#neither is the goblin court

[artific3r]

heavily intrigued by your reverse horseboy

sorry i didn't respond to this sooner, i was trying to convince myself that doing things for fun is ok even if people have dubbed it "cringe", and talking about things that are fun for me is also ok

He's an acofaf oc that i was NOT intending to be as insane about as i am.

ok so important fact one is that he's wrackingspelt. important fact two is that hob goes back for wrackingspelt only to find him gone. important fact three is that wrackingspelt gets into a "magic accident" which leaves him with a human torso where his neck and head used to be. And back pain. Important fact four is that hes meant to be something of an antagonist in a theroetical season 2

I should note that wrackingspelt has been sentient in a fey way for quite some time now, but has been unable (and unwilling) to make his presence as a Fey and Not-A-Horse known. He had it good! Hob took care of him, and being a war horse is not easy, but Hob took measures to make sure he was not hurt. They were brothers in war, after all!

But Hob left. And with nothing but letters to show for it.

The goblin court is left scrambling after Hobs leaving the court. They need this marriage to go through but there is no one to do it. Until a newly centaurified Wrackingspelt makes an appearance.

So now Wrackingspelt is going to marry Lady Sylmenar! But wrackingspelt can't marry lady sylmenar, that's crazy! Hes a HORSE, and everyone knows wrackingspelt as the former Major Hobs mighty steed! This wont do at all! No no no. This is... um... Wrrrrrr... Wren! Wren Finnigan! Yes yes, Baron– Baronex? Oh alright, Baronex Wren Finnigan! Hes– oh, any? Alright. She's a war hero, don't you know! He was in every battle, right alongside Hob! Hobs greatest assistant! Hob took all the credit though, that heathen! His departure is what allowed the goblin court to realize how truly special Wren is.

Of course Lady Sylmenar, the BELOVED Wren is going to make a WONDERFUL spouse, it's better this way for you, Hob was always a stick in the mud, and Wren Finnigan, soon to be Wren Sylmenar, is a HIT with all the fey, they're a real charmer, now go on, time to get you too married!

And Wrackingspelt– err, Wren– has only ever known serving hob, and HOB only ever knew serving the goblin court, and so of COURSE wren will serve the court in his stead! Whatever monster bewitched Hob must be very powerful indeed! Hob would never betray his station so fragrantly! And Wren is going to get to the bottom of it!

But hob left of his own volition? Theres no way! Betrayer! Betrayer to the goblin court and to Wren! This whole situation is his fault, then! And rue was the one to call of the marriage between grabalba and apollo, this is their fault too! Once everyone knows, the unsteady relations between the goblin court and court of wonder will smooth out, of course!

But his duty to Lady Sylmenar comes first, of course. Duty always comes first! Thats what hob always believed, and he was a hero (or was he?), so it must be true! (Wren is unfortunately incapable of connecting the dots of "hes not a hero" to "so it might not be true". Or maybe not incable so much willfully ignorant. Or maybe both. I haven't decided yet).

And at first its hard. Like... really hard. Wren was a war horse and now they're a centaur and a married man and a political pawn and they're going to and hosting parties and they're doing all the etiquette befit of a member of the seelie court and its all so much it makes him want to puke.

But it gets easier. Lady Sylmenar is never told of who Wren was, but she's very kind. And she's very understanding. And she's funny! And shes very pretty, and a very good companion. And when she laughs she throws her head back, and her favorite color is orange, and hey what a coincidence thats wrens favorite color too! (And wren neglects to mention it wasn't his favorite before her) And they don't love each other, of course not... but! Thats not the point. The point was a political alliance, and thats what they got. And they respect each other. And she's great! And they're so similar! (Who wren is anymore is... irrelevant. Who wren was is irrelevant. But... wren has to admit, there are parts of himself there that are pretty similar to parts of Sylmenar. Wren wonders if they are both carving themselves into pretty shapes. Wren pushes that thought down)

And Syl's got an appreciation for the arts, and painting specifically.

And wren takes to painting like a life line. He drenches his feelings (what feelings? My heart is full of garbage. Wren supposes thats true on several levels) in symbolism meant only for him to understand the depths of.

Wren is making the goblin court proud. Hes making the seelie court proud. Shes a crowd pleaser, always the life of the party, What more could he ask for? ...what else is there but serving your court?

Tl;dr: Basically, wrens got that famous-older-sibling/parent/older-relative-who-fucked-up complex where there's the simultaneous desire to fill the big shoes they left behind while not fucking up in the same way they did. Unfortunately for Wren, his feet are very different from hobs.

She is also in love with Sylmenar. Yah she accidentally fell for Syl. Oops

Wren is always the biggest presence in the room. When wren arrives, EVERYONE knows. Which makes her stealthy rougish skill set all the more unnoticed, because how can you not know when wren is in the room? EVERYONE knows when wren is in the room!

Wine aunt meets gossipy queen bee sort, idk im not great at describing things.

Says a lot of shit to mess with peoples heads the the very specific way that has plausible deniability

If in a duel with wuvvy would say some shit like "well you, more than anyone else, understand the misery of second place"

Idk its 2am and im not doing things i need to be have this oc nonsense

[gayandfairycore]

The prince, the magician and the physician

Summary when the witchfinder accuses you of having magic you must convince Arthur that your feelings for the boy have never been disingenuous. And Merlin must race against the clock to save you but can you be saved? Can your relationship with Arthur? Can love truly conquer Arthur’s prejudice?

Italics mean flashbacks

Word count: about 8k

Warning: torture, mention of execution, feeling betrayed, readers anxious, reader accepts death, canon divergence (but same overarching plot), Arthur may be a bit ooc sorry!

A/n: who’s back with the bbc Merlin fics? Me!!!!!!! Two fics in *almost* the same month-WHO is she? But seriously I’ve been writing more and I’m so glad I have I really enjoy writing these fics for you guys and to everyone who has supported me thank you so much!! We hit 900 followers a few weeks ago and it was such a milestone thank you all for enjoying my fics enough to follow!

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

The witch finders arrival had you and Merlin in shambles he had already been pointing fingers and he had been in Camelot for nearly a day and already had been accusing people of having magic.

What was worse, he had witnesses. Three girls from the lower town who had been seeing traces of magic a man coughing up a frog from his throat, to a goblin dancing in the flames of a dying fire. To faces of the drowned in the well. with every confession you sent an angry glare to Merlin beside you, since he was the reason this witch finder had been called in the first place.

Fear bubbled in your throat when the witchfinder said he already had suspects. and who the witchfinder had accused happened to be yourself, Merlin, and the lady morgana.

It was day three when he found “proof” you were a witch. (Of course you were but the proof was bogus. It wasn’t yours.)

It wasn’t Merlin’s either, it was an amulet poorly hidden in a pot. Neither yourself nor Merlin were skilled with charming jewellery, and you couldnt wear bracelets whilst being the court physicians apprentice, besides when would you even have the time to charm jewellery? Between saving Arthur, being gauis’s apprentice, and watching over Merlin you never had a second to breathe.

But despite having never seen the amulet in your life you knew the witchfinder would see no sense. Men like that never would, and what was worse the witchfinder happened to be an old friend of gauis, with a reputation based on brutality and hatred. He despised magic with a passion if he suspected you, you were already as good as dead.

But you couldn’t let Merlin die by the hands of the witchfinder, Merlin had far too much life ahead of him.

He had to protect Arthur. He had to unite Albion. he had to live long enough to see Arthur’s rule And believe me There was nothing you wanted more than to see Arthur unite Albion and bring magic to the land But you weren’t the one destined to unite Albion, you were however destined to protect those you loved and some part of you was okay with dying for the cause of keeping your family safe.

and if you were asked if you regretted taking the fall for Merlin or gauis, of course you’d say no. He was your best friend and gauis was like a grandfather to you. You’d let them sentence you to death a thousand times over if it meant Merlin was safe. If gauis was safe.

“Search through that cupboard and under the bed!” The witch finders commanding voice called out to the guards as they tore apart gauis’s chambers you were aware by now that the moment he walked in he’d already deemed you guilty.

By the way His eyes narrowed like a predator to prey, the atmosphere was tense like he’d been preparing to go for the kill for awhile now. and disgust permeated from his figure in waves this man watched you like you were the dirt on his shoe, some small disgusting insect that deserved to die if he even thought you had magic.

Sharing a nervous glance at gauis your hands wringing nervously in your lap as you watched these knights destroy your home your gaze asked gauis the same question he’d been dreading, where was Merlin’s spell book?

If you were going to go down for magic paraphernalia you fully thought it would be because of Merlin’s spell book not some poorly disguised amulet that wasn’t yours in the first place.

Leon had been the one to find the amulet a haunted look in his eyes you could tell Leon did not want to do this, but honour bounded the knights more than kinship. More than years spent with each other from childhood sparring, to treating his wounds when Leon grew from a bashful baby faced boy into a lean young man practicing to become a knight.

He was honour bound to tell this monster what he found And you’d hate to see Leon burned beside you under the guise of solidarity. It was better for one to burn than two.

“An. enchanted. amulet.” The witchfinder spoke slowly as he inspected the Jewlery, every word sealing your fate “whose is this? Perhaps the boy Merlin Or the girls? Or even yours, old friend.” The witch finder sneered pointing his finger in your face as he circled gauis and yourself like you were prey

Your horror filled eyes flickered to gauis and you watched as his mouth opened and his eyes flashed with familiar selflessness it was clear, what the old man was going to do, he loved his little family as much as you did and you’d hate to see the old man take the blame for you or Merlin again.

living with gauis has already been enough of a burden you couldn’t let him die for something he had no part in (not that you did either but you were nothing if not loyal.) your heart constricted in your chest, your stomach dropping

One of you would surely be executed for this but you would not let it be Merlin, or gauis. It would be you before it ever was them.

Taking a shaky breath you stepped forward your hand out to block gauis front from stopping you “it’s mine.”

And the beat of your heart deafened you the room went deadly silent guards hands went to their swords ready for anything, in the corner of your eye gauis’s face went ghostly pale filled with horror as he watched his youngest apprentice, the girl he practically raised as if his own stare down this false god with cold eyes the sent fear shooting through gauis, you were capable you like Merlin had the ability to destroy your enemies without lifting a finger but gauis knew you better than for you to defend yourself. But you would be brave braver than anyone else.

You steeled yourself infront of the witchfinder your eyes narrowed dangerously. You did not take kindly to those attempting to ruin your family.

“Guards.” With one word the witch finder sealed your fate, looking to gauis behind you, your eyes only let your guard slip for a moment and the old man saw the burning fear that filled your gaze. As Leon’s hands restrained you with hesitation.

“you can’t!” Gauis called pointedly to the witchfinder “it’s not hers! she doesn’t know what she’s saying.” Gauis pleaded desperately after you seething from where he stood, he would not watch another child die.

you felt your heart break for the man who was like your father. “Leon, please.” You pleaded to Leon to release your hands for just a moment and the man you’ve known since childhood released his grip for only a second it was enough for you to break his hold and sprint to take gauis in a hug

Crashing into his arms you closed your eyes blinking away tears And you muttered the one phrase that could save you, that could reverse this fatal mistake, the one thing that stopped the panic in gauis for only a moment “It’s not mine.”

Before Leon’s hands had pulled you from gauis’s comforting arms, your tearful eyes met gauis and you expected to be met with fear but a newfound determination in gauis’s face calmed you, hope filled your heart Merlin would find a way to save you he always did.

Leon bent your hands behind your back and lead you down the halls of the castle

The witchfinder leading you through the halls, your Druid communication had been the most useful in situations like this, situations where Merlin was nowhere to be found

“Merlin, if you can hear this please find a way to get me out of this. The witchfinder has accused us of using magic be careful. Help me Merlin, Please find Arthur.” You didn’t get a response despite the fact You had never begged and you never had sounded quite as hopeless as you did then, even when you were behind enemy lines, in enemy dungeons it was different.

They weren’t your friends, weren’t your family sentencing you to die this was.

As you were dragged through the halls Camelot knights walked all around you, their billowing red capes with the golden dragon crest that once brought you so much comfort now brought only dread, the burning memory being wrapped up in Arthur’s cape on a hunting trip once dearly reminisced now just felt cruel.

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

The braying of horses and the taps of hooves on the ground as you, the knights, Arthur and Merlin set off on a hunt you found it silly to be hunting for game for fun but you couldn’t refuse the invite considering you were arthurs personal physician recommended by gauis (and Merlin babysitter) and atleast you were with your closest friends who are the loyalist of loyal.

As opposed to being stuck in gauis’s chambers mulling over books like you do almost daily you’d take any possible time with Arthur especially away from prying eyes.

The sun was starting to go down and you were too far away from Camelot to head home so Arthur called it and you’d be camping in the woods tonight, you didn’t mind. It was nice to camp under the stars with your friends away from all the expectations, The watchful eyes. Camelot was home but it was growing increasingly more dangerous.

Here, in the forest with Arthur and Merlin and the knights you were more than just a physician you were equal. You were more then just lower class, you were free and here under the constant cover of trees and the darkening blanket of the setting sun you could be more than some backup physician, you were just y/n. And Prince Arthur was just Arthur.

And if you could have just cupped this moment in your hands and held it tightly to your chest you would have.

Camped by a large oak tree in Arthur’s arms his red cape with the golden pendragon sigil covered your body from the elements keeping you safe and warm and in the light of the fire there was no fear, no worry about expectations. Or watching eyes all that mattered was being truly yourself with the man you love in his arms unashamed.

When sleep finally stole you away from Arthur Merlin couldn’t stop the question that was brewing for months “do you love her?” The young man asked scouring the ground with a stick his arms rested on his knees as he watched the couple together Merlin knew this would turn out badly his best friend, a physician with no title dating the crowned prince of Camelot? A recipe for disaster

He knew what his destiny foretold, he knew the perils and he knew that your role in destiny would surely not let this freedom, this unabashed love stay happy. There could be no room for happiness when you had magic.

“Of course I love her.” The prince found himself telling Merlin hesitation in his voice fear rolling from him in waves, by now it was the late hours of the night, the knights and yourself long since asleep and Merlin and Arthur the only ones still awake

“You know your father would never approve?” Merlin spoke assured that if uther found out you’d most likely be executed

“I know that Merlin, but one day it will be different my father will have no say and I will be king when I am king I want her- to be my queen.” Arthur’s fingers run through your hair softly a promise Arthur swore to himself he would keep his arms wrapping tightly around your waist the soft sound of your breathing calming Arthur’s pounding heart he knew this was reckless and senseless but this was love. And love has no logic.

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

Now a bitter taste of betrayal sat heavily on your shoulders as you were flanked by those you call friends as they lead you to your death you couldn’t blame them it’s not their fault they have to follow uther but it leaves a horrible taste in your mouth

How things had changed.

It was sad to feel Leon’s grip firm but not brutish still trying not to hurt you as if he wasn’t leading you to what would be your death. You were aware from the moment Arthur managed to steal your heart you’d end up on the gallows or burnt at the stake or you’d face death in battle intentionally scheduled by uther. He hated anyone who was not of noble blood for Arthur.

And No good ever came from destiny, and if it was your destiny to die in place of your loved ones you’d die a valiant death. But it didn’t stop the shake in your hands.

You could mask your fear you would not give the witchfinder what he wants. He would not break you.

But leon could feel the shake in your hand and feel the erratic beat of your heart from the pulse point on your wrist and he wanted nothing more than to damn the consequences and save you but he couldn’t. you could only rely on Merlin to prove the witchfinder a fraud and you to be innocent you could only pray for Arthur’s forgiveness. After your innocence is proven.

