#ofc it was x-ish-rated lol

[kit-just-kit]

📱

Last text meme

[Text: Handsome Hubster] I've had a truly horrid day so when I get in, I'm going to need large glass of wine, a long shower and you naked and ready on our bed in that exact order ;)

[jungkookstatts]

안녕하세요, 여러분!

[Translation]: Hello, everyone! 

Hah, this makes me shy lol. Please bare with me. 

Anyways, welcome to the blog!

Recently, I’ve been overcome with this gut feeling that I should finally launch this blog. I’ve been writing for years now, but I’ve always been so shy with social media, expressing personal self, and showcasing writings. So, I never really had the courage to post. 

But, as apart of my new years resolution, I will let it all go and express myself like how I wanted to within the last few years. I am excited, nervous, and slightly razzled by the fact that I’m really going through with this. But I am ready. 

A little about what I intend to post:

This will primarily be a BTS blog. Though I love every member, the majority of my writings are y/n scenarios with Namjoon, Yoongi, or Jungkook. I have writings for everyone; however, i tend to feel more confident with my writings with the prior three boys.

I do write 18+ scenarios, so adults only!! My writings will also always be female x male, not because I am against pairings with other genders, but because that is what I am most used to writing and am more familiar with. Still, if you identify as any other, you are always welcome to read. I intend to keep this space as a strict respectful zone to all people.

Another disclaimer: I do not own BTS or anyone else I choose to incorporate in my writings. I write with them in interest as apart of a fictional story — as a face and personality that is unique to them (in real life and in a story) — but never to disrespect, alter, or manipulate to fit my or others standards. Their respect comes with the respect of anyone else.

Now for formatting, here is how I will organize my writings in post:

Title

[picture heading]

Summary: [2-4 sentences]

Theme/Tags: [EX: Highschool!AU, Non-Idol!AU, Yoongi x best friend’s sister!AU, etc.]

Rating/Disclaimer: [18+/A/Smut/S/Mature/M , Fluff/F, Angst, Romance, etc…]

Word Count: [x,xxx words]

Author’s Note: [me blabbling]

A little about me:

Hi!

You can call me Sae, if you’d like.

I am a double-major, third-year university student! I do take Korean there! It has been just about a year and a half since I started learning it, and I love it to the core. It is really such a beautiful language and culture, and I am so glad I went through with taking it. I could talk about it for hours! 

As for BTS, I have been a fan since I was in 8th grade…so 2015-2016? My first ever bias was Taehyung…ofc lol. However, I have been a Yoongi bias since around 2017-ish. Bias wrecker? I bet you can’t guess…Namjoon and Jungkook. Unfortunately or fortunately (however you view it), BTS was the only group I was able to fully get into and know. I love and listen to other groups like TXT, EXO, ATEEZ, Red Velvet, TWICE, etc. But I never got fully into them to the extent I did BTS.

As for other fics or posts you might see around here, I am a hard-core weeb. So, you might see some anime character’s on here. However, with a recent off-the-bandwagon mishap since entering uni, it has been quite a while since I have even watched a show. I intend to get back into it. We will see where life takes me. 

So, yeah! I hope you like what I end up posting! Feedback is always appreciated. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out! 

Again, I do not tolerate hate, disrespect, or anything malicious on my blog. If I suspect or if it is outwardly posted that someone intends on coming after me or anyone else on this blog, you will be reported, blocked, and otherwise removed from my page. Please remember human decency and practice being kind to others!!

Other than that, happy holidays and happy new year! 휴일 잘 즐기고 새해 복 많이 받으세요!

[notepadsandtealeaves]

status: ongoing || updated: 12/21/21

|| byf | batboys tag | other m.lists | my ao3 | main blog ||

⚪️ all works are poc friendly. ⚪️ unless otherwise specified, all works are written with a gender neutral reader. ⚪️ unless otherwise specified, all damian x reader fics are written with an adult age (at least 18) damian. ⚪️ at current all works are sfw—the odd bit of innuendo/suggestive line notwithstanding—but that’ll probably change at some point lol. ⚪️ links marked with a ❣ lead to my main blog. ⚪️ links under the cut so as not to clutter up your dash/blog.

