.” your leg starts to shake. “Where do you come from?” he looks to his men and nods them out of the room leaving you both alone. Your chest starts to tighten not knowing what’s about to happen. 

“I’m from everywhere.” your words hushed. 

“Why would a Princess be on the run?” you watch as he rises and pours two glasses of wine. “And why is she all the way at Raventree Hall?” he sets a glass in front of you and takes his seat once more. 

“I don’t know why a Princess would be on the run, my Lord.” you nibble your lip hoping that your denial will work. “If you’re truly housing the Princess I would keep your voice down or alert the Queen at once. These are trying times.” you keep your words hushed and avoid his eye contact. 

“No matter how much mud you put in your hair it can’t dull the lilac of your eyes, Princess.” he sighs, taking a sip. 

“Please,” the word barely audible. “I can’t go back. Please.” your eyes finally meet his and you see the sadness in them.

“Why are you running?” he nods prompting you to talk.

“I want to live a different life.” you scrunch your brows. “I don’t like being a Princess. I think if we lived other lives I must’ve not been very good in them.” you look at him with a half smile. “This life feels like a punishment.” he frowns at your words. “I’m looking for a way out. I can give you all my coin. Anything. Please just don’t sell me back to them.” you wipe away a wayward tear quickly and huff as you spot the look of pity on his face. 

“What kind of Lord would I be if I denied a Princess refuge in her most desperate hour.” he jests but he doesn’t know how true his statement is. “You can stay for as long as you need. Unbeknownst to anybody.” he nods his head. “Should a dragon come at night, we have feed for him.” he offers you the start of a smile. 

“What is your price?” you squint at him not understanding why he would agree to help you. You’ve never known a kind hand to come without a price.

“No price. It is my duty and honor to house you, Princess.” his face starts to soften.  

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10 Months Before 

It’s been just over one month since you’ve settled into Raventree Hall. Lord Benjicot, or Benji as he requests, has stayed true to his word. No Kingsmen have been through here and you’ve remained unfound. You dye your hair once every fortnight and keep to yourself. Your dragon is content enough to coast above the trees and indulge on the meat you bring him. 

Even with time and distance from the Keep you still feel suffocated and watched by it. You feel lost and alone most days but you have no desire to go home. Benji has never made you feel like you must work to earn your keep here but you’ve become stagnant. You don’t feel like you belong here. The people are kind but they don’t truly know you. You’re constantly looking over your shoulder and you dislike dying your hair so often. You miss your silver hair and fine gowns. You want for a home and a family you’ve never had but at least you didn’t feel so utterly alone. 

“How has my home been treating you, Princess?” Benji looks across the dining table at you. He sees the frown sculpted onto your face day in and day out. 

“Very well. Thank you.” you nod and turn all your attention to your plate. You both share three meals a day and he never has anyone else at the table. You can’t help but feel like a burden. Surely you’ve over extended your welcome but he’s too kind to tell you to leave. Gods what if he tells someone where you are. “Though I think it’s time for me to leave.” you set your fork down and he looks at you stunned. 

“As in you wish to retire to your chambers for the night?” he sits up and studies you more intensely. Had something happened that you didn’t tell him about? 

“No, I think,” you nod your head, steeling yourself. “I think I need to go somewhere else. I don’t fit in here. I need something else. I need the wind, I need freedom. I feel stuck and lost.” you can’t help the words that continue to flow out of your mouth and he turns to you listening to everything you have to say. “I don’t belong here. Maybe Essos will call to me. I just need to not be here. Or anywhere.” you look up to him with tear stained cheeks and his heart stops. 

He can tell you’ve been reluctant to open up to him but he can’t very well just let you leave out on your own. Benji decides right then he’ll go anywhere with you. To protect you. To care for you. To listen to you. To be anything you need him to be. He cannot bear the thought of you out there on your own.

“Then I offer you my sword, Princess. Wield me as you need. Allow me to make your journey less dangerous. Take me where you please. I’m yours to command.” your brows scrunch as you wipe away your tears. 

“No.” you shake your head. “I cannot ask that of you. You’re a Lord and have duties and land to attend to.” you don’t even allow yourself to think of the idea of having him travel with you. 

“Is it not my duty as a Lord to assist the royal family in any capacity I can?” he grabs his fork and begins to eat again. “It is not my desire to send you to your death on the road.” you watch his jaw flex. 

“If you come with me, you know we will never be able to come back.” his eyes lock to yours as he nods. “It may even mean your death.” he sets his fork back down and looks at you unyielding. 

“Give me at least a moon to make silent preparations and we’ll leave it all.” he sips his wine. 

“And if my dragon won’t allow you to ride with us?” you sit back in your chair watching him. 

“Then I shall follow you both from the ground. By horse or foot, I care not.” he shrugs. 

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9 Months Before 

You sit across from Benji as he looks over the map on his desk. You two have been trying to find a route that will offer ample coverage for your dragon during the day. You both have gone back and forth about whether to risk going through the Vale and decided it’ll be the quickest. Your only reservation is that it’s so close to Dragonstone but you have plans to travel by night and take extra precautions. 

“We can leave when you want.” Benji looks at you and your eyes snap to him. 

“You’re positive you want to come with?” you still can’t wrap your head around the idea that he genuinely wants to come with. 

“I am.” he nods and rolls the map up and pushes it away from him. 

“Why?” you chew your lip. “Why do you want to come with me?” you start to pick at your nails. “Why do you want to throw your life away for a sad Princess?” your chest tightens and you beg the tears not to come. 

“You’re not the only one who wants to run from something.” his eyes hold the desperation you know all too well. “I don’t see it as throwing my life away. It’s not my desire to see you leave, no matter how selfish that sounds but I know this is no place for you. I,” he shakes his head at battle with himself whether to speak it. “I care for you deeply. More than I should but I would never do anything to cause you harm or displeasure.” his confession settles into your empty heart. He cares for you. 

“I wish to leave tonight, Benji.” you stare at each other in silent agreement and he nods. “I will start packing.” you get up and start to the door and pause. “I care for you too.” the soft confession has Benji staring blankly at the door that softly clicks shut behind you. 

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The first week of travel has gone so smoothly and your mind has finally begun to settle. This time on the road you have more than enough supplies and Benji to hunt for you both. The first night when he said you two had to share a tent you blushed profusely and made him make a wall of supplies between the two of you until the chill of the night came. Every night, still with the same blush on your face much to your horror, he waits for you in the makeshift bed with open arms for you to curl into. 

Slowly you’ve started to open up and relax more. Benji has been able to break down your walls and he’s never been more in love with a sound than your laughter. When he wakes up in the early morning to prepare you breakfast he takes the first couple minutes to himself to watch your soft smile as you sleep. He loves when he turns from the fire to be blinded by your silver hair in the sun as you stretch with pink cheeks. At night he relishes how you fight off sleep to talk to him about all of your dreams for the future and your lives once you get to Essos. 

It all started so innocently you just wanted to kiss him. Just once. He didn’t tease you when you told him he was your first kiss he just asked if you would like to be kissed again. After the second kiss it was as if the invisible wall between you two lifted and you became one. When you were with him you felt as if this was the home you were looking for. He was kind and had patience with you and would worship you until you fell asleep. 

The following weeks were some of the happiest times in your life. The days felt never ending and the nights were warm thanks to Benji. You both decided to slow your travel and move at a more leisurely pace as you make your way across the land. Your dragon hunts at night under the shadow of darkness and you begin to feel at ease. Within the next couple of days you both will reach the Vale and begin the last part of your journey in Westeros. 

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8 Months Before 

The Vale’s forests are more dense than either of you two anticipated. It's taken the three of you longer than anticipated but the road has been easy. Your dragon is content to live off of the land and fly in the open skies above the both of you. As of late you’ve been traveling closer to dawn than normal in hopes of being able to reach the coast quicker. 

“By tomorrow we should be in Bravos.” his words are something you’ve been waiting to hear. Your heart is close to bursting. Your freedom is hours away. Once the sun slips under the horizon again you both can make your last flight over Westeros and leave.

“You still want to come with me?” you offer him leave every night. “I wouldn’t blame you if you just told everyone I’m crazy and forced you to take me to the coast.” you nibble your lip with a soft smile.

“I would be the crazy one to leave you here and now.” your smile widens at his words. “I’ve left everything behind for you and I would make that decision again and again.” he grabs your hands. “Whenever we settle in Essos, marry me.” your heart stops. 

“You don’t mean that.” you shake your head.