But the horrible feeling of dread that was building in your stomach as they were leading you into the dungeons a cell- no doubt already made up- And down every step you felt like throwing up when you finally made it to the bottom of the stair case the scent of wet earth and straw filled your nose the bricks that lined the dungeon and its torches that burned steadily along the side of the stairs made you feel ill.

The witch finder swung open the first vacant cell and Leon was forced to keep you there walking you the the center of the room, the suns rays that slipped through the cracks of the small window warmed your face but it didn’t comfort you, soon the sun would be your clock, your tally mark for your final night alive if Merlin failed.

Leon’s hands left yours and still the ache in your shoulders stayed “I’m sorry” he spoke lowly in your ear before he stepped away you turned to finally face your friend

“Leon, let Arthur know I’m sorry” You called to the man who grew up beside you who had been growing up pledging to die for Camelot even if that meant dying young he never expected the young girl with so much light in her eyes, and gentleness that always managed to calm her patients, he never thought she’d be the one on deaths door before him.

Before the man could reply the witch finger slammed the cell door shut and sneered through the bars “not to worry he’ll find out soon enough.”

Your heart constricted in your chest as you watched them all walk away the iron in the Camelot dungeons nullifying your powers and your connection with Merlin you couldn’t hear his reply to your plea you were well and truly alone you could of course break out from the cells the iron didn’t make you powerless only dulling your connection with the earth, the place your power comes from. But you couldn’t put your friends at risk.

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

It was hours later when guards came to haul you away to your sentencing, heavy iron handcuffs clicked into place over your hands large chains weighing you down & tight enough to make the skin on your wrists rub painfully.

As Guards lead you through the castle to the throne room, there you stood at the large mahogany double doors two guards on either side as they flung the doors open all your friends and family, all your previous patients were standing there watching as the witchfinder lead you in as the number one suspect, the guilty witch. two guards gripped your arms and threw you to the ground in front of the king, a man who you’ve spent countless hours mending, and stitching up alongside gauis.

Your hands shook as your knees took the brunt of the force, your chains rattling from where you were you couldn’t see Merlin, or gauis. But You could feel Merlin’s energy over the crowd

“I’m going to get you out of this y/n, I swear.” Merlin promises to you through your Druid telepathy and you bit back the tears as You scowled at the sight of the ground. you couldn’t bare look up at the sight of morgana in front of you, of Arthur infront of you fear that you’ll see nothing but disgust, embarrassment and regret on his face.

“Here is the first witch I’ve uncovered in my short time here in Camelot. The court physicians apprentice. The princes! Physician!” Every word the witch finder spoke booms over the crowd as he exclaims to the counsel shock no doubt painted their faces you’ve treated every single person in this room and you’ve used magic on quite a few to save them. Why was that a bad thing? If you have the power to save someone was that not the right thing to do? Magic is not bad but people are.

“WHO can imagine what she could have used on the prince unsupervised! What magic she could have used and at what cost to the prince!” By the gasps of those standing around the room the witchfinders words seemed to make them angry, seemed to make the king angry he loved Arthur in his own way so for the witchfinder to use Arthur to sentence you, god. You were surely going to die.

“No.” Arthur’s words were quiet this was the first time he had said anything “y/n a witch? I mean come on we’d know! She’s lived in Camelot since she was five. And she wouldn’t harm a fly!” Arthur called like it was laughable resting his hand on his hip like it was obvious but by the look in his eye the look of realisation but you couldn’t find disgust you didn’t have time to search for it.

But It made you turn your gaze to the floor Arthur knows. he knows. you have magic. You’ve healed him countless times. no stab wound, or arrow wound could be healed as quickly as his has or all the time he’s been injured in battle only moments before, before the searing pain has been replaced with a dull ache. Or the times as a child where any scrape or scuffed knee had been eased by a soft kiss over the wound. The look of betrayal passing over his face when you gained the courage to finally look at him made you shrink into yourself

“That’s exactly what someone under her spell would say. I fear, uther that the prince is too close to her to see clearly.” The witchfinder spoke with a voice like acid and you couldn’t stand making yourself small if he was going to do you for magic you would not be ashamed. You would not hide from his gaze.

Your chained hands pushed you from your slumped position on the ground your hair messily falling over your face you stood on shaky legs looking at the people in the throne room, all your friends watching you with pity filled faces you couldn’t stand it.

It made you feel sick, especially the fearful teary eyed look from morgana like she was seeing her future you hated this.

Uthers response felt like it took years, “y/n l/n I sentence you to death.” The room fell eerily silent before a scream filled your head, it was Merlin you whirled around to spot him in the crowd tears in his eyes and anger flashing across his face you wouldn’t be surprised if the next attempt on uthers life would be from Merlin.

“No! Father you can’t. What evidence do you have?!” Arthur pleaded with his father quietly by his throne anger glaring in arthurs eyes pointed not at you, it gave you hope that he didn’t hate you enough to want you dead.

“My word is final.” The king sneered and your hope filled heart broke. Swallowing hard your eyes searched for Merlin the fear in your eyes hit him hard as he watched

you be carted out of the court room your eyes locking with Merlin’s anger and tears filled his eyes before your eyes swept to Arthur’s & the sheen of betrayal sat heavy in his eyes and before you could stop yourself you called out for him one last time. As the guards dragged you to the doors.

“Arthur!”

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

The cells in camelots dungeons were always your most hated place to be from the horrid stench to the chill that cooled your bones to the straw that littered the floor In wet mangled clumps. To the extent it weakened your connection to your magic. Your magic was your strength the very essence of you to have it be weakened by the iron felt wrong.

The dungeons were perhaps the scariest place in Camelot there you’d sit, forced to rot as they’re building a funeral pyre for you and your execution is due in a day.

But you’d been there for now two days, and Day by day you were becoming more and more sure that this was the one situation Merlin could not save you from.

by the betrayed look on Arthur’s face when you were lead through the large doors infront of the entire court for your sentencing and the cold look in uthers eyes you were a dead woman walking.

And maybe you deserved it by the look on Arthur’s face as the pieces fell into place and he realised all the times his wounds eased that were not with the help of adrenaline, but magic. it made you wonder did he believe you had enchanted him? Bewitched him to love you? It pained you greatly to even think that Arthur may be in his chambers rethinking every kiss you’ve shared with one another. Would your love ever truly be enough for him to forgive you for magic? Of course he didn’t like magic that was to be expected but he liked you. At least you thought he liked you…

And He liked Merlin, he’d shown countless times indifference to magic, magic that had saved his life countless times, and still the look of betrayal in his eyes made you wonder Were all your secret picnics and stolen kisses in corridors just something to occupy him?

Were you nothing more than Arthur’s dirty little secret, a silly little romance that would have only ended in tragedy?

was it all for nothing?

Were you nothing to him?

No you were not nothing. You were everything you were his in private. the only place he didn’t have to perform. He didn’t have to agree with his father’s actions he could just be Arthur pendragon not the prince.

besides It’s better to have loved Arthur and to die for it than to have never had him at all. You may never be his queen but you were for a fleeting moment, for a fleeting moment you were his and he was yours.

And now you would burn because you loved your family too much to watch them die, you half wondered as you sat in that cell if uther knew.

If he had known you and Arthur were courting in secret and if he called the witchfinder to get rid of more than one the little scandal waiting to happen and you wouldn’t put it past uther to condemn you to death so long as Arthur is still under his control.

The longer you sat in your cell the more you stewed, a slue of emotions crashing over you, from sadness to anger, to acceptance.

You would accept the fate of burning for your loved ones but you would not accept the fate of losing Arthur. Not like this.

You would not be separated by death, if Arthur didn’t want you after knowing the truth you would live with it, but you would not live with not knowing.

Your love for the boy had been too strong you were going to marry Arthur in the future, it wasn’t to far away having a family with the prince, having a life.

That could have been your future. If you were not awaiting execution.

You sat there in drenching sadness that crashed like waves, what was worse was the sound of key’s jiggling. Did you misjudge the days? Was this going to be the end? already?

“You and me are going to have a little talk.” The witch finder sneered unlocking your cell and looking down at you with hatred still you didn’t gaze in his eyes. You watched the floor with intensity as he hauled you off to a different cell leading you through the halls past the staircase you caught sight of a shaky morgana your eyes found hers and suddenly you felt a lot more scared than before.

In the cell there was a chair and a table and a small cart of various medical and surgical weapons ‘oh shit’ your mind screamed as the witch finder forced you to the chair “So we can do this two ways. It’s up to you confess why you’re in Camelot and who else has magic. and maybe I’ll let you live. Don’t tell me and I’ll find out myself.” The cruelty in his tone made you rear back subconsciously eyes narrowing at the witchfinders gaze

“Then” you sighed shakily looking at him through your lashes coldly“you’re going to have to find out yourself.” You summoned every inch of anger and willed it in your tone. Trying to be brave despite the frantic beats of your heart.

But It was hours spent in that damp Camelot cell hidden from the other prisoners clamped to a chair and the witch finder inches from your face and array of striking weapons on a small cart made your breathing hitch.

But you’ve had worse, you’ve had to fight wilderin in hengists kingdom for sport. Both yourself and Gwen had been kidnapped under the guise of being morgana and her physician and so yourself and Gwen were forced to masquerade as morgana and yourself and you were stuck in different cells both damp and smelling of blood and wet earth.

And then there was Lancelot who happened to be hengists champion, and a champion who only days later you’d be thrown into the pit with a wilderin with no weapons with a tied up Gwen and Lancelot. Both yourself and Lancelot had stayed behind to give Gwen time to escape and ultimately were the first to be thrown in the cage again you didn’t mind as long as Gwen escaped you’d be fine.

But Truth be told the odds were very against you, but magic was always going to save you, but using it would doom you especially in front of everyone in hengists court. With the use of magic and a bloodied broken bone from the wilderins last meal made for a convenient way to murder the beast. Until another one came and Merlin and Arthur had saved you just in time From its hideous rat jaws the huge bleeding scar of its teeth in your arm made you detest the stench of blood and earth.

That was probably the worst experience of your life until now. And the scar from the wilderins teeth was still healing but the physical scars meant nothing the torture of being in a cell that smells the same as this dungeon was the worst that and the feeling of knowing your life is going to end were probably the most humbling experiences.

But, the only saving grace was that night in camp where Arthur had taken it upon himself to patch up your wilderin wound (poorly might you add as a physician it was odd to let the only man with very little experience patching someone up, patch you up.)

But you let him anyway and Arthur’s hands held your arm with feather light touches the needle threaded through your flesh with clumsy fingers the stiching off centre and rough around the edges but it was Arthur’s way of telling you he cared, the silk thread slid easily through your flesh but it pained you every stitch Arthur was no physician but he was trying.

“I’m glad you’re okay. And Gwen told me when they questioned you about any secrets of Camelot you never cracked.”

“never Camelot is my home.” You smiled at the prince but your attempt at reassurance failed miserably and he ducked his head

“I wish you, cracked. Then they wouldn’t have given you that.” Arthur pointed to the growing black eye rapidly swelling over your left eye a bruise you got for refusing to rat out any information on when guards were on duty, the way to the Camelot armory or anything you overheard as a physician from any loose lipped clients.

“I am not weak Arthur. I can deal with a black eye and brutish men. I’ve been sparring with you and the knights for years” Your eyes pointed angrily at the boy crossing your arms over your chest despite the half finished stitching feeling the half sewn wound twist painful as you did so but you hid the pain to appear strong something you’ve done since you were young

“I never said that! But you- you aren’t weak. I can’t stand seeing you in pain.” Arthur’s blue eyes bore into yours with such an intensity his eyes flashing from your lips to your eyes his hand cupping your jaw as he pressed his lips softly against yours shock prevented you from kissing back as the blonde went to pull away you chased his lips kissing him back with feverish passion.

“I love you Arthur.” You rested your head against his the exhaustion of the day catching up to you he didn’t say it back but you didn’t care he just had to know.

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

The memory of Arthur made you feel loved it kept you strong, hit after hit, once against your ribs twice against your face, four times against your legs and once more against your face with enough force to split your lip licking the blood that dripped from your lip your bruised body heaved in pain and still you never cracked.

“Come on miss l/n, just tell me two little names and all this can stop”

“You’re deluded.” You sneered before spitting a wad of blood into the witchfinders face smiling gleefully when your blood tinged spit stained his face but the glee was short lived when the man had sent a quick hit to your chest stealing the air from your lungs.

Before he grabbed a tool with a screw and roughly pulled your thumb into it “you will tell me miss y/n what your intentions are with the prince and with Camelot or I will force it out of you.”

The witchfinder shredded his coat as he leaned over you tightening the screw into your thumb the pressure of the screw against your finger had you squirming in your seat as he tightened the contraption more and more

“All you need to do is confess your accomplices. And this will stop.” His voice echoed the room but the feeling of a sharp screw drilling into your finger tighter and tighter puncturing the nail and skin the pain otherworldly and unbearable you tried to hold your scream back but when the man still did not relent and instead tightened the thumb screw you let out your blood curdling scream.

“WHO! Are! Your! Accomplices!” His voice yelled now as he tightened more and more gut wrenching screams ripped from your throat you would let yourself scream, let yourself cry but you would not tell him a thing.

The crushing feeling of your thumb bones breaking made your heart beat incredibly fast your other ironed hand gripped the table with force your nails digging into the wood

He still tightened the screw and by the loud haunting screams that ripped from you and the smile on the witchfinders face he enjoyed your pain you couldn’t help the salty tears and horrible screams the pain unbearable and overcoming your sense but still your mouth locked on any information like a vault.

“Come on!” His voice boomed as his hands squeezed your bicep his eyes crazed as he watched you

“Fuck you!” You screamed eyes red with tears and fighting the approaching darkness in the corner of your vision

“Aredian, sir. The king has called a meeting and requires your presence.” The servant at the cell door had spoken quietly to the witchfinder nervous in his presence

The witchfinder sighed straightening his posture rolled his eyes and moved close to your ear “no matter, miss l/n. The lady morgana, and Merlin will burn with you soon”

Your heart dropped and you struggled against the restraints the excruciating pain from your finger and the rest of your beaten body the pain in your ribs alluded you to the potential broken bones it caused your panicked shouts to echoed through the dungeon and the witchfinders laugh filled the room

“No! Aredian stop.” You cried to his retreating figure “I’ll confess to the use of sorcery if. And only if, you spare Merlin and morgana.” Your eyes close in defeat

“Good choice, miss y/n. take her to her cell.”

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

And there you were again cut off from anyone and anything unsure if Merlin would be able to prove you innocent, or if he’d burn with you, or if Arthur still even cared the woman he was courting was about to be executed and had just withstood torture. Hengist was bad but he never had broken your bones or tortured you only tried to feed you to wilderin.

The pain in your thumb had dulled but the bleeding hole had still gushed the measly bandage that consider of your dress did barely anything to stop the bleeding and the iron cells mixed with the torture made your magic virtually ineffective making you unable to fully heal your wounds only dulling the pain of your thumb.

your time was running out and you were truly alone in the cells your connection to Merlin via your druid telepathy was proving useless he wouldn’t respond you couldn’t warn him of the witch finder and by the shine of the moon in your cell you only had hours left.

There is already a funeral pyre with your name on it in the court yard. You couldn’t help the tears that slipped down your cheeks you didn’t want to die not like this and a prison break wasn’t even on your mind they’d just kill Merlin and gaius in your absence there was no way out. and the crushing guilt of something you cannot change began to pound against your skull. Were you born wrong?

Was it wrong to have this magic? This power that has saved those you’ve loved for years why was it seen as inherently evil? Why were you seen as inherently evil? All you wanted was your friends to be safe.

And between the pain that debilitated you from the physical blows to the broken bones in your thumb and the emotional pain of Arthur most likely hating you made you want to just give up.

