#nether princes au

[toad-in-a-trenchcoat]

Prince Inky’s emotional support pygmy dragon

Species idea by @ribbondee

[ribbondee]

Three Little Words, a PMATGA Nether Princes Oneshot

Summary: Being a dad is tough. Especially when you have four kids, and said kids are each a miniature tornado all on their own.

This was written as a gift for @toad-in-a-trenchcoat for their Nether Princes AU.

—----------------

"DAD!"

"Daddy!"

"Da da!"

"*grunt*"

Betrayus woke up with a start. He was being tugged, jumped on, and shaken.

All four of the pups continued to do this like they did every morning, shouting all the while.

"I'm up I'm up-"

They stopped and began to hover in front of the throne.

"Daaaaad I'm hungry", whined Blinky.

"Dad, I had a bad dream", Inky cried.

"I frew up", said Pinky. As for Clyde, he just let out a large belch.

Betrayus just sat up (or did the best a ghost could in that regard). "Go to Buttler. He'll fry you all up some slugs."

With that, the quartet let out cries of glee and zoomed away.

The dad stretched, if he had bones they'd surely be cracking. Almost every day he asked himself why he continued to adopt more as they were discovered. One was alright. Two was a bit challenging. Three was pushing it. Four… oh no.

It wasn't all bad. He fondly recalled all the nights he had spent with the pups snuggled up against him, and how he had found himself growing attached.

But still. He was always so tired, reaching levels of exhaustion he had no idea was possible.

His original plan was to maybe catch a few more hours of sleep when…

"ARGH", came Buttler's distant voice. Oh. Not again.

Betrayus wasted no time in flying over to where the noise had come from. Yep. Clyde had bitten poor Buttler on the arm, apparently impatient.

"CLYDE", Betrayus shouted, "NO! DROP IT! HE'LL LEAVE A BAD TASTE IN YOUR MOUTH!"

Clyde did so, then Buttler sullenly went back to preparing the pups' breakfast.

"Daddy", three out of four pups squealed, floating up to him and hugging him. Clyde just stood by. This wasn't surprising; he still apparently wasn't used to typical displays of affection. In fact, Clyde did many things not considered typical.

Instead of talking, he communicated via grunts or single words. When he was angry, he would growl and bark. He truly was more like a wild animal than a baby.

This of course wasn't surprising in the slightest; when he was found, he was living with a pack of Netherworld creatures.

In fact, poor little Clyde was the one Betrayus was the most concerned about. Did Clyde even feel anything at all towards him? What would it be? Neutral? Love? …resentment?

Betrayus shuddered internally at that last option. He began to frown, much to the concern of the three hugging pups.

His eyes met Clyde's, who looked a bit confused. He found himself smiling and gesturing for Clyde to join in the hug.

Clyde looked unsure. Betrayus continued to gesture and coo towards Clyde.

Finally, Clyde began to slowly hover towards his dad. He looked at his siblings, apparently observing their behavior. He then flung himself forward, putting his little nubby arms around Betrayus as far as he could. He nuzzled his face into his dad's form, much to the shock/delight of Betrayus.

"I… lawf yoo."

Betrayus paused. "What?"

"I lawf yoo", Clyde squeaked again.

It was mispronounced, but it was obvious what he was saying. "I love you."

[toad-in-a-trenchcoat]

AAAAAA BABIES!!!!

@toad-in-a-trenchcoat

[baeshijima]

— spoils of war

as heir to the throne, you were more than prepared to face the consequences of losing a war. your duty will forever remain for as long as you breathe, and if that meant bearing the weight of countless sacrificed souls and carrying it with you for the rest of your life, or even being forced to watch your land burn before your eyes was the price you had to pay, then so be it.

the last consequence you could have ever expected and were the least prepared for, however, was an offer of marriage from the ruler of the victorious nation.

CONTAINS : gn!reader, 3.5k wc, fluff, slightly suggestive ending, royalty!au, marriage of convenience (kind of), vague mentions of war & blood, mentioned assassination attempt, mentions of having children (very vague and in the "heir to the throne" kind of way), use of "mydeimos" and "mydei", reader is having an existential crisis; mydei is, um, mydei-ing, written pre-3.0

A/N : is this ooc? um... we will find out haha !! (the moment i saw this man i was wondering how i could royal au-ifiy him (outside of him already being a crown prince, that is). i thought of him being a mercenary or personal guard, but @sfznyxio ty for putting the words 'king' and 'mydei' in the same sentence when u showed his drip in the server bc this idea was born and now i am terminally unwell for him 🙏 but also how did this turn into an actual fic when it was literally a 2 para brainrot in discord... where did this plot come from...)

King Mydeimos, present ruler of Kremnos Kingdom, is infamous across the lands. He is a rumoured tyrant thought to have killed his bloodline in order to obtain this position, whose name alone strikes fear into many, and the very same being who just won the war against your own kingdom.

When marching through the capital to reach the steps of the palace after seizing victory and bathed in the lights of glory, his troops following close behind, you thought he would demand for the materialistic spoils such as the kingdom’s trove, maybe choose to seize control over the defeated land and its troops, or perhaps even wreak further havoc within the castle walls. Given the name he has built for himself, it certainly wouldn't surprise you if he decided to forgo all formality and instead brandish his sword like a blood-bathed barbarian.

And so when he appears in the palace entrance, the setting sun giving his rugged appearance a far more... put together look than expected (you refuse to admit the enemy's ruler to be... handsome, of all things), a recitation of prayers hammered into your head throughout the years of etiquette training spring to mind. If you're destined to fall here, you at least wish to perish with thankful thoughts!

...At least, that was the original plan.

So why is it now you're hearing him ask your father and mother, the king and queen of this now defeated kingdom, for your hand in marriage? Where did this sudden formality come from? No, why is he suddenly bowing to his defeated enemies? And— lord almighty above, did he really have to do this here and now? In front of your nation's high council and his own men, no less!

It is safe to assume every jaw except for Mydeimos' dropped into the nether realm, all eyes gawking at his tall, unperturbed figure bowing in respect towards your parents in the centre.

Having probably sensed the rather awkward air bubbling amidst the dumbfounded troops, your parents turn to you in wait for your decision. Despite the apparent pleas in their eyes for you to not agree to such a ludicrous turn of events, what choice do you really have other than to accept? Who knows what this so-called tyrant could do should you refuse this offer when he is being so lenient!

An audible gulp escapes the base of your throat the moment his scalding gaze locks onto you after your hesitant words of approval, searing a trail of where his eyes trails onto your skin.

Seriously, you haven't been on the receiving end of many — if any — wars, but you're almost positive they don't end this... pleasantly, for a lack of better words.

(Who would've thought you would be a spoils of war, as opposed to the national treasure trove...)

