#oc: tavis
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my main party and durge reveal <3<3 i call them the shenanigang
#baldurs gate 3#bg3#karlach#astarion#wyll#durge#oc: noon#i love them<3<3#(durge goes by tavis until mid-/late act 2 until finding out / reinventing ''noon'')#this was before an Event btw i just semi drastically changed tavis' looks just last night lol. might elaborate later or no ehbrerbg :D:)#anyway shes still .so fuckin cute like. babyy ur my angle and my devil........
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Princess - Garrick Tavis ☀️
Synopsis: Sometimes, nicknames can be a little too accurate.
A/N: FINALLY something for our man Garrick. This ties into my little OC universe, so give this a read first. I adore Garrick and Cosette’s dynamic, so I’ll definitely write some more for them soon. Happy reading!
Includes: Secrets, Garrick being cheeky, hurt-comfort. Takes place before Fourth Wing.
It, you decided, was much too bright in the sparring gym. The light beats against your eyes in a way that feels entirely too suffocating, starting from the back of your neck into the expanse of your scalp.
You’re concussed, most likely. You’d taken quite the beating on the mat, although you’d won in the end by virtue of threatening to — and almost actually — slitting another cadet’s throat. It was worth it in the end, but the pounding in the back of your brain made you really start to question if you should have just yielded for the sake of saving yourself.
You slump further into the corner of the gym, where the light just barely reached into the little crevice you’ve inserted yourself into. You felt dizzy and unfocused before, just barely managing to drag your way behind the other cadets to give yourself a moment to rest.
Stupid, you scold yourself. You look like a weak fool.
It’s hard to watch the rest of the matches when you can barely look up without feeling nauseous. It’s loud, too; the whoops and cries of your classmates combined with the thuds and grunts of people hitting the ground was making you feel worse. You almost wish your father had dumped you with the Scribes instead. It would be boring, sure, but at least it would have been quiet.
You’re just about to drag yourself out of the gym to try and soothe your mind when the aching light is obstructed from your view, dimming the space around you just enough so that the pain isn’t searing. What the hell?
You squint. That’s most definitely a person standing with their back to you; their definition is broad and tall, but it’s a little hard to tell who’s saving you from a wicked migraine until something else catches your eye:
Cloudy, ink-like swirls stretching up an arm. Marked. From their sheer size, to the fact that they’re doing this act of kindness for you at all…
Ah. Your savior of the hour is Garrick Tavis.
You’re not sure how this little…arrangement of yours came about. Garrick, by all means, should probably hate you for a multitude of reasons. You thought he was going to kill you the first (and only) time you actually managed to pin him during a match. Instead, though, he’d just lazily grinned up at you, his (admittedly gorgeous) hazel eyes sparkling mischievously.
“Damn,” he’d said in a low voice. “Who knew a princess could have some bite to her?”
You weren’t even sure if he actually knew your secret. The man was smart, sure, but you thought you were smarter. If he knew who you actually were, he didn’t indicate it. The nickname, the one that pissed you off to new extremes, the one he’d defaulted to using every time he had to interact with you, just felt way too intentional.
Maybe you were just paranoid.
Glancing back up at him, you smile weakly. “Playing my saving grace again, Tavis?” you tease, wincing as you rest your head against the wall.
He half-turns, keeping you in his peripherals. “No offense, Camden, but you look like you’re about to keel over. You went down pretty hard earlier, no?”
You sigh. You supposed you probably did look like shit. You certainly felt like it. “Fair. You, uh…don’t have to do that, you know. I was about to head over to the infirmary, anyway.”
He scoffs. “Not a chance, Princess. They’re not letting us out of here for another hour, tops. No exceptions.”
Your temper flares a little. You start to rise before another bout of dizziness hits you, sending you directly back on to the ground. “How many times have I told you not to call me that?”
Garrick turns fully, crouching in front of you and searching your eyes to see if you were actually about to faint. Luckily for you, though, he’s tall enough that him crouching is still enough to block out most of the irritating light of the gym.
“A lot.” He smiles slyly. “But it suits you. You’re no damsel in distress, but if you weren’t here, you’d probably be up in some manor waiting for diplomat studies. You’re pretty enough for it, at least.”
Oh, the irony. You wish you were still in diplomatic studies.
“Well, still,” you say with a scowl. “Don’t fucking call me that.”
“Of course.”
A beat. His eyes sparkle.
“My Queen.”
Shit. You almost choke.
“How embarrassing,” you hear your dragon muse in the back of your mind. “Say something, Ríoga. The Wind-Wielder will capitalize on any moment he catches you off-guard, you know.”
You try to slow your racing heart (whether it’s from being flustered or panicked, you can’t tell) and just raise an eyebrow, although your fingers twitch. “That has to be some form of Navarrian blasphemy.”
Garrick’s head tilts back as he laughs. “Blasphemy?” he echoes. “Hardly. If anything, it’s a prophecy.”
He leans a little closer, leaving the two of you knee-to-knee. His tone lowers. “I’m serious, Camden. You’re fucking stunning, even when you’re sort of out of it. You hate being called a princess, but it really does suit you.”
You hate that. You despise it. You’ve gone your whole life being reminded time and time again that, even if you did have that Tauri blood running through your veins, you’d never be royal. Bastards, no matter how great, no matter the good they did, no matter the legends they conceived, could never be truly royal. Not in ways that mattered.
Coming from Garrick, though…
Huh. The title felt different. Perhaps because he didn’t spit it the way other, more aware people did. He never taunted you with it, never sneered it, never looked down on you. You weren’t considered a real princess, but you could be a princess to him.
Your lips twitch. “Please. I’ll believe it when I see it.”
His expression falls into one of incredulity. “You’re kidding. Look in a damn mirror.”
He looks as if he’s about to go on a whole rant before he’s cut off by a sharp, “Tavis! Get your ass back on the mat!”
The both of you falter for a second before you grin. “I guess that’s your cue.”
You think you catch Garrick looking slightly…disappointed before he schools his face into a teasing mask.
“Guess so,” he says before leaning a little closer. His lips brush against your temple, making your heart pound exponentially faster.
“See you around, Princess.”
#the empyrean#fourth wing#iron flame#onyx storm#fourth wing imagines#garrick tavis#garrick tavis x reader#garrick tavis x oc#garrick x reader#garrick tavis imagine#garrick tavis blurb#fourth wing fanfic#fourth wing x reader#fourth wing oc#garrick fourth wing
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behind (un)locked doors ;
bodhi durran x tavis!reader
garrick discovers that his younger sister has been in a secret relationship with bodhi and takes his duties as a protective older brother very seriously. ✧ : slight nsfw near the beginning but I don't write smut as of rn so it's super surface level and like 3 sentences lmao
The first rule of being in a secret relationship should probably be to make sure you always lock the door behind you. Usually, this would be your priority - double checking that no one was around to watch you slip into a secret alcove, only passing stolen kisses in the quiet of an empty classroom, and locking the damned door. Only, today Bodhi looked so ridiculously beautiful as he trained his squad that your priority was elsewhere; you desperately needed to get your lips on him, and he needed to get his hands on you - beelining your way to the solitude of his room was the only thing on either of your minds.
The only issue that both of you neglected to consider was that for marked ones, an unlocked door guaranteed uninvited visitors.
An unlocked door wouldn't have been a problem if your older brother, Garrick, hadn't been looking for you to let you know that he had some spare time to give you extra training. It wouldn't have caused any issues if he hadn't run into Emery in the hallway, who told your brother that he saw you and Bodhi head into the second year's room only moments before. It wouldn't have resulted in the situation you're currently in if the two of you hadn't had such an incredibly platonic relationship over the years, that it didn't even cross the older Tavis' mind to knock, because there was no way the two of you were up to anything that he couldn't just barge into.
The problem was that all of the above did happen, and you and your boyfriend now have to pay for the consequences of your own actions.
Within moments of returning to Bodhi's room, his shirt was discarded onto the floor and you found yourself in his lap as the two of you got comfortable atop his bed. His back leans against his headboard and your mouths are locked together in a passionate kiss, as if starved for one another. Your fingers are lost in his hair, gripping his soft curls as if it will keep you from floating away from pure bliss. His hands are gripping at your ass, fingers kneading at the soft skin, indicative of pure desire.
If humanly possible, you're drawing yourself even further into his embrace when the sound of the door clicking open surprises both you and your boyfriend, instantly causing you to pull apart. You roll off of him to lie on the vacant side of the bed and bury your face in the pillow as if hiding your face will make you unrecognizable to the unwanted guest, and Bodhi makes a show of being very interested in the ceiling.
"Hey, I've got like an hour free-" the all-too-familiar voice sounds as it enters the room, but quickly goes silent. You don't even have to look back at the man standing in the doorway to know what expression he wears: jaw ticking in annoyance after having snapped shut, mouth set in an unamused line, and broad arms crossed over his chest to make himself look larger and more intimidating than he already does.
You peel your face away from the pillow hesitantly to get a look at your brother, and sure enough, you've got it down to a tee. His eyes bore into you, fury apparent on his face as he takes in the sight before him.
"Explain. Now," he growls out, finally properly entering the room and shutting the door behind him. And locking it. As you very clearly should have done.
Bodhi squeezes his eyes shut for a few seconds before reopening them and finally looking at the angry man before him, dread apparent on his face. "We were just… studying."
Garrick's expression is unwavering as his eyes move from Bodhi's swollen lips down to his bare chest, and to both of your packs laying next to his own feet, very clearly shut and untouched with all of your books inside. "Try again."
You and Bodhi glance at each other, a moment of terrified eye contact before you grimace, hoping that he won't take his anger out too severely on either of you. "So… my dear big brother who I love very much…"
The man walks closer to the edge of the bed and if even possible, levers a more terrifying gaze on both of you. "Cut the crap. Is this a hookup or is this an ongoing thing that the two of you have neglected to mention to me?"
Bodhi scratches the back of his head, clearly puzzled as to which answer will result in a lesser punishment for both of you. On one hand, claiming it's a hookup would mean you could pretend nothing has happened before today, but it would end in Garrick beating the shit out of Bodhi for trying to sleep with his little sister. On the other hand, telling him the truth might mean your brother would hopefully see that you two are serious about each other, but would cause him to get angry about not being kept in the loop… and probably still end with Garrick beating the shit out of Bodhi.
You loose a sigh and wince, knowing you'll have to face the man's wrath regardless of your response. "The second one."
Garrick stands still for a moment, his expression unreadable as his gaze darts between the two of you. For a moment there's a tense silence as both you and your boyfriend wait to see his reaction.
"Does anyone else know? Does Xaden?"
You shake your head. "No."
"And how long has this," he gestures between the two of you, and you feel yourself turn a deep shade of red, "been going on?"
"Three months." Bodhi answers, speaking with extreme caution as if any word will cause your brother to pounce on him at any given second. Both of you are walking on eggshells, waiting for the mass destruction you know is coming.
The older boy tenses, raising an eyebrow at you. "Three whole fucking months? And when exactly were you planning on mentioning this to me?"
You scratch your head, thinking of the best answer to give him. You and Bodhi had discussed when would be the best time to mention your relationship to Garrick and Xaden, but you were both scared that it would change everything. With Bodhi being one of Garrick's best friends, and the four of you essentially being as close as family growing up, you were worried that if anything went south it would tear your group apart. So, you decided to keep it a secret until you were sure that you were committed to making the relationship work.
"Soon, we swear," Bodhi starts, unsure of how to best relay your plans to your brother, given that they weren't exactly concrete, "We just… wanted to be sure that this was going to work before making it public."
"And so even after three whole months, you still weren't sure enough to tell your own brother?" Garrick retorts, voice so levelled it sends a shiver down your spine, "Don't you think that might have been indication enough?"
Before you can stop them, the words are exiting your lips faster than you can force them back in. "Well, most people usually wait until after three months to announce pregnancies. I'd say three months is pretty standard to announce big relationship news."
The regret instantly floods your whole system as soon as you finish your sentence, and Garrick responds immediately, moving to your side of the bed, ready to swipe at you for your snark. You jump over Bodhi with a yelp, and he follows you, the two of you now standing with the bed in between you and the third-year. Your boyfriend stands slightly in front of you, ready to protect you from any hits Garrick might toss your way; while you know your brother won't hurt you too bad, you've definitely roughhoused in the past and know that despite his overprotectiveness, he isn't afraid of leaving you with a couple of bruises after a fight.
"Forget she said that," Bodhi tries to recover on your behalf, shooting you a mildly annoyed look from over his shoulder, "But we are sure about the two of us. Just… you wouldn't have wanted us to casually tell you over breakfast would you? We were just waiting for the right moment."
Garrick cracks his knuckles as he stares down the man in front of him. "You think that's going to change my opinion of this all? You're one of my best friends and I trusted you to keep an eye out for my little sister. She's the only damned person I care about keeping safe in this hellhole, and despite all the trust I had in you, you went and started sleeping with her behind my back?" Your brother points an accusatory finger at Bodhi, before moving it in your direction, "And you… do you want to even talk about how shitty it is to find out like this that my only family left has been keeping a secret this major from me?"
Both you and Bodhi are stunned to silence, and you feel your heart breaking in your chest despite the fear you felt only minutes ago. You knew that it was wrong of you both to keep this from him for so long, but you were so consumed by your own fear of ruining the group dynamics and the excitement of being in a secret relationship that you barely considered how finding out that you've been keeping this a secret would impact your brother.
"Gare, I'm so sorry," you whisper, your eyes sincerely apologetic as you lock eyes with your brother whose rage-filled expression now holds traces of betrayal.
"I'm sorry for keeping this a secret, but I'm not sorry that any of this happened," Bodhi speaks up boldly, causing Garrick to snap his gaze over to the boy and narrow his eyes, confused yet still angry, "I have been keeping an eye out for your sister, and us being in a relationship hasn't changed that. If anything, it's just made me even more protective over her. If you think I'm going to let anyone hurt her when I'm around, you're out of your damn mind."
The tension between them reminds you that despite the fact that you're Garrick's sibling, Bodhi is one of his best friends - he has a long-standing relationship with your brother that makes him unafraid to challenge him when others would cower in fear. Garrick moves around the bed obviously to give Bodhi a piece of his mind, but you step between the two men, placing a firm hand on Garrick's chest to stop him from advancing.
"Hear him out for a second," you beg, your voice barely above a whisper, "Please."
The third-year levels a look on you for a second, before crossing his arms once again over his chest, eyes boring into his friend, letting him know that he's allowing him to continue speaking, though he's not happy about it.
"I love your sister, and I am so damn serious about this relationship. I don't give a flying fuck if you approve of us or not, but I will never betray the trust that you put in me to keep her safe. If it's the last thing I do, I will make sure that anyone that threatens her safety will pay."
You can't hide the shocked look on your face - you and Bodhi had only been dating for three months, so you had never said that you loved each other, but you know without a doubt that you feel the same way about him despite the words going unspoken until now.
Garrick stares at the boy for a moment, deep in thought. It's as if you can physically see the gears turning in his head as he decides how to proceed. He finally lets out a sigh, and then his gaze turns to you.
"Do you love him?"
Without hesitation, you drop your arm from where you were holding your brother back, and nod. "Yes. I do."
"And he… treats you well?" the older boy asks, gaze skeptically jumping to his friend, seeing as he's the person that knows the most about the kinds of antics your boyfriend gets up to.
"Extremely well." You nod once again, a smile gracing your lips as you look back at Bodhi for a second. "Besides, wouldn't you rather me date your best friend than another guy in the quadrant? Imagine how much different this situation would be if you had walked in on me with Aetos instead."
Garrick and Bodhi both look appalled for a moment, causing you to laugh slightly, easing some of the tension in the room. A slight smile lights up Garrick's lips, before they fall back into a straight line.
"Durran, if you ever break her heart I will break your jaw, get Nolon to mend it, and then break it again before you can recover. Got it?" he threatens, icy gaze trained back on Bodhi.
The boy nods, a smile now on his face, relief taking over both of you as the situation you had dreaded for so long has finally been dealt with. "Got it, Tavis."
Garrick stands for a moment again, surveying both of you for a minute before slowly nodding and heading for the door. He unlocks it and moves to step through the doorframe, before looking back at you for a moment again. "Just to be clear, I never want to see PDA from either of you. Keep it behind locked doors from now on."
He walks out of the room, shutting the door behind him. You and Bodhi both breathe a sigh of relief, both of you mentally exhausted from the altercation. With an exhale, you flop down on the bed, your body going limp now that the air in the room no longer feels so heavy. Your boyfriend softly smiles at the sight, before a deeper cheeky smile lights up his face. He moves across the room to where your brother stood only seconds before, and presses the lock with a light 'click.'
Your head snaps up to see him approaching you, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes as he leans over you.
"Now that that's out of the way, how about picking up where we left off?"
bonus:
At dinner the next day, you sit chatting with Imogen and Liam, advising the first-year boy on how to stay as far away from burnout as possible when dealing with Professor Carr's training. Liam lets out an exhausted sigh as he defeatedly takes a bite of the bread on his plate, and you and Imogen chuckle, knowing what he's had to endure.
Your eyes flicker up as a flurry of movement approaches your table, and your smile falls when you see your boyfriend limp over to you as he sits down, his lip busted open and caked with blood.
"What the hell happened to you?" Imogen questions, and Bodhi doesn't respond, eyes only moving to the two larger forms that come and join your group. Garrick and Xaden have matching mischievous smiles on both of their faces.
Your brother takes a bite of an apple as he sits down, his expression full of pure joy despite the bruises forming along his own jaw as he gives you a content smile. "Bodhi just needed a little ass kicking today. No biggie."
You roll your eyes, shooting the third-year an annoyed look, to which he only beams in response. "Was that really necessary?"
"Not really," he laughs, taking another bite of his food and leaning back in his seat, "But you bet I enjoyed it."
#bodhi durran x reader#bodhi durran x you#bodhi durran x oc#bodhi durran#garrick tavis#fourth wing x reader#fourth wing#iron flame x reader#iron flame#onyx storm x reader#onyx storm#togeppys
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Favorite
Summary: Xaden never knew he had a favorite.
A/N: FW spoilers, Angst/Fluff
Word Count: 2.5k
Just for fun, because it came to me. Enjoy!
He never realized how much he looked forward to your presence on the day to day. The quick small smile that you would give him in the morning. The way your laugh seemed to reverberate through the halls warming him from the inside out. So many little things and moments that he had taken for granted, hell he hadn’t even noticed them before.
Not until the morning that you didn’t show up for breakfast. He didn’t even realize he was searching for you until Garrick elbowed him in the side.
“Why the hell do you keep looking at the doors like they’ve personally offended you?” Garrick teases earning a glare from Xaden.
“I’m not. Just looking around.” He mumbles back turning his head away from the doors to the dining hall.
‘Lying this early in the morning is a new one, even for you.’ Sgaeyl can’t help but slither into the conversation earning nothing but an irritated huff from her bonded rider.
Later that day he just couldn’t shake the dread that had settled into him since he hadn’t seen you in any of your classes or battle brief. As your Wingleader, he knew that if something was wrong someone would’ve told him. He always received notes regarding any cadets that were sick or indisposed in his wing. Unfortunately, no note of any kind had been sent his way.
It went on like that for three long days. Mornings with no smile, classes with no laugh, and evenings of scanning the hall for your eyes.
On the slow trudge back to the dormitories, a movement in the corner of the rotunda caught his eye. Looking over he saw a figure, bloodied from head to toe, eyes almost swollen shut. For a moment he didn’t give it much thought, until he saw the glint of gold around your neck. In that moment, his heart rate spiked as recognition ran through him. You were the only rider that wore a necklace like that, and then he realized there was no mistaking that hair.
Without registering what his feet were doing, he found himself moving towards you at a speed that surprised even himself. In a few quick strides he was standing in front of you as you went to limp a few additional steps forward.
“What happened?” He breathed, unsure of if he should touch you or not.
You shook your head back at Xaden, your already swollen eyes beginning to water with the obvious pain radiating from every inch of your body.
“Can I take you to the healers?” He rushes out, feeling helpless watching you suffering.
You give him a slight nod and before you can bring your head all the way up, Xaden hoists you up and begins to carry you. A sharp hiss finds it way out of your lips as the pressure of your wounds is aggravated by his calloused hands. He looks down at your face and you don’t miss the apology reflected in the golden flecks of his eyes.
Xaden walks swiftly and with purpose striding faster than normal to get you to the healers. Inside though, he is a tumult of emotion between rage and fear. What the hell happened to you? You weren’t a second year so this wasn’t an RSC exercise.
‘Does Cikeniss know what happened?’ He questions Sgaeyl not wanting to wait for you to give him the answer.
‘No, Cikeniss only confirms that she was somehow cut off.’ Sgaeyl relays with a hint of anger coating her reply.
‘Cut off? How could she be cut off from her bond?’ Xaden questions trying to get more information.
‘It is apparently something new your leadership is trying out. They have yet to give the antidote. Cikeniss confirms she can’t reach her rider.’ Sgaeyl confirms as he feels the anger at the possibility radiating from his sapphire bond.
Snapping out of his conversation with Sgaeyl, he looks down at you and feels his arms tighten involuntarily. You were cut off from your dragon and something could’ve happened. The thought that no one knew where you were and now that your dragon didn’t even have access to you solidifying the fear he’s been feeling.
In the next few strides, he’s entering the healer’s quadrant. As he walks into the facility, there are people rushing about, but no one has seemed to taken notice of the two of you. He walks further into the room and still no one notices.
Patience wearing thin, he snaps. “Is someone going to look after her or do I need to bandage her myself?”
Immediately two healers lead the way to a room as you look up to your commanding Wingleader. Gently lowering you onto the bed, his breath catches when even in pain you give him one of your warm smiles. The anxiety over the last few days seeming to lessen slightly, thought looking at your broken and bruised body it lingers.
The healers gather over your frame that is gently laid on the white sheets of the bed. The stark relief between the mix of the blood and grime that is sliding from your skin and leathers to the sheets has Xaden tensing more and more each second. How much had your body been broken and bruised for three whole days? What the reason that it even happened in the first place?
He tries to turn over what could have possibly happened before his thoughts are interrupted by a small hand on his shoulder. Looking up, he is greeted with the serious face of a healer.
“She will need to be sedated in order for us to work on her fully. You are welcome to stay, but if so, you’ll have to wait in the hall.” The healer relays.
Xaden can’t imagine possibly leaving you after seeing you so broken and bruised. And that is why he finds himself pacing the hallway of the healer’s quadrant with a dagger absentmindedly flipping over and over in his hand, thoughts still consumed with the possibilities of why this happed.
He doesn’t know how long it’s been, but the pacing is doing little to calm the raging storm in his thoughts.
‘Can Cikeniss reach her?’ He questions Sgaeyl wanting to at least know that you’re still holding on.
‘No.’ Sgaeyl confirms with no sugar coating her tone.
Just hearing Sgaeyl confirm you are still cut off causes his chest to tighten further. It seems the gods finally are willing to have a little mercy on him as in the next pass of his pacing one of the healers finally comes out of the room.
“We’ve treated everything we can. Nolon has been in to make sure to help with any major issues and she’s cleared to go back to her room. She’s going to have lingering bruising and soreness, but overall, she should be cleared for getting back to class.” The healer confirms.
As Xaden stands there listening, the last thing he can possibly imagine is letting you go back to classes with how he just saw you.
“May I go in and be with her now?” Xaden asks hopefully, dreading being told no and to get back to class.
“Of course. She may still be a little drowsy, but she should be waking up soon.” The healer tells him, gesturing towards the room your in.
‘Cikeniss confirms their bond has been restored.’ Sgaeyl startles him as he begins to step towards your door.
‘Did Cikeniss confirm anything else?’ He asks needing to know what exactly happened to you for his own sanity.
‘She did, but you will have to ask if you want that information.’ Xaden can’t help but feel disappointment and agitation that Sgaeyl won’t tell him what you went through.
‘It’s not as easy as just telling you. The reasons for her laying in that bed is not idol gossip that should be spread.’ Sgaeyl responds tersely, almost as if she is upset on your behalf for everything you endured.
Xaden can’t help the furrow overtaking his brow as he enters the room. As he lays eyes on your form, he can’t help but take stock of all the bruises that are littered across your arms, torso, and legs. The small shake of his head is impossible to stop as he realizes there may not be one patch of skin that doesn’t have a lingering purple tint.
As soon as he reaches the side of the bed, he can see how your breathing is beginning to change indicating that you are waking up. He doesn’t realize he’s holding his breath until he finally watches your eyelids begin to flutter. As soon as he sees your eyes open fully, the breath fully releases from his lungs as he brings his hand to hold yours. The constriction that settled around his entire chest completely breaks when you give him a small smile, disarming him completely in a way he never realized before.
“If anyone saw, they might think you have a favorite dear Wingleader.” His hand tightens on your own at hearing you speak after four days of not seeing you, thought he can’t stop the glare he gives you at your comment.
“Well, they can fuck right off.” He responds back immediately in a tone harder than he meant to give you. “Besides, they wouldn’t be wrong, I do play favorites.”
He watches as your eyes flash going slightly wider than before, showing the way the words register in your mind. The smile that breaks onto his face at your reaction is one he knows he hasn’t had in a while, a happy, yet teasing lilt to his lips.
“What exactly is that supposed to imply?” You ask him as he hears your breath seem to catch in your throat. Slowly Xaden brings himself to stand flush next to the bed you’re still laying in.
“I think you know exactly what I’m implying.” Ever the confident man, Xaden can’t help but tease you a little at your question. He watches as the annoyed look is now firmly planted on your face due to his ever-elusive responses.
“Please enlighten me, dear Wingleader Riorson. Besides, how am I going to compete with your bonded first year who has made her obvious attractions for you widely known.” Now it’s Xaden’s turn for shock to plaster across his face, its almost as if he’d forgotten how you could give as good as he could.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He says hoping that he can escape the daunting topic that is Violet Sorrengail.
The knowing look that you give him does the exact opposite than reassure him. Xaden knew he couldn’t deny Violet’s penchant for looking at him as if he was the hottest man alive. Hell, he knew he even had stoked her attraction on several occasions, making a saddle, sparring with her constantly, and crafting daggers for her. The worst mistake of all was kissing her and thinking of it he can’t help but shake his head with regret.
For the first time, he’s unsure how to proceed. Four days ago, he didn’t even realize he had feelings for you and now he’s trying to convince you. The bravado he had just moments ago seemed to have completely vanished, just like shadows in the noon day sun.
“Her infatuation is just that. Infatuation.” Xaden says firmly, although he’s unsure if he can even convince himself of that.
The raise of your brow shows him that you know that he’s trying to convince the both of you.
“Regardless.” Xaden can’t help saying with finality. “That may be her feelings, and I’m sorry if I hurt her, but I don’t return the sentiment.”
Xaden can feel his heart picking up speed in his chest as he waits for you to say something in return.
Anything.
The moments seem to tick by; a never-ending echo of the clock in the background the only thing that dares to break the silence. Xaden watches as your eyes seem to bore through him as if seeing through every mask he’s ever worn, every secret he’s ever told.
Without saying anything he watches as you rise on your elbows and move to swing your feet to the side of the bed. Your continued silence doing nothing to help the gnawing at his gut that you’re lost to him before he ever even had a chance with you.
Xaden immediately is at your side grasping your waist after you let out a hiss at trying to stand up from the bed.
“Thank you.” You whisper through clenched teeth. Xaden knows that he shouldn’t be waiting on your response, but it feels to him as if everything is still suspended in mid-air waiting for your confirmation or denial.
As Xaden feels himself beginning to brood, trying to keep the despair that you don’t care for him, he completely misses the way that you begin to turn yourself in his arms.
It isn’t until both of your arms snake around his waist and you bury your head in the crook of his neck that he realizes he may be spiraling for no reason.
‘Do calm down your emotions, your thoughts are more erratic than when we are in battle.’ Sgaeyl claps at him breaking his spiraling thoughts completely.
“If you’re going to play favorites, I’m going to need you to make your claim clear.” Xaden looks down at you as you bring your face up to look him in the eyes.
Xaden brings his hand up to your jaw, cupping your cheek and tilting your head so he can see the gleam in your beautiful eyes.
“Oh Love, don’t you worry about that. I intend to make sure that everyone in the quadrant knows you’re my favorite.” Xaden teases while bringing his nose to rest on yours, all the while memorizing every fleck in your eyes.
The answering smirk on your lips is all the confirmation he needs before he brushes his lips against yours, tentatively at first. The way you immediately respond and arch into his touch makes his eyes flash and a groan leave his lips. Xaden can’t believe the way your kiss is searing into his skin, the feeling of you drowning him like no one ever had before.
He immediately deepens the kiss grabbing you firmly at the nape of your neck drawing your face even closer. Your answering moan causing his blood to heat and desire to begin coiling around his entire frame. Breaking the kiss, he leans his forehead against yours trying to calm his breathing.
“Well then.” You say to him, your breathing still a little rapid. “I guess it’s time for you to show everyone who your real favorite is.”
Xaden gives you a knowing smile before grasping your hand and wrapping his arm around your waist, leading you back to the riders quadrant. There is no doubt in his mind that you are just like chocolate cake – one of his favorite things he’ll never tire of.
Divider: @firefly-graphics
#fourth wing fanfic#fourth wing x reader#xaden riorson#xaden riorson x reader#fourth wing xaden#the empyrean#xaden fanfic#xaden x reader#garrick tavis#xaden pov#x reader#the empyrean fanfic#garrick fourth wing#fourth wing fic#fourth wing#iron flame#iron flame fanfic#xaden x oc
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All the fourth wing males x reader maybe as a punishment for nearly getting herself killed or something but up to you

You're Pushing It
・゚: *✧・゚:* ✧・゚: *✧・゚:* ✧・゚: *✧・゚:* ✧・゚: *✧・゚:* ✧・゚: *
Pairing(s): Xaden x Liam x Garrick x Ridoc x Brennan x Dain x Bodhi x reader
Warning(s): implied smut
Summary: A series of one-shots for each character pertaining to their implied "punishment" for doing something that put you in danger.
SR’s Note: These aren't real spicy, but more of the lead up before the spice... thank you for the request, and I hope you absolutely <3 it!
Tags: @mellowmusings @rcarbo1 @lilah-asteria @kitsunetori @velarisdusk @nctsawrus @freakishfandomfiend @lreadsstuff @desprrssooo-espresssooooo (inbox me or comment if you'd like to be added!)
・゚: *✧・゚:* ✧・゚: *✧・゚:* ✧・゚: *✧・゚:* ✧・゚: *✧・゚:* ✧・゚: *
Xaden
"What in Malek's name were you doing?" He roared, following you as you stormed off toward your dorm. You huffed, not even wanting to respond.
