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leiawritesstories · 7 months ago

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and the water creeps to my chest

oh no i got really into Mumford & Sons during finals and accidentally wrote some slight angst for @throneofglassmicrofics 😂🫡

basic premise: canon AU where fae/mythical creatures don't exist but magic and arobynn do ;)

Prompt: "Deep End" // song: "Thistle & Weeds"

word count: 574

warnings: slight angst

enjoy!!

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The fire wouldn't come.

Aelin knew it could, and she knew that it had, and it wasn't. It wasn't coming. No matter how hard she tried, no matter how many breathing or grounding exercises or how many mental doors she unlocked, her fire would not come.

Perhaps it sensed the danger lurking in the red-haired man across the training yard and refused to bend to the cold cunning in his eyes.

Aelin had been sixteen years old when Arobynn Hamel became the weapons master, and he'd been trying to train her in magic ever since, even though he had no magic and knew nothing about the finicky, delicate art of magical training. He'd seemed content to put the Crown Princess of Terrasen through grueling physical training instead for the last four years.

Until he got too greedy.

Until the whispers started.

Until the Crown Princess unexpectedly became Queen and the whispers broke into shouts.

"It's simply...not budging," Aelin called across the training yard, weariness weighing down her voice.

Arobynn's lip curled in badly veiled disgust. "Disappointing, Aelin. Simply disappointing." Ordinarily, the insult would be enough to push her into a tidal wave of wildfire, but all it did was drop heavily upon her weighted shoulders. "Disappointing." He left, boots clicking against the stone steps.

Aelin let her sword tumble to the ground with a dull clang and made it a few jerky strides before she crumpled to the ground, her back flush against the sun-warmed stone of the far wall. Dark, shadowy clouds obscured the sunlight, and the summer air thickened to bursting, becoming heavy with the coppery scent of a storm.

She didn't have the strength to move.

Fat, lazy raindrops dripped slowly from the sky, plopping against the worn gray stones and sand of the training yard and the sweat-soaked material of Aelin's tunic and pants. She cupped her hands, catching the drops, overpowering grief crashing into her as she remembered her mother teaching her to catch the rain.

You may not have all of the water gift, my Fireheart, but anyone can hold the rain.

The queen tipped her head up to the sky as the rain thickened, its rapid patter splashing onto her face, mingled with the tears that slid down her face like the summer shower. I miss you, Mum. So much.

Eyes closed, the storm soaking through her clothes, Aelin felt the darkness close in on her, battering the wavering shreds of her faith. First the crown, now the wildfire--everything was being ripped from her fragile grasp. Even though it was late summer, even though the rain could barely touch the sand and stones before it soaked into nothing, she felt like the water was creeping up her chest, inexorably pulling her into its dark depths.

She was so...alone.

Unbidden, unprompted, heat rose up through Aelin's cupped hands, tiny sparks dancing around her fingertips. She cracked open her heavy eyes, released half a shuddering breath, and watched as the sparks kindled into tongues of flame, tiny dancing flickers of light and color amid the pouring rain. We are always with you, Fireheart, whispered a pair of voices in the depths of her heart.

The wildfire brightened, dancing higher, stronger, mirroring the hope that the queen grasped ahold of as she tugged herself to her feet, flames wreathing her hands and her brow, and picked up her sword.

She was Aelin Ashryver Galathynius.

