#oc: ghilus

[egrets-not-regrets]

Sneaking Into The Nest

A short drabble. Ghilus sneaks his way to find Kiri at night.

Author's note: Ghilus is so normal about his bonded harpy. LOL

Tagged: @shadowfirecat , @kit-williams , @bleedingichorhearts , @barn-anon , @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan

@sleepyfan-blog , @bispecsual , @c-u-c-koo-4-40k , @ms--lobotomy , @whorety-k

@gra93fruit-blog , @i-am-a-dragon34 , @felinisnoctis

Kiri sighed in her sleep, wrapping her wings tighter around Kona. There was a comfortable warmth against her back, someone’s arm wrapped around her, and a weight against her legs. A low hummed melody drifted into her ear. She recognized who it was as her soul resonated with his song. It was Ghilus, the Night Lord mer she bonded with; but what was he doing here at her nest?

“Ghilus? What are you doing here?” the harpy whispered, keeping her voice quiet so as to not wake her sleeping guglet. She tried to shift to get a better look at the mer behind her, but he tightened his grip.

A pleased, but quiet purr rumbled from his throat, “It’s me, Kiri. Go back to sleep. I’ll watch over you.”

Kiri frowned, feeling slightly concerned by the Night Lord’s presence, “You shouldn’t be here. Go back to the healing ward, you’ll get in trouble if they catch you here.”

“I’ll sneak back before they know it.” Ghilus replied stubbornly. He kissed the top of her crest, nuzzling his nose into her soft feathers, “Relax and go back to sleep, my harpy. You wouldn’t want to wake our daughter, would you?” he hummed.

Kiri was about to protest, but her eyelids felt so heavy and kept on drifting shut. His melody was so soothing, she couldn’t help but let herself be carried off by his lullaby-like song. Soon, she fell asleep, hearing Ghilus murmur, “Sleep, Kiri. I will take care of you.”

[egrets-not-regrets]

After Stormbreaker: One Good Thing

A Night Lord mer, Ghilus, after being injured in the fight with the Grey Knight, finally finds his bonded among the harpy caretakers.

Author’s Note: Ghilus is totally normal. I promise.

Tagged: @shadowfirecat , @kit-williams , @bleedingichorhearts , @barn-anon , @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan

@sleepyfan-blog , @bispecsual , @c-u-c-koo-4-40k , @ms--lobotomy , @whorety-k

@gra93fruit-blog , @i-am-a-dragon34 , @felinisnoctis

Kiri entered the section where her next patient was with some trepidation. She’s heard rumors of Night Lord mers from others in the colony. Generally residents of the deep sea, they exist in small shoals known as “claws”. They were rarely seen unless in two situations: you were the prey they’re hunting and the sight of them was the last thing you saw, or during their biannual equinox song when the Night Lord shoals gather on their rocks to sing. The colony had lost a few members to Night Lord mers before and Kiri’s heard one of the gannet harpies mention they had spotted the feathered pelt of their brethren decorating the armor of a Night Lord merAstartes once.

Ghilus was this one’s name. He was brought in heavily injured, physically and according to one of the gannet seers, psychically as well. Apparently he has fought against the Grey Knight’s psychic attacks, and such use of the mers own magic unfortunately could cause physical harm to themselves as well. While healing potions supported the physical healing of these injuries, they couldn’t do much for the psychic whiplash psyker mers received. The apothecaries advised letting the mers’ own healing abilities do that on their own.

Her feathers started to raise in alarm when she found the bed empty with no mer to be seen.

“Ghilus?” She called cautiously, putting down her basket of healing supplies. Kiri shuddered at the thought of a Night Lord swimming loose among the colony. Perhaps it is a better idea to let Zariel or Osteron know. She was about to leave when someone snatched her up from behind. A large hand clamped over her mouth before she could scream. Feathers flew as Kiri panicked and thrashed about, trying to escape her captor.

There was a low growl, “Stop struggling, woman! I’m not here to hurt you!”

She froze in surprise and concern, his presence and voice pulled at her soul, the core of her magic. This must be what a bond felt like, judging from what Lana had described. The voice then started to hum, the sound rumbling through her bones. Instinctively, she started to relax in his hold.

“I… Ghilus… Please…” She wasn’t sure what she was trying to say, words were all but a mouthful jumbled on her tongue. Kiri wanted him to stop humming yet his song was so… so… enticing, comforting, hypnotic , lulling. She could feel him starting to curl around her. Her instincts were screaming that this was a predator, she must fight back, must escape, must defend her child! Yet, his song’s melody and subvocal chords echoed in her soul, tempting her to sing with him.

“I found you, finally.” Ghilus purred and buried his nose into her crown, “You could feel the draw too, couldn’t you?”

Kiri, scared of what would happen, wasn’t sure how to answer. Her stiff silence gave away her doubt.

He added, insistent, “I could hear our souls resonating the same song. See it even. Surely you could feel it.”

“I… do.” She agreed reluctantly, unsure if she should encourage the Night Lord mer to continue.

“Good. Clearly, you’re my bonded.” he mumbled, content to nuzzle into her neck. She could feel his lips pull back into a smile against her skin. Alarm bells started ringing in her head at the scent of blood in the air. Her neck and back feathers start to mat against her skin. Kiri knew it wasn’t her own blood.

“Ghilus?” She started to struggle, trying to open her wings to break his grasp, “Ghilus! Ghilus! You need to let go!” Worry coloring her voice.

“No.” He grumbled, only tightening his hold

Kiri insistently pushed against his corded arms, “Ghilus! Please! You’re bleeding, let me take care of it.”

It took twenty seconds more, but the Night Lord mer eventually relented. Her feathers moved as he huffed petulantly, “Fine.”

Kiri smiled slightly at his response. He was so childishly clingy, she couldn’t help but be reminded of Kona. Her smile soon turned into a frown. That also brought on another problem, now that he’s her bonded, could she could trust Ghilus not to hurt her daughter or attempt to get rid of her to compete for her attention? He was still incredibly dangerous and she did not know him at all. Kiri put that uneasy thought in the back of her mind to think about later, redressing his wounds came first. She’ll have to deal with one thing at a time.

His grip loosened enough that Kiri was able to turn around and take a step back to better assess his injuries. The bioluminescent lights that dotted along his lateral line and his body blinked like a trail of stars. She thought him beautiful if he and his brethren weren’t so frightening, but she understood the truth behind the warnings about getting hypnotized by their lights as the last thing you experience. However, Kiri also noticed the wounds on his chest and stomach reopened from whatever physical exertion he put his body through. She looked at him in dismay, “Your nose is bleeding and you’ve opened those wounds again! What were you doing?”

“Looking for you.” He stated matter-of-factly, staring at her with his big dark eyes.

Kiri sighed, then used her wings to herd and sweep the clingy Night Lord mer towards the bed. Just like herding an unwilling Kona to bed at night… “Get back on the bed so I can take care of you, please.”

A quiet purr tickled the feathers by her ear holes after she said that.

Ghilus allowed Kiri to herd him to his bed. He stared as she wet a clean cloth and gently cleaned the blood from his nose. The intensity of his gaze made her shiver; but there was another emotion, a touch of something else she couldn’t quite put a claw on. She brushed the pieces of his dark hair away from his eyes, softly chiding him, “The apothecaries said you overtaxed your psyker abilities. You should’ve given it a rest.”

His lights blinked lazily as the pleased Night Lord mer chuckled and nuzzled into her claws, “It was worth it, I found you. I have you taking care of me now.”

Kiri breathed a sigh of exasperation, but a small smile crawled onto her face, “I guess.”

Ghilus memorized the sight of his bonded harpy’s bemused smile, pleased that the stink of fear finally dissipated from her. Normally, he would savor the stench of fear in his prey’s last moments. But the moment he grabbed her, the panic, the spike of fear: he nearly recoiled from the scent. He didn’t expect to react so viscerally, nearly wanting to wretch when that was added to the psychic-induced headache he was suffering from. That must be due to the bond’s effects he figured, but the soothing calm that came after, once his harpy calmed down, was worth the pain. He found his bonded. His to keep and no one else’s.

Ghilus relaxed as his bond strummed with a gentle steady pulse, a balm to his psychic-induced headache, calmly watching Kiri fuss over him. He didn’t know why she had been so worried. The aches and pains, and the nosebleeds were normal symptoms after using his psyker abilities that he had long gotten used to. But, there was something in the way that she worried and cared for him in their short time together, cemented the fact that they were meant to be, in his mind.

When Kiri started to clean and redress the wounds on his chest and stomach, Ghilus snaked his hand around her waist, his hand running over the warm skin underneath her feathers, locking her in place beside him; grinning, when she startled at the sensation. She was so gentle and tender in her care. And so warm. His purrs grew louder when her claw or feathers brushed over the ports on his body. Ghilus didn’t even remember the last time he had received such tender treatment from someone and not even needing to fight other members of his Claw for them.

“You don’t have to hang onto me. I’m not going to disappear.” she jokingly commented.

His dark red tail loosely wrapped around her leg as he replied, “You are my bonded. The one good thing that I get to have. Why wouldn’t I want to hold onto you?”

Kiri flushed at his words, her feathers puffing slightly from embarrassment. It had been a long time since she had been shown such intimacy since her mate had been lost to the sea years ago. It was strange, yet she couldn’t say it was entirely unwelcome. Another part of her also realized how lonely and touch-starved Ghilus must have been.

“You are clingier than my child.” Kiri quickly shut her mouth after she blurted out the off-handed comment.

Ghilus frowned at her sudden nervous reaction, “Why are you frightened?”

Kiri tried to back out of his embrace only to find the Night Lord mer had tightened his hold. It was better to talk about this now rather than later perhaps, “You won’t hurt my child, would you?” she asked, her voice tense with worry.

Ghilus huffed, looking insulted, “Is that what you’re afraid of?”

“Yes.” Kona was her life, her baby, the only remnant left of her lost mate. If Ghilus ever went after her hatchling, she would defend her with her life.

He could hear the unease and resolution in her reply and scoffed, “I won’t hurt your child. I have standards unlike some of my brethren. Besides, her bonded won’t let any harm come to her.”

“You mean Kalium?”

“Yes.”

Ghilus was willing to care and provide for Kiri and her daughter since her daughter means so much to her, if it meant keeping Kiri by his side. And as much as he didn’t care for Kiri catching the Iron Warrior’s scent due to his proximity to her daughter, it did make it easier that the Iron warrior was there to also protect them as well.