You pulled your knees to your chest as you cried the stupid scent of blood, earth, and straw polluted your nose. And you found yourself thinking about how lucky Gwen had been to have Lancelot visit her cell in hengists kingdom determined to break her and by extension yourself out.

You had Merlin in your court but you still wished you had someone to hold your hand through the vent even if it was the last thing you’d ever do you didn’t want to die alone.

“Y/n” you heard whispered from the doors of your cell “Arthur?” You called confusion lacing your voice as your red rimmed eyes met Arthur’s and you couldn’t help but run to the cell door resting your head on the bars sobbing in relief at the sight of him the pain from your body put on the back burner for a moment.

“What happened?” Guilt filled Arthur’s heart at the sight of you, your eye healing from your previous beating and now the sight of your bloodied broken thumb and bruised body Arthur saw red.

He felt betrayed at the revelation of your magic of course but he understood why you had kept it a secret and if Arthur had been paying more attention he would have seen it plain as day when you were kids.

Your magic was obvious since childhood Arthur was too blind to see it.

“I know” was all he said eyes stoney and voice unwavering “I know you have magic the witch finder is right.”

Any hope that bubbles in your chest died with his words “Arthur I- i can explain” You tried shaking your head lacing your uninjured hand in his through the cell pleased when he didn’t pull away

“Shhh Merlin told me everything, everything you’ve ever done to save me. Save everyone. I understand why you did what you did.” Arthur spoke lowly his eyes staring into yours trying to convey his apology

“Merlin has come up with a plan to save you, he’s doing it right now but I couldn’t go another day without telling you I’m sorry you had to keep this a secret. I can’t stay for long but- but y/n I love you.” Arthur spoke with all the love he could muster placing a chaste kiss on your lips through the cell

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before I was afraid of my father I am supposed to be king one day to marry someone of noble blood, but I don’t want that. I want you.” Arthur’s voice is quiet as he confesses he wants to spend the rest of your lives together

“I want nothing more.” You felt like crying he still wanted you, magic and all.

“Arthur, I was so scared.” You felt so exhausted from the torture to the ticking clock you couldn’t help but cry

“Shh” Arthur’s fingers ghosted over the skin of your cheeks wiping your tears. “We will prove your innocence, I’ll keep your secret. I promise you.”

Arthur placed a kiss on your lips once more pressing a necklace with his ring into your hand before promising Merlin has everything under control.

With your heart a bit lighter you finally sat down on the hard cell bed clutching Arthur’s ring in your hand you let sleep overtake your body trusting that Merlin will save you.

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

When the bright light of the sun shines through your cell window today is the day you are supposed to die, and part of your questioned if you dreamt Arthur’s presence to save your sanity but by the slight pressure of his ring on a chain in your hand reassured your beating heart.

You were not dreaming, Arthur loves you and Merlin just spent last night trying to save you but there’s still a ticking time bomb of the noon execution and by the switch shift of the guards it was almost 12

Time was ticking and still there was no sign of Merlin you felt sick like your heart was going to fall out of your stomach

You prayed to whatever god or deity was out there that you would not burn today but by the size of the growing crowd outside the cell window your prayers would go unanswered there was nothing you could do but just sit there in anxiety

The rattling of keys and heavy sound of chainmail made you accept the fact that Merlin would be too late to save you and Arthur would watch you burn

When the knight reached your cell his keys turned the lock and he walked towards you slowly your eyes met the floor the pain in your thumb still debilitating but you held Arthur’s ring in your hands tightly if you were to burn your burn knowing you were loved.

To your surprise when the knight takes you by the wrist silver key in hand as he unlocks your handcuffs

Confusion takes over your face as you watch the knight with intensity “what?” You can’t help but ask rubbing your now freed wrist nervous when he takes your injured hand but this knight grips your hand with gentleness that’s beyond you

“You’re free to go miss” the knight smiles he looked to be a newer knight of Camelot one you didn’t grow up with but he is kind

“Thank you” you nod to the knight as you stumble from your cell gauis is standing at the end of the hallway white as a ghost but pleased to see you freed from your cell

“Y/n!” Gauis smiles opening his arms and you can’t help but fall into them holding onto gauis tightly your sobs wet his shirt shoulder

“Gauis how did you do it? How did you prove me to be innocent?” You cry your hands shaking and body weak from days spent eating little food and dealing with aredians torture.

“It was all Merlin and Arthur.” The old man smiles his arms supporting you as you walk up the stairs from the dungeons to your chambers

“Tell me everything.”you smile at the old man walking side by side down the corridor gauis’s laugh fills the empty hallway

“Not here, let’s get your wounds treated.” His eyes glance at the bruises littering your body, and the bloodied thumb

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

You had never been so happy to see your chambers in your life, the comforting smell of herbs and bread the familiar scent of old books and the sound of your boots against the stone floor sounded like music to your ears

There’s no scent of wet earth, or blood aside from the metallic smell emanating from your finger you could almost forget the pain of the cells now that you’re back.

But there’s still very obviously signs of damage done by the witch finders raid broken pots, damaged shelves potions and poisons leaving residue on the floor

But still it is your home. gauis filled a pitcher of water and fills a cup for you and once the water passes your lips you come to realise just how parched you were gulping down glass after glass

gauis busied himself with fixing his work station pulling ointment after ointment and an array of bandages from his kit.

“Sit please” gauis pointed to the table and you sat yourself on the wooden bench gauis had begun to take your makeshift bandage from your wound the gaping hole in your thumb and the blood that spurted from your wound made gauis’s breathing hitch

As he gentle distributed ointment over the wound to fight off growing infections and bandaging up the wound with a fresh bandage Merlin would work on reconstructing your thumb when he gets back

Gauis had felt over your ribs and when he had found another break Merlin would be healing that too for now gauis would sit beside you on the dining room table fresh food would be laid out gauis knew what it was like in the Camelot dungeons and the lack of food

So he didn’t comment on how much you ate when approaching footsteps made your heart beat faster and your eyes flicker to gauis his hand rested on top of yours to reassure you, gauis and Merlin would always reassure you you were safe here you weren’t trapped in the cells of your own home.

When Merlin’s figure found himself in the doorway you could see the relief on his face that you were okay aside from the bruises and bandaged thumb you were alive.

“Oh y/n” Merlin’s soft voice cried and before you knew it you were pushing up off of the table and running into Merlin’s arms

“Hi Merlin” you held him tightly you owed Merlin your life and so being in his hold meant being safe, he would never hurt you.

“God I’m so glad you’re back” his hold tightened and he could feel your magic strong and your connection to eachother he wasn’t cut off from you anymore

“I’m so sorry it took me so long.” Merlin’s guilt ate him alive as he pulled away the black eye and split lip made him see red if he didn’t already kill aredian by accident he would have and he would have made him go through what you did.

Merlin’s eyes flashed yellow and the unbearable ache in your thumb and pulsing pain all over ebbed into nothingness.

You could feel your bones reassembling in your thumb and your broken rib fuse back together the pain and bruises once a bright purple colour would dissipate into a light blue and then would turn into the colour of your skin again.

“Thank you, Merlin.” You squeezed his hand tightly he nodded his head and held you tightly in his arms

Before a smile broke out on his face “do you want to hear how I proved aredian to be a fraud?” Merlin helped you sit beside him and poured another glass of water for you

“Of course!”

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

After Merlin had recounted the entire night from convincing Arthur of everything, that despite your magic you loved him with no enchantment and even if you had enchanted him Merlin asked Arthur point blank if what he told him that day you were cuddled in Arthur’s arms if it was still true, if he still loved you.

Arthur told Merlin he would always love you but he couldn’t trust you now with magic Merlin felt like slapping the prince.

How could you trust Arthur? He’s the prince of Camelot. A kingdom that tried to burn a woman at the stake the first day he arrived and you had grown up here watching that and still you treated its citizens and royalty with no malice?

Merlin understood why you couldn’t trust Arthur he can’t. Not because Arthur was a bad friend but he’s the prince.

No one can help how they are born, but you can put yourself in their shoes and Merlin spent hours convincing Arthur and then more hours enchanting aredian.

From the tincture of belladonna, to the bracelet, to even the frog from aredians throat! Merlin would not fail.

You loved Merlin a lot no one would go as far as he did to save you and you only knew him for a year and a half.

When three knocks sounded on the door Merlin had tried to hide his smile as gauis opened the door to Arthur, in a white shirt freshly showered hair and a Bouquet of wildflowers you felt your heart melt at his kindness

His blue eyes were filled with worry and fear his gaze flicking to gauis and Merlin before he lowered his voice “how are you?”

“Much better now I’m out of that god forsaken cell.” You felt your throat close up at the mention of the cell you spent so long in

Arthur felt guilty about his actions about not saving you or stopping his father. He tried but he could have tried harder

You could see Arthur was drowning in his guilt placing your hand on his shoulder you lead him past gauis and Merlin to your room and sat on your small bed

“You tried your hardest Arthur, it’s not your fault I was thrown in the dungeons.”

“I should have stopped them y/n. I should have broken you out I should have done anything!” Arthur blinked through tears

His hand holding yours in your lap, “Arthur I love you with my whole heart I do not blame you, so please do not blame yourself.”

“I love you and I promise I will spend the rest of my life proving to you how much I love you.” Arthur confessed his eyes full of sincere love

You couldn’t help yourself but to kiss him your lips meshing against one another’s felt like home, it felt like love and warmth and like an apology all in one.

It wasn’t until your lungs burnt for air did you pull back. “I should go I don’t want anyone to become suspicious, I’ll see you tomorrow?” Arthur asked tentatively a part of him afraid of rejection.

“Of course” you placed another kiss on his lip before pulling open your chamber door to reveal Merlin and gauis on the other side ears pressed against the wood looking guilty.

“Merlin…gauis what do you think you’re doing?” You chastise at the pair you expected this of Merlin but of gauis? That was surprising

“Gauis i expected better of you” Arthur laughed from where he stood wrapping an arm around your shoulder

[in-class-daydreams]

My One and Only (Sebastian Sallow x Reader)

Pairing: Sebastian Sallow x Fem!Reader (Established relationship) Synopsis: It's seventh year and you're exceedingly happy with your loving boyfriend, Sebastian. Having had enough excitement for the rest of your time at Hogwarts, you both were happy to sit idly by and spectate the Triwizard Tournament. Only, that's not what the universe has in store for you. Notes/TW: Another installment in the Headmaster's Kid MC universe, because I love the drama. MC sort of has PTSD from the Ranrok thing, but it's not described in detail nor is it called such in the story.

You were in the Slytherin common room, leafing through Goblets, Goblins, and Gobstones: An Anthology of Magical Folklore. It was a gift from Sebastian from before either of you realized you loved each other. Back then, he couldn’t name the warmth in his chest whenever he saw you, but his regard for you was so great, he gave you a treasure from his childhood, the book of stories his mother used to read to him and his sister as children. Even though you were now utterly devoted to one another, you still liked to bring it out from time to time. It was as if his mother’s love extended to you, who never had anyone who felt like real family. The House of Black was not the most hospitable of bloodlines.

“She’d have loved you,” you remembered Sebastian saying. “You’re clever and funny and your brand of love is so similar to hers.” You liked to think that in your love for Sebastian, you returned a piece of his mother to him.

“Black!” Imelda shouted from the front door. “Your boyfriend’s gotten himself into another fight!”

You looked up, more than a bit confused. Since things had quieted down, neither you nor Sebastian had been getting into brawls of any sort. If there was one thing you’d learned about him over the years is that he always had a reason for doing things. You might not have realized that, considering you met him during arguably the worst year of his life, but now that it was over and Anne was cured, he was his affable, happy self. Even more so when he found out you loved him back.

Tucking the tome beneath your arm, you rushed over to Imelda, who led you a short distance to a hallway where a small crowd had gathered and Professor Weasley was already marching your boyfriend away from the scene.

You hurried to follow at her side.

“What happened?” you asked.

Professor Weasley sighed. “Yet another physical altercation. I thought you were done with these, Sebastian.”

Sebastian, face still red with rage, looked stubbornly forward. You noted his split brow and darkening bruise on his cheek with a frown.

“He normally is,” you insisted. “Please, professor, can we hear him out in private first?”

Professor Weasley was a reasonable woman, and she knew it was true that you and Sebastian both had been on your best behaviors since Anne was cured. The two of you had a happy, quiet peace together without goblin rebellions and cursed sisters, and the most exciting thing you did nowadays was play highly competitive games of Summoner’s Court. Some people wondered if you ever missed the excitement, and you’d reply that while you enjoyed a good challenge, you’d gladly give up being in constant peril for the rest of your time at Hogwarts.

Weasley relented and led you into a spare room away from prying eyes. You sat Sebastian down and set to work patching his wounds in a practiced routine.

“Sebastian. Lovey.” His hard stare softened at the endearment.  “Tell us what’s wrong, please?” you asked gently.

Sebastian took a deep breath and it became apparent that he wasn’t withholding the information, he was previously too enraged to explain.

“Yaxley and his band of idiots put your name in the Goblet of Fire,” he said through gritted teeth.

You let the information sink in, only for your blood to drain from your face entirely. With your luck, you had a highly likely chance of being selected to represent Hogwarts.

Since you’d accepted Isadora’s power to cure Anne, your magic had been permanently altered. You had returned to the Keepers, apologizing profusely and insisting that you were willing to return the power to keep it contained away from anyone. Given the fact that you were integral to stopping Ranrok and you surprised them by being willing to relinquish such power so easily, the Keepers tentatively forgave you. Though, you suspected that Professors Fitzgerald and Bakar were particularly softened by how you only took the power at all for Sebastian’s sake. One did not simply cast the Killing Curse in defense of a mere friend. You would know.

But even after the dark magic left your body, your own magic had become altered. More lethal, more sinister. You managed it just fine in the day-to-day since you yourself had no sinister intentions, but if the tournament put you in danger, you could not promise that your magic would stifle its lethality.

Professor Weasley was just as enraged as Sebastian.

“They what?” she raised her voice. “Did they succeed? Or was it only an idea?”

Sebastian’s head hung low and he rested his elbows on his knees. “It’s already been done. I didn’t act fast enough. I’m sorry.”

Disregarding your own panic, you hugged him close.

“Oh, Sebastian, don’t be,” you assured him. “I’ll manage. I always do.”

Sebastian looked like he wanted to say more, but you turned to address Professor Weasley.

“I don’t suppose we can get my name out of the Goblet, can we?” you asked.

The professor shook her head sadly. “I’m afraid not. The contract is magically-binding. We simply have to hope that someone who actually volunteered is chosen, not you,” she replied.

It was concluded that Sebastian would get an obligatory detention for starting a physical fight, but it would be short, and he’d be allowed his books, so it wasn’t much of a punishment. It was highly generous of her, and you noted as much. On her way out the door, Weasley smiled over her shoulder, stating that, “Had I been in your position when I was a student, I might have done the same.”

Afterwards, you helped Sebastian back to the dormitory. One of Yaxley’s group had gotten in a lucky shot to his leg and left him limping slightly.

“Sebastian,” you said before you parted ways. He turned towards you and you took his face in your hands. You pressed a butterfly kiss to his nose. “Thank you for trying to protect me.”

He furrowed his brow. “Trying isn’t good enough,” he stated.

“It is for me,” you replied gently. “No one’s ever been behind me one hundred percent until I met you. I grew up so alone and I always felt so unwanted.” You stroked his cheek with your thumb. “The fact that you care is plenty enough for me. So, don’t worry. Even if the Goblet of Fire spits my name out, I will manage, because I have you.”

You pressed a goodnight kiss to his lips and headed to bed. You thought Sebastian’s weak kiss back was because he was tired and distracted and, well, you were half right.