“I do.” he nods his head with a smile. “Marry me.” he searches your eyes. 

“I will.” you press your lips to his. You pull him into the tent when you hear distant thunder and tangle together in the bed before drifting off for the day.

                                         ᓚᘏᗢ

You start to stir as you hear shuffling around outside. You smile that Benji is up and packing. By tomorrow you both will be in Bravos and planning your next move. You open your eyes and your heart feels as if it’s being ripped out of you as you open your eyes. It wasn’t thunder. How could you be so stupid? So hopeful?

“Please.” the word barely audible as Aemond looks down on you with disgust. “Please let me leave. Brother, please.” you stand clutching the blanket. “I’ll fly to Essos and you’ll never see me again. Please.” you beg as the tears stream down your face. 

“Get dressed and get up.” his eye looks you up and down. “Mother has been waiting for you to come home.” he looks over at a waking Benji before he scoffs and leaves the tent. You grab your dress as you hiccup back a sob.

“What is going on?” he’s sitting up instantly. 

“Aemond is here.” you shake your head. “I knew we shouldn’t have gone through the Vale. Then we lingered here for so long.” you curse yourself for letting yourself get so absentminded. “I can’t go back. Kill me. Please, Benji please. Use your dagger. Anything. Please.” you look around frantically for his blade. Your brother will surely tell your mother of the state he found you in and she won’t take lightly to it.

“I will do no such thing.” he grabs your wrists. “Look at me.” he watches your ragged breathing and eyes scanning around the tent. “We will get dressed and we’ll go together. I’m not leaving you.” you nod your head, unable to stop the constant stream of tears. After hastily dressing he grabs your hand and leads you out of the tent. You are greeted by Aemond, who is there waiting with members of the Kingsguard. 

“Seize him.” Aemond tilts his head at Benji and the guards are pulling him away the next moment. 

“Aemond please.” you plead. “Don’t kill him. Please.” you run to your brother grabbing his arms. “Please.” you sob and he grabs your face. 

“It is not my decision. The council will decide his fate on our return.” you watch as they throw Benji into a covered wagon and start hauling him through the forest. “You’ll ride with me.” he grabs your arm and drags you over to Vhagar. 

                                         ᓚᘏᗢ

You’ve been locked in your chambers for hours. You pace around waiting for your mother to show up. You have no idea what has become of Benji and it’s making you sick. You need air, you need to see Benji. The doors of your chambers open to reveal your mother before they are shut again. 

“You’ve been gone for months and Aemond finds you naked in a tent with a man? In the Vale? And we find out he’s a Blackwood? Gods.” she looks you over with the same disgust you saw in Aemonds eye. “You’ve been sullied no doubt.” your chest tightens as she continues with her ridicule. 

“I love him.” your voice breaks. “We are going to get married.” she chuckles at you. 

“Mm of course.” she rolls her eyes. “You had better hope the moon tea will still work.” you back away from her. 

“I won’t drink it.” you rest your hands on your stomach. “ And if you kill Benji you kill me too. I won’t live. Mother please.” her eyes start to soften as you start to plead. “Please let him stay here with me. Please.” she smooths your hair back and pulls you into her embrace. 

“Why him? I could have found you a nice husband.” she searches your eyes. 

“I want to marry Benji.” she sighs and looks down at you with a frown. “I’ll run away again.” you shake your head pulling away from her. “I’ll take my life. I won’t stay here alone anymore. I can’t. I won’t.” you start to cry again.

“I will see what I can do.” she sighs and leaves you alone in your chambers once more. 

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6 Months Before

In the two months since your arrival back in Kings Landing much had changed. Your mother had allowed Benji to serve as a guard in the castle. She had known not to test your bluff about taking your own life. He was assigned to a night post on the opposite side of the Keep and it was almost impossible to see him. When you got a glimpse of each other in the halls it made everything worth it and the meals you both would indulge in once every fortnight were the only things you were hold on to. 

By the end of your first month back the maester was able to confirm your pregnancy. He urged you to tell your mother and you outright refused. He warrily agreed not to tell the Queen but you both knew it was only a matter of time. When you told Benji the news he cried and held you tightly and promised to take you away. Hours after he whisked you down the halls but as you turned the last corner a handful of guards stopped you both. After that night you have had at least three guards surrounding you at all times when you are outside of your chambers.

You’re not allowed out of your chambers often and most times are when you need to speak with your mother or for family meals. You haven’t seen your father in ages and rumors spread of his rapid decline. Your mother and grandfather have almost complete control of the throne it seems and everyone is holding their breath to see what happens next. The Keep feels colder than it has in years.

You quickly make your way to your mothers chambers to make your final plea of the day when you round the corner and run into Aegon. You take in his flushed cheeks and watery eyes and can tell he just came from where you’re headed. You notice too late he has one hand on your side and the other on your stomach from helping to steady you. Your spine stiffens as you stand up straighter.

“Does mother know?” he searches your eyes, removing his hands from you. 

“No. Please don’t tell her, Aegon. Please.” you plead in a hushed tone.

“You’re almost as much of a disappointment as I am.” he chuckles. “She’ll find out soon enough.” he shakes his head at you.

“But please not by your mouth, brother.” you grab his hand and he nods at you once.

“Well beware,” he nods his head towards our mothers chambers. “She’s in quite the mood.” he shrugs and continues down the hall. 

You pray to the Gods he keeps his mouth shut before you continue on your course to your mothers chambers. You knock quickly on her door and she sighs when she opens the door and sees you. She lets you in and you take a seat on the couch in her solar. 

“What is it?” she takes a seat in the chair across from you. She looks less than pleased to see you and you shrink in her presence.

“Please let me see Benji.” she shuts her eyes at your words and groans.

“Gods I’ve had enough of this. Enough of you and this River Lord. Enough of your brother sullying his name in the streets. I’ve had enough.” she shakes her head and stands up. “If I hear another word about him this week he will no longer be seen by anyone.” your heart drops at her words.

“I-

“No.” she waves you off reclining in her chair. “Leave. Go back to your chambers.” she closes her eyes in dismissal and you rise with a hot face and wet eyes. 

You sprint out of her chambers and down the hall until you’re alone and curled on your bed. You hold the blanket tightly and let out soft sobs so you don’t alert your guards. The door starts to open and you sit up quickly but when you look at the door it’s still shut. You look around your chambers and gasp with a smile as Benji is standing in a doorway in the wall. You stand up and he walks over to you engulfing you in a hug. 

“How? What is this?” you mumble into his chest as you look at the doorway in the wall. 

“Someone sent me to bring you this.” he holds out a ripped piece of parchment and you look at it with scrunched brows.

i wont tell mother

congrats  

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4 Months Before

The maester has kept his word of keeping quiet about your pregnancy and he suspects that you’ll be on the birthing bed in three months. Your handmaidens have proved their loyalty everyday by keeping you draped in large gowns and extra fabric to help conceal your bump. You’re terrified but so excited to bring such a pure light into this world. You know you have to tell your mother soon and you’re dreading her reaction. Benji has been such a solid force for you to lean on and you’re thankful for Aegon showing him the tunnels.

The tunnels have offered you and Benji everything the past two months. He has been staying with you every night and sometimes you pretend you’re both still in the small tent in the forest. You both secretly plan a better life for your child and hide away coin. You both decided to wait until after the babe comes in hopes of easier travel. Lately tensions around the Keep have been rising and it has you on edge.

“What if we just left now anyways. This babe will change everything. I think we should leave.” you grab his hands and look at him with pleading eyes. 

“You are in no condition to travel. We don’t have a destination set. We can wait. It’ll be okay.” he nods and wipes your tears away. “I promise.” you want so badly to trust him but you feel a sense of impending doom.

“I’m scared.” you hiccup back a sob. “Benji, I'm so scared.” he rests his hand on your bump. 

“It’ll be okay. I-“ your chamber doors open and your mother walks in. 

“What is this?” her face crumbles as she looks at you both and the hand on your swollen stomach. “How? You kept this from me?” her expression changes from anger to hurt and then a mix of the two. 

“Mother-

“How could you keep this from me?” she searches your face. “Go to your post, Benjicot.” she straightens her spine as she lifts her chin to him. He turns to you as you begin to cry. “If you do not leave now I will have guards come in and escort you out.” you stand in front of him and look to your mother.

“Please,” you sob. “Please, I love him, mother.” you hold onto his arm.

“Benjicot, leave now.” she raises her chin and stares at Benji. He pulls on his clothes while whispering promises that he will see you tonight. You follow him to the door crying the whole time. He squeezes your hand and slips out of your chambers.