Kiri relaxed when she heard Ghilus’ answer, but was surprised that Kalium was Kona’s bonded mer. It did explain Kalium’s behavior and Kona’s attachment to him, however. Perhaps in time, she could trust Ghilus fully, once she gets to know him better.

“I see.” she replied and smiled at him, “Thank you. Your answer reassures me.”

“Of course.” He hummed, pleased with her answer.

He continued to purr contently as Kiri redressed his wounds, nearly falling asleep under her ministrations.

All too soon, he felt her gentle patting on his cheek, letting him know that she was done. She passed him a healing potion and some Astartes nutrient bars which he consumed.

“I have to go, but please rest to let your wounds heal properly.” Kiri said.

Immediately, he pulled her into his lap unwilling to let her go, “You’re not leaving.” He mumbled into her feathers.

“Ghilus, I have to. I have other patients to tend to. I will come visit you tomorrow.” she chided him.

He growled, “I’m your bonded. You should stay here with me.”

“Ghilus, release me.” This time her voice was louder, more stern.

The mer pretended not to hear her. Kiri started to fume, her feathers puffed in agitation as she tried to open her wings to break free from his hold, “Ghilus, I know you can hear me! This is not funny!”

“Ghilus, release the harpy and let her do her job.” Osteron’s commanding voice rang out, “Or else it will be Zariel or I to treat you tomorrow in her stead.

Kiri breathed a sigh of relief, feeling thankful for Osteron’s passing interference.

“Fine.” The Night Lord mer grumbled and muttered under his breath about the injustice of it all, but nonetheless acquiesced to Osteron’s command. Before he let Kiri leave though, Ghilus nuzzled and rubbed his face into Kiri’s neck and chest, instinctively trying to impart his own scent onto her feathers.

Kiri shuddered as his teeth brushed her skin and tried to push his face away, “What are you doing?”

He nipped her clawtips in warning. The harpy hissed and pulled her claw back.

“Letting others know that you’re mine since I won’t always be there with you.” The Night Lord growled possessively while he continued to nip and lick her throat.

Kiri whimpered as she started to feel flushed from his touch, “That’s enough. Please stop.”

She yelped when Ghilus bit down hard onto the base of her neck, growling lowly, “I’m your bonded. I will protect you and your child better than any harpy can. All other mers will know you are under my protection, just stay still let me do this.”

Kiri did as he asked, letting the Night Lord continue to scent her to his hearts’ content.

Finally satisfied with his handiwork, Ghilus released her from his grip, giving her cheek one final nuzzle, “I will wait for you.” he said.

He purred when Kiri nuzzled him back and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, “I will visit you tomorrow.”

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

Both mother and daughter were sleeping soundly in their nest when Ghilus found them again. Kona opened her eyes and curiously watched as the bioluminescent lights twinkled like stars on his body. She was about to wake her mom to the strange mer’s presence when he placed a finger on his lips with a grin, then patted her head to tuck her back under her mother’s wing. Kona didn’t resist and soon fell back asleep, listening to the low humming melody coming from the mer as he curled around them.

[egrets-not-regrets]

After Stormbreaker: Catching Shadows and Propositions

Of Fin and Feathers AU: Mara and Warsmith Formicas discuss what had happened since the whole incident with Stormbreaker.

Author’s Notes: If the opportunity presents itself, Warsmith Eciton Formicas figures he might as well take advantage of it. He is totally not trying to rizz up the gannet harpy elder.

Tagged: @shadowfirecat , @kit-williams , @bleedingichorhearts , @barn-anon , @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan

@sleepyfan-blog , @bispecsual , @c-u-c-koo-4-40k , @ms--lobotomy , @whorety-k

@gra93fruit-blog , @i-am-a-dragon34 , @felinisnoctis

She spotted a shadow creeping along the edges of the area sectioned off for the healing ward, slowly creeping towards the colony nests. Mara heaved a sigh, walked closer, and called out to the shadow, “Ghilus, what are you doing? This is the third time I found you out of your bed.”

The shadow didn’t move.

“Ghilus…” the harpy’s voice dropped to a stern warning tone, “I see you, so show yourself. Are you sneaking out to find Kiri again?”

A large dark hand roughly scruffed the young Night Lord and hauled him out of his hiding spot, “Get back to your bed unless you want to test if Osteron can lecture you back to full health.”

Mara turned to the large venomfin mer, “Thank you, Warsmith Formicas.”

Eciton Formicas let go of the younger merAstartes. Ghilus scowled at the warsmith and the elder harpy, unhappy with being found before he could reach Kiri’s nest. The warsmith glared back, looking expectant, “So? Are you going to return to your bed or do you want to test Osteron’s lecture theory”

A shudder ran through Ghilus. Ugh. As if he hadn’t heard enough lecturing. Rest and let your wounds heal this, stop moving about blah blah that, stop being so impatient, don’t creep around the colony and scare the other harpies… Between Osteron and Zariel, he’s already heard enough of their blathering to induce another headache.

Getting exasperated by the besotted mer’s antics, Mara shooed him along with her wings, “Kiri is scheduled to come around soon. It is better that you head back now.”

Under the elders’ watchful eyes, Ghilus sulkily slunk back to the healing ward.

“Are the others giving you any trouble?” The warsmith asked with a frown.

Mara chuckled, “They were fine, if a bit restless. Thankfully, other merAstartes are there to keep an eye on their brethren.”

“My men reported that some of them have found their bonded counterparts among your harpies?”

Her smile turned slightly sheepish, “I’m afraid we may be stealing a few more warriors from you. To my knowledge, Ghilus has bonded to Kiri and Kalium bonded to her daughter, Kona. And the World Eater, Addax, is bonded to Rhitta. Addax has mentioned that Rhitta’s presence calms his nails.”

“That is a problem. Have you tested how far they can be separated before Addax goes under the influence of the nails again?” The warsmith’s thick tail swished in thought.

“At best, 500m, depending on the day. Beyond that will be how Addax normally operates with the nails’ influence.”

Eciton’s next question came as a surprise, “Have you thought about settling here permanently?”

Mara went quiet for a moment before asking, “Is that a proposition, Warsmith?”

“Yes, if you are willing to consider it.” the warsmith confirmed.

“The waters in this territory are productive and your colony will be well-protected, Your colony also already patrols with my warriors, and the bonded merAstartes can stay with their bonded harpies in the colonies if they choose to, which I suspect they will.” he added.

Mara scratched her chin with a claw, “It certainly will make things more convenient considering our current situation... However, this is a big decision that will need to be discussed among my colony first.”

“On the second matter,” Eciton started.

Mara’s voice turned serious, “I suppose you want to discuss the Grey Knight?”

“Yes.” he replied, “As I understand, young Claude was kidnapped by the Grey Knight and Erriox rallied a number of warriors to rescue him. And now one of your harpies is intensely bonded to the Grey Knight.”

“Yes, the same one that is bonded to the Alpha Legion brothers, which complicates this matter.” the harpy elder frowned.

Eciton knew the Grey Knight would make for an extremely powerful ally, and would be useful when it came to territorial disputes with other mer warbands. However, the Grey Knight, whose mood however mercurial, likely would be too proud to let himself be turned into a pawn for such matters. One thing was for certain, the Grey Knight proclaimed that this gannet harpy colony was under his protection, because of his bonded harpy. In that case, it would make sense to fully align with the colony one way or another so he can at least keep the powerful mer under his thumb.

Eciton made sure to choose his next words carefully, knowing how much the harpies value honesty and being upfront, “I want to fully align my warband with your colony. With my warriors being bonded with your harpies as well as your close compatriots, as well as the Grey Knight being part of your colony now, I would be a fool not to. However, regardless of whether you wish to do the same, the Grey Knight cannot go without consequences for his actions. Whether chaos or not, those are still my warriors that he injured.”

Mara agreed, but she had one of her own to protect, “While I agree that he must be punished or at least make reparations for what he has done, what is it you wish to do with the Grey Knight? I cannot allow you to kill or maim him, as it will kill and injure Lana as well. She is one of mine and I will not allow her to be threatened because of Stormbreaker’s actions. She had no control over the situation.” She said sternly.

“Then consider him owing a labor debt to the Steelix warband to make amends for his actions.”

“For how long and to do what?” The harpy elder looked at him, suspicious of his intentions. Mara was under no illusions that the Stormbreaker is absurdly powerful and having an ally like him is a boon to any merAstartes warband. She also doubted that Stormbreaker would allow himself to play as a pawn for long, nor did she wish that fate for him. The thought of the Grey Knight, even though he hadn’t exactly endeared himself to her, being forever shackled to any warband made her feel uneasy. He is technically one of hers now, much like the Alpha Legion brothers.

“For the total amount of time it takes for each of my injured warriors to fully recover. And if Erriox wishes, the additional recovery time for his injured scoutlings. Give or take, the estimated total recovery time if the Primaris scoutlings are included would be 15 months. Stormbreaker is lucky that the healing potions from harpy and mers are so effective and that merAstartes heal quickly. As for the labor, it will be the normal patrols plus grunt work and any assistance that we require for psyker-type issues.”

Mara relaxed at his answer. That was reasonable enough, “I have a few conditions to add if I may.”

“Go ahead.”

“Stormbreaker must be allowed to return to the colony to spend time with Lana once every ten days. Since they share an intense bond, I worry about the effects on both of them if they are kept from the other for too long. And since Lana is recovering from the wounds caused by her initial rejection of the intense bond, Stormbreaker needs to be by her side for her to recover. So his labor debt will have to start after she is fully recovered. It is possible that Lana and her bonded Hydras may have their own conditions to add. This, along with our residency issue need to be discussed among my colony before any decisions could be made. Once decisions are made I ask that a written contract bound by both harpy and mer magic be signed so both parties would stay true to the agreement. Would a reply in two weeks suffice?” she added.

Eciton hummed, but agreed to her requests, seeing little fault in her logic. Besides, if Mara saw him as reasonably agreeable, the chances of her allying her colony with his warband would increase. The warsmith gave the harpy a wry grin, “You are shrewd, Lady Mara.”

Mara tilted her head coquettishly and returned a small smile, “I do have my colony to protect after all and Stormbreaker, like the Hydra brothers, is part of it.”

[bleedingichorhearts]

Okay, I revoke my last one. I believe Ghilus would be the most troublesome.😭 I feel like he may encourage the little ones troublesome behavior. Curious about her lost mate however.

After Stormbreaker: One Good Thing

A Night Lord mer, Ghilus, after being injured in the fight with the Grey Knight, finally finds his bonded among the harpy caretakers.

Author’s Note: Ghilus is totally normal. I promise.