Set to depart when the sun rises, there is little time to gather your bearings and your belongings. Servants are bustling while your parents crowd around you, asking if you're really going to go through with this and, “You can say no! If they don't take your rejection well, we can smite them with our army!”

To that, all you have to say is, “...What army? They're all dead.”

They didn't take that very well, if their concerning increase in flowing tears have anything to say about it.

The send-off is nothing too grandiose, save for the entire palace standing at the gates shouting farewells through tear-streaked wails and blowing handkerchiefs. Your parents are at the forefront of it all. Your mother holds your hands as she tells you to return promptly if it gets too much regardless of the consequences (you appreciate the sentiment, but you don't want to burden your family nor your nation because of a dislike), while your father stands before Mydeimos with an order for him to treat you well and respectfully and, “If you damage even a mere hair on my beloved child's head, I will have your head on display!”

...Perhaps that would have been more threatening if not for the slight tremble of his legs and waver in his voice but, again, you appreciate the sentiment. Mydeimos, if anything, takes it in stride with a calm nod of his head and a promise to take care of you. Really, does anything other than the battlefield phase him...?

Soon you're in the carriage and settled opposite your soon-to-be husband, on your way to your new life with a heavy heart. Is this what all your training to take over the throne has surmounted to? Have all your efforts and dedication spent on being the perfect heir for your kingdom simply come down to being wed to an enemy nation's ruler?

Well, perhaps “enemy” is not the right term anymore; not when both your kingdom's are now in a mutually beneficial alliance, along with the promise for one of your heirs becoming next in line for your kingdom's throne.

Ha! What makes him so sure you will have more than one between you?

...Was what you had asked back when he first made the declaration to your parents, only for him to respond in kind with, “If you'd rather adopt, then we can do so.”

(Bastard. Can't he break composure at least a little?)

As the ride drags on, silence permeates. Whether it is the lingering nerves you hid from your parents or this suffocating intimidation confined within the small carriage space, one question still remains at the forefront of your mind: why did he decide to marry you? Truly, it miffs you. He could have just left you to suffer in the downfall of your nation if he wished to do so, or even let you stay as the heir to the now-allianced kingdom.

Upon questioning his motives for your hand in marriage, his response was merely a slow blink before uttering, "The council wouldn't stop pestering me about getting married."

Oh. Was it really that simple of a reason?

Lips pursed, you press a little more. “Then why did you add benefits, such as an alliance with my kingdom? Even if you, King Mydeimos, were to just—”

“Mydei.”

“—just cut down…” trailing off at the sudden interruption, you blink at his cross-armed figure seated across from you. “Oh, um, what?”

“Mydei,” he repeats once more, attention solely focused on you. “No need to bother with formalities. Just refer to me as such.”

“Oh, well, alright... Mydei?” At your uncertain tone, he nods, as though urging for you to carry on. “Right, well, as I was saying... What was I saying...?”

Without missing a beat, he responds, “You were asking why I offered your kingdom a mutually beneficial alliance when I have the means to cut down the nation with brute force and take what I want through violence.”

“Oh, right…” Huh. Did you say all of that? Well, you certainly were thinking of it, but were you that harsh in your wording? Considering how he recited it all without hesitation, you probably did say all of that, with him being a pretty good listener and you perhaps needing to think over your words before you speak them. “So what is your answer to my curiosity?”

“I simply thought you would be happier if I spared your land and made an offer both of us would benefit from.”

“...I see. Well, thank you for your consideration.”

“Think nothing of it.”

And so the ride continues in silence once more, though this time you find yourself more at ease compared to the prior situation. You, however, still have your doubts about the benefits he gave with the alliance proposal, amongst the absurdity of this entire situation.

...Is the man sitting before you really the feared tyrannical ruler people made him out to be? Surely he is being far too merciful for someone of such reputation. There has been no threats, no coercion (well, if you don’t count the whole marriage fiasco as such, but you did willingly agree to it…), no usage of violence — did people perhaps badmouth the wrong monarch?

Then again, the majority of his prowess and achievements stem from the battlefield. Was all this information just mere hearsay from those jealous of his noteworthy feats, or do their words truly hold some merit in their claim? And really, what do you know about Mydei? From his thoughts, to his motives, to the reasoning behind each action… you know nothing.

Well, considering how he has entertained each of your whims thus far, he has the ability to entertain one more, right?

“Mydei, if I may,” you start, looking to him for approval to continue. When he nods encouragingly, you continue. “You said you made an offer we would both benefit from. While I acknowledge the military and protection we receive from you, what benefit do you reap from us?”

Had you not been eyeing him so intently, perhaps the subtle stiffening of his muscles or twitch of his fingers would have remained unnoticed. 

“Apart from the high quality agricultural and material trade, I have obtained one more thing. Rather than a benefit, however,” he trails off, gaze shifting to the carriage floor. His voice tapers slightly, subtleties of fondness seeping into his tone. When his eyes move to meet your own once more, your mouth runs dry at the undeniable warmth which swirls within his gaze, the rapid pounding of your heart betraying your thoughts. “I consider meeting and having the privilege of marrying you to be the most priceless of rewards I could have obtained.”

(...Who knew a subtle smile could be so beautiful.)

Settling into your new role as the co-ruler of Kremnos was a far easier transition than you’d anticipated. Despite some initial apprehension at your sudden intrusion into the citizen’s lives and you being from another nation, the reactions you were greeted with upon arrival were well-within your expectations.

Apprehension? Sure. Skepticism? Great. Concern over your abilities? Fantastic! Immediate, wholehearted acceptance with preparations already made for your arrival? Um… Come again?

Yes. Compared to the civilian’s very normal, completely expected doubt and uncertainty about you being thrust into the role of their new co-ruler, the same cannot be said about the palace staff. The moment Mydei helped you out of the carriage, a line of servants were at the ready, lined up with the necessary preparations already made to look after you. Your dumbfoundedness must have been quite obvious for Mydei to take note, squeezing your hand with enough pressure and warmth to anchor you down and fill you with comfort before guiding you through the tunnel of awaiting servants ready to receive his orders.

While a little unnerving the palace staff’s ready acceptance and preparation for your arrival may have been, you cannot deny the flicker of warmth which surges when spotting something that reminds you of home.

That particular fruit you enjoy only found in your homeland? An abundance has been procured with the palace gardener equipped with all the necessities used to grow it, alongside a bed of your favourite assortment of flowers already beginning to show signs of blooming.

There was a certain dessert you enjoyed partaking in? Look no further, for the palace patissier has already mastered all the techniques needed to make it the most delicious version you have ever tasted!