“Mother, please.” you walk to her.

“Who knows?” she looks down her nose at you.

“No one.” you shake your head.

“Doubtful.” she scoffs. “Your handmaidens and at least one maester if you’re this far along. Gods I don’t even know what to do.” she lets out a bitter chuckle and looks up at the ceiling. “Why couldn’t you just have taken the moon tea? I let that pathetic River Lord stay here in exchange for you to drink it.” her eyes are filled with disdain.

“I would never have drank the tea.” you hold your bump protectively. “I love Benji and this child.” you look at her with watery eyes.

“You’re not even married.” she scoffs looking away. “My own daughter having a bastard.” she chuckles. Her harsh words are a shock to your senses.

“I don’t care.” you say exasperated. “Let us leave. Make up a story. I don’t care. I’m obviously not in the right condition for you to pawn me off for your throne so let us go. Please mother. Please we’ll disappear in Essos.” you know this is truly your final plea. Her knowing about your child is the tipping point. 

“No.” she shakes her head. “You’ll remain in your chambers for the remainder of this pregnancy.” your heart sinks as she leaves sealing shut the doors to your chambers with such finality that you feel it in your bones. 

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3 Months Before 

The past month has been absolute agony for you. Benji still manages to find you through the tunnels but only for fleeting moments. You are watched so carefully that you can barely even get out of bed without your handmaidens rushing in. If your mother hadn’t sequestered you to your chambers the maester would have by now from how sunken you’ve become the more swollen your stomach becomes.

You’ve never felt more alone in your entire life. You’ve taken to talking to yourself and the unborn child you carry. The babe has told you that it’s a boy. You tell him stories you remember hearing about Essos and about the wind. He whispers to you at all hours of the day of the childhood he envisions and how he wishes his father could be with you now. I wish he was here.

“I wish he was here too.” you whisper cradling your bump. “One day. One day we’ll all be a family.” the words barely a breath. 

Benji's PoV

Over the past month he’s watched you slowly lose yourself. He doesn’t understand how the Queen could do this to her own child. Someone so pure and sweet. When he enters your chambers for those minutes he holds so dear you look at him as if you don’t see him. Then when your eyes finally uncloud your face drops and you start crying and speaking High Valyrian. 

He wants to take you away from here but he doesn’t know if you’ll make it. You haven’t been yourself since your mother found out and he’s so terrified. He should’ve just gotten you on your dragon in the Vale and let them kill him. He was so selfish for wanting a life with you. 

He blames himself. He should’ve done more. He should’ve gotten you to safety and now you and his child are.. He doesn’t know. He clenches his fist as the tears fall down his cheeks. He wipes them away angrily before taking a deep breath and opening the secret door to your chambers. 

Your PoV

He’s here. The babe whispers into your mind and you smile holding your bump. You look down as if you can see through the layers straight to the babe within. You can’t wait for the day you get to bring him into this world. You hope Benji will be at your side. Gods you miss him. He’s here. 

“My Princess, please,” you know that broken voice. “See me, please.” you blink your eyes and you see Benji standing before you with a hand resting on your cheek. 

“You're here.” a sob racks through your body. “Stay. Stay, please.” you grab onto him and hold him closely. “You’re here.” you whisper into his neck.

“I’m here.” he doesn’t know what to say. He holds you closely and you cling to him. “I’m here. I’m sorry.” he can’t stop his own tears as he holds you closely. 

My father. The babe whispers with happiness. He’s here. You grab Benji's hand and bring it to your bump. You hold each other as the tears flow and he presses a kiss to your forehead before he rises. I don’t want him to leave. Your heart pangs. 

“I love you. I will try to see you again soon.” his smile broken and defeated.

“I love you.” you watch him open the door. “Stay.” you whisper as the door clicks shut behind him. 

“Princess, is everything okay?” a handmaiden opens up your main doors rushing to your side.

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2 Months Before  

You overheard the news from two of your handmaidens who have long thought your mind no longer works. Your father was dead. You weren’t sad at the news. He’s been dead for sometime now. You turn as your chamber doors open. Your mother walks into the room and looks you over. 

“Your father is dead. Aegon will be crowned tomorrow.” you look at her unblinking. “Benjicot is being sent to the wall. You will have this baby next month and you will be married to Lord Lannister shortly after.” you’ve been numb for some time now but her words slam into you.

“I won’t marry him.” you shake your head going to your couch. “We’re leaving.” you hum holding your bump. “Me, Benji, and our son.” you sit down on your chair. “Somewhere it’s always warm.” you offer her a soft smile. “We’re leaving after you join us.” you coo holding your stomach.

“He’s already on his way North.” she sighs, shaking her head. “He’s gone.” she starts walking towards the door. “Pull yourself together by the time Lord Jason comes to court. I won’t have you embarrass me.” the door thuds closed behind her.

He’s gone. He’s gone. You curl into the blankets on your bed as your handmaidens start to clean up your chambers. After lighting the hearth they leave tea on your table and leave you. You stare out the window feeling the tears fall down your cheeks. He’s gone. 

                                         ᓚᘏᗢ

Someone’s here. I don’t care. He’s sad. So am I. He’s crying. You peel your eyes open and Aegon's red eyes greet you as he lays next to you. 

“What has she done to you?” he searches your dead eyes. 

“What of you?” your voice raw as you see the telling indentations across his brow where the crown sat minutes ago. 

“I’ll try to do something.” he whispers and you offer him a tired smile.

“There's nothing to be done. She’s already sent him to the wall.” his watery eyes meet yours. “Besides you offered us so much when you showed Benji those tunnels. I never got to thank you for that.” you brush his hair back.

“I wish I could’ve given you more.” his eyebrows scrunch.

“You’ve given me enough.” you close your eyes and turn back over. You hear him leave and let the world go dark around you once again. We’re alone. We have each other. I miss him. I miss him too. I’ll be with you soon. 

Benji’s PoV

Benji wakes up chained to a wooden bench being carted down the Kings Road. He’s surrounded by common criminals and he tugs on his chains to see if they’re loose. He bangs his head against the wood and the man next to him chuckles. 

“Like we would be that lucky.” the man smirks. “We’re already lucky enough to be going to the wall instead of the gallows.” he shrugs, shutting his eyes.

Benji ignores him and begins to try and form a plan. Why are they sending him to the wall? You’re about to give birth and he won’t be there. Gods he doesn’t know what to do. He should’ve gotten you out. He has to believe he still has a chance to do so. 

He doesn’t know what to do. His heart starts to pump faster and his breathing becomes ragged. He’s being taken from you when you need him the most. He’s terrified of what they’ll do to you in his absence. He needs to get free. He needs to return to you and his child. He needs to.. He needs to.. He needs.. 

“What's wrong with you?” the man next to him mumbles as his vision goes black as he passes out from panic and anxiety.

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1 Month Before

It's time. The voice wakes you along with the immense pressure. You don’t call for anyone as another wave of pain washes through you when you sit up in the dark. You prop yourself up on the pillows and focus on your breathing. I get to meet you soon. A sharp pain tears through you. 

Your teeth dig into your lip as the pressure builds. Your fingers dig into your knees as you spread your legs and begin to push. I’m here. The voice soothes you as you continue in silent anguish. You’re almost there. A small cry comes from you as your son pushes out of you and onto the bed. You scoop him up and bring him to your body. 

He gives out a soft cry and nuzzles against your chest. You’re here. I’m here. You hold him alone in your chambers rocking him and having no care for the after birth or any of the mess and tending to you need. Your child was here. You weren’t alone. He’s here. I’m here. He’s here. I'm not alone.

“Princess.” your handmaidens gasp as they open your door. 

“Oh Gods.” 

“Get the Maester.” 

“Get the Queen.” hurried whispers float around your chambers as you continue to silently rock your son. 

“What’s happened?” your mother bursts into your chambers. “Gods.” she looks at you. “Clean her up.” she walks over and grabs the babe out of your arms. You try to reach for him but she’s out of your chambers and suddenly your son is gone. 

Where are you? I’m here. Where are you? My son. I’m here. Where are you? “Where are you? I’m here. Where are you? I’m here.” screams tear from your body. “Where are you? Where are you?” you call out over and over.

“Princess calm down.” your handmaidens look at you with concern. 

“Where are you?” the maester walks over to you with a cup and pours its contents down your throat. “I’m here. Please, I’m here. Where are..” 

I’m here. 