And she would not be afraid.

~~~

TAGS:

@live-the-fangirl-life

@superspiritfestival

@thegreyj

@wordsafterhours

@elentiyawhitethorn

@morganofthewildfire

@mariaofdoranelle

@rowanaelinn

@house-of-galathynius

@tomtenadia

@julemmaes

@swankii-art-teacher

@charlizeed

@booknerdproblems

@earthtolinds

@goddess-aelin

@sweet-but-stormy

@clea-nightingale

@autumnbabylon

@darling-im-the-queen-of-hell

@llyncooljones

@silentquartz

@aelinschild

@renxzs

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purpleprincessonfyre · 9 months ago

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Part 1 of the story here

OUAT AU - Never Would've Danced with The Devil

Characters: Mal!Liane, King of Shadows!Alexander

Other Characters: Sleeping!Petra, Belladonna St James, Ace of Hearts!Ethan

Contains: References to abuse, violence, mature language and torture

IB: Once Upon A Time, Maleficent and Would've, Could've, Should've by Taylor Swift

"If you would've blinked then I would've

Looked away at the first glance

If you tasted poison, you could've

Spit me out at the first chance"

"She's awake!"

"Thank the Gods that witch wasn't a liar.."

There was an energy of great joy and jubilation in the castle as the Princess Petra awoke from her sleeping death, hugging her parents and the fair noble who saved her life. But unbeknownst to those present, there was one uninvited guest in the room with them.

Hiding in the shadows thanks to her Cloak of Darkness, The Dark Fairy, Maleficent, better known as Liane was watching with fearful eyes. She had failed. Miserably. And she knew what came next. Before she could even stop to think, she started to run away, not thinking and barely breathing as she ran for her life in the hopes of escaping before he caught her. Before the King of Shadows made good on his deal with her.

It was such a simple promise from a time Liane regretted deeply. She'd watched the young Princess grow into a woman and seeing her beauty had filled her with terror and fear, knowing that face would be easy to love. And she had been right. Someone had fallen for her, before even her curse had taken effect. Her curse that Alexander had granted her. Her curse that had failed her. That would now condemn her to a life of servitude and captivity.

"And now that I'm grown, I'm scared of ghosts

Memories feel like weapons

And now that I know, I wish you'd left me wondering"

Liane St James tapped the leather on her steering wheel nervously, her eyes on the door to the Town Hall. She knew that he was there, his vintage sleek black car was parked in its spot. She took a breath, her keys to the vaults in hand. She was done playing his games. No more. She finally stepped out of the car, locking the doors behind her as she walked down the path to the Town Hall. The large clock on its tower had been stuck pointing at midnight for as long as Liane could remember.

She knocked confidently on the door to the Mayor's office. There was a pause as she heard his voice that felt like knives.

"Come in, Ms St James." A shiver ran down her spine as she walked in, that wicked grin on his face as she approached.

"What can I do for you, Liane?"

"I... "

"Any more dirt for me on Mr Long?"

"I- I quit!"

"You...what?" His voice cracked as his eyes suddenly looked very dangerous, his eyebrows nearly meeting in the middle as his lip curled into a snarl.

"Say that again."

"I quit. I won't do your dirty work anymore. If you want to mess with my Bella's father, you can- you go screw yourself!"

Alex laughed, a harsh laugh that made Liane's blood run cold. His gaze never left hers, almost as if he was daring her to drop hers first. But she stood firm despite her legs shaking. He stood up slowly and approached her like a predator stalking it's prey. He got in close and took hold of her wrist harshly, holding her in a vice like grip.

"I can go.. screw myself? Really...that's interesting coming from someone with such a chequered past of her own.." he purred, putting a finger under her chin, stroking her face for a moment before slapping her face with the back of his ringed hand.

"You dare defy me? Do you know who the fuck you are talking to? Has that newcomer turned your head so quickly that you forget who runs shit here?!"

"Stop it! You don't own me!"

"I beg to differ, sweetheart."

"Release those damn photos, see if I care! You clearly didn't since you left me high and dry..."

"You loved it-"

"You tricked me!" Liane spat, wrenching her arm from his grip, rubbing her reddened cheek. She threw down her papers, a fire in her eyes that only Alex could feel heat from. She wasn't going to be pushed around any longer.

"If you never touched me, I would've

Gone along with the righteous

If I never blushed, then they could've

Never whispered about this"

"You can run but you can't hide, Little Fairy!"