Oh, you’re used to having a certain textile in each of your fabrics and certain colours are more to your preference? Don’t worry, the temporary bedroom used until your wedding is made to your liking, and once the wedding is complete your shared bedroom will have all the necessary arrangements!

Truly, the experience of having practically everything needed for your stay to be comfortable already prepared was an… interesting one, to say the least.

It doesn’t escape you, however, the manner in which everyone is rigid in demeanour and stiff with etiquette when in the presence of Mydei. Ducking their heads to avoid eye contact, tensing their bodies as though afraid one subtle movement will trigger his wrath, rushing away as quickly as possible once given their respective orders.

He doesn’t appear bothered; if anything, matters outside of you and battle don’t seem to move him at all. He merely regards everything as a duty to be carried out, an honour to uphold and see through so long as he bears the weight of his title. 

Despite his admitted nonchalance for most matters, you have seen him be expressive on several accounts.

Like that time you were both strolling through the extensive garden holding pleasant conversation about each other’s day, stopping to admire the roses and ready to sing the gardener’s praises, only to catch the smile and unfairly soft expression directed towards you. (Seriously, the difference a smile and relaxed expression can make on his features should be criminal.)

Or the days you choose to visit the training ground and catch the battle-hardened fervour of a warrior which radiate so starkly within his typically stoic demeanour, easily parrying and holding his own against even a large number of his knights rushing to best him, only to hastily avert your eyes when he takes note of your presence and amble his way towards you with a towel in hand. (Well, his torso is practically on full-display all day, but somehow seeing him entirely shirtless after a particularly gruelling training is a little… different.)

Not to mention that one night during your third month in Kremnos wherein an assassin managed to slip through surveillance and sneak into your room, only to be thwarted mere moments before the fatal strike as a sword pierced their torso, their cries of agony quickly silencing and the flecks of warmth clinging to your skin promptly discarded as the deafening hammering of your heart drowned out everything in the vicinity. You weren’t sure how long you were out of it for, but the image of Mydei’s distraught expression and uncharacteristic loss of composure is a sight you’re certain will never leave, much like the rare vulnerability found in his fragile, broken whispers of, “Not again... I thought I’d lost you again. Why must fate be so cruel? Please… Just this once, stay with me until the end.”

(You never really questioned how Mydei caught wind of the attempt or what he meant by his whispered words, too caught up in your near-death experience to properly process anything, but the immeasurable relief upon being embraced within his familiarity was undeniable as you melted into him, allowing him to stay by your side for the night and then the following nights soon after as his attentiveness only grew.)

The time from your first arrival has flown, and now, five months later, the long-awaited wedding is finally being held.

The ceremony itself was nothing too grand. Despite Mydei asking for your thoughts and preferences on how the ceremony should be held, the ideas he’d suggested aligned perfectly with your own preferences: a simple ceremony with the necessary guests in attendance for privacy, a ceremonial carriage ride through the capital to honour the matrimonial bond between you alongside quelling any uncertainties the citizens may have, and to end it all off with a banquet to diminish the doubt brewing from within the nobility of high society.

Thankfully, everything went off without a hitch. Your parents attended the ceremony and greeted you with a tearful embrace upon seeing you in your wedding attire. As it turns out, they will be staying as guests within the palace for about a week, all thanks to Mydei’s preparations. Apparently.

(Upon asking your parents who is taking care of the kingdom’s affairs in their place, you probably should have suspected it to be the trusted, overworked aide who has been by your father’s side since young. Despite his already cushy salary, he should get a raise for having to deal with all this.)

And as you stand here now, chatting idly with some of the knights in attendance who were present in the whole proposal fiasco, you find yourself believing that perhaps your new life here will not be as bad as you feared.

You have to admit, letting loose every now and then is rather rewarding. After all those mental and passive aggressive battles with some of the nobles before eventually gaining their respect and approval (you didn’t have strict heir training just to have nothing to show for it!), you can now relax and let the night pass by. With the knights talking joyfully amongst themselves, you’re sure the night will fly by.

Their topic of conversation shifts constantly, ranging from battle tactics to which is the best amongst savoury, sweet, or spicy to debates about whether that one maid and apprentice chef are secretly dating.

Eventually, the topic of conversation loops back around to your newly sealed marriage; you know, the whole premise for the current celebration. One of the knights, tickled a light pink in the face from the warmth of the venue and the drink half-emptied in hand, turns to you with a jovial grin.

“Y’know, until you came into the picture, I’ve never seen our king so happy and expressive. It’s a nice change.”

Another chimes, “Yeah! I’ve definitely seen him smile a few times when you visit the training grounds! Though he still glares daggers into my soul when we spar…”

“That’s because you suck and His Majesty gets a migraine just from the sight of your sloppy footwork.”

“Wha— hey! You’re the one with a weak swing and can’t even break the training dummy in one strike!”

“I’m telling you the material is tougher on the ones I’m given!”

A breathy laugh escapes you at their back and forth. Sometimes you forget how playful the knights can be outside of their intimidating demeanour, though you suppose their leader is similar in his own right.

Taking a light sip from your drink, the chatter of the knights slowly die down. Just as you’re about to ask if everything is alright, a warmth you have become able to identify looms over your back. It doesn’t take a genius to know why they stopped their bickering.

“What were you all discussing?” Mydei asks, moving to stand beside you with a drink of his own in hand. You weren’t expecting to see him until later, what with how swamped he appeared with greetings and talks of his own.

His knights seemed to have thought the same as you, if their apparent dumbfounded reactions were anything to go by.

“Oh, um, well…”

“We were, uh…”

“We were just chatting like good ole pals, haha…”

Stifling a laugh at their poor attempts, you decide it would be best to give them a helping hand. Mydei’s curious gaze certainly isn’t helping their case.

With an amused sigh you begin, “Nothing much. Just how much they admire and look up to you—”

“We were discussing how your dear spouse thoroughly enjoys the sight of your body at the training grounds!”

A deafening silence.

…You take back every nice thing you said about them. You hope Mydei exchanges all the training dummies except for his own for super-ultra-mega tough ones, just so they can feel the embarrassment you currently do when they are unable to break a mere training dummy.

First off, how did they even know this highly confidential information?! You most certainly were not openly ogling at your now-husband! (At least, you hope you weren’t…)

Second of all, here you were trying to help them save face from all their bickering, and what do you get in return? A loss of your own!

And third of all, that is blatant slander! In front Mydei, their king and commander, and your spouse, no less!

Ha ha. You don't know whether to laugh or cry at this turn of events.

In hopes of salvaging what remains of your thoroughly battered and bruised image, And there it appears, you quickly turn towards Mydei, a myriad of retorts ready to fire on the tip of your tongue. It fizzles out just as quickly as it appears upon what you find yourself gazing at. Though barely noticeable, the lingering remnants of his laughter which spill from that wretched curve of his lips never fails to speed up this traitorous heart of yours. And when his unabashedly amused gaze meets your own mortified one, your mind regains its former desperation.