Tagged: @shadowfirecat , @kit-williams , @bleedingichorhearts , @barn-anon , @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan

@sleepyfan-blog , @bispecsual , @c-u-c-koo-4-40k , @ms--lobotomy , @whorety-k

@gra93fruit-blog , @i-am-a-dragon34 , @felinisnoctis

Kiri entered the section where her next patient was with some trepidation. She’s heard rumors of Night Lord mers from others in the colony. Generally residents of the deep sea, they exist in small shoals known as “claws”. They were rarely seen unless in two situations: you were the prey they’re hunting and the sight of them was the last thing you saw, or during their biannual equinox song when the Night Lord shoals gather on their rocks to sing. The colony had lost a few members to Night Lord mers before and Kiri’s heard one of the gannet harpies mention they had spotted the feathered pelt of their brethren decorating the armor of a Night Lord merAstartes once.

Ghilus was this one’s name. He was brought in heavily injured, physically and according to one of the gannet seers, psychically as well. Apparently he has fought against the Grey Knight’s psychic attacks, and such use of the mers own magic unfortunately could cause physical harm to themselves as well. While healing potions supported the physical healing of these injuries, they couldn’t do much for the psychic whiplash psyker mers received. The apothecaries advised letting the mers’ own healing abilities do that on their own.

Her feathers started to raise in alarm when she found the bed empty with no mer to be seen.

“Ghilus?” She called cautiously, putting down her basket of healing supplies. Kiri shuddered at the thought of a Night Lord swimming loose among the colony. Perhaps it is a better idea to let Zariel or Osteron know. She was about to leave when someone snatched her up from behind. A large hand clamped over her mouth before she could scream. Feathers flew as Kiri panicked and thrashed about, trying to escape her captor.

There was a low growl, “Stop struggling, woman! I’m not here to hurt you!”

She froze in surprise and concern, his presence and voice pulled at her soul, the core of her magic. This must be what a bond felt like, judging from what Lana had described. The voice then started to hum, the sound rumbling through her bones. Instinctively, she started to relax in his hold.

“I… Ghilus… Please…” She wasn’t sure what she was trying to say, words were all but a mouthful jumbled on her tongue. Kiri wanted him to stop humming yet his song was so… so… enticing, comforting, hypnotic , lulling. She could feel him starting to curl around her. Her instincts were screaming that this was a predator, she must fight back, must escape, must defend her child! Yet, his song’s melody and subvocal chords echoed in her soul, tempting her to sing with him.

“I found you, finally.” Ghilus purred and buried his nose into her crown, “You could feel the draw too, couldn’t you?”

Kiri, scared of what would happen, wasn’t sure how to answer. Her stiff silence gave away her doubt.

He added, insistent, “I could hear our souls resonating the same song. See it even. Surely you could feel it.”

“I… do.” She agreed reluctantly, unsure if she should encourage the Night Lord mer to continue.

“Good. Clearly, you’re my bonded.” he mumbled, content to nuzzle into her neck. She could feel his lips pull back into a smile against her skin. Alarm bells started ringing in her head at the scent of blood in the air. Her neck and back feathers start to mat against her skin. Kiri knew it wasn’t her own blood.

“Ghilus?” She started to struggle, trying to open her wings to break his grasp, “Ghilus! Ghilus! You need to let go!” Worry coloring her voice.

“No.” He grumbled, only tightening his hold

Kiri insistently pushed against his corded arms, “Ghilus! Please! You’re bleeding, let me take care of it.”

It took twenty seconds more, but the Night Lord mer eventually relented. Her feathers moved as he huffed petulantly, “Fine.”

Kiri smiled slightly at his response. He was so childishly clingy, she couldn’t help but be reminded of Kona. Her smile soon turned into a frown. That also brought on another problem, now that he’s her bonded, could she could trust Ghilus not to hurt her daughter or attempt to get rid of her to compete for her attention? He was still incredibly dangerous and she did not know him at all. Kiri put that uneasy thought in the back of her mind to think about later, redressing his wounds came first. She’ll have to deal with one thing at a time.

His grip loosened enough that Kiri was able to turn around and take a step back to better assess his injuries. The bioluminescent lights that dotted along his lateral line and his body blinked like a trail of stars. She thought him beautiful if he and his brethren weren’t so frightening, but she understood the truth behind the warnings about getting hypnotized by their lights as the last thing you experience. However, Kiri also noticed the wounds on his chest and stomach reopened from whatever physical exertion he put his body through. She looked at him in dismay, “Your nose is bleeding and you’ve opened those wounds again! What were you doing?”

“Looking for you.” He stated matter-of-factly, staring at her with his big dark eyes.

Kiri sighed, then used her wings to herd and sweep the clingy Night Lord mer towards the bed. Just like herding an unwilling Kona to bed at night… “Get back on the bed so I can take care of you, please.”

A quiet purr tickled the feathers by her ear holes after she said that.

Ghilus allowed Kiri to herd him to his bed. He stared as she wet a clean cloth and gently cleaned the blood from his nose. The intensity of his gaze made her shiver; but there was another emotion, a touch of something else she couldn’t quite put a claw on. She brushed the pieces of his dark hair away from his eyes, softly chiding him, “The apothecaries said you overtaxed your psyker abilities. You should’ve given it a rest.”

His lights blinked lazily as the pleased Night Lord mer chuckled and nuzzled into her claws, “It was worth it, I found you. I have you taking care of me now.”

Kiri breathed a sigh of exasperation, but a small smile crawled onto her face, “I guess.”

Ghilus memorized the sight of his bonded harpy’s bemused smile, pleased that the stink of fear finally dissipated from her. Normally, he would savor the stench of fear in his prey’s last moments. But the moment he grabbed her, the panic, the spike of fear: he nearly recoiled from the scent. He didn’t expect to react so viscerally, nearly wanting to wretch when that was added to the psychic-induced headache he was suffering from. That must be due to the bond’s effects he figured, but the soothing calm that came after, once his harpy calmed down, was worth the pain. He found his bonded. His to keep and no one else’s.

Ghilus relaxed as his bond strummed with a gentle steady pulse, a balm to his psychic-induced headache, calmly watching Kiri fuss over him. He didn’t know why she had been so worried. The aches and pains, and the nosebleeds were normal symptoms after using his psyker abilities that he had long gotten used to. But, there was something in the way that she worried and cared for him in their short time together, cemented the fact that they were meant to be, in his mind.

When Kiri started to clean and redress the wounds on his chest and stomach, Ghilus snaked his hand around her waist, his hand running over the warm skin underneath her feathers, locking her in place beside him; grinning, when she startled at the sensation. She was so gentle and tender in her care. And so warm. His purrs grew louder when her claw or feathers brushed over the ports on his body. Ghilus didn’t even remember the last time he had received such tender treatment from someone and not even needing to fight other members of his Claw for them.

“You don’t have to hang onto me. I’m not going to disappear.” she jokingly commented.

His dark red tail loosely wrapped around her leg as he replied, “You are my bonded. The one good thing that I get to have. Why wouldn’t I want to hold onto you?”

Kiri flushed at his words, her feathers puffing slightly from embarrassment. It had been a long time since she had been shown such intimacy since her mate had been lost to the sea years ago. It was strange, yet she couldn’t say it was entirely unwelcome. Another part of her also realized how lonely and touch-starved Ghilus must have been.

“You are clingier than my child.” Kiri quickly shut her mouth after she blurted out the off-handed comment.

Ghilus frowned at her sudden nervous reaction, “Why are you frightened?”

Kiri tried to back out of his embrace only to find the Night Lord mer had tightened his hold. It was better to talk about this now rather than later perhaps, “You won’t hurt my child, would you?” she asked, her voice tense with worry.

Ghilus huffed, looking insulted, “Is that what you’re afraid of?”

“Yes.” Kona was her life, her baby, the only remnant left of her lost mate. If Ghilus ever went after her hatchling, she would defend her with her life.

He could hear the unease and resolution in her reply and scoffed, “I won’t hurt your child. I have standards unlike some of my brethren. Besides, her bonded won’t let any harm come to her.”

“You mean Kalium?”

“Yes.”

Ghilus was willing to care and provide for Kiri and her daughter since her daughter means so much to her, if it meant keeping Kiri by his side. And as much as he didn’t care for Kiri catching the Iron Warrior’s scent due to his proximity to her daughter, it did make it easier that the Iron warrior was there to also protect them as well.

Kiri relaxed when she heard Ghilus’ answer, but was surprised that Kalium was Kona’s bonded mer. It did explain Kalium’s behavior and Kona’s attachment to him, however. Perhaps in time, she could trust Ghilus fully, once she gets to know him better.

“I see.” she replied and smiled at him, “Thank you. Your answer reassures me.”

“Of course.” He hummed, pleased with her answer.

He continued to purr contently as Kiri redressed his wounds, nearly falling asleep under her ministrations.

All too soon, he felt her gentle patting on his cheek, letting him know that she was done. She passed him a healing potion and some Astartes nutrient bars which he consumed.

“I have to go, but please rest to let your wounds heal properly.” Kiri said.

Immediately, he pulled her into his lap unwilling to let her go, “You’re not leaving.” He mumbled into her feathers.

“Ghilus, I have to. I have other patients to tend to. I will come visit you tomorrow.” she chided him.

He growled, “I’m your bonded. You should stay here with me.”

“Ghilus, release me.” This time her voice was louder, more stern.

The mer pretended not to hear her. Kiri started to fume, her feathers puffed in agitation as she tried to open her wings to break free from his hold, “Ghilus, I know you can hear me! This is not funny!”

“Ghilus, release the harpy and let her do her job.” Osteron’s commanding voice rang out, “Or else it will be Zariel or I to treat you tomorrow in her stead.

Kiri breathed a sigh of relief, feeling thankful for Osteron’s passing interference.

“Fine.” The Night Lord mer grumbled and muttered under his breath about the injustice of it all, but nonetheless acquiesced to Osteron’s command. Before he let Kiri leave though, Ghilus nuzzled and rubbed his face into Kiri’s neck and chest, instinctively trying to impart his own scent onto her feathers.

Kiri shuddered as his teeth brushed her skin and tried to push his face away, “What are you doing?”

He nipped her clawtips in warning. The harpy hissed and pulled her claw back.

“Letting others know that you’re mine since I won’t always be there with you.” The Night Lord growled possessively while he continued to nip and lick her throat.

Kiri whimpered as she started to feel flushed from his touch, “That’s enough. Please stop.”

She yelped when Ghilus bit down hard onto the base of her neck, growling lowly, “I’m your bonded. I will protect you and your child better than any harpy can. All other mers will know you are under my protection, just stay still let me do this.”