Came the mocking voice as Liane kept running through the woods, tears in her eyes as she ran through the twisted trees and bushes, her clothes getting snagged on sharp branches and thorns until she was surrounded by dark shadows. She screamed as they grabbed her harshly, dragging her back to their master as she sobbed, regretting everything she ever said and did in the last six years since the massacre of her people.

The shadows threw her at their Master's feet in a heap, as she raised her head she saw him grinning at her, his eyes dark with magic.

"You really thought running away would work? You're stupider than I thought!" A thorny whip of a Vine slashed her from the side, forcing her onto her knees.

"You kneel before your Master around here, Pet. Since you are a failure and a loser you now live here. With me. You do as I say no matter the consequences. You're mine!" His eyes glowed with sickly green magic as a thick iron chain shackle was wrapped around her leg, burning her skin. Liane screamed in pain, the iron burning her fae skin as it wound its way around her ankle.

"One weakness, fairies. Just one. Well two but one that's deadly and the other is pretty painful. Iron. So simple! Like...you." He grabbed her horn, pulling her to her feet as her skin seared, then threw her into a room, watching.

"What are you waiting for?"

"Oh you'll see....just don't be Dragon your feet about it..." he cackled as Liane realised what he meant. She was in trouble now.

"God rest my soul, I miss who I used to be

The tomb won't close, stained glass windows in my mind

I regret you all the time"

"I tricked you...I tricked you. YOU'RE DAMN RIGHT I TRICKED YOU! I knew you were stupid and blonde enough to get in bed with just about anyone and you were dumb enough to fall for it!"

"I've grown up since then."

"Not much. You really think these people will respect you when I release this?"

"They know that's not who I am anymore! Because guess what Alex? I have people who actually love me! My daughter loves me, my friends love me, you have no one! Nothing! Just a town you think is yours! Well fuck your town! And fuck you too! I don't need you."

She thundered, shoving him hard into his desk, making him topple over it onto the ground. She wiped her bleeding nose harshly, blood staining her white blazer sleeve but she no longer cared. She walked away, heading for the door and heard his voice one last time as she went to leave.

"You.. are really going to regret that, Ms St James. Don't say I didn't warn you...." he muttered, crawling to his feet off the ground. Liane left, slamming the door and walked out of the building, holding back tears as she got into her car and they flowed freely. She ripped off her stained blazer and sobbed in the driving seat, finally feeling like she'd ripped the ball and chain from her ankle. She was free. At last.

Alexander watched from his window as her car drove off, trying to form a plan in his head. As he paced trying to choose a suitable punishment, his eyes landed on his precious apple tree in the garden. Of course, that's how you get rid of a mouthy blonde who's showing resistance. Easiest thing in the world. Feed a gullible girl exactly what she deserves. Simple as pie.

"If clarity's in death, then why won't this die?

Years of tearing down our banners, you and I

Living for the thrill of hitting you where it hurts

Give me back my girlhood, it was mine first"

"Wakey wakey Maleficent..." was what Liane heard as she awoke, suddenly filling out the room a lot more than she had before. She went to look at her hands but instead saw large scaly paws with talons, her body was also covered in scales and as she tried to speak no voice came, just growling. Then her dinnerplate sized eyes fell on the King of Shadows who was smirking.

"My, you've put on weight! Tsk tsk Fairy, you must eat less cakes! Look at you..."

Liane snarled and growled at him, trying to move but finding herself still chained up.

"Oh right of course uh you can't talk because, you're a dragon. Dragons don't talk. But they do spit fire. And fly- oh wait. Still no wings." He pouted mockingly as Liane struggled against her chains. He petted her like a common creature, stroking her scales as he spoke.

"Enough huffing and puffing dear, you have a job to do. You are to guard this orb with your life. If someone tries to steal it, kill them. It's very precious to me. Don't let me down. There's a good girl.. " he wheedled, stroking her nose as he smirked.

"I finally found a way to shut you up. Oh this will be fun. But I have business to attend to. Curses, sleeping princesses, idiot brothers, you know how it is. Ta ta, Maleficent!" He crowed as he disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Liane stopped trying to escape, sitting there in misery as a very large salty tear slid down her enormous face creating a puddle on the ground. How could she have been so stupid?

"You're a crisis of my faith

Would've, could've, should've

If I'd only played it safe.."

If you want to see if Liane escapes, check out @ask-missparker and her post here