Before you can think up a retort in a last-ditch effort to save face, he swiftly leans into your ear and whispers, “I would like to hear more about this. Perhaps you can enlighten me when we return to our quarters later.”

…Nevermind. Perhaps it is Mydei who should be getting the super-ultra-mega tough training dummy so he can taste humiliation for the first time in his life.

(However, despite the horrendously dizzying flush you are currently victim to, if it meant seeing his warm gaze and heart-melting smile more often then, perhaps, you wouldn’t mind embarrassing yourself in front of him every now and then.)

(Not too often, of course. That would be too much.)

if you enjoyed this, reblogs and/or comments are greatly appreciated <33

trivia !!

wanted to add this section in case some might be wondering why i went with the timeloop trope yet again (if u did not figure that out from the bits and pieces throughout the fic + mainly the assassination attempt scene then, um, oops. haha.) BUT !! i actually decided to do a spin of his lore for it.

so in his drip market post, it says:

Kremnos, swallowed by mist! City riven between chaos and war! The blood of patricide flows through its royal line, and its god bears the title of calamity.

The undying Mydeimos, the lion apart from the rest. O Chrysos Heir that seeks the Coreflame of Strife, you must suffer a thousand deaths, be bathed in blood on the path home, and bear the madness of fate alone, for one was must slay a god to become one. Iron-hooves pound across the wilderness for the campaign, and must eventually soak in the blood of their homeland.

and mydei is also known by the following aliases "the last prince" and "the undying". now all of this info is more than likely referring to his ability to survive torturous pain, as opposed to dying and and resurrecting a thousand times (or maybe i am right... who knows...), but my first thoughts went to how he had the ability to come back to a certain point in this past after the so-called fate drove him to madness which he alone must bear.

in this context, i wanted for him to be a king who suffered a thousand deaths, but lived through a thousand lives of the same never-ending fate, doomed to watch the fall and bear the madness and watch as you in each and every lifetime suffer at the hands of a fate he cannot save you from. and that is why he marries you because he knows you even if you do not know him and will always choose to lead the same path if it means he has you by his side once more.

...does this make sense? maybe it does, maybe it does not, but what matters is it made sense to me ;w;

oops got a little carried away there with lore and theories um !! haha !! anywho that is enough from me ,,, if u read this trivia then hi !! ty for sitting through and reading my deep dive into the crumbs of lore and how i put my own spin on it :'D

[syndrossi]

I request 100 words involving Corlys! Original Resonant verse or Aemon's sons verse. 😁

I really tried to keep to 100 words here. "Just a warm-up exercise," I insisted to myself. That's probably the only reason this ended up being 750 words instead of twice that!

Anyway, here is Corlys + meeting the twins + chocolate (cocoa)! Aemon's sons AU, and Aemon lives (in this ficlet at least). They're Daemon's age, so 7 years younger than Rhaenys.

x~x~x

Corlys had expected his greatest challenge at King’s Landing to be the king himself. After all, the royal family was flush with male children who would need wives before long, and King Jaehaerys had married his own sister in the Valyrian fashion. Rhaenys had assured him that neither her little brothers nor her cousins had any such designs on her, but that did not mean the king desired otherwise.

But the tense private audience he had spent in the king’s presence, though grueling, was nothing beside the scrutiny of her twin brothers—and their dragons, who were nearing Vhagar in size.

“We will go first,” Valerion informed him, beckoning toward his dark blue mount, Qelebrys. The dragon snuffed at him, eyes narrowed in suspicion, but allowed him to join her rider atop the saddle.

Once in the air, Corlys found his every political motivation questioned, with long pauses for thought punished by stomach-dropping aerial maneuvers. He had always taken pride in his iron stomach, but he learned to answer quickly, lest he sick up all over the young prince.

His reward upon surviving the return flight to the Dragonpit was to endure it all over again on Prince Aerion’s black and bronze mount, Shadow. On this ride, it was his honor being appraised. His intentions toward Rhaenys, his knowledge of her quirks and tastes, his plans post-marriage—all of it discussed at a shout to be heard over the rush of air.

By the end of it, his throat felt utterly raw, to say nothing of his nether regions.

Rhaenys awaited him after the second ride, and for a moment he feared the worst: that there was yet another ride to be endured. But she laughed at his wild hair and greeted him with a kiss to each cheek.

“Have you told my brothers of the gift you brought them?”

In the space of a blink, the twins’ dubious stares became bright with curiosity, and for the first time since meeting them, he was finally convinced that they were in fact nine-year-old boys. Their interrogation begat a guessing game, wherein Corlys was grilled about his travels instead: a subject he could expand on endlessly.

When they had reached the Red Keep at last and Corlys had retrieved the two small parcels he had stored in a cool, dry space, he presented them solemnly to the princes, maintaining a neutral expression as they unwrapped two silver canisters of dark brown powder.

“This,” Corlys said, “is a rare spice known as cocoa, and it is prepared in hot milk with sugar.”

“It is like a tea?” Valerion asked, his expression intrigued as he sniffed it.

Rhaenys, who had partaken before, met Corlys’s gaze with a sly smile of her own. “Far better than tea.”

The missing ingredients were procured from the kitchens, and Corlys showed them how to make a thick paste with a little milk and cocoa before slowly increasing the amount of milk. Rhaenys herself tested the sweetness, adjusting each of her brothers’ cups before pronouncing them ready.

He kept glancing between the young princes and Rhaenys, who was herself watching with clear anticipation, doubtless recalling her first experience with the spice. Much as he knew it bothered her that her claim to the Iron Throne had been discounted the moment her brothers had been born, her affection for them was plain.

Both boys’ eyes widened at their first sip. Valerion drew back to peer in wonder at his cup, while Aerion took another slow sip, then turned to Corlys. “For her weight in cocoa, she’s yours.”

Rhaenys threw her head back in a laugh, then lunged for her brother, wrapping him up in an inescapable hold. “Is that so? Let us see what our father has to say once he and mother have tried it. Perhaps they will inquire as to how much cocoa two dragonling princes might fetch.”

“There is no need for an intermediary,” Valerion said after a few more sips of his own. “A guarantee of royal protection in exchange for cocoa will surely benefit both realms.”

The prince had that same glint in his eye that Rhaenys did when teasing him and Corlys found himself smiling. Rhaenys had told him that they were bright, and the dragon rides had more than proven that, but the wry humor made their sibling resemblance even more plain.

“I still have not told you precisely where I encountered it,” Corlys pointed out.

“Do you not know?” Valerion shot him a pitying look. “It is impossible to keep a secret from Rhaenys.”