12 days of batmas

status: on hiatus until i get my holiday spirit back a-fuckin-gain ((fuck 2021, seriously))

rating: sfw with the occasional spicy-ish bit

cws/tws: any applicable warnings will be listed in their respective fills.

reader gender: neutral

characters: damian w. | dick g. | jay t. | tim d.

summary: p. much what it says on the tin. various hcs and scenarios about your favorite bats and their holiday habits.

links: tumblr | ao3

from the batboys, with love || valentines day event 2021

status: complete

rating: sfw fluffy-fluffs

cws/tws: any applicable warnings will be listed in their respective fills.

reader gender: neutral

characters: damian w. | dick g. | jay t. | tim d.

summary: just cute lil letters from your boys to you.

links: tumblr | ao3

single sentence prompts

status: on hiatus

rating: sfw fluff/general silliness with the occasional a dash of spice

cws/tws: any applicable warnings will be listed in their respective fills.

reader gender: female ((tho i’ll eventually add gn! and m!reader options too))

characters: damian w. | dick g. | jay t. | tim d.

summary: various shenanigans with the boys™

links: tumblr ❣ | ao3

damian wayne, rabbit whisperer

status: complete

series: single sentence prompts

rating: sfw fluff

cws/tws: none

reader gender: female ((at current; i plan on writing m- and gn!reader versions too))

additional characters: none

summary: animals just love the young mister wayne. || in which pet-sitting your friend’s bunny leads to a sweet scene between you and your man.

links: tumblr ❣ | ao3

kiss kiss, fall in love, pt.2

status: complete

series: autumn’s arrival

rating: sfw fluff (with one tiny bit of angst)

cws/tws: mentions of a grave and bloody injury (damian receiving), tho it’s not super graphic, just a brief mention of blood. also a v. brief mention of the shared mental trauma that results from said injury. again, i do not get super into it, but it is touched upon.

reader gender: neutral

additional characters: none

summary: a love story as told through kisses. || inspired by the arrival my favorite season

links: tumblr | ao3

no words needed

status: complete

series: single sentence prompts

rating: sfw fluff

cws/tws: marriage and kid’s mention, as in you and damian are married with a kid. also brief talks of how dames’ early childhood trauma are affecting his current relationships (it’s not as dark as it sounds, i promise lol).

reader gender: female ((at current; i plan on writing m- and gn!reader versions too))

additional characters: none

summary: in raising your daughter, he’s finding himself. || in which you have the honor of witnessing a sweet moment between your husband and your daughter.

links: tumblr ❣ | ao3

dating j. todd be like, pt. 1

status: complete

series: single sentence prompts

rating: sfw crack

cws/tws: none

reader gender: female ((at current; i plan on writing m- and gn!reader versions too))

additional characters: bonus background roy harper

summary: jason todd is a living conduit of chaotic relationship energy.

links: tumblr ❣ | ao3

revelations, or how the hell did we get here?

status: complete

series: n/a; a requested piece

rating: sfw, tho jay swears a lot because ofc he does

cws/tws: (unfounded) accusations of infidelity, and also marriage and kids mentions.

reader gender: female, per request

additional characters: nate and delielah todd (the requester’s ocs, tho the latter’s only mentioned)

summary: despite a very thorough investigation, nate comes to an absolute and extremely wrong conclusion. his father would be more insulted if he wasn’t so impressed…

links: tumblr

sasha, sasha, where for art thou sasha…

status: complete

series: single sentence prompts

rating: sfw flirty fluff

cws/tws: none, tho there is some suggestive talk and insinuations.

reader gender: female ((at current; i plan on writing m- and gn!reader versions too))

additional characters: none

summary: given how long you’ve been dating him, you probably should’ve seen this coming… || in which you’re dubiously rewarded for a complete lack of help lmao.

links: tumblr ❣ | ao3

say the word (practice makes perfect)

status: complete

series: single sentence prompts

rating: sfw… not exactly fluff, but fluff adjacent sweetness

cws/tws: pregnancy scares and resulting tears, but jay comforts reader through it.

reader gender: female ((at current; i plan on writing m- and gn!reader versions too))

additional characters: none

summary: just because you weren’t ready didn’t mean that you didn’t want it… || in which a pregnancy scare leads to talks of the future jay wants to build with you.

links: tumblr ❣ | ao3

the curious case of the girl in the library

status: complete

series: single sentence prompts

rating: sfw fluff

cws/tws: none

reader gender: female ((at current; i plan on writing m- and gn!reader versions too))

additional characters: tho this is technically a fill for dick, the story is told from damian’s pov.