If you want to see Liane's fantasy ending click here.

As for her modern ending....that you'll have to wait for.

Tagging: @jackiequick @gcthvile @rooster-84 @cherrysft @blueboirick @meiramel @askstevella @ask-starrk @therealdaydreamstark @thechoooooosenone @wizzzardofoz @finlayholmes @rickb-chaos @luna-d-marsh

#liane felton #liane's blog #askliane #marvel roleplay #violet pyre #ethane #fantasy au #maleficent au #once upon a time #purple princess on fyre #ouat au #wouldve couldve shouldve #taylor swift lyrics #midnights #the king of shadows

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biz-myth · 2 years ago

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The Two Princes podcast BUT it’s a wesper AU with Jesper as Amir and Wylan as Rupert. Wylan: in fact, between my brains and your brawn, I’d say we make a pretty good team

Jesper: We do. Although technically I have both brains and brawn

Wylan: True, BUT I have the personality AND the winning smile so-

Jesper: *laughs* Wylan: Was that a laugh? Did I make you laugh gunslinger?!

ITS LITERALLY THEM.

#WYLAN IS RUPERT #JESPER IS AMIR #ITS THEM #shadow and bone #two princes podcast #chaotic #gay chaos #this is a midnight thought save me #wesper #incorrect quotes #AU

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yuki4amano · 7 months ago

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Timeless love. Chapter 4: Shadows of Deceit

Izuku stood before Yuki, his mind raced with doubts and uncertainties. Why had he given her that note? What had possessed him to ask her to meet him after school? And what on earth was he going to say to her now?

He berated himself for his impulsive actions, wishing he could turn back time and undo the mess he had created. But it was too late for regrets now. His only option was to directly confront the consequences of his decisions.

Yuki's presence before him only intensified his internal turmoil. She looked nervous, her eyes darting around as if searching for an escape route. He could sense her apprehension mirroring his own.

"Hey, Midoriya," she managed to say, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "You wanted to talk?"

Izuku nodded, his expression carefully neutral. "Yeah. There's something I need to tell you."

He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. Instead of confessing his feelings, however, he found himself veering off course, fabricating a lie on the spot.

"I… I wanted to ask for your help," he began, his words stumbling over each other in his haste. "I want to befriend Shinso, but I'm not sure how to approach him. I thought maybe you could give me some advice?"

It was a feeble excuse, he knew, but it was the best he could come up with on such short notice. He hoped Yuki wouldn't see through his deception, and realize the true reason behind his request.

To his relief, Yuki released a sigh of relief, her tense shoulders relaxing slightly. "Oh, um, sure," she replied, her voice softening with a hint of uncertainty. "I'm not good at these kinds of things, but I'll do my best to help you."

Izuku nodded, a sense of relief flooding through him. His plan seemed to be working, at least for now. He would use Shinso as his excuse to get closer to Yuki, to bridge the gap between them and hopefully earn her trust.

While leaving the classroom together, Izuku was plagued by the unshakeable sensation of guilt gnawing at his conscience. He knew he was deceiving Yuki, manipulating her for his own selfish reasons. But he told himself it was necessary, that it was the only way he could protect her from the truth of his feelings.

Deep down, however, he couldn't help but wonder if he was doing the right thing. Would his lies only serve to push Yuki further away, to erode whatever fragile connection they had begun to build? Or would they pave the way for something more, something real and genuine?

As they walked side by side down the empty hallway, Izuku knew one thing for certain: his path was fraught with uncertainty, his heart torn between love and deception. But he was determined to see it through, to navigate the twists and turns of fate until he reached the truth, whatever it may be.

Before parting ways, Izuku took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. He turned to Yuki, his expression carefully neutral, hiding the turmoil of emotions raging within him.

"Um, Yuki," he began, his voice slightly hesitant. "I was thinking, since we're going to be spending more time together and Shinso is someone I've been wanting to get to know better, it might be helpful if we could stay in touch. You know, in case we need to coordinate or anything."

Yuki's brow furrowed in confusion, but she nodded slowly, sensing the sincerity in Izuku's words. "Sure, that makes sense," she replied, reaching into her pocket to retrieve her phone.