"What I thought was right!" You shouted, not even turning to look back at him. Before you knew it, his hand was curling around your bicep, yanking you to look at him.
"You could've been killed, Y/N! Why didn't you-"
"Oh please," you rolled your eyes, reaching behind you to twist the doorknob. The door swing open, and you turned to strut inside. However, your boyfriend wasn't having any more of your attitude.
"Maybe you didn't hear me the first time," his voice came out in a growl as he grabbed both of your arms, shoving you against the back of the door hard enough for it to swing shut. Your breath caught in your throat as his grip tightened, and his lips tickled the shell of your ear.
"You. Could have. Been. Killed," he says slowly, his lips brushing the skin of your neck as he continued on. You let out a breath as his teeth softly bit the skin there, the sensation driving you wild.
"Keep up this attitude and I'll have to punish you more for it."
✧・゚: *
Liam
Your boyfriend continued to lightly massage your back as you continued your recounting of events, though his kneads and presses were growing firmer.
"And you... didn't get hurt?"
You shook your head, though the motion was lost as you were in fact face down on his bed. He sighed, moving to the lower muscles on your back next.
"Y/N, I am really proud of you as a rider -- but don't you think going on these forbidden quests will, I don't know, get you in trouble?"
You laughed.
"I really do enjoy the quests, and besides; there's no punishment they could give me that I can't take."
Liam chuckled, his hands moving to grab and knead your ass. His fingers slid lower, rubbing near the most sensitive bundle of nerves below.
"I may have a punishment of my own that I'd like to watch you struggle to take."
✧・゚: *
Garrick
Your boyfriend stalked slowly from one end of the room to the other, eyeing you as you continued your story. His gaze grew more and more lethal when you got to the most chaotic part; the part where you were put in true danger.
"And you're telling me this because... what? You want me pissed off?"
You huffed.
"No, Garrick -- I'm trying to tell you how I held my own. Why can't you see that I'm just trying to-"
He crossed the room in an instant, pushing you back on the bed and lacing his fingers with yours above your head. You squeaked in surprise, and you watched as his gaze darkened.
"No, what you need to understand is that this is exactly what gets me mad," he says lowly, his lips merely ghosting over yours. "You putting yourself in risky situations like that is... just plain ridiculous."
You frowned.
"I did it for everyone's gain-"
He dipped his head, smashing a bruising kiss to your lips. He yanked away seconds later, opening the nightstand draw in favor of the silk ties you kept for... well...
"Big mistake," he said, taking your wrists again in his hands. He pulled you to the headboard, making quick of tying the ribbons around the metal and securing your arms above you. "Hopefully it's one you'll learn from."
✧・゚: *
Ridoc
"This isn't funny, Y/N. Do I look like I'm laughing?"
You rolled your eyes and giggled, trying to take your jokester of a boyfriend's expression seriously.
"No, not yet," you grinned. "But come on, Ridoc, you're always laughing!"
His nostrils flared as he stared at you.
"Not about this, Y/N."
You waved him off, making for your vanity to brush out your hair. Sure, did you put yourself in a dangerous situation? Yes. But did your boyfriend need to make a big deal about it? Hell no!
In seconds he appeared behind you, his hands palming your waist and turning you to face him. He lifted you swiftly atop the wooden desk, and your ass hit the surface with a rather harsh landing.
"Ridoc-"
"You just don't get it, do you." His words were low in tone, the anger finally creeping in. Your eyes widened as one hand gripped your butt, the other coming to shove beneath your waistband. You groaned as his fingers dipped below your panties, finding you already ready for him.
"If you're so tough, you can handle a punishment, right?"
✧・゚: *
Brennan
He stood immediately as you entered the office, an armed guard tugging you forward through the doorway. You glared at the metal-faced male, showing all signs of frustration with the situation you'd been put in.
Before you can speak, the soldier opens his mouth.
"Caught her just beyond the borders, sir," he says, holding your arm steadfast despite your wiggling. "She was in bad shape when we got her."
Brennan sighs, an impassive look flashing across his face. "Did she have her dragon with her?"
"N-no, sir."
He looked down, quiet fury raging in his eyes. When he looked up again, he only looked at the nobleman. "Release her, please. I'll take it from here."
You opened your mouth to protest when the guard let go, at least try and defend yourself. However, the guard exited the room and Brennan didn't let you get a word in.
"Bren, you have to understand-"
"I don't want to hear it."
You flinched, your brows knitting in confusion. "Brennan, seriously-"
"You knew the orders, and you disobeyed them anyway." He laced his fingers, pressing his pointer fingers to his temple. "You know you're in deep for this one."
You rolled your eyes as he sat again behind his desk. "Okay, first of all, I'm perfectly capable of speaking for myself, thank you-"
"Close that mouth, and get over here."
Your brows rose as you stepped forward, not daring to disobey again. Although the usual punishment from your boyfriend was far from "bad"...
"Bend over."
You did as instructed, getting to your knees and lying your torso over his legs. He yanked down your leather pants, pulling them to your knees before smoothing a hand over your ass.
"You've been a bad girl, Y/N -- and crimes cannot go unpunished."
✧・゚: *
Dain
"I was just doing what was right," you griped, your hands on your hips. "You surely weren't going to help them."
Dain glared at you, mirroring your stature.
"Yeah, I wasn't -- sorry I have a girlfriend I want to come home to at the end of the day." He shrugged. "I prefer that than risking my life on a death wish mission, thank you very much."
You laughed humorlessly at his admission.
"You'd let all of them die!" You shouted, the wind whipping across the flight field drowning out your words. "You should've gone with me, Dain -- you are the Wingleader, aren't you?"
In an instant, your boyfriend was before you, his dominant hand wrapped lightly around your throat.
"You watch it, now," he warned, his gaze drifting to your lips for a fraction of a second. You glared furiously up at him, but he still pulled you in for a quick, bruising kiss nonetheless.
"How you speak to your Wingleader will effect how much he will punish you later for it."
✧・゚: *
Bodhi
"So what," your boyfriend panted, punching at the bag before him. "You figured involving yourself in that type of situation was the best course of action?"
You shrugged as you leaned against the wall, watching your boyfriend's hits get harder and harder.
"Yeah, I mean -- we came out sucessful, didn't we?"
Bodhi's punches halted as a humorless laugh tumbled from his lips. His hands rest on his hips as he looked down, shaking his head slowly.
"You're impossible." He said, looking up at you again. Your brows narrowed.
"C'mon, you know it was the right thing to do," you reasoned, making way for the mat to begin stretching. You'd just gotten down on all fours when Bodhi's body heat became present behind you, his pelvis pressing into your ass.
"The right thing to do, huh?" He tsked, his hands grabbing your hips.
"The right thing to do is to listen to me when I tell you it's too dangerous. Since you can't seem to remember that, maybe you need a little reminder."
✧・゚: *
#the empyrean#iron flame imagine#iron flame#fourth wing x reader#fourth wing smut#fourth wing xaden#bodhi fourth wing#fourth wing#onyx storm#read more#xaden riorson#bodhi durran#bodhi x reader#bodhi x oc#liam mairi imagine#liam mairi x you#liam mairi smut#liam mairi x reader#liam mairi#garrick tavis imagine#garrick tavis#garrick x reader#garrick fourth wing#dain aetos#brennan sorrengail imagine#brennan sorrengail x reader#brennan imagine#brennan sorrengail#ridoc gamlyn#ridoc smut
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Black Dahlia Masterlist
One tragic day changes Dahlia's life forever. Despised by her father and brother, she's spent her entire life trying to be the child and sister she use to be. But nothing she ever does is good enough. She joins the Rider's Quadrant to prove them wrong. Garrick now in his second year has proven he is more than the mark on his skin to his fellow riders, and taken leadership of his own Squad alongside Xaden. Little does he know the girl walking across the parapet is about to send him on a rollercoaster of a year. Garrick Tavis x OC (Dahlia Aetos) WARNING - THIS SERIES NOW CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR ONYX STORM. I HAVE MARKED THESE PARTS WITH ❗️AS WELL AS LISTING A WARNING AT THE TOP OF THE CHAPTER. IF YOU HAVE NOT READ ONYX STORM, DO NOT READ THESE CHAPTERS.
Onyx Storm Spoiler - ❗️ Smut/18+ - 😍
First Year
No Daughter of Mine
What You Made Me
Bad Idea, Right? - Garrick
Third Squad.
Not A Good Idea - Garrick
Yield
Marked Like You
Prove You Wrong
10 Gold Pieces - Garrick
Keeping Tabs
Glimpse of the Past
Unexpected Feelings - Garrick
I'll Make This Quick
Little Girl Gone
Proven Wrong - Garrick
Mares In His Stable
Jealousy
I'm Trying - Garrick
Manifestation ❗️
Painful Touch - Garrick ❗️
Show Me ❗️
Somewhere I Belong
Aetos vs. Aetos
Would It Matter?
Give Them Hell
Stepping Up
Outsmarted
Frustration - Garrick
War Games
The Hostage
The First Betrayal
Reunification Day (Dual POV)
An Unlikely Hero
About Damn Time 😍
Just Sex?
The Only Mare In His Stable
Disappointed - Garrick
Dragged Along
Second Year (Fourth Wing/Iron Flame)
39. Familiar Faces 40. Second Squad 41. Assessment Day 42. Without A Doubt 43. A Helping Hand 44. Unexpected Reunion 45. Karma 46. Coffee Talk 47. Family Ties❗️- Garrick 48. Say Thank You 😍 49. Aetos vs Durran 50. Friendly Advice 51. Thinking Like A Scribe 52. Looking A Little Jealous 53. Let Me Show You 😍 54. Need A Favour 55. The Inntinnsic 56. Violet's Bodyquard 57. Questions 58. Tell Me What You Know 59. Where. Is. She. - Garrick 60. Confessions 61. Pretty Boy 62. Separated 63. Dirty Laundry 64. Alibi 😍 65. Deja Vu 66. A Choice To Be Made 67. Distraction 68. Reunion
Third Year (Iron Flame)
69. This Is Awkward 70. Redacted
Onyx Storm
Coming Soon.
#fourth wing fanfic#fourth wing#garrick tavis#garrick tavis x reader#garrick tavis imagine#garrick tavis x oc#fourth wing x reader#the empyrean#the fourth wing#dain aetos#dain aetos fanfic#fourth wing imagine#fourth wing x oc#black dahlia#iron flame#onyx storm#garrick tavis smut#garrick tavis x dahlia aetos#dahlia aetos#xaden riorson#bodhi durran#imogen cardulo#colonel aetos
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Chasing Shadows | P R O L O G U E
Masterlist | CS Masterlist
Summary: Wrenley's first year at Basgiath.
Word Count: 9.6k (I blacked out while writing.. oops lmao)
Series Warnings: smut 18+ MDNI (begins in prologue) , accidental choking, violence, death, swearing, torture
Chapter Specific Warnings: p in v, no mentions of condoms or birth control (wrap it before you tap it), unintentional choking with shadows, use of safe word,
July 15, 632 AU
Conscription Day. The day every 20 year old in Navarre will enter the quadrant of their choosing to assist in the war. Well choosing if you aren’t one of the marked ones.
I've counted down the days until I was here. Not because I was excited at the possibility of death, but because my parents went here. My mom walked the exact path I'm about to. I'm a legacy, and if they think the shimmering swirls up my left arm are going to change that, they are dead wrong.
I follow behind my closest friends, Bodhi Durran and Imogen Cardulo, as we walk towards the entrance to the Riders Quadrant. I watch the people around us. Many stand alone, some whose families have no clue where they are. Others, like us, who have no family left to say goodbye to, not after the executions.
“Ready?” Bodhi asks, looking over to me.
I smile weakly. “Truthfully? No, but do I have a choice?” I look between him and Imogen as we step forward in line.
Imogen sighs loudly, shaking her head. “Nope. None whatsoever." Another step forward. 5 people ahead of us.
"What's the plan for when we get across?" Imogen questions. 4 ahead, another step.
“Find Xaden and Garrick, they’ll work it out.” I promise. Honestly? I don't know if they can figure out anything when it comes to the Riders Quadrant. None of us have seen the likes of Xaden Riorson or Garrick Tavis in exactly a year. Thanks to a long string of letters and a short string of secret ones in the last year, I never had to fully miss Xaden.
3 people ahead.
After the execution of the rebellion leaders, all the children were sent off to be fostered by those considered loyal to the crown. My cousin and I were sent to a distant relative while Xaden, who I had just started dating as the rebellion began, was sent elsewhere with many of the other children. Siblings were separated, friends lost touch. Xaden, Garrick, Bodhi, and I got lucky that our foster's were friends and let us write letters and occasionally got to see each other. I have an entire box full of letters back home that I've read a million times.
“Name?” The scribe before me is giving me the most annoyed look I’ve ever seen. Glancing up, I see Imogen and Bodhi already climbing the stairs to the parapet. A death trap of an entrance to a death trap of a quadrant. “Name?”
“Uh, Wrenley Tavis.” I spit out, signing on the empty line and quickly move to catch up with my friends. We’re silent on the way up. Not a word is spoken between us as we stick close to the wall just as Xaden had urged us to do in the last letter from him.
“Oh man, is she gonna be happy to see you.” Bodhi laughs at the top of the stairs. He gives his name and begins his turn crossing the parapet, practically running across.
Imogen laughs, muttering a “show off” as she steps up, providing her name and then following Bodhi at the same pace.
I cleared the doorway to the small platform and spotted just who Bodhi was talking to. “Garrick!” I resist every instinct in my body to jump into my cousin’s arms. It may have been a year but he is still, without a doubt, the exact same person I sent off to the same sentence.
“Hey Princess.” He offers me a warm smile, using the nickname the boys have always had for me. “Keep your eyes ahead. Don’t look down.” The advice comes in a hushed tone as the other Rider up here asks for my name. I provide it and then Garrick says, “Good luck, Candidate Tavis.” He nods, any sign of the man just happy to see his little cousin is gone. Got it. Strictly business.
I step onto the parapet and repeat exactly what I’ve spent years preparing for. Arms out for balance, heel to toe with a 5 inch gap. Pretend you’re balancing a stack of books on your head. Do. Not. Look. Down. And walk with determination. The faster you’re on, the faster you’re off. The sooner you can be in his arms, I think to myself before I’m off.
Bodhi and Imogen wait just off the foot tall drop for me, the roll-keeper nearby to document who lives. I give her my name, Bodhi and Imogen cheering in my ear at us all making it.
“Cadet Tavis,” The roll-keeper hands me a missive and dismisses us as she says, “I was directed to give this to you upon your arrival.”
Imogen immediately starts to tease me as I unfold the paper to the handwriting I’m all too familiar with.
I’m proud of you Little Bird! Let me show you just how much? Head to the right of the parapet. Up the stairs to the second floor, 5th room on the left. -X
“Oh we’ve definitely lost her.” Bodhi pokes at my cheeks that I’m sure are red.
“I’ll see you at formation.” Tucking the missive into my pocket, I start following the directions. Two flights of stairs, through the door, fifth room on the left. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. My smile only brightens as I stop at the door. Gods, he’s right here.
I reach up and before my knuckles can touch the wood, the swings open and I’m tugged through and pinned to the back of the door. Deep onyx eyes, the specks of gold I have long since memorized, watch me with such longing that I’m sure is mimicked in my own blue orbs.
“Xaden.” I manage to whisper before his lips meet mine.
“A year,” he heaves, pulling from the kiss before taking over my sense again, “is way too fucking long.” There’s a rumble from deep within him at his words that only drags a moan from between my lips as he moves his assault to my jaw and down. “I watched you cross. I’ve never been so terrified and yet so turned on in my life.
“Gods, have I missed you.” I breathe as he locks onto the sweet spot on my neck, the one he knows will drive me wild. A battle of will ignites between us as we rush to strip each other as quickly as possible. Between heated kisses and tripping over our discarded clothes, we manage to get down to our undergarments before we reach the bed.
“I will never get over how gorgeous you are.” I can feel his breathing catching as I reach up to pull my hair from the tie holding it away from my face. I slide across the sheets, beckoning him to follow.
“If you don’t have me seeing stars in the next five min–” I can’t even get my weightless threat out before his lips are back on mine.
“We both know I’ll have you seeing stars in less than two, my love.” He flashes my favorite version of his smile when he pulls away, the one reserved just for me. He runs a teasing finger over my clothed slit. “Which should I use first, Love? My fingers?” The moan he pulls from me is anything but quiet, my whimpers a plea. “My tongue?” He rips my underwear from me, exposing my lower half to his prowling eyes. “Or my cock?” He growls, shifting on the bed to press himself against my soaked core.
“Please.” I have no control over myself. It's just pure need that drives the noises I’m making from me.
“Who am I kidding? I never need to ask, you’re always so needy for the same thing.” There’s a wicked glint in his eyes, the truth of his statement is not lost on me. Given a choice, I always reach for the same pleasure only his cock can provide me.
“Please, Xay.” I moan as he grinds into me, the pleasure from his movement cascades over me.
“Anything for you,” he promises, his voice barely over a whisper and then I feel him. All of him, bare and gliding across my folds. “Fuck, Wren. I’ve missed you so much.” He mutters before sliding in all the way into me.
My screams are raw and unrestricted with each of his thrusts, pulling me further towards my release. “Oh gods, Xaden, please…” He doesn’t respond as his speed increases, burying his face into the crook of my neck. I didn’t even notice I had closed my eyes until I opened them and found black tendrils of smoke whispering around the room and up my body. “Xay…” My plea over the strange whisps floating over me comes out as a breathy moan with another snap of his hips.
“You’re squeezing me like a fucking vice, Wren. Come for me.”
I want to, gods do I want to, but the closer those tendrils come to my neck, the weight that settles around my throat, the farther my release feels.
“Xa–” The smoke tightens, cutting his name off in the throat. I open my mouth to release another plea but nothing comes out, darkness creeping in on the edges of my vision. I try to push him back, so he can at least see it but he doesn’t move. I gasp what little air I can as the smoke just barely releases its hold. Before the hold can tighten again I gasp, “Ven–” I blink and Xaden’s on the other side of the room, eyes wide and gasping for air like I had hit him.
“Xay?”
“You should go back to formation.” I watch those tendrils retreat from the bed and towards Xaden before disappearing completely.
“Talk to me, please.” I cautiously move towards him, tugging the blanket off the bed to cover myself.
Xaden’s already taking steps away from me until he’s leaving against the desk. “I lost control. I lost complete control and you had to use–”
“But I’m okay.” I quickly tell him. The pure fear in his eyes tells me it’s not the first time he’s lost control like that. “No marks, see?” Are there marks? I don’t know! It doesn’t hurt so I’m going out on a limb here. “We have the word for a reason, darling.”
I catch his gaze landing on my neck and then back to the floor. “I just need a minute, I’ll see you out there.”
I nod silently and redress, watching as he doesn’t move. “I know you’d never intentionally hurt me.” I lean up on my toes to kiss him and he turns away. Sighing, I place a kiss on his cheek then move to the door. “I love you, Xaden.” He doesn’t respond as I slip out of the door and sneak back out to the courtyard.
I’m stewing in my thoughts as I sift through the faces of first years, searching for my friends. I’m reaching the last line when I collide with someone. “Shit, I am so sorry.”
“It’s no prob– Wren?” The familiar voice, yet deeper than the last time I heard it, bounces around my mind tugging my gaze over and settling on the familiar face.
Time has been kind to him. In the last six years since I last saw him, Dain Aetos has gone from the boy I ran around outposts with to a man that wouldn’t even dare to do the same foolish activities from our childhood.
“Dain. You’ve grown up.”
“I could say the same about you.” The smile he offers is genuine, until his eyes catch the shimmering relic on my left arm. Now it looks forced, with a tell tale hint of remorse. “Shit, Wren. Did you get punished for your uncle?”
“What?” I feel like the world has started to crumble around me.
“That's a separatist’s child relic.” He says it like it's a dirty phrase and I struggle to reply for only a moment before it's not shock simmering in my chest, but anger.
“Yeah, Dain,” I scoff, watching his eyes as my next words come out. “I watched my dad get executed in Calldyr just like all the others.”
“Your dad joined them?” His matured features shift, the pitying look he had is replaced with one that almost resembles disgust. How could something so simple destroy the friendship we had developed a decade ago?
“He defended our home and lost his life for it!” I try to keep the angry tears that threaten to spill at bay, my hands tightening to fists at my side. “But I wouldn’t expect you to understand that, considering it was your father that dragged him to his execution.”
“I didn’t know, Wren.” Just when I think he might show some remorse, knowing that the man who considered my dad his friend was the one to kill him, Dain takes the knife that's been permanently embedded in my heart for the last four years and twists. “But I’m sure there was more to it than–”
“Right.” The words taste bitter. A copy of his father, my dad had said he’d become. Low and behold, Aetos Junior. “I’ll keep this in mind, Aetos. Thanks for showing me who you really are.” I shove past him, my anger threatening to boil over at the thought of this place already tearing my friendships away.
Bodhi’s only a few feet away, his presence pulling me over as I continue to fight with my emotions. I can feel his eyes on me, worry radiating off him, but I shrug him off. “He was an old friend.” These words taste worse on my tongue. “But you know what happens to friends from before.” And what this place will do to you, I say to myself.
The senior wingleader begins calling cadets towards the first three wings. Bodhi is called to Tail Section of Fourth Wing, while Imogen and I are called to Flame Section of the same wing. Xaden smiles at me as I pass him, his finger’s grazing mine as he mutters, “Meet me after curfew.” The simple touch releases all of the tension in my shoulders. I step in line for my squad, Xaden’s squad, and land right next to Dain. This is going to be a long year.
September 632 AU
Perched on the parapet, I watch the stars fill the night sky. Xaden sits beside me, whether he’s actually watching the sky or me is an idea I ignore for this peaceful moment.
Sneaking around with Xaden for the last 3 months has been nothing short of exciting. Although I’m sure many are becoming privy to our dynamic, especially after the few occasions of Xaden’s protective side coming out. I can hold my own during any challenge but there was one that nearly sent Xaden over the edge. During the Gauntlet yesterday? It took Bodhi and Garrick to keep Xaden from rushing to my aid as I slipped from the final incline.
“Were you nervous for Threshing last year?” The words feel like no more than a whisper against the breeze around us.
“For Threshing itself? Not particularly.” His voice showed no inflections, a calmness that surrounded me like a blanket. “What really got me was the thought of not seeing you again. That fear haunted me daily. Still does.” His words hung in the air between us as he turned to straddle the parapet, tugging me closer to him. “Are you scared for tomorrow?”
I hesitate with my answer. “Will you be disappointed if I say yes?”
Xaden’s laughter is like a breath of fresh air, pulling me in for a soft kiss. I know he’s trying to send all of my worries away with the kiss but they still remain, even as he tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
“I saw Desa at Presentation,” I murmur, honestly wishing I hadn’t seen the familiar sapphire scales. “When Kaori said this was the first year she’s agreed to bond, I was shocked she didn’t already have a new rider.” Desa, a blue swordtail, was my mother’s dragon. I can still remember the late night rides mom would talk me on, or the early mornings that I would watch them soar off on patrol, before tragedy had struck and both Desa and I lost the most important person in our lives.
“Sgaeyl mentioned that,” Xaden nods along, “Apparently they’re as close as sisters.” He chuckles, the far off look in his eyes a tell tale sign he’s speaking to Sgaeyl right now.
“I’m sure mom is overjoyed that Desa is finally moving on,” I sigh, turning towards the stars again. “I’m honestly just hoping to live tomorrow.”
I can feel Xaden’s fingers intertwined with mine, a seal to the promise he makes me. “If anyone will survive–and bond–it’ll be my strong and insanely smart girlfriend.” It feels like a lifeline in the dark sea of my mind where I’ve been drowning. “Let’s get you to bed.”
Another kiss meets my cheek before I’m pulled to stand and guided off the parapet. Xaden wraps an arm around my shoulders as he leads me towards the dormitories and leaves me with a final kiss before leaving to his room.
October 1 632 AU
I think I’m lost. I’ve been in the dense woods for what feels like hours and the rustling leaves and distant roars of dragons raise the hairs on the back of my neck. Every once in a while, I’d glance up to see a newly bonded pair shoot off to the sky, and just as often, I’d see a rider lose their seat, falling back to the earth.
“If anyone will survive–and bond–it’ll be my strong and insanely smart girlfriend.”
Xaden’s words from last night flit through my mind and I remind myself that I can do this, that I will not die today.
“You surely won’t, Youngling.” The voice, soft and yet commanding, makes me freeze mid step.
“Hello?” I call, feeling the wavering tone as I search the trees around me for the owner of the voice.
“I’ve waited 6 years for you, Wrenley Tavis.” The familiar sapphire scales glint in the sunlight behind me and I turn. I can feel the air halt in my lungs and I instinctively step back from the creature before me, head held low.
“Back away any farther and you risk another dragon choosing to scorch you.” I bring my eyes up to meet the striking gold ones, the piercing gaze, like she bores into my soul. “I do. Now get on,” she orders, her tone leaving zero room for an argument. So why do I provide one?
“We’ll get… we’ll get in trouble. You can’t choose me.” I stutter out.
“Let me worry about that, Youngling. Now climb.”
I take a deep breath. This is crazy, but I listen. I sprint towards her leg and climb my way to the seat before she launches into the air. It takes all of my strength to stay on and not fall the hundreds of feet to my death as she loops and swirls through the air. When the dragon levels out above the citadel, I take in the view of Navarre and smile and the wind whips my hair, tugging strands out.
“That was amazing!” I scream over the wind.
“I never doubted your ability for a second. She would be proud.” I can feel the pride from the dragon alone and I don’t need to ask who ‘she’ is as we land in the training fields and I dismount. “Tell the role-keeper Desathos. If anyone questions you, they will deal with me.”
I can feel all of the eyes on me, whispers growing around me, the closer I get to the desk.
“There’s no way.”
“Kaori said even though she agreed, she probably wouldn’t bond.”
“They’re whispering about you.” I say to Desa, finally pushing my thoughts towards her.
“You needn't try so hard to speak with me and ignore them, Youngling. Focus ahead.” Mom always spoke of how calming it was to have Desa in her head, but actually experiencing it? It's the craziest thing.
My steps feel heavy under the weightful gazes around me. The grass of the field provides quiet steps, and with the hushed voices around me, I can hear my racing heartbeat like it’s being projected.
“Impossible.” Professor Kaori stands in awe as I approach, his gaze flickering from me to Desa.
I meet the gaze of each person standing on the dais and finally land on General Lilith Sorrengail, my moms best friend. There’s a hint of sadness in her eyes as I approach.
“Wrenley Tavis. For the record, please tell me the name of the dragon who chose you.” The poor scribe who acts as roll-keeper this year looks absolutely terrified as those on the dais lean in.
“Desathos.” My throat is shockingly steady compared to the thrumming inside my chest. Am I going to pass out?
“Breathe, Youngling.”
“Your mother’s dragon?” The role-keeper questions, quill trembling in her hand.
“This cannot be allowed!”
“The generations are too close for safety!”
“The Empyrean has already approved the bond.”
What? I turn back to Desa in shock, and then back to the dais where Melgran is looking off into space and General Sorrengail who just has the proudest look in her eyes.
“Enough!” Melgren’s voice booms, silencing everyone in the area. “The Empyrean has already met on this subject, long before it was an issue to us. Cadet Tavis will remain bonded to Desa. Should she go mad, they will meet again.”
I nod to Melgren before retreating back to my dragon’s side. Relief flows over me as I feel a warm rush of air hit me. I look up to Desa watching me as another rush of hair and I turn to see Xaden and Sgaeyl land just a hundred feet from us, Xaden’s eyes locked on mine. We’re both alive and all I want–need– is to be in his arms but General Sorrengail begins speaking before either of us can move.
I can’t hear a word she says as Xaden just watches me from his spot. I bonded my first Threshing. I bonded my mom’s dragon. The words settle over me and the joy sparks in Xaden’s eyes when Desa nudges me forward.
“Five steps forward, Youngling.”
“Dragons, it is our honor as always. Now we celebrate!”
A scream rips through me as heat curls around my left shoulder, along the top of my relic. I can hear other screams around me but I can’t focus on them.
“I think it pairs well with your existing one.” I tug the neckline of my shirt down, revealing the intricate shape of a dragon on my collarbone, the tail blending into the swirls of my relic.
“Wow…”
“A perfect blend of the two halves of your life.” I can’t think more on what she means because I am lifted up by two arms appearing from behind and am immediately spun around.
“You did it!” Xaden’s voice is like music to my ears. “And they let you have Desa? Eden must be smiling down on you.”
Seeing General Sorrengail’s pride was like hearing of my mother’s pride from someone else, but hearing Xaden say it? The boy my mom swore was going to be the one as Fen Riorson said when he learned of our relationship, it's like my mom is saying it. A bright smile spreads across my face, and before I know it, Xaden is closing the space between us and meeting my lips in a passionate kiss.
“Xaden! People can see us!” It’s nothing more than a breathless whisper between us as I pull back.
“I don’t care what others say, do you?” The confidence and affection in his eyes and voice drown out the rest of the world around us. The cheers of those bonded, the devastation of those who didn’t, the loss of friends. Life is so short at Basgiath, and the brightness in Xaden’s eyes? I hope he never loses that spark.
“Let them talk. As long as I get you in the end.” He pulls me into another kiss, the whoops and hollers that are surely coming from our friends sound around us. But amidst all of that, I find solace in his arms. It's almost like I see our future in my mind.
The two of us, side by side, with no worry about what tomorrow could bring us. And with his words, it solidifies that hope in me.
“Always, my life. There’s nowhere I’d rather be than with you.”
End of October 632 AU
The Gathering Hall hummed with energy as the cadets settled down for dinner. Bodhi drops his try beside me and knocks my arm with his. “How’s Xaden liking Cordyn?”
I let out a groan. “I can’t wait until the stupid year is up so I don’t have to send him away for a week a month anymore.” My squadmates laugh at my frustrations, Bodhi, Imogen, and Garrick laugh harder at my next words. “Have I mentioned how much I hate Catriona lately?”
“Only every 5 minutes,” Imogen laughs across from me.
We’re all laughing now until a voice pierces through the air. “Hey Tavis!” My cousin and I both turn at our last name. “Saw Riorson flying in just a few minutes ago.”
I can feel the excitement bubble in me but uncertainty still thrums deep below. “Did he mention coming back early?” I ask, turning to my friends. Their eyes match that deep feeling of uncertainty but my excitement wins out, making me jump from the table and run to the flight field.