Please, where are you?

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1 Week Before

Where are you? 

You haven’t seen your son since you’ve given birth to him. The only people you see are your handmaidens and the maester who gives you sleeping drafts. You haven’t seen any of your siblings. Not even your mother. You have no one. No one is coming for you. You’re alone.

Where are you? 

You’re in the tunnels in the dead of night holding a candle stick. The stone bites into the soles of your feet as you climb higher making your way towards the maester’s tower. You softly push on the door and peek in seeing an empty room filled with glass vials and books. 

Where are you?

Your eyes scan over the small glass tubes quickly reading them over. You walk over to the cabinets and continue your search. It has to be in here. A comforting warmth washes over you as your eyes stop. 

Tears of Lys. 

There you are. 

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1 Day Before 

Your mother sits across from you for the first time since she took your son. She mentions nothing of him and instead tells you of your wedding tomorrow. Apparently Lord Jason is here and awaiting your company. You don’t speak or hold her eye contact. You stare at your nails as she continues to tell you what your life is to become. You wince as you dig into the skin around your nail and a droplet of blood appears.

You decide it has to be tonight. You have no idea what the state of the realm is in and have no desire to try and tread through it again. Especially now that you’re all alone. You call out to your son everyday but never get a response. They took your two great loves. You’re alone.

I’m sorry. I’m leaving. I can’t stay. 

Benji’s PoV

Tonight was the first night they didn’t chain him when he slept. After everyone was asleep and the man on the night watch turned he was gone. There’s a month of travel and a war between you both right now but he will do everything to get back to you and your child. He wishes he had a way to get a message to you but it’s impossible.

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1 Hour Before

You sit at a desk with a blank expression and a quivering hand. The ink splatters across the parchment and you scrunch it up and grab a new one. This one is stained with your tears. 

Benjicot and my boy-

I’m sorry. I promised you both freedom and songs of the wind. Instead I’ve ruined everything. 

I will be with you both again in the afterlife. 

-Your wife and your mother

You leave the parchment spread on the desk next to the countless others you attempted to write. Walking to the table that holds your wine feels as if you’re walking across the city. You hold onto the wine with a shaking hand and pour yourself a glass of wine. You pull the vial out of your pocket and empty the entirety of it into your glass of wine. You swirl the red liquid around and down the mixture. You set the glass and vial next to your letter and go lay back on the bed. 

You let out one last exhale before shutting your eyes and calling out one last time.

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Death 

Where are you?

I will remain here.

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2 Months After - Benji's PoV 

The one month journey turned into two because of the raging war. The road was hard but all he thought about was you and your child. Gods he misses you so much. He doesn’t know what is waiting for him in Kings Landing but whatever it is he’s taking you both to Essos and starting the life you planned those months ago. No waiting, no excuses. 

                                         ᓚᘏᗢ

Getting into Kings Landing was easier than Benji had thought. He snuck in through the docks and made his way into the Keep through the tunnels. He walked up to your chambers and listened for any sounds. You must be asleep. He opens the door and finds your chambers empty.

No, your chambers look abandoned. Left as they were never to be lived in again. He walks to your desk and sees the letter. The empty vial next to the empty glass. No. No. This isn’t real. No, he won’t accept this. 

“No.” he shakes his head reading it again. “No. Where is she?” he grabs the letter and slips back into the tunnels. Where are you? Where have they hidden you away? This isn’t real. Where are you? Benji’s heart races as he flies down the stairs.

He makes his way down the steps and into the crypts. He won’t believe it. It can’t be. He presses against the wall as he sees someone kneeling on the stone lighting a candle. He waits the couple minutes the woman whispers before she pads away. He continues down the hall and falls to his knees at the lit candles. No. No. His vision blurs as the tears fall.

“I’m sorry.” he chokes out. “I’m here. I’m sorry.” he looks at the date etched on the stone dating two months ago. He was far too late. “I’m sorry.” he grabs for his dagger. “I’m here. I’ll be with you soon.” he brings the tip of the blade to his heart. “I’m sorry.” he lets out a sob.

“Stop.” his head turns at the soft voice. “There’s someone who needs you.” he follows the stranger up the tunnel steps and into the back of the nursery. A small boy with black hair and violet eyes stares up at him. He’s here.

“My boy.” Benji picks him up. “Our son.” he starts to cry. He’s here. 

He turns to thank the stranger but they’re gone. He wraps his son up and packs a bag quickly and leaves out of the Keep through the tunnels. He races to the docks and shoves coin into a shipmate's hand and boards the boat, stowing himself and your son away in the underbelly. They’ll arrive in Essos by the end of the day. Your dream is coming true but you’re not here to see it. He holds your son tighter as his tears start once more. 

As the ship leaves the harbor there is a loud crack heard from the city followed by a roar. Benji looks up and sees your dragon flying above the Blackwater with a chain hanging from his neck. No other dragons come for your dragon and Benji thanks the Gods they were able to get away.

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4 Months After

Benji sits with his son in the countryside just outside of Volantis. Above your dragon soars on the wind. He’s followed the two of them across Essos and watches over their travel. Benji was worried the dragon would bring too much attention but no trouble has come of it. Your dragon only approached Benji once when they first landed to allow him to remove the chains but since then he keeps his distance. Your dragon seems to be waiting for your son to acknowledge the claim he has placed on him already.  

Benji is thankful for this last gift you’ve given them.

The sun is high and warm as the light breeze flows through the tall grass. 

Faintly, Benji swears he can hear your voice wind.

I’m here. 

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masterlist 🔌 

um i cried while writing this and while editing and while just thinking abt it xx 

pls take care of yourself bc i know this is a rough topic and there are people out there who care for you and who will answer when you call and there are resources out there if you need them!!

taglist ✍️

@clarityisnofun @gabriella-aesthetic @callsignwidow @llynx7 @violetiss3lfish @ka1afbr @akiko-oo @papichulo120627 @lizzylovebooks280501 @thatgirl101blog @1-fuzzy-squirrels @arya-brooke @ashovertheriver @zanygot7straykidsbonk @moonymoo1 @malfoycassimalfoy @april-notthemonth69 @anaviieiraaa @p45510n4f4shi0n @neocockthotology @thereaderwitch @hardkiddonut @faenyra @hiimava11 @daintylittlesunflower @primroseluna @fiction-fanfic-reader @povofjustme @multilover19 @alexxavicry @cedstars @fuckalrighty @mrsmunson-harrington @misspendragonsworld @nz2004 @ninihrtss

[visenyaism]

once again I'm back with another spitefully named great bastard oc!

her name is Alicent Hightower. her mother, Melissa, was a second cousin to the lord, and was very heavily involved in things with the Citadel. Melissa met Aegon and had a brief romance in an attempt to convince him to give her some books on dragonlore. and he was like "yeah sure" because he didn't care. and then Hand of the King Viserys grounded him for like a month when he found out.

Melissa realizes oop she's got a kid and immediately is like "okay we're trying weird blood magic" so she petitions Lord Hightower and the Hightowers fund a heist on Dragonstone, which steals a ton more books on dragonlore as well as a couple eggs. And then Alicent (named as such bc Hightower queen and Lord Hightower is starting to have Ideas) is basically raised on the scientific method. Okay, the dragon egg isn't hatching in the fire? let's try it with fire *and* blood! they're trying to reverse engineer Valyrian blood magic and Valyrian steel. the Maesters of the Higher Mysteries are absolutely loving this.

Eventually, the Hightowers send Alicent and a few junior Maesters off to do an internship with the alchemists in King's Landing, figuring that maybe wildfire would do the trick? Alicent has a lovely time submerging dragon eggs in wildfire. meanwhile, the official Master of Affair Math hears hightower, sees purple eyes, realizes "oh shit this potential arsonist could be a Targaryen" Aegon has a lovely lovely time scoping out his potential new daughter, and really likes that she's all-too willing to use her Maester training to make certain nobles very unpleasant. after the Master of Coin questions why there's always smoke coming from her window and subsequently spends a weekend with horrible diarrhea, Aegon recognizes her as his bastard. the Hightowers are overjoyed.