summary: hide and seek shenanigans, with bonus dames and titus.

links: tumblr ❣ | ao3

whole

rating: sfw fluff

series: single sentence prompts

cws/tws: marriage mentions, and reader’s giving birth to her and dick’s kid, tho i don’t go into great detail.

reader gender: female ((at current; i plan on writing m- and gn!reader versions too))

additional characters: none

summary: you all click together, like the fitting of a puzzle’s pieces into place. || in which dick’s world is made whole with the birth of his son.

links: tumblr ❣ | ao3

maybe (love, once lost)

status: complete

series: n/a; written for my 200 followers event

rating: a sfw gut punch, it’s a h/c sour patch kid made up of angst and love lol

cws/tws: an unhappy/unhealthy relationship that leads to a potential breakup. also tim-typical self-destructive tendencies, tho tbh Reader’s not faring much better.

reader gender: neutral

additional characters: none

summary: in reaching the end of things you and tim find that the only way to move forwards is to go back to the start… || a breakup fic but not really because i left the ending open lol.

links: tumblr | ao3

of creepypastas and bo staffs

status: complete

series: single sentence prompts

rating: sfw fluff

cws/tws: none unless you count being freaked out by scary movies lol

reader gender: female ((at current; i plan on writing m- and gn!reader versions too))

additional characters: none

summary: a movie night goes awry. tim may or may not be banned from making the movie night selection for the foreseeable future…

links: tumblr ❣ | ao3

you and me both, babe

status: complete

series: single sentence prompts

rating: sfw fluff

cws/tws: reader’s married to tim and they’re gonna have a baby lol.

reader gender: female ((at current; i plan on writing m- and gn!reader versions too))

additional characters: none

summary: when you see an opportunity you take it. that’s one of the things he loves about you the most. || in which you ready yourself to give your hubby the big news.

links: tumblr ❣ | ao3

© notepadsandtealeaves, 2018-2022 || Please do not repost, translate, or otherwise alter or distribute my works without my express permission. And for the love of god keep it away from Youtube and TikTok lol…

[cowboyc0ffee]

yoooo if you're still taking prompts, nick x greg and “If you sing that song one more time I will kill you????" please and thank you!!

ofc brain twin, anything for you! ty for requesting, this was fun!

Title: Down in Dallas

Pairing: Greg Sanders & Nick Stokes

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/28096887

Rating: PG-13 with lyrics that are R-ish 

Warning(s): None except for slightly randy lyrics lol

Notes: Greg can't stop singing in the lab. Nick wishes he would.

[mypoisonedvine]

Could you write a Jaskier x reader where the reader has had an awful day and goes to Jaskier, asking him if he could sing for them, just to get their mind off of things? Maybe ending in a little snuggle session/feelings confession? Kind of like, giving them both a chance to vent for the day, plus a bit of appreciation for this boy's beautiful singing.

I kept this one short-ish (you know, the length these things are actually supposed to be?) but I loved this prompt! I have given my poetry muscle a serious workout lately with all these damn Jaskier songs... hopefully this one doesn't show my soreness :p

Word Count: ~800

Rating: G :) all fluff

Taglist: @100percentamess @ultracolorfulnerdcollection (I have a vague memory of you asking to be tagged in my jaskier stuff but I'm on mobile and I don't want to check lest my tedious formatting be ruined so lol enjoy this) @mytinybaguette (ofc mobile is being annoying and won't let me tag you so I'll just dm you lol)

You threw yourself onto the bed and laid your head on his lap, letting out a very dramatic, and yet not exaggerated, sigh.

“Long day?”

“You have no idea,” you groaned.

“I like to think I do, actually.  My set went terribly,” he sighed.

“I’m sure it wasn’t as bad as you’re thinking.”

“I was booed off stage.  You should’ve seen it! You should’ve been there- I swear, you’re my good luck charm.”

You smiled, and closed your eyes as you felt his fingers start to comb through your hair.  

“Would you sing for me?” you asked softly, your voice already sounding a little sleepy.  He just hummed at first, some random tune that still managed to be so beautiful and elegant even as he made it up on the spot.

“Actually,” he said after a while, breaking your trance, “I wrote something.  I had wanted to get your opinion on it.”

You sat up, and he reached for his lute.

“It’s just this silly thing- well, not silly- I don’t know.  I’m still working on it,” he rushed.

“Skip the preamble and just go!”

“Promise you’ll be honest,” he implored.