“Youngling? Do we have a surprise class this evening?” Desa’s voice rings through as I reach the stairs.
“No, someone said they saw Xaden flying in.” I can’t hide my excitement as I take the stairs two at a time.
“Sgaeyl is still out of reach.” Desa responds and my steps stumble as I reach the grass.
“What?” I instinctively reach for the dagger on my hip as pain shoots out from my left knee.
“You’re too gullible for your own good, Tavis.” The world spins, laughter erupting around me, as I land face first into the ground. I roll onto my back, catching the faces of my attackers. More than one, perfect. I try to lunge at one but an unexpected kick reaches my ribs and I curl into the pain. Trying again to stand, I feel the weight of someone clambering on top of me before pinning my arms to the ground, and then the blows keep coming. Like rain, each one landed in a sequence. A sickening crunch when one hits my nose at the right angle.
“Keep fighting.” Desa calls, and desperation raised in me. Desa did not bond someone who couldn’t hold her own. I pull my right knee up, knocking the body above me off balance enough to shove him off. I rise again but the minute I place my weight on my left knee, white hot pain sends a scream through my lungs–a strong reminder that I’m not just fighting to prove I can, but for my survival because they will kill me.
I will not die today.
I manage to remain upright and palm another of my daggers as I’m circled again. “Your precious section leader isn’t here to protect you.” The words are dipped in malice but I can’t focus on the taunt, can’t cling to the hope Desa’s voice brings, promising that he’s on his way, when there's another pain in my side. I feel the cold metal graze my skin on his exit as my eyes meet the dripping dagger and the blood seeping from my side.
Shit. That’s not good.
“Maybe next time, you’ll rethink your bond.” It's almost a growl that erupts from another of the attackers as a second blade is sent through the same opening, or maybe it's the same one? I can’t tell when everything feels so much darker. A mist sweeping up my vision as I try to hold onto my strength to live.
I feel so… heavy, almost like I’m slipping. Laughter circling me again as I drop to my knees with another sharp pain.
“Wrenley!” I hear my name called but it’s quiet. So quiet.
“Hold on, Youngling.” I feel the grass at my cheek again, starting to embrace the shadow of darkness as a roar rings through the air and I let myself smile as frantic hands reach me, pleads filling the air but the words are lost and I let the dark consume me.
I can hear the voices before I can see the owners. Each string of words weaves to create a blanket of concern and frustrations.
“Why didn’t you keep a better eye on her?” The words cut through my consciousness.
“I was a minute behind her! Desa had already charred them as I climbed the last stair!” That’s definitely Bodhi’s voice, his whisper harsh.
“They wouldn’t have been able to do anything if you had been there!”
“In case you haven’t noticed, she’s the fastest runner at Basgiath!” Bodhi counters. “I can barely keep up with her on a good day!”
“I gave you one job, Bodhi! One!”
“It wasn’t his fault.” I let out with a hoarse groan. Prying my eyes open, I’m blinded by the harsh light in the healer’s quadrant. My vision clears as I process who exactly is in the room. Bodhi is leaning on the footboard of the bed I’m in, concern etched in every inch of his face, Garrick pacing behind him. Imogen is seated to my right, gently stroking my hand.
Onyx eyes meet mine as I look to the left. Pain and worry shine in them, yet they’re filled with the most soothing warmth. “Take it easy, leave. Healers said it's all gonna hurt for a few days.” Xaden stops me as I try to sit up.
“Listen to the Shadow Wielder.” Desa orders as I shift in the uncomfortable bed.
“What happened?” I groan out, meeting the eyes of my friends, but I especially try and fail to avoid Xaden’s.
“Couple of unbondeds attacked you. We got there right after Desa did.” Bodhi answers.
“Xay…”
“I flew back as soon as I got the missive.” The sigh Xaden releases is filled with the weight of unspoken fears, his fingers brushing against my cheek and pushing them behind my ear so gently, like he fears I might break. “You knew I wasn’t supposed to be back for a couple days. Why would you risk it on the word of another rider? Especially an unbonded one?”
“I hate sending you to Cordyn.” I confess in a whisper, turning away from Xaden. As much as I tell Bodhi and Imogen, I’ve never admitted it to Xaden out loud.
“I know, my love.” I catch a cry before it releases at his words, gentle fingers turning my face by my chin so he can look in my eyes. “You almost died.” There’s an unusual tremble in his voice, a silver line along his lashes and I feel all of his pain.
Getting the missive, the one I’m sure Bodhi wrote, judging by how shaken Garrick looks, it must have torn Xaden to shreds.
“Why choose now to attack? Her and Desa have been bonded for 3 weeks now, it would have been better to do it right after Threshing, right?” Garrick finally speaks, his pacing pausing but the terror doesn’t leave his body.
“It’s because Xaden was gone. Because he couldn’t protect me.” I mutter, hoping they didn’t hear me. “
“That's it.” Xaden’s voice is cold, the sudden shift sending a chill down my spine, He storms out of the room, Garrick hot on his heels, leaving me in a whirlwind of confusion and pain.
“While I appreciate the previous agreements made with my father and the aid you had provided, I cannot in good conscience continue the arrangement with Catriona Cordella. I hope we can come to another agreement to make up for our end of the deal that does not allow me to betray those closest to me.”
- Recovered correspondence from Cadet Xaden Riorson to Viscount Tecarus of Krovla
December 632 AU
The chill of the impending Winter crept into the air as I walked with Bodhi and Imogen through the rotunda, our laughter echoing off the stone walls after Bodhi cracked a joke about what happened during flight maneuvers this morning. The buzz of cadets all around us, as we continued our laughter. I catch Xaden watching us from the exterior of the circular hall. I really need to talk to him, Desa started channeling a few weeks ago and weird things have been happening all week.
It’s almost like he can read my mind when he offers me a reassuring smile and a soft nod before mouthing. “Meet me in the courtyard.” I nod back before turning to the conversation between Bodhi and Imogen as we enter the Academic Wing. I don’t hear their conversation as I think over the interaction with Xaden. Did he sense my anxiety? Maybe he just wants to check on me.
“I’m telling you, they didn’t stand a—” Imogen’s voice was cut off by screams pouring out as we opened the door to the Battle Brief.
“What’s going on?” I asked, my heart racing. The scene that greeted us was chaotic; a first-year student was screaming, hands clamped tightly over his ears, his face twisted in terror.
“He’s an inntinnsic,” murmurs rippled through the crowd. I felt my stomach drop as his eyes met mine, wide with desperation.
“Help me. You understand,” he gasped, his voice warping, changing into a tone that wasn’t his own. “I really need to talk to Xaden. He’ll know what to do.” The urgency in his plea sent shivers down my spine. He squeezed his eyes shut, anguish etched across his features, and for a moment, a different voice echoed from his lips, “Make it stop!”
What? How did he know what I was thinking?
A hand gently touches my back, causing me to jump at the sudden touch before a low whisper reaches my ears.
“Change your thoughts, think of anything else. Something useless,” Xaden urges. The unyielding in his voice grounds me and I fight to divert my mind.
I reach for the memories of dusty outpost libraries, those few years I was away from Aretia growing up. Violet and Dain are beside me, laughing as we translate a random scroll or two.
“Close your eyes,” Xaden directs, someone pushing their way through the gathering crowd pushing Xaden closer to me. “You aren’t gonna want to watch this.” I turn to him confused and a gasp slices through the crowd, drawing silence. I turn back to see the first year motionless, a professor looming over him. How have I met every professor here already? Which one is he?
“That’s Professor Carr,” Garrick says. “He’s the wielding professor.” Had I asked out loud? No. No, I know I hadn’t.
“Holy shit.” There’s a pit in my stomach. Instinctively, I take a step back towards the door but Xaden still stands in my way.
“Wren?” The concern in his voice acts as an anchor, but it’s too late. I’m already drowning. I can’t draw a single breath as panic rises in my chest like a wave ready to crash over me.
“Trust the Shadow Wielder,” Desa urges me.
“I’m an inntinnsic, aren’t I?” I ask her, praying I’m not right.
“The Shadow Wielder can help.”
“They’ll kill me.” I can’t tell if the words are aloud or in my mind but Xaden’s hands grip my shoulders.
“Wrenley, what's wrong?” He’s turning me to face him, a hand coming up to brush the tears I hadn’t even noticed falling. I try to speak, I open my mouth and nothing comes out. “Love, talk to me.” Before I can think, like my body is in overdrive, I pull from his grasp and run out the doors.
I’m barrelling through every door until the fresh air from the courtyard rushes through my lungs. My hands reach for something to grip onto as I try to steady my racing heart.
“Wren?”
Dain. Fuck he’ll tell his dad if he finds out what I am.
“I’m–” I gasp. “Just go to class, Dain.” The words are rough as I lean farther into the wall.
“Shit, who told you?” I lift my gaze to meet him, all of my worry shifting to confusion as I see the pain in his eyes. “I was just coming to get you, Violet was asking for you.”
“What happened to Vi?” It’s like an alarm goes off when he mentions Violet. Our parents were assigned to the same outpost when Dain and I were nine and Vi was 8. I learned pretty quickly that Violet was a fragile thing after we fell out of a tree. My heart is still uncontrollable.
“Focus on calming your heart, Youngling, before you lose control,” Desa’s voice is softer than I’ve known it. I can feel how worried she is through the bond. Fuck, I’m really losing it.
“She’s fine. Well, physically at least.”
“Spit it out, Aetos!” I snap, my patience fraying along with my control.
“It’s Asher, Wren,” Dain finally confesses and my heart sinks. “He collapsed in the Archives a few days ago. I turn on my heel and run towards the main college. “She’s in her room!” I hear Dain call from behind me and I barely hear it over the echo of my footsteps meeting the stone of the bridge. I’ve only been to this part of Basgiath once after her parents took positions here, and yet I blindly follow the path to her room.
I take a deep breath before knocking and pushing the door open. It's silent besides the shuddering breaths of the girl curled into a ball on her bed.
“Vi?” I call softly, pushing the door shut behind me as I walk towards her. My heart ached at the sight of this tiny girl, swimming among the blankets.
“Wrenley?” I can’t wait a second more, climbing onto the bed and holding her close as a sob rips through her fragile frame. “He’s gone.” She sobs and the words reach me like a dagger. I held her tighter, wishing I could take her pain, and block anything else that could come for her.
“When’s the last time you slept, Vi?” She doesn’t respond, but the way she’s barely holding herself up in my hold speaks volumes; it hasn’t been in the last few days. “How do I help her? Can I help her?” I plead with Desa.
“You can barely keep your thoughts to yourself,” her reply is dry, a reminder of my own emotional chaos.
“Can I help her or not?” I snap, frustration coursing through me.
“Mentally imagine a door, that you’re opening it and stepping into her mind. Just think soothing thoughts, ones that could help her fall asleep. It’s how she did it on you.”
“My mom was an inntinnsic?” That's not possible. My mom was such a rule follower.
“Focus, Youngling.”
I focus every fiber of my being into the task. The door, old wood with intricate carvings, like what the old tomes were written in. Opening the door, I step through to Violet’s mind and I focus on the soothing thought Desa mentioned.
Nights of reading fairy tales by moonlight, Asher and my father acting out the stories with shadows on the wall. Then I think about Violet, wishing for her to remember the simple times with those stories that always put us to sleep, running my fingers through her brown and silver tipped hair. Her breathing starts to slow, a soft rise and fall as I watch her tense muscles loosen.
“Very good, Youngling. Now imagine yourself leaving her mind, like backing out of the door and closing and locking it.” I follow Desa’s instructions and feel the connection between Violet and I getting farther away. “This is also how you can keep yourself from accidentally entering someone else’s.”
A light smile tugs at the corner of my lips at the success.
“Vi? Wren?” The door swings open, Dain frantically coming through the door. I quickly shush him, pointing to the sleeping girl in my lap. “How’d you do that so fast?”
“She just fell asleep. Must still like me more than you.” I laugh softly as Dain positions himself on the floor by the bed.
“Are you okay?” He asks me, his gaze watching me closely.
“I will be.” I answer simply, giving my old friend a soft smile as Desa’s voice rings through my mind again.
“We begin training tomorrow.”
January 633 AU
“Come on, Bodhi!” The crowd of cadets cheered as we watched the challenge. They just started back up this week and it's been fairly entertaining. Bodhi’s grin is infectious, completely in his element as he pins his opponent.
“Kick his ass!”
“He yields!” Professor Emetterio’s voice cuts through the excitement and Bodhi hops off his opponent, offering a hand to help him up. The cadet brushes him off, limping over to his squad. Bodhi saunters over to us, popping a high five to my raised hand as he stops beside me, turning back to the mat, pride radiating off him.
He’s the best fighter in our year and I’m not far off. I may leave the mat as injured as my opponent but at least I leave victorious as Bodhi and Garrick like to say. Xaden has been trying to teach better evasive maneuvers but while I’m quick on my feet, everyone has been significantly larger than me.
“Next we have…” Emettario scans his notes, drawing out the anticipation. “Sebastian Orbeck and Wrenley Tavis.”
Speaking of larger than me.
“Isn’t that the guy that's been threatening you for the last week?” Imogen asks, eyes glancing at me wearily.
“I’m so dead.” I’m five foot six on a good day, Sebastian? He’s as tall as Xaden, if not taller if that was possible, and arms the size of my fucking head. I will not die today.
“Begin,” Emettario calls as we both step onto the mat. I brandish one of my blades as Sebastian circles me, two blades of his own drawn.
“Finally, my chance to take you out, Tavis. I’ve been waiting all year.” His smile brings the hairs on the back of my neck to attention, and I reach to pull a second blade.
“You'll have to fight for that,” I shoot back, voice way steadier than I feel on the inside.
“Oh, I will.” He says with a growl before charging at me, the ground thudding with his weight. I use one of the moves Xaden taught me and tuck into a roll to dodge him. Landing on my feet, I turn to face him and lean back just out of reach of the blade Sebastian swings at me.
“Uh, that’s the best you can do?” I ask, laughing to mask the anxiety flowing through my veins. The murmurs around us fade as I focus on the threat.
“Don’t piss him off, Wren,” a stern voice calls out, worry an underlying tone.
In an instant, Sebastian charges again and I reach for the door of his mind, forcing him to shift his blade to the side, but not enough when I hiss at the sting of the blade breaking skin.
“Your aim is shit,” I taunt, flipping one of my blades in my hand as I take a step back. I can feel Xaden’s annoyed sigh at my taunting but I can't focus on him right now. Another swing of his blade, and I jump back from the blade. “Can’t you try harder than that?” I start backing along the edge of the mat, trying to create some distance when my foot snags on something and I land on my back with a thud, air completely knocked from my lungs.
Before I can force any air into my lungs, Sebastian is on top of me and his hand at my throat, but he’s not squeezing. Why can I still not breathe? My wide eyes snape to Xaden who is fighting every urge to step in. Then it dawns on me:
Sebastian is an Air Wielder. He’s using his signet to suffocate me!
“Come on, Signetless. Die quickly so this can all end,” he hisses, breath chilling along my skin. I manage to turn towards Xaden, using what little energy I have left to reach for his door. The pressure on my chest increases as I gasp for any air but none comes and my vision starts to blur as I throw open the mental door. I’m risking everything by doing this to Xaden, but I’d rather live to have him lecture me than die and have him burn my things for Malek.
I launch myself into his subconscious and scream. “Stop him.” Xaden freezes, eyes widening in alarm.
“Wren?” What? No! He should be moving! This isn’t right!
“Now!” I scream again, before my vision fully blurs and I’m yanked from his mind.
“He’s using his signet!” I hear Xaden shout but the blurriness is turning to darkness and I can feel the last of me slipping.
“Youngling?” Desa’s voice comes through as a whisper and try as I might, I can’t reach out to her.
“She fucking yields!” Xaden shouts again.
I hear Emettario’s voice next and then a rush of air fills my lungs, Sebastian no longer above me. I cough, trying to force more air into my lungs as Xaden appears in front of me.
“Are you okay?” He asks, searching me for any signs of bruising around my neck. I nod, coughing more as Xaden turns back to sebastian.
“You’re going to fucking pay, Orbeck.” Xaden’s anger draws him to action and Xaden’s holding a blade to Sebastian’s throat.
Bodhi and Imogen are at my side, pulling me up from the mat as I finally manage a dep breath. Garrick is on Xaden trying to pull him off.
“You know signets aren’t allowed during challenges!” He shouted, putting more weight behind the blade.
“Xaden,” I call, reaching through his door again. “It’s okay.”
“It’s not okay!” He growls out loud, focused solely on Sebastian. Dammit, he’s going to get me caught.
“If you keep answering me out loud, you’re not going to be able to protect me. Now let him go.” With a reluctant huff, Xaden backs the blade away and stands but not before slamming Sebastian’s head into the ground, knocking him out cold.
Once I felt the soft comfort of my bed, I curled into it immediately. I closed my eyes, hoping and praying that Xaden wouldn’t bring up the events from the training room.
“Your signet manifested.” Okay, nevermind then. I peek through one open eye, to see the door closed, and with the wards Xaden placed on my room I was essentially safe in here. Unless Xaden decides to turn me in.
“It did.” I say softly, closing the one eye and burying my head in my pillow, fighting off the throbbing headache that usually comes after using my signet.
“How long?” He presses. I know he cares, but god can he please just not– “How long, Wrenley?”
I sigh, sitting up and sliding to the edge of the bed. “Desa said it manifested right before the attack in October. I noticed weird things happening right before the incident with the inntinnsic in Battle Brief. I wanted to talk to you that day but then he died and I– I got scared.” I take a deep breath, trying to read Xaden’s emotions but he’s stone cold. “Speaking in people’s minds? That's new.” I tell him, the relief of someone knowing lifting all of the weight I’d been carrying.
“You’ve been doing it since the beginning,” Desa reports, I can almost feel her shrug. “Everyone is either oblivious to the fact that your mouth didn’t move or it blended in with their own thoughts flawlessly. It was honestly kind of impressive when that happened.”
“Excuse me?”
“What type of inntinnsic are you?” Xaden questions, his hard gaze boring into every hole in my soul. “And answer truthfully, since you’ve been lying to me for weeks.”
I should’ve told him from the get go. I knew this would turn on me eventually. Inntinnsics can’t be trusted, it’s why they’re killed. “At first, it was just being able to slip ideas into minds, make someone move a certain way without knowing it wasn’t them. Desa and I have been practicing late at night, but she’s kinda over being a puppet.”
“Shit,” Xaden finally breathes and I scoff at his reaction.
“Yea shit. I’ve been pretending to be signetless for 2 months. It’s fucking hard when you’re constantly jumping into someone’s head on accident.” The fear of getting caught is festering in my head. “I’m scared Xaden. I’d never hurt anyone, but I don’t want to die because they can’t see the good in my ability.”
“I know, I know.” He paces my room, tendrils of shadows swirling around him as he gets lost in thought. “I just…” He pauses, looking over at me and his eyes soften. He settles beside me on the bed, pulling my hands into his. “I’ll help you practice, and we’ll make sure that you have enough control to keep it hidden.” It's a gentle promise, one his eyes promise back to me. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you.” He whispers, lips pressed to my temple as he pulls me closer.
I lean further into his hold, smiling at the smallest flicker of hope. The small promise of tomorrow. “I know.”
April 633 AU
“Stop sending your shadows to wrap around my ankles. It’s highly distracting,” I call across the open channel between Xaden and I, my voice a blend of annoyance and amusement.
Thanks to the practice Xaden's been giving me, I figured out that if I left a door open we could talk back and forth like we do with our dragon's, and it's been interesting to say the least.
I can feel the smirk that surely makes its way onto Xaden's face behind me just from the words he passes to me. “I could do a few other things with them instead if you prefer?”
His mastery of his signet had evolved into an art form, and I had grown all too aware of the power he wielded. The moments of lost control like my first day at Basgiath long behind us. Now, a stray shadow or two from Xaden's will? Well, I don't entirely hate the surprise.
“Maybe if you’re good, I’ll let you tie me up with them later,” I counter, I turn to send him a wink and he chuckles. I could get lost in the carefree look on his face right now, but Professor Devera’s voice pulls my attention.
“Something you’d like to share with the class, Cadet Tavis?”
My cheeks flushed as I turned back around. “No ma’am.”
"It would be wise to get your attention forward in my class, wouldn’t want to be sent to the front unprepared." I nod, and Professor Devera returns to her lecture. The classroom shifted its focus back to the front, yet my mind lingered on the shadows now coiling around my knees. As she jotted down notes, I allowed my finger to idly drift through the mist.
Suddenly, I’m no longer looking down at my notebook. The world around me blurs, colors smearing like watercolor paint on canvas, and in the blink of an eye, I find myself in my room and then my notebook returns and I'm back in the classroom.
What was that? The disorientation makes my heart race as I shake it off, forcing my focus back to the notes sprawled before me. Yet, as I try to ground myself, the image crashes back in, but this time, it morphs into something far more sinister—no longer just a fleeting thought but a vivid nightmare looming at the edges of my consciousness.
“What’s little Signetless gonna do? Take on five cadets at once?” The taunting voices cut through the air like a knife. My breath quickens as I whirl around, the laughter ringing hollow and mocking. I see them now, the familiar figures of my peers, their faces twisted with a cruel blend of amusement and malice, surrounding me like a pack of hungry wolves closing in on their prey.
“We can’t let you keep going. Weakest links need to be weeded out.” Their words drip with venom, and my pulse thrums in my ears as I watch them brandish their weapons. My instincts scream at me to flee, but I’m frozen, spinning in a frantic circle, desperately trying to keep my eyes on each one of them. The walls seem to close in, and the air grows thick. I reach for a dagger, the familiar weight of my weapon something I instinctively crave for reassurance, but my sheaths are empty.
“Don’t worry, we’ll make it quick, after we have a little fun.”
I’m dragged from the vision by the sound of wood scraping across wood, my heart pounding.
“What was that?” I stammer, reaching for Desa through the bond. All I can feel are the gazes of my classmates, all eyes on me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disdain.
“Your second signet,” she replies, her tone dripping with smugness. “Two rare signets. Perfect for you.”
“What. The. Fuck?” My mind races, grappling with her words while dread coils tight in my stomach.
“Cadet Tavis? Is everything alright?” The voice cuts through the haze of confusion, pulling me from the spiraling thoughts that threaten to consume me. As I look up, the classroom blurs into focus, the eyes of my peers fixed on me with an intensity that feels both invasive and unnerving.
“I’m sorry, can I be excused?” I plead, my voice a fragile whisper laced with urgency as I direct my gaze toward Professor Devera. I can feel the heat of embarrassment creeping up my neck, but there’s a deeper dread clawing at my insides, compelling me to escape this moment.
“Very well.” She brushes me off with a wave of her hand, her attention already drifting back to the lecture that is so far from my mind. I gather my belongings hastily, fingers trembling as they race to shove my things into my bag.
“Wren, what's going on?” Garrick’s voice breaks through from the row behind me, concern etched deeply into his brow. Bodhi and Imogen echo his question, their faces a blend of worry and confusion as I move toward the door. Xaden’s shadows still weave through the air, a comforting presence that tingles against my skin, urging me forward as I reach for the doorknob.
“Make up some bullshit about checking on me. Something’s wrong,” I whisper urgently, barely able to form coherent thoughts as panic constricts my chest.
I manage to cover ten feet before the familiar pull of my vision yanks me back into a disturbing memory. My heart races as scenes flash before my eyes—those cadets, their laughter ringing in my ears, the cruel mockery in their tone as they paint a vivid picture of my helplessness. I see the blade gleaming menacingly, then feel a visceral jolt as it pierces my chest, right over my heart. I scramble back, disoriented, desperate to escape this nightmare.
“Wren– Wrenley, it's me! It's me!” A voice breaks through the chaos, and my vision finally sharpens to reveal Xaden, his expression a mix of fear and urgency. “What’s going on?” His concern feels palpable, wrapping around me like a lifeline, but the words catch in my throat. How do I articulate the horrors I’ve just witnessed?
“Precognition, Wise One,” By the Gods, does Desa just know fucking everything? "I do."
“Can I have 5 minutes where you aren’t in my head?!” I shout, my hand instinctively rising to my pounding temple.
“Wren?” Xaden’s voice softens, pulling me back from the brink of my spiraling thoughts. For a fleeting moment, the world narrows, and I forget he’s here.
“Something’s going to happen to me if we don’t stop it.”
I recounted the events in my vision to Xaden who was quick to formulate a plan. He even enlisted Garrick and Bodhi to roam the halls without exposing my signets.
As the night stretched on, the anxiety of what could be looming before us covered the room in silence. Xaden spent most of the night pacing which did nothing to ease my mind. And near the early hours of morning, when the knob turned on my door, our plan was quickly in action. I turned to face away from the door while Xaden used his signet to hide in the shows as five figures crept into my room. I kept still, waiting for the moment that Xaden stepped in. Then I felt the hand on my ankle and I'm dragged to the edge before I could even scream.
“Did you think you were clever?” Xaden's voice sliced through the air and shadows reach for the throats of the intruders. "It’s unlawful to attack another cadet while they sleep,” he declared, his voice dripping with malice and as quick as a snap, the five cadets were on the ground, lifeless.
Garrick and Bodhi came running in, their expressions both shocked and relieved, eyes bouncing between the bodies, Xaden, and myself.
“Remind me to stay on your good side,” Bodhi mutters, shaking off a shiver as he and Garrick begin removing the bodies.
“You okay?” Xaden asks, his entire demeanor shifting from the man I saw kill 5 people, to my Xaden and the way he looks at me? Gods, am I turned on right now?
“And if I said that was one of the hottest things you’ve ever done?”
“I’d do it again in a heartbeat to protect you.”
next part
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#Chasing Shadows#iron flame#fourth wing#onyx storm#fourth wing imagine#fourth wing fanfic#the empyrean#xaden riorson#xaden riorson x oc#oc! Wrenley Tavis#xaden riorson imagine#xaden riorson x reader
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The Youngest Sorrengail
About the story: Y/n is violets twin sister. Unlike violet y/n was trained to be a rider by her mother and to be a scribe by her father. The sisters have a strained relationship. Will y/n continue to resent violet because of the past or will she help her in surviving basgiath war college?

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Chapter 1
Y/n pov:
I had already crossed the parapet and have already given my name 'Y/n Sorrengail' the youngest daughter of Lilith Sorrengail- the general and the most hated amongst the marked ones- the unexpected daughter, they thought it was only violet but surprise surprise there i was. They didn't have to tell me I was unwanted, their actions spoke louder. I didn't have the hair like my sisters, mine was the same as our mothers and I had kept it long too
I didn't see the point of being 'marked' the last I heard about them was that they were strong and most of them had survived the threshing making them worthy... As worthy as any other rider out there. When i think of it I was a marked one too but without the mark since before the rebellion.. since the day I was born actually
I am standing alone in one corner waiting for my sister to cross the parapet or get the news of her death. I can feel the glares of the marked ones even with my eyes closed. I open my eyes to see my twin enter I scan her to make sure she is okay (not that anyone would know I am checking on her) I see she is barefoot and is searching for someone as the girl beside her walks away from her after giving her the boots
I sigh softly and walk towards her "why were you barefoot?" I ask glaring at her instead of congratulating her for crossing the parapet "thank you for congratulating me sister i am well how are you?" She asks sarcastically "Violet" i say as a warning she sighs and runs her face "i gave my boots to the girl who was behind me" i raise my eyebrows at her explanation "why so?"
"because she needed it" she said looking away not making eye contact with me "and you didn't?" I glare at her she sighs "Y/n I would love to quarrel with you but I need to find Dain now" I roll my eyes and nods as she walks away searching for Dain
Dain Aetos he has been our- Violet's childhood friend. I wasn't as close to him as Violet was. Heck I wasn't even his friend. I thought his father was a little too suspicious so I kept my distance from Dain. He was not as suspicious but he was most definitely a daddy's boy
My thoughts were broken when they told us to assemble I stand behind my twin and the girl- Rhiannon- who gave me a polite smile while my twin was obviously nervous "Three hundred and one of you have survived the parapet to become cadets today," Commandant Panchek starts his speech "Good job. Sixty- seven did not."
"I've heard this position is just a stepping stone for him," Tara whispers who introduced herself to me when I stood behind my sister. "He wants Sorrengail's job, then General Melgren's." I raise my eyebrows at her words but don't say anything in return
"He'll never get it," violet says quietly, knowing my sister she would be thinking of all the statistics "Melgren's dragon gives him the signet ability to see a battle's outcome before it happens. There's no beating that, and you can't be assassinated if you know it's coming."
"As the Codex says, now you begin the true crucible!" Panchek continues "You will be tested by your superiors, hunted by your peers, and guided by your instincts. If you survive to Threshing, and if you are chosen, you will be riders. Then we'll see how many of you make it to graduation."
"Your instructors will teach you," Panchek promises, his hand sweeping to the line of professors standing at the doors to the academic wing. "It's up to you how well you learn." He swings his pointer finger at us. "Discipline falls to your units, and your wingleader is the last word. If I have to get involved." A slow, sinister smile spreads across his face. "You don't want me involved. With that said, I'll leave you to your wingleaders. My best advice? Don't die." He walks off the dais with the executive commandant
A brunette woman with wide shoulders and a scarred sneer stalks forward, the silver spikes on the shoulders of her uniform flashing in the sunlight. "I'm Nyra, the senior wingleader of the quadrant and the head of the First Wing. Section leaders and squad leaders, take your positions now My shoulder is jostled as someone walks by, pushing between Rhiannon and me. Others follow suit until there are about fifty people in front of us, spaced out in formation.
That's when I see him Xaden Riorson looking at me observing what I am doing. I maintain my eye contact not showing him any signs of fear. I wanted to be a part of the marked ones as they are known to be strong and for various other reasons. For that i need to earn their trust
"Sections and squads," violet whispers to Rhiannon as i overhear breaking my eye contact with Xaden to look at my sister "Three squads in each section and three sections in each of the four wings."
"Thank you," Rhiannon answers.
Dain stands in the section for Second Wing, facing us. I make eye contact with him giving him a smirk as he quickly averts his gaze
"First Squad! Claw Section! First Wing!" Nyra calls out.
A man closer to the dais raises his hand.
"Cadets, when your name is called, take up formation behind your squad leader," Nyra instructs.
The redhead with the crossbow and roll steps forward and begins calling names. One by one, cadets move from the crowd to the formation I observe each and every one of them. Tara is called into the Tail Section, and soon they start on Second Wing
Me, my sister and Rhiannon are called to Second Squad, Flame Section Second Wing. We get into formation quickly, lining up in a square
Xaden watches my sister with a calculating gaze as my sister lifts her chin. He then looks at me as we go back to our staring competition? He cocks his scarred eyebrow. Then he says something to Second Wing's wingleader, and then every wingleader joins in on what's obviously a heated discussion.