Alicent convinces Aegon to name her cousin as Hand of the King, via the method of "wouldn't it be funny?" She and her cousin Serenei have a lovely time in King's Landing. Once Serenei dies, Alicent takes over care of Shiera, to incredibly mixed results. Shiera likes her aunt-sister very much and learns everything she knows from Alicent, though Shiera is markedly more successful at magic. none of the other Great Bastards like her very much. she's older than most of them by at least a decade, is weird and goth, is a bit too enthused by blood magic, and keeps trying to get permission to visit Dragonstone. Aegon, believing entirely that she'd blow up the volcano, says no. he also makes a habit of seating particularly annoying guests next to her. Aegon likes his new daughter who's all-too-willing to poison and is also a very good bartender. Alicent is also his weed dealer.

during the war, Alicent takes Shiera on a road trip in Essos. they visit all the magical sites from the warlocks of Qarth to Asshai. Shiera returns to Westeros, but Alicent decides to sail to Valyria. it is unknown if she reached there, or if her boat just exploded. both options are very likely. Daeron spends the rest of his life looking over his shoulder, petrified that his weird sister is going to show up in the middle of the night and ask him if he wants to buy this weird hallucinogenic she found.

This is so so spectacular. So many gems. mad scientist weird aunt. Master of Affair Math. Shiera Hightower. Aegon scouting which bastard children to claim like he’s a college football coach. Disappearing in valyria. Wow.

[just-some-user-hunny]

I just realized that the dance is inevitable and isekai!reader will defend their mother and full-blooded siblings {following the book of fire and blood} while dealing with black forces in the riverlands someone lies that their remaining family (Aegon, Alicent and Jaehaera) are all dead that leads to them going batshit insane and burning BOTH black and green forces which leads the riverland forces being too injured to march to king’s landing and the northern army to halt thus not managing to get the hour of the wolf and at the end reader dies (idc if its a suicide or of a broken heart) and cannibal goes INSANE burning everything in his path until he meets an injured Sunfyre who were able to recognize each other because of their riders connection to one another while he is flying to Aegon and Cannibal stays with Sunfyre until Rhaenyra is killed and Sunfyre dies after “killing” the last threat to Aegon which leads to Cannibal escaping and not being found by anyone and it would be pretty amazing if we could get what the maesters who wrote fire and blood to think about isekai!reader 👀

Oooh now that's some good stuff 😳

The dance of the dragons is such a tragedy, everyone is blinded by anger and revenge that they end up burning up together.

Poor isekai!reader would go absolutely mad, losing her family members like that. The Cannibal would be more than willing to burn everything in a furious rage with her, he himself would be akin to a wild animal due to his connection to his rider and the grief/anger they're experiencing. He'd scoop them up and take them to burn whoever they need to, anything to quelm and satisfy the readers blinding rage.

Once the reader dies however, it's like whatever strand of sanity he had left snaps. With you gone, there's no restraint. He's sharp gnashing teeth and blazing emerald fire and death, destroying everything in his wake till he fulfils his riders revenge.

After the dance and everything is settled in ash, whoever remains will remember the reader in a haze of fondness and terror. Cannibal would return to the wilderness, his own heart hurting and swearing to never get close to humans again after the heartbreak of losing his one and only rider.

Isekai!reader would be remembered as the princess who went mad with vengeance, killing and burning till her own life got snuffed out like a candle. (Maybe she dies upon the battlefield and the cannibal keeps fighting, or she takes her own life from the sorrow and doom of it all). The princess whose dragon kept going on to fight in her name even without her voice to command him.

[crowcountenance]

My Alagadda Lords Interpretation!

Hello! My name is Victor. I do traditional and digital art and love scp a shit ton. You might know me as half my reslly old art is on Google but I am that one guy who made all the Sketchers United scp art which a lot was mc&d because I love them, but I still see some of my Alagadda stuff from years ago like my 5075 art</3 Maybe nobody will know that was me but if you do, no you don't.

I always wanted to post my stuff here so I will now. :3

Me and my partner are currently working, and have been working for the last few years, on building every part of our own headcanon around the SCP multiverse as much we can, so here is some part of it! (my partner has their own scp themed tumblr, they are so cool)

I did these all in school today, just to make doodle style standees out of them for my shelf and to grasp my new revamped designs I created. I really went overboard with their designs in the terms of references to media, classical music pieces and other stuff but I am quite happy with how their concepts look. To name a few references: The Red Lord is partially inspired by The Queen of Hearts interpretation fron Alice Madness Returns, The Yellow Lord is a reference to the Bloodborne Hunter because I love stuff with eldritch and unknown horrors and the White Lord is a reference to Swan Lake. (I drew the Black Lord but it isn't a standee yet so it is not shown.)

[kurugaya63]

Im hyperfixiated in Murder Drones!! Today was ther 3thr aniversary!!! So for the celebration i'm posting my first fanart about it! Nuzi whit costumes for Halloween, Uzi is Alice from Alice Madness Returns and N is the white rabbit. This fanart has some lore maybe i will be writing a fanfic for this

[lisamtiprdel]

Some things are brewing... If anything goes to plan and i don't forfeit on my first proper attempt, i'll be doing these characters:

Postal dudes (maybe all versions, 1 and 2 are on my top priority

Abel Nightroad, Cain, Isaac from Trinity Blood

Vampire Hunter D

Dante, Vergil, Nero, Lady, Trish

Alice Liddell from Alice: Madness returns

the 1st Funger group ( Cahara, Ragnvaldr, Enki, Darce )

Howl from Howl's Moving Castle

..... maybe Jack Black

... and maybe all characters from Angel Beats

.... some JJBA characters

No promises tho.. at least for now. If you guys have any more suggestions please let me know :D i'll make them ofc available for everyone for free if interested

[pandorasworkshop]

🐇Welcome to Wonderland- Pick a Card

Who from Alice in wonderland do you embody? And what's something good about you.

Pandorasworkshop

Pile 1 Pile 2 Pile 3

Pile 1

Cards: the muses, the trout and lilly of the valley, the hare, three of cups and the sun

Character: white rabbit, door mouse, the march hare

Reading: You know how to have fun but I feel as if there is a little bit of social anxiety. May be a bit sleepy and have a pure heart. You genuinely mean well for your friends and are a go with the flow type of person. Creative talents and self expression is important to you. You are a good learner and work hard you should slow down sometimes when you feel stressed. I feel like you may be pretty like a bunny. With the sun card people view you as honest and bright. You may have a bit of a sweet tooth or have a signature drink you always drink. With the hare card I feel like you are a messenger and may warn people about things they need to know. You are smart and know how to get yourself out of a sticky situation. Rewrite any doubts about yourself.

Signs: 113, white rabbits or any rabbits for that matter, the feeling you have been forgetting something, card games, tweed fabric, academic style, vampire movies, peonies and white roses, the chess cookies that are square.

Pile 2

Cards: the storyteller, the sailor, coyote and datura, the moth and eucalyptus, the fool and six of cups

Character: Cheshire cat, the caterpillar, and Alice

Reading: You are a great storyteller and may get into a bit of mischief. You have a lot of wisdom that comes from living life and feel like people don't give you enough credit for that. You may be a little bit of a rebel but you know how to throw a party and get into fun. You may smoke or drink and if you don't you may be an avid tea drinker. You always know something before others do and have keen sixth sense and great observations skills. You may be neurodivergent or think a little differently about life than others. You have a child-like sense of humor and find things to laugh at. Joyous to be around. You are always down for something new and consistency may be a problem for you. You like to experiment in your tastes whether it's style, food and anything in between. You like to go to new places and experience life for all the nice things it has. You are curious about life and like to learn new things. Maybe school wasn't for you.

Signs: 444, blue butterfly, cats, fur coats, swords, beautiful crystals, responsibilities, feeling bored, caviar or any other types of fancy fish, silver jewelry, mushrooms.

Pile 3

Cards: the tailor, the herald, the horse and blue bells, beaver and birch, king of cups, queen of wands, ten of wands

Characters: mad hatter and queen of hearts

Reading: You are a hard worker and leader. Both of these characters lead. You may feel burnt out and need to rest. You are a person of many talents and skills. You are humble about yourself and may be a bit of a queen bee unknowingly. You have great fashion sense and are responsible. You may have struggled with depression. You are a survivor and have a lot of strength in you. Many people would say you feel like home and you are good at comforting your friends. No one knows what your next move is and you keep people on your toes. You'll always land on your feet like a cat. People feel safe around you and you have a lot of advice to share. I feel like you need to rest. You deserve a proper vacation or spa day. Whatever will make you happiest. Remember you come first.

Signs: 1111, red wine, apples, learning to accept help, those warm knitted blankets, satin, the color red, community, dahlias, the game Alice madness returns, violin and piano, spirited away.