Kiri did as he asked, letting the Night Lord continue to scent her to his hearts’ content.

Finally satisfied with his handiwork, Ghilus released her from his grip, giving her cheek one final nuzzle, “I will wait for you.” he said.

He purred when Kiri nuzzled him back and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, “I will visit you tomorrow.”

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

Both mother and daughter were sleeping soundly in their nest when Ghilus found them again. Kona opened her eyes and curiously watched as the bioluminescent lights twinkled like stars on his body. She was about to wake her mom to the strange mer’s presence when he placed a finger on his lips with a grin, then patted her head to tuck her back under her mother’s wing. Kona didn’t resist and soon fell back asleep, listening to the low humming melody coming from the mer as he curled around them.

[c-u-c-koo-4-40k]

Ghilus has some of that Nightlord pushyness I see. We'll see how that plays out later but for now we've got another found family found.

Also Kona being like "What?" But then she's just too Eepy to make a fuss. Plus the Curling around probably feels nice and comforting.

Meanwhile I feel like Ghilus and Kalium will probably end up butting heads. But hey...what can you do?

I also find the 'one nice thing' comment interesting. Ghilus feels like his possessiveness comes partially from Trauma which...obviously.

Just wondering what His specific series of life events led him to thinking he can only have one good thing in his life. In this case Kiri.

After Stormbreaker: One Good Thing

A Night Lord mer, Ghilus, after being injured in the fight with the Grey Knight, finally finds his bonded among the harpy caretakers.

Author’s Note: Ghilus is totally normal. I promise.

Tagged: @shadowfirecat , @kit-williams , @bleedingichorhearts , @barn-anon , @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan

@sleepyfan-blog , @bispecsual , @c-u-c-koo-4-40k , @ms--lobotomy , @whorety-k

@gra93fruit-blog , @i-am-a-dragon34 , @felinisnoctis

Kiri entered the section where her next patient was with some trepidation. She’s heard rumors of Night Lord mers from others in the colony. Generally residents of the deep sea, they exist in small shoals known as “claws”. They were rarely seen unless in two situations: you were the prey they’re hunting and the sight of them was the last thing you saw, or during their biannual equinox song when the Night Lord shoals gather on their rocks to sing. The colony had lost a few members to Night Lord mers before and Kiri’s heard one of the gannet harpies mention they had spotted the feathered pelt of their brethren decorating the armor of a Night Lord merAstartes once.

Ghilus was this one’s name. He was brought in heavily injured, physically and according to one of the gannet seers, psychically as well. Apparently he has fought against the Grey Knight’s psychic attacks, and such use of the mers own magic unfortunately could cause physical harm to themselves as well. While healing potions supported the physical healing of these injuries, they couldn’t do much for the psychic whiplash psyker mers received. The apothecaries advised letting the mers’ own healing abilities do that on their own.

Her feathers started to raise in alarm when she found the bed empty with no mer to be seen.

“Ghilus?” She called cautiously, putting down her basket of healing supplies. Kiri shuddered at the thought of a Night Lord swimming loose among the colony. Perhaps it is a better idea to let Zariel or Osteron know. She was about to leave when someone snatched her up from behind. A large hand clamped over her mouth before she could scream. Feathers flew as Kiri panicked and thrashed about, trying to escape her captor.

There was a low growl, “Stop struggling, woman! I’m not here to hurt you!”

She froze in surprise and concern, his presence and voice pulled at her soul, the core of her magic. This must be what a bond felt like, judging from what Lana had described. The voice then started to hum, the sound rumbling through her bones. Instinctively, she started to relax in his hold.

“I… Ghilus… Please…” She wasn’t sure what she was trying to say, words were all but a mouthful jumbled on her tongue. Kiri wanted him to stop humming yet his song was so… so… enticing, comforting, hypnotic , lulling. She could feel him starting to curl around her. Her instincts were screaming that this was a predator, she must fight back, must escape, must defend her child! Yet, his song’s melody and subvocal chords echoed in her soul, tempting her to sing with him.

“I found you, finally.” Ghilus purred and buried his nose into her crown, “You could feel the draw too, couldn’t you?”

Kiri, scared of what would happen, wasn’t sure how to answer. Her stiff silence gave away her doubt.

He added, insistent, “I could hear our souls resonating the same song. See it even. Surely you could feel it.”

“I… do.” She agreed reluctantly, unsure if she should encourage the Night Lord mer to continue.

“Good. Clearly, you’re my bonded.” he mumbled, content to nuzzle into her neck. She could feel his lips pull back into a smile against her skin. Alarm bells started ringing in her head at the scent of blood in the air. Her neck and back feathers start to mat against her skin. Kiri knew it wasn’t her own blood.

“Ghilus?” She started to struggle, trying to open her wings to break his grasp, “Ghilus! Ghilus! You need to let go!” Worry coloring her voice.

“No.” He grumbled, only tightening his hold

Kiri insistently pushed against his corded arms, “Ghilus! Please! You’re bleeding, let me take care of it.”

It took twenty seconds more, but the Night Lord mer eventually relented. Her feathers moved as he huffed petulantly, “Fine.”

Kiri smiled slightly at his response. He was so childishly clingy, she couldn’t help but be reminded of Kona. Her smile soon turned into a frown. That also brought on another problem, now that he’s her bonded, could she could trust Ghilus not to hurt her daughter or attempt to get rid of her to compete for her attention? He was still incredibly dangerous and she did not know him at all. Kiri put that uneasy thought in the back of her mind to think about later, redressing his wounds came first. She’ll have to deal with one thing at a time.

His grip loosened enough that Kiri was able to turn around and take a step back to better assess his injuries. The bioluminescent lights that dotted along his lateral line and his body blinked like a trail of stars. She thought him beautiful if he and his brethren weren’t so frightening, but she understood the truth behind the warnings about getting hypnotized by their lights as the last thing you experience. However, Kiri also noticed the wounds on his chest and stomach reopened from whatever physical exertion he put his body through. She looked at him in dismay, “Your nose is bleeding and you’ve opened those wounds again! What were you doing?”

“Looking for you.” He stated matter-of-factly, staring at her with his big dark eyes.

Kiri sighed, then used her wings to herd and sweep the clingy Night Lord mer towards the bed. Just like herding an unwilling Kona to bed at night… “Get back on the bed so I can take care of you, please.”

A quiet purr tickled the feathers by her ear holes after she said that.

Ghilus allowed Kiri to herd him to his bed. He stared as she wet a clean cloth and gently cleaned the blood from his nose. The intensity of his gaze made her shiver; but there was another emotion, a touch of something else she couldn’t quite put a claw on. She brushed the pieces of his dark hair away from his eyes, softly chiding him, “The apothecaries said you overtaxed your psyker abilities. You should’ve given it a rest.”

His lights blinked lazily as the pleased Night Lord mer chuckled and nuzzled into her claws, “It was worth it, I found you. I have you taking care of me now.”

Kiri breathed a sigh of exasperation, but a small smile crawled onto her face, “I guess.”

Ghilus memorized the sight of his bonded harpy’s bemused smile, pleased that the stink of fear finally dissipated from her. Normally, he would savor the stench of fear in his prey’s last moments. But the moment he grabbed her, the panic, the spike of fear: he nearly recoiled from the scent. He didn’t expect to react so viscerally, nearly wanting to wretch when that was added to the psychic-induced headache he was suffering from. That must be due to the bond’s effects he figured, but the soothing calm that came after, once his harpy calmed down, was worth the pain. He found his bonded. His to keep and no one else’s.

Ghilus relaxed as his bond strummed with a gentle steady pulse, a balm to his psychic-induced headache, calmly watching Kiri fuss over him. He didn’t know why she had been so worried. The aches and pains, and the nosebleeds were normal symptoms after using his psyker abilities that he had long gotten used to. But, there was something in the way that she worried and cared for him in their short time together, cemented the fact that they were meant to be, in his mind.

When Kiri started to clean and redress the wounds on his chest and stomach, Ghilus snaked his hand around her waist, his hand running over the warm skin underneath her feathers, locking her in place beside him; grinning, when she startled at the sensation. She was so gentle and tender in her care. And so warm. His purrs grew louder when her claw or feathers brushed over the ports on his body. Ghilus didn’t even remember the last time he had received such tender treatment from someone and not even needing to fight other members of his Claw for them.

“You don’t have to hang onto me. I’m not going to disappear.” she jokingly commented.

His dark red tail loosely wrapped around her leg as he replied, “You are my bonded. The one good thing that I get to have. Why wouldn’t I want to hold onto you?”

Kiri flushed at his words, her feathers puffing slightly from embarrassment. It had been a long time since she had been shown such intimacy since her mate had been lost to the sea years ago. It was strange, yet she couldn’t say it was entirely unwelcome. Another part of her also realized how lonely and touch-starved Ghilus must have been.

“You are clingier than my child.” Kiri quickly shut her mouth after she blurted out the off-handed comment.

Ghilus frowned at her sudden nervous reaction, “Why are you frightened?”

Kiri tried to back out of his embrace only to find the Night Lord mer had tightened his hold. It was better to talk about this now rather than later perhaps, “You won’t hurt my child, would you?” she asked, her voice tense with worry.

Ghilus huffed, looking insulted, “Is that what you’re afraid of?”

“Yes.” Kona was her life, her baby, the only remnant left of her lost mate. If Ghilus ever went after her hatchling, she would defend her with her life.

He could hear the unease and resolution in her reply and scoffed, “I won’t hurt your child. I have standards unlike some of my brethren. Besides, her bonded won’t let any harm come to her.”

“You mean Kalium?”

“Yes.”

Ghilus was willing to care and provide for Kiri and her daughter since her daughter means so much to her, if it meant keeping Kiri by his side. And as much as he didn’t care for Kiri catching the Iron Warrior’s scent due to his proximity to her daughter, it did make it easier that the Iron warrior was there to also protect them as well.

Kiri relaxed when she heard Ghilus’ answer, but was surprised that Kalium was Kona’s bonded mer. It did explain Kalium’s behavior and Kona’s attachment to him, however. Perhaps in time, she could trust Ghilus fully, once she gets to know him better.

“I see.” she replied and smiled at him, “Thank you. Your answer reassures me.”

“Of course.” He hummed, pleased with her answer.

He continued to purr contently as Kiri redressed his wounds, nearly falling asleep under her ministrations.

All too soon, he felt her gentle patting on his cheek, letting him know that she was done. She passed him a healing potion and some Astartes nutrient bars which he consumed.