Izuku's heart pounded in his chest as he watched her, his nerves on edge as he waited for her response. With a small smile, Yuki handed him her phone, already opened to the contacts page.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Izuku entered his phone number into Yuki's device, his fingers moving with practiced precision despite the trembling in his hands. He couldn't help but feel a rush of anticipation as he completed the task, knowing that this simple exchange held the potential to change everything.

Once he was finished, Izuku handed Yuki back her phone, their fingers brushing briefly in the exchange. "There you go," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of nervousness. "Now we can stay in touch." Yuki nodded in acknowledgment.

As they parted ways, Izuku couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension that lingered in the air. But deep down, he knew that this was just the beginning of a journey that would take them both to places they never imagined. And with Yuki's phone number safely stored in his device, he felt a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty of the path ahead.

As midnight descended upon the city, Izuku transformed into his alter ego, the vigilante known as Phoenix. With purposeful strides, he navigated the shadowed streets, his senses alert for any signs of trouble.

As he patrolled, he encountered various crimes in progress—robberies, assaults, and acts of vandalism. With swift and decisive action, he intervened, using his quirk and combat skills to subdue the perpetrators and protect the innocent.

As Izuku continued his patrol through the city streets, his senses alert and his mind focused, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over him since his encounter with Yuki earlier that day. The weight of their impending conversation hung heavy on his shoulders, but for now, duty called, and he pushed aside his personal concerns to focus on the task at hand.

Midnight cast long shadows across the deserted streets, broken only by the dim glow of streetlights and the occasional flicker of neon signs. With each step, Izuku felt the weight of responsibility settle upon him, a constant reminder of the role he had chosen to play in the city's never-ending battle against crime.

As he rounded a corner, his keen eyes caught sight of a familiar figure engaged in a fierce battle with another masked individual. Instinctively, Izuku moved closer, his footsteps silent as he approached the scene.

It was Earsearhead, his class teacher, engaged in a fierce battle with Nocturne, the alter ego of his friend Shinso Hitoshi. A surge of adrenaline coursed through Izuku's veins as he watched the clash unfold, his mind racing to make sense of the situation.

Instantly recognizing the danger of the situation, Izuku moved closer, his footsteps silent as he approached the scene.

Nocturne fought valiantly against Eraserhead, but Izuku knew that his friend lacked the experience to match their teacher's skill. With a heavy heart, Izuku understood that Nocturne stood little chance of winning this encounter alone.

Determined to assist his friend without escalating the conflict, Izuku intervened, not to engage Eraserhead in combat, but to create an opportunity for Nocturne to escape. His movements were calculated and precise as he positioned himself strategically, his focus solely on ensuring his friend's safety.

As the battle raged on, Izuku waited for the opportune moment to act. When the chance presented itself, he sprang into action, using his agility and Quirk to distract Eraserhead and create an opening for Nocturne to slip away.

With a swift nod of acknowledgment, Nocturne seized the opportunity and made his escape, disappearing into the shadows as Izuku held Eraserhead's attention.

Alone now with their teacher, Izuku knew that direct confrontation was not the answer. Instead, he focused on evasion and evasion alone, using his agility and Quirk to stay one step ahead of Eraserhead's attacks.

Despite the tension in the air, Izuku remained calm and composed, his mind racing as he searched for a way to de-escalate the situation. He knew that victory was not their goal tonight; survival was.

As Nocturne vanished into the darkness, Izuku's senses heightened, his focus solely on evading Eraserhead's attempts to capture him. With each calculated movement, he dodged and weaved, his agility and reflexes pushed to their limits as he maneuvered through the narrow alleyway.

Eraserhead's binding cloth snapped through the air, narrowly missing Izuku with each swift motion. With precision born of desperation, Izuku danced around the makeshift weapon, his movements fluid and deliberate as he bought precious seconds, waiting for the opportune moment to make his escape.

With each passing moment, Izuku's heart pounded in his chest, the weight of the situation bearing down on him with unrelenting force. But he refused to succumb to fear, drawing upon his resolve and determination to see him through the ordeal.