[cactusringed]

The war mongering sickly prince and his arms' dealer

Ranchers from fatebreaker au. Don't mind that it took months for me to finish this one but now all the main pairs are done yayyy

The great war triggers a famine in Tango's kingdom, due to the nether relying heavily on trades for food. Jimmy offers Tango a steady source of food in exchange for the advanced weapons and technology his people have built, and Tango is more than happy to be given an excuse to test his inventions

[whosthere54]

Ok ok ok Royal au Royal au ararararah

now to yap about my Royal au cause I’m normal. (Longer post- I just infodump about my AU basically-)

So what I have in drafts is all mainly brothers or prison duo centric, as if you know my fics I usually write from Icarus’s perspective on things. The main ships I would be focusing on are ghaae, nightingstar, Wolftross, and then prison duo- but I have cameos of all of the cannon ships of course. I’m gonna kind of just go through and explain roles of my main guys tho- so hope you like this as a sort of starting summary? I guess?

Icarus is the crown prince of the gilded kingdom. Basically the other full representative of the overworld who’s not Fable. Basically, they are heir to the throne, have to maintain a public image, help Fable out with royal duties and pretty much prepare to be the next monarch to ensure a smooth transition if “mortal king Fable” passes away. (He can’t die- I’ll get to that maybe- but yknow. God.)

I’ll talk about Isla and things later in this post, so I won’t mention it now- but yeah. Icarus is the only heir to the gilded kingdom.

Centross is Icarus’s bodyguard (yes I’m going down that road for the prison duo content. I’m so unpredictable /silly/sarc/lh) Royal guard? Close enough probably. Which- idk if I have to get into what he does. I think you can assume. Protection stuff. He was a former assassin, having used to work with Enderian. I’m doing a cliche maybe- but- yknow- he was sent to kill Icarus, ended up unable to do so… so now he’s a bodyguard for them instead of going back to Enderian. (There’s probably a promise of mutual protection somewhere- I’m sure Icarus would not have let Fable give them a bodyguard before then, and when he did they’d make it everyone’s problem- instead wanting to prove they could protect themself. There’s something there. Yeah.)

Wolftross is yes a thing, I think they were probably together for a while- maybe not long after he first became a royal guard. At Icarus’s request, he can visit Fenris whenever he wants probably. Easton replaces him when he’s gone (even after he became blind- at Icarus’s request he will continue that role. They trust him- and he’s capable.)

In the one thing I wrote, I gave him end features as well. I’m moreso debating on that- but I think it’d be a cool thing as a byproduct of being one of Enderian’s closest advisors and trusted assasin. Or- I give them to him later when he gets to be god. He gets them at some point- for me.

Rae is the crown prince of the end kingdom- full representative of the end that is not Enderian. I’d think she gives him more freedom than Icarus gets from fable, her being the end mother she is. She did have the same I guess cruel past that she does in cannon- I’m trying to figure out how I’m translating s1 into this AU still, and maybe you’ll get a oneshot of that eventually. Atleast the prison arc- of course. He left the gilded kingdom (either with Isla, or later on his own I have drafts for. But- probably with Isla) and lived with Isla for a bit- she runs for help from soul and things like in cannon and she helps hide them for a bit. Though- Isla ends up having Rae stay with Enderian. She probably stays as long as she can without compermising Rae’s safety, but maybe gets caught by Fable eventually.

Fenris is Rae’s bodyguard. He is a former general for the Nether’s army, just like in cannon. (I have to rewatch some of his lore before confidently talking about how he gets to become Rae’s bodyguard, so I’m sorry I won’t have too much info at the moment <3)

He becomes Rae’s bodyguard later- Enderian probably heard of his reputation as “the wolf” and hired him. (May try to include the wolf arc- but am again, trying to figure out how to integrate it.)

Now- basic plot summary? Something of the sort? Yeah. Some random details too cause I have no one train of thought ever and am just writing whatever I think of down. /lh

So for some backstory- Islas story is basically the same as in lore. But it changes for that bit after Rae was born just to adhere to the different circumstances Royal AU brings to the table. So, Rae grows a bit before Isla takes him and runs in this AU- he’s older, couldn’t tell you how old (age is a lie/silly/j) but just. A child. She notices how he’s being treated by Fable, takes him and leaves. She doesn’t take Icarus. There’s a lot of consideration for that fact- of course there is. Their her child. But- they’re not close, Fable makes sure of that. They spend most of their time with him, and their his heir after all. Their disappearance would be the worst to explain. So she doesn’t take them with her.

She takes Rae, and over the course of a few years- stays in a sort of safe house like in cannon, learns the things she does there, goes to soul for help, all that stuff. But she ends up taking Rae to Enderian, he becomes crown prince. She stays with them until it compromises Rae’s safety. Fable finds her, she doesn’t give away that she’d stayed with Enderian and that stays secret for a long time. Fable finds her, messes with her memories and things (he’s messed with Icarus’s too at this point- probably erasing Rae entirely) end she goes into a coma. He locks her away, Icarus doesn’t even know she’s here- and ends up having no memories of her anyways. Only fable knows where she’s locked away. Some tower in the castle sleeping beauty style probably.

Rae grows up in the end kingdom, Icarus grows up in the overworld.

Rae meets Caspian in the end prison- advocating for his freedom and things. He gets him a place in the end kingdom, and they get together at a peaceful festival in the overworld. That is an annual festival- Rae meets aax and takes her there too. He and Cas talk- and probably end up asking Aax out there too- making a whole day out of it probably. It’s a tradition for them, after all.

Aax lives with Cas, and Rae stays with them on weekends? Mayhaps? Something like that. He’s allowed to visit them whenever.

I like to think maybe Cas helps Athena and Bruin run the bakery on occasion. Bed and breakfast. Idk. Rae is definelty still the taste tester on Aax safe foods. And also a waiter on opening day for multiple reasons- one, it’s funny- two, yknow. Royal press. Media(?) purposes. Yknow what I mean hopefully.

Also- end kingdom I think had parts in the overworld and end? Like- overworld has the stronghold portal as the center and then made a kingdom around that, and then there’s an end part of the kingdom. This was probably a result of a peace treaty Isla had led years before between the realms after the war. Because badass mother deserves it. But to explain that- yeah. I think the Nether doesn’t- but has a trading hub spreading through portals and things. Yknow. Just not kingdom- I think the overworld is still more cold to people from the nether so. No kingdom. But portals can be made anywhere instead of having just one like the end, so that makes sense.