"What do you think they're talking about?" Rhiannon whispers. "Quiet," Dain hisses making me glare at him
'Gosh what is his problem' I think as i roll my eyes. I look at my sister who stiffness for a second maybe shocked he isn't the Dain she knows
Finally, the wingleaders turn around to face us, and the slight smirk on Xaden's lips makes my eyes narrow at him "Dain Aetos, you and your squad will switch with Aura Beinhaven's," Nyra orders. I raise my eyebrows at the sudden change not thinking much to it
Dain nods, then turns to us. "Follow me." He says it, then starts walking to the fourth wing
Xaden's wing
I look back at Xaden who is assessing us. "You're all cadets now" He says "Take a look at your squad. These are the oth people guaranteed by Codex not to kill you. But just because they can't end your life doesn't mean others won't. You want a dragon? Earn on the courtyard"
Most of the others cheer hearing his words, i see people talking to their squad mates as he continues
"Sixty-seven people fell or died in some other way today. Sixty-sever" Xaden looks at me and my sister , and I can see my sister feeling nervous... Maybe uncomfortable too? "And I bet you feel pretty badass right now, don't you, first-years?" More cheers. "You feel invincible after the parapet, don't you?" Xaden shouts. "You think you're untouchable! You're on the way to becoming the elite! The few! The chosen!"
Another round of cheers goes up but i know it's not cheers it's them... The dragons
"Oh gods, they're beautiful," Rhiannon whispers as they come into view- a riot of dragons.
A few cadets scream.
Steam blasts mine and my sisters face as the navy-blue one directly in front of us exhales through its wide nostrils. Its glistening blue horns rise above its head in an elegant, lethal sweep, and its wings flare momentarily before tucking in, the tip of their top joint crowned by a single fierce talon.
"We're going to have to bring the masons in again," Dain mutters as chunks of rock crumble under the dragons' grips, crashing to the courtyard in boulders
There are three dragons in various shades of red, two shades of green-like Teine, Mira's dragon-one brown like Mom's, one orange, and the enormous navy one
They are indeed very beautiful, each dragon has their own speciality and i love all of them. I will survive till the threshing. I glance at my sister who is observing the dragons. I have to protect her too, teach her. Maybe now we can forget the past and move on... Hopefully... My thoughts were stopped when a cadet bolts out of Third Wing, screaming as he makes a run for the stone keep behind us. We all turn to look as he sprints for the giant arched door at the center. I can almost see the words carved into the arch from here, but I already know them by heart. A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their aragon is dead.
The red dragon on the left opens its vast mouth, revealing teeth as big as I am. Fire erupts along its tongue, then shoots outward in a macabre blaze toward the fleeing cadet.
I scrunch my face in disgust because of the smell. I feel pity for the cadet as he had passed the parapet. That's what fear does. Showing fear in front of dragons is like a death wish
"Anyone else feel like changing their mind?" Xaden shouts "No? Excellent. Roughly half of you will be dead by this time next summer." The formation is silent except for a few untimely sobs from my left. "A third of you again the year after that, and the same your last ye No one cares who your mommy or daddy is here. Even King Tauri's secon son died during his Threshing. So tell me again: Do you feel invincible that you've made it into the Riders Quadrant? Untouchable? Elite?"
This time no one cheers. Not one sound came from any cadet
"Because you're not untouchable or special to them." Xaden points toward the navy dragon and leans forward slightly "To them, you're just the prey."
After the speech we were dismissed, I was bunking with my sister and Rhiannon. We will be getting individual rooms after the threshing
I lay on the bed as Rhiannon and Violet talk about the things that happened. I close my eyes as their voices fade in the background. Exhaustion pulling me to sleep
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#fourth wing#xaden riorson#violet sorrengail#fourth wing xaden#fourth wing x reader#fourth wing x you#xaden and sgaeyl#xaden riorson x reader#garrick tavis#garrick tavis x reader#bhodi durran#bhodi durran x reader#imogen cardulo#Sorrengail#mira sorrengail#character x reader#fanfic#ridoc gamlyn#ridoc fourth wing#dain aetos#sawyer fourth wing#garrick tavis x y/n#garrick tavis fourth wing#rhiannon fourth wing#fourth wing x y/n#fourth wing x oc#xaden riorsen x y/n#liam mairi#liam fourth wing#liam mairi x reader
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Be My Shield (Liam Mairi x OC)
Summary: She did not expect to find an ally while waiting to cross the parapet, but she easily accepted his protection…and then offered her own.
This is my submission for @empyreanevents Liam Week- Day 2: Protective. Also this is my first time writing for Fourth Wing and Liam so i hope you like it! I read 'protective' and this is what my brain immediately thought of.
Quick note- in this fic, Liam and Bodhi are the same age and entering the Rider's Quadrant together, which makes Xaden a second year.
Warnings: violence, minor character death (its parapet, y'all)
Words: 5k

The morning dragged by, the burning sun inching across the sky like an archaic form of torture to weed out the weak and unworthy.
Unfortunately, it seemed to be working.
Leyla peeked over the edge of the stone stairs, careful of the lack of railing and the chance of plummeting the two hundred plus steps to the hard ground below. She glanced down at the other foolish recruits standing idly in the long line of those waiting to cross the parapet and hopefully join the Rider's Quadrant. More than once, as the morning transitioned into midday, cries from recruits signaled another potential had fainted as they waited, the unexplainable heatwave taking its toll.
“Can they move any fucking faster? It's fucking hot out here.”
Staring at the stone steps beneath her feet, she allowed the eyeroll at the whining of the man-child standing in front of her. Zinhal was certainly punishing her for her lack of temple worship if he stuck her behind this asshat.
“I bet it's those marked ones. I saw a couple ahead of us.” The one in front of the man-child spoke without heed of his loud volume. “Fucking separtists’ kids.”
Biting the inside of her cheek was the only physical indicator of her annoyance Leyla allowed to manifest. Even after all these years, her mother's training of keeping her emotions to herself still wrapped around her like a muzzle.
“Ha! They're all cowards anyway. I'd bet they see the parapet and freeze, too fucking scared to walk it.” The man-child wiped sweat from his brow and his close-cropped hair.
The line up the stairs moved forward two steps then stopped again.
“Maybe I'll help encourage them along.” He chuckled darkly. “They're not technically cadets until they cross the threshold, right?”
“Nothing stopping them from encouraging you to see Malek then.” She muttered, wondering if her eyes would be permanently stuck in the back of her head from rolling them so much at this idiot's statements.
Could he not see the massive target his haughty statements slapped onto his back? Even if most of the Narravians disliked the marked ones for what their parents did, that did not mean those same marked ones would not protect their own. And in a place like this…where murder was basically encouraged…she doubted he would live long if he kept talking like that.
The sudden snort-laugh behind her made her eyes widen and her stomach drop as she realized someone overheard her snarky comment.
The realization solidified when the man-child turned around to stare down at her, a thick jaw clenched reminding her of her old neighbor's bulldog. “Did you say someth–” His words cut off, anger draining away as he finally acknowledged the person standing behind him. In the span of two heartbeats, his entire demeanor predictably shifted. A sleazy smirk drew up one side of his mouth and his dark eyes scanned her body like it was a treat up for auction at the market.
Leyla wisely kept the eyeroll internal this time, yet stiffened her spine at his unwanted attention. Unfortunately she was stuck, unable to escape as they stood high up on the stone stairs, almost to the crowded, open doorway of the turret. Man-child stood in front of her, looming taller as he stood above her, even though she guessed he was only several inches taller than her own average height, but it was his barrel chest and bulky form that reinforced her prior observation of a bulldog. Behind her stood a tall and very attractive blond, that she had briefly said ‘hi’ to when they first stood in line but she kept her focus on her feet, trying to keep her fears and doubts from strangling her. The only other way to escape man-child was to jump from the stairs and that was the last thing she was willing to do. Some asshole with the intelligence of a cracked walnut was not about to influence her future.
He placed a hand on the stone wall between them, bicep flexing against his short sleeve shirt. “Hey, beautiful.”
She stared over his shoulder, her jade green eyes focused on the turret.
“Are you Loial in the flesh because I think I might be falling in love?”
“The line moved.” She deadpanned, still refusing to look at him.
He peered over his shoulder and sure enough, the line had taken two more steps upward while he was distracted. Of course, once he moved up, he turned back to continue his barrage.
“What's your name, beautiful?”
“No.”
“No?”
Ignoring him, she tucked her shoulder-length black hair behind her ear, allowing a moment to mourn her real hair. It was foolish of her to think cutting and dyeing her hair would repel unwanted attention. Stupid genetics.
“Ohhh…is this one of those ‘you're not worthy to learn my name yet’ things? That's fine. It just makes the victory all the sweeter.” He nudged his companion standing in front of him in line. “Hey, Rus.”
“What is it–Oh fuck.” Rus said once he looked around his companion and noticed her, his blue eyes trailing over her with the subtlety of war horn.
If their attention was not so wholeheartedly predictable and aggravating, she would have laughed. She had been standing behind them for hours and they just now noticed her. She knew those around her were twenty years old but gods, she had hoped for some sense of maturity from those wanting to protect their kingdom.
“She won't tell me her name.” Man-child said, his dark gaze trained back on her.
“Aw, come on, baby. You need allies in a place like this.” The other- Rus- smiled winsomely. “And I promise, Iver and I would be beneficial allies.”
“Yeah, we'd look out for you.” Iver reached out, trying to touch her shoulder. “You know…mutually beneficial.”
Leaning back, she twisted her body before he could make contact, ignoring how it brought her closer to the tall man behind her. “Don't touch me.” She flatly stated, even as annoyance burned away inside her to unearth anger.
Iver blinked before chuckling in a way that was anything but humorous or friendly. “Don't be like that. We're just being friendly. A beautiful girl like you needs someone to protect her, who knows what might happen if she's all alone.”
Leyla tried to suppress the shudder slinking down her spine. How was she already making enemies when she had not even crossed the parapet yet? She was supposed to keep her head down, blend in as much as possible and survive.
“The line moved, asshole.” A deep, soothing voice spoke from directly behind her.
Iver glared at the man behind her before turning and taking the eight steps along with his friend to the top of the stairs, bringing them directly to the turret's open door.
“Are you alright?”
She turned to look at the man behind her. “Yeah.” She replied, selfishly allowing herself a moment to appreciate how handsome he was, especially under the midday sun. His blond hair shone, tousled with longer strands swept over his forehead. Even with her standing two steps above him, he still managed to be taller than her. Broad shoulders, an obviously muscular body that his short sleeve tunic could not fully mask, and toned arms, she wondered if Loial had a hand in creating him, especially with his sharp jaw, plush lips and bright blue eyes that stared at her like her answer was the most important thing in this moment.
“Do you want to switch places with me?” He questioned, his soothing voice a caress to her ears.
She hesitated, the word ‘yes’ on the tip of her tongue before she shoved it back down. How was she going to survive the Rider's Quadrant if she could not even handle a couple of assholes, let alone dragons? No, she needed to be strong…even if she felt anything but strong or prepared for what lay ahead.
“It's fine. Thank you.” She took the first step upward before throwing back over her shoulder. “Unless he starts farting, then I'll definitely switch. He looks like he would smell like death.”
The blond behind her snickered as he followed her up. “Write that on my tombstone. It wasn't the parapet or dragons that killed me. It was a deadly fart.”
Slapping a hand over her mouth, she stifled the laugh that erupted at his blasé comment. She stopped at the top step, one down from the top of the turret, and turned back to the blond. Something fluttered in her belly at the genuine smile and sparkle in his eyes. “I'd never allow your reputation that disgrace. It'd be shameful. I'll come up with something more interesting.”
“What’s more interesting than death by fart?”
“Well, obviously, you wanted to make a reputation for yourself before you even crossed the parapet….it's just a damn shame that you decided to try and cross the parapet by walking on your hands the whole way. I mean, it would be very impressive if you succeeded but alas…” she sighed dramatically and shook her head in faux melancholy, “Malek found you amusing and stole you away. A real tragedy.”
She fully faced him as she spoke, giving herself front row seats as his smile grew, revealing dimples in both cheeks and she had to remind herself not to swoon. Loial definitely had a strong opinion when he was created. She lazily wondered if he was blessed by the goddess of love also or just a recipient of her favor in genetics.
“That's the story we're going with?” He asked, mirroring her pose.
“Unless you can think of something better?”
“No, I think that'll work.”
She opened her mouth to reply when a hand on her shoulder whipped her around roughly, making her almost lose her balance on the slick stairs and tumble off if the blond behind her had not latched his hands onto her waist to steady her.
“Stop fucking ignoring me. You're too pretty to die this soon.” Iver stated, his eyes drifted down to the pair of hands on her body. His eyes widened for a brief moment before they narrowed into slits, directed at the man behind her. “A marked one. Makes fucking sense. You know what, beautiful, I wouldn't touch you since you let those dogs put their hands on you. I bet you fucking moan when they rut into you.”
“Shut the fuck up before I make you.” The blond snarled, his grip tightening on her as if that alone prevented him from lunging at the asshole in front of them.
“Hey! The line moved! Fight on the other side!” Someone from further down the stairs yelled out.
Iver turned around but not before sneering at her like she was shit beneath his boots.
Once he moved forward, Leyla started to take the final step up but the hands still on her waist remained, preventing her from moving. She looked up, above her shoulder to meet his furious gaze.
“We're switching spots.” He demanded quietly.
“Okay.” She breathed out, desperate to mask the tremor in her voice.
Gently and carefully, he moved around her, keeping her body against the stone wall and purposefully putting himself towards the open air and the long fall down to the ground. It was as he switched with her that she finally took note of his rebellion relic. The mark traveled from his wrist and up his arm, the rest hidden by his tunic. The swirls and sharp lines stunning in their design but laced with the despair of what it represented.
She had never met a marked one before, tucked away in the country like she had been. Of course, she had heard the stories surrounding the Rebellion and what had happened to the leaders’ children but…she was the last person to blame children for the sins of their parents.
Leyla might not have a mark on her arm but she felt marked all the same.
“He shouldn’t have said that about you.”
She shrugged, gazing out over the expansive fields surrounding Basgiath. “That’s not the first time someone has tried to insult me. I’m sorry too. About what he implied about marked ones. I don’t think that.”
“I know.”
She turned her face to look up at him upon hearing his smug tone.
Those dimples made a reappearance as he leaned down to whisper. “You wouldn’t have been checking me out earlier if you thought that.”
“Shut up.” She grumbled, heat warming her cheeks to an embarrassing degree.
Luckily the line moved once more and she was momentarily saved from her embarrassment. The turret’s top was open to the air, allowing an unobstructed view of the ravine and river on the other side…and the two hundred foot drop from the stone parapet.
Observations of the turret’s stonework or the three riders standing at the entrance to the parapet suddenly vanished from her mind as she stared at the long stone trail, only eighteen inches in width, that she was expected to cross to join the Rider’s Quadrant, or fall to her death. Success or failure.
Gods, what was she thinking? This was a terrible idea, the absolute worst. Fear bloomed within her chest, tendrils slipping out to prick her with thorns, constricting her heart. A nauseating wave of understanding doused her in its icy chill. She had heard rumors and stories of what the Quadrant entailed, of the death tolls, the violence and terror it caused. It was not until this moment she truly believed it. And now she was going to voluntarily try to join.
How could she do this? If anyone found out…. But what else could she do? This was her best chance to survive…or not. Either way, at least she tried. At least she could say she did not give up.
“Name?” One of the three riders waiting by the entrance, which just looked like a gaping hole in the stonework, asked in a clearly bored tone.
“Liam Mairi.” The blond stated confidently to the roll-keeper.
Anxiety and fear danced a tango in her belly as she watched him move forward to stand at the entrance, waiting for the signal to take his turn and prove he deserved to be a cadet. Two other riders loitered around, barely shifted their posture, but she could tell they were talking to him…to Liam. Staring at them, she belatedly took notice of the winding rebellion relics on their own arms. Two more marked ones, but ones that were riders already. A hint of something, perhaps gratitude, coiled in her belly in knowledge that there were others like Liam already in the Quadrant, he would not be alone.
Unlike her.
But she had to remain so to survive.
“I said ‘name’, girl, or are you deaf?” The roll-keeper snapped.
“Sorry,” she immediately apologized, ducking her head, “it's…ah, Leyla Rivers.”
The rider wrote down her name, barely sparing her a glance as he covered a yawn and gestured her forward. Taking a step, moving behind Liam, she wondered how embarrassing it would be if she vomited right then. Would they make her clean it up? Would they laugh and throw her off the parapet? The rolling of her stomach was about to make a decision for her when a gentle touch startled her. A large, warm hand wrapped around her own shaking one and squeezed.
“Hey.”
Daring to be brave, she looked up and was greeted by those bright, blue eyes again.
“I'll see you on the other side.” He said in that soothing tone, imbued with confidence.
“Okay.” She took a deep breath, a poor attempt to soak in his reassurance and smiled softly, not wanting his last memory of her to be surrounded in panic, not that it really mattered if he remembered her. “No walking on your hands.” She teased.
He chuckled. “I'll try my best.”
“Then neither of us have to worry about meeting Malek today.”
“Liam, stop flirting with the pretty girl and get going.” One of the marked ones by the entrance drolled, but with a familiar undertone to the remark.
Liam winked at her and squeezed her hand once more before releasing it. “Ignore Garrick, he’s always been upset that I'm obviously more handsome than him.”
“For fuck’s sake.” The marked one that was as wide as a barn door and with huge muscles for days groaned, rolling his eyes. “Xaden, if I push him off–”
“You know he’d float with all the hot air in his big head.” The taller marked one with dark onyx eyes lazily said but smiled for a brief moment, turning his dark, broody aura into something warm before killing it once again.
“Hilarious, the both of you.” Liam snarked back. Placing his hands on either side of the entrance, he froze for a moment, meeting intense onyx eyes and sharing a brief nod before stepping out onto the parapet and the open air surrounding it.
Chilling anxiety and crippling nerves gripped her with an iron fist. She watched with bated breath as Liam casually walked across the stone parapet like it was a leisurely stroll, arms by his side and an dauntless swagger to his gait that would have been distracting if she was not terrified for his safety.
Once Liam made it to the quarter mark, the marked one- Garrick- she thought, finally spoke to her. “Step up.”
Wordlessly she followed the order, her gaze only drifting briefly to the massive second year and the one with onyx eyes. She startled at seeing those scrutinizing onyx eyes staring at her, gazing at her in a way that felt assessing, like he was trying to read her secrets. He was truly gorgeous with dark hair, tawny skin and a sharp jawline but something about him unnerved her and she quickly darted her gaze away, focusing on watching Liam continue to cross.
It was when Liam was almost to the halfway mark that Zinhal decided to show his fickle hand.
“Go.” She heard from beside her, shoving down the rising terror and taking that first uneven step onto the parapet.
Yet when she looked back up, her heart leapt into her throat.
Liam was warily taking steps back, dodging powerful swings from Iver who had gone before him but clearly turned back.
As if on their own accord, her feet slowly moved forward, her own terror forgotten on the turret as her gaze refused to abandon the sight of the fight happening. She knew hardly anything about fighting, her training was more focused on being a lady, but she could tell Liam remained defensive, only blocking yet giving ground with each step.
Everything changed in a split second.
Iver overswung, losing his balance on the narrow stone walkway. Liam blocked the swing towards his side. Instinctually, Iver gripped onto Liam’s arm as if that would steady himself, like a drowning man clambering over another to try and stay above the deadly waters.
Gravity, and Zihnal, chose otherwise.
They both started to topple over the side, a petrifying shriek yanked from Iver's throat as he grasped at the taller blond.
WIthout thinking, Leyla raced along the parapet, ignoring the two hundred foot drop on either side of her, outrunning the terror previously eating away at her.
With a pained shout, Liam slammed onto the parapet, arms blindly reaching across to grip onto the narrow stonework as his legs and torso dangled freely over the ravine. Iver clung to Liam’s waist like a parasite, loudly cursing and screaming to be pulled up.
Liam’s head shot up, mouth in a grimace, as his gaze locked on hers when she slid next to him on her knees. “No, it's too–”
“Don't let go!” She demanded, locking her arms around his shoulders, pressing her forehead against his temple, desperately hoping it would keep him from falling.
“Wasn't planning on it.”
“PULL ME UP! FUCKING PULL ME UP!”
Leyla lifted her head just enough to meet Iver's wide, panicked eyes.
“DON'T JUST FUCKING SIT THERE! HELP US THE FUCK UP!”
She dropped her forehead back to Liam's temple, her lips brushing against his ear. “Can you do it? Pull yourself up?”
“Just my weight…fuck!...not his too.” He grunted with eyes closed, the strain of hanging on evident.
Realization settled on her like a boulder dropped onto her back. She knew the Rider's Quadrant was hard, that it was ruthless and death would be the shadow that followed all cadets…she just had not expected to taste its darkness so soon.
“Fuck!” Liam shouted, torso jostling as he quickly readjusted his hold on the uneven stones. “Princess, let go. I can't– you need to let go.”
“No! Hold on…just don't give up yet, sunshine!” She commanded, mind scrambling on how to help. A renewed sense of panic bloomed in her chest but she valiantly tried to ignore it, logic warring with everything she had been taught all her life.
Under the bright afternoon sun, a thin shadow wrapped around her wrist and fiercely tugged. At any other time, she would have gaped and screamed but with the adrenaline and mind-numbing panic coursing through her, her mouth remained sealed shut. Her gaze followed as the shadow guided her hand across Liam's back to his ribs, nudging her as it spread across a hard line. Acting on instinct, her hand wrapped around something hard, but it was not until she tugged it out that she recognized what it was. A slim dagger.
Oh gods.
“WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING, BITCH?”
She only allowed herself one heartbeat, one brief second before she changed her world forever. Or maybe once she stepped foot in the line to join the Rider's Quadrant, that alone set things into motion. She gave into the growing horror for the span of a breath then forcibly locked it away in her mind.
Gritting her teeth, she leaned over Liam's back and stabbed one of the parasitic hands wrapped around his waist.
A scream ruptured the air around them but she tried to pretend it was only a bird of prey's cry. Not because of her. Not because of what she was doing.
So, she stabbed again.
Just a bird’s cry. The wetness on her hands was only rain drops. Don’t focus. Just act. Don’t…
Oh gods.
Making sure to avoid Liam, she solely focused on Iver's hands and wrists, stabbing one more time.
With a pain-fueled wail, those bloodied hands released…
…and Iver dropped, screaming all the way to the rushing river below.
“Shit.” She gasped, sitting back on her knees, bile coating the back of her throat. Blood splattered across her hand, still painfully gripping the handle of the dagger.
“Princess?”
“Can you–can you get up?” She sputtered, tremors racking her body at the knowledge of what she had just done.
Liam nodded, back and arms flexing. “I think so…back up.”
She scooted back on her butt a little but refused to move more, terrified she would fall off with how badly she was shaking.
Carefully he pulled himself up until his torso was over the parapet and then turned like one would to get out of a pool. It was not until he was balanced precariously on his knees facing her that she let out the breath clogging her lungs.
“Are you hurt?” Those blue eyes scanned over her, the edge of fear still coloring his tone.
She shook her head, throat tight like the very air was trying to suffocate her.
“Come on, let's go.”
“I can’t…” She whispered, terror and horror breaking through her mental box, freezing her limbs to the stone beneath her. Malek…she killed someone.
“Hey, look at me.” He reached out, cupping her cheek as he forced her gaze to hold his. “I won’t let you fall, okay? We can do this.”
Then he dropped his hand from her cheek and grabbed her clenched fist in front of her. Slowly he opened it, slipping his fingers into the empty space between hers. With a fleeting smile, he squeezed her hand before rising.
Following his actions, she rose too.
Above the horror and terror.
Above the raging river that would claim dozens of bodies this day.
She shoved it all aside and willed herself to survive.
Still holding hands, they began to walk towards the other side, that distant entrance to the Rider’s Quadrant. She could feel her hand shaking in his, which only seemed to make him tighten his grip on her. She kept her eyes on his broad back, refusing to look down. The sun burned down upon her face but she welcomed the sting, anything to dilute the writhing emotions swirling in her body and mind like poisonous snakes.
As they approached and then crossed the threshold to the Quadrant, those poisonous emotions slithered to the back of her mind, leaving her feeling drained and exhausted.
“Well that was fucking dramatic.” The woman standing just on the inside with a scroll and pen stated flatly, making a rider standing next to her laugh. “Names?”
“Liam Mairi.”
The rider nodded and then pointedly eyed her. “And yours?”
“Leyla Rivers.”
“Find a spot to sit until formation. Welcome to the Rider's Quadrant, cadets.”
“You two are off to a good start.” The companion chuckled, nudging the roll-keeper.
Without sparing them a second glance, Leyla silently followed Liam, allowing him to draw her further into the Quadrant. Almost as soon as they passed the roll keeper, Liam was bodily dragged into a fierce hug. He released her hand, slapping his companion happily on the back.
“Took you long enough. I almost came out to get your ass, but they wouldn't let me back onto the parapet.” The dark-haired companion with a matching rebellion relic on his arm said, after smacking Liam one more time on the back. “You don't have to be such a show-off.”
Liam chuckled, taking a step back and returning to Leyla’s side. “I had to make it interesting. You practically skipped across it.”
“Well, Xaden told me if I did something stupid like fall, he'd wring my neck…can't imagine what he's going to do to you.”
“Oh fuck.”
The dark-haired companion chuckled. “Lucky for you, you had a gods-sent savior.” He finally looked at her, a smile growing on his face. “Thank you for saving his ass.”
“I'd say ‘anytime’ but I really don't want to do that again.” She softly murmured.
He laughed, tawny skin catching the sunlight, before jerking his head towards where the crowd of cadets loitered. “Come on, let's find somewhere to wait.”
She paused as the two started to walk away, unsure if she was meant to follow them. When a large, warm hand wrapped around hers, tugging her along, she easily relented.
The three of them secured a spot against one of the outer walls, dropping to sit on the dirt floor. She found herself sandwiched between the two taller men, but instead of fear, comfort skated down her nerves, even though she could sense the bone-deep horror and tremors only a heartbeat away. Right now, she tried to ignore it. To revel in the reality that she made it, she was a cadet! Amongst the sea of strangers and danger ahead, she relaxed into the cove of momentary peace her companions’ surrounding presence offered, soaking it in like parched ground.
“Shit, you've got blood on you.”
Leyla startled as Liam gently grasped her hand, sliding the dagger from her palm. In the mental chaos of crossing the parapet, she had not noticed the dagger still in her grip. “Oh.”
“Are you hurt?” He asked, wiping off the blood on the bottom of his pants before sliding the dagger back into its sheath against his ribs.
“Shouldn't I be asking you that?”
“I'll be fine.”
To her shock, he lifted the hem of his dark tunic and used it to clean the drying splatters of blood off her hand. She caught a glimpse of a firm core and the faint outline of abs before she quickly darted her gaze back up to his face, hoping what brief flash of heat she felt did not transfer to her cheeks. Now was certainly not the time to be ogling him.
Then something hit her. “Wait…did you call me ‘princess’ back there?”
“Yeah.”
“Why?” Her heart raced at the potential implications of his answer.
He leaned back against the wall, lips curled upward in a smirk that drew out a dimple in his cheek. “Well, you were quite demanding, telling me to hold on. I figured ‘princess’ fit.” He nudged her shoulder with his. “I'm fairly certain you called me ‘sunshine’ right back.”
What building tension whooshing out of her so quickly, she felt momentarily lightheaded. It was just a silly nickname. He did not mean anything by it.
She ignored his latter comment, not about to reveal how struck she was by him at their initial meeting and how his warmth and their lighthearted humor reminded her of sunshine. “Well, I didn't feel like working on your tombstone today so I told you to hold on and Malek to fuck off.”
That drew a startled laugh from the men on either side of her and a responding, weak smile grew on her lips.
“I think you'll be fun to have around.” The dark-haired man chuckled, then held out a hand in front of her. “Bodhi Durran.”
She took it, giving it a quick shake before wrapping her arms around herself again. “Leyla Rivers.”
“Who else made it across?” Liam asked in a hushed tone.
Leyla zoned out as the two quietly spoke over her. Gods, she hoped she made the right choice. What was this place going to do to her? How was it going to change her? She had not even fully entered into the Quadrant and she had already murdered someone! The reminder made her breath hitch in her throat and horror clawed its way towards her lungs. She could not do this. She had literal blood on her hands. Someone died because of her. The back of her throat tasted of bile once again and she wondered if she had enough time to sprint for somewhere seclusive before vomiting.
Before she could spiral further, a warm hand covered hers, tugging her into a broad chest. Without thinking, she leaned against Liam, absorbing his comfort and warmth. Taking slow breaths, she waited for the swelling nausea to subside, for the faint trembling of her hands to dissipate.
She desperately hoped she had not made a mistake. She had heard it sworn once that those that attempted the Rider's Quadrant either came out on the back of a dragon or dead…but she silently rationalized to herself that either was a better option to the alternative.
At least HE could not find her here.
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Yes, this is feels like the first chapter of a series. My brain can't stop thinking about Liam & Leyla so we'll see if I continue and ignore all my other WIPs.
#mz writes#mz edits#fourth wing#fourth wing fanfic#fourth wing fandom#onyx storm#iron flame#the empyrean#the empyrean series#liamweek2025#liam mairi x oc#liam mairi imagines#bodhi durran#xaden riorson#garrick tavis#the empyrean fanfic
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I wish you'd write a fic where reader is xadens younger sister and dating Garrick. But they date in secret (obviously xaden wouldnt be super thrilled at first when finding out) for like 2 years or so before they leave to go to Basgiath . Maybe when reader goes to cross the parapet Xaden notices garricks extra instruction. Maybe a slight brush on the back of the end before stepping on. And then Garrick and reader are caught by xaden and then his mad at first but relaxes off after watching Garrick protect her through out the year
When?
Xaden felt like an idiot. One big absolute idiot. He couldn’t believe that he was able to lead the rebellion but was quite literally fooled by the people closest to him. How did he miss the signs? Why didn’t his consciousness wave red flags back and forth. And he didn’t even figure it out on his own. No, no, fucking Imogen spelled it out for him.
“What are you smiling about all day?”, he had asked her as they counted up the weapons. Getting ready to distribute them overnight. Imogen shook her head as her smirk deepened, “Just Garrick”, she breathed. Xaden frowned, “Why are you smiling over Garrick? You don’t smile over a man”. Imogen rolled her eyes, “it has nothing to do with me, you idiot”, she snorted.