[winter-soldier-101]

What have you done! Part 2

Summary: Driftmark the home of her father and the resting place of her aunt the events that happens that night changes the course of (Y/N)’s life and that of her family’s

Driftmark

Dragons flew in the sky as Princess Rhaenys held back tears as she held Baela and Rhaena (Y/N) stood by Rhaenyra as Vaemond spoke.

“We join today at the seat of the sea to commit the Lady Laena Velaryon to the eternal waters the dominion of the Merling King where he will guard her for all the days to come as she sets to sea for her final voyage the Lady Laena leaves two true born daughters on the shore though their mother will not return from her voyage they will all remain bound together in blood salt courses through Velaryon blood ours runs thick ours runs true and ours must never thin” Vaemond says while looking on at everyone then at Rhaenyra and then at Jace and Luke as they drop Laenas casket into the water.

“Go to your cousins, they need you all” Rhaenyra tells (Y/N) and Jace and Luke.

(Y/N) walks over to Baela and Rhaena and holds each of their hands as they cry. Aemond walks over and looks at (Y/N).

“Aemond” (Y/N) whispers out softly.

“I’m sorry for your loss” Aemond tells Baela and Rhaena then leaves them alone with (Y/N) and Jace and makes his way over to Aegon.

“Go to sleep and make sure your brothers are in bed first (Y/N)” Rhaenyra tells (Y/N) then leaves and follows Daemon.

(Y/N) takes Jace and Luke to their room and gets them in bed and makes way to her room and her handmaidens help her get dressed in a nightgown.

(Y/N) is woken up by Jace, Luke and Baela and Rhaena all talking at once saying someone stole Vhagar and they want to see who took her as they walked down the corridor to the open door and see a shadow walking in and (Y/N) sees it’s Aemond.

“It was him!” Baela yells.

“It’s me,” Aemond says back.

“Vhagar was my mother’s dragon!” Rhaena yells at Aemond.

“Your mothers dead Vhagar has a new rider now”Aemond tells them.

“She was mine to claim!” Rhaena yells at him.

“Then you should have claimed her, maybe your cousins can get you a pig to ride it would suit you” Aemond tells Rhaena.

Rhaena runs up to Aemond and hits him as he pushes her to the floor then Baela runs up to Aemond and punches him as he punches her back and she hits the floor.

“Come at me again and I’ll feed you to my dragon” Aemond yells at them.

“Please stop this madness!” (Y/N) yells as she tries to get in between them.

Jace and Luke run over and start hitting Aemond as (Y/N) tries to pull everyone away from each other but Baela pushes (Y/N) to the floor and hits Aemond but that makes Aemond angry and he punches Baela and Rhaena to the floor and throws Jace off of him and holds Luke by the throat.

“You will die screaming in pain and fire like your father should have bastards!” Aemond yells at Luke.

“My father was never in a fire.” Luke says.

“He doesn’t know does he now Lord Strong.” Aemond says to Jace as he throws Luke to the floor.

“Stop this nonsense please!” (Y/N) yells out helping Luke up.

Jace pulls out his blade and runs at Aemond and Aemond hits him and knocks the blade out of his hand and picks up a rock and holds it over Jace's face as Luke grabs the blade and runs at Aemond and slashes up and hits Aemond in the eye (Y/N) yells out and sees all the blood and goes to help Aemond and yells out for help as the King's guards make way over to Aemond.

The Great Hall in Driftmark

(Y/N) stood near her brother’s as everyone entered the great hall Rhaenyra runs in and over and holds onto Luke’s face as she looks over at Jace and (Y/N).

“He called us bastards, mother,” Luke tells Rhaenyra.

“My daughter and sons are in line to inherit the Iron Throne, your grace, this is the highest of treasons Prince Aemond must be sharply questioned so we might learn where he heard such slanders,” Rhaenyra says to Viserys.

“Over an insult? My son has lost an eye!” Alicent says with tears in her eyes.

“You tell me boy where did you hear this lie?” Viserys asks Aemond.

“The insult was training yard bluster- the lot of boys it was nothing” Alicent says trying to help her son.

“Aemond… I asked you a question?” Viserys asks Aemond again.

“Where is Ser Laenor? I wonder? The boy's father?” Alicent asks.

“Yes, where is Ser Laenor?” Viserys asks Rhaenyra.

“I do not know your grace. I… could not find sleep. I had gone out to walk” Rhaenyra says.

“Entertaining his young squires I would venture” Alicent says.

“Aemond… look at me your King demands an answer who spoke these lies to you?” Viserys asks again as Aemond looks over at Alicent before answering.

“It was Aegon,” Aemond says.

“Me?” Aegon whispers as Viserys makes his way over to him.

“And you boy? Where did you hear such calumnies? Aegon! Tell me the truth!” Viserys yells at Aegon.

“We know father, everyone knows just look at them” Aegon says to Viserys.

“This interminable infighting must cease! All of you! We are family! Now make your apologies and show good will to one another your father your grand sire your King demands it!” Viserys yells out.

“That is insufficient, Aemond has been damaged permanently my King goodwill cannot make him whole.” Alicent tells Viserys.

“I know Alicent but I cannot restore his eye” Viserys tells Alicent.

“No, because it’s been taken,” Alicent says.

“What would you have me do?” Viserys asks Alicent.

“There is a debt to be paid I shall have one of her son's eyes in return” Alicent says to Viserys then looking at Rhaenyra.

“My dearest wife,” Viserys says.

“He is your son Viserys your blood” Alicent says tearfully.

“Do not allow your temper to guide your judgment” Viserys tells Alicent.

“If the King will not seek justice the Queen will Ser Criston bring me the eye of Lucerys Velaryon” Alicent says.

“Mother!” Luke yells hiding behind Rhaenyra.

“Alicent!” Viserys yells out.

“He can choose which eye to keep, a privilege he did not grant my son” Alicent says to Ser Criston.

“You will do no such thing” Rhaenyra says, pushing Luke behind her more.

“Stay your hand!” Viserys yells.

“No, you are sworn to me !” Alicent yells out.

“As your protector my Queen” Ser Criston says, stepping down.

“Alicent this matter ... .is finished do you understand?” Viserys asks Alicent before turning to the mass.

“And let it be known anyone whose tongue dares to question the birth of Princess Rhaenyra’s son's birth should have it removed” Viserys says to everyone.

“Thank you father” Rhaenyra says then turns to her children.

Everything then turns as Alicent grabs the Valyrian steel dagger and charges at Rhaenyra but (Y/N) steps in the way and Alicent slashes (Y/N)’s hand as Rhaenyra grabs Alicent and holds the dagger away from her as Lord Corlys hold (Y/N)’s hand and calls for a maester.

“You’ve gone too far,” Rhaenyra tells Alicent.

“I? What have I done but what was expected of me? Forever upholding the kingdom, the family, the law while you flouncy all to do as you please” Alicent says.

“Alicent let her go!” Viserys yells out.

“Where is duty? Where is sacrifice? It’s trampled under your pretty foot again” Alicent says.

“Release the blade Alicent” Otto yells out.

“And now you take my sons eye and to even that you feel entitled” Alicent says to Rhaenyra.

“Exhausting wasn’t it? Hiding beneath the cloak of your own righteousness but now they see you as you are” Rhaenyra says letting go of Alicent as the blade slashes Rhaenyra’s arm.

“Do not mourn my mother, it was a fair exchange. I may have lost an eye but I gained a dragon” Aemond says.

Lord Corlys helps (Y/N) to her room as everyone follows and waits for the maester to clean and stitch up the cut.

“It was a clean cut my Princess you are lucky and but the looks so is your mother” the maester tells (Y/N).

“My love, are you alright?” Laenor asks (Y/N).

“Father I’m alright” (Y/N) says as Rhaenyra has the handmaiden take (Y/N), Jace and Luke to a room and wait for them leaving Rhaenyra and Daemon and Laenor alone to talk.

Taglist: @rosey1981 @hc-geralt-23 @lightdragonrayne @snh96

[victorluvsalice]

Valicer Multiamory Month, Day Eighteen: Royalty (Medieval Fantasy AU)

@polyamships's Multiamory March continues onward, with another day where I swapped out the original prompt for one of the alternative ones. I thought for AGES that I'd be able to come up with something for "Don't look at me. This wasn't my idea," but for whatever reason, inspiration never struck. So I ended up replacing it with the "Royalty" prompt, as seen above. And what are you getting for that prompt?