“I have to go, but please rest to let your wounds heal properly.” Kiri said.

Immediately, he pulled her into his lap unwilling to let her go, “You’re not leaving.” He mumbled into her feathers.

“Ghilus, I have to. I have other patients to tend to. I will come visit you tomorrow.” she chided him.

He growled, “I’m your bonded. You should stay here with me.”

“Ghilus, release me.” This time her voice was louder, more stern.

The mer pretended not to hear her. Kiri started to fume, her feathers puffed in agitation as she tried to open her wings to break free from his hold, “Ghilus, I know you can hear me! This is not funny!”

“Ghilus, release the harpy and let her do her job.” Osteron’s commanding voice rang out, “Or else it will be Zariel or I to treat you tomorrow in her stead.

Kiri breathed a sigh of relief, feeling thankful for Osteron’s passing interference.

“Fine.” The Night Lord mer grumbled and muttered under his breath about the injustice of it all, but nonetheless acquiesced to Osteron’s command. Before he let Kiri leave though, Ghilus nuzzled and rubbed his face into Kiri’s neck and chest, instinctively trying to impart his own scent onto her feathers.

Kiri shuddered as his teeth brushed her skin and tried to push his face away, “What are you doing?”

He nipped her clawtips in warning. The harpy hissed and pulled her claw back.

“Letting others know that you’re mine since I won’t always be there with you.” The Night Lord growled possessively while he continued to nip and lick her throat.

Kiri whimpered as she started to feel flushed from his touch, “That’s enough. Please stop.”

She yelped when Ghilus bit down hard onto the base of her neck, growling lowly, “I’m your bonded. I will protect you and your child better than any harpy can. All other mers will know you are under my protection, just stay still let me do this.”

Kiri did as he asked, letting the Night Lord continue to scent her to his hearts’ content.

Finally satisfied with his handiwork, Ghilus released her from his grip, giving her cheek one final nuzzle, “I will wait for you.” he said.

He purred when Kiri nuzzled him back and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, “I will visit you tomorrow.”

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

Both mother and daughter were sleeping soundly in their nest when Ghilus found them again. Kona opened her eyes and curiously watched as the bioluminescent lights twinkled like stars on his body. She was about to wake her mom to the strange mer’s presence when he placed a finger on his lips with a grin, then patted her head to tuck her back under her mother’s wing. Kona didn’t resist and soon fell back asleep, listening to the low humming melody coming from the mer as he curled around them.

[c-u-c-koo-4-40k]

Gotta say given the situation making Stormbreaker do menial tasks as punishment for his bs is 'chefs kiss' Beautiful!

And Ghilus...friend, please stop skulking around while your should be Healing.

Ghilus confirmed adorable, keen and probably cut throat...but he is also Le Dumb.

Which is perfect. And my my my Eciton and Mara having some back and forth. Yes very enjoyable.

👍

After Stormbreaker: Catching Shadows and Propositions

Of Fin and Feathers AU: Mara and Warsmith Formicas discuss what had happened since the whole incident with Stormbreaker.

Author’s Notes: If the opportunity presents itself, Warsmith Eciton Formicas figures he might as well take advantage of it. He is totally not trying to rizz up the gannet harpy elder.

Tagged: @shadowfirecat , @kit-williams , @bleedingichorhearts , @barn-anon , @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan

@sleepyfan-blog , @bispecsual , @c-u-c-koo-4-40k , @ms--lobotomy , @whorety-k

@gra93fruit-blog , @i-am-a-dragon34 , @felinisnoctis

She spotted a shadow creeping along the edges of the area sectioned off for the healing ward, slowly creeping towards the colony nests. Mara heaved a sigh, walked closer, and called out to the shadow, “Ghilus, what are you doing? This is the third time I found you out of your bed.”

The shadow didn’t move.

“Ghilus…” the harpy’s voice dropped to a stern warning tone, “I see you, so show yourself. Are you sneaking out to find Kiri again?”

A large dark hand roughly scruffed the young Night Lord and hauled him out of his hiding spot, “Get back to your bed unless you want to test if Osteron can lecture you back to full health.”

Mara turned to the large venomfin mer, “Thank you, Warsmith Formicas.”

Eciton Formicas let go of the younger merAstartes. Ghilus scowled at the warsmith and the elder harpy, unhappy with being found before he could reach Kiri’s nest. The warsmith glared back, looking expectant, “So? Are you going to return to your bed or do you want to test Osteron’s lecture theory”

A shudder ran through Ghilus. Ugh. As if he hadn’t heard enough lecturing. Rest and let your wounds heal this, stop moving about blah blah that, stop being so impatient, don’t creep around the colony and scare the other harpies… Between Osteron and Zariel, he’s already heard enough of their blathering to induce another headache.

Getting exasperated by the besotted mer’s antics, Mara shooed him along with her wings, “Kiri is scheduled to come around soon. It is better that you head back now.”

Under the elders’ watchful eyes, Ghilus sulkily slunk back to the healing ward.

“Are the others giving you any trouble?” The warsmith asked with a frown.

Mara chuckled, “They were fine, if a bit restless. Thankfully, other merAstartes are there to keep an eye on their brethren.”

“My men reported that some of them have found their bonded counterparts among your harpies?”

Her smile turned slightly sheepish, “I’m afraid we may be stealing a few more warriors from you. To my knowledge, Ghilus has bonded to Kiri and Kalium bonded to her daughter, Kona. And the World Eater, Addax, is bonded to Rhitta. Addax has mentioned that Rhitta’s presence calms his nails.”

“That is a problem. Have you tested how far they can be separated before Addax goes under the influence of the nails again?” The warsmith’s thick tail swished in thought.

“At best, 500m, depending on the day. Beyond that will be how Addax normally operates with the nails’ influence.”

Eciton’s next question came as a surprise, “Have you thought about settling here permanently?”

Mara went quiet for a moment before asking, “Is that a proposition, Warsmith?”

“Yes, if you are willing to consider it.” the warsmith confirmed.

“The waters in this territory are productive and your colony will be well-protected, Your colony also already patrols with my warriors, and the bonded merAstartes can stay with their bonded harpies in the colonies if they choose to, which I suspect they will.” he added.

Mara scratched her chin with a claw, “It certainly will make things more convenient considering our current situation... However, this is a big decision that will need to be discussed among my colony first.”

“On the second matter,” Eciton started.

Mara’s voice turned serious, “I suppose you want to discuss the Grey Knight?”

“Yes.” he replied, “As I understand, young Claude was kidnapped by the Grey Knight and Erriox rallied a number of warriors to rescue him. And now one of your harpies is intensely bonded to the Grey Knight.”

“Yes, the same one that is bonded to the Alpha Legion brothers, which complicates this matter.” the harpy elder frowned.

Eciton knew the Grey Knight would make for an extremely powerful ally, and would be useful when it came to territorial disputes with other mer warbands. However, the Grey Knight, whose mood however mercurial, likely would be too proud to let himself be turned into a pawn for such matters. One thing was for certain, the Grey Knight proclaimed that this gannet harpy colony was under his protection, because of his bonded harpy. In that case, it would make sense to fully align with the colony one way or another so he can at least keep the powerful mer under his thumb.

Eciton made sure to choose his next words carefully, knowing how much the harpies value honesty and being upfront, “I want to fully align my warband with your colony. With my warriors being bonded with your harpies as well as your close compatriots, as well as the Grey Knight being part of your colony now, I would be a fool not to. However, regardless of whether you wish to do the same, the Grey Knight cannot go without consequences for his actions. Whether chaos or not, those are still my warriors that he injured.”

Mara agreed, but she had one of her own to protect, “While I agree that he must be punished or at least make reparations for what he has done, what is it you wish to do with the Grey Knight? I cannot allow you to kill or maim him, as it will kill and injure Lana as well. She is one of mine and I will not allow her to be threatened because of Stormbreaker’s actions. She had no control over the situation.” She said sternly.

“Then consider him owing a labor debt to the Steelix warband to make amends for his actions.”

“For how long and to do what?” The harpy elder looked at him, suspicious of his intentions. Mara was under no illusions that the Stormbreaker is absurdly powerful and having an ally like him is a boon to any merAstartes warband. She also doubted that Stormbreaker would allow himself to play as a pawn for long, nor did she wish that fate for him. The thought of the Grey Knight, even though he hadn’t exactly endeared himself to her, being forever shackled to any warband made her feel uneasy. He is technically one of hers now, much like the Alpha Legion brothers.

“For the total amount of time it takes for each of my injured warriors to fully recover. And if Erriox wishes, the additional recovery time for his injured scoutlings. Give or take, the estimated total recovery time if the Primaris scoutlings are included would be 15 months. Stormbreaker is lucky that the healing potions from harpy and mers are so effective and that merAstartes heal quickly. As for the labor, it will be the normal patrols plus grunt work and any assistance that we require for psyker-type issues.”

Mara relaxed at his answer. That was reasonable enough, “I have a few conditions to add if I may.”

“Go ahead.”

“Stormbreaker must be allowed to return to the colony to spend time with Lana once every ten days. Since they share an intense bond, I worry about the effects on both of them if they are kept from the other for too long. And since Lana is recovering from the wounds caused by her initial rejection of the intense bond, Stormbreaker needs to be by her side for her to recover. So his labor debt will have to start after she is fully recovered. It is possible that Lana and her bonded Hydras may have their own conditions to add. This, along with our residency issue need to be discussed among my colony before any decisions could be made. Once decisions are made I ask that a written contract bound by both harpy and mer magic be signed so both parties would stay true to the agreement. Would a reply in two weeks suffice?” she added.

Eciton hummed, but agreed to her requests, seeing little fault in her logic. Besides, if Mara saw him as reasonably agreeable, the chances of her allying her colony with his warband would increase. The warsmith gave the harpy a wry grin, “You are shrewd, Lady Mara.”

Mara tilted her head coquettishly and returned a small smile, “I do have my colony to protect after all and Stormbreaker, like the Hydra brothers, is part of it.”

[kit-williams]

He's so normal

My dude you just bonded and you've already moved in!

(I see someone learned speed running relationships from Anrir)

Sneaking Into The Nest

A short drabble. Ghilus sneaks his way to find Kiri at night.