“Out with it, I don’t have time to play”, Xaden grumbled. Imogen placed down the dagger in her hands before looking up at her friend. “Didn’t you notice that he’s been different?”, she questioned. “Is he sick?”, Xaden smacked a question of his right back at her. “You are unbelievable”, she shook her head, “Do you seriously don’t see it?” Xaden blinked a couple of times. Nothing seemed off about his oldest friend. He was fine. Better than ever actually. “Xaden, Garrick looks at your sister as if she hung the moon up in the sky”, Imogen muttered, “He greeted me with a smile today”, her hands met Xaden’s shoulders as she shook him slowly, “A smile. S. M. I. L. E. Do you understand? That man hasn’t smiled ever since I met him”. But Xaden’s mind had clung to the first part of her words. Garrick liked his sister. No, this had to be a joke. Just Imogen didn’t look as if she was joking.
Ever since had made it his task to keep an eye out. Following you both. Sorting out through memories of you both. You had barely crossed the parapet six months ago. And yes Garrick had pulled you from the line when you came up. “Show me your shoes”, he had ordered, bending down to check them himself. Xaden hadn’t thought anything of it then. Had simply muttered, “Fuck you, I got her the shoes myself”, but he was so frightened to lose you that day that nothing else counted. Not the way Garrick had gripped the side of your face right before you stepped on. Not even the fact that Garrick had broken the board the names were scribbled on. Or how they had embraced each other when you were safely on the other side.
“Stop piling food on my plate”, you chuckled lightly, as Garrick spooned more veggie bake from his owl plate onto yours. “You need to eat more”, he stated, “You did well in training today”. Your eyes sparkled as you looked up at him. “You probably just went easy on me”, you shrugged. “I never go easy on anyone, love”, he reached out, brushing strands of your hair behind your ear, “Especially not when I want to impress you”. You hit his chest lightly, as your cheeks went pink, “You’re such a flirt”, “Only for you baby, only for you”, he traced the corner of your lips before picking up a for once again.
Xaden brooded in the knowledge of seeing it with his own two eyes. And then it’s as if someone had ripped the blindfold from his eyes. It was everywhere. Xaden saw it everywhere and it was so obvious. Garrick who was always first to leave the meeting now stood there, waiting for everyone to leave. Every time he walked past the girls he always made sure to brush his fingers along your back. Find contact with you no matter what. In a sea of cadets, his eyes were always on you.
“When?”, Xaden asked, yanking the back of Garrick’s shirt as the male left one of the meeting halls. Garrick didn’t miss a beat at batting his long-time friend’s hands off him, “Shit man you nearly got me”. But Xaden only puffed his chest more, “When?”, he repeated. Garrick frowned because Xaden was tiptoeing on the edge and he never lost his cool. A fear ran down his spine. What if something happened? What if you got hurt? Taken?
“What the fuck is going on?”, Garrick barely managed to grunt as Xaden’s left fists collided with his jaw. “Answer the fucking question goddamn”, he growled, clearly getting more and more frustrated. Garrick shoved him back slightly, “What in burning dragon shit has gotten into you?”.
A bitter laugh slipped past his friend’s lips, “I should be asking you that”, Xaden’s eyes were burning with anger, “you’re the one screwing my sister behind my back”, his voice raised ever so slightly. Garrick’s face blanched for a heartbeat before a wave of frustration ripped within him as well, “Don’t you dare put it like that”, he pointed a warning finger at Xaden who leaped forward, “You didn’t deny it, shitface”.
He wasn’t so sure if he wanted to punch or choke his long-time friend until a voice split the growing. “Stop this right now”, you called out, reaching to move for them but Garrick moved his free hand up, “Step aside Yn”. Yet another huff echoed, “Don’t tell her what to do”, Xaden bit back and it’s as if something shifted in Garrick, “I will because you are insane and I ain’t taking chances with you”, there was that primal almost frustrations in him. One that Xaden recognized because he too got overtaken by it when anyone got involved with Violet.
Yet still, Xaden pushed through, making sure to back Garrick against the wall, “I will make sure you die a painful…”, “Don’t you finish that Riorson”, you hissed from behind him, as you pulled at your brother’s upper arm. “You are grounded”, Xaden yanked his arm out of your grip, turning his frustration back on you.
“Listen to yourself, you sound like a child”, you said through gritted teeth. “Why was I not informed about this”, Xaden pointed between you and Garrick, before shaking his head, “This can’t be happening”. Garrick let out a low chuckle, “It has been for the past year and then some”, “Garrick”, you huffed pinching the bridge of your nose as he shrugged.
“She’s my sister! My”, Xaden shouted right at his friend's face, “And my girlfriend get in the line of being important to her”, Garrick said with a smirk. “I will choke you in your sleep”, Xaden leaned to tower over Garrick but he didn’t miss the beat doing just the same, “You can try”.
“Boys, please”, your voice was barely a whisper now, you could hear the sadness in it. Garrick’s head wiped in your direction instantly, “Don’t you dare get upset over this”, he hated it. Hated the sight of you sad. Of you upset. He could handle anything just not your tears. “Stop telling her what to do”, Xaden howled but this time Garrick was the one to shove him back before pointing a warning finger at him, “Riorson you are starting to get on my nerves”.
“Shut it, both of you”, you hissed, pushing your way between them and putting them at arm's length. “Garrick, I love you but please just stay quiet for a moment”, you glanced at your boyfriend, silently pleading with him, before your eyes turned to your brother.
“I’m sorry i should have told you”, you muttered. “Fuck yeah you should have”, he huffed. “But we had so little time. You both could have died, I could have died. We took a gamble just in case we survived and here we are”, you intertwined your fingers with Garrick’s and he instantly brought your joined hands up to his lips. Xaden inhaled sharply. “I’ve been really happy, Xaden”, you muttered quietly as your eyes glassed over with tears. Xaden reached out, pulling you closer to him, glaring at Garrick over your shoulder as he kissed the side of your head with a low whisper, “I know”.
You pulled back, hopeful eyes looking right into his soul. His little sister. The other half of his world. He only pushed through for you and Violet. A frown deepened between his brows before he managed to pull somewhat of a smile for you, kissing your forehead. “I will serve you your ass on the mats tomorrow”, Xaden shot a tight look Garrick’s way. He wasn’t ready to have a proper conversation with him yet. He will. He will put him from hell of his own. Just not now. “I’m looking forward to it”, Garrick nodded in agreement. Xaden turned to walk away before stopping. “A single hair breaks on her head and I am scattering you in ribbons”, he threatened, turning back to hold a warning stare with him. Garrick simply pulled you closer to his chest, wrapping his arms around you, “Believe me”, he breathed out, glancing down at you for a moment, “If a hair breaks I will go willingly”. And that was enough for Xaden. Because even if he was angry he knew that Garrick would fight till his last breath to make sure that you were okay and for that alone, he couldn’t bring himself to hate him.
#garrick tavis#garrick tavis x reader#garrick tavis imagine#garrick tavis x you#garrick tavis x oc#garrick tavis fourth wing#garrick tavis iron flames#garrick tavis fourth wing imagine#xaden riorson#xaden riorson imagine#xaden riorson x reader#xaden x reader#xaden fourth wing#fourth wing#fourth wing imagine#fourth wing x reader#iron flame x reader#iron flame imagine
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Whatever it Takes (3/)

Pairing: Xaden Riorson x sister!oc, Fen Riorson x daughter!oc (flashbacks), Bodhi Durran x cousin!oc
Word count: 3.6k
Warnings: Fen Riorson, Fourth Wing and Irom Flame (?) Spoilers, Violence, blood, cursing, fighting, death, execution flashbacks,
Summary: Karina was nothing like her brother. Their father made sure to remind her of that. Now facing death in the face every day, she was glad she wasn’t. Now there are two Riorsons at Basgiath War College; what could go wrong?
Whatever It Takes series: Previous
~~~~~~
The moment the fight broke out, Xaden moved. His chair scraped loudly against the stone as he shot to his feet, eyes blazing with fury. His muscles tensed, ready to cross the hall, but before he could take a step, a firm hand clamped down on his shoulder.
Xaden’s head snapped to the side, where Garrick stood, his expression unreadable. “Are you insane?” Xaden snarled. “He’s trying to fucking kill her.”
“She can take care of herself.” Garrick’s voice was steady, calm—but there was something hard in his gaze. He wasn’t indifferent. He was watching. Waiting.
Bodhi stood just behind them, looking between the fight and Garrick with barely contained rage. “She doesn’t have to,” he growled. “We’re right here.”
“I know.” Garrick didn’t look away from Karina. “But trust me. She needs this.”
Xaden’s jaw clenched, his hands curling into fists at his sides, but he didn’t move. He wanted to—fuck, he needed to—but deep down, he knew Garrick was right. He wouldn’t always be here to protect her. Karina had to learn to stand on her own, to fight her own battles.
Even if it killed him to watch.
Karina’s vision blurred for a second as the male’s knuckles glanced off her temple, but she recovered fast. She had to. He was already swinging again, rage fueling his every move.
She ducked under his wild punch, twisting behind him, and slammed her knee into the back of his. He grunted, stumbling forward, but before he could regain his footing, she grabbed a fistful of his uniform and wrenched him sideways. His body hit the edge of the table with a sickening crunch.
The hall erupted in shouts and gasps.
He shoved off the table, trying to lunge again, but she saw it coming. She stepped inside his reach, grabbed his arm, and twisted. Hard.
A wet pop filled the air, followed by his ragged scream as his shoulder dislocated.
Karina barely had time to register the next movement before he was pushing himself up, shaking with fury. His face was contorted in pain, blood dripping from his nose, but he wasn’t done. Not yet.
He let out a guttural snarl and charged at her.
Karina shifted her stance, bracing, but he was faster than before—wild with rage. He slammed into her, his good arm wrapping around her middle as he drove her backward. The force sent them both crashing into a table, plates and cups clattering to the floor.
Karina barely dodged the first blow, but the second clipped her shoulder. Pain radiated down her arm, but she gritted her teeth and stepped into him.
Her fist slammed into his ribs. Once. Twice.
He wheezed, doubling over.
She grabbed his head, yanked it down, and drove her knee into his face.
His entire body went slack.
He collapsed to his knees, swaying.
His chest heaved as he tried to get air past his shattered nose, his dislocated arm hanging uselessly at his side. Blood poured down his face, pooling at his lips and chin.
Karina stared down at him, her pulse pounding in her ears.
“Stay down,” she ordered, her voice sharp, unwavering.
But he wasn’t done. Even as his body sagged, even as his breath rattled in his lungs, he reached for her, hate burning in his eyes.
She let out a low breath.
Then she grabbed the back of his head and slammed his face into the stone floor.
A loud crack echoed through the dining hall.
This time, he didn’t move.
Silence swallowed the room.
Xaden’s body coiled tight, every instinct screaming at him to step in. But Garrick’s grip remained firm, keeping him in place.
The male lay motionless, his chest barely rising. Blood pooled beneath him, seeping from his nose and mouth. His breathing was ragged, wet, struggling.
Karina stood over him, her knuckles split, blood dripping down her fingers. Her ribs ached, her jaw throbbed, but she forced herself to breathe through it. Adding onto what was already a brutal sparring match earlier.
Karina breathed through all the pain. Through the spinning in her head and the nausea. She turned in a slow circle, sweeping her sharp gaze over the cadets watching in stunned silence. Even the third-years. Her squad leader, Dain. Section leader. Garrick. Wingleader. Xaden.
“If anyone else thinks they can come for me, you’ll be meeting Malek by the time I’m done with you.” Her voice was low, lethal. She spat onto the stone floor beside the crumpled body. “And that’s a fucking promise.”
Silence.
There was nothing but absolute silence in the dining hall.
Then without a second thought, Karina turned on her heel and strode out of the hall, her boots echoing against the stone. Behind her, the limp body was dragged away, blood smearing across the floor.
Xaden exhaled sharply, rolling out the tension in his shoulders.
It was only then when Garrick finally released his grip.
“She just proved to every bastard in this room that she’s not a target,” he murmured, watching Karina’s retreating form. “That she’s not just your sister—she’s a Riorson. And if someone tries to come after her, they know what to expect.” He said.
Bodhi couldn’t help but scoff, “yeah but now they’ll think it’s okay to come after her,” he said with irritation. Karina was more than a cousin. She was a sister to him.
Garrick simply shook his head, “If someone else tries, we can take care of them. But you both know how important this first week is for.”
Xaden didn’t respond.
Because he knew Garrick was right. He wouldn’t be there to protect her considering both him and Garrick were graduating at the end of the year. And then Bodhi and Imogen would be next. And she would be in charge of the marked ones that would later come through the quadrant.
Xaden knew Karina could handle herself, fuck, everyone knew that. But that didn’t make it any easier to watch his little sister walk away, bloodied, battered, and utterly alone.
She barely noticed the whispers starting up behind her. The sharp, hushed voices of those too afraid to speak before she left. Let them talk. Let them wonder if they were next.
Her pulse thundered in her ears as she moved through the dimly lit corridors of Basgiath, her vision tunneling. Her body ached—sharp, pulsing pain radiating from her ribs, her knuckles screaming with each step. But she didn’t stop. She couldn’t.
By the time she reached the first-year barracks, her fingers fumbled with the latch to the showers, the cool metal biting into her torn skin. She shoved the door open and stepped inside, letting it slam shut behind her.
Quickly she stripped off her uniform and tossed it aside as she turned on the shower. Almost immediately the water sputtered on as it rained down on her.
The scalding water burned against Karina’s raw knuckles, turning the blood swirling down the drain a deeper red. She braced her hands against the slick stone wall, her arms trembling.
Pain settled deep in her bones, a reminder of every hit she’d taken. The bruises forming on her ribs, the ache in her jaw, the sharp sting in her side.
She squeezed her eyes shut, her chest rising and falling in uneven breaths.
Her fingers curled into fists.
She wasn’t weak. But she had gotten into the fight so quickly with no hesitation. Would that Vader even survive? She didn’t even stay to check.
But the moment the first tear slipped down her cheek, she gritted her teeth, pressing her forehead against the cold stone. Just for a second.
Karina shook off the straying thoughts. Now wasn’t the time to fall into that hole again of everything she missed. Everything she needed to hear. She needed to pull herself together.
The hot water from the shower had done little to ease the tension in Karina’s muscles, but it helped wash away the blood and the violence of the fight. She had scrubbed her skin raw, as though trying to erase the bruises and the bitterness that clung to her. But as the water drained, so did some of the heavy weight pressing down on her chest, even if only for a little while.
The barracks were quieter now, the muffled sounds of the rest of the cadets in the halls, killing some time before they had to get to bed. The weight in her chest hadn’t fully lifted, but there was a sense of calm. She could still feel the adrenaline in her veins, her muscles sore from the brutal fight, but the water had helped clear her mind—at least for now.
Karina climbed into her own bunk, her body aching from the day’s events. She stared up at the bunk above her for a moment, listening to the steady rhythm of her squad-mates winding down for the night.
And as he eyes shut, just for a second she remembered her father’s words to her. Echoing in her head as if he told them to her just now.
The fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows on the stone walls of their small home. The faint scent of smoke hung in the air, mixing with the herbal oils Karina’s mother used to patch up her wounds. But her mother was long gone by then.
The warmth from the fire was a small comfort, but it did little to ease the sting of the bruises on her face or the knot of anger still tight in her chest.
Karina sat on a worn wooden chair, her legs stretched out in front of her, the hem of her tunic grazing the cold stone floor. A fresh cut bloomed across her cheek, a black eye already darkening her right side.
The cut on her lip stung as her father carefully dabbed it with a cloth, the water mixing with blood from her lip. The silence between them felt heavy, like the weight of the entire world pressed down on her.
She didn’t want to speak, didn’t want to explain the fight to him. She was proud, angry, and far too stubborn to admit that maybe, just maybe, he was right.
Another fight. Another scuffle with one of the boys in the village—another fight she’d won, but at what cost? The boy’s mother had come rushing to his side, screaming at Karina, calling her nothing but trouble, just like her father.
Those words burned deeper than any punch ever could, and Karina could still hear them ringing in her ears as she sat there, silent and still, while her father cleaned her up.
Her father stood in front of her, his expression unreadable, his large hands steady as he worked. He dabbed at her wound, his focus sharp. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, his voice broke the silence.
“You should’ve walked away, Karina.”
Her instinct was to bristle, to argue, to say she had done nothing wrong. But the words stuck in her throat. Instead, she raised her chin defiantly, meeting his gaze. “I had him beat. He deserved it.”
Fen didn’t flinch. He simply shook his head and set the cloth aside, meeting her eyes with a look she knew all too well. “It’s not about deserving it. You’re better than that, Karina. Better than picking fights every time someone insults you.”
Karina felt a flash of irritation, but she didn’t speak. Her father’s calm voice only made her anger feel more intense. She clenched her fists at her sides.
He sighed, his brow furrowing as he spoke again, his voice softer. “You want to prove something? Don’t get caught in petty fights. You want them to respect you? Make them remember you for your strength, not your temper.”
Karina’s chest tightened, but she couldn’t bring herself to back down. “You don’t get it. They always start it. They always—”
“I know, Karina. I know.” Fen’s voice softened further, and he crouched down in front of her, his eyes locking onto hers. “But there will come a time when it’s not just some brat down in the village trying to make a name for himself. There will be bigger fights, harder ones. And if you keep charging into every battle like this, you’ll lose before you ever get a chance to win.”
Her heart pounded in her chest, her frustration rising with each word. “What do you want me to do, then?”
Fen’s gaze didn’t waver as he placed his hands on her shoulders, gently forcing her to meet his gaze. “When the fight comes, don’t start it. But when you finish it, do it right.”
The weight of his words settled over her like a heavy cloak. Karina swallowed, the lump in her throat threatening to choke her as she tried to wrap her young mind around the advice.
Fen’s voice lowered, more serious now, as he spoke again. “And never let them think you’re afraid to finish what you start. If you fight, you fight to win. Always.”
Karina’s breath caught. This was more than just about fighting—it was about survival. It was about making sure that when she stepped into a battle, there was no hesitation. No doubt.
“Promise me, Karina,” Fen said, his voice lower, his gaze unwavering. “You’ll fight to win when the time comes. And you won’t hesitate. Not for anyone.”
Her pulse quickened. The pressure of the promise weighed heavy on her shoulders, but there was no turning back now. She looked up at him, her eyes narrowing with determination. “I promise.”
Fen’s face softened for a moment, and he squeezed her shoulder. “Good. Because when you’re out there, and I’m not around to pick up the pieces, you’ll need to remember this.”
The door to their small home creaked open, and Xaden, stepped inside. He was thirteen now, tall for his age, and his broad frame was already a reflection of the strength their father had taught him. He looked between Karina and their father, brow furrowed in concern.
“Is she okay?” Xaden asked, his voice quiet but tinged with worry. He was used to being the protective older brother, and he always seemed to take on that role with Karina, even though she often resented it.
Fen looked over at Xaden, then back to Karina. “She’s fine. But she needs to remember what I’ve been telling her.”
Xaden moved closer to Karina, folding his arms over his chest. “You’ve got to stop getting into so many fights, Karina,” he said, his tone softer than usual. “You’re gonna get yourself really hurt,”
Karina rolled her eyes, though there was a hint of warmth in her expression. “You sound like Dad.”
Xaden shrugged. “That’s because I’m smarter than you.”
Karina huffed a breath out, “Are not!”
Fen grinned, his voice more playful now. “You two, stop bickering. Karina, listen to your brother, and Xaden, stop worrying so much. She can handle herself.”
Fen’s gaze shifted between them, and then he straightened, his tone serious once more. “Promise me this, both of you,” he said, his voice low but firm. “No matter what happens, you two look out for each other. Always.”
The weight of the promise settled between them, and Karina could feel her chest tighten. She had always known that her father’s words carried weight, but hearing him say this—hearing him ask them to protect each other—felt different. They weren’t just siblings. They were a team, and in the world they lived in, that would mean everything.
“I promise,” Karina whispered, her voice barely audible.
Xaden gave their father a firm nod, “I promise too.”
Fen nodded, satisfied. “Good. Because the world out there won’t care about promises. But as long as you two have each other, you’ll stand a chance. For each other, and our people,”
Her father’s words echoed in her mind like a constant hum, a reminder of the heavy burden she carried, even when she didn’t want to. He had always been blunt with her and Xaden, never one to sugarcoat things or offer false comfort.
Karina hadn’t understood back then—not fully. But now, in the mess of Basgiath, even just two days into it, she knew exactly what he meant. She was surrounded by people who would stop at nothing to prove their worth, to get power, to get their revenge.
She was surrounded by people who would go to any lengths to tear her down if she showed even the smallest sign of hesitation. If she faltered, they’d exploit it.
Her father had been right. He always had been. Right to the end.
Karina lay still, staring at the beams of the bunk above her. The dull ache in her body pulsed with every slow breath she took, a constant reminder of the fight. Every muscle screamed in protest, her knuckles burned, and her ribs ached with each inhale. But she’d won.
Her father’s words echoed in her mind, a steady drumbeat beneath her exhaustion. She hadn’t fully understood back then. She’d been just a kid, scrawny and stubborn, fists swinging before she even thought about the consequences. But now? Here?
Now she knew exactly what he had meant.
It was only the second day at Basgiath, and already, she’d had to take down two males who thought they could break her. One in the sparring ring, another in the dining hall. She had no doubt there would be more.
And that was the problem, wasn’t it?
This was just the beginning.
Her pulse thrummed in her ears, drowning out the quiet sounds of the barracks. She could still hear the gasps and shouts from the dining hall, feel the weight of a hundred eyes on her as she stood over the body, bloody but victorious.
Would they come for her next? Would someone else take a shot at her tomorrow?
Probably.
She clenched her jaw, gripping the blanket in her fists. She wouldn’t let herself care. She wouldn’t let herself hesitate. That’s what her father had been trying to teach her all those years ago—hesitation got you killed. And she refused to die here.
Her chest rose and fell, slow, controlled. She wasn’t alone in this. Xaden was here, and even though he was a third-year, even though he had his own battles to fight, she knew he would never let anything happen to her. And then Bodhi. Imogen. Garrick. And her squad too—well, they were starting to feel less like strangers and more like people she might actually be able to trust.
Not family. Not yet.
But something close enough.
Karina closed her eyes, but instead of sleep, all she found was fire.
It had been years, but the memory was burned into her mind as vividly as if it had happened yesterday. Still haunted her sleep more
The open space had reeked of charred flesh and smoke, the heat from the execution pit unbearable even from where she and Xaden had been forced to stand.
A crowd of children of all ages had gathered, some watching with grim expressions, others whispering, hungry for the spectacle. Cries filling more of the air.
And then there was him.
Fen Riorson, kneeling before the flames, his hands bound, his dark eyes burning with a fury that even death couldn’t snuff out. He hadn’t pleaded. He hadn’t begged.
Instead, he had lifted his chin, staring down General Lilith Sorrengail and General Melgren, both who had condemned him with nothing but scorn. And before the dragon unleashed its fire, before the inferno swallowed him whole, his last words had cut through the air like a blade.
“You’re all cowards!”
Karina had clung to Xaden, her fingers digging into his arm as the fire consumed their father. She hadn’t looked away, hadn’t let herself flinch, even when the heat made her skin prickle, even when the smell made her stomach churn.
Because Fen hadn’t looked away either.
The flames reflected in his dark eyes until there was nothing left of him to see.
And then, as the roar of the dragon faded and the crowd began to sob, cry and whimper. Karina had lifted her gaze—past the flames, pasta all the officers, past the executioners—until she met his eyes.
General Melgren.
He hadn’t turned away. He hadn’t looked regretful. No, the bastard had watched the entire thing like it was just another day’s work.
And Karina had hated him for it.
She had hated him more than the officers who had followed orders, more than the riders who had stood idly by, more than the cowards who whispered but did nothing.
Because Melgren had chosen this. He had decided their father’s fate.
And he had watched without a flicker of remorse.
For years, she had let that hate simmer. Because one day, she would make him pay.
One day, she would burn him the way he had burned her father.
Her target had never been Sorrengail. Not really.
It was Melgren. It had always been Melgren.
And no matter what it took, no matter how long she had to wait—
She would finish what her father started.
So she’d fight with whoever she needed to; as long as it got her to him.
#onlybeeewrites#oc x xaden riorson#open requests#requests open#fem!oc#x xaden riorson#Riorson!oc#basgiath war college#dragon riders#riders quadrant#oc x Garrick tavis#oc x Bodhi Durran#onlybeeeanswers#bodhi fourth wing#fourth wing series#fourth wing imagine#iron flame imagine#iron flame#onyx storm imagine#onyx storm#the empyrean#whatever it takes series#whatever it takes#chapter 3#Bodhi x oc#fr tho requests are open for xaden bodhi garrick…#asks open#x reader#fen riorson#aretia
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Guys do not ask how this group is still together.. I'm too afraid to ask (the answer is magic of friendship and ✨Delusion✨)
#bg3#baldur's gate 3#karlach#wyll#astarion#durge#oc: tavis/noon#onwards to act 3 :)#got the bhaalspawn scene and karlach being like 'you're my friend!!😭choose wisely:(!!' I'm like STOPP MY GIRL TRYINA BE EVIL#wyll's greeting also changing to 'always good to talk to you my friend:)' like cmon#will the power of friendship get the best of her?? more at 6#honestly karlach and wyll are having a surprisingly good time if you ignore the earth shattering fundamental moral clashes<3#karlach has like the 2nd most inspiration right after durge and wyll still has over 80 approval😭#they're just vibing#happy pride month
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The Home of My Home - Garrick Tavis ☀️
Synopsis: After finally finding a way to break from your outpost in Montserrat, you make it to Aretia — much worse for wear.
Includes: Garrick and Cosette lore, injuries galore, protective Garrick “My Wife” Tavis, second signet reference, emotional support besties, stuff that I haven’t written yet because I’m saving it for Garrick Week, might do a part two with Aaric? Takes place during Iron Flame.
“Just a bit further, Ríoga. Hold on!”
Seachran’s voice rings through your ears, but you barely register it through the roaring of pain that floods through the worm bandages around your side. Your thighs flex a little, but it’s only the thick bands of magic from the seat that keep you from tumbling mid-air.
You didn’t think you’d make it, honestly; the flight from Montserrat to Aretia is just over a day, and with the extent of your previous injuries, it’s only a matter of time before you drop into unconsciousness.
Seachran, though, has other ideas.
“No,” he declares, hurdling towards the silhouette of the city faster. “You will not fade. I have alerted the riot, and your friends will be waiting for us. Keep your eyes on the light, and do not dare to look down.”
The light? Ah. He means the blazing afternoon sun that’s currently beginning to set to the west, painting the sky in an orange that matches your restless dragon. It does wonders for your focus, actually — any black spots in your vision are quickly burned by the white light that soothes your nerves.
You slide to the left with a pained hiss as Seachran begins his descent, his enormous wings folding into a dive. To anyone watching, they’d probably see him and assume he was just a dragon on a nice joyflight. However, you know better; your dragon only flies like this in the thick of battle. You could even picture that now, if you just closed your eyes—
“No!” He yells, shooting a spike of uncharacteristic panic down your bond. “Do not sleep!”
“Trying,” you whisper, slumping forward in your seat. You can make it. You have to. You haven’t spent the last few months keeping the largest secret in history just to die by blood loss. You have a family to get back to. A husband.
Gods, you have a husband.
The thought puts a lazy smile on your face as Seachran finally dips into a landing, the figures of other dragons finally coming into view. Good gods, there‘s a lot. How did they manage to rally this many riders from their posts? Unless…Unless they’re not from posts at all. A massive black shape catches your eye, making you stiffen.
“Is that…fucking Tairn?”
“It is,” your dragon confirms, slowing a little. “Many of our allies are here.”
You jolt a little as the dragon comes to a complete stop. Out of habit, you swing your leg over his back to slide, but you pause as your vision starts going spotty again.
“Shit,” you mumble; at the same time, Seachran lowers himself close enough for you to stumble off his back. Your feet meet solid ground for the first time in over a day, but the mass does nothing for your balance.
Seachran lets out a worried little rumble right as you hear pounding footsteps.
“What the hell…?”
“Holy shit— Camden?”
Your vision clears for a moment as your eyes meet panicked, familiar brown ones.
You grin sluggishly, exposing your bloodstained teeth. “Durran. Sucks that we have to be united like this.”
You don’t even hear his reply, his words washed away into a sea of nothingness as you slump into his arms. Everything starts moving in flashes:
You facing the sky as you’re lifted off your feet.
The familiar flash of bright orange scales.
Seachran’s wide green eyes fluttering with worry.
Or— No. Those aren’t Seachran’s. That’s—
No. There’s no way. He’s back at home, safe in the palace.
…You think?
Oh. The light is nice and warm and welcoming. You frown as your vision goes spotty again, and then let out a tiny sigh of exhausted disappointment — or is it contentment? — when it all goes black, encasing you in a world of cold darkness.
⁺₊⋆ 𖤓 ⋆⁺₊
Garrick thinks he’s hallucinating when he catches sight of a familiar orange dragon perched astray from the rest of the riot. For a moment, he assumes it’s just Glane — but Glane doesn’t have that golden shine down the back of her neck, nor does she have a Morningstartail.
That’s Seachran — which means you’re here. In Aretia. Back to him.
Chradh, bless his soul, catches on much quicker and jerks him out of his stupor.
“You are not walking from this seat,” he scolds. “How are you to see your mate if your head is broken in?”
Okay. Good point.
They make a quick landing by the front steps to Riorson House, Garrick sliding off of Chradh at a speed impressive for even a distance wielder. Before he can make it to the entrance, though, he skids to a halt as Bodhi appears in front of him.
“Shit!” He stumbles a little. “Amari, Garrick. Calm the hell down before you bowl someone over, will you?”
Garrick side-steps him easily, shaking his head. “Excuse me for being made aware that my girl is here,” he scoffs. “I’ll do my best to tone it down for you. Do you know where she is?”
Bodhi blinks, as if remembering something important. “Garrick,” he says slowly. “Take a breather, yeah? She’s not going anywhere. You just got back.”
Instantly, that raises red flags in Garrick’s brain. His eyes narrow. “Don’t try to redirect the conversation. Where is she?”
The younger boy raises his hands innocently just as Imogen comes jogging behind him, obviously out of breath.
“Tavis,” she huffs. “You’re fucking hard to track down. Riorson wants—“
“I don’t give a shit what he wants.” Garrick stares down at the both of them with that stern, cold look he usually saves for other lieutenants. He knows something is wrong; now that he thinks about it, Seachran did look absolutely exhausted from the edge of the riot. Basgiath was eighteen hours from Aretia, and you were coming from Montserrat…
Fuck.