As Eraserhead pressed his attack, Izuku seized a fleeting opening, a split-second window of opportunity. With a burst of speed, he darted past his opponent, his senses on high alert as he scanned the surroundings for any sign of Nocturne.

Spotting his friend disappearing into the distance, Izuku knew that now was his chance. With a silent vow etched in his heart, he propelled himself into the air, his Quirk propelling him upwards with incredible force.

As he soared through the night sky, the wind whipping past him, Izuku's thoughts raced with a mix of relief and determination. With Nocturne safely out of harm's way, he knew that his mission was a success, his actions ensuring the safety of his friend.

And so, with the city sprawled out beneath him and the stars twinkling overhead, Izuku disappeared into the shadows, leaving behind only the echo of his footsteps fading into the darkness. As he melted into the shadows, he knew that this encounter with Eraserhead was just one of many in the ongoing dance between hero and vigilante.

For Izuku, evading Eraserhead had become almost routine, a nightly ritual that tested his skills and resolve. With each escape, he honed his abilities, learning from his mistakes and adapting to the ever-present threat of capture.

As he moved through the city streets, Izuku's thoughts turned to the events that had led him to this point. The war against All For One, the loss of his beloved, and his journey back in time—all had shaped him into the vigilante known as Phoenix.

But amidst the chaos and uncertainty, one thing remained constant: his unwavering determination to protect the innocent and oppose those who sought to do harm. It was a mission that drove him forward, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

As he navigated the labyrinthine alleyways and dimly lit streets, Izuku remained ever vigilant, his senses attuned to the slightest hint of danger. Though the night held many dangers, he refused to falter, drawing strength from his resolve to make a difference in a world plagued by darkness.

With each step forward, Izuku braced himself for the challenges that lay ahead, knowing that the road to redemption would be long and fraught with obstacles. But he was willing to face whatever trials awaited him.

And so, with a silent vow etched in his heart, Izuku pressed on into the night, his path illuminated by the flickering glow of streetlights and the burning flame of hope that blazed within him. For in the darkness, he found purpose, and in the shadows, he found strength. And with every beat of his heart, he vowed to continue fighting, no matter the cost.

As Eraserhead watched Phoenix vanish into the night, a weary sigh escaped his lips. This was not the first time their paths had crossed, nor would it likely be the last. The vigilante's presence in the city had become an all too familiar occurrence, one that Eraserhead had grown accustomed to over time.

Though tempted to give chase, Eraserhead knew better than to pursue Phoenix further. Their encounters often ended in a stalemate, with the elusive vigilante slipping away before Eraserhead could apprehend him. It was a frustrating reality, but one that Eraserhead had learned to accept.

With a resigned shake of his head, Eraserhead turned his attention back to his patrol. There were still criminals to apprehend, citizens to protect, and a city to safeguard. Phoenix may have eluded him once again, but Eraserhead remained steadfast in his duty as a pro hero.

As he continued on his patrol, Eraserhead remained vigilant, ever watchful for any signs of trouble. Though Phoenix may have evaded capture for now, Eraserhead knew that their paths would inevitably cross again. And when they did, he would be ready.

For now, however, there were more pressing matters at hand. With a firm resolve, Eraserhead pressed on into the night, determined to uphold the peace and maintain order in a city teetering on the brink of chaos.

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theheadlessgroom · 11 months ago

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@beatingheart-bride

"O-Oh! Interesting!"

Not quite the answer he was expecting (again, he had been hedging his bets on her being a movie starlet eloped from Hollywood), but not one he was actively against either. He supposed that accounted for her free time, being able to drop in and visit him whenever she wished (something he certainly had no complaints about)...

...still, he couldn't help but wonder to himself what the hell then she was doing, hanging around someone like him, someone nowhere even near that income bracket. Of course, his folks taught him from early on that things like money and looks weren't everything, but still, he found himself wondering what she might see in a scrawny geek like himself, who didn't have much to show for in the way of looks or monetary means...