Author's note: Ghilus is so normal about his bonded harpy. LOL

Tagged: @shadowfirecat , @kit-williams , @bleedingichorhearts , @barn-anon , @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan

@sleepyfan-blog , @bispecsual , @c-u-c-koo-4-40k , @ms--lobotomy , @whorety-k

@gra93fruit-blog , @i-am-a-dragon34 , @felinisnoctis

Kiri sighed in her sleep, wrapping her wings tighter around Kona. There was a comfortable warmth against her back, someone’s arm wrapped around her, and a weight against her legs. A low hummed melody drifted into her ear. She recognized who it was as her soul resonated with his song. It was Ghilus, the Night Lord mer she bonded with; but what was he doing here at her nest?

“Ghilus? What are you doing here?” the harpy whispered, keeping her voice quiet so as to not wake her sleeping guglet. She tried to shift to get a better look at the mer behind her, but he tightened his grip.

A pleased, but quiet purr rumbled from his throat, “It’s me, Kiri. Go back to sleep. I’ll watch over you.”

Kiri frowned, feeling slightly concerned by the Night Lord’s presence, “You shouldn’t be here. Go back to the healing ward, you’ll get in trouble if they catch you here.”

“I’ll sneak back before they know it.” Ghilus replied stubbornly. He kissed the top of her crest, nuzzling his nose into her soft feathers, “Relax and go back to sleep, my harpy. You wouldn’t want to wake our daughter, would you?” he hummed.

Kiri was about to protest, but her eyelids felt so heavy and kept on drifting shut. His melody was so soothing, she couldn’t help but let herself be carried off by his lullaby-like song. Soon, she fell asleep, hearing Ghilus murmur, “Sleep, Kiri. I will take care of you.”

[gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan]

Oh I love this so much! Stormbreaker is gonna hate doing menial labor type work.

After Stormbreaker: Catching Shadows and Propositions

Of Fin and Feathers AU: Mara and Warsmith Formicas discuss what had happened since the whole incident with Stormbreaker.

Author’s Notes: If the opportunity presents itself, Warsmith Eciton Formicas figures he might as well take advantage of it. He is totally not trying to rizz up the gannet harpy elder.

Tagged: @shadowfirecat , @kit-williams , @bleedingichorhearts , @barn-anon , @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan

@sleepyfan-blog , @bispecsual , @c-u-c-koo-4-40k , @ms--lobotomy , @whorety-k

@gra93fruit-blog , @i-am-a-dragon34 , @felinisnoctis

She spotted a shadow creeping along the edges of the area sectioned off for the healing ward, slowly creeping towards the colony nests. Mara heaved a sigh, walked closer, and called out to the shadow, “Ghilus, what are you doing? This is the third time I found you out of your bed.”

The shadow didn’t move.

“Ghilus…” the harpy’s voice dropped to a stern warning tone, “I see you, so show yourself. Are you sneaking out to find Kiri again?”

A large dark hand roughly scruffed the young Night Lord and hauled him out of his hiding spot, “Get back to your bed unless you want to test if Osteron can lecture you back to full health.”

Mara turned to the large venomfin mer, “Thank you, Warsmith Formicas.”

Eciton Formicas let go of the younger merAstartes. Ghilus scowled at the warsmith and the elder harpy, unhappy with being found before he could reach Kiri’s nest. The warsmith glared back, looking expectant, “So? Are you going to return to your bed or do you want to test Osteron’s lecture theory”

A shudder ran through Ghilus. Ugh. As if he hadn’t heard enough lecturing. Rest and let your wounds heal this, stop moving about blah blah that, stop being so impatient, don’t creep around the colony and scare the other harpies… Between Osteron and Zariel, he’s already heard enough of their blathering to induce another headache.

Getting exasperated by the besotted mer’s antics, Mara shooed him along with her wings, “Kiri is scheduled to come around soon. It is better that you head back now.”

Under the elders’ watchful eyes, Ghilus sulkily slunk back to the healing ward.

“Are the others giving you any trouble?” The warsmith asked with a frown.

Mara chuckled, “They were fine, if a bit restless. Thankfully, other merAstartes are there to keep an eye on their brethren.”

“My men reported that some of them have found their bonded counterparts among your harpies?”

Her smile turned slightly sheepish, “I’m afraid we may be stealing a few more warriors from you. To my knowledge, Ghilus has bonded to Kiri and Kalium bonded to her daughter, Kona. And the World Eater, Addax, is bonded to Rhitta. Addax has mentioned that Rhitta’s presence calms his nails.”

“That is a problem. Have you tested how far they can be separated before Addax goes under the influence of the nails again?” The warsmith’s thick tail swished in thought.

“At best, 500m, depending on the day. Beyond that will be how Addax normally operates with the nails’ influence.”

Eciton’s next question came as a surprise, “Have you thought about settling here permanently?”

Mara went quiet for a moment before asking, “Is that a proposition, Warsmith?”

“Yes, if you are willing to consider it.” the warsmith confirmed.

“The waters in this territory are productive and your colony will be well-protected, Your colony also already patrols with my warriors, and the bonded merAstartes can stay with their bonded harpies in the colonies if they choose to, which I suspect they will.” he added.

Mara scratched her chin with a claw, “It certainly will make things more convenient considering our current situation... However, this is a big decision that will need to be discussed among my colony first.”

“On the second matter,” Eciton started.

Mara’s voice turned serious, “I suppose you want to discuss the Grey Knight?”

“Yes.” he replied, “As I understand, young Claude was kidnapped by the Grey Knight and Erriox rallied a number of warriors to rescue him. And now one of your harpies is intensely bonded to the Grey Knight.”

“Yes, the same one that is bonded to the Alpha Legion brothers, which complicates this matter.” the harpy elder frowned.

Eciton knew the Grey Knight would make for an extremely powerful ally, and would be useful when it came to territorial disputes with other mer warbands. However, the Grey Knight, whose mood however mercurial, likely would be too proud to let himself be turned into a pawn for such matters. One thing was for certain, the Grey Knight proclaimed that this gannet harpy colony was under his protection, because of his bonded harpy. In that case, it would make sense to fully align with the colony one way or another so he can at least keep the powerful mer under his thumb.

Eciton made sure to choose his next words carefully, knowing how much the harpies value honesty and being upfront, “I want to fully align my warband with your colony. With my warriors being bonded with your harpies as well as your close compatriots, as well as the Grey Knight being part of your colony now, I would be a fool not to. However, regardless of whether you wish to do the same, the Grey Knight cannot go without consequences for his actions. Whether chaos or not, those are still my warriors that he injured.”

Mara agreed, but she had one of her own to protect, “While I agree that he must be punished or at least make reparations for what he has done, what is it you wish to do with the Grey Knight? I cannot allow you to kill or maim him, as it will kill and injure Lana as well. She is one of mine and I will not allow her to be threatened because of Stormbreaker’s actions. She had no control over the situation.” She said sternly.

“Then consider him owing a labor debt to the Steelix warband to make amends for his actions.”

“For how long and to do what?” The harpy elder looked at him, suspicious of his intentions. Mara was under no illusions that the Stormbreaker is absurdly powerful and having an ally like him is a boon to any merAstartes warband. She also doubted that Stormbreaker would allow himself to play as a pawn for long, nor did she wish that fate for him. The thought of the Grey Knight, even though he hadn’t exactly endeared himself to her, being forever shackled to any warband made her feel uneasy. He is technically one of hers now, much like the Alpha Legion brothers.

“For the total amount of time it takes for each of my injured warriors to fully recover. And if Erriox wishes, the additional recovery time for his injured scoutlings. Give or take, the estimated total recovery time if the Primaris scoutlings are included would be 15 months. Stormbreaker is lucky that the healing potions from harpy and mers are so effective and that merAstartes heal quickly. As for the labor, it will be the normal patrols plus grunt work and any assistance that we require for psyker-type issues.”

Mara relaxed at his answer. That was reasonable enough, “I have a few conditions to add if I may.”

“Go ahead.”

“Stormbreaker must be allowed to return to the colony to spend time with Lana once every ten days. Since they share an intense bond, I worry about the effects on both of them if they are kept from the other for too long. And since Lana is recovering from the wounds caused by her initial rejection of the intense bond, Stormbreaker needs to be by her side for her to recover. So his labor debt will have to start after she is fully recovered. It is possible that Lana and her bonded Hydras may have their own conditions to add. This, along with our residency issue need to be discussed among my colony before any decisions could be made. Once decisions are made I ask that a written contract bound by both harpy and mer magic be signed so both parties would stay true to the agreement. Would a reply in two weeks suffice?” she added.

Eciton hummed, but agreed to her requests, seeing little fault in her logic. Besides, if Mara saw him as reasonably agreeable, the chances of her allying her colony with his warband would increase. The warsmith gave the harpy a wry grin, “You are shrewd, Lady Mara.”

Mara tilted her head coquettishly and returned a small smile, “I do have my colony to protect after all and Stormbreaker, like the Hydra brothers, is part of it.”

[kit-williams]

Totally not Rizzing up the shrewd old woman in the language of negotiations

After Stormbreaker: Catching Shadows and Propositions

Of Fin and Feathers AU: Mara and Warsmith Formicas discuss what had happened since the whole incident with Stormbreaker.

Author’s Notes: If the opportunity presents itself, Warsmith Eciton Formicas figures he might as well take advantage of it. He is totally not trying to rizz up the gannet harpy elder.

Tagged: @shadowfirecat , @kit-williams , @bleedingichorhearts , @barn-anon , @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan

@sleepyfan-blog , @bispecsual , @c-u-c-koo-4-40k , @ms--lobotomy , @whorety-k

@gra93fruit-blog , @i-am-a-dragon34 , @felinisnoctis

She spotted a shadow creeping along the edges of the area sectioned off for the healing ward, slowly creeping towards the colony nests. Mara heaved a sigh, walked closer, and called out to the shadow, “Ghilus, what are you doing? This is the third time I found you out of your bed.”

The shadow didn’t move.

“Ghilus…” the harpy’s voice dropped to a stern warning tone, “I see you, so show yourself. Are you sneaking out to find Kiri again?”

A large dark hand roughly scruffed the young Night Lord and hauled him out of his hiding spot, “Get back to your bed unless you want to test if Osteron can lecture you back to full health.”

Mara turned to the large venomfin mer, “Thank you, Warsmith Formicas.”

Eciton Formicas let go of the younger merAstartes. Ghilus scowled at the warsmith and the elder harpy, unhappy with being found before he could reach Kiri’s nest. The warsmith glared back, looking expectant, “So? Are you going to return to your bed or do you want to test Osteron’s lecture theory”

A shudder ran through Ghilus. Ugh. As if he hadn’t heard enough lecturing. Rest and let your wounds heal this, stop moving about blah blah that, stop being so impatient, don’t creep around the colony and scare the other harpies… Between Osteron and Zariel, he’s already heard enough of their blathering to induce another headache.