“I can’t say my opinion is going to be of much use to you, but yes, I’ll give my honest opinion,” you promised.

He started to play, softly, something much more delicate than his usual fare.  You weren’t sure what to expect lyrically from a piece which started as tenderly as this: no jig, certainly, and no tale of the Witcher’s travels.

Where lilies bloom at midnight

When the moon hits the stones just right

I wait to meet her there

And she wears my flowers in her hair

As she walks by the world gets warmer for a while

The sun could not compete with her smile

The stars reflected on the ocean shine in her eyes

The waters stir and toss with the storms as she cries

And it kills me to hold her so close

To be haunted by her after she leaves like a ghost

But this beautiful torture I must bear

How painfully lovely for her to be so far, but right there

On the horizon the earth will kiss the sky

And they are bound together as the days go by

Yet the moon and sun chase each other endlessly

If only she would chase after me

Instead I'm tied in knots and falling like a fool

She wears my flowers in her hair and what could be more cruel?

But this beautiful torture I must bear

How painfully lovely for her to be so far, but right there

The plucking of the lute slowed to a stop, ending on a chord that felt like a sort of unsatisfying end, to the point that you didn’t even really register that the song was over until he looked up at you expectantly.  You wiped tears from your face, tears you didn’t actually remember crying.

“What do you think?” he prompted when you didn’t say anything.

“It’s rubbish,” you chuckled softly, trying to regain your composure, “absolute garbage.”

He smiled but didn’t say anything, glancing down to the floor.

“It’s beautiful, of course,” you sighed.  “Julian, it’s… that was incredible.”

“I only know you’re serious because you called me Julian,” he said, and you could see him trying to smirk, but it was all so quiet, and you realized you both were whispering, and you weren’t sure why.

"What's it about?" you asked nervously.

"Isn't it sort of obvious?" he replied.  You swallowed.  

"Maybe to a poet," you smirked.

"Don't make me say it," he pleaded softly.

You leaned forward, and before you'd done it you'd convinced yourself that it would be easy enough to just pull him close and kiss him.  And yet, as your hand reached around to the back of his neck and as you were about halfway closing the space between you, your nerves kicked in and you stopped.  So there you were, looking at him way too up close and there he was, looking back at you with the most uninterpretable expression. Maybe you'd misinterpreted the whole thing and it was just a song about that blasted Countess.

It was him who had to reach out and pull you into him, the lute making a disconsonant scratchy sound as you brushed against it.  You didn't really even notice, though, because all you could experience in that moment was his lips against yours: for some reason, in your mind, you pictured the horizon.

You fell into his arms, which wrapped around you tightly, and he had moved the lute aside so he could press himself against you but once again your mind was on anything but the developments in the physical location of the lute at this point.  You felt so nervous and awake and hyperaware of the way he felt- you hadn't felt this way in so long, it was like the awkward romanticism of childhood all over again. Then again, everything was awkward romanticism with him, wasn't it?

[badwolf-in-the-impala]

~Come Away to The Water~

|| Chapter One - Dead of Winter ||  

Inspiration: Come Away to the Water by Maroon 5 ft. Rozzi Crane

Storyboard Credit: Myself. Pictures not mine, but editing and collage is.

Pairings: Harald Finehair x OFC ((face claim - Sophie Turner))

Rating: Mature/18+

General warnings: Death, Violence, Gore, Graphic content, Abuse, Kidnapping, Sexual content.

Chapter warnings: Depictions of death, gory-ish details? Angst.

A/N: EDIT: SO, it’s been forever since I touched this story...Or well, posted anything for that fact lol but I finally found some inspo on where I wanna go with this story, so I’ve edited/added to the first chapter! I hope you guys enjoy! SHOUTOUT to @jacksonroseroth​ for your help, darlin’! New fic idea say waaaaa?! Anywho, thank you for taking a moment of your time to stop and read; it means a lot ^-^ Obviously this is a work of fiction, so I apologize if things aren’t 100% HISTORICALLY accurate. I’ve spent a lot of time researching the past few days trying to certain aspects as close as possible. So bare with me! 

Feedback is always welcomed and much appreciated! I hope you guys enjoy! Also I want to add that the beginning italic is a flashback scene...Dialogue, bold and italic is to distinguish the language barrier between Rowan and Harald.