Bodhi curls a hand over his shoulder, drawing him back an inch. “Look, Gare. She’s fine now. The healers put her under—“
“I didn’t ask if she was fine,” Garrick snarls, shoving the younger boy away. “Where the fuckis my wife, Durran?”
Imogen, thankfully, just rolls her eyes. “The infirmary, you stubborn ass,” she tells him. “Like he’s trying to say, she was brought in about an hour ago. She flew in with injuries. No one can see her right now, so you need to give it some time.”
Garrick grits his teeth, his hazel eyes turning stormy at the prospect of you laying alone and unconscious in a place you’ve never been before. Imogen’s face softens a little in understanding.
“Hey,” she says quietly. “She’ll be okay. Bodhi and Aaric brought her up, and Sawyer helped fill in all her information. She just needs time. She was pretty beat up.”
The older boy scrubs a tired hand over his face. “Do you know what happened to her?” He asks, his voice unusually small for someone of his stature.
Bodhi shakes his head. “She was only half-conscious when Seachran landed, and bloody as can be. If I had to guess, her squadmates must’ve found out she was deserting and got to her before she could leave.”
A jolt of panic slams through Garrick, but not before Chradh’s easy timbre slides into his mind.
“Seachran promises your mate will be okay,” he shares, sending a wave of warmth down their kaleidoscopic bond that instantly floods Garrick with a sense of relief. “She is weak, but lives.”
He takes in a shaky breath and counts to ten. Then, he shoots an apologetic look towards Bodhi, who just nods, his gaze falling to the floor. He has to get it, too. His girl isn’t here yet, either, but it’s more likely than not that she’ll be in a similar situation, especially since she’s marked, too.
His hands drop to his sides, slightly defeated. He can’t see you until the healers allow it, which won’t be for a while, at this rate. That’s not even considering the amount of things they have to be concerned about after you wake up — acquainting you with the province, finally explaining everything new in full for you, the whole deal with Aaric…Ugh. One wrong move, and things could get ugly, fast.
Imogen catches Bodhi’s gaze and shakes her head, turning to leave. The other boy just sighs and claps a hand on Garrick’s shoulder. “Let’s get you out of here, big guy. Selene almost got kicked from the Assembly because she insulted Xaden and called Violet a bare minimum, washed up cadet.”
Garrick groans. Wonderful.
⁺₊⋆ 𖤓 ⋆⁺₊
You can’t see anything at first.
It’s dark — incredibly dark, much to your chagrin. You swim in between streams of calls of your name, swirls of dizziness, and a need to just sleep.
But you can’t. Not now. You finally made it to Aretia, with the rest of the revolution. You’re a part of something bigger than yourself now. You have to at least open your eyes for it.
With great reluctance, you blink yourself awake. It’s night now…How long had you been unconscious? You flex one hand, huffing quietly at the soreness in your joints, before extending the fingers of your right hand.
That’s when you register the calloused hand lightly curled around your wrist.
It’s a bit too dark to most to see normally, but luckily for you, you can feel just a bit of strength from your rest to pull from, igniting a small light by your ear. By your bedside, a broad shape curls over and rests their head on your legs, their curls tumbling into the sheets.
Garrick.
Without thinking, you try and sit up, immediately regretting it when pain blooms along your side and recoiling with a grunt. Almost instantly, Garrick’s head pops up from its place on the bed, his eyes wide with panic until they settle on you.
Watching. Searching. Longing.
“Lovely,” he breathes, sliding his fingers into yours and leaning up to press a long, sweet kiss to your mouth. You receive it with a hum, tilting your head back to deepen it as much as you can stand to. Garrick groans in response, and as if it pains him, he draws back a few steps to actually look at you.
“Gods,” he murmurs, his eyes trailing up and down your blanket-clad figure. “I was so worried. I— When they told me you were in here…”
You smile weakly. “It’s okay,” you try to reply, wincing at the dryness of your throat. “I’m better now. I’m a little beat up, of course, but nothing I can’t handle, right?”
A quiet, disbelieving laugh leaves him. “Smartass, unbelievable woman.”
He gently maneuvers you to sit up with an arm under your waist and fetches you some water, cooling the harsh burn in your throat. You sigh, relaxing in his hold and allowing him to fuss over you. Even if you didn’t want it to happen, you’re still too tired to complain, anyway.
“Scared the hell out of me,” he mumbles into the crown of your hair, his hands brushing gentle strokes on your shoulders. “No one would tell me where you were at first, and then Seachran looked wiped out, and then Bodhi and Imogen told me everything…”
Your hand comes up to cup the back of his neck, swiping up and down the bone. “Sorry,” you say faintly. “I got found out right as I was leaving. Got stabbed a few times. I’m surprised I didn’t bleed out completely.”
He lets out a shaky exhale and then drops to his knees, pulling your hand to him and pressing gentle kisses across your rough palm. “No apologies,” he orders. “More than anything, I’m just glad you’re here now.”
It’s been…What, three months since you’ve seen him? Since he fought for a weekend off and came to visit you, to make sure you were alive, to slide a small citrine-clad ring down your finger in exchange for a promise to return to him? Well, you kept your promise — even if it almost took out your vital organs.
You glance down. Sure enough, the little gem glows like honey in the faint light. Another light grabs at your attention — a matching ring with a smaller gem that sits on Garrick’s finger, inlaid in a black band. Despite the delicacy of the situation, you smile.
“I love you,” you confess softly, shifting against the pillows. “Even if it almost killed me, I’d rather be with you than fighting for cowards.”
Garrick rests his chin on your thigh. “I love you, too. I can hardly believe you’re here, though. Home. Well, home to me, at least. I hope it can grow to be yours too, though.”
You close your eyes and allow yourself to sink back into the mattress a little. Garrick studies you, his gaze narrowing into that cute little observing look that creases his eyes. “Tired?”
You hum in agreement. “We have a lot to talk about, though.”
“We can,” he replies. “But you should sleep first. I know it’s a lot.”
You stroke a hand through his hair. “You need to explain it all again, more thoroughly.”
“I will.”
“And I need to see the kids.”
“They’re fine. Sorrengail’s pretty beat up, but that’s nothing new.”
“Garrick?”
He pauses, leaning into your touch. “Hm?”
You quiet a little, your brow furrowing as you try to remember those weak flashes from before you passed out in Bodhi’s arms.
“I need you to be completely honest with me.”
His gaze meets yours. “Always.”
“Was…” Your voice trails off. “Did I really see my brother here earlier? Cam?”
Garrick inhales sharply before he sighs, his eyes leaving yours. “…Yes,” he says after a moment. “Although I didn’t know it was him until Xaden told me.”
The thought makes you a little sick. Cam. Your sweet, loyal, rebellious little Cam is a rider now. It would be hypocritical to freak out, seeing as your situation is similar, but having already lost one brother to the quadrant, you weren’t exactly thrilled — although Alic’s death didn’t bother you much anymore.
Maybe he’s meant for it, though. He wouldn’t be king unless Halden was killed, and even then, he’d probably try to pass it on to you first before he could even consider the thought. That wasn’t right, though — of the two of you, he’d suit the royal role better, as much as it would pain him.
Did he know how Alic died? Did he know that you know and aren’t bothered in the slightest?
“Is he avoiding me?” You ask carefully, noting that he’s not even in proximity to the infirmary.
Garrick brushes his lips against your thigh. “I’m not sure. You know him better than I do.”
You frown. “I think I’d like to talk to him.”
“We can arrange that.”
“Not now, though,” you interject. “I don’t want him to see me like this. I probably already scared the shit out of him.”
He chuckles. “That you did, lovely. That you did.”
His fingers intertwine with yours again as he stands. “Rest. I won’t leave until they kick me out.”
You squeeze his hand. “Promise?”
His lips find yours easily. “Always,” he whispers against your mouth. “Always, and forever.”
Taglist: @wonderstruckbyyou, @jessicalee22likestowrite, @freezerbride18, @ineednewdaggers
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#the empyrean#fourth wing#iron flame#onyx storm#fourth wing imagines#garrick tavis#garrick tavis imagine#garrick tavis x reader#garrick fourth wing#garrick tavis x oc#garrick & cosette
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family line ;
riorson!reader x garrick tavis onyx storm spoilers
xaden's younger sister, who has been in a relationship with garrick since before the rebellion, is meeting her mother for the first time in 13 years in hedotis and dealing with all of the chaos on the isle. based off of the song family line by conan gray & only one use of Y/N because I could not find a way to work around it lol cross posted on ao3!
Scattered 'cross my family line I'm so good at telling lies That came from my mother's side Told a million to survive
As your dragon makes contact with the sand in Hedotis, you slide down their front leg to finally disembark after the aching 13 hour flight that your squad endured. Your body is tense from the rigid position you were forced to maintain on the ride, so you stretch to get all of the knots out of your body while familiarizing yourself with your surroundings. With a roll of your shoulders, you take in the slightly cooler temperature of this particular isle, and the new greenery that adorns the ground ahead of the group. You turn to look at the sea and the expanse of blue that seems to go on endlessly, relishing in the peace that overtakes you as you watch the waves roll in and crash at the shore.
Raising your arms above your head to stretch out your back, you let out a deep breath as the tension begins to lessen and you finally begin to feel comfortable again. Before you can fully lower your arms back down to your side and move to locate your brother or Garrick amongst the squad, a muscular set of arms wrap themselves around your waist, their owner's head coming to rest on your right shoulder. You don't need to turn to recognize the feeling of Garrick embracing you, and all you can do for a moment is smile, taking in the comfort of the warmth that he presents.
"Beautiful," Garrick comments and you can't help but agree, assuming he's describing the sea that you've been staring at for at least a few minutes now.
"It is, isn't it?" you ask rhetorically, staring down at the horizon where the blue of the sea meets the blue of the morning sky, "There's something inherently peaceful about it all, and it's such a gorgeous shade of blue."
"I wasn't talking about the sea," your boyfriend responds, spinning you around in his arms so that you're now facing him, and you can clearly see the mischievous twinkle in his eyes that somehow always seems to make itself visible when he flirts with you. He leans forward and gives you a quick peck on the lips before standing up straight once again.
Despite the fact that the two of you had been dating since right before the apostasy, you still get butterflies when he does things like this, and you feel your cheeks redden slightly despite your brain telling you that it's irrational to be getting this giddy when a man that you've been dating for six years tells you that you're beautiful.
You jokingly smack him in the center of his very muscular chest, and he lets out a laugh, finally untangling his arms from around your waist. You take his hand in your own, beginning to pull him towards the other riders and fliers who had gathered a little ways away. Your eyes skim over the buildings and merchants nearby as you approach them, finally hearing what they were discussing.
Mira and Drake are busy arguing about the Pelson maneuver, and both of you can't help but smile as no one takes Drake's side. It's when Xaden snaps at him that your smiles quickly drop, and you, Garrick, and Violet look at each other alarmed. Something that trivial ticked Xaden off that easily? Anxiety over how quickly your brother's humanity is deteriorating tightens your chest, and Garrick gives your hand a reassuring squeeze. You only look away from each other when Violet's head snaps towards a group in tunics that approaches your squad. As you all turn to face them, your boyfriend removes his hand from yours and you almost protest, before he instead wraps one arm around your waist protectively, as if he can yank you behind him at a moment's notice.
The man who approached you compliments your dragons, and introduces himself after Xaden questions who he is.
"I'm Faris, the second of the triumvirate," his introduction begins, and you can't help but stare at the colour of his eyes, a shade of blue bordering purple that you'd never seen on anyone before. Many people on the Continent had incredible eyes, but you had never seen any this colour before.
"Welcome to Hedotis," he greets the group, before complimenting Violet on her eyes. It appears to be a trait that everyone is focused on in the moment.
"I was just thinking the same about you," she admits.
"Mine are quite common on our isle," he responds, "I've brought my household to formally make your acquaintance and escort you through our beautiful city. If you're amenable, we have room for you to rest at our home on the northeast shore."
He gestures behind him and looks over at the group he arrived with. "Darling, won't you come say hello? I apologize for my wife. Talia seems to be overcome by your magnificent dragons."
The name sends a shiver down your spine - hearing your mother's name spoken by anyone brings a sour taste to your mouth, regardless of whether or not it's in reference to her specifically. A woman who seems to be the man's wife walks up to approach him, her face hidden from view. Her gown flows behind her, and she laces her fingers in his hand.
When she looks up and you can finally see her face clearly, you're frozen in place, unable to form a coherent thought or will your body to do anything that isn't just stand utterly still and stare at the woman in front of you. Her gaze first catches on your brother who is as frozen as you are, her eyes widening in shock. Her eyes study him for a moment unbelieving, before they flick over to you and you suddenly forget how to breathe as she looks over you in a similar fashion. Your knees go weak beneath you, and if it weren't for Garrick's arm holding you upright, you think that you'd have collapsed into the sand by now. The boy next to you is visibly pale as he mutters, "Oh, shit."
"Xaden? Y/N?" she whispers, raising her hand before dropping it, "Is that really you?"
Upon hearing her speak, you and Xaden seem to exit your trancelike state, your senses finally coming back to you. The moment of shock is gone, and all you can feel is rage. The woman before you is not the woman you spent your childhood looking up to, wishing you could be as graceful and beautiful as her. She's the woman who abandoned you at 8 years old in the middle of the night without so much as a goodbye. She's alive, been here in Hedotis all this time, without so much as a message. You see red, as Xaden curtly greets her with a tense "Mom."
She looks at you expectedly, and you can't find it in yourself to meet her with the same greeting. She lost the ability to be your 'mom' when she left you at a time when you were a child who needed a guiding feminine figure in your life. She lost the title of 'mom' when she didn't come back for you when your father died and you were forced into a foster home and subsequently Basgiath.
"Mother," is all you can get out, because the woman before you is not your mom, she's just the woman who brought you into this cruel world.
— • —
You sit silently with your legs draped over Garrick's lap on a couch in the bedroom that the two of you are sharing. You haven't said a single word since your first encounter with your mother, and you're grateful that your boyfriend doesn't push you to comment on it until you're ready. One of his hands soothingly combs through your hair, grounding you from the ire that pulses through your veins. Your mind hasn't calmed once since that moment, thought after thought plaguing you, your body essentially acting as if being controlled by an external source.
You were only eight when your mother had left, still a child with your kid-like features dominating your appearance. When you were fourteen, you had once heard Garrick and Bodhi's mothers whispering about how you looked exactly like your mother, only sharing a few features with Fen and your brother. Upon seeing her for the first time as an adult, you realized that they had not been exaggerating. There was no doubt that you were her offspring, your features almost identical to hers, which only made the experience more infuriating.
Xaden had informed you that he had no intention of talking with your mother before he retreated into his room with Violet, and you couldn't blame him. She left on his birthday, and he was the one that was forced to take on the responsibilities that never should have been his to bear. You wanted to do the same, shut the woman down if she tried to talk to you, but something in you also wanted answers; to hear the doubts that had circled in your mind for years confirmed, so that you could either find it in you to forgive her and move on, or conclude that she never was the woman you thought she was.
As if hearing your thoughts, a soft knock sounds on your door, and you know it's her - none of the riders or fliers would knock on the door with so much uncertainty. Garrick's hand freezes in your hair and he looks to you for confirmation.
"I'll go open it," he says, soft enough so that his voice can't be heard on the other side of the door, "Do you want to talk to her? I'll tell her to fuck off if the answer is no."
You ponder the options for a moment as a second knock follows. You can't seem to make up your mind, but your brain is leaning more towards hopefully never encountering her again. You shake your head in response, and he nods in understanding, pressing a quick kiss to your forehead as he moves your legs to the side so that he can stand up and walk to the door.
When the door opens you hear a clear "Garrick-" from your mother before the man swiftly steps through the crack in the door and into the hallway, shutting the door behind him so that their voices are now muffled.
"She doesn't want to talk," you can vaguely hear him say in response to a garbled request from the woman, his voice raised enough that you can still hear him despite the wall separating you, "And rightfully so, you abandoned them thirteen years ago and you're expecting for them to what, welcome you back with open arms and cheer for their mommy? A fruit platter isn't going to change you not being there for thirteen years. At this point, you've been gone longer than you were ever there. Besides, if you had been around the whole time you'd know she's too afraid of eating figs ever since Fen had to save her from choking on one."
You can't help but smile at the way that the older boy is defending you through lecturing your own mother. You know this is just as shocking for him - the woman was a frequent figure in his childhood as well before she turned her back on all of Tyrrendor and everyone within it. You're grateful for the protective stance that he's immediately taken, mentally reminding yourself to show him your gratitude when you're no longer in this situation.
"I'm not expecting a jolly reunion, I just want to talk, even if only for a few moments," your mother responds, a strain in her voice as if begging Garrick to convince you to talk to her, "She has the right to be angry, I just… I want to explain."
While you know that you likely can't trust a word she's saying, hearing her say that ignites the spark in you that makes you want to get your answers. Xaden definitely isn't going to talk to her, so maybe you can get answers for you both. You wonder if she had already tried at Xaden's door, and how Violet would have handled this situation. Garrick at least knew the woman before she left so he's able to argue with her, Violet has next to no context to defend Xaden.
"Explain what? That you abandoned your two children in the middle of the night without telling them you were leaving in the first place?" you hear Garrick scoff, "You weren't there to see the two people I care about most in this world fall apart because they lost someone that was supposed to be there for them and love them unconditionally."
Your heart seizes at Garrick's words as he continues angrily berating your mother. You really have to make sure he knows how much you appreciate him standing up for you later. Your heart takes over your head, and you find yourself standing up and making yourself look presentable in the mirror. You're going to go out there and put up with the woman for even just a few moments so you can get your answers.
"I do love them," you can hear Talia protest as you move towards the door, "You don't understand Garrick, you were just a child yourself. Even if it's just at dinner tonight, I need-- I want to talk to at least one of my children."
"Exactly, I was just a child, but your own son was the same age as me, much less your daughter being two years younger, and even I couldn't fathom your rationale for just up and leaving, so just imagine how much they-" Garrick's voice gets louder as you open the door, and his sentence is cut short, his head immediately snapping over to you as you stand in the doorway, eyes blank as you glance between the duo that had been arguing outside your door.
"My girl…" your mother whispers seeing you in the doorway, and you immediately shut her down.
"You lost the right to call me that when you abandoned me and Xaden," you state firmly, eyes boring into the woman before you even as her face falls from hearing your statement, "I wasn't going to talk but you get ten minutes to answer questions I have. That's all you're getting."
Talia frantically nods, agreeing to those terms, "Yes, yes of course, there's a room down the hall where we can sit." She brings your attention to the fruit tray that she has apparently been holding all this time. The hazel eyed boy looks at you with a skeptical glance, as if confirming that this is what you really want. You nod, hand briefly brushing over his bicep as your mother waits for you to follow her.
"Thank you," you whisper to him.
"I'll be right outside in the hall if you need me, okay?" he reassures, and you nod once again, leaning up to give him a quick kiss on the cheek before you move to follow after the woman.
As you walk down the hall, she spares a quick glance back towards Garrick, who hasn't moved an inch as he carefully watches the two of you walk away.
"The two of you really did end up together," the woman says, likely thinking back to when you were a child and you used to proclaim innocently that you would marry Garrick one day, seeing as he was the only boy you frequently played with that wasn't your brother or cousin, "He really loves you to defend you like that."
She doesn't say anything for a few moments as if in thought, before she continues. "Do you love him?"
You furrow your brows, finally looking at the woman in confusion. "Of course I do, why wouldn't I?"
She's silent once again, not answering your question, and you start to worry that this may be indicative of the conversation you're about to have.
"You and Xaden both… you found people who really love you. I'm happy," she finally says, and you once again look over at her confused. What is she playing at? Is this her way of trying to manipulate you into forgiving her in hopes that Xaden will follow in your footsteps?
You shake your head to clear your thoughts, and continue following after her. You're talking to her to get answers on behalf of your eight-year-old self. Nothing more.
— • —
Oh, all that I did to try to undo it All of my pain and all your excuses I was a kid but I wasn't clueless (Someone who loves you wouldn't do this) All of my past, I tried to erase it But now I see, would I even change it? Might share a face and share a last name, but (We are not the same)
"You never told us you were from Hedotis," you state accusingly as you now sit across from Talia in a grand room obviously meant for casual conversation with guests, the fruit tray resting on a small table between the two of you. She had never once explicitly mentioned being from the isle to you or Xaden, though in hindsight it seemed the obvious conclusion. She loved bright colours, and at night she soothed you and your brother with arinmint tea and stories of a purple-eyed race that lived in peace.
You and Xaden had come to the conclusion that she was hiding among the forces in Poromiel, completely unaware of the grand life that she had been living while her two children faced the possibility of death every day. You can't help but let your eyes wander over the grandeur of the room you're currently seated in; windows framed with intricately embroidered curtains, the shine of a clearly maintained floor, everything placed strategically around the room as if to serve a greater purpose. You have to stop yourself from comparing the room to how she maintained Riorson house years ago, in fear of accidentally letting your walls down in front of her.
"You and Xaden are the heirs to Tyrrendor, it was necessary you grew up with the Tyrrish customs, not those of Hedotis," she responds smoothly, as if her response was practised. You wonder if that was the lie she told herself all those years ago to rationalize hiding this information from the two of you.
A moment of silence passes between the two of you, both of you unsure of how to properly continue this conversation. You came into this discussion with the intention of getting answers, but now that the truth is within your reach, you're suddenly not so sure you want it. She stares at you expectantly, waiting for you to ask the question that hangs heavily in the air.
"Why did you leave?" you blurt out, finally finding it in yourself to ask before you become too scared to face the answers you're about to receive.
"I was only wed to your father because of a contract-" she begins, but you quickly cut her off.
"I know about the contract," you dismiss her response, once again immediately identifying this as a part of her rehearsed rationalizations, "I know that you never loved Dad, but you had to have an heir reach ten years old. You only had me two years after Xaden to make sure you wouldn't have to bear another child and stay another ten years if anything happened to him, didn't you?"
She stares at you, eyes wide for a moment, obviously not expecting this to be one of the questions you asked. A few seconds pass before she slowly nods, the first long-unanswered question you had finally being confirmed. You're not sure how to feel- your mother just confirmed that you were essentially just a backup for your brother.
"Is that why it was so easy for you to leave then?" you follow up, voicing the thoughts that swirl up in the back of your head, eyes never leaving her for a moment. You can see how she tenses, this conversation not going in the direction she expected.
"It was never easy for me to leave," she counters, shaking her head, "It was the most difficult thing I've ever done." Sorrow is plastered all over her face, but at this point you can't tell if it's real or just pretend- she'd lied to you throughout your entire childhood, who's to say she wasn't lying in this moment too?
"You didn't have to leave just because your contract was over," you fire back, crossing your arms over your chest, "If you really loved us, you would have stayed and been there for us as a mother would."
"I would have been killed! Either publicly as your father was, or in secret just as Mairi's husband was - I couldn't be a mother to you if I was dead," she tries to argue, but you can't help but roll your eyes.
"You weren't a mother to us either way. Dad wasn't killed until I was 15, there were moments that I- we needed you in the seven years you weren't there," you instantly reply, bitterness seeping from your words "And okay, fine if I play into that narrative, why didn't you come back for us when the rebellion was over? Xaden and I were sent to foster homes while our mother was apparently alive and thriving on the other side of the sea."
The resentment that radiates from you is evident, and the woman before you seems to shrink into herself with each word you speak. She displays regret, but there's no way of telling how sincere those outwardly displayed emotions are.
"I wanted to take you with me when I left," she begins, speaking slower now as if choosing her wording very carefully, "Your father wouldn't let me. I wanted to come back for you when I got word that the rebellion was over too, but General Melgren was watching all of you children too closely. I feared that he would consider it treason if I brought you two here, and would kill all three of us on the spot."
There is some reason to what she is saying - there was no way Melgren would have let the two children of the rebellion's leader flee the Continent and his control, but it doesn’t hurt any less.
"The least you could have done was tell us that you were leaving instead of disappearing in the middle of the night," you state plainly, and notice how she lowers her head as if agreeing with a small nod.
"Yes, leaving on Xaden's birthday was not the best way to go, but you have to understand that you were both very emotionally attached children. You sobbed uncontrollably every time your father had to leave for trips away, I never would have been able to leave if I told you both that I was leaving the Continent." she starts rambling, her excuses falling on deaf ears.
The frustration that had been simmering at a low boil within you has begun coursing through your veins as you hear her explanations, finding it increasingly difficult to stay civil.
"And you didn't stop to think that might have been an indicator that you shouldn't have left?" you snap, earning a flinch from your mother. Before, she had been willing to let you lead this conversation, but now the woman has rebuttals as the conversation approaches the direction that she had been anticipating.
"I felt nothing but love and adoration for both of you, but you were just children. You wouldn't have understood-" she starts, but your frustration has escalated to exasperation over the fact that despite your points, she does not seem capable of seeing the situation from your point of view.
"We understood fully well what abandonment felt like," your voice is laced with even more resentment as you interrupt her last excuse, ready to bring perspective to what life had been like following her departure, "What you didn't understand was how your leaving scarred me and Xaden. I slept by the foot of your bed every night, thinking that you would come back and I'd be there to see you when you returned. Dad noticed after a few nights and let me sleep in his bed until he was sure that I knew he would never willingly abandon me. So yes, I was a child but I had a better understanding of how a loving parent should act because of Dad than you ever will."
Talia looks at you in stunned silence, a tear rolling down her cheek. She reaches for your hand, but you immediately pull it away, unable to share in this emotionally vulnerable moment with her. You can't find it in yourself to pity her as the gravity of her actions seems to finally sink in.
"I- I didn't realize," she manages to whisper, and all you can do is scoff. You're not sure what she expected from you. Did she think you would accept her excuse of wanting to preserve her own life? Your father made sure to compensate extra for the lack of her presence in your life, and nothing she exhibits now comes even close to the love you felt from him when he was alive.
"Of course you didn't," you gesture to the room around you, though monochromatic, it's much more majestic than the life you'd been living before your return to Aretia, "When you have a life like this you don't need to think about your two children running from death on the Continent. What, you got married immediately, had a couple more kids and forgot all about us?"
You meant it as a sarcastic joke, but the pause and brief panic that flashes behind the eyes that are so similar to your own is not lost upon you when she responds, "I never forgot about the two of you."
Your eyes narrow in her direction as you lean forward slightly in your seat. "Did you have more children when you returned here?"
Talia's lips straighten into a thin line as if contemplating whether or not to divulge her next words. Finally, she decides to tell you the truth. "Yes, I have two sons with Faris. Simeon and Gaius."
It's now your turn to be stunned to silence. You have two half-brothers that you didn't know existed. Two more children to replace you and Xaden. You can't help the jealousy that consumes you; the two boys get to have a childhood with the mother that you and Xaden didn't get to fully experience - a childhood that didn't end in abandonment. You were already born to be a replacement for your older brother, and the fact that she had exactly two more children is the icing on the cake. Your next words are spoken coldly, as only fury fuels you now.
"This whole time, I wished you were dead," you start after the prolonged moment of silence that had passed, earning you a bewildered look, "I thought that there was no way the mother I grew up adoring wouldn't come back for us unless it was physically impossible for her to return."
Talia opens her mouth as if to protest, but you continue before she has the chance to speak.
"We might share the same features, but I am nothing like you. You say you love us but someone who loves their children would never make them feel the way you made me and Xaden feel. I will never treat my children the way that you treated us." Standing up angrily, you cast a cursory glance at the fruit tray that rests untouched in front of you. Its contents are all tailored to things you and Xaden liked as children, but don't match your current tastes at all, only further proving that she's too busy clinging to an idealistic past.
"I will be attending dinner but only for the sake of Violet's mission," you begin walking towards the door without so much as a second glance to the woman, "I don't speak on behalf of Xaden, but do not expect anything more of me."
You don't wait to hear her response before throwing the door open and walking out into the hallway. Garrick, who was patiently leaning up against one of the walls waiting for you, immediately straightens up upon seeing you emerge. Immediately noticing the anger plastered over your face, he cups the side of your face, stroking your cheek with his thumb in a soothing manner.
"I don't expect that went particularly well," he comments, trying to lighten the mood.
"No, it definitely did not," you respond, removing his hand, instead lacing your fingers with his, "Thank you for waiting out here for me."
The boy flashes you a sympathetic smile, the dimple just barely popping in his cheek, "Any day, love."
The two of you begin walking back to your assigned room, and you force yourself not to let any tears fall. You wasted too many tears on this woman as a child, and you will not let any more be shed because of her.
"She's somehow more awful of a mother than I remember," you try to joke.
"Really? I was going to nominate her for mother of the year," the boy jokes back as you walk through the doorway back into your shared room, "Though I guess she is the only one left so it's not really a fair competition."
You can't help but laugh, though you do acknowledge the harrowing truth that she is the last parent alive for any of you marked ones. Where there had been a mother-shaped gap in your life, the parents of your friends were more than willing to take turns acting as a second parent whenever you needed one.
When you had entered womanhood, Bodhi's mother was there giving you tips and helping you select any feminine items that you needed. When you got sick while your father was away on a prolonged trip, Imogen's mother brought you soup and made sure that you were well rested. When you first started dating Garrick, his mother was there to give you both a stern talking to about staying safe and making sure that you were both equally embarrassed by the end of her speech.
You didn't need the woman who gave you life to be present in your life when you had a community of people that truly loved you, always ready to stand by your side.
The revelation brings you to double check that the door to your room is closed and locked, before pushing Garrick to sit on the edge of your bed, with you standing between his legs. His eyes widen in shock, before fluttering shut as you go to firmly place a kiss on his lips, his hands reflexively going to rest at your hips. He enthusiastically returns the kiss, before abruptly pulling away. You frown as he looks at you, eyebrows knitted together in concern.
"As much as I like what appears to be developing here, I need to know that you're not just doing this because of whatever just happened with Talia-" he begins, his eyes looking between yours for confirmation that you're in the right state of mind.
You cut him off with another kiss, once again lasting only a few more seconds before you pull away to whisper in his ear.
"I spent so long caring about the mother that wasn't there for me, and I haven't been giving enough appreciation to the boy that has been by my side through it all," you say, and you can feel the sudden increase in his heart rate.
You see the corners of his mouth lift up in a smile, as his hands tighten around your hips.
"I won't argue with that."