Gilded kingdom is just the biggest kingdom in the overworld areas we know- as Fable is the god of creation. I just have cool ideas for kingdom designs. May build them in Minecraft actually who knows- (if I do I will in fact post the pictures)

The Aether kingdom was a thing for souls and stuff as it was in cannon, but fell the same way. Alerion and Will live peacefully in one of the overworld kingdoms living normal lives away from everything, as they deserve.

A lot of the fable characters probably lives in the overworld, and just travel between realms.

Athena’s house probably has an area like his lab, where half is in the overworld and half is in the nether. If not, maybe their bed and breakfast- or atleast she has some nether bakery locations maybe with nether specific treats! Cause I think they deserve it and I just think it’d be cool.

Will has a cartographers shop in his village- like a cartographer villager type thing.

Rae has his archives he runs in his kingdom, there are two- one in the overworld part and one in the nether.

Starbarks definelty exists, does Fenris cannonly in this AU run all of the businesses he runs in actual cannon? Probably not. Do they exist? Probably.

Ven works as a close advisor for Fable, and Ari is hired as a knight or general of a sort for fable. Maybe more like a spy. Cat scratch records exist probably.

The world sisters do exist, most likely- (logistically if this was like a alternate “fable raises Icarus AU” they probably wouldn’t but I can do what I want and I say they’re here cause I love them- /silly)

Addie- Addie idk- maybe they work on like a night shift for the archives? Or like as an intern.

Ulysses- idk where to put Ulysses. Oh you silly fish man you. I will incorporate all the telchin stuff, definetly, I think just think of the cannon lore for that one.

Also- Quixis is there somewhere. Probably not in the same way for plot- but gotta include them in every au somehow /silly

Yeah. Royal AU. I’m eepy so I shut up- but hope you like my rambling ig idk-

I didn’t realize y’all enjoyed this au that much- I appreciate all the excitement about it /gen tehe <3

[wonderinqrache]

Miscellaneous stuff for Reincarnated Villain AU

Ren is a wolf hybrid from Rivendell and the president of the theatre club. He’s got a weird scar around his neck and only Martyn knows how he got it. And of course, he tells a different story each time he's asked about it.

Martyn is from Mythland. He is both a student council member and Ren's vice. They act so gay everyone wonders "are they actually dating this time or is this another bit?" The answer changes every week and only they know the truth.

Etho, Tango, Impulse, Mumbo, Zedaph, and Pearl are part of the redstone engineering club, with Pearl as the newest member.

Tango is the Blazeborn Prince of the Nether. He, like Scott, is a reincarnator. His past self was a game programmer.

Zedaph is a sheep hybrid from the Grimlands. He is Tango's second best friend in the original game.

Scar is a half-elf half-vex hybrid and the son of a famous wandering merchant from Pixandria. His best friend is Cub.

Cub is a vex hybrid from the Pixandria. He has a concerning interest in skulk. His best friend is Scar.

Cleo is a zombie mutant from Mezalea. They are not an official member of the student council and therefore have less power than the rest of the members (she has as much authority as a teacher while the others have as much authority as the vice headmaster). They are good friends with Joe.

Joe is from Mezalea and the leader of the literature club. He is good friends with Cleo.

Xisuma is a voidwalker from the End. He is a teacher.

Beef is Sausage’s cousin. His best friend is Etho.

Bdubs is from the Undergrove. He has a lot of fear and respect for Scott. He dated Etho at some point but they decided to just be friends. Also Etho's parents did not approve.

Keralis is from Mezalea. He is a teacher.

Xb is a guardian hybrid from the Ocean Empire. He is a teacher.

Scott is still upset about the Un-Engagement and wants to get revenge on Jimmy somehow without causing any actual harm. This will result in a series of pranks that do nothing but annoy Jimmy a little. Like freezing his drinks and making his food cold.

The Codlands swamp is part of the Ocean Empire. Mythland had a very short war with the Ocean Empire over it. It was decided that the Codlands was a saltwater swamp and not a freshwater swamp, therefore it belongs to the Ocean Empire.

The Crystal Cliffs does not exist because Gem is still a student and didn't leave the Grimmlands to set up the empire yet.

Shrub is not here because her world didn't get destroyed by demon Xornoth.

[scoops404]

Merry Men Making Merry

Rated: T

Words: 18K

Robin Hood AU written for the @fairytalesfromthesmp collaboration

Read Here and check out the other stories in this collection!

Summary:

Dream, known colloquially as Robin Hood, and his merry men go on many arduous adventures stealing from the rich and giving to the poor while avoiding Prince Awesam of the Nether at all costs. But when news reaches them of the impending marriage between Maid Puffington, the daughter of the diamond mine monopolgy owner, Duke H. Bomb, and Prince Awesam—they know they have to prevent this unholy alliance. What follows is a wacky adventure of stealing their biggest prize yet—a woman who Dream seems to be a little too familiar with for George’s taste. Featuring: George, Sapnap, Skeppy, Bad, and Larray as the merry men!!

[toad-in-a-trenchcoat]

The princes get caught in a storm

Been sick for over a week now and wanted characters to share in my misery

[goldenocie]

People gave me encouragement here’s more ideas about the Pokémon AU. This is a sorta long post but I’m just cooking

Alerion is dead. Like 100% dead. Team Aether is being ran by Soraza and the twins and it’s not going great. They know he was murdered but aren’t sure who did it. Fable, Enderian, and Netherum have all pointed fingers at one another but the police don’t have any leads.

Rae, Sherb, Athena, and Ari all left home to go on Pokémon adventures for varying different reasons and with different reactions from their parents.

Netherum and Soul could not be more proud of Athena and have given him Pokémon since he was little. They’re sad to see them go but they imagine great things for their little Prince. Any team Nether operants who see them out in the field are happy to lend a hand!

Rae left to go study Pokémon and the effects that psychic and dark type Pokémon have on the world around them. Enderian approves of his research but wishes he would stay home. Truth be told Rae knows there’s something dark going on in Team End but doesn’t know how to confront his mom on it.

Icarus ran away. They were always told the other teams were not to be trusted and the Overworld Foundation would help make a better future without them. However, after running into a former member of team end (Centross) who said some incriminating things about their father and having their life saved by the heir of team nether (Athena) they began to see through the cracks. Ic grabbed his Pokémon team and left in the middle of the night. Luckily they’re not alone as Ven saw them leave and realizing that he might get in trouble with his boss if his son dies…Ven decided to go with them. Ven does not know how to Pokémon battle…yet.

Ari set out to try to find out what happened with Alerion. Soraza gladly sent her on her way with multiple Pokémon and a lengthy tutorial. Ari knows something weird is going on with the other teams and what better way to find out than to befriend the children of their leaders? And she just happened to find one out in the wild traveling with a high clearance employee of the Overworld Foundation.