"I-I think that's great!" Randall finally managed to say, smiling lightly as he said, "I-I think that's very smart, um, doing that, giving yourself a means of living comfortably, wi-without worrying about things!"

Beautiful, kind, charming, bold-tongued, a horror fan, and savvy with her savings? Was there anything Emily wasn't, honestly? He sincerely doubted it... ...he just hoped she wouldn't think he was some kind of gold digger, going out with a gal who probably had more money than he'd ever manage to scrimp and save up in his lifetime...

#((i can't decide if randall and emily would have the twins more or less right away after he's turned))#((or if they would wait a while-either way; i think they'd be very similar to their father in 'new orleans after midnight'))#((largely aging the same as human children-if maybe a bit slower; being born to two full vamps))#((as opposed to june being human in that au when she said had him-))#((before eventually slowing gradually to a stop come adulthood!))#((either way; i fully agree that emily would feel so blessed to finally have a family with randall!))#((i'm sure it was something they discussed in the past before his death))#((and so she figured that window was shut; but now that they're together again; she finds it isn't!))#((just another way things are looking up for her-it may have taken her a long time))#((but finally is her luck changing for the better; and i couldn't be happier for her because of it!))#((she more than deserves it after everything she's been through!))#outofhatboxes #beatingheart-bride #V:Dark Shadows

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vagueandominousvibes · 2 years ago

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Second chapter for Febuwhump 2023 is out! I’m only doing some of the prompts, but you can read today’s under the ‘Keep reading’, or the entire fic over on Ao3!

The God in the Well

Chapter 2: “That’s gonna scar”

Green watched Vio stagger, find his ground, and readjust his arms around Shadow. Vio’s eyes narrowed as they met those of the decapitated head of Mímir. “I do.”

Mímir’s nostrils flared. It sniffed the air. Then, a hoarse grating laughter rose from its nonexistent throat. “You? A human?”

Vio’s cheeks flushed. He straightened as much as he could without losing his balance or dropping Shadow. “You’re the Aesir god of knowledge, and I have questions!”

Mímir smiled unpleasantly. “I am neither Aesir nor god, though —” it tilted its head — “I have been known for knowledge and wisdom.”

“I want answers.”

“You think I will give them freely?” It snarled. “Not even Odin was granted a gift so royal.”

“What do you want?”

“An eye.”

Green’s heart rose into his throat. He grabbed Zelda’s outstretched arm. Vio looked thoughtful. Was he seriously considering it? After everything he had been through during their Mountain Mishaps, he was going to sacrifice an actual body part to a decapitated head?

“One eye?” Vio asked.

“Outward sight for inward sight. An eye for an eye.”

“Fine.”

“Wait!” Green dodged under Zelda’s arm, into Mímir’s field of vision. He was suddenly very aware of how large the head was, and of how little he knew about it. He should have listened closer to Vio’s rambles when they planned this outing. Except he hadn’t actually believed the summoning would work. He swallowed. “Take mine instead.”

“What?” Vio had the gall to sound annoyed. “Green, don’t be ridiculous. I asked for this. Don’t —”

Mímir grinned. “No, no, this is good.” It watched Green like a cat watched a mouse it had caught by the tail. “You, who begged Hylia to change your memories, choose to sacrifice an eye for knowledge? Remarkable.”

A sharp intake of breath from Zelda, while Blue muttered, “I swear to Hylia …” and Vio started, “Green, don’t —”

Green curled his hands into fists and glared at Mímir. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“No, I suppose you don’t.” It chuckled. “Come closer.”

He straightened and approached. If he wanted to, he could reach out and touch the irregular edge where Mímir’s throat had been. The skin looked pale. It smelled … unpleasant.

“Kneel, and lean over the edge.”

Taking care to breathe through his mouth only, Green knelt and leaned over the edge of the well. The water was dark, and much closer than he expected. His own two-eyed reflection stared back from a circle of white light. He looked pale. He needed a haircut. His eyes were clear blue.

The knuckles on his fists whitened. They were shaking. He forced himself to uncurl them on the stones and moss.

He locked eyes with his own reflection. “Are you sure it’s going to work?”

“You doubt my word?” his reflection asked in Mímir’s voice.

“I just don’t want to waste an eye for nothing.”

His reflection snorted. “Humans. You value your bodies more than they are worth.”

Green didn’t reply.

“But, I suppose a friend’s sacrifice, given freely, is of more worth than ones own. There will be knowledge for …”