Several days later, you gripped your boyfriend’s hand as you all sat in Beauxbatons’s equivalent of the Great Hall, impatiently waiting for the Headmistress to draw a name. The large room was lavishly decorated, like a dining room in the Palace of Versailles.

Anne, Imelda, and Natty sat in front of you while Ominis and Poppy sat to your left. They looked at you with worry, having been updated on the situation. You all knew full well that the universe greatly enjoyed putting you at the center stage of great peril, and while you were honest with Sebastian that you’d manage, you were exhausted. Dueling was fun for a challenge, fighting for your life was tiresome.

You squeezed Sebastian’s hand under the table. He gave you three pulses back, eyes never leaving the Goblet. He was more tense than usual, and you assumed it was out of concern for you.

The Beauxbatons Headmistress went onstage with great ceremony, giving a spiel about the history of the Triwizard Tournament and what an honor it was to represent the school in such a rich tradition of joint relations between the three schools. She had a heavy, lilting French accent and had a stately aura about her not unlike Professor Weasley.

The Goblet’s blue flame turned red and spit out a singed piece of parchment, which the Headmistress caught and read aloud.

“The Durmstrang Champion is…” she paused for effect. “Sava Peycheva!”

Their student body erupted in cheers and applause as a tall, powerfully-built girl with long dark hair shook the Headmistress’s hand and waved to the crowd. Unlike you’d have been, she seemed completely at ease, as if her victory was guaranteed. You could respect someone confident in her abilities to that degree.

Sava took her seat and the Goblet’s flame turned red once more. Taking the parchment, the Headmistress announced the next champion.

“The Hogwarts Champion is…”

The darker part of your magic sang, eager to be put through its paces, but you felt a lump in your throat. You had been willing to use lethal force once, but only because of what was at stake. The idea of harming anyone now was enough to make you sick to your stomach.

You white-knuckled Sebastian’s hand and you all held your breath when the Headmistress spoke, loud and clear.

“Sebastian Sallow!”

[echantedtoon]

Demonstober Day 16 Tiefling

Tieflings are derived from human bloodlines, and in the broadest possible sense, they still look human. However, their infernal heritage has left a clear imprint on their appearance.

(You might recognize this from Monster Bride. I forgot to make Kyogai a monster in Monster Bride so I fixed it for Spooktober.)

Tagging: @lavenderdropp @six-eyed-samurai @trancylovecraft @shadyd3ar @cherrysuzaku

@nousija @mspurpl3

Remember if you want to be added to the spooktober taglist lemme know

You liked living alone.

No one to order you around. No one to say what you shouldn't and should do. No one scrutinizing yourself. It was a good life. Just you, nature, and the few farm animals you kept for company. It was a good life. Your parents were a bit concerned about you wanting to buy a house and live alone but considering your circumstances they agreed and purchased a home from an old farmer as a new year's present a few years back. It wasn't too big. Just two rooms including the bathroom and just a small space in the back for a few animals. Just it was perfect in your eyes. And it was just outside of town. Close enough to visit whenever you wanted but far enough to give you complete privacy in the woods. Which was EXACTLY what you wanted.

Unfortunately your life wasn't meant very easy.

From the moment you were born it seemed your life was going to be a problem for you. Mostly because it was almost like you had a spell casted over you to just have the worst of luck with men. Oh no. They weren't repulsed by you. Quite the opposite actually.

THEY WOULDN'T LEAVE YOU ALONE!!

Your parents must've had at least two hundred offers from other parents to arrange a marriage between you and their sons. Thank the gods above they were amazing and kind and always asked if you wanted any of the marriages. You refused so they refused. And you would still be bombarded with offers of other parents to boys just attempting to court you any chance they could get. It was one of the reasons why you chose to live all the way out here instead of in town where you'd just be bothered. Although men still occasionally showed up here. And sometimes an older man or woman would trying to talk you into marrying their sons. You always refused and made them leave no matter how polite, persistent, or rude they are. And boy. You've gotten a few rude guests you had to kick to the Kirb. But you also had the ones who couldn't take a hint like the one months ago. Stupid guy. He even tried to use that stupid tradition to get you to marry him.

For thousands of years, people married off their daughters and ladies desperately scrambled to find a husband obsessively in fear of a monster dragging them away from as the blood moon came every hundred years. WHICH WAS STUPID!! You've lived your ENTIRE LIFE playing in the woods and walking around and now living in the woods and not even ONCE did you ever see any ghoul, goblin, troll, fairy, ghost, or any other inhuman creature. They only existed in stories and the imagination of children. You hated that so many people were legitimately terrified of this. And you especially hated that someone tried to use that against you! You wouldn't be scared into a loveless marriage that wouldn't be fair to yourself. Or the man to be honest.

With a sigh you woke up that morning and did yours chores which wasn't a lot. Feeding the few animals you had and cleaning your house. Neither of which took very long because of how small your home was and then you started on the laundry. Again it wasn't much and you were just scrubbing a blanket in your home when there was a noise outside that made up you jump and whirl your head towards the back of your house. Your cow was mooing and thrashing about by the side of your house.

THUD. THUD. THUD.

You heard her knock and the kick the side of the house a few times making you drop the cloth and stand up as even MORE noises came from your backyard. Your chickens were going absolutely NUTS!! Clucking and calling a out making you run to the back door and throwing it open-

"AH!!"

Your arms threw up over your face and closing your eyes as a flurry of your hens jumped up and flew a out you in a panic.

CRASH!! THUD!! RUSTLE!!

Your cow mooed louder and ran past you towards the well on the side of your house as a giant black blue went diving into a bush right by your hen house causing feathers to fly and more chickens to rum about in panic blocking your view of...of...Well whatever it was. You blinked just seeing the bushes move and hearing whatever it was crashing through the woods away from you as quick as the wind. Leaving you standing there blinking with a few panicked chickens and your cow irritated and half hiding behind the well....

What in all the heavens just happened?!

The chickens were still running around as the last few crashing sounds made their way into the woods before it was silent all around. You stood there and just...blinked. What was that?! A bear? No, no. A bear was too big and bulky and couldn't run off THAT fast?! You looked around noticing that...no chickens were missing. All fifteen of your hens and one rooster was still around. Oh... Whatever it was you must've scared it off before it could make off with one of them. But what was it? Couldn't have been a fox. It was too big and it wasn't a red color...

"A wolf," you mumbled having finally deduced what it was before scowling. "It must've been a wolf!! A wolf was after my chickens!!"

Scowling you marched on over to the bush where it disappeared through making your chickens scramble from your legs. Grabbing the bush branches, you pushed the thing apart roughly but saw... Nothing. The back of your hill sloped down a hill to where a lot of wild berry bushes and a few fruit trees were ending in a stream that came up to your shoulders almost with how deep it was. Another reason you chose to live here. Free food! You scowled looking around more but there was no signs of any creatures. No wolf either. Curses! It must've ran off before you could see it... You'd buy a trap in town. You were going to head there after you finished laundry anyways. Letting the bush go back the way it was before you angrily turned and stomped off back to the house.

"I'll be damned before I let a wolf make off with my animals. I'll put them all in the barn before I go but first I'm going to get the laundry done."

You finished hanging up the laundry inside and went back out to heard all your chickens back into the henhouse and locked up your still spooked cow safely in the small barn before you left for the town. You thought you heard a twig snapping in the woods behind you before you left down the road towards town but you were sure it was just the wind. You weren't as paranoid as the others in your town. So you started down the forest path back to the nearest town. It was an hour's walk there and an hour walk back. A bit of a way to walk but you'd like to think it helped to discourage others from seeking you out most of the time. You started down the road..but kept looking over your shoulder thinking you heard someone...but nothing was ever there. You got the feeling something was watching you from your home and the feeling didn't go away until you couldn't see your house anymore. Then you felt more at ease. Probably was the wolf, or your paranoia that was thrown a bit since you weren't expecting it. However unbeknownst to you it was something much, much more supernatural than that.

The rest of the trip passed by without incident or without that sixth sense of something watching you. An hour later you arrived at the town. It looked as busy and crowded as you remembered and it was then you realized something. You might as well probably get your shopping done since you were here. You'd be needing some more supplies. So off you went to the first spot which was a candle store, then a library, and a few more places. While at a certain book store however you again felt eyes on you, and this time you turned and found the source of them this time. Four men working on building the side of a new house were staring at you as you skimmed over some books near the doorway. Upon realizing that you saw them, two of them looked embarrassed and sent back to work quickly, one man smirked and winked at you, and another one politely smiled and waved. You frowned before quickly retreating into the store further.

Why did this happen EVERY TIME you went into town?!

You just wanted to get you some supplies and be on your way. On the way back through you stopped by the blacksmith. He sold hunters they needed from bows and arrows to knives to bear traps. You walked right in gaining a few looks from a few men in there looking over the knives and two of which were asking who was presumably the owner which one would be the best for deboning large fish. Amongst the swords and horse shoes, and other items you found the traps. Big ones. Obviously those were for hunting BIG game like bears. But there was others of a more reasonable si-You froze as someone leaned on the wall next to you. Arm above and out. A face smiling down at your head. You turned to see one of the hunters smiling down at you.

"Hello, Wood Dweller "

NOPE!!

You didn't even give him a chance to speak. You turned on your heels and RAN like the wolf itself was chasing you. NOPE NOPE NOPE!! NOT DEALING WITH THAT TODAY!! Besides you saw the prices written above the traps. Too expensive and you didn't have enough money. You'd have to use the old rope tied to the tree trick. Running down the street with basket in hand, you just happened to look up and noticed that the sun was setting. If you didn't want to walk alone in the dark, you'd better head home now. So that's exactly what you did. You veered quickly through the streets as people headed home quickly fearing the dark and so called 'monsters' that lurked in the dark. You didn't fear any fake monsters. You were more afraid of that wolf! But you needed to get back before your animals could be in danger again. So leaving the town behind you veered off the street and down the path leading you back home.

The light was quickly disappearing and you ran faster and faster down the road. Shadows danced across the pathway before you as you went down the pathway. Trees blew creepily and creaked as if their branches were trying to reach out and grab you. To take you captive. It made a shiver run down your spine. You didn't reach your house until the last rays of light left the sky and plunged the world into total darkness. The moon high in the sky and crescent shaped like a sadistic grin. You ran right up to the front door, pulling it open but stopped and looked around you real quick. You saw nothing but the creaking wind and trees. You shivered again before you stepped inside and closed the door. Finally. You were safely home. With a sigh you leaned against the door for a long moment before reaching out to flip the lock. With the door safely locked you pushed yourself off the door smiling and carrying the large basket over to place it gently by your-....Wait a second. 

Your eyes widened as you saw a black shadow slip into the bush.

Stunned silence filled the dark house as you stared at it silently. Before slowly approaching it and looking out the window into the backyard. The moonlight hit everything in the yard. You saw nothing on the other side. Your brows furrowed. This was... strange. You remembered locking it shut before you left but you must've not locked it properly in your haste to get the trap. Which meant you had to go outside to close it again. ...your form slowly approached the back door and you grabbed a hold of the sliding door at the same time something was walking through the forest. Neither of you two noticed each other. However when you silently opened the door you froze when you heard it. The sounds of something coming from the other sides of the Bushes.

The SAME bushes the wolf disappeared into. But they sounded a bit farther away from the henhouse! That stupid wolf was back!!.. Your eyes flickered to the pitchfork by the he house. If you scared it away by threatening it then it would be unlikely to come back again. It worked once when a fox wouldn't stop trying to bother your hens. It should be work on a wolf too. And if comes down to a fight, you'd have a nice fur to sell in town tomorrow. Slowly you stepped out of the house and back towards the bush. Your bare feet touching the ground gently and quietly enough to not make yourself known.

Step after step after step.

Quietly you stepped closer as and closer and CLOSER to the bush silently. Slowly behind the henhouse you went and stopped right in front of the bush. The wind blew swaying it's branches creepily and looked like thrashing arms. You grabbed a handful and silently and slowly pulled them back.

And you froze at what you saw-

The winds howled as the darkness crept across the skies. The darkness behind the bush shielded your form from the moonlight which cascaded down between the trees and clouds in the sky. The shadows danced and branches creaked as the wind blew them about. Like arms beckoning you closer to grab you away in their rough grip. Drag you into the shadows never to be seen again. Two eyes stared back at you. A snarl of fangs growled at you from the animal as black as night staring back at you.

A wolf.

IT WAS A WOLF!! The wild animal stood there growling at you for a few more seconds before just turning and running off. You watched as it disappeared into the darkness and heard it thundering through the brush until the sounds faded away to silence again. You ended up staring for what must've been a good five minutes before eventually you left the bush and stomped your way back into the safety and comfort of your house. You'd go back to town tomorrow and see about getting a trap once and for all. You weren't about to let that animal get away with eating on your livestock!

**********************************

The day was absolutely lovely. The trees swayed lightly with the wind as the flowers bloomed and the warm summer sun shone down on the earth below.

You started down the forest path back to the nearest town. It was an hour's walk there and an hour walk back. A bit of a way to walk but you'd like to think it helped to discourage others from seeking you out most of the time. The rest of the trip passed by without incident or without that sixth sense of something watching you. An hour later you arrived at the town. It looked as busy and crowded as you remembered and it was then you realized something. You might as well probably get your shopping done since you were here. You'd be needing some more supplies. So off you went to the first spot which was a candle store, then a library, and a few more places. While at a certain book store however you again felt eyes on you, and this time you turned and found the source of them. You were expecting a lot of things. A man learning at you again. Someone wanting to flirt. Maybe even another customer waiting for you to move. But it wasn't any of those things.

You blinked.

Before your eyes widened at what you saw.

A TIEFLING!?

Amongst the few small shelves of books and one or two other people walking around browsing was another male Tiefling around your age. His long black hair cascaded down his shoulders and his red and blue eyes stared directly down at you but...He didn't look smug or awestruck or blushing or anything else you usually saw when someone stared at you. He just looked surprised. Like if a miracle had happened right in front of him. A pair of horns curled back like a goats on his head and a long lizard like tail swished behind him. You both just stared at one another in silence before you awkwardly looked around you and then back to him before clearing your throat. He reacted instantly. He jumped eyes shooting up to your raised browed face.

"Can I help you, Sir?"

He blinked again before shaking his head and holding up his hands. "N-No. I-Im so sorry. I-I didn't mean to stare. I-I was just l-looking at the book you were h-holding." He then pointed at the book you currently held.

You looked at the book you had curiously plucked off the shelf to look at. A romance novel. Seemed interesting. "Oh.." Oh. Was that what he was looking at? Well it was relieving at least. "Did you want to look at it too?"

"N-No! Not that. I-I was just surprised that you were holding it..Is all." His dark eyes trailed off as a hand rubbed his neck. "I-I don't see a lot of people b-buy books by that specific author."

"Oh. Really? I wouldn't think that would be too weird. I mean this is the sequel to the first book and I wanted to know what happened to the Prince." Honestly you were more surprised Tieflings read books. The man ended up gawking at you in surprise again. "....What?"

"Y-You bought the first book!?," he asked rather loudly making a few people look over at you. You leaned back as he suddenly leaned forward. "As in..You actually bought it? And actually READ it!? A-And liked it enough to get the next book?!"

...You blinked as he stared at you in a mixture of disbelief and surprise and awe. "Um...Yes? Why?"

"B-Because I wrote it! I-I didn't think anyone would really be interested in purchasing anything from M-My personal works," he confessed a bit embarrassed to admit it again averting his eyes as you blinked at him.

"Wait. You wrote all these books?"

"Well...N-Not all of them. Only a few b-but I help run the store s-s-so the owner let's me put up a few copies of my own works for anyone who m-might want them." He shrugged. "It's not much, but I guess i-its better than nothing "

"No way!'' You lit up with a smile. "That's so amazing ! I had no idea there was an author here! I really like this small series with the Prince and the soldier girl pretending to be a man."