— • —
How could you hurt a little kid? I can't forget, I can't forgive you 'Cause now I'm scared that everyone I love will leave me
You and Garrick were the last to arrive for dinner, and much to your dismay, the only two seats left at the table were the two right next to your mother. Garrick gives you a glance and takes the seat next to the woman before you can even open your mouth to comment on the situation. You mutter a quick thanks to him, before taking the seat to his left, next to Aaric. Xaden shoots you a glance as well, a look that he has perfected over the years, silently asking you if you're okay. You nod slightly, and he nods in response, indicating that he's okay as well.
After the conversation you had with Talia, you don't have much of an appetite. At first you only pick at your food, but Garrick leans over to you, whispering in your ear that you should eat so that you have energy to explore the rest of the isle. You can't argue with that, and use a hyper-focus on the plate in front of you as an excuse for avoiding the stare that Talia has divided between you and Xaden.
You only retain bits and pieces of the conversation, cataloguing enough so that you're informed enough for the mission, but not paying full attention in fear of either breaking down or lashing out against the woman to Garrick's right.
You can't help but tighten your grip around your fork as the remainder of your group identifies that this dinner is a test of all of you - a way for them to determine if you're worth their time.
"Talia will serve as witness," Nairi says, "And we thought an informal setting would be best given the… delicate nature of relations."
You can't help the satisfaction that comes from seeing your mother's shoulders slump as she shrinks in on herself at that statement.
"You mean in case my sister and I embarrass our mother in a public setting with our lack of wisdom. Is that your fear, Mom?" Xaden quips back coolly, casting a glance over at you before glaring daggers into the woman. To some degree, she's lucky that you had the conversation with her earlier - you can't imagine how much less civil you would be right now if you hadn't taken out your anger on her earlier in the day. She has two new perfect sons that she can present to the public. You and Xaden are now reduced only to these secluded meetings, her Riorson children not up to the Hedotis standard.
"No." The woman seems to regain her previous composure, realizing how weak she had looked before, "My reticence about tonight is due to my own shame, in that I asked Faris for a personal favour so that you might be more comfortable during the conversation. I don't worry about your intelligence. You were always bright children." She reaches for her goblet, hand shaking, a reminder to you of her cowardice. Despite what she says right now, you know that she's afraid of how her husband and the remainder of the triumvirate will perceive her two children from her past.
You can't help the audible scoff that escapes you, Aaric sparing you a quick look as Faris seems to change the subject, focus shifting to Cat as they discuss gryphons. It's not lost on you that she can only comment on your intelligence before she left, but what value does that measure present? You were eight and Xaden ten, merely children who knew so little of the world. Now you're both adults, riders bearing the burden of a revolution on your back. Your intelligence then is nothing compared to what you know now.
You're brought back to the conversation when you hear Nairi speak up once again. "So many young royals here. So many potential alliances. Why are you not contracted to one another? It seems… foolish not to forge futures and provide heirs who could unite your kingdoms."
Your eyebrows shoot up, and you notice that even Garrick can't hide the shock on his face at that statement.
Aaric defends his reasoning from next to you, so nonchalant that he appears as if this is just regular dinner conversation to him. You can't help but respect the way that he treats all of this with grace despite the subtle insult.
When Nairi turns to Xaden, his gaze also flickering over to you, you find yourself holding your breath. The whole situation with Cat and Violet was messy, and you fear slightly for how this will turn out.
"And your excuse? We received news months ago that your title had been restored to you." Your heart seizes, but you don't let it show. They have more current information than you realized; you should have guessed based on the way that Talia mentioned she knew about the rebellion ending, but it still hurts to hear.
"Well then as you know, I'm a duke, not a prince." Xaden responds even-toned, contrasting his action of stabbing a piece of potato on his plate with a fork. Nairi looks over to you, as if expecting your response as well.
"I'm only the backup for Tyrrendor," you sourly look towards your mother, who avoids eye contact at the accusatory statement, "I don't inherit much as long as Xaden stays alive, so I'm free to marry Garrick with no consequences." You toss a small smile over to the boy next to you, who in return has a smug smile light up his face, his arm going to rest on the back of your chair.
Talia rushes to defend Xaden's position, immediately blabbering on about the size of Tyrrendor and how an alliance was supposed to be secured, trailing off as she glances between Xaden and Violet.
"I don't owe you an explanation about my love life." Xaden states, a complete lack of amusement clear on his face.
"Lost that privilege about thirteen years ago," you mutter in response, but the woman hears it, and a dejected look crosses her face before she pivots to Cat, who is now summarizing the situation between her and Xaden, and the benefits of Xaden and Violet being in a relationship. You roll your eyes as the triumvirate seems to argue their points, proposing a contract marriage between Xaden and Cat.
Your blood begins to boil at the conversation unveiling before you. Do none of these people have an ounce of humanity in them? Is everything only done for the sake of a contract? You look between Talia and Faris, and you begin to see how clearly she fits in here, the woman who was willing to abandon her two young children for the sake of contract, married to this man who has no regard for Xaden and Violet's relationship.
"If bloodlines equaled allegiance, we wouldn't be sitting here under interrogation," Garrick pipes up sarcastically laughing, and you can't help but laugh at the truth of his statement. Talia was your mother, if you went by their logic, Hedotis would already be allied with Tyrrendor. "The two of them are your children right?"
A smile ghosts your lips at your mother's discomfort as she downs the tea in front of her in embarrassment.
"Draw up the papers," Xaden says suddenly, and all of your necks immediately snap towards him in shock. Is he really agreeing to a marriage with Cat?
"Ah, there we go! What an excellent decision. Shall we go with three or four years?" Faris exclaims happily, his hands clapping together. Normally, you would have a sarcastic retort, but you're too surprised by Xaden's response to say anything.
"Lifetime. Anything less is unacceptable," you watch as Xaden's hands meet the back of Violet's neck. "And her full name for the papers is Violet Sorrengail. Two Rs."
You almost choke on your own saliva, and Garrick does let a choked laugh out from beside you. Somehow, Aaric doesn't even react.
"My last name is tied to the title, but we could take yours," Xaden says to Violet.
"You could hyphenate? Or combine? Riorgail? Sorrenson?" Garrick proposes to the whole table, and you have to smack him in the leg so that he stops spurring them on. Xaden continues arguing with your mother who is a pleading and panicked mess from across the table.
Garrick turns to you as the others argue, his voice dropping and his dimple ever so present, "We could do that too when we get married. Thoughts on Riorvis? Tavson?"
You scrunch your face up in disgust, "Both of those sound awful."
He nods, "Yeah now that I hear it out loud I agree. Hyphenate? Riorson-Tavis? Tavis-Riorson."
You think on it for a moment, grateful to be having this lighthearted conversation rather than the heated topics the rest of the table are currently facing. "That's kind of a mouthful. I'm fine with just taking Tavis."
He raises an eyebrow surprised, but the smile doesn't leave his face, "You'd abandon the Riorson name?"
You lay a comforting hand on top of his thigh and a warm smile in response, "For you? Definitely."
He removes his hand from behind your chair, moving it to instead rest on top of yours. Your anger has dissipated, your mood significantly improving upon discussing the prospect of you being married to the love of your life. You're not going to let the rest of this table ruin that.
You focus on your food once again, instead taking your fork in your left hand now that your right is trapped under Garrick's. You try not to let your mother's words rile you up again; her spat with Xaden is almost word for word the same as the conversation she has had with you. It's clear that she has rehearsed her excuses, and you give Xaden the space to let his resentment out now, just as you had done in the guest room.
You don't speak another word until it's time for dessert, when your plate gets whisked away to the kitchen, and you lose your source of distraction. When dessert is placed in front of you, you can't do anything but freeze, eyes staring blankly at the slice of chocolate cake in front of you. You can't even find it in yourself to look up at your brother, for you know he's feeling the same sentiment as you right now. Chocolate cake was always his favourite, but it was equally sentimental to you. Every birthday or special event, chocolate cake was your mother's go-to celebration food. Every special occasion in your childhood was marked with this exact cake, and seeing it in front of you makes your mouth go dry.
Garrick has already begun eating the cake, mumbling to you about how it tastes exactly like the one from your childhood. You can't find it in yourself to take a bite - it feels as if you would be conceding to your mother, letting her win, showing her that she can still find a way into your heart.
You're suddenly snapped to your senses, as you see Violet from off to your left snatching the fork from Aaric's grasp. You look up in confusion, even more bewildered when you hear her yell "Stop!"
You quickly look around the table and notice that Garrick is the only one that's eaten any of the cake. Your heart starts to beat faster when you feel him start to sway.
"He said we could start," he says quizzically, before he blinks slowly, "I feel… I feel-" his eyes flutter and he collapses. By this point, your heart is beating wildly out of your chest as you and Aaric both lunge to stop him from completely dropping onto the table.
Holding him in your arms, you go to check his pulse, and you feel pure fear run through your entire body when Aaric, who is helping support the large man exclaims, "He's not breathing!"
Xaden runs over immediately, taking Garrick from your arms and laying him on the floor. You crouch next to him, refusing to leave his side, tears starting to blur your vision. You'd hoped in this kind of situation that you'd be able to remain calm, but seeing the man you love in such a vulnerable state, moments away from death, you lose all ability to think logically.
Your brother is checking his pulse once again, confirming that his heart is still barely beating.
"We need to get him to breathe, he's fucking blue." Aaric comments.
Xaden agrees, before leaning over and breathing into Garrick's mouth. The room feels as if it's spinning while you watch Garrick's chest rise as it's filled with the air from the other boy's breaths. You feel utterly useless as you sit there, watching your brother attempt to save your boyfriend's life.
"You poisoned my children?" you hear your mother shriek from across the room, your gaze snapping up as you hear her angrily berate her husband. You slowly start to put the pieces together. Faris poisoned the cake as part of the test, and Garrick was the only one who fell victim to it. This wasn't her doing, but if it weren't for her husband, you wouldn't be in this situation. You've already let her take enough from you, you won't let her take Garrick too.
"Let me," you say to Xaden, pushing him away from Garrick as he comes up for a breath. He starts to protest, but you cut him off, desperation in your voice, "Please Xaden, help Violet find a cure, I'll keep him breathing."
The boy hesitates before nodding, and he lets you take his place. Your lips meet your boyfriend's, significantly colder than they were only hours before. Tears stream down your face as you find a rhythm, breathing air into his lungs while Aaric sits near you in support. You don't hear a single word being spoken in the room, your frantic heartbeat the only sound in your ears as you work to keep the hazel eyed boy alive beneath you.
It feels like an eternity later when you feel Xaden's hand on your shoulder, urging you off of him so that you can take a break and he can take over for a bit. You look over to see Trager placing his hands on Garrick's chest to keep his heart beating. When did he get here?
You sluggishly look around the room to see that the rest of your group has arrived, and two members of the triumvirate are retching on the opposite side of the room. Tears are still frantically streaming down your cheeks as you stare down at your boyfriend's lifeless body, only being kept alive by the two men preventing him from drifting off to Malek.
"Don't leave me, please Garrick," you mumble, taking his hand into your own, "I can't lose you too, please stay alive." You don't look up when Cat and Maren come join you, the first girl soothingly rubbing a hand down your back, the latter mumbling encouraging words in your ear. You're too consumed with fear to be surprised that Cat is comforting you, though it does make sense to some degree. She controls emotions, it's only reasonable that she's here to comfort you through this. Or girl code or something. Who knows.
"He's going to be okay. Dain's preparing the cure now," Maren whispers into your ear, and you finally look up at the girl, pity in her eyes as she takes in your fragile state.
"They found it?" you whisper, and she nods. Cat's hand is removed from your back as Violet calls her off to do something, but Maren stays at your side.
"It was figs. He's just preparing it so Garrick can consume it. He's going to be fine." she smiles softly, and you finally stop trembling for long enough to her to take some comfort in your current state and go off to help Cat with her orders.
You don't move an inch until Dain comes back with the fig-drink and he and Xaden make quick work of trying to shove it down Garrick's throat. You lean forward, holding your breath once again, waiting to see if it works and if you'll have the man you love back to you.
He suddenly sputters, some of the drink coming out of his mouth, but Xaden is there in a moment telling him to get up and drink it. You feel as if your body is weightless, sagging in relief as your boyfriend takes four chugs to get the remainder of the drink down. He's alive and you're not going to lose him today.
You and Xaden both look at each other, relieved that he was able to at least be conscious for long enough to take in the drink. You take as few breaths as humanly possible in the next three minutes as you and your brother sit hand in hand next to his body waiting for him to wake up.
When Garrick groans and opens his eyes, muttering "This is my least favourite isle," you cry out, burying your face into his chest. Xaden's head falls back as if in a prayer of thanks that his best friend is alive.
Garrick lightly places a hand on the back of your head, as Xaden jumps up and goes to shove Faris against the wall. Deservedly so. You can't find it in yourself to be angry at your mother right now, you can only feel relief and the tears start once again as you remove yourself from Garrick's grasp.
You quickly move to place a kiss on his lips, more desperate than any shared between the two of you before. He weakly kisses you back for a few moments, before you finally come up for air. Your foreheads rest against each other, and he wipes away the tears that are falling down your cheeks.
"I thought I lost you Gare," you cry, trembling in his embrace.
"It's going to take more than a piece of chocolate cake for you to lose me, love." he jokes, and you can't help but laugh as you hold him, tighter than you ever have before, "Ironic the figs that almost choked you to death years ago are the thing that saved me today."
"I love you," is all you can say, despite the chaos reining around you. Fights are being broken out, threats being uttered, but all you care about is the boy in your arms right now that you hope to never lose again.
"I love you too," He kisses your temple with all the strength he can muster, before groaning as he tries to properly sit up, "Can we get the hell off this isle as soon as possible? Your mother's new family is a little psycho."
You smile, nodding as you support him.
"I think I agree, let's never come back."
#garrick tavis x reader#garrick tavis x y/n#garrick tavis x oc#garrick tavis#riorson!reader#xaden riorson#violet sorrengail#fourth wing#iron flame#onyx storm#talia riorson#togeppys#Spotify
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Found You Again
You'll Survive - Part 2
Garrick Tavis x Reader
Angst/Violence/PTSD
Minor Iron Flame spoilers
Summary: After Garrick finds you still alive, you both have to deal with the consequences of torture, the coming war, and your relationship.
Word Count: <10k
A/N: Get a beverage and get comfy, this is going to be a long one. Got a little carried away with this one, so it's going to be three parts. I have a few more scenes I want to add and didn't want to cram them all here! Hope y'all don't mind.
Part 1 - Part 3
All it takes is a moment and you are shooting up from the bed that you had apparently been laying in. A scream still tearing from your throat as you scan your surroundings frantically. There are beads of sweat pouring from your temples and you can feel your heart beating a rapid staccato that you can’t seem to control.
As you continue to heave breaths in and out you wildly search from left to right for any threats, the lingering phantom of hands holding you down ghosting across your skin.
Your eyes finally snag on another pair staring at you with agonizing sorrow. You can’t help the way you scramble back out of the bed and as far away from the figure as you can. Your brain tries to remind you this figure won’t hurt you, but you can’t seem to connect the thoughts with the remnants of your dream that felt more like reality.
Your back finally hits cold stone and that makes you turn and jump again; memories of your head being smashed into the same type of stone only days ago vivid in your mind.
As the present slowly comes into focus and your dream fades away, your heartbeat slowing to a more reasonable rhythm, you finally begin to process the room in front of you.
There’s no longer the smell of rotten earth and the metallic iron of dried blood, the floors are clean and there’s a large window showing the beginning cracks of sunlight rising from the horizon. You try to continue taking deep breaths as your gaze finally sweeps back to the pair of eyes that had you scrambling back before.
You meet the hazel gaze that shines with unshed tears and a sorrowful look on his face that you had never seen before. No one could miss the way that he is holding himself to the chair that he has been sitting in, obviously an effort not to move or scare you. You can hear the wood of the chair creaking under the pressure and his knuckles turning his pale skin even whiter.
You both stare at each other for what seems like an eternity, neither one of you speaking seeming to not want to break the spell that you’re both in.
You slowly begin to straighten yourself from the shrunken in shape you had taken when waking from your nightmare. As you do, you notice that you are no longer in your torn and shredded flight leathers you were tortured in. Now, you are in oversized training clothes that you know must be Garrick’s. Your hand moves to your hair and the strands slide through your fingers. Someone must have bathed and changed you after you were mended.
You continue to look around the room you are in and take in the way that it looks lived in and has notes of Garrick all around. There’s a tapestry over the large inner wall that has a desk in front of it and a weapons rack right next to it. You can’t help the way you notice the number of swords that are littered on the other wall making rainbow of glittering sharp weapons.
Out the corner of your eye, you can see Garrick’s form slowly move from grasping the chair with a death grip to relaxing his hands in his lap. You swallow, noting the scratch of your throat as you do. The memory of the scream you awoke to striking in your mind. You bring your hand up to your throat and tap, hoping that he will understand the gesture and get you some water.
Garrick gives you a short nod before he moves to the small table that is beside the bed. You watch as he pours a glass of water before turning back to you and slowly making his way to where you stand. Neither one of you deigns to speak as if either of you do the spell will be broken.
As he hands you the glass, you give him a curt nod before taking a few steps out of his reach. His eyes continue to look pained, and his arm falls back to his side as if in defeat.
You slowly take sips of the water trying to relish in the way the liquid quells the scratch of your throat. It doesn’t escape your notice that something that was so trivial now seems to be such a luxury. The use of your hands, a mended body, the ability to move away from someone whether a threat or not. You hold onto the glass with both hands as you continue to drink the water while walking back to the bed. You sit on the side and let your body drop back in relief of not being restrained.
Emotions hit you hard suddenly and you look at your hands noticing the way they’ve begun to tremble. You let yourself slide from the bed onto the floor carefully placing the glass at your side. As you finally make contact with the ground, you clasp your hands together trying to steady them. Leaning your head against the mattress, you can’t control the gasp that leaves your mouth as your throat constricts and tears begin to stream down your face. You continue to take gasping breaths as the tears fall and your head stays firmly planted against the mattress.
As the fog of emotion slowly begins to clear, you hear carefully measured footsteps come towards you. Turning your head slightly, you watch as Garrick comes towards you slowly. He crouches down not far from where you’ve melted into the floor, and you notice the tear streaks that mar his pale cheeks. Your gazes collide and there’s nothing but raw, charged emotion hanging in the air. If the last week had never happened, you would be laughing at the way the mountain of muscle before you had become so tentative. Gone was the bravado and over-confident air that seemed to follow him around.
“C-Ca-Can I touch you?” He questions stammering, his tone quiet and reserved.
Your mind is suddenly a cacophony of thoughts. The anger that you’d been clinging onto burning bright, the fear of anyone touching you in any way, and the undeniable want to be held close and safe by the man in front of you waging a war on every front.
“P – Please don’t.” You whisper as the fear and then anger win out over the softer emotions roiling within you.
You know that the fear you’re feeling must have leeched into your voice, because it’s almost as if you can see the heart of the man in front of you breaking as the words leave your mouth.
“What can I do?” He mumbles as he seems to waver on how exactly to move forward.
You look at him with a mix of sadness, resolve, and anger in your features before replying. “Nothing.”
The fear and helplessness you were feeling moments ago morphing into the relentless anger that you had harbored for the man sitting next to you. It’s with that spark of fire that ignites in your body that you find yourself getting up from the floor and marching towards the door.
“Wait!” Garrick calls from behind you as you go to open the door. You’re immediately met with a barrage of sounds that cause you to shrink back. Your eyes wide with pure fear, darting back and forth among the cadets that seem to be milling about wherever you are.
You immediately close the door again, your breaths coming in ragged pants as you plaster yourself to the back of the door. Terrified eyes look back up at Garrick before the questions start rapid firing in your mind.
“Wh-where are we?” The question coming out with pure confusion laced in your words. You knew you couldn’t be at Basgiath, but all those people couldn’t possibly be lieutenants.
“You’re at Riorson House in Aretia.” He says in a calm tone.
“Who are all those people?” Your brows furrow trying to make sense of everything that’s happening all at once.
“They are all the cadets that defected when Riorson and I came for Violet.” As he continues to explain, you watch as he slowly moved forward. His hands are fisted at his sides and look as if they are trying to hold him in place.
“When I finally found you again.” He continues as if the thought of getting to Basgiath for anyone but you wasn’t worth his time to dwell on. His hand starts to reach out for you of its own accord, but he finally realizes, and it falls back to his side.
As the facts start taking shape in your mind, you can’t help the confusion that seems to blanket you as well.
“Defected? Are you telling me that you took me, injured, from the little protections that Navarre does offer?” You incredulously look back at him, your eyes boring into his soul.
Garrick seems taken aback by your phrasing of the question and rage flashes in his eyes. “What protections?” His voice starts to raise slightly as the anger builds.
“Do you really think torturing you within an inch of your life is much protection? Of course, I fucking took you! I wasn’t leaving you with those sadistic fuckers.” He hisses, the switch to anger turning palpable as you see memories haunt his face.
He stops just a few steps from you and brings his face down to be level with yours. “And I would fucking do it again if it means knowing you are safe. I don’t give a shit whether you like it or not.”
Your face contorts into a sneer as the anger you felt before being taken roars back to life. But you aren’t complaining because at least the anger can drown out the fear. With that knowledge, you turn again back to the door and fling it open while Garrick tries to grab your arm, the fear you had shown him forgotten as he tries to catch up with you.
You have no idea where you are going, you are just moving down the hallway trying to get away from the man that is yelling your name. You slink through the cadets that are milling about as fast as you can, using your smaller agile frame against Garrick’s herculean form. You descend the stairs and find a door open to the left and swiftly enter trying to escape.
Unfortunately, it seems Zinhal has other plans for you today. As you suddenly come to a halt you look around and see that you’re obviously now in a training room that regrettably contains Bodhi, Xaden, and Imogen. The three of them turn to you with slight shock on their faces before you can hear Garrick’s voice burst into the room.
“Y/N.” He breathes in an exasperated breath before looking at the other three gathered as well. His eyes seeming to zero in on Bodhi.
You watch as Garrick stomps over to Bodhi with deadly intent. His uncertainty on how to handle the situation with you crumbling all the restraint left to his anger, fear, rage, and powerlessness to fix the torture you had to endure.
“You.” He growls menacingly while staring at him with a murderous gleam.
“You knew she was fucking alive and didn’t think to tell me!” He roars. “I never thought my ‘brother’ would keep something like that from me.”
Bodhi’s face falls completely and that’s when you know that you must step in. You may not be overly friendly with Bodhi, but he doesn’t deserve to be treated badly because of the spot you put him in. You walk in between the two right before Garrick goes to grab Bodhi’s collar. You push Garrick’s hand aside and look up at him with a fire dancing in your own eyes.
“I made that decision for him.” You utter coldly.
Garrick finally removes his gaze from Bodhi and looks down at you, the anger in his eyes softening in some of its sharpness.
“Bodhi told me to write you the minute he saw me land at Basgiath, but I tied his hands.” You explain with no hint of remorse. “You left me behind, all while your little pink girlfriend smirked at me in smug satisfaction. You showed your cards to me, remember?”
Garrick’s anger seems to evaporate, and his entire expression turns into regret, but this time you aren’t swayed.
“Then I went to Eltuval and found myself alone on patrol and learning that venin and wyvern were real. Alone. Something I believe you know a little about.” You add sarcastically as you gesture to the expanse of Riorson House.
Your anger at the whole situation and what you had to face alone comes rushing back. A derisive laugh bubbling up at the predicament you find yourself in.
“You left me behind, told me I would survive without you, then I was left alone on watch and became the number one target for a massive wyvern doing its own patrol of Navarre’s borders.” You revealed while the anger and level of your voice began to rise.
The expression on Garrick’s face is laughable to say the least. You watch as his regret turns to disbelief back to anger and finally lands back on regret.
“That – That’s impossible.” A female voice stammers from behind you.
You huff a humorless laugh and turn towards the voice. You narrow your eyes in a glare at the girl staring back at you in disbelief.
“Tell that to the scars on my back from the wyverns razored feathers.” You say as you stalk towards Violet with an ominous look in your eyes.
“Did you think that your little group was the only one who found themselves the victim of the cadre’s wrath? Did you think they were only after your precious Wingleader?” You spit the derision in your tone obvious as you gesture towards the brooding shadow wielder.
“You are more naïve than I thought if you believe that Colonel Aetos was only going to go after the marked ones alone.” You asserted as you walked into Violet’s space, looking down at the girl who was a few inches shorter than you.
You couldn’t help the mocking laugh that slipped past your lips when you noticed Xaden step up to her back as if you intended on hurting the girl in front of you.
“Don’t worry, Riorson. I have absolutely no intention of hurting your dear girl. I just want her to realize that you weren’t the only ones that the cadre had an issue with.” You sneered with boredom lacing your tone.
“Now if your little family gathering will excuse me.” You gesture towards all the ones gathered there making a circling motion with your hand. “I’m going to get some fresh air.”
You take three steps away before you feel a large, calloused hand wrap around your upper arm. You can’t help the way you flinch and your eyes flash at the touch.
“You can’t go out there by yourself. It’s dangerous and anything could happen to you.” Garrick explains sounding like he’s trying to reason with you. You forcefully pull your arm from his grip before turning around.
“No, see here’s where you’re wrong.” You purr with conviction while thrusting your finger into his chest forcefully. “I can do whatever the fuck I want. If I die,” you shrug your shoulders conveying your nonchalance “then so be it. At least I won’t be haunted by the nightmares any longer.”
“I will not let you put yourself in unnecessary danger.” Garrick barked blocking you from your path.
You take your time looking back directly into those hazel eyes. “You, my dear Garrick, lost your fucking privilege of caring about what I do about five months ago. Why don’t you go rut with one of the other mares in your stable and leave me the fuck alone.”
As you swiftly turn your body and continue your walk, there was no way to avoid hearing the shocked gasps at the words you said. Even though you knew you still loved Garrick, your heart was walled off to him after he became just another one of the men who continued to disappoint you.
Right before you closed the door, you couldn’t help overhearing Garrick’s loud curse and a roaring bang that you surmised must have been a punch to the nearest punching bag or possibly a wall. A small, satisfied smirk crawled across your face when you realized that you could successfully still get under Garrick’s skin.
As soon as you were outside the heavy wooden doors of the fortress, you looked down and noticed the shifting of shadows.
“Leave me the fuck alone Riorson.” You spit while stepping over them.
As you kept walking, you found yourself entering the small, reconstructed town of Aretia. You had heard stories of the burning and due to your interest in geography and history had more knowledge than your average cadet. However, you had no idea where you were going; you just knew that you needed to get away.
You continued along the path, but still noticed the wisp of a shadow that followed you. Clearly Xaden wasn’t going to let you be alone, so you knew what you would have to do to throw off your wisping tail. Without much thought, you walked into the nearest shop that was bustling with townspeople trying to do their daily shopping.
The minute you stepped in, you changed your entire appearance with the aid of Diomat’s power. You made your hair shorter and darker, your eyes a shade of sapphires you hadn’t seen anyone else have and reduced the look of your height. As soon as your looks were fully disguised, you walked back out of the shop. Taking a deep breath when you were finally away from the crowd, and you stepped into the shade of the nearest tree. Looking around for your unfortunate addition, you were happy to find that you must’ve slipped the shadows notice.
When you confirmed there was no longer a wisp following you, you proceeded to continue your walk into town.
You couldn’t help the smile that immediately lit up your face as you watched children playing and mother’s going about their days. Something about seeing this domesticity made your resolve about fighting in the coming war harden. You knew there was no way that you would let these people suffer if you didn’t have to. Especially after experiencing what torture could be doled out from your own cadre, let alone an enemy.
After walking a while, you found a small café and ordered a hot chocolate while sitting at one of the small tables. You sat there watching the calm lives of the civilians outside and continued to smile in your revelry of the small things. You were so engrossed in your own daydream that you startled when you felt a hand on your shoulder.
Looking up in a swift turn, you are surprised to find a pair of liquid silver eyes staring back at you. You couldn’t help the way you appraised the stranger. You had never seen a man with such mesmerizing eyes. You continued to stare at the man in front of you, now noticing his raven hair and warm honey skin.
“Can I help you?” You asked as you continued appraising the stranger in front of you.
“I’m sorry to bother you. But I had to ask as I was unsure if I was hallucinating. Did you change your appearance in that shop across the road?” He queried you while giving a slight tilt to his head indicating the shop you had left.
You turned a little sheepish not really knowing how much you should reveal to the man in front of you.
“I don’t mean to catch you off guard.” He continues with a placating tone. “I’m a guard at Riorson House and by the clothing, I assumed you were a rider, and obviously noticed you before the hair and eye color change.”
You shake your head in acknowledgement before giving him a reply.
“Yes, I did. I was just trying to shake a little shadow and have some time to myself.”
He nods in acceptance obviously realizing what exactly you are insinuating.
“Ah, yes. The real question is why Lieutenant Riorson is needing to follow you around.” He added pure curiosity in his face.
“If you’re asking if I’m a threat, I can assure you I’m not. After days of torture, I’m not sure how much of a menace I could be right about now.” You muse not afraid to share your misfortunes.
“So, are you the Sorrengail or Lieutenant Tavis’ interest?”
You can’t help the laugh that escapes you at the remote possibility you could be Violet Sorrengail.
“I’m not naïve enough to be Sorrengail. Besides, do you really think Riorson would let her out of his sight?” You criticized seeing that you can’t imagine how someone who was hailed at being so smart couldn’t imagine that the cadre of Navarre wouldn’t just take out anyone they saw as a threat in any way.
“So, you’re the one that Tavis thought was dead.” He surmises.
Your eyes widen slightly and then narrow in suspicion.
“And exactly how do you know that?”
He gives a small smile before continuing. “I promise I mean you no harm and I don’t report back to Riorson or Tavis if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“If that’s the case. How exactly do you know all of this? I can’t imagine that the love lives of mere lieutenants are the subject of gossip.” You can’t help but question this man that has seemingly popped up out of nowhere.
He nods in understanding and gestures asking to sit at the table that I’ve taken residence at. You offer the seat, and he immediately sits down across from you.
“You’re right in one instance. People aren’t normally interested in the love lives of the Lieutenants. However, I’m guessing you are aware of why people would be concerned with Riorson’s life.” You give a slight shift of your head confirming your understanding.
“Being that Riorson is the most important person to the Tyrrish people, it does not escape them that Tavis is his right hand. Therefore, both of their lives are heavily scrutinized from the Assembly, hence my knowledge on the subject.”
He goes on to continue to regale you with stories of both men, including Bodhi in the bunch. He takes time to explain how the Assembly learned of your existence since you were apparently a wrench in their plans. No one expected Garrick to be entangled with anything more than physical, let alone a first year.