Why, another story from my lightly-hypnokinky Medieval Fantasy AU! :p This one's set after Alice, Victor, and Smiler have returned to Alice's kingdom and liberated it from the usurper Bumby -- Alice and Victor have married, Smiler has taken on a role as their Minister of Happiness, and everyone is working very hard on restoring what Bumby ruined. And while Victor is thrilled with his new life, and eager to help fix things, he can't help but find all his new responsibilities to be a bit -- much, sometimes. In fact...

--

Being a king – or, well, a prince-consort, technically – was exhausting.

Not that Victor disliked being Alice’s consort – far from it! The day they’d married had been one of the happiest of his life, ranking up there with when he’d first met her and Smiler. And he adored seeing her in her element as queen, checking in on her people and slowly but surely restoring the kingdom that Bumby had ravaged during his brief but horrible rule. Besides, it wasn’t like he was unused to hard work – he’d plodded up that damn hill almost every day in full bloody plate during one of the hottest summers his village had ever seen, after all. And he’d helped his father with the books for their fish business, and in the market stall where they’d sold the daily catch. The other villagers might have sneered at the Van Dorts and accused them of being the “idle rich,” but Victor felt like he’d done his fair share of the daily grind.

Being royal, though – oh, that was a whole different story. From the moment he’d put on the crown, he’d gone from worrying about whether or not they’d sell the mackerel before it went bad, to worrying about if an entire kingdom had enough to eat. From figuring out how much they’d made in profits in a day, to figuring out how much to collect in taxes from each individual town and city within their borders. From playing the part of the gallant and untiring knight for his mother’s pleasure, to playing the part of the wise and noble prince-consort for the local nobility’s pleasure. And he knew it was all important work, and that Alice was doing her fair share of it. And he was proud of his part in helping return Wonderland to its full glory, he truly was! It was just – it really was a lot, some days.

Which made it all the more fortunate that he had not only a queen who noticed when everything was wearing on him, but also a draconic Minister of Joy who did the same. A pair who were only too happy to coordinate things to whisk him away to their chambers when they realized it was all becoming too much. And then Smiler would have him look into their beautiful spiral eyes again, and Alice would gently undress him and guide him to his knees, and for a little while he wouldn’t have to worry about anything but obeying their will and receiving pleasure in return. And then, once he came back to himself, sated and spent, Smiler would wrap themselves around him, and Alice would kiss his temple, and they’d both let him know once more how much they loved him. And that, more than anything, kept him going. Because while being prince-consort was quite the hard job –

Being Alice and Smiler’s good boy was the easiest thing in the world.

[cece693]

you wrote about the mad hatter so well... i don't want to overwhelm you, obviously, but i would love a 2nd part!! and maybe in the future you can write some smut scenario with him? 😶‍🌫️

You're Not Crazy Pt. 2 (The Mad Hatter x M! Reader)

Here's the second part :) I'm iffy on writing smut for the Hatter since he's so childlike and I think he wouldn't go that far with someone, he probably finds kissing pleasurable enough, but who knows. I'll probably end up doing it 🤷‍♀️

tags: angst, happy ending, the reader tries to say goodbye, mentions of Alice, the reader is an idiot, but redeems himself

The Hatter's words stung, but you couldn't stay with him. You didn’t belong to Wonderland, as much as you envisioned yourself adapting to the world. You didn’t share its whimsical madness, its strange logic that defied all reason. You loved its colors, its characters—especially him—but deep down, you felt like an outsider playing pretend in a place that wasn’t truly yours.

So, you left.

Back in the real world, everything felt strangely muted. The once-familiar streets seemed dull and lifeless, lacking the vibrancy of Wonderland. Your sister Alice noticed your somber mood almost immediately. She’d seen you come back looking tired or perplexed before, but never like this. It was as if the life was sucked out of you; You weren’t yourself. She knew something big must've happened to put you in such a state.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the room, Alice found you sitting by the window, staring off into the distance. She approached quietly, her voice soft. “You’ve been awfully quiet since you got back. What happened in Wonderland?"

You hesitated, the words sat heavily on your tongue, reluctant to be spoken. How could you even begin to describe what had transpired in Wonderland? The way the air had seemed to still when the Hatter looked at you with those wild eyes, the hurt lurking behind his laughter? But after a moment, you sighed and decided to open up, knowing Alice would pester you otherwise.

“The Hatter…he told me to leave. He said I should return home. So, I did.”

Alice watched you carefully, her brow furrowed with concern. “But why would he say that?” she asked softly. She knew the Hatter was eccentric and unpredictable, but she had seen how he looked at you, how his eyes lit up whenever you were near.

You shook your head, frustration mixing with the ache in your chest. “I don’t know.” you admitted, though it wasn’t entirely true. “I think…I think he was afraid. Afraid I’d leave on my own someday, find something more important than him.” Your voice wavered, and you clenched your fists to steady yourself. “He wanted to push me away before I could do it to him.”

Alice remained silent for a moment, her expression softening as she pieced together what you weren’t saying. “So, you just left because he told you to?” she asked, not accusingly but with a kind of gentle reproach. “Without telling him how you felt?”

You looked down, guilt settling like a stone in your stomach. “I thought it was what he wanted.” you murmured. “I didn’t want to hurt him more by staying. But leaving…it felt wrong, too. It still does.”

Alice reached out, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder. “You men and your pride,” she said with a soft chuckle. “You’re both acting like fools. You know that, right?”

“What do you mean?”

She smiled, patient and knowing. “I mean that sometimes, people say things they don’t mean because they’re scared of being hurt. The Hatter’s a complicated man, but he’s not so different from anyone else in that way. You need to go back and talk to him. Really talk to him. Otherwise, you’ll never know what could’ve been.”

Her words struck a chord deep within you, resonating with the doubts and hopes that had been churning inside you since you left. She was right—you couldn’t leave things like this, with both of you hiding behind unspoken fears. You had to face it, face him, and figure out what you truly wanted.

Returning to Wonderland was like stepping back into a dream, one that you’d missed desperately in your time away. The colors were brighter, the sounds sharper, yet everything felt strangely muted by the tension in your chest. As you made your way back to the tea party clearing, you could feel your heart pounding harder with every step, a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

When you arrived, you found the Hatter sitting at his usual spot at the head of the long, cluttered table. He was hunched over, a hat perched lopsided on his head, his fingers busy stitching a ribbon that looked like it was fraying at the ends. His back was to you, but the moment he heard your footsteps crunching on the gravel, he stiffened ever so slightly.

“I didn’t expect you back so soon,” he said, his tone light and airy, but you could hear the strain in it—like a string pulled too tight. “Come to say a proper goodbye?”

You took a deep breath, stepping closer, feeling the weight of the conversation pressing down on your shoulders. “Yes, but I want to do it right. I don't want to leave with things unresolved between us."

The Hatter turned to face you slowly, his usual mad grin stretching across his face, but it was different this time. His eyes, usually bright and wild, were shadowed, clouded with something you couldn’t quite place. “Well then,” he said, forcing a laugh that sounded more like a broken sigh, “goodbye it is! Off you go, then! Don’t let the rabbit hole hit you on the way out!”

Without thinking, you reached out and pulled him into a hug. His body went rigid at first, as if he didn’t know how to react. You could feel his rapid breaths against your chest, hear the hitch in his throat as he struggled to keep up the façade. Then, slowly, he softened, his arms coming up to clutch at your back, holding you as if you were the only thing keeping him tethered to the ground.

“Why are you doing this?” he whispered, his voice cracking, caught somewhere between a sob and a laugh. “Why are you making this so hard?”

“Because I don’t want to leave you,” you confessed, your voice thick with emotion. “But I don’t know how to stay when I feel like I don’t belong here.”

The Hatter pulled back just enough to look at you, his eyes glassy with unshed tears. “You do belong. To me, you do.”

His words pierced through you, breaking down the last of your defenses. You thought you had made up your mind to leave, to return to the real world where everything made sense, where things followed rules. But in that moment, nothing made sense without him.

You stepped back, letting go of him even though it hurt. “Goodbye, Hatter.” you said softly, turning away. “I’ll miss you.”

As you started up the path that would take you back home, every step felt like dragging a weight behind you. You reached the midway point, the fork in the path where one route would lead you back to reality. You paused, your heart aching with each second that passed. You glanced back, your breath catching in your throat when you saw him still standing there, watching you leave with a look of pure devastation.

You couldn’t do it. You couldn’t leave him like this.

Turning on your heel, you sprinted back down the path, the wind whipping against your face as you ran. You didn’t stop until you were right in front of him again. His eyes widened in shock, his lips parting to ask something, but you didn’t give him the chance. You cupped his face in your hands and kissed him, pouring all the emotion you’d been holding back into that kiss—your fear, your love, your need to stay.