Word Count:  5099

-------------------------------------------------------------------

“Come away little lamb come away to the water Give yourself so we might live anew Come away little lamb come away to the slaughter”

~ “Do try nah to stray so far from the path this time, Rowan…” Her mother sighed deeply as she fastened the heavy black fur cloak around her daughters shoulders; settling a small sack of provisions in her hands. “It worries me’h.”

“Dinna worry yer’self, Ma.” Rowan smiled warmly, pressing a kiss to her mother’s cheek gently as she drew up the hood to cover her flame kissed hair. “I’ll be fine.”

The older woman cracked a small grin as she cupped her daughters cheek, patting it affectionately. “Y’er to much like y’er Da.” She shook her head lightly as she watched her daughter slip the bow over her head, settling it with the string across her chest before snatching up the quiver of arrows. “Jus’ be back ‘fore dark...There’s a storm comin’!”

“Aye, Ma.” Rowan chuckled softly with a roll over her Emerald eyes before placing a kiss atop each of her three younger siblings heads. “Behave yourselves, ya wee savages.” She teased lightly, earning a pair of giggles out of the two youngest. A set of identical twins of just barely five years.

“Are ye goin’ to bring us back a Stag, Rowey?!” Alana questioned excitedly.

“Aye, are ye, are ye?” Ainslie echoed as she bounced in her seat, equally as excited as her sister.

“I’ll most certainly try.” Rowan winked as she reached for the front door, pausing when she felt a slight tug on her cloak. Turning to find her youngest brother peering up at her sheepishly.

“C-Can I? P-Please?” He stuttered nervously, looking down at his feet as Rowan shook her head no.

“Nay. Not today, Findley.” She gave her youngest brothers shoulder a reassuring squeeze and ruffled his dark auburn hair, before leaning back to snatch a couple of bannocks off the table. “Perhaps after the storm passes...I’ll teach ye how to catch rabbits.”

“P-Promise?”

“Aye.” She grinned softly, earning a shy smile out of the young boy in return. “I promise.”

With a final goodbye to her mother and siblings, Rowan pushed open the creaky wooden door of the small stone and wood built bothy, that their large family of Six shared; stepping out into the frigid early morning air. Her leather and fur clad foot catching the back of her own twins leg, as she passed by. Tossing him the second bannock she held, causing him to pause mid-swing on the chunk of wood he had been about to split as he caught it. Beaming a smile as he thanked her around a mouthful of food.

“Spend some time with Finn today, eh?” Rowan called over her shoulder as she started towards the path that lead out of the Village and down towards the river. Turning back to shoot her brother a glare at the annoyed groan he gave her in return.

“Don’ make me tell Ma what ye’ve been gettin’ up to with Flora now, Kai! She threatened.

“Ye wouldn’t?!”

Rowan simply shrugged, throwing her brother a mischievous grin before trotting off down the path towards the water. Ignoring her brothers voice as he called after her. Begrudgingly agreeing that he would spend some time with Finn later.

~

The day continued on as normal as any other. Rowan took her time trekking through the woods, setting and checking snares along her usual path. A smile creeping onto her lips as she spied a set of tracks -- those of a stag -- just off the main trailhead.

It had been well over a month since she had brought home a Stag, or any other large game for that matter, and the thought of having fresh meat on the table again, made her mouth water. But more importantly the thought of seeing the smiles it would bring to her family’s faces made the aspect of the hunt seem all the more worthwhile as she reset her final snare. Taking a final glance around to get her bearings, before venturing off the beaten path and deeper into the forest.

Rowan tracked the animal well into the late afternoon before it was finally snowing too hard for her to safely venture any farther. The Stag having remained, teasingly, just out of her reach the entire time. Taunting her almost, as they trailed deeper and deeper into the woods until it was too late to turn back. Forcing her to seek shelter for the night in an abandoned den she stumbled across on the hunt.

The wind blew too fiercely for her to start a fire, which forced her to settle for pulling the thick fur cloak she wore around herself tightly, in an attempt to stay warm. Burrowing down into the fallen leaves and debris that surrounded her as an uneasy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach...But she wasn’t quite able to place a finger on it.

This hadn’t been the first time she was caught out in a storm over night like this and never before had it been -- nor would it likely ever be -- an issue. Her father having taken extra care to teach her, as well as her twin brother, everything they needed to know about surviving in the wild, from a young age; Until his untimely death just a few short years ago. She knew how to take care of herself regardless of the situation...She would be fine.