"You don't think it's a bit over exaggerating?"

You shook your head which surprised him. "Not at all. I really like how they became friends before you decided to add any romance. It makes the couple feel better connected to each other."

"REALLY!?"

You nodded again smiling wider. "It's a lot more satisfying than a forced fairytale romance. I didn't catch your name by the way?"

"Oh..Um." he cleared his throat. "I-its Kyogai." He nodded at your hand. "You can see it on the book cover."

Your eyes looked at the book again seeing the name Kyogai sprawled on the bottom. "Ah. So it is." You smiled back to him. "Well I'll definitely be buying this then. I can't wait to see what happened after her secret identity was uncovered, then I can get a trap."

"Trap?"

You nodded. "I have a small chicken stealing wolf problem but it's nothing I can't handle." You gave a small bow to Kyogai with a bright smile on your face. "Thank you for writing such wonderful stories for entertaining myself with. I'll be sure to come back for more."

His face lit up a red as he only managed to stutter out, "O-Of course."

You chuckled at his reaction only making him turn a deeper shade of red before taking your leaves, purchasing the book before making your way out of the shop and back towards the blacksmiths. For once a pleasant experience that made you smile. Now to take care of that wolf problem.

[mslanna]

Raphael is Tav's warlock patron and he is infatuated with them (though he probably wouldn't/hasn't admit it, not even to himself) and now he sees Tav leading a group of tadpoled misfits who are all fawning over his dear warlock. 👀 What is his reaction?

Well, here goes. Warlock? What warlock? (I am not the writer for warlock stories. Sorry. 😅 Here's hoping you enjoy anyways. It's My Party on AO3

Of course, Tav deserves the celebration. They saved the grove and made a dent in the goblin population. Raphael watched the spectacle with more engagement that behoved a devil of his state. But he can be lenient with himself. After all, Tav will be the means to his rise to archdevil supreme, ruler of all nine hells. A little – investment won't hurt.

As celebrations go, the party in the camp is – rustic to say the last. Food abounds and so does drink, though neither is up to Raphael's refined palate. A pity. But then, nobody expected him to attend, himself least of all.

Korrilla reported as he asked and while her news was heartening – Tav enjoyed themself, no immediate danger threatened the camp, the overall goal is not in jeopardy – some of the news were not to the devil's liking at all. He adjusted the red sash of his outfit once more.

It is just a courtesy visit. An occasion to congratulate Tav on their achievements while needling them about their lack of progress with their tadpole problem. To remind them of their best option, which is him. Naturally.

It has nothing at all to do with the tadpoled fools who Tav amassed falling over themselves to court his little mouse. Nothing whatsoever. Raphael brushes invisible dust from his doublet. It is none of his business who Tav spends their time with. Still, it coan't hurt to keep an eye on their company.

Tav might be influenced by their companions. Not all of them are approving of his offer or even devils in general. Korilla will find out who the worst offenders are for him, but Raphael trusts his own assessment more. Making sure he knows who might work against him – the devil takes a deep breath.

Enough gallivanting. Time to make an entrance.

Raphael appears at the perfect distance to camp for sauntering over. After the first step, he has to realise there is nothing saunter to, though. The party wound down as anticipated but Tav is engaged in a most unhinged dance, limbs flying wild, eyes closed and mouth agape with laughter.

He stops in the shadows and watches. Just to find the perfect moment to make his entrance, of course. Not because there is anything to see worth watching. The small knot that forms in his stomach is purely annoyance at having to rely on such a reckless mortal. And of course it tightens when the burning Tiefling catches Tav. What if she missed? This is dangerous!

Tav doesn't care. They are careless at ever. Maybe a good thing considering what they are up against. The Chosen of the Dead Three. Worry furrows Raphael's brow. Such formidable opponents for one little mouse and their rabble. A pity he cannot yet intervene directly. He has to reel them in slowly.

Still laughing, Tav detaches from the tiefling and makes their unsteady way towards their tent. It is the last chance Raphael will get this evening. Yet he hesitates, acutely aware of his formidable frock and unfortunate position. A painful emotion surges through him.

How dare they make all his preparations vain? Tav turned his gracious visit into a futile fumble without even noticing. Such insolence cannot go unpunished. If this is how Tav wants him to lay hands on them, they can get it. Raphael balls his hand into a fist, strung up and ready to pounce.

Some noise must have startled Tav because their gaze suddenly falls his way. It hitches, moves on and returns. Their eyes go wide for a moment before their face scrunches up in thought.

"Raphael?" The vowels of his name wobble in their mouth. "What are you doing here?"

The answer to that as simple and so very complicated. Raphael sticks to his script. "To congratulate you to your victory, of course. And-"

"That's really nice of you." Tav brightens, cheeks red from alcohol and dancing. "Should've come sooner. Party's over now. Shame. Karlach said I must go to bed. Or else."

Raphael wonders what the 'or else' has been to make Tav leave laughing and still unhappy. A pointed conversation with the tiefling is in order. Later. "I don't think your little – bash had anything to offer I am sad to miss."

Tav's face falls. "Was a good party." Their lip wobbles. "Fun. Should've come sooner."

"Whatever for?" Raphael asks. The sopping wet mortal makes him uneasy which is not acceptable. He is the one unsettling others. Tav may just be too inebriated to remember it. "You have seen the feast in my House of Hope. How does your party compare?"

Tav's shoulder slump and their whole posture goes limp. All joie de vivre drains from them in a quick second.

Triumph doesn't materialise. Raphael feels, quite the opposite as he looks at the dejected mortal. Still he sticks to his script. "At least you have found help with your tadpole problem, yes? The reason you attacked the goblins in first case?"

The contrast to Tav, epitome of joy dancing but a few minutes before, to now, where they are the embodiment of misery cuts deep. For a moment the devil regrets having said anything. But how can he raise Tav from the depths of desperation if they are not suffering down there? A good justification, a truth to cling to.

"Maybe it's better you didn't come sooner," Tav murmurs almost inaudibly as they wrap their arms around themself. "Would've killed the party in a heartbeat. Likes nobody noone who gloats."

"My arrival now means that you can continue to party, should you so desire." Raphael extends a hand with an elegant gesture. "You seemed to want to when you were sent to bed."

Dark eyes settle on his face, they glitter in the moonlight, a mirror of the sad face they are set into. Tav gets the wobble of their lip under control and for a second, their eyes glance down at his hand. "What do you want, Raphael?"

The flat resignation in their tone hurts. Raphael retracts his hand unwilling to answer. He came to gloat, and it didn't make him happy. He missed the party which fills him with vague regret. He offered Tav to show them a better time. That they didn't jump at the opportunity makes him want to lash out in return.

"What I said," he replies. "And make sure you don't get lost on the way to your tent in your intoxicated state. A wonder you walk the way alone. I hear there were more than enough offers of company."

Tav has the pick of their companions for the night. And here they stand on their own. A part of him is elated about this development. Tav is alone! His little mouse. They should be happy to come along. They should-

"Oh." The sound drops from Tav's lips like a pebble into a still pool. They straighten and blink away some of their drunk confusion. "You're jealous."

Before Raphael can reject that idea with the intensity such insolence deserves, Tav takes his hand. They wind their arm trough his and intertwine their fingers before leaning heavily against his side. "Could've just said so. Show me that feast of yours, yes?"

They rub their red face on the fine fabric of his doublet that was not meant to take such abuse. Still, the smile returns to their face somewhat which is a small win. But the mortal is definitely in no shape to celebrate appropriately. If he had known they 'd accept – Raphael bites his lip.

He offered and he cannot take it back now. Not with the after-image of an utterly forlorn Tav imprinted on his mind. But in their state Tav wouldn't last ten minutes. They'd fall asleep with their face in their soup – If he was lucky.

Still, he lifts their clasped hands. There is something here he can work with. Jealousy – laughable. The relief that Tav is not interested in any of their companions stems purely from the worry they'd be distracted from their quest if they were. His little mouse has a long way to go yet.

Raphael smiles. A small pit stop at his House of Hope will only strengthen them, a token of the help they can expect once he offers his deal in earnest. He places his free hand over their intertwined fingers and leads his mortal away.

Once he returns his little mouse to camp, they will not have a thought left for their paltry companions. It is the least he can do.

[thepenultimateword]

Halloween is over but you can write monster shipping prompts anyday. Just saying

Good point. I wasn't sure if you meant monster x monster or monster x human ships, so I did both.

Monster Ship Prompt List

Satyr is the owner of a popular cozy tea shop. However, when they begin receiving mysterious threats, their world is turned upside down. More unfortunate, the detective assigned to their case is a lycanthrope something neither their human or goat instincts trust.

Human gets a nice job at an expensive shop. It's such a nice shop that the owner managed to get a golem to guard it. As Human makes small talk with the golem every day, they' become more and more drawn to them. They wish they could ask them out on a date, but they know the golem physically cannot leave their post.

The gorgon has gotten used to isolation. Even when they can hide what they are, they have to be careful not to cause any accidents. But then they meet the golem who is already stone.

A human is cursed with a monster shape and outcast from the city to the creature infested wilderness outside. They’re pretty sure they’re going to die until another monster takes them in.

A vampire aristocrat arranges their own marriage to a lower class vampire in order to escape the stifling walls of the court. The lower vampire accepts for sake of the financial benefits, but they’re stressed about how to handle their new spouse and are confused why they even chose them in the first place.

An orphaned werewolf is adopted into a vampire family as a child and spends their life set apart from the rest of the community. If they aren’t being tortured by their peers, they’re being over protected by their family, so when they meet a vampire who is as outcast as them, they can’t help but be drawn to them.

A merperson and a selkie meet on land in human form. They find a lot in common with the mutual love for the sea, but scared they’ll freak the other out they each hide their true form.

One day, a fancy goblin strolls into eleven land and shocks everyone by proposing to eleven royalty. They’re even more shocked when the elf accepts.

The giant found the human in their neighbor’s garden trap and decided to take them in as a pet rather than see them squashed. But the human is unlike any animal they’ve ever encountered, actually capable of learning giantic language! Part of them thinks they should let the human go, but they also don’t want to lose their new companion.

Alien came to earth to study humans, but they met Vampire first. Vampire is surprised to find someone so accepting of them, and Alien now think all humans drink blood and can’t stand being out in the sunlight.

[book--brackets]

The Cemeteries of Amalo by Katherine Addison (2021-present)

When the young half-goblin emperor Maia sought to learn who had set the bombs that killed his father and half-brothers, he turned to an obscure resident of his father’s Court, a Prelate of Ulis and a Witness for the Dead. Thara Celehar found the truth, though it did him no good to discover it. He lost his place as a retainer of his cousin the former Empress, and made far too many enemies among the many factions vying for power in the new Court. The favor of the Emperor is a dangerous coin. 

Now Celehar lives in the city of Amalo, far from the Court though not exactly in exile. He has not escaped from politics, but his position gives him the ability to serve the common people of the city, which is his preference. He lives modestly, but his decency and fundamental honestly will not permit him to live quietly. As a Witness for the Dead, he can, sometimes, speak to the recently dead: see the last thing they saw, know the last thought they had, experience the last thing they felt. It is his duty use that ability to resolve disputes, to ascertain the intent of the dead, to find the killers of the murdered. 

Now Celehar’s skills lead him out of the quiet and into a morass of treachery, murder, and injustice. No matter his own background with the imperial house, Celehar will stand with the commoners, and possibly find a light in the darkness. 

The Children of Green Knowe by Lucy M. Boston (1954-1976)

Tolly's great-grandmother wasn't a witch but both she and her old house, Green Knowe, were full of a very special kind of magic. And Green Knowe turned out not to be the lonely place Tolly had imagined it to be. There were other children living in the house - children who had been happy there centuries before.

The Smoke Thieves by Sally Green (2018-2020)

In a land tinged with magic and a bustling trade in an illicit supernatural substance, destiny will intertwine the fates of five players: 

A visionary princess determined to forge her own path. 

An idealistic solider whose heart is at odds with his duty. 

A streetwise hunter tracking the most dangerous prey. 

A charming thief with a powerful hidden identity. 

A loyal servant on a quest to avenge his kingdom. 

 Their lives intersect with a stolen bottle of demon smoke. As war approaches, they must navigate a tangled web of political intrigue, shifting alliances, and forbidden love in order to uncover the dangerous truth about the strangely powerful smoke that interwines their fates.

Mongrels by Stephen Graham Jones (2016)

He was born an outsider, like the rest of his family. Poor yet resilient, he lives in the shadows with his aunt Libby and uncle Darren, folk who stubbornly make their way in a society that does not understand or want them. They are mongrels, mixed blood, neither this nor that. The boy at the center of Mongrels must decide if he belongs on the road with his aunt and uncle, or if he fits with the people on the other side of the tracks.

For ten years, he and his family have lived a life of late-night exits and narrow escapes—always on the move across the South to stay one step ahead of the law. But the time is drawing near when Darren and Libby will finally know if their nephew is like them or not. And the close calls they’ve been running from for so long are catching up fast now. Everything is about to change.

The Door Within by Wayne Thomas Batson (2005-2006)

Aidan Thomas is miserable. And it's much more than the strange nightmares he's been having. Just when life seemed to be coming together for Aidan, his parents suddenly move the family across the country to take care of his wheelchair-bound grandfather. When strange events begin to occur, Aidan is drawn into his grandfather's basement where he discovers three ancient scrolls and an invitation to another world.

No longer confined to the realm of his own imagination, Aidan embarks on an adventure where he joins them in the struggle between good and evil. With the fate of two worlds hanging in the balance, Aidan faces Paragory, the eternal enemy. Will Aidan be willing to risk everything and trust the unseen hand of the one true King? The answer comes from The Door Within.

A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge (2012)

In the underground city of Caverna the world's most skilled craftsmen toil in the darkness to create delicacies beyond compare. They create wines that can remove memories, cheeses that can make you hallucinate and perfumes that convince you to trust the wearer even as they slit your throat. The people of Caverna are more ordinary, but for one thing: their faces are as blank as untouched snow. Expressions must be learned. Only the famous Facesmiths can teach a person to show (or fake) joy, despair or fear — at a price.

Into this dark and distrustful world comes Neverfell, a little girl with no memory of her past and a face so terrifying to those around her that she must wear a mask at all times. For Neverfell's emotions are as obvious on her face as those of the most skilled Facesmiths, though entirely genuine. And that makes her very dangerous indeed...

Squire by Nadia Shammas (2022)

Born a second-class citizen, Aiza has always dreamt of becoming a Knight. It’s the highest military honor in the once-great Bayt-Sajji Empire, and as a member of the Ornu people, her only path to full citizenship.

Now, ravaged by famine, Bayt-Sajji finds itself on the brink of war once again. This means Aiza can finally enlist to the competitive Squire training program.

The camp is nothing like she envisioned. Hiding her Ornu status in order to blend in, Aiza must navigate friendships, rivalries, and rigorous training under the merciless General Hende. As the pressure mounts, Aiza realizes that the “greater good” Bayt-Sajji’s military promises might not include her, and that the recruits might be in more danger than she ever imagined.

Dragon's Bait by Vivian Vande Velde (1992)

Fifteen-year-old Alys is not a witch. But that doesn't matter--the villagers think she is and have staked her out on a hillside as a sacrifice to the local dragon. It's late, it's cold, and it's raining, and Alys can think of only one thing--revenge. But first she's got to escape, and even if she does, how can one girl possibly take on an entire town alone? Then the dragon arrives--a dragon that could quite possibly be the perfect ally. . . .