Might make comics or fics- idk. I figured I’d give bare bones ideas for now though lol

[calamari-minecraft-corner]

DND Con AU Official Designs :)

FINALLY I FUCKING FINISHED THIS! Here is the official lineup for the main party of the dnd con au :) they are all baby and i will die for them! Under the cut is the transcript of each drawing since I know my handwriting is painful uwu

Cala Warmroot

Bard-Paladin (palabard)

Lightfoot Halfling

3'2

College of Creation Bard

Oath of Redemption Paladin

Neutral Good

Follower of XD

Knight in Training Under Queen Eret

Items are called Axe of Kindness and Trumpet of Creation!

Spooky Leviat

Warlock-Bard (Bardlock)

Mephistopheles Tiefling

Chaotic Neutral

5'0

Pact of the Fiend Warlock

College of Whispers Bard

Patron is an Archdevil of the Nether

Cala taught her to be a bard

Cala's wife

Items are The Nether Waltz and The Obsidian Violin

Prince Fundy Soot Salment of L'Manberg

Ranger

Werefox Shifter

Lawful Neutral

6'6

Hunter Ranger

Works for King Quackity

Tasked to kill Cala and take Dream back (doesn't tell them lol)

Doesn't like talking about his family

Has a winter fox named Yogurt

Item is Fundy's homemade longbow

Eyes and markings glow when emotional and when feral

Dream

Sorcerer-Wizard

High Elf

True Neutral??????

6'3

Wild Magic Sorcerer

School of Necromancy Wizard

Has a limp

Used to be powerful

Was in captivity for a decade before being broke out

Stuck travelling with Cala

Magical Healing doesn't heal him

Has a cat familiar named Hope but doesn't summon her out of paranoia

Clipped ears

item is the Revival Book

Eyes, scars and veins glow when using wild magic

[iforgotwhaticalledthis]

Ender Prince Rae AU

Realising that ive never talked about my Ender Prince rae au so here:

in this au, Rae would split off from Icarus a while before the resets started. Probably because he realised Icarus was trying to lead them to the Gilded Kingdom, when he wanted to go to the End(because he believed that was where he could find info on his mom i think?) Rae would make it to the end, Enderian would realise that Rae is her son.

I think she would be very distant at first, but slowly they would have a good relationship and she would speedrun her in canon redemption arc. During this time Icarus would mayhaps come to the realisation "oh fuck im completly alone and i have no idea what happened to my baby brother" and tries to find them. Unfortunately the resets would start, because fable is very much trapped and very much needs to get icarus to focus on releasing him and not focusing on his goddamn brother hes not even important icarus .

This would lead to Fable deleting memories of icarus and rae from each others childhood, leading Rae (and all other related parties) to believe hes always been in the end, and Enderian has always been his mother. While he is in the end, he works on restoring it after the war with Fable- which he pretty much knows all about because Enderian would tell him. He also remembers Isla, because Enderian would tell him. All in all, he knows a lot more about himself and the world then he does in the original canon.

Meanwhile Sherbet, very alone, dealing with quixis, no memory of who they were, only knowing that they have to find their brother. They do not remember anything else about their brother, just that they have one, and they lost him. This leads them to finding everone else in the Original Lodestar Grove, before it even had a name. Everyone who was there in the start of canon, is there.

Back to Rae- hes become close friends with a prisoner that Perix has been 'looking after' (meaning she has to stop her experiments, cause Rae would take notice and tell Enderian giving her another reason to absolutely hate Rae, which she does) -Oh also at some point he has an eye of ender in his head because he realised it would help him see the auras better.- Anyway, hes hangs out with Ghosty a lot(since he cant properly remember his name) Ghosty doesn't really trust him in the beginning, but like they grow closer over time.

This all takes place in the s1 reset, so Rae is unaware of resets as the only person who knows is Perix, and if the world did reset while he was building his friendship with Ghosty, Ghosty would remember so their friendshp only develops in the S1 reset.

Then one day, a new prisoner magivally appears. A certain, pink haired nether hybrid, who, once Rae tells Enderian about, she becomes very interested in.

Theres a lot more to this au, this covers all of the pre-lore bits I believe- i honestly meant to make this a bullet point type list about this au but ended up just kind of narrarating the story, oh well. ANYWAY Enderprince!Rae my beloved, he has been cooking in my head for so long. if you read this far, thank you?? i qrote so much more than i intended.

[copiummaximum]

Upside-down Diaries AU: KIND of a role reversal au? Or kind of more like a 'morals reversal' au. Basically, bad guys are good guys and vice versa. I have more written out for this but it's late so, here's this for now.

Aphmau: Unlike the courageous and confident natural leader that Aphmau normally is, this version of Aphmau is apprehensive and cowardly, seeking to avoid conflict by hiding behind higher powers. In this version of events she has been made to be the figurehead lord of Phoenix Drop while the likes of Garroth, Zoey, and Laurance run the real show. She is aware of her magic capabilities but struggles to use them due to light-based magic requiring confidence as an energy source. While she was convinced to be the figurehead of Phoenix Drop for free food and shelter, she's quickly come to regret the decision as O'khasis prepares for a war and she struggles to pose as the charismatic leader she's supposed to be. She tries to run away several times, but finds herself trapped by all the people trying to use her for their own self interest. If given the opportunity, she'd likely sell everyone out if it meant she wouldn't have to deal with it anymore.

Garroth: In contrast to Garroth’s canon status of a runaway prince in hiding because he hates the idea of being a ruler in any capacity, this version of Garroth is a power hungry disgraced prince who was banished from O’Khasis for his vision of O'khasis conquering the entire Ru'an region and creating an empire. He was not welcome anywhere but Phoenix Drop, which was too small of a town to catch wind of the news of his true character. Garroth murdered the old lord (and later framed Zenix for it) in an attempt to take control over Phoenix Drop as part of his larger revenge plan, but once Aphmau came into Phoenix Drop he decided that nurturing a nobody with no reputation into a pawn would be better than trying to fix his own reputation.

Laurance: Unlike his charismatic and loyal counterpart, this version of Laurance is a selfish and antagonistic mercenary and petty criminal that is a living pest in Meteli. While he has a soft spot for Aphmau, money and material items speak to him above all other things. In this version of events, Laurance only went to the Nether to retrieve Aphmau and Castor because he was paid to ensure their safe return. He only became trapped inside the Nether during a confrontation with Shad's spirit going south. ((which only Aphmau was meant to confront, if you watch the OG episode,,,)) Laurance is still saved by Ungrth, but with no Lord or anyone he truly cares about, Laurance finds himself stuck in his premature Shadow Knight state. Laurance only joins the Phoenix Alliance because Garroth and Zoey promised that they would help him reach maturity in exchange for his use as a Shadow Knight.