But that still did little to quell the worry that settled in the back of her mind as Rowan sighed, clutching her cloak tighter around herself as she closed her eyes. Attempting to push the worry from her thoughts the best she could as she tried to make herself comfortable. She knew for certain that her mother and the wee ones would be worried sick that she had not returned yet, but that come first light, Kai would be out to meet her halfway on the trail just like he always did.

But for the time being, she was at the mercy of the Gods.

~

The weather had cleared come dawn, allowing Rowan to venture out from the safety of the den she called home for the night. Brushing away the moss and dries leaves from her clothes as she emerged with a stretch, pausing to grab a bannock and a piece of dried fish from the small sack of provisions she carried. Thankful that her mother had insisted upon her taking it with her as she nibbled away at it; beginning the trekk back towards her Village.  

The ground was covered in a fresh layer of ankle deep snow, making the journey twice as long and twice as treacherous as it concealed many things beneath its shimmering surface -- like ice and root snarls -- that could pose a threat to a serious injury, if one was not sure of their footing. It made her that much more thankful she had spent so much of her youth exploring these woods with Kai and their father...It was her home away from home, and she knew it like the back of her hand. Which in turn helped her to make decent time on her return to the main path. It also made her more aware of things that most anyone else would often overlook naturally. Like how nature had suddenly fallen into an eerie silence as she stepped back onto the main path, noting how the snow was still fresh; untouched.  

The uneasy feeling from the night before suddenly returned to settle in the pit of her stomach, tying it up in knots as she looked up at the sky. It was well past mid-morning and there were no signs that Kai had yet been there, which struck her as unusual. He was always waiting, no matter the hour.  

A jolt of anxiety shot through her like lightning as she took off down the path, willing her feet to carry her faster as she broke through the treeline and out into the open. The silence around her deafening, aside from the sound of the River as she raced along its edge, wading the crossing swiftly, trying her best to ignore the icy sting of the water as it soaked her boots, only adding to her struggle as she stumbled up the snow slick hill that lead to her home...That surge of anxiety quickly morphing into fear as she watched thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the grey Winter sky.

Rowan’s heart nearly stopped as she crested over the top of the hill, a scream ripping from her lungs at the sight of the damage that lay before her. What was left of her people stood gathered round in a wash of tears, disbelief and despair. Their homes and outbuildings still blazed, while others only smoldered now; Reduced to rubble, or turned to ash. Their Livestock hung from trees and fences, slaughtered. All their stores of produce and provisions set aside for winter, gone.

Bodies lie butchered, scattered along the ground, tainting the once pure white snow a sickening shade of dark crimson. Her boots imprinting a trail of red in the snow behind her, as she ran towards her family’s home that still smoldered. Rowan ignoring the sting of burning flesh as she dug frantically at what remained of the building. Tears streaming down her face as she cried out for Mother and siblings.

“They’re gone, Rowan.” A neighbor approached quickly, grabbing her by the shoulders gently as he urged her away from the still crumbling building to safety. Rowan pulling away, stumbling a few feet where she fell to her knees at the sight of Kai’s body; lifeless on the ground. His dark hair and fair skin matted with drying blood...An axe protruding from the center of his chest.

“I-I’m s-s-or-ry…” A broken sob left her lips as she covered his blue eyes -- still widened with fear -- with her hand and slipped them closed.

“Ma--…The twins?”

The woman who approached her before, now shook her head. The look on her face a solemn one as she knelt beside the broken young woman before her, taking her forearms gently and pulling her up to her feet as she embraced her.

“The Danes took ‘em...Ye and Findley are all that’s left.”

“Findley?” The name fell as a hoarse whisper from her lips, as green eyes tried desperately to blink back tears as she pulled away to look up.

“Aye, he lives...But jus’ barely.” The woman grinned softly as she replied, though the gesture was less than hopeful. The woman raising a finger to silence Rowan as she knew what was about to come next.

“Ye can not see him jus’ yet, Lass.” She stated gently, with a soft pat against Rowan’s arms. “Let us go an’ take care of those burns first...”  

Turning as the woman lead her away to one of the healers, Rowan gave a final glance at the carnage that lay all around her. Wondering what they had done to deserve such a senseless act of violence...Innocent families, women, children?

They had heard Tales of the vicious Northmen -- Danes as many called them -- that ruled over the Seas. Pillaging and plundering places of riches and nobility…But Rowan’s people were no more than simple farmers; hunters and fishermen. What would the Norsemen want with them?