You also learn that this man’s name is Fabien, and he has been a guard at Riorson House since about two years after the Apostasy. His family owns the café that you are currently sitting in, but they had previously been servants at Riorson House as well.
Oddly enough, you begin to let your guard down and find yourself being drawn into the grey eyes and warm personality of the man in front of you. It has been a while since you had met someone so open and willingly trusting.
You could only think that a person like Fabien would be torn down immediately at Basgiath. The sad reality that the thought even crossed your mind crashing into you.
Soon enough, the light of the sun began waning into the horizon beyond the cliffs. You looked out at the setting sun and something in the shift of your facial features must’ve given away your decision to get back to Riorson House.
“I know it’s getting late, and I imagine that you need to get back. Would you mind if I escort you back to the fortress?” Fabien asks as you both rise from the table.
“I’d hate to be a bother, especially if you weren’t planning on going back today.” You say giving him an easy out from his ask. Although you were hoping he would still want to as you were slightly unsure of how to get back to the fortress.
“I insist. I’m more than confident you can handle yourself, but I will feel better if you’d allow me to escort you.” He declares.
‘I expect you to accept his offer, Bold One.’ Diomat slithers into your mind, reminding you that she’s watching out for you as well.
‘Yes, ma’am.’ You sass back, smiling at the exasperated huff you hear down your bond.
You nod your head in agreement and push in the chair that you had been relaxing in all day. As soon as you step into the night air you can’t help the shiver that crawls up your spine, the oversized training clothes not doing much to shield from the chill of the October air. Fabien must see your discomfort because not even ten steps later, he has thrown his cloak over you and closed the middle clasp. You give him a small thankful smile before you both continue your saunter back towards the doors of the fortress.
As you walk with him, you find yourself continuing to fall into conversation and chat about anything and everything. He takes great care to point things out around the town and let you know little stories from both his childhood and the ‘three musketeers’ that ran terror around the town growing up. In return, you tell him stories of your childhood growing up on the coastline and the scuffles you got yourself into with your siblings.
As you both get to the gates of Riorson House, you can’t hold in the boisterous laugh that tears from you at a particularly funny story involving three small children and a two-tiered chocolate cake. As you round the corner, you see a tall, muscled figure pacing back and forth in front of the wooden doors. The minute the sound of your laugh touches his ears, you watch as he turns to look directly at you.
Garrick’s eyes twinkle at the sound of your laugh before his gaze follows to the person that is standing next to you. His eyes immediately harden at the man standing next to you. You watch as he strides towards you with clear purpose.
Without giving him too much attention, you turn to Fabien and go to unclasp his cloak. However, before you can undo the clasp, Fabien touches your hand stopping you.
“Please keep it.” He says while looking out the corner of his eye, obviously watching the mountain of muscle that is marching straight towards you.
“You don’t have to do that.” You go to protest, but he shakes his head.
“I know I don’t have to, but I’d like if you would.” He states. “I’d also like to see you again sometime, whenever you aren’t too busy.”
You go to respond to him, but you are cut off by a gruff voice replying before you. “She’s too busy all the time.”
You turn a glare at the man that has decided he needed to put himself between the two of you. You step around Garrick and give him a glare that he doesn’t acknowledge.
“We’ll see each other again.” You say looking at the man who has treated you as more than a beautiful annoyance all afternoon. “I’ll make sure to stop by when I get some free time. In the meanwhile, thank you so much for the wonderful afternoon, stories, and the cloak.”
Fabien gives you a slight bow and nod with his smile before he turns on his heels and you watch as he walks outside the fortress walls. You spin on your heels and head towards the doors. As you go to open the door, a large hand covers yours and turns your body to face them.
You look up at Garrick with a face of exasperation your eyes turning tired.
“How did you slip past Xaden’s shadows?” He questions.
“That’s none of your business, Lieutenant.” You snap at him.
“Why won’t you just talk to me? I’ve been sitting next to that bed for three days waiting for you to wake up. Praying to any gods who would listen to make sure you’d be alright.” He explains while running a hand through his hair.
“Will you ever give me another chance?” He says quietly.
“What chance do I need to give?” You snarl back harshly. “You made your decision and told me that I would survive without you, didn’t you? So here I am, surviving without you.”
You watch as he rakes his hand through his hair again and blows out a growl of utter frustration.
“Yes, I said that, and I was a fucking idiot.” He starts as he moves closer to you. “You don’t know how much I regretted those words the moment you mounted Diomat and left me behind. Hell, the moment they left my mouth.”
His hand rises to your face and cups the side of your jaw, his thumb rubbing lazy circles over your cheek.
“Then I flew back to Basgiath after Resson and the only bright light I could think of was your face.” A faraway look clouds his eyes as the memory fizzles inside his mind.
“When everyone was trying to play their part to make sure no one knew the truth, I kept searching formation for you. I looked up and down every row, every face looking for your eyes.” He recounts. “I was standing there trying to breathe and keep my composure so that we could sell our story. But the only thing I wanted to do was run down to your squad and ask every single person where you were.”
You take a deep breath as you stare into the worried hazel eyes that seem to dart all around your face as if cataloging every detail.
“What do you want from me Garrick?” You ask tiredly not knowing whether you’re willing to give the man in front of you anything anymore.
“You.” He says breathlessly while bringing his forehead to rest on yours. “I fucking want you.”
You can feel how tense his body is from holding himself back from rushing to crush your body to his. Every muscle in his arms seem to sing with want to move and not let go, but you aren’t convinced.
You push yourself back from him and take his hand from your face. You bring it down and let it fall limp next to his body.
“You of all people knew how many men in my life have let me down.” You reply, drawing your gaze down with the tears that are beginning to fill your eyes. You lift them back to Garrick and let him see your eyes shine with held back emotion.
“I was expecting better from you. I was expecting to be your priority, but I wasn’t. Not to mention you were keeping secrets. I feel like I don’t even know you.” You tell him as a single tear slips down the side of your face.
Garrick’s face becomes a whirlpool of emotion as your words crash around him. He knew all the ways men in your life had failed you, yet he let himself do the same.
“I was tortured because of your secrets that you didn’t see fit to tell me.” You can’t help the small shake of your head in disbelief and the haunted look of your eyes. “You knew that I would keep any secret and take it to my grave before putting anyone in danger, especially you. However, you chose to take my agency. You chose what you thought was best, with I’m sure some assistance from your friendly shadow. But, at the end of the day, you made your decisions.”
You begin to walk towards the heavy doors again before turning back towards the man that held your entire heart.
“Now it’s time for me to make my own decisions. It will be on my terms if anything else happens between us.”
As you enter the fortress, the realization that you have nowhere to go dawns on you after remembering it was Garrick’s room you woke up in. As if in answer to your question, Xaden steps out of one of doorways in the hallway in front of you. With purpose written on your features, you walk up to your previous Wingleader.
“I need a room to stay in.” You say unceremoniously to the man standing in front of you.
He looks at you with a hint of confusion on his face, before nodding his head and walking further into the fortress. You follow him and hope that you’ll be able to keep the talking to a minimum.
“Are you sure that you don’t want to stay where you are?” He asks while continuing to walk forward, though he does turn to glance back at you. “The rooms in the family wing are significantly larger than those in the barracks.”
“I’m sure.” You can’t help the terse way you respond.
Suddenly he turns and faces you. The quick way he moves and turns towards you has you retreating and running into the wall. You can feel the way that your face has twisted in fear at his movements and watch as the brooding man before you softens uncharacteristically.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” He softly says while taking a few steps back. “We’ll get you assigned a room, but you should know that Garrick isn’t going to like being separated from you after everything.”
Your eyes roll at the statement and Xaden looks at you with a sad understanding.
“Trust me when I say that both of us have said and done things in the past year that we deeply regret.” He starts in a rare moment of vulnerability from the hard man he usually is. “I’m not going to try and convince you to be with Garrick, but I do want you to know that it wasn’t Garrick’s call to leave you for War Games. It was mine.”
“I know that.” You argue. “It wasn’t the not being taken, it was the way he handled it and the words he said.”
You huff a cynical laugh before continuing. “I’m sure even Violet would admit that every girl wants the man that she’s with to show a little fight when it comes to her.”
It was then that Xaden blew out a huff of his own. “You may think that he didn’t fight for you. But you didn’t see him after he saw you in that chamber. When Aetos caught you after you fainted,” He stops shaking his head while recollecting the memory. “I’ve never seen Garrick move so fast to get to you and wrap you in his arms. When flying back here, he wouldn’t even let anyone else touch you.”
“Not to mention, you need to realize that sometimes a man makes a decision purely on the thought of keeping the woman he loves safe.” He catches me before I can open my mouth to argue back. “Whether or not she may like what that decision is. Sometimes he may prefer her to hate him if that means she’s safe.”
You look into the eyes of the man in front of you and his face is nothing but open and serious. You give him a curt nod noting your understanding before he turns back around, and you both continue down the hallway.
Good to his word, Xaden finds you a room and even though you expected to be in the barracks, your room ends up being on the floor underneath the family rooms. You thank him for helping you and close the door to your room.
You heave out a large breath before unceremoniously dropping yourself onto the bed. You turn and let your eyes drift to the ceiling of the room trying to quiet your churning mind.
______
Due to the amount of mending that you had to have after Varrish’s particularly brutal forms of torture, you were given some time off before having to join in with the rest of the cadets. However, after learning of your fate in Eltuval, you were summoned to the Assembly to explain exactly what you saw.
As you walked into the large room, you couldn’t help but notice the long table that ran the length of the room with several members lining each side. However, the thing that really took your attention was the large chair sitting slightly higher than all the rest and not just the chair, but the man lounging in it.
There was Xaden sitting in the half-burned chair, legs stretched out in front of him with a bored look on his face. And if there was any question left in your mind about where Garrick fell, it was answered today. There he was stood behind the chair with his twin swords strapped to his back, arms folded across his chest looking as if he was assessing each and every person and the threat they may pose.
A General guarding his King.
Garrick’s eyes met yours and you watched as his stance softened ever so slightly, the same way it always would at Basgiath. A sad smile sprawled across your lips as you shook your head slightly at the memory.
“Cadet L/N.” You looked up as a man with auburn curls called your name and motioned you to take a seat at the middle of the table. “We appreciate you talking to us about your experience in Eltuval. Feel free to begin whenever you’d like.”
You make your way to the seat and tentatively sit down. You heart begins to flutter in your chest and nerves begin to make you stomach tighten. You place your hands in your lap to stop them from shaking and take a deep breath to try and steady yourself.
“I’m not sure how much information that I have to share that will enlighten you more than what you already know.” You start, suddenly feeling very self-conscious with all of these older riders.
“I was given orders to patrol a specific area within the borders of our position at Eltuval. Diomat and I proceeded to the area and began our patrol as normal. About a half an hour into the watch, there was a large roar from the northwestern part of our patrol.” You take another fortifying breath before the assembly seems to fade and your eyes become your memories.
“As I looked towards the sound, blue flames erupted from the mouth of the beast. I consulted with my dragon, as I wasn’t sure what exactly I was looking at. Diomat confirmed that it was a wyvern and confirmed that I could kill it with a blade that Lieutenant Tavis had previously gifted me.” As you finish your sentence, your eyes involuntarily flick to the man in question.
“Diomat then flew towards the wyvern as it headed straight for us in return. As we made our way there, I utilized my signet to be able to get down on the wyverns back. Once there, I slammed the blade in and was able to slash through half of its neck while it flailed.”
“Regrettably, I was thrown into its razored mane before I was flung into the air. Luckily, Diomat was able to catch me, and we returned to the outpost. From there, my wounds were tended to, and I told the cadre that I was hurt from falling from Diomat’s back.” As you finish, you look around the room at the eyes staring back at you. A mix of disbelief and astonishment fixed on all their faces, all but one. Garrick is looking as if he might be sick from the recounting of your tale.
“Are you saying that you jumped on the back of a wyvern and killed it with your own hands?!?” A man with a hawkish nose barks out incredulously.
Your head immediately whips to him and your eyes narrow. “Why the hell would I lie?” You challenge the man.
“Why should we believe this tale? The whole thing sounds of fairytales.” A woman with an axe strapped to her back argues back.
“I thought venin and wyvern were fairytales, yet here we are in an Assembly room that is trying to figure out best way to beat them.” You fume as you gesture to the people sitting around the table while standing up from your seat.
“And even though I shouldn’t have to fucking qualify my story for you to believe me, how about I fucking show you.” The anger at their accusations has turned your body into a raging wildfire.
With that fire burning in your veins, you turn around and lift the back of your shirt. There’s no way to ignore the gasps of horror that leave the mouths of the people in the room. You know what they’re seeing, large scars that bisect through the part of the relic that Diomat placed on your back.
“So yes, I jumped on the back of a damn wyvern and killed it. And no, it wasn’t a fucking fairytale.” After you finish speaking you bust out of the room, the fire in your veins still burning brightly.
You know from experience there are only two ways to burn the fire licking at you. You decide that its been too long since you’ve seen Diomat and find yourself immediately making a beeline for the large front doors. Just before you are about to grab one of the handles and swing the door open, a large hand wraps around your arm.
You are immediately tugged around and enveloped in large arms. Your anger is still burning hot on the surface so thankfully the fear of being restrained hasn’t bubbled up.
“Gods.” Garrick breathes as he holds you tightly. “It’s so much worse than I thought it was.”
“What did you think I was making it up too?” You huff out cynically. He moves one of the hands from the hug and pulls back slightly to grab your chin in his hand.
“Of course, I didn’t. I was just hoping it wasn’t as bad as I thought. But apparently, it was worse.” He answers his eyes serious with a hint of sadness. The next thing you know he’s huffing out a small laugh. “I don’t know whether I want to be angry with you for risking your life so recklessly or just be in wonder at how astonishing you are.”
Now it was your turn to scoff. “You can be both, but I need to get out of here.” With that you turn from the man and make your way outside of the fortress.
You’re thankful that Diomat shares your mind, because without you even having to ask, she touches down in the large courtyard upsetting the guards and garden below. Without caring, you mount your dragon and immediately take to the skies.
After a few hours, your lack of flight leathers begins to wear on you as you become colder and colder.
‘Diomat, how close to town can you get me?’ You ask your dragon hoping that you can finish of this tiring day with a warm cup of hot chocolate.
‘I can take you to the edge of the woods. Due to the civilians, they ask the dragons not to get too close and scare them. If you walk the path, then you should be at the town in about ten minutes from what Chradh says.’ She confirms down your bond.
You look down giving the back of your dragon’s neck a raised eyebrow as you hear her mention Chradh.
‘Why are you speaking with Chradh all of a sudden?’ Your eyes narrowing in suspicion.
You hear a huff of amusement in your mind before she replies. ‘I suppose because his rider keeps pestering him about my whereabouts, and therefore yours as well.’
You can’t help the snarking laugh that you let out while Diomat begins to descend into the woods. ‘Well how about you just let him know you’re going back to the valley and leave me out of this one.’
As you begin walking away, Diomat huffs a blast of steam at you before nudging you with her maw. You glance back at her and give a wide smile.
As you begin your walk into town, the anger seems to bleed out of you again as you enjoy the day-to-day activities of the people around you. Soon enough, you find yourself outside of the café again and a smile breaks across your face as you see Fabien wave you in from the window.
“Come in.” He says as he steps out from behind the counter. “I didn’t expect to see you in here so soon.”
“I didn’t anticipate a visit today, but I’m in need of a warm beverage.” You admit. “Preferably, one of those delicious hot chocolates.” You say sheepishly.
A genuine smile breaks across Fabien’s face. “Of course, that’s no problem at all.”
You watch as Fabien disappears behind the counter to make your hot chocolate. Settling into the chair, you let your head fall to stretch your neck muscles from the flight and take a deep breath. Suddenly you feel someone tapping on your shoulder and you go to move your head expecting to see Fabien looking back at you.
Looking up, you are met with a pair of light green eyes. The snarl that formed on your lips was purely instinctive. Why couldn’t this little group just leave you alone when you wanted to be alone?
“Why can’t you all just go the fuck away?” You sighed exaggeratedly.
“Because you are going to stay seated and listen whether you like it or not.” You can’t help but roll your eyes at the commanding tone that Imogen takes.
“Well, I don’t like it. So how about I don’t listen.” You were in no mood to listen to anything the girl in front of you had to say.
“Look, I’m not here for you. I’m here because I love Garrick.” You can’t help the way your eyes widen and look back at Imogen when she finishes her statement.
“Oh-kay.” You say unsure on how to proceed. “We aren’t together, so I’m unsure as to why you need to talk to me about him. If you want to tell him you love him, shouldn’t you be saying that to him.”
Imogen rolls her eyes at you while beginning to sit in the seat across from yours.
“The bastard is more than aware of my feelings.” She replies tersely. “But that doesn’t matter when he only has eyes for you.”
“I know that Xaden has already talked to you.” She goes on to explain and you quirk your eyebrow at the girl in front of you. “Don’t look so surprised, we all talk. Besides, its time to get off your high dragon and forgive the man.”
“Excuse me.” You say incredulously. You honestly can’t believe Imogen would have the gall to say that considering she wants to be with Garrick.
“Look, I get it. He was an asshole. Welcome to Garrick and his best friend Xaden for that matter. If you wanted the sweet one, you should’ve gone for Bodhi.” She continues. “I know Xaden told you that Garrick was doing what he thought was best, but it wasn’t only that.”
“He was doing what he wished he could’ve done for his own family. His mother. He’s always pushed women away because of losing his mom, but you somehow broke through that barrier. You’re the only girl I’ve ever seen him care about as more than just a friend or good fuck.”
“I’m not saying you should give him a free pass.” Imogen admits. “But I am telling you to let him in. Let him grovel and work for you. He needs that, needs you, just like Riorson needs Violet.”
You let your gaze bore into Imogen’s and see the hard set of her face and eyes, even though she can’t hide the flash of pain. In that moment, you can’t help but hate the whole situation that seems to have formed between the three of you.
“Imogen, I’ll give what you’ve said some thought.” You say seriously. “But I want you to know I am sorry. I never meant to show up and take anything from you, regardless of if you believe me or not.”
Pale green eyes look straight at you and a sad smile crosses her face fast before it falls, and she moves to get up.
“Don’t throw away a chance at happiness over some heated words.” She urges before sharply turning and walking out of the doors.
As she walks off, Fabien shows up with your hot chocolate and a small smile. You thank him and take a sip relishing the way the warmth of the drink seems to flow through your body.
As you finish your drink and bid Fabien good night, you begin your walk back to the fortress and let Imogen’s words ruminate. Between her and Xaden, you could feel the anger in your heart for Garrick lessening day by day.
As soon as you arrive back at the fortress, you look up to see the man with the auburn curls from the assembly looking back at you.
“Ah, just who I wanted to see.” He says and you look around checking to see if anyone else is there.
“Yes, Cadet L/N. I’m speaking to you. I just have a few more questions to ask.” He explains as he beckons you back into the same room you were in earlier.
You look around and notice that now you are the only two in the room that was previously filled. He turns back around to look at you and motions to a chair.
You sit as he begins to speak. “I’m Lieutenant Colonel Aisereigh. I know we didn’t get to introductions earlier.”
“No, he’s my brother, Brennan Sorrengail.” A female voice breaks in from the doorway. You watch as the man in front of you rolls his eyes as Violet moves into the room as well.
“Either way, I wanted to ask you about your signet.” Brennan continues. “You said that you used it to drop onto the wyvern but didn’t explain what exactly it was.”
You look around at both people in the room and can’t help the uncertainty you feel at revealing your secret, even Carr wasn’t privy to all that your signet could do.
“I can change my appearance.” You begin to explain. Both of the faces in front of you widen in shock as you begin to detail the fact that you can change your entire body and clothing to replicate anyone.
“With encouragement from Diomat, I – uh – I shifted to look like a venin I remembered from a book that was read to me growing up.” You say tentatively.
“Tha -That’s incredible.” Brennan speaks up after the shock begins to wear off. “And the wyvern didn’t think anything of you being on top of it while shifted to look like a venin?”
You shrug your shoulders. “I don’t think so, but I wasn’t there long before I sliced the blade into it.”
As you look back at the man in front of you, you can’t help as you watch the gears in his head turn through his eyes.
“Could you show us?” He asks curiously.
“I can.” You reply in turn. “But – “
“But, what?”
“You have to remember that it’s me and not an acutal venin.” You croak worried that you’re about to be seen as a threat.
“Understood.” He confirms as Violet goes to stand next to him.
After taking a long deep breath, you reach for Diomat’s power and let it flow through your body. You let your mind drift to the illustration in the book and feel as your fingers tingle. When you look back up, you see two sets of eyes as wide as saucers and know what it must look like to the people standing in front of you.
Before anyone has time to speak, the door to the Assembly room opens and you can sense two people have entered.
“Violence, I –“ The voice stops and suddenly you feel yourself being hoisted up by your throat, your hands reflexively going up to try and grab at the obstruction. However, when you try, there’s nothing to grab onto and you’re left kicking and flailing your arms. As the fear of being held begins to grip you, the hold on your power leaves and you’ve changed back into yourself.
“Xaden! Stop!” You hear Violet shout a second before you are dropped to the floor. You try to take a breath, but the fear has you in a cloud you can’t escape. You hear footsteps rushing towards you as you continue to take gasping breaths, your hands wrapping gently around your neck.
“Y/N. Love, are you alright?” You shrink back as inescapable fear comes barreling in and your eyes blow wide. You look back into hazel eyes, seeing pure concern laced there.
After what feels like hours, your heartrate finally slows again, and you can take full breaths. Looking up, the room around you feels frozen in time. Looks of horror and sorrow gracing each person’s face.
“I’m so sorry, Y/N.” Xaden breathes quietly as if afraid to speak. You sit there with your hand around your neck and stare straight back at the man not really registering his words.
“I – I’m going to go upstairs.” You croak through your abused vocal cords. You try to slowly get up on your feet and as soon as you’re standing, you feel your legs giving out. Before you can fall to the ground, you can feel a strong arm grip you around your waist.
Looking to your side, you see Garrick looking back at you cataloging each blossoming bruise on your neck. His brows furrow as his concern grows. You can feel the bruising already and know that they must be turning a mottled shade of purple.
Before you can think much more, you find yourself being scooped up into Garrick’s arms as his face turns hard and he begins walking up the stairs. Even though you are tense, you try to let yourself settle into his arms. You close your eyes for a second and before you know it, you can feel Garrick dropping to a bed with you still cradled close.
“Why does it always seem that my family and I are always hurting you?” He rumbles lowly while dropping his head.
“It wasn’t Xaden’s fault.” You rasp, your voice feeling like its grating against sandpaper.
Garrick looks back at you and brings his hand to your chin, tilting your neck up. Soon the blue green of his hazel eyes disappears, and they become a molten shade of gold, hard and angry.
“I’m going to fucking kill him.” He seethes as you watch him catalog the bruises along your neck. A sad smile blooms on your face and you bring your hand to his jaw, moving his face to look directly at you. You shake your head no before swallowing hard to speak.
“It wasn’t his fault. I knew it would be a risk to show them. I just didn’t think anyone would walk into the room before I could change back.” You finish before you end up coughing trying to coat the damage to your vocal cords.
As you finish, you feel the way Garrick’s face nuzzles into the hand that is still placed along his jaw. You look up to see his eyes closed as if he is trying to drink up every moment. A lost man wandering the desert for a drink of water.
Something about the gesture causes a crack in the wall that you’d built around your heart for the man that still has you cradled close. You realize that this is the first time you’ve seen the worry, tension, and stress melt from his face since War Games.
A sudden knock at the door brings you both out of the moment. Garrick looks down at you and as if he can’t resist, brings his lips to the side of your head and gives you a quick kiss. He then sets you down gently on the bed and goes to open the door.
“I thought Y/N could use some mending.” You hear a male voice call from the other side of the door. You watch as Garrick nods his head slightly before opening the door and letting Brennan in. Brennan shuffles in and with sad eyes looks at the bruises across your neck.
“Would it be okay with you if I mend you?” Brennan asks tentatively. You give a curt nod before he is standing before you and you tilt you head back for him to get a better view of your neck. You shut your eyes tight as the tears silently flow down the side of your head, the burning sensation of mending filling your head.
Almost as soon as it begins, the pain seems to lessen slowly, little by little. You finally blink open your eyes and slowly lift your head back.
“Better?” Brennan questions as he rises back up to his full height.
“Much. Thank you.” You confirm.
“I know after what just happened, you may want to say no.” Brennan starts. “But I think it would be beneficial for everyone to get the visual of what they may be dealing with on the battlefield.”
You know where he’s going with his comment and your immediate response is to shake your head. However, wading through the panic, the logic starts to win out and you take a deep breath.
“Would you mind doing the same thing when most of the Lieutenants and all the cadets are present? The Assembly all agrees that it would be best for everyone to have a real feel of the enemy.” Brennan finishes in a tactician’s voice.
You go to open your mouth, but you’re immediately cut off.
“NO. You can fuck right off if you think she’s going to do that again.” Garrick growls while stepping into Brennan’s space. “Did you not just see what fucking happened? And then you want to put her in a room with untrained cadets who don’t even know how to use their signets and hope someone doesn’t have a bad reaction.”
Undeterred by Garrick’s reaction, Brennan calmly responds to the threat in front of him. “I understand your reservations Garrick and hers as well, which is why Bodhi and Mira will be on hand to make sure that no one responds the same way.”
You stand from the bed you were seated on and walk up to the two men that are still looking at each other trying to calculate who is going to make the next move. Instinctually, you raise your hand and place a comforting hand on Garrick’s forearm. You can’t help but feel the tense set of his muscles and crack a soft smile to reassure the hulking man.
“Gare.” You say and his eyes immediately dart to you as you use the nickname for the first time in months. “Brennan is right. Everyone needs to see what they’re going to be facing. It’s better than sending everyone out without having any idea.”
Garrick’s eyes search yours looking for any hesitation, seeming to hope that you aren’t really considering this. Immediately his shoulders sag when he realizes that you’re serious.
“I’ll just need some forewarning to get myself in the right headspace, so maybe not the next couple of days.” You confirm with Brennan as he shakes his head in agreement.
“You’ll wait until I’m back here.�� Garrick asserts as his eyes dart back and forth between you and Brennan. “You’ll do it after I’m back from patrol. She isn’t going to do it without me being present.”
You roll your eyes at his protective demands but you’re grateful that he’ll be there, if only for a sense of safety.
“That can work. We will do it during a battle brief class and will catch the lieutenants while they are switching patrols.” Brennan affirms while he begins to walk towards the door.
You both watch as Brennan leaves and closes the door behind him. Garrick immediately moves forward to you lifting your chin to check for any lingering bruising.
“I’m fine.” You say quietly to try and quell the anxiety burning in his eyes.
“I’ll be the judge of that.” He quips back.
“You do realize that we’re both about to be thrown into a war that most likely will take both of our lives, right?” You sass back, getting irritated with his hovering.
“Not if I can fucking help it.” He grumbles at you. You snort and roll your eyes at the over-confident man that he’s turned into again.
“Promise me you won’t do that again, unless absolutely necessary.” The earnestness in his eyes a plea for you to listen. “I don’t want you to be a victim just because someone can’t decipher you from friend or foe.”
You sigh and let your gaze soften. “You don’t think I already know that shifting myself to look like a venin is dangerous? You can ask Brennan or Violet, but I was hesitant with them both before I did it. And what followed just proved why my theory was correct.”
“You of all people should know that I’m smarter than that. I wouldn’t shift into that form unless absolutely necessary. Brennan just asked to see why the wyvern didn’t react to my landing on its back, so I showed them.”
Realization dawning on him seems to do nothing to quell the fire in his eyes. Fire to protect and shield evident on every line of his face. You realize that no words seem to be cracking through the thick skull of the man in front of you, so you utilize your best weapon, your touch.
You bring your hands to his face, cupping each side and rubbing soothing circles on his stubbled cheeks. He takes a deep sighing breath and his gaze bores deep into you.
“I don’t think you understand how terrified I am of the actual reality of your death.” He divulges as both of his arms snake around your waist tugging you to him. “Ever since I laid eyes on you again, I wake up every day busting through my door to search for just a glimpse of your form.”
“Having to face a reality again where you aren’t there is the absolute worst thing I can honestly imagine.” He brings his forehead to yours leaning in and breathing a deep, calming breath.
A sad smile begins to crawl across his face. “And being so close to you, but far away at the same time is eating at me more than you know.”
You give him a sad smile back in return. “I know.” You whisper, your walls cracking even more with the tenderness and vulnerability seeping from Garrick’s every fiber.
“I need you to know that I’m working on it.” You tell him while bringing your hands down to grab his own, rubbing gentle circles on his knuckles. “We aren’t there yet, but I can promise you the more you let me in, the more you show up for us, then eventually maybe we can get back to before.”
Garrick’s eyes search yours, probing for an alternate meaning. You just look back at him with the honesty you feel at his words. You’re unsure of what you’re looking for to be able to let him completely in again, but you know that you just aren’t in the right space at this moment.
__________
Taglist: @smashee0789 @batboygirlie @gayandfairycore
#fourth wing fanfic#fourth wing x reader#xaden riorson#bodhi durran#garrick tavis#garrick tavis x reader#garrick fourth wing#garrick tavis x oc#the empyrean fanfic#the empyrean#fourth wing xaden#bodhi fourth wing#fourth wing#fourth wing fic#iron flame#iron flame fanfic
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✧˚ · . 𝚇𝙰𝙳𝙴𝙽
✧˚ · . 𝙻𝙸𝙰𝙼
✧˚ · .𝚁𝙸𝙳𝙾𝙲
✧˚ · .𝙱𝚁𝙴𝙽𝙽𝙰𝙽
✧˚ · .𝙱𝙾𝙳𝙷𝙸
✧˚ · .𝙳𝙰𝙸𝙽
✧˚ · .𝙶𝙰𝚁𝚁𝙸𝙲𝙺
✧˚ · .𝙼𝚄𝙻𝚃𝙸 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝚁𝙰𝙲𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚂
#the empyrean#iron flame imagine#iron flame#garrick fourth wing#ridoc fourth wing#dain fourth wing#fourth wing fanfic#fourth wing imagine#fourth wing x reader#fourth wing smut#fourth wing xaden#bodhi fourth wing#fourth wing#onyx storm#ridoc gamlyn#ridoc smut#ridoc x reader#xaden riorson x y/n#xaden riorson x oc#xaden smut#xaden riorson x reader#bodhi x oc#bodhi durran#bodhi x reader#liam mairi imagine#liam mairi x you#liam mairi smut#liam mairi x reader#liam mairi#garrick tavis imagine
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