Zoey: Similar to her original counterpart, Zoey was exiled from Ygraddsil, but for meddling with the dark side of her barrier magicks and causing a massive patch of Void Infection in the forest. Initially this Zoey was like OG Zoey, but the tragic and sudden passing of husband and son made her obsessed with finding a way to resurrect them. Not phased by her exile, Zoey used the opportunity to travel the world in her efforts to continue her research and studies of dark magic. Eventually she wound up in Phoenix Drop, where she could sense the dark magic used by Garroth from a mile away. Fascinated by his knowledge of the Divine Warriors and the makeshift dark magic he's had to generate with the limited information on dark magic in Ru'an, Zoey becomes Garroth’s black magick mentor under the condition that once he acquires the relics, that he helps Zoey bring her family back to life.

[team--edward]

I’ve had an idea: BG3 Rolan Anastasia AU

I’m pretty sure Elturel fell into Avernus, not long before the beginning of the game, but imagine if it had been when Rolan was young.

He is a prince in the hells, but when Elturel falls he is injured and lost his memory and is adopted by Cal and Lia’s mother. Maybe he’s a devil and his wings were magically hidden and forgotten or maybe his wings were damaged and his adopted mother secretly cuts them off and never tells anyone, telling him his back just got scratched in the crash.

Rolan is such an advanced mage due to being a devil prince and after sending the fire shower during the fight of the nether brain, the huge amount of devil magic sets alarm bells off in the hells leading to officials or guards coming to bring him back to his place as ruler.

And Tav is the dirty little hoodlum who helps him along the way as they have a cute enemies to lovers arc :)

[wild-joker-out-pleasures]

Death Unyielding, Shadows Rise

Joker Out x Soul Creature AU (2/6)

(A/n: The snippets for the other boys are not necessarily sequential and depict key moments. Some concepts in this work are taken from an animesque C-drama and novel titled “Douluo Continent” or “Soul Land”, although I added my own touches and took several liberties and used other inspirations based on other anime and video games.)

Jan Peteh | 18 | Nether Wolf

Jan leaned against the silent, snow-covered stone grotesque he had sought refuge under, its draconic wings spread out over him in a way that felt comforting and protective despite its seemingly ominous presence.

Anyone who would have passed the old graveyard and saw the young man seeking solace and peace in the shadows of the sepulchres and tombstones, would have dismissed him as a lunatic, or more likely, remembered who his family was and attempt to take him back against his will. Remind him of his alleged destiny, and the duties that came with it.

Yet Jan was indeed a misfit from his youth, despite being the son of the kingdom's foremost Star Diviner, he never believed in prophecies, nor did he take comfort in the stars that shone with their golden light, much less their supposed messages.

A cold wind blew past, picking up strands of Jan's now-long hair from its loose ponytail - the long hair he longed to have for years. A flurry of snow followed, pelting the side of his face lightly. Rather than grumble in annoyance however, the dark-haired young man smirked fondly as he stepped out of the shadow of the grotesque's wings and looked over his shoulder.

A tall, dark-haired older man stood a short distance away, clad in furs and animal skins, a massive white tiger with icy blue eyes materialising and nuzzling said man's fur-clad shoulder.

"Took you long enough, Uncle Damir."

Jan was smiling one of his rare smiles as he went over to throw his arms around his favourite uncle, the only man who saw him for who he was, prophecies and the star's whispers be damned. To his uncle Damir, he was simply Jan, and not the third child of a third child who was allegedly destined for the stars and gods as per superstition, and nor was he the betrothed of the obnoxious Prince of Gold and Iron. Uncle Damir was the only person who understood him and what he wanted.

No limits. To grow stronger and to stand on his own. To no longer be bound by the shackles imposed upon him by expectations, contracts and the stars' whispers. A life he could live for himself. Freedom.

The older man returned the hug, before reaching deep into the bag he carried, and pulled out a glowing blue crystal. He held it out to Jan. The time had come for Jan to awaken his Soul Creature.

"And on the occasion that your Soul Creature turns out to be the Celestial Lamb?" Damir asked quietly, his expression kind, but also with a hint of a challenge, daring the teenager to answer truthfully.

Jan squared his shoulders - broad and strong from years of training secretly during the times he escaped from his lessons - his hand inches above the stone as he pondered his uncle's question. He never thought of the possibility, but he supposed that it was a fair question.

Regardless, not even that possibility could quell the dark flame that burned within him.

"It doesn't matter. I'm not staying. I know what's best for me."

With that, Jan touched the glowing crystal with his right hand and closed his eyes momentarily as he felt the rush of soul power wash over him for the first time in his life.

And then, a howl. Jan opened his eyes and saw shadows. Deep, deathly cold shadows that seemed to surround just him and Damir. The older man was looking to Jan's right, with an almost knowing smile on his face, prompting Jan to turn his head.

A large, otherworldly wolf with fur black as shadow, its eyes blood-red, parts of the flesh on its legs, back and belly torn away to reveal skeletal bone. Like Jan, it was surrounded by deep, bone-chilling shadows as well. Dark and cold as death.

"So much for so-called prophecy and superstition," Jan thought to himself as he smiled once more. A genuine smile as he held back tears of joy.

"Shall we go?" Damir pointed a finger towards the graveyard's back gates, abandoned and overgrown. Jan nodded, pulling up his dark hood as they stole away into the night.

He was no lamb, nor did the stars hold any sway over him.

(TL;DR: All his life, Jan found himself a prisoner of prophecy and superstition, forced into a life he hates, due to being a third child of a third child in a northern kingdom where superstition and belief in the will of the stars runs rife, and unrealistic expectations placed upon him simply due to "the whispers of the stars". Yet, all the lone wolf Jan wants is freedom, and to forge his own path. He does not believe in prophecies, nor is he even interested in the healing arts or divination, or being a kept man to the Prince of Gold and Iron. However, the only person who understands him is his uncle Damir, who ends up helping him run away from home, and gave him the opportunity to awaken his soul creature as well. Turns out that Jan had every right to resist and be resentful, as his soul creature is the Nether Wolf with a dark and deathly power, and not the prized but weak Celestial Lamb that heals...everyone was wrong about him and underestimated him, as expected of slaves to superstition and prophecy. Jan is now a fugitive, his life finally his own and coming into the strength and independence that he always had. However...what of the Prince of Gold and Iron? Who exactly is he...? That's a story for a different time. 👀)

***Yes...if you're wondering, "Uncle Damir" is indeed Let 3's Mrle. He does bear quite a resemblance to Jan, and has such a cool vibe as well. I find it quite cute to make him related to Jan...imagine little Jan looking up to such a cool uncle when nobody else understands him. Adorable.

Ask me anything about this AU! (I am NOT a writer, so if you want to know more, I'll gladly answer)