Never once had her own people consider, that one day, they might set foot in the Highlands...Something that left them unprepared, and defenseless to the ruthless attack.

Leaving the place she called her homeland...Broken and in ruin.

~

Rowan’s chest heaved erratically as she sat bolt upright in her bed, clutching the furs to her chest as she swiped a hand across her forehead, finding it slick with sweat as she pushed back the fiery red locks that were matted to her skin. A sigh escaping her lips quietly. It had been quite some time since she’d had a nightmare about that fateful day...The day her family was so cruelly taken from her. It had been nearly five years now, but the wounds were still fresh in her mind like it had happened only yesterday.

Frowning to herself, Rowan pushed the furs from her body and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, shivering as her bare feet touched the cold dirt covered floor as she wrapped herself in one of the furs tightly as she walked to the window; pushing the shutter open. The sun had barely even begun to rise over the mountains, showering the glen in a twilight glow as it cast  shadows through the trees. Everything around them lay quiet and completely still, as if basking in the arrival of a new day.

Pulling her gaze away from the rapid approach of dawn just outside their small home, Rowan turned and walked towards the fire on the opposite side of the room. Adjusting the fur into one hand as she added more kindling and wood to the glowing embers that resided in the hearth; kneeling and blowing gently until the fire blazed back to life.

Once she was satisfied with the heat emitted from the fire, Rowan stood and returned to the foot of her bed, opening the small wooden trunk that lie there as she began piecing together an outfit for the day. Dressing in her warmest pair of trousers and a light blue tunic made from a heavier wool material for added warmth. Securing it with a thin leather belt before tugging on her boots.

She discarded her night shirt into the wash pile before returning the fur to its place on her bed as she made it for the day. A small smile tugging at her lips as a pitiful low pitched whine caught her attention, turning to find the large gray wolf she called her companion, now sitting beside the fire. Having climbed down from her little brother’s bed;  head tipped curiously as it watched her.

“Don’t be impatient, ya greedy breast. I dinna forget abou’ ye.” She quipped as she rummaged around for some bits of dried meat and bannocks to take out with her. Tossing the wolf a small chunk of meat she kept aside specifically for him, before throwing together a small pot of wheat porridge for Findley and setting it up over the fire to cook.

“Go on now.” She waved her hand to where her young brother still slept soundly. “Go an’ wake the boy.” The wolf gave a snort as it rose to all fours, giving a long stretch before the beast trotted across the room and leapt gracefully onto the bed. The large animal laying directly on top of Findlay as he commenced to licking the boys face repeatedly with it’s large tongue.

“Ugh, get off me ya brute!” Findley yelped out as he squirmed beneath the large animal, trying to push him off to no avail. Rowan chuckled softly, watching her brother struggle for a moment longer before she gave a sharp whistle to call him off. The wolf jumping down from the bed and coming over to sit beside her, accepting a small piece of bannock she offered before popping the last bite into her mouth with a grin. Her little brother glowered at her from the edge of his bed where he now sat upright.

“Good mornin’ to ye too, Fin.” She snickered with an amused grin.

“Mornin’...” Findley grumbled back crankily as he climbed out of bed and moved to warm himself beside the fire. Lifting the lid on the small pot briefly to inspect what was inside of it.

“Should be done soon.” Rowan stated as she moved to grab her heavy black fur cloak and pull it on, before gathering her game bag, bow and quiver. “I need to check the traps, so it’s up to ye to get the animals fed an’ taken care of. Can ye handle that?”

Findley gave a curt nod as he grabbed a bannock off the table and began devouring it. “Aye, I can handle it.” He spoke around a mouth full of food, Rowan rolling her eyes in response as she shook her head.

“Don’t talk with ye’r mouthful, ya heathen.” She chided with a playful grin before continuing. “If ye need help with anythin’, go an’ fetch young Turick to help ye. Got it?”

“Aye…” Findley sighed in annoyance with an eye roll, which in turn earned him a glare from his older sister. “I’m a cripple, Row, tha’ does not mean I’m useless.” He muttered self consciously as his right hand ventured absentmindedly to the stump of his left shoulder. A deep frown creasing his features.

“I never called ye useless, Fin.” Rowan stepped forward, reaching out to grasp his chin lightly and turn his attention back towards her. “I jus’ don’t want ye hurtin’ yer’self more than necessary...Besides, if ye hurt y’er good arm, who’s going to milk the cows?”