When you finally pulled away, breathless, he stared at you, his eyes wide and searching. “You…you came back?”

“I did,” you said, smiling through the tears in your eyes. “If you’ll have me. I’m not going anywhere.”

For a moment, he looked as if he didn’t believe you, his gaze darting over your face as if trying to find some hint of doubt or hesitation. But then his lips slowly curved into a smile—a real, genuine smile that lit up his entire face. “Oh, yes. Yes, indeed! And we shall have tea every day, and perhaps cake, and perhaps something more delightful!”

You laughed, a lightness settling over you that you hadn’t felt in days. “Sounds like a plan.”

[vannss4206980085]

playing DBH again and i feel like nobody has really discussed the full range of implications that arise from how normalized child androids are in the world. like. it's wierd asf! and insane that they let cyberlife do that.

and rationally i know it isn't really discussed in game outside of the two magazines (only one you can actually read) and the little boy in jericho bc (idk if this is confirmed but) i think alice and kara's storyline had a lot of changes in dev and was probably pretty rushed. but i have so many questions. like why does the other alice in jericho at the enr of the game have the exact same outfit? how did the little boy android even end up in jericho (surley there's some kind of return protocol for parents who got a child android to 'trial run' parenting or for other temporary reasons. or maybe there isnt which is insane). i would just like to know more about all of it.

and the fact that a SELLING POINT of the child androids was that they were customizable to be more lifelike, yet had no real needs and literally only existed pretty much as an accesory. not to be morbid but if we had something like this even now people would make it wierd asf really quick.

also the question of alice being a deviant at all or if child androids can deviate in the same sense. or, in a world after androids succeding in a revolution, what happens to the child androids?

idk DBH is one of those games that throws a bunch of things at you at once but never really dives deep into any of it. the subject matter is pretty dark no matter how you play it as long as you think about it for a few seconds, but nothing more than surface-level stuff is really fleshed out. makes me mad

[autism-connoisseur]

and and like. last thing. but they could've pulled off making alice and jervis siblings if they had kept it platonic and committed to exploring family obsessions & co-dependency. think supernatural. but more unrequited? it could have been GOOD. an exploration of a somewhat underused dynamic AND it could've kept him off-putting or whatever without making him straight up incestuous.

i have yet to see how they make their dynamic ever though i am Not looking forward to it lol but idk. make them orphans, make jervis the oldest (or maybe twins?) and make him feel like he needs to be responsible for her from a young age. make him grow up too quickly and have him struggle with mental illness while keeping his sister safe. make the weight of his reality too heavy and cruel, have him escape into wonderland books to cope with how unfair his situation is.

not necessarily they need to be homeless, maybe in an orphanage, or going from foster family to foster family cause they don't want to burden themselves with two kids too grown or who aren't willing to be apart or with jervis' schizophrenia (it doesn't usually manifest until mid-20's but then again it doesn't usually completely consume the person the way it consumes jervis in every version, if you couple it with maladaptive daydreaming you're set and anyways this is gotham lol).

make him rely on his sister because she's the only thing he's ever known to stay, make his efforts to keep her innocent as much as possible and allow her to be a child the way he couldn't be turn into this perpetual conception of her as, well, childish innocence and wonder; make him feel like he needs her because his whole life has been about protecting and guiding her, make him feel like reality is dull and bleak without her because he's put every ounce of fun into the time he spends with her and everything else just reminds him of how hopeless and grey reality is. start the comparison to alice from the book and make him start to see himself as the mad hatter, and think it's alright as long as they're together cause a tea party can be just them two.

make her want her own life without him, make her acknowledge that yes, he took care of her, but she's old enough now, and he's just using her to feel good about himself, because he's constructed his identity around her needing him, and she doesn't need him anymore. have her run away, eventually, because he wouldn't understand. make this her going down the rabbit hole, in a way: bored and tired of her older sibling and his book she escapes somewhere new and exciting where she can be herself (the same way it happens in the book).

from then it can be the same: he follows her because he needs her, there's a hole in his life that she left, he needs that special companionship, she refuses to return because he was smothering her, he can't accept that, he hypnotizes someone else to replace her but it isn't her, etc. it would mean none of the other alices would have that romantic implication or whatever and he wouldn't pick them because he likes her like that, rather cause they inspire more of a need to protect in him? which is what he wants from her? someone to take care of, someone who wants him to take care of them and would do it in return?

and sure it deviates from the comics but a) so does making them RELATED and b) the whole rogues gallery is here and bruce hasn't even hit puberty. he's going up against the court of owls at the ripe age of 14 no one here cares about accuracy to comics. like it could have been done :/ and if they weren't willing to do it then WHY MAKE THEM RELATED IN THE FIRST PLACE???

[tadc-harlequin-au]

HI, SORRY! - here’s the fixed list + some other songs I found while re-writing it all out!

- Pomni -

The Ballad of Jane Doe - Ride the Cyclone

Who are you really? - Mikky Ekko

Tounges & Teeth - The Crane Wives

My Alcoholic Friends - The Dresden Dolls

- General Vibe songs -

Le Monde (From Talk to Me) - Richardson Carter

Little Dark Age - MGMT

Vale of Tears - Jason Tai

Card Castles in the Sky - Jason Tai

Dance Macabre - The Oh Hellos

(Also bonus I just thought of:

The Dolls of New Albion: A Steampunk Opera Album is good too for general vibes maybe)

- Showtime -

Curses - Crane Wives

Never Love an Anchor - Crane Wives

Allies or Enemies - Crane Wives

Me & The Devil - Soap&Skin

The Garden - Crane Wives (if you can’t tell uhh, crane wives is a very good source for angsty love songs skdhjs)

Wasteland Baby - Hozier

I’m not in love - 10cc

Duvet - bôa

(Also *maybe* Too Sweet - Hozier too?)

Like I said before - sorry if some of these don’t fit + it’s a long list 😭

WOAHHH okay okay, let's rate it then

Pomni:

Ballad of Jane Doe: I can see why you think of this. It actually surprisingly fits, what do you know

Who are you really: This one, definitely. You're on a roll so far

Tounges & Teeth: I can see this as early Pomni in the AU, when she's still pretty much following a blind directive.

My Alcoholic Friends: I can't really see this one all too much, but I do get where you're coming from. Mostly because I already know how Pomni turns out in this AU compared to what I've revealed on the public so far.

General vibe:

Le Monde (From Talk to Me): Ooooooh! I agree! For some reason I'm imagining a badass ballroom scene with this-

Little Dark Age: Honestly I can see this working with pre-Pomni/Caine meeting, when Pomni was still wandering all over the lands to look for something to fight, and Caine is just spending most of his time being isolated in the mansion

Vale of Tears: OH MY GOD ALICE: MADNESS RETURNS IN HERE?!?! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! I can somehow see this with Boss!Ragatha-

Card Castles in the Sky: Mhm.... mhm.... yeah I can see this as the vibe of the entire city before current events of the AU, like... just an aerial view of the broken city before Pomni came.

Dance Macabre: Wow, I can see this as music for a pretty epic trailer lol, this is a vibe

I can't say anything about The Dolls of New Albion: A Steampunk Opera Album yet, because that's.... that's 25 songs- LMFAO

Showtime:

Curses: Okay, why is this so fucking upbeat yet so dark?? HELP?? I can kinda see it, but it's not fully convincing me... But at least I got a new song to listen to

Never Love an Anchor: This one.... I see it as early Pomni/Caine interactions, and somehow them both dueting.....

Allies or Enemies: Yeah.... Just- yeah..... LMFAO

Me & The Devil: This one I can't see :(

The Garden: POINTS??? THIS IS A CAINE SONG YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND, SHAKING IN MY SEAT

Wasteland, Baby: Holy shit, Hozier? Damn I've heard of this guy from GoW Ragnarok, but ANWAYS. YOU. YOUUUUUUUUU. /POS... THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST ACCURATE HARLEQUIN!SHOWTIME SONG IN THIS LIST YET..... WHAT THE HELL..... CAINE SINGING THIS.... UEUEUEUE.....

I’m not in love: LMFAOOOOOOOO the denial stage harlequin!showtime song HAHHAHAHAH

Duvet - bôa: This one I can't see either-

Too Sweet: I'M GOING TO CRY this felt sm like Pomni.....

Most of these are going in my playlist now thank you for the meal