Getting exasperated by the besotted mer’s antics, Mara shooed him along with her wings, “Kiri is scheduled to come around soon. It is better that you head back now.”

Under the elders’ watchful eyes, Ghilus sulkily slunk back to the healing ward.

“Are the others giving you any trouble?” The warsmith asked with a frown.

Mara chuckled, “They were fine, if a bit restless. Thankfully, other merAstartes are there to keep an eye on their brethren.”

“My men reported that some of them have found their bonded counterparts among your harpies?”

Her smile turned slightly sheepish, “I’m afraid we may be stealing a few more warriors from you. To my knowledge, Ghilus has bonded to Kiri and Kalium bonded to her daughter, Kona. And the World Eater, Addax, is bonded to Rhitta. Addax has mentioned that Rhitta’s presence calms his nails.”

“That is a problem. Have you tested how far they can be separated before Addax goes under the influence of the nails again?” The warsmith’s thick tail swished in thought.

“At best, 500m, depending on the day. Beyond that will be how Addax normally operates with the nails’ influence.”

Eciton’s next question came as a surprise, “Have you thought about settling here permanently?”

Mara went quiet for a moment before asking, “Is that a proposition, Warsmith?”

“Yes, if you are willing to consider it.” the warsmith confirmed.

“The waters in this territory are productive and your colony will be well-protected, Your colony also already patrols with my warriors, and the bonded merAstartes can stay with their bonded harpies in the colonies if they choose to, which I suspect they will.” he added.

Mara scratched her chin with a claw, “It certainly will make things more convenient considering our current situation... However, this is a big decision that will need to be discussed among my colony first.”

“On the second matter,” Eciton started.

Mara’s voice turned serious, “I suppose you want to discuss the Grey Knight?”

“Yes.” he replied, “As I understand, young Claude was kidnapped by the Grey Knight and Erriox rallied a number of warriors to rescue him. And now one of your harpies is intensely bonded to the Grey Knight.”

“Yes, the same one that is bonded to the Alpha Legion brothers, which complicates this matter.” the harpy elder frowned.

Eciton knew the Grey Knight would make for an extremely powerful ally, and would be useful when it came to territorial disputes with other mer warbands. However, the Grey Knight, whose mood however mercurial, likely would be too proud to let himself be turned into a pawn for such matters. One thing was for certain, the Grey Knight proclaimed that this gannet harpy colony was under his protection, because of his bonded harpy. In that case, it would make sense to fully align with the colony one way or another so he can at least keep the powerful mer under his thumb.

Eciton made sure to choose his next words carefully, knowing how much the harpies value honesty and being upfront, “I want to fully align my warband with your colony. With my warriors being bonded with your harpies as well as your close compatriots, as well as the Grey Knight being part of your colony now, I would be a fool not to. However, regardless of whether you wish to do the same, the Grey Knight cannot go without consequences for his actions. Whether chaos or not, those are still my warriors that he injured.”

Mara agreed, but she had one of her own to protect, “While I agree that he must be punished or at least make reparations for what he has done, what is it you wish to do with the Grey Knight? I cannot allow you to kill or maim him, as it will kill and injure Lana as well. She is one of mine and I will not allow her to be threatened because of Stormbreaker’s actions. She had no control over the situation.” She said sternly.

“Then consider him owing a labor debt to the Steelix warband to make amends for his actions.”

“For how long and to do what?” The harpy elder looked at him, suspicious of his intentions. Mara was under no illusions that the Stormbreaker is absurdly powerful and having an ally like him is a boon to any merAstartes warband. She also doubted that Stormbreaker would allow himself to play as a pawn for long, nor did she wish that fate for him. The thought of the Grey Knight, even though he hadn’t exactly endeared himself to her, being forever shackled to any warband made her feel uneasy. He is technically one of hers now, much like the Alpha Legion brothers.

“For the total amount of time it takes for each of my injured warriors to fully recover. And if Erriox wishes, the additional recovery time for his injured scoutlings. Give or take, the estimated total recovery time if the Primaris scoutlings are included would be 15 months. Stormbreaker is lucky that the healing potions from harpy and mers are so effective and that merAstartes heal quickly. As for the labor, it will be the normal patrols plus grunt work and any assistance that we require for psyker-type issues.”

Mara relaxed at his answer. That was reasonable enough, “I have a few conditions to add if I may.”

“Go ahead.”

“Stormbreaker must be allowed to return to the colony to spend time with Lana once every ten days. Since they share an intense bond, I worry about the effects on both of them if they are kept from the other for too long. And since Lana is recovering from the wounds caused by her initial rejection of the intense bond, Stormbreaker needs to be by her side for her to recover. So his labor debt will have to start after she is fully recovered. It is possible that Lana and her bonded Hydras may have their own conditions to add. This, along with our residency issue need to be discussed among my colony before any decisions could be made. Once decisions are made I ask that a written contract bound by both harpy and mer magic be signed so both parties would stay true to the agreement. Would a reply in two weeks suffice?” she added.

Eciton hummed, but agreed to her requests, seeing little fault in her logic. Besides, if Mara saw him as reasonably agreeable, the chances of her allying her colony with his warband would increase. The warsmith gave the harpy a wry grin, “You are shrewd, Lady Mara.”

Mara tilted her head coquettishly and returned a small smile, “I do have my colony to protect after all and Stormbreaker, like the Hydra brothers, is part of it.”

[gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan]

This is cute, and concerning.

Sneaking Into The Nest

A short drabble. Ghilus sneaks his way to find Kiri at night.

Author's note: Ghilus is so normal about his bonded harpy. LOL

Tagged: @shadowfirecat , @kit-williams , @bleedingichorhearts , @barn-anon , @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan

@sleepyfan-blog , @bispecsual , @c-u-c-koo-4-40k , @ms--lobotomy , @whorety-k

@gra93fruit-blog , @i-am-a-dragon34 , @felinisnoctis

Kiri sighed in her sleep, wrapping her wings tighter around Kona. There was a comfortable warmth against her back, someone’s arm wrapped around her, and a weight against her legs. A low hummed melody drifted into her ear. She recognized who it was as her soul resonated with his song. It was Ghilus, the Night Lord mer she bonded with; but what was he doing here at her nest?

“Ghilus? What are you doing here?” the harpy whispered, keeping her voice quiet so as to not wake her sleeping guglet. She tried to shift to get a better look at the mer behind her, but he tightened his grip.

A pleased, but quiet purr rumbled from his throat, “It’s me, Kiri. Go back to sleep. I’ll watch over you.”

Kiri frowned, feeling slightly concerned by the Night Lord’s presence, “You shouldn’t be here. Go back to the healing ward, you’ll get in trouble if they catch you here.”

“I’ll sneak back before they know it.” Ghilus replied stubbornly. He kissed the top of her crest, nuzzling his nose into her soft feathers, “Relax and go back to sleep, my harpy. You wouldn’t want to wake our daughter, would you?” he hummed.

Kiri was about to protest, but her eyelids felt so heavy and kept on drifting shut. His melody was so soothing, she couldn’t help but let herself be carried off by his lullaby-like song. Soon, she fell asleep, hearing Ghilus murmur, “Sleep, Kiri. I will take care of you.”

[gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan]

This is so good! And we see the Night Lord Gremlin Tendencies and Possessiveness come out. ><. Oh boy- the Consequences of Stormbreaker stealing Claude- an unintended outcome, more Bonds are formed.

After Stormbreaker: One Good Thing

A Night Lord mer, Ghilus, after being injured in the fight with the Grey Knight, finally finds his bonded among the harpy caretakers.

Author’s Note: Ghilus is totally normal. I promise.

Tagged: @shadowfirecat , @kit-williams , @bleedingichorhearts , @barn-anon , @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan

@sleepyfan-blog , @bispecsual , @c-u-c-koo-4-40k , @ms--lobotomy , @whorety-k

@gra93fruit-blog , @i-am-a-dragon34 , @felinisnoctis

Kiri entered the section where her next patient was with some trepidation. She’s heard rumors of Night Lord mers from others in the colony. Generally residents of the deep sea, they exist in small shoals known as “claws”. They were rarely seen unless in two situations: you were the prey they’re hunting and the sight of them was the last thing you saw, or during their biannual equinox song when the Night Lord shoals gather on their rocks to sing. The colony had lost a few members to Night Lord mers before and Kiri’s heard one of the gannet harpies mention they had spotted the feathered pelt of their brethren decorating the armor of a Night Lord merAstartes once.

Ghilus was this one’s name. He was brought in heavily injured, physically and according to one of the gannet seers, psychically as well. Apparently he has fought against the Grey Knight’s psychic attacks, and such use of the mers own magic unfortunately could cause physical harm to themselves as well. While healing potions supported the physical healing of these injuries, they couldn’t do much for the psychic whiplash psyker mers received. The apothecaries advised letting the mers’ own healing abilities do that on their own.

Her feathers started to raise in alarm when she found the bed empty with no mer to be seen.

“Ghilus?” She called cautiously, putting down her basket of healing supplies. Kiri shuddered at the thought of a Night Lord swimming loose among the colony. Perhaps it is a better idea to let Zariel or Osteron know. She was about to leave when someone snatched her up from behind. A large hand clamped over her mouth before she could scream. Feathers flew as Kiri panicked and thrashed about, trying to escape her captor.

There was a low growl, “Stop struggling, woman! I’m not here to hurt you!”

She froze in surprise and concern, his presence and voice pulled at her soul, the core of her magic. This must be what a bond felt like, judging from what Lana had described. The voice then started to hum, the sound rumbling through her bones. Instinctively, she started to relax in his hold.

“I… Ghilus… Please…” She wasn’t sure what she was trying to say, words were all but a mouthful jumbled on her tongue. Kiri wanted him to stop humming yet his song was so… so… enticing, comforting, hypnotic , lulling. She could feel him starting to curl around her. Her instincts were screaming that this was a predator, she must fight back, must escape, must defend her child! Yet, his song’s melody and subvocal chords echoed in her soul, tempting her to sing with him.

“I found you, finally.” Ghilus purred and buried his nose into her crown, “You could feel the draw too, couldn’t you?”

Kiri, scared of what would happen, wasn’t sure how to answer. Her stiff silence gave away her doubt.

He added, insistent, “I could hear our souls resonating the same song. See it even. Surely you could feel it.”

“I… do.” She agreed reluctantly, unsure if she should encourage the Night Lord mer to continue.