Tales of Alderly by Alan Garner (1960-2012)

About 150 years ago, my great-great-grandfather, Robert Garner, carved the face of an old man with long hair and beard in the rock of a cliff on a hill where my family has lived for at least 400 years, and still does. He carved the face above a well that is much older. How much older, no one knows, but it's centuries older, or even more. And why did he carve it? He carved it to mark that here is the Wizard's Well.

I am Joseph's grandson, and I grew up on that hill, Alderley Edge in Cheshire, aware of its magic and accepting it. I didn't know that it wasn't the same for everyone. I didn't know that not all children played, by day and by night, the year long, on a wooded hill where heroes slept in the ground. Yet there were strange things. Below another ancient well, the Holy Well, a rock lies in a bog. It fell from the cliff above in 1740 and made the Garners' cottage shake. It landed on an old woman and her cow that, for some reason, were standing in the bog, and, as a result, are still there. When I was seven, the bog was dangerous for somebody of my size and I once got stuck in it and thought I was going to drown, even though I sank only to my hips; but I managed to reach the rock and to climb up it to where a fallen tree was lodged, which spanned the bog, and by sliding along the trunk I was able to reach firm land. Nearby, under the leaf mould, is a layer of white clay that we used as soap to wash ourselves before we went home after playing. But there wasn't anything I could do about my clothes, and Grandad was not pleased.

The Edge is a land of two worlds: above and below. It took me my childhood to learn about above; when I was 19, I went to learn the wonders of below: a world of darkness and silence, so dark that you can see the lights of brain cells discharging; so silent that blood in the veins can be heard.

Stoneheart by Charlie Fletcher (2007-2009)

A city has many lives and layers. London has more than most. Not all the layers are underground, and not all the lives belong to the living. Twelve-year-old George Chapman is about to find this out the hard way. When, in a tiny act of rebellion, George breaks the head from a stone dragon outside the Natural History Museum, he awakes an ancient power. This power has been dormant for centuries but the results are instant and terrifying: A stone Pterodactyl unpeels from the wall and starts chasing George. He runs for his life but it seems that no one can see what he's running from. No one, except Edie, who is also trapped in this strange world. And this is just the beginning as the statues of London awake

[cardboardqueen]

ok so i read The Goblin Emperor recently (absolutely recommend) and it's given me some thoughts about a:tla specifically post canon zuko

he is the very young very new leader of a nation that's very abruptly lost its previous monarch. He's spent the last few years away from court and almost certainly isn't used to using his court manners even if he does technically know them. He's taking the country in a very different direction than his father with bold new political ideas and radical friends. The only heir to speak of is someone he'd really rather not pass the throne to. While he does have some support from his elders he was absolutely Not trained to take the throne and certainly not with so little warning.

sound familiar?

so now I'm thinking of a post-canon zuko fic of epic proportions that goes into as much detail in the world building and politics as TGE does.

Zuko finding a good secretary jesus christ please

Zuko slowly learning how to talk to his cabinet members as an adult, trying to balance being their Fire Lord, trying to be seen as an equal in competency and not a boy king, and acknowledging that he really isn't up to speed.

Zuko learning all the servant's names

Zuko's struggle not to lose himself in the overwhelming force of being The Fire Lord

learning regular teenage emotional regulation but instead of telling your dad you hate him because he asked you to turn the music down you're screaming at your minister of agriculture in front of the whole cabinet and you can't remember why it was important

he was expecting the assassination attempts and even the coups. He wasn't expecting the more subtle attempts to lock him out of his own government

look i know we all love ignoring the political implications of gay shipping, but zuko is absolutely not in a stable enough position to be the first fire lord to get gay married. we're ignoring the opportunities presented by a well suited marriage of convenience. are they co-conspirators in world betterment and shenanigans? does the fire lady get him to take a fucking break for once? is it a slow burn where they eventually fall in love but like, 7years into being married? do they have elaborate arrangements of 'cultural informants' and ladies in waiting that are just a stream of consensual lovers? some options for your consideration under the cut

Yue (in a yue lives au)

most reassuring to an international audience

nonthreatening to a domestic audience

the optics of marrying the NWT princess are great and logical without requiring too many mental gymnastics

has spent her whole like preparing to do something unpleasant for the sake of her tribe and would probably consent to the marriage

politically powerful but a non-bender, very low chance of a waterbending heir

zuko has grown up around girls that could kill him and respects women, the fire nation might be an improvement on the NWT

once she breaks out of her shell she'd be a snark machine

the in world artists would get a kick out of the water/fire symbolism. there would be so many plays and paintings and poems

i understand that her death has symbolic and narrative importance but let me play here

Mai

relatively reassuring to a domestic audience

minimally objectionable to international audiences

marrying into a family that was powerful and favored in Ozai's time would pacify traditionalists without requiring zuko to actually make traditionalist political decisions

Mai can play the court game even if it drives her mad

azula would have an internal fit but they may be able to maneuver it such that it manifests as azula being driven to make Mai the most successful fire lady that ever was

Random Earth Kingdom Noble

afiak neither bumi nor kuei have children. idk what the heir situation is but i know there's an earth prince in alok so idk

'marrying an earth kingdom noble is a very logically and politically sound move' says zuko's cabinet. 'ok' says zuko, 'which one?' chaos ensues

someone tries to propose mai as an earth kingdom noble because her father was governor of New Ozai. the eyeroll is audible

great potential for OC shenanigans

Suki

sokka would throw a fit

potential for lovely zukki ot3 a la many of erisenyo's fics

allying with an important figure from mostly neutral kiyoshi island might translate to a mostly neutral political move and minimize outrage on all sides

she can make very heavy handed speeches about 'if we can forgive him so can you' when the earth kingdom representatives start getting mean

gives her an excuse to stay and keep and eye on zuko (and keep some warriors around to keep an eye on him too)

even if she didn't grow up in court suki is sharp, she'd pick up on the important bits quick and the rest she could pass off as her quaint provincial upbringing

imagine how the fire nation court fashion would respond to the Fire Lady in the Kiyoshi Warrior Gear. the heat exhaustion alone

Toph

objectively hilarious

i don't actually think it fits with her character arc about independence and growth but it's not significantly worse than making her a cop sooo

i really don't ship them so i'm imagining this for practicalities and logistics only but you do you

it would be absolutely hilarious for the bei fongs to go from 'no we have no children' to 'yes we would like to propose that our daughter marry the fire lord' overnight. even funnier if it's toph's idea and she has to wrangle proof that she is actually the heir of one of the wealthiest families in the earth kingdom

relatively reassuring to an international audience

the domestic audience doesn't know what to think. on paper she's a foreign merchant's daughter which is fine. in reality didn't she destroy like 10 war balloons? is that a war crime? she won't stop jump scaring the treasurer?

she'd get a kick out of redesigning all the parts of the palace that make zuko sad

the agni kai arena is now her earthbending practice ground, i hope you weren't attached to those tiles!

zuko's cabinet is free of secret loyalists in a week. toph spends her first month there roaming the halls listening for lying hearts

minor concern of earthbending heirs? she gets a kick out of all the anxiety

toph and azula would be hysterical to see interact. like introducing two cats through a bathroom door. maybe they fall in love idk. they almost certainly fuck at least once. their sparring matches threaten to destabilize the architecture and also the rim of caldera city

[dark-elf-writes]

Is Fran another wished away child in Goblin King Mukuro’s court?

Grannies a wished away child that got placed with Tsuna as a “gift” and joined the Varia who keep wishing him away wherever he’s annoying. At this point Mukuro and the Varia have joint custody and neither are particularly happy about it.

Fran however is having the time of his life.

[thatfreshi]

Hi there! I saw the post about the requests! If you don't mind, Imma dump the three ideas I have here in one ask so I don't spam you. Apologies if there's not enough info in them or are too jumbled to understand! I'm not great at sending requests.

A Dragonborn tav who wishes to cuddle with Astarion/Rest their head against him, but can't due to horn/spike placement. Frustration on tav's end and, after some confusion, an emense amount of teasing on Astarion's. Maybe they find out some way to have resting on Astarion better.

Astarion helping out Tav after Tav had a medical surgery thing. They're just in pain for the first few days and Astarion just helps them out. (Mostly just want some personal comfort for my own recent surgery. I'm in pain.)

Dragonborn Tav doing some Dragonborn courting rituals to get Astarion's attention. Maybe even trying to research Eleven courting rituals to do so.

Went ahead and went with the second ask in this list. If you still want the others you can send them again! I prefer separate requests because it's easier for me to keep track of, but I appreciate that you have so many ideas for me :)

TW - broken bones

Recommended Song: Lovers Rock - TV Girl

Living a normal life comes with far too many responsibilities. Sure, killing goblins and avoiding shadows is stressful, but buying groceries? Doing dishes? It seems like there's something every single damn day, especially when you're renovating a house.

Now, Astarion loves priding himself on being a great bargainer, making a sweet deal out of any situation, and he figured a place with good bones like this would be a steal if he could cut the price a little. Was he wrong? Of course not, he has a habit of being right almost always, which can be frustrating. However, the two of you bit off far more than you could chew, especially when it came to the staircase that was practically falling apart. Mind you, neither you or Astarion are renovators, but both of you are far too stubborn for your own good.

"I'm sure we could get someone to fix it, right? Just needs some extra support."

You raise a brow at him.

"And spend more money? No way, we should just do it ourselves. I'm sure one of our friends has some extra wood lying around."

That's when you make the mistake of going up a couple steps to see just how bad the damage is. Apparently this place used to house a group of rowdy adventurers who couldn't help but destroy everything in their path. When you fall asleep on the floor every night, guess it doesn't really matter if you can't get up to any of the bedrooms. As you're analyzing the stairs, there's a crack beneath your feet, which you ignore.

"Darling, perhaps you should just take a look from down here?"

When you go to turn and tell him you'll be fine, your leg takes a plunge through the wood, subsequently fracturing several bones in your foot.

"Gods, damn it!"

You manage to cry out, trying to pull yourself out of the tattered floor. Astarion helps you, helping you get back down to the first floor, trying to make sure he doesn't face a similar fate.

"I guess a trip to Shadowheart's is in order."

You shake your head.

"Nope, her and Halsin are on that healer's retreat, remember? In Waterdeep?"

"Shit, I suppose you're right dove. When are they getting back?"

You sigh.

"Tonight, sadly."

It was currently far too early in the morning, as the two of you wanted to get a head start on your fixer-upper today.

"Alright, we'll just have to go see someone in town I suppose."

"Aster, we do not have the money for that right now. We've already budgeted everything for the house, I can't go see some uppity Baldurian doctor who's going to charge us far more gold than they're worth."

"Well, what do you suggest we do then?"

"Wait til Shadowheart and Halsin get back? I mean it's really all we can do."

"Gods Tav, we had so much planned today. Those tieflings are coming by to tile the kitchen at noon! And you know I am not good at being nice to strangers."

"Well my love, looks like you're going to have to learn, because I cannot walk on this thing."

You groan in pain, trying to flex your foot, feeling all the little spots your bones broke.

"To the bed we go then."

Astarion wraps you up in his arms, taking you to what in a couple of weeks is supposed to be the study. For now though, it's a makeshift bedroom. He gently lies you on the bed, getting a pillow for under your foot. Then, he thinks about how he truly does not like being broke, but the both of you didn't want to impose on any of your friends, staying at their place for any longer than you had to. Gale offered, but the thought of being all cramped up in his new tower was suffocating.

"Are you okay Aster?"

Your voice wakes him from his thoughts.

"Yes my dear, just thinking about our raggedy circumstances."

"It'll be nice when it's done, and when my foot's not broke."

The two of you chuckle.

"As much as I love living with you, I didn't think domestic life was quite this, complex."

He moves to lie down next to you, careful not to move your wounded foot.

"You still want this though, right?"

"Of course, a nice house to ourselves? A space just for us? I can't imagine a better investment. Just not quite used to all the contractors and market visits and drunken nights yet, all the normal things, the things I would've done so much sooner if..."

Astarion shakes his head, as if trying to get the thoughts out of his mind.

"Never mind all that, I should get you some tea."

Before you can tell him that it's alright, that you want to hear what he has to say, he's gone to the kitchen. Instead you just lay on the bed, thinking of just how lucky the two of you are. Two troubled souls set up for failure, and yet here you are. You laugh a little, thinking about how lucky you are with a shattered foot.

"Here we are my darling, a hot brew just for you."

He helps you sit up, making sure you keep your leg elevated.

"Easy my dove, don't want to break anything else do we?"

The hours pass by as the two of you wait for the tilers to come, talking about all the projects you were going to start today. It's nice, having a project, something to strive towards that isn't murdering someone or working through some major trauma. Just the two of you drinking tea in some old house, sitting on a bed that you'll have to break down and bring upstairs, and then put back together. While Astarion very easily could have left you to your devices and gotten started on all your little plans, he stayed by your side, talking about everything and nothing.

"This is just the beginning."

You say, suddenly breaking a natural silence.

"What is?"

"This. We get to start over. This is the beginning of us starting over."

He smiles at your whimsical view of things.

"I suppose you're right."

[thewingedbaron]

BG3 Fic Feb Day Four!

Day Four: Camp Chores

By the fourth day together, camp was beginning to run smoothly. Wyll set a watch every day, ensuring that none of the goblin’s scouting parties accidentally found their way into camp. Karlach was all too happy to assist with keeping watch, though privately she spent more time caring for her teddy bear, Clyde, than keeping an eye out for trouble. As she put it, when trouble found them, she would be ready. 

Gale had settled in quickly as the camp’s cook. After the disaster of Shadowheart’s half hearted attempt on the first night, the wizard of waterdeep produced an apron from his tent, the rest of the party was still unsure as to where exactly it had come from, and set about preparing whatever Alyss managed to catch out in the surroundings woods. Thankfully, Alyss was almost as good at hunting animals as she was bounties, so more often than not there was plenty to go around. 

For her part, Shadowheart busied herself about the camp setting up new barriers of thistle and heavy bush. Alyss had shown her how to rearrange the surrounding shrubs to help disguise the camp from outside view, and the cleric of shadows had taken to the skill almost immediately. She seemed to delight in finding new methods to hide them all from view. That, or she just enjoyed being close to the camp’s ranger leader, as Astarion claimed. It was hard to ignore the snuck glances, and occasional straight on staring that neither side seemed to notice. Astarion had started a betting pool on the second night. Currently, Wyll was winning. 

Lae’zel provided the background music to their little camp. She could often be found practicing strikes on a mock Illithid that she had created out of roots and branches. The dull thud, thud, thud, could be heard at all hours about the camp. Wyll had joined her a number of times, as well as Karlach. Both were apt students as Lae’zel explained the best ways to kill a ghaik quickly to avoid their psychic attacks. When she wasn’t practicing, Lae’zel was preparing. Mending armor, sharpening blades, Lae’zel was sure that she would be ready for whatever they met on the road. With a few sweet words, and the promise of a new dagger, she agreed to help with the camp’s weapons as well. Soon the grinding wheel could be heard near constantly, much to the chagrin of some of its other residents. 

Astartion, of course, prided himself on helping drink through the camp’s meager wine supply. He also carefully gathered gossip like a court spymaster sitting on a mountain of secrets. Alyss had given up asking him to help with camp chores, but perhaps that was for the better. He was a little too interested in her secrets, and she preferred to keep those under wraps. Even if it meant that Astarion was taken off dish rotation.