The last words disappeared as Green felt his left eye explode. His eyelid wrenched open and something snapped behind the bridge of his nose and he jerked back, away from the well, reaching for his eye, and it hurts it hurts it hurts —

He’s falling. He knows he is, even as he desperately grasps for the red feathers. But they are old and slippery, and the loftwing is angry. It turns sharply, and he hears himself scream as he plummets. Air whips around him, catching at his tunic and his trousers, and by Hylia, he wishes he waited until he was old enough to get his sailcloth —

Branches catch him, full of cold leaves and sharp twigs, and he covers his head and his face as a broken branch digs into his thigh and then he’s tumbling, down, down, down, through needle-sharp whips of wood that make his back and chest burn, and —

SPLASH. Into water. It stings his ribs and the underside of his arm. His heart hammers in his chest and in his throat. He forces himself to move and pulls himself towards the surface.

It’s not the first time he has fallen off a loftwing, but it’s the first time he knew nobody would be there to catch him. The lake was pure luck.

He breaks the surface and treads the water. Above him, there are only branches and a clear blue sky. The loftwing has disappeared.

He sighs.

His left thigh is starting to burn.

Slowly he makes his way to the nearest shore and drags himself up into the grass and moss. His thigh is pounding now. The water behind him is pink. He shifts to look at the wound, and his stomach turns. It’s deep and dark and red, and it looks bad. He has never seen a wound look this bad.

He tries to stand, but that hurts more, and his leg gives out. His heart is beating faster again, and his breath is loud in his ears. “Hello?” he calls, and hopes he has fallen somewhere nearby the Village of Hylia. “Anyone?” He has never been to the Surface, but those who remained on Skyloft after the Great Descent tell stories of the settlement of Hylia reincarnated and her Hero — of those who never returned. Maybe it’s real. Maybe it’s not.

Spots dance before his eyes. He swallows. “Help!”

Something moves between the trees.

He freezes. “Who’s there?” His breath is short.

A young woman, bathed in light, emerges. Her hair is like pale gold, tied in two loose plaits. She wears a circlet with a glowing blue stone upon her forehead, and carries a woven basket under one arm. Her skirts are white. On her wrists are bracelets like those of Hylia.

Green shakes his head and tries to move away, but stumbles over his injured leg and stops. He leans against the nearest tree. He has heard the stories the adults tell: Hylia was reborn on Skyloft; Hylia fell to the Surface; no one who falls to the Surface returns.

He raises his hands. “Please, Goddess, I don’t want to die —”

The Goddess comes to a halt. Sunlight catches in wisps of hair and reflects in the circlet. Her eyes are bright like the clear skies above Skyloft. “You are injured.” She sets her basket down.

“Please —” His vision blurs.

She approaches.

“No —”

She kneels before him. Her hands are careful as she examines the wound.

He is shaking.

“This will not mend on its own.” She looks up at him. “Please, let me help you.” She offers her hand, and he sees only white.

Green gasped and clutched his face. Waves of pain pounded against the left side of his head. Tears were streaming down his face, mixed with — he cracked his right eye open and squinted at his hands — blood. There was blood on his hands — on his face —

“Green, can you hear me?” Zelda’s hands were gripping his shoulders. Her voice was tense.

He turned his head to try to see her. “I’m — my face — I —” He could taste the blood and tears — on his lips, on his tongue —

“Green, you moron.” Vio’s voice. He knelt in front of Green and reached for Green’s face. He was frowning. “Why?” His thumb brushed under Green’s left eye.

Green whimpered and tried to pull away.

“What did you do to him?” Vio demanded. He sounded tense and … angry?

“An eye for an eye,” Mímir said.

“Give it back!”

“It was his to give.”

Vio rose. “Give. It. Back!”

Green reached weakly for Vio. His thoughts were nowhere near coherent, but he knew that Mímir was dangerous, and that Vio needed to stay away from it. His fingers left dark stains on the grey fabric of the leg of Vio’s trousers.

“The deal has already been sealed. He has seen.”

“Seen what?” Vio snarled.

“Himself.” Mímir’s eyes flared. The light shot from it to Vio, and Vio screamed. He stepped back, grasped his head, took another step —

“Vio …” Through blurry vision, Green saw Vio sink to his knees next to Shadow. Then his head rolled back as darkness claimed him.

———

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#febuwhump2023 #febuwhumpday5 #four swords #vio link/shadow link #blue link/red link #green link/zelda #modern au #uni au #norse myths #cw eye trauma #cw loss of sight #posting this about half an hour before midnight cause i'm busy tomorrow and won't have time to post it on ao3

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