“Good. Clearly, you’re my bonded.” he mumbled, content to nuzzle into her neck. She could feel his lips pull back into a smile against her skin. Alarm bells started ringing in her head at the scent of blood in the air. Her neck and back feathers start to mat against her skin. Kiri knew it wasn’t her own blood.

“Ghilus?” She started to struggle, trying to open her wings to break his grasp, “Ghilus! Ghilus! You need to let go!” Worry coloring her voice.

“No.” He grumbled, only tightening his hold

Kiri insistently pushed against his corded arms, “Ghilus! Please! You’re bleeding, let me take care of it.”

It took twenty seconds more, but the Night Lord mer eventually relented. Her feathers moved as he huffed petulantly, “Fine.”

Kiri smiled slightly at his response. He was so childishly clingy, she couldn’t help but be reminded of Kona. Her smile soon turned into a frown. That also brought on another problem, now that he’s her bonded, could she could trust Ghilus not to hurt her daughter or attempt to get rid of her to compete for her attention? He was still incredibly dangerous and she did not know him at all. Kiri put that uneasy thought in the back of her mind to think about later, redressing his wounds came first. She’ll have to deal with one thing at a time.

His grip loosened enough that Kiri was able to turn around and take a step back to better assess his injuries. The bioluminescent lights that dotted along his lateral line and his body blinked like a trail of stars. She thought him beautiful if he and his brethren weren’t so frightening, but she understood the truth behind the warnings about getting hypnotized by their lights as the last thing you experience. However, Kiri also noticed the wounds on his chest and stomach reopened from whatever physical exertion he put his body through. She looked at him in dismay, “Your nose is bleeding and you’ve opened those wounds again! What were you doing?”

“Looking for you.” He stated matter-of-factly, staring at her with his big dark eyes.

Kiri sighed, then used her wings to herd and sweep the clingy Night Lord mer towards the bed. Just like herding an unwilling Kona to bed at night… “Get back on the bed so I can take care of you, please.”

A quiet purr tickled the feathers by her ear holes after she said that.

Ghilus allowed Kiri to herd him to his bed. He stared as she wet a clean cloth and gently cleaned the blood from his nose. The intensity of his gaze made her shiver; but there was another emotion, a touch of something else she couldn’t quite put a claw on. She brushed the pieces of his dark hair away from his eyes, softly chiding him, “The apothecaries said you overtaxed your psyker abilities. You should’ve given it a rest.”

His lights blinked lazily as the pleased Night Lord mer chuckled and nuzzled into her claws, “It was worth it, I found you. I have you taking care of me now.”

Kiri breathed a sigh of exasperation, but a small smile crawled onto her face, “I guess.”

Ghilus memorized the sight of his bonded harpy’s bemused smile, pleased that the stink of fear finally dissipated from her. Normally, he would savor the stench of fear in his prey’s last moments. But the moment he grabbed her, the panic, the spike of fear: he nearly recoiled from the scent. He didn’t expect to react so viscerally, nearly wanting to wretch when that was added to the psychic-induced headache he was suffering from. That must be due to the bond’s effects he figured, but the soothing calm that came after, once his harpy calmed down, was worth the pain. He found his bonded. His to keep and no one else’s.

Ghilus relaxed as his bond strummed with a gentle steady pulse, a balm to his psychic-induced headache, calmly watching Kiri fuss over him. He didn’t know why she had been so worried. The aches and pains, and the nosebleeds were normal symptoms after using his psyker abilities that he had long gotten used to. But, there was something in the way that she worried and cared for him in their short time together, cemented the fact that they were meant to be, in his mind.

When Kiri started to clean and redress the wounds on his chest and stomach, Ghilus snaked his hand around her waist, his hand running over the warm skin underneath her feathers, locking her in place beside him; grinning, when she startled at the sensation. She was so gentle and tender in her care. And so warm. His purrs grew louder when her claw or feathers brushed over the ports on his body. Ghilus didn’t even remember the last time he had received such tender treatment from someone and not even needing to fight other members of his Claw for them.

“You don’t have to hang onto me. I’m not going to disappear.” she jokingly commented.

His dark red tail loosely wrapped around her leg as he replied, “You are my bonded. The one good thing that I get to have. Why wouldn’t I want to hold onto you?”

Kiri flushed at his words, her feathers puffing slightly from embarrassment. It had been a long time since she had been shown such intimacy since her mate had been lost to the sea years ago. It was strange, yet she couldn’t say it was entirely unwelcome. Another part of her also realized how lonely and touch-starved Ghilus must have been.

“You are clingier than my child.” Kiri quickly shut her mouth after she blurted out the off-handed comment.

Ghilus frowned at her sudden nervous reaction, “Why are you frightened?”

Kiri tried to back out of his embrace only to find the Night Lord mer had tightened his hold. It was better to talk about this now rather than later perhaps, “You won’t hurt my child, would you?” she asked, her voice tense with worry.

Ghilus huffed, looking insulted, “Is that what you’re afraid of?”

“Yes.” Kona was her life, her baby, the only remnant left of her lost mate. If Ghilus ever went after her hatchling, she would defend her with her life.

He could hear the unease and resolution in her reply and scoffed, “I won’t hurt your child. I have standards unlike some of my brethren. Besides, her bonded won’t let any harm come to her.”

“You mean Kalium?”

“Yes.”

Ghilus was willing to care and provide for Kiri and her daughter since her daughter means so much to her, if it meant keeping Kiri by his side. And as much as he didn’t care for Kiri catching the Iron Warrior’s scent due to his proximity to her daughter, it did make it easier that the Iron warrior was there to also protect them as well.

Kiri relaxed when she heard Ghilus’ answer, but was surprised that Kalium was Kona’s bonded mer. It did explain Kalium’s behavior and Kona’s attachment to him, however. Perhaps in time, she could trust Ghilus fully, once she gets to know him better.

“I see.” she replied and smiled at him, “Thank you. Your answer reassures me.”

“Of course.” He hummed, pleased with her answer.

He continued to purr contently as Kiri redressed his wounds, nearly falling asleep under her ministrations.

All too soon, he felt her gentle patting on his cheek, letting him know that she was done. She passed him a healing potion and some Astartes nutrient bars which he consumed.

“I have to go, but please rest to let your wounds heal properly.” Kiri said.

Immediately, he pulled her into his lap unwilling to let her go, “You’re not leaving.” He mumbled into her feathers.

“Ghilus, I have to. I have other patients to tend to. I will come visit you tomorrow.” she chided him.

He growled, “I’m your bonded. You should stay here with me.”

“Ghilus, release me.” This time her voice was louder, more stern.

The mer pretended not to hear her. Kiri started to fume, her feathers puffed in agitation as she tried to open her wings to break free from his hold, “Ghilus, I know you can hear me! This is not funny!”

“Ghilus, release the harpy and let her do her job.” Osteron’s commanding voice rang out, “Or else it will be Zariel or I to treat you tomorrow in her stead.

Kiri breathed a sigh of relief, feeling thankful for Osteron’s passing interference.

“Fine.” The Night Lord mer grumbled and muttered under his breath about the injustice of it all, but nonetheless acquiesced to Osteron’s command. Before he let Kiri leave though, Ghilus nuzzled and rubbed his face into Kiri’s neck and chest, instinctively trying to impart his own scent onto her feathers.

Kiri shuddered as his teeth brushed her skin and tried to push his face away, “What are you doing?”

He nipped her clawtips in warning. The harpy hissed and pulled her claw back.

“Letting others know that you’re mine since I won’t always be there with you.” The Night Lord growled possessively while he continued to nip and lick her throat.

Kiri whimpered as she started to feel flushed from his touch, “That’s enough. Please stop.”

She yelped when Ghilus bit down hard onto the base of her neck, growling lowly, “I’m your bonded. I will protect you and your child better than any harpy can. All other mers will know you are under my protection, just stay still let me do this.”

Kiri did as he asked, letting the Night Lord continue to scent her to his hearts’ content.

Finally satisfied with his handiwork, Ghilus released her from his grip, giving her cheek one final nuzzle, “I will wait for you.” he said.

He purred when Kiri nuzzled him back and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, “I will visit you tomorrow.”

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

Both mother and daughter were sleeping soundly in their nest when Ghilus found them again. Kona opened her eyes and curiously watched as the bioluminescent lights twinkled like stars on his body. She was about to wake her mom to the strange mer’s presence when he placed a finger on his lips with a grin, then patted her head to tuck her back under her mother’s wing. Kona didn’t resist and soon fell back asleep, listening to the low humming melody coming from the mer as he curled around them.

[c-u-c-koo-4-40k]

Also like...he clearly does this Multiple times.

Yes truly so Normal. Avoiding an argument with your bonded using your hypnotic sleep inducing voice so you can have more snuggle time before Osteron or Kalium barges in a drags you out by your head fins.

Ghilus is so down bad horrendous, it's hilarious.

Sneaking Into The Nest

A short drabble. Ghilus sneaks his way to find Kiri at night.

Author's note: Ghilus is so normal about his bonded harpy. LOL

Tagged: @shadowfirecat , @kit-williams , @bleedingichorhearts , @barn-anon , @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan

@sleepyfan-blog , @bispecsual , @c-u-c-koo-4-40k , @ms--lobotomy , @whorety-k

@gra93fruit-blog , @i-am-a-dragon34 , @felinisnoctis

Kiri sighed in her sleep, wrapping her wings tighter around Kona. There was a comfortable warmth against her back, someone’s arm wrapped around her, and a weight against her legs. A low hummed melody drifted into her ear. She recognized who it was as her soul resonated with his song. It was Ghilus, the Night Lord mer she bonded with; but what was he doing here at her nest?

“Ghilus? What are you doing here?” the harpy whispered, keeping her voice quiet so as to not wake her sleeping guglet. She tried to shift to get a better look at the mer behind her, but he tightened his grip.

A pleased, but quiet purr rumbled from his throat, “It’s me, Kiri. Go back to sleep. I’ll watch over you.”

Kiri frowned, feeling slightly concerned by the Night Lord’s presence, “You shouldn’t be here. Go back to the healing ward, you’ll get in trouble if they catch you here.”

“I’ll sneak back before they know it.” Ghilus replied stubbornly. He kissed the top of her crest, nuzzling his nose into her soft feathers, “Relax and go back to sleep, my harpy. You wouldn’t want to wake our daughter, would you?” he hummed.

Kiri was about to protest, but her eyelids felt so heavy and kept on drifting shut. His melody was so soothing, she couldn’t help but let herself be carried off by his lullaby-like song. Soon, she fell asleep, hearing Ghilus murmur, “Sleep, Kiri. I will take care of you.”