[agirlandherquill]

the story goblin

inspiration strikes in the strangest of ways often enough, and an idea came to me only a couple days ago, and i've been slowly feeding this goblin of my own creation, letting it form, letting it grow, and it's a different feeling altogether when starting a new piece, an idea, a story - and that feeling's got me hooked, it got me writing, something other than Ruin's Reprisal for a change, which was nice even if a little odd - and i decided why not share a little something with writeblr in honour of this new story gradually coming to life.

so, here it is, the beginning of the story without a name: (because names take their time, and i'm not there thinking of one yet, the story's consuming me as it is, but it'll come, i have faith in that)

An army marched toward the doors. An army not of her own command. She did not ask them to come. She did not want them here. And still, they marched. Their footsteps were thunder, shaking through the steel doors and into the council chamber, each step sent minuscule shudders echoing from her toes to her spine, making her sit stiffly in her seat to keep herself carefully composed. Eyes darted throughout the Court, those gathered on their feet by the sides of the doors shuffled uneasily, those seated - the more privileged few of those in attendance, herself included, sat in waiting for what was to come. 

War?

An uprising?

It could not be. Such things did not happen in Eiress. In its Court. 

Whatever the army was, it was unexpected.

It reached the doors. They swung open. The useless light of the chandelier cast a weak glow over the storm of armoured men, plates of metal clunked in time to their steps as they entered the chamber, moving as one, as a wall, as though they were surrounding something - she looked past the helmeted heads and caught a flash of red hair, they were. Someone was in the middle of them. 

A leader would be at the front of the charge, whoever this was was something else entirely. The guards seemed on edge, their swords were drawn, clutched almost too tightly by their sides. 

The stranger in their midst frightened them, somehow, someway, and it delighted her curiosity. She relaxed her spine, letting her fingers drift along her lap, itching to get up and push the men aside for a glimpse at whoever it was. 

The army of guards were now in the middle of the chamber, the front of their facade a mere step from the table. They adjusted themselves in a circle accordingly, not once breaking rank, they were close, almost impossibly close to one another, hemming in the red haired man she could still not yet see clearly. It was infuriating. Glimpses were all she was afforded. Of his greying shirt, the sleeveless leather jerkin hanging unfastened from his shoulders, his wrists were disguised by shackles clasped so tightly that the smallest bits of skin she could spy in her glimpses were raw. 

For an army, as it had sounded, it was a disappointing number, and an intriguing one. Twenty men clad in armour stood before her. Twenty men - for a single man? Who could possibly demand this much effort save the Lord himself? 

It was as the guards finally parted that she understood why such a precaution had been taken, along with the shackles.

There was danger in him. The closer she looked the more it made itself known: in the set of his jaw, the twist of his lips - as though he were bored, and neither the guards nor the shackles seemed to bother him - all the way to his eyes, such a dark grey they stood out amidst his tanned skin. His dangerous gaze found hers and he did not blink, not once. Such a feat should not have been possible. Such a threatening presence in one person should not exist. And yet it did. 

“Who is this?” She kept her voice low, bending her head to disguise the movement of her lips behind her hair; the stranger’s stare was all too powerful, all too observant for her liking. The man to her left took a sip from his wine, reclining in his high-backed, spiked chair. His blue eyes flashed to her, surprised.

“Nickolinas Feront. Surely the reputation precedes him to you of all people?”

She sank slowly back into her seat, the rough wooden surface grazing her bare shoulders as she settled herself, regarding the newcomer carefully. He had a reputation. Everyone in the room did. And yet, his was heavier than most.

Nickolinas. A killer, they call him. Some say beast. Devil. Trickster. Too many things. Too many dangerous things. Too dangerous for him to be here, three steps from this table. 

“And is there a reason a criminal stands in this Court?” She pinned him with her stare, watching her words sink into his mind. His brows drew together, his lips twitched, but he said nothing. If he was insulted she was glad of it. She did not want him or the pitiful army here, interrupting her evening. 

“Darling must you doubt me?”

Darling. That’s the name he’s chosen to call me tonight. I should think myself lucky I suppose, there are plenty others he could have chosen. He knows them all, of course. He knows everything, just as I know everything of him. 

The Lord of Eiress sat to her left as he always did. The Lord, or Lucias Grey as she called him in private, away from the Court, was a man of disillusion - everything about him had a hidden meaning, a secretive purpose - he was a wicked, delightful mystery that she had grown to decipher easily.

Lucias Grey was charming, more so than most. His smile was kind, but the threats often hidden behind it soured the stomach, just as he liked it to. His gaze was withering to most, to her it was softened - out of trust, out of respect, something the two of them shared. His dark hair was swept back from his forehead, held in place by his chosen circlet for the night - a ring of thorns set high on his brow. It was meant to inspire fear, it was also capable of committing its fair share of damage, she had seen him wield it on occasion, when her own blade was not acting for him. His clothes were equally as devastatingly beautiful, they were dark, wicked, his shirt was undone, leaving his chest bare, his arms were covered with a silver fur of a beast she had helped him slay only the day before.  

The Lord’s hand settled on the arm of his chair closest to hers, a hairsbreadth from touching her arm. His fingertip twitched, touching her skin for only a moment - the brief touch was a gentle message meant for only her to heed. I do not have to fear a thing - not that I do, I just don’t like having this man here. This was meant to be a strategy meeting, then a banquet, now it’s been interrupted by this and I’m yet to see any food. 

That would come, she knew that, she did not have her doubts.

He could never be doubted, not by her. 

“No, Lord.” She did not move her gaze from the stranger for an instant. Whatever the Lord’s reasons, where this one’s concerned, they cannot be good ones. 

The Lord smiled. “I thought not. Now, what do you know of him? I’d like you to inform the Court, and remind me, it’s a joy to see the depths of your knowledge in work.” 

He means a joy to make the Court resemble idiots. Lucias always takes a strange form of pleasure from ridiculing some of his people - I never know why.

As she rose from her seat, to gather the focus of the Court’s eyes, she caught a flash of curiosity in the stranger’s face. I see why Lucias is making me do this. He wants to unnerve the man. He may have a reputation but here in Eiress, we know things. Within this Court, I know things. 

“Here stands a man wanted for fifteen different crimes. Quite the record. He’s guilty of trickery, theft, and slaughter, to recall a few.”

Not the one slaughter either. 

“His arrest was made in secret.” She announced to the Court. Though she did not know why, or when. It was a secret to herself, one that the Lord had kept from her. The man who did not believe in secrets. She bit the inside of her cheek, pushing her questions down and forced her focus solely upon the criminal who seemed more content watching her than being watched.

“A secret to ensure the safety of you all. And he is here…” She paused, trying to think of a reason to ensure they remained composed, to ensure they remained sensible. “To prove that no-one is above the law of the Court. The Lord protects us all, as he always has.” 

There was a low chuckle of amusement at her back. The fake flattery amuses him, it always does, but the Court eats it up, and so I twist my words. The only ones above the law in Midwinter are him and I.

“After that brilliant little speech I think it would be rude not to let our guest introduce himself, wouldn’t it?” Several heads of the Court nodded, most were still. She was in the latter. How could a man like that introduce himself?

“Very well.” The Lord tapped a finger on the table. “Declare your name to the Court, if you will.” The thinly veiled order made her stiffen. Lucias is playing a game of some sort - to what end? 

“Master Nickolinas Eliath Feront.” His voice was different to what she had expected. He sounded more eloquent than the oldest families in Court, nothing at all like the criminals she had seen in this realm. 

“Tell me, Master Feront, why do you stare at her?” 

The question made her thoughts cease to form altogether. A dangerous question from one dangerous man to another. There was no jealousy there, there would never be, whatever darkened the Lord’s tone was something that made her nerves gather and bite down against her rawest of nerves. 

“She stares back at me.” His answer was so simple it made her grind her teeth. So simple it is no answer at all. 

“I’d like you to give her a different reason.” Lucias, what are you doing? She would not turn her head to see his face, he would know her thoughts loud and clear without a single word being uttered. 

“You sought out my stare, through this crowd of silver.” His answer seemed to satisfy the Lord, even if it angered her further. 

“Do you have any requests?” The Lord’s eyes were on her back. She braced her palms against the table, lowering herself back to her seat. She could say whatever she wished, the Lord would grant her that. Perhaps it was wicked, perhaps she was wicked, but there was only one thing she wanted to see from a man with a reputation like his.

“Make him kneel.”

The stranger soundlessly moved to his knees, seemingly ignorant of the men trying to push him down. If he kneeled it would be of his own accord. The sentiment was disturbingly familiar to one of her own. She swallowed her thoughts and gripped the edge of the table, wrinkling the tablecloth as she crushed it under her fingertips.

“He kneels Darling, what will you have him do next?”

Is this a show? Is he parading his greatest prisoner before the Court? No, surely not. He would have told me. He would have had me plan for it. Even if I did not know he was here.

She moved her eyes from the stranger briefly, flashing the Lord a questioning look. He answered it with a smile and leant forward, resting his elbows on the table as he moved to look at the man he had summoned for reasons she had yet to discern.

“I think he will do for you Darling.”

She swallowed her tongue. It took every shred of focus she had not to cough. She schooled her face into a tight-lipped smile. “How so?”

“I have a task for you. He,” He nodded at the still-staring man, “Will aid you. In exchange for the only thing I’ve heard he values. His life.”

Aid me? Aid me in what? I have never needed aid. I will never need it. If there is a task to be done, I do it alone. As I always have. 

Her displeasure must have been more evident that she wanted it to be because the Lord laughed. “You’ll like this one. I know you will. Only bear with me a moment while I see the people off.” He raised a hand, waving once, twice, and the Court muttered amongst themselves, moving around the circle of guards warily to slip out the doors. He picked up his cup and took another sip, humming in enjoyment at the finest wine the Court had to offer. She knew because she had chosen it - a previous task, one of the tamer ones by the Lord’s standards. He lowered the cup and she took it, helping herself to a hearty gulp to brace herself for what he had to say. This task will be anything but tame if Nickolinas Feront is here. The sight of him, in this Court, almost sickens me to my stomach. He should not be here polluting the air with his presence. 

The Lord sighed, she watched his eyes sweep over the guards, the intensity of his stare made her wince, it foretold of something she knew she would not like. 

“Remove the shackles, then leave us.”

The guards moved without question, a key was slotted into the shackles and twisted sharply, the heavy instruments of restraint were taken away and the army retreated once more. She did not like them there in the first place, seeing them go made her feel worse. In the large council chamber, fit for housing over a hundred, there were only three. Two seated. One still kneeling.

“Lucias…” She murmured into the silence, “Do not toy with me. What is it?”

“You’re to find Thial and bring him to me.”

Her heart ceased to beat. I heard wrong. I must have done. He has been waging war with that man for years - why attempt to bring him in now? No-one knows what he looks like. Thial is a name he leaves behind, who’s to know if it’s even real? The man is a ghost - how can I find a ghost? And how can this criminal help me?

“You will need him Darling, even if the thought displeases you. This task is not one for the faint of heart, which is why I entrust it to you, and I gift you his servitude.” 

Servitude. The word twisted her gut. She looked to the criminal, he was close to the table, she extended her leg from beneath it, touching the man’s jaw with the tip of her shoe, forcing his head up. He grunted quietly, still staring at her. Does he know then? Did Lucias strike some sort of deal without seeking my counsel? The matter unsettled her. She frowned slightly, looking away. “I do not believe in masters or servants, you know that.”

“Think of him as a partner then, whatever you wish.”

I wish to have nothing to do with him. She let her foot drop and his head lolled back down. His incessant staring was beginning to bother her. I’m not the one who demanded this, why does he look to me and not Lucias? 

She would not shrink from his gaze. She would endure it if it meant ridding herself of him sooner. I will talk Lucias round, he will see this is ridiculous - offering a man his life - a man like him, in exchange for helping me? What good will that do? He will only get in my way. Something flashed in his gaze and she flinched. Will he stop staring? I’ve half a mind to take the cup of wine and fling what’s left in his face. 

“Darling, whatever you’re planning in that head of yours, would you care to share it with us?”

Damn you Lucias. She abandoned her thoughts to steal another sip from his cup. “I would rather not.” 

“Fine. Will you do it then?”

“I will.”

The words took something from her as they left her throat. She felt hollow. This task would take her to depths she was scared to know, force her to commit unspeakable things - even in the name of duty. She was Lucias’ right hand after all, this was expected of her, she had done plenty of things to keep his hands clean. She saved his soul - in spite of his wicked intent -there was some honour in that, honour that she cherished. And now it was threatened. The criminal being near her threatened it. The task threatened it. Her honour was all she had and to have it at risk was… Unthinkable. 

“Good, and when he’s here, be a dear and drag him won’t you? I want to meet him on his knees.”

“…Right.” If he saw her struggles he did not make them known, whether that relieved her or made matters worse she could not say. She did not have the chance to.

“I’m so relieved I can entrust this to you. You know how much it means to me.” He flashed her a smile. I do. And that makes this harder than it needs to be. He rose from his seat and clapped his hands, the doors opened again, permitting entry to the flood of gossiping members of the Court, and staff finally arriving with platters of food. It was a pity her stomach felt too hollow for any pangs of hunger. She had to leave the table before the smell ruined her. She forced her chair back and rose to her feet, pinching her skirts between her fingers to keep herself in check. The room was full, too full now, she had to twist and turn and avoid tripping over long hems in her way to get to the doors. A server passed in front of her with a platter of steaming chicken and she wanted to retch, her stomach was too unsettled for this. 

Lucias wants me to find the most dangerous man in the realm, surpassing even his capabilities, and mine. And I’m expected to bring him here, on his knees? 

The impossibility was insufferable, the pressure surmounting, she had very little idea where to start - and to even consider partnering with a criminal? No. She would not face it. Not tonight. She needed time, she needed rest, she needed to sort her mind before she sorted the mess she had found herself in. 

The doors were in sight. The man she had no intention of speaking to had disappeared among the polished faces, whether he was looking for her she did not know and she did not care. She squeezed past a gossiping couple, her breathing hitching as she caught a glimpse of damnable red hair, and tried to move faster through the crowds. Gods get me away, clear me a path, keep him from me. 

The Gods were not with her that night. He was speaking with a man to the left of her path. She set her shoulders and quickened her pace, fixing her eyes on the door, not on him. He is too busy talking to notice me, I will do nothing to attract his attention. It will work. It will.

She moved past, sighing in relief at her success, only for him to turn at the last moment and see her. His hand shot out, catching her elbow in passing, and he forced her to spin round and face him - the one act she had desperately been trying to avoid since leaving the table.

“Is your name really Darling?”

“I have many names.” She hissed, attempting to free her arm without causing a scene, he made it difficult, squeezing her elbow harder to keep her there. “As do you from what I hear.” 

He tilted his head, a hint of amusement passing over his face. “You may call me Nick.”

“And if I don’t want to?” I may? Who does he think he is? Does he forget he was in shackles only minutes ago? 

“You’ll have to call me something, from what I gather we’re working together from this night on.” There was a smile hidden on his face, she could see his lips twitching trying to contain it. The thought of him smiling riled her up almost as much as the horrific situation she had ended up in.

“Work with a criminal - to what? Find the Lord’s greatest enemy? I’m capable of doing that on my own.” She walked away, pulling him along with her with his fingers still wrapped around her elbow until they were in a more private section of the room, less crowded, by a window. 

Nick tilted his head, bringing his face rudely close to hers. “Then why not tell him that? Are we too scared of earning his wrath?”

“It is easier not to argue. And I accepted out of respect for him. Nothing more.”

“Accepted? You were backed into a corner from what I saw.”

“What you saw when you were kneeling at my feet?” She countered, finally freeing her arm, and taking a step away. Her back hit the curtains hanging beside the window. Her fingers sought them out, gripping them harshly to vent her fury.

“Even then.” 

Of all the people for the gods to stick me with, why would they choose Nick Feront? 

The question bothered her greatly. She needed time to prepare, time to think, time to adjust and ensure she did not lose her temper. A lack of control would cost her far more than failing her task, and already she was struggling.

Darling had never wanted to punch a man senseless before within minutes of meeting him - until Nick. And if she did that, he would be of no use to her. Despite his misgivings, despite his first impressions - the Lord was right about Nick for one thing, she would need him to accomplish her task, and she finally understood why.

Using a criminal to catch Thial, or as the rest of the realm knows him, the King of Crime - how sweet. 

Suffering a man who seeks to bother me at every inconvenience - how very bitter. 

Lovely. This night cannot get any worse.

~ ~ ~

now for the tag list!

(p.s if you'd like to be included/notified too, interact with this post :))

@humbly-a-doppelganger @imawholeassmood @frostedlemonwriter @yrndrgn @abditorywriting

@riveriafalll @lead-to-code @casualsuitturtle @floweryprosegarden @joeys-piano

@catwingsathena @godsmostfuckedupgoblin @nothoughtsjustmhaandotherthings @anaisbebe

@drchenquill @leahnardo-da-veggie @tiredpapergirl @pastelpinkhobbies

[mk-writes-stuff]

Happy WBW! (And sorry I missed sending you something on Saturday) How do people in your setting celebrate birthdays?

Happy WBW! No worries - I’ve been pretty preoccupied with life stuff recently, so I’m sure I’ve missed a few things too :)

Birthday celebrations on the Seven Stations are pretty close to what you’d expect. The nobility throws lavish parties (although they’re restricted to family before the child comes of age and is presented to the court). The sixteenth birthday party is the most important one. This is when the child is first presented to the nobility and displays their stolen powers for the first time. Nobles go all out for these parties.

The common folk tend to have smaller celebrations within their means that would look pretty familiar to us. Cake or a similar treat, a nice meal, some friends, and some presents. Depends exactly on the person what they’d want.

There’s a lot more variance in the Pirates’ Roost, since it’s a much bigger setting with a lot of cultures. Neither goblins nor orcs make a big deal of birthdays, although they both celebrate the passage from childhood to adulthood. Pirates are also pretty low-key about it - their usual celebration, like most pirate celebrations, involves everyone getting drunk and singing poorly.

Torrezonean aristocrats celebrate with banquets, but the average Torrezonean human doesn’t have enough money for much of a celebration. They do recognize them, though. People from the Sun Empire will usually host a large gathering with lots of food and celebratory games. Sirens tend to have slightly more subdued celebrations, but they’ll usually all contribute to a birthday meal and congratulate the person whose birthday it is. Uniquely, sirens will occasionally change the day ceremonially recognizes as their birthday - since it’s the day their guardian constellation is read from, if a significant event causes them to re-read their guardian, that new date is also considered their birthday (although the word for birthday in their tongue does just mean “the day their constellation was read”).

Thank you for the ask! I hope this was interesting :)

[hopeaterart]

And because I was working on them at the same time...

Manimal oc: Bramble the Fairy Prince! I imagine him as some kind of DLC like Sven, Cole and the Kitsune boys. In his case, he comes with a whole new hobby (and perhaps a few careers related to that hobby): Occult Studies, which increases the Magic Stat. Curious (and somewhat offended) about Marshmallow consistently breaking the Manimal Curse, Bramble curses himself into an owl to see how you keep doing it. While he's outwardly neither rude or hostile, Bramble starts out as somewhat unsettling, with ominous observations, well-hidden anger, and a strange sense of morality that doesn't align with ours. As your relationship grows, he becomes utterly smitten, truly becoming a prince right out of a fairytale as he courts Marshmallow (although he never truly loses his faery edge).

(Fun fact: Bramble is partially based on Jareth the Goblin King from Labyrinth.)

[echantedtoon]

Monster Bride Part 2 What Shall We Find?

(Just for context. After this there will one chapter and ending for each character except for the Hantengu boys which will end in a poly romance. If there's any suggestions for what you'd like to see them do feel free to leave them in the comments.)

You liked living alone.

No one to order you around. No one to say what you shouldn't and should do. No one scrutinizing yourself. It was a good life. Just you, nature, and the few farm animals you kept for company. It was a good life. Your parents were a bit concerned about you wanting to buy a house and  live alone but considering your circumstances they agreed and purchased a home from an old farmer as a new year's present a few years back. It wasn't too big. Just two rooms including the bathroom and just a small space in the back for a few animals. Just it was perfect in your eyes. And it was just outside of town. Close enough to visit whenever you wanted but far enough to give you complete privacy in the woods. Which was EXACTLY what you wanted.

Unfortunately your life wasn't meant very easy.

From the moment you were born it seemed your life was going to be a problem for you. Mostly because it was almost like you had a spell casted over you to just have the worst of luck with men. Oh no. They weren't repulsed by you. Quite the opposite actually.

THEY WOULDN'T LEAVE YOU ALONE!!

Your parents must've had at least two hundred offers from other parents to arrange a marriage between you and their sons.  Thank the gods above they were amazing and kind and always asked if you wanted any of the marriages. You refused so they refused. And you would still be bombarded with offers of other parents to boys just attempting to court you any chance they could get. It was one of the reasons why you chose to live all the way out here instead of in town where you'd just be bothered. Although men still occasionally showed up here. And sometimes an older man or woman would trying to talk you into marrying their sons. You always refused and made them leave no matter how polite, persistent, or rude they are. And boy. You've gotten a few rude guests you had to kick to the Kirb. But you also had the ones who couldn't take a hint like the one months ago. Stupid guy. He even tried to use that stupid tradition to get you to marry him.

For thousands of years, people married off their daughters and ladies desperately scrambled to find a husband obsessively in fear of a monster dragging them away from as the blood moon came every hundred years. WHICH WAS STUPID!! You've lived your ENTIRE LIFE playing in the woods and walking around and now living in the woods and not even ONCE did you ever see any ghoul, goblin, troll, fairy, ghost, or any other inhuman creature. They only existed in stories and the imagination of children. You hated that so many people were legitimately terrified of this. And you especially hated that someone tried to use that against you!  You wouldn't be scared into a loveless marriage that wouldn't be fair to yourself. Or the man to be honest. 

With a sigh you woke up that morning and did yours chores which wasn't a lot. Feeding the few animals you had and cleaning your house. Neither of which took very long because of how small your home was and then you started on the laundry. Again it wasn't much and you were just scrubbing a blanket in your home when there was a noise outside that made up you jump and whirl your head towards the back of your house. Your cow was mooing and thrashing about by the side of your house.

THUD. THUD. THUD.

You heard her knock and the kick the side of the house a few times making you drop the cloth and stand up as even MORE noises came from your backyard. Your chickens were going absolutely NUTS!! Clucking and calling a out making you run to the back door and throwing it open-

"AH!!"

Your arms threw up over your face and closing your eyes as a flurry of your hens jumped up and flew a out you in a panic. 

CRASH!! THUD!! RUSTLE!!

Your cow mooed louder and ran past you towards the well on the side of your house as a giant black blue went diving into a bush right by your hen house causing feathers to fly and more chickens to rum about in panic blocking your view of...of...Well  whatever it was. You blinked just seeing the bushes move and hearing whatever it was crashing through the woods away from you as quick as the wind. Leaving you standing there blinking with a few panicked chickens and your cow irritated and half hiding behind the well....

What in all the heavens just happened?!

The chickens were still running around as the last few crashing sounds made their way into the woods before it was silent all around. You stood there and just...blinked. What was that?! A bear? No, no. A bear was too big and bulky and couldn't run off THAT fast?! You looked around noticing that...no chickens were missing. All fifteen of your hens and one rooster was still around. Oh... Whatever it was you must've scared it off before it could make off with one of them. But what was it? Couldn't have been a fox. It was too big and it wasn't a red color...

"A wolf," you mumbled having finally deduced what it was before scowling. "It must've been a wolf!! A wolf was after my chickens!!" 

Scowling you marched on over to the bush where it disappeared through making your chickens scramble from your legs. Grabbing the bush branches, you pushed the thing apart roughly but saw... Nothing. The back of your hill sloped down a hill to where a lot of wild berry bushes and a few fruit trees were ending in a stream that came up to your shoulders almost with how deep it was. Another reason you chose to live here. Free food! You scowled looking around more but there was no signs of any creatures. No wolf either. Curses! It must've ran off before you could see it... You'd buy a trap in town. You were going to head there after you finished laundry anyways. Letting the bush go back the way it was before you angrily turned and stomped off back to the house.

"I'll be damned before I let a wolf make off with my animals. I'll put them all in the barn before I go but first I'm going to get the laundry done."

Unbeknownst to you, eyes opened up from the shadows and followed your form back to your home. You stopped in the doorway pausing... before turning around to fully face the backyard and the eyes widened.

Y O U  W E R E  T H E  M O S T  B E A U T I F U L  W O M A N  T H E   E Y E S' S  E V E R  S E E N.

A shiver went down your spine as you narrowed your eyes looking around.. before going back inside and continuing inside before closing the door behind you. Yeah. You'd finish up before you left for town and buy the BIGGEST trap they had. 

The eyes way he'd awestruck at the beautiful figure walking into the house and closing the door. A chicken wondered close to a different bush unknowing. A hand reached out. The chicken only gave out a muffled squeak before it was yanked into the woods never to be seen again.

You  finished hanging up the laundry inside and went back out to heard all your chickens back into the henhouse and locked up your still spooked cow safely in the small barn before you left for the town. You thought you heard a twig snapping in the woods behind you before you left down the road towards town but you were sure it was just the wind. You weren't as paranoid as the others in your town.  So you started down the forest path back to the nearest town. It was an hour's walk there and an hour walk back. A bit of a way to walk but you'd like to think it helped to discourage others from seeking you out most of the time. You started down the road..but kept looking over your shoulder thinking you heard someone...but nothing was ever there. You got the feeling something was watching you from your home and the feeling didn't go away until you couldn't see your house anymore. Then you felt more at ease. Probably was the wolf, or your paranoia that was thrown a bit since you weren't expecting it. However unbeknownst to you it was something much, much more supernatural than that.

The rest of the trip passed by without incident or without that sixth sense of something watching you. An hour later you arrived at the town. It looked as busy and crowded as you remembered and it was then you realized something. You might as well probably get your shopping done  since you were here. You'd be needing some more supplies. So off you went to the first spot which was a candle store, then a library, and a few more places. While at a certain book store however you again felt eyes on you, and this time you turned and found the source of them this time. Four men working on building the side of a new house were staring at you as you skimmed over some books near the doorway. Upon realizing that you saw them, two of them looked embarrassed and sent back to work quickly, one man smirked and winked at you, and another one politely smiled and waved. You frowned before quickly retreating into the store further.

Why did this happen EVERY TIME you went into town?!

You just wanted to get you some supplies and be on your way. On the way back through you stopped by the blacksmith. He sold hunters they needed from bows and arrows to knives to bear traps. You walked right in gaining a few looks from a few men in there looking over the knives and two of which were asking who was presumably the owner which one would be the best for deboning large fish. Amongst the swords and horse shoes, and other items you found the traps. Big ones. Obviously those were for hunting BIG game like bears. But there was others of a more reasonable si-You froze as someone leaned on the wall next to you. Arm above and out. A face smiling down at your head. You turned to see one of the hunters smiling down at you.

"Hello, Wood Dweller "

NOPE!!

You didn't even give him a chance to speak. You turned on your heels and RAN like the wolf itself was chasing you. NOPE NOPE NOPE!! NOT DEALING WITH THAT TODAY!! Besides you saw the prices written above the traps. Too expensive and you didn't have enough money. You'd have to use the old rope tied to the tree trick. Running down the street with basket in hand, you just happened to look up and noticed that the sun was setting. If you didn't want to walk alone in the dark, you'd better head home now. So that's exactly what you did. You veered quickly through the streets as people headed home quickly fearing the dark and so called 'monsters' that lurked in the dark. You didn't fear any fake monsters. You were more afraid of that wolf! But you needed to get back before your animals could be in danger again. So leaving the town behind you veered off the street and down the path leading you back home.

The light was quickly disappearing and you ran faster and faster down the road.  Shadows danced across the pathway before you as you went down the pathway. Trees blew creepily and creaked as if their branches were trying to reach out and grab you. To take you captive. It made a shiver run down your spine. You didn't reach your house until the last rays of light left the sky and plunged the world into total darkness. The moon high in the sky and crescent shaped like a sadistic grin. You ran right up to the front door, pulling it open but stopped and looked around you real quick. You saw nothing but the creaking wind and trees. You shivered again before you stepped inside and closed the door. Finally. You were safely home. With a sigh you leaned against the door for a long moment before reaching out to flip the lock. With the door safely locked you pushed yourself off the door smiling and carrying the large basket over to place it gently by your-....Wait a second. Blinking you turned to window and blinked. Your window's shutters were... Open? 

YOU DIDN'T LEAVE THOSE OPEN!!

You always closed your shutters before you left anywhere. Why were they open now? Especially when you KNEW you closed them before you left!! Stunned silence filled the dark house as you stared at it silently. Before slowly approaching it and looking out the window into the backyard. The moonlight hit everything in the yard. You saw nothing on the other side. Your brows furrowed. This was... strange. You remembered locking it shut before you left but you must've not locked it properly in your haste to get the trap. Which meant you had to go outside to close it again. ...your form slowly approached the back door and you grabbed a hold of the sliding door at the same time something was walking through the forest. Neither of you two noticed each other. However when you silently opened the door you froze when you heard it. The sounds of something coming from the other sides of the Bushes.

The SAME bushes the wolf disappeared into. But they sounded a bit farther away from the henhouse! That stupid wolf was back!!.. Your eyes flickered to the pitchfork by the he house. If you scared it away by threatening it then it would be unlikely to come back again. It worked once when a fox wouldn't stop trying to bother your hens. It should be work on a wolf too. And if comes down to a fight, you'd have a nice fur to sell in town tomorrow. Slowly you stepped out of the house and back towards the bush. Your bare feet touching the ground gently and quietly enough to not make yourself known. 

Step after step after step.

Quietly you stepped closer as and closer and CLOSER to the bush silently. Slowly behind the henhouse you went and stopped right in front of the bush. The wind blew swaying it's branches creepily and looked like thrashing arms. You grabbed a handful and silently and slowly pulled them back.

And you froze at what you saw-

[heylittleriotact]

OC Insight: What kind of love are you?

Take this uquiz as your OC and share your result!

Thank you for the tag @preciouslittlebhaalbae ♥️

Astarion x Echo

Love as a Force of Nature ⛈️ 🔥 💫

Your love is like whiplash –– it comes in with the rain, it blows the doors wide open. When you fall in love, it is sudden and hard and immense. It is powerful. It is earth-shaking and world-ending. Nature is a force, and that force can be destructive if you're not careful. See how the world is doused in gasoline and set on fire –– your love consumes, your love takes, your love burns. You're hot and cold all at once, a hurricane and a wildfire bound together in skin, and when you're in love, it can feel like it's eating you alive from the inside out. When you love, it is with everything you have because it is everything you have. Be careful, darling, because not everyone survives the storm.

Can’t argue with that. I actually took this twice because the first time I answered from the context of how Echo sees their relationship where it’s at now in early Act 3 and got “Love as a Flaw” which is incredibly accurate for the current state of things in Open Invitation. I think if I planned for Astarion to ascend it might remain that way. But overall, if everyone gets their shit figured out, Love as a Force of Nature tracks for my beautiful chaos goblins - neither one of them are meek, blushing violet type personalities: Astarion is a theatre kid and Echo is practically a feral child.

Therefore, their love is wild and passionate and untamed and visceral. They have a connection that transcends casual courting and societal norms, and it’s as dangerous as it is beautiful. I’ve said for weeks now that they have the ability to make each other better, or so, so much worse, and it’s proving to be a difficult line to walk for them. That said, these two with their shit together, trusting each other, loving each other unconditionally - healthy, healing, whole…

They could become legends.