Findley swatted her hand away with a playful glare as he cracked half a smile. “I got it handled.” He reassured in a sarcastic tone, shooting her a real glare as she reached out and ruffled his red hair affectionately.

“I’ll be back this afternoon. Do try an’ stay out of trouble, eh?” Rowan called over her shoulder as she pushed the front door open and stepped out into the brisk morning air; wolf in tow as he trotted along beside her happily, as they mosied down the path.

~

The day came to pass quite quickly for Rowan and her furry companion, Faolan. The pair making quick work of checking and resetting snares, before venturing a little deeper into the woods in search of some smaller game, before returning to the village to go about finishing up evening chores; the workload increasing as signs of Spring steadily approached. Soon they would be tilling fields to plant their crops, tending to the animals that would soon produce offspring, making repairs to homes, building new boats for trading travels...The list was truly endless, and Rowan looked forward to the distractions that the work promised.

Winters had become exceptionally difficult since suffering the loss of nearly her entire family. Everyday a struggle against the guilt that she kept bottled up inside. Rowan somehow feeling responsible for what had happened to her family; to Fin. Constantly replaying that day over and over in her head. Always wondering if things could have turned out differently, had she stayed home that day with her family. Maybe she could have protected them...Or maybe she would’ve shared in their fate. But then what would have become of poor Findley?

Rowan sighed as they paused to rest beside a small stream. Faolan letting out a soft whine as he rested his head against her thigh; sensing her distress. A small smile tugging at her lips as she gave him an affectionate scratch behind the ears, his warm, intelligent brown eyes drifting shut for a moment as gave a contented sigh. Rowan silently thankful that the gods had granted such a wonderful guardian to watch over her and Findley. The wolf coming into their lives not long after the deaths of their kin. Just a pup himself when Rowan had stumbled upon him in the forest...Still clinging to his own mother and siblings who had long since perished from starvation and cold.

The village had been less than thrilled to say the least, when Rowan brought the small bundle of fur home. Several of the elder woman trying to advise her that the beast could would never be tamed nor broken; But they couldn’t have been more wrong. For Faolan had been the key that aided them in their journey to healing...And they his. The wolf having more than earned his keep around the village since becoming part of their broken pack. 

“Suppose we should be gettin’ back, eh?” Rowan sighed softly as she gave the wolf a final pat on the head before standing. Gathering her game bag and slinging it over her shoulder as she turned her back to the steam. “Come, mo charaid…’Fore Fin starts worryin’.” Faolan let out a sharp series of yips in answer as he bounded from his spot, darting between the trees playfully for a moment before laying down a ways up the trail as he waited. Rowan letting out a small laugh at the wolfs antics as she quickened her pace, taking the hint as they hurried off. Head for their usual detour as they made the trek for home. ~

Dusk was approaching by the time the group finally reached the shores of a seeming desolate beach. The ships, as well as their men, battered from an unexpected storm that had caught them off guard a day prior. “We’ll camp here for now...Start salvaging what we can to make repairs come dawn, before continuing on to York.” Harald instructed once the boats had been pulled safely to shore; A fire started for the men to get warm as they assembled camp. Harald quick to assemble a plan for his men, in order to get moving again as soon as possible. Not pleased with the unexpected detour they had been forced to make on their journey to York.

“You three.” Harald turned to address a group of younger Viking men, who stood opposite him beside the fire. “Gather what wood you can; And you two,” He gestured towards a pair of more experienced men, usually assigned to watch. “Survey the area...I do not want any more unexpected surprises.” The men nodded, accepting their assigned duties before dismissing themselves. Harald letting out a sigh as he turned for one of the tents that had already been assembled...Taking a seat and grabbing a cup of mead, trying to quell his frustrations as he watched his men continue to set up camp. While Harald drank his frustrations away, the two experienced men set off up the beach, climbing the dunes on the beach and venturing into the forest beyond.

“Fine time to set up camp…” The first man grumbled as they trudged the Scottish land. The second man grunted in response as they settled on a spot and began building a small fire. The warmth from the flames doing little to warm the chill that had settled in their bones. “The cold here is different...I don’t like it.”

“They say we’re the heathens.” The first man chuckled. “Pass us the ale…” The second man obliged his friends request. Reaching over to grab the ale horn from beside his axe, taking a swig himself before passing it over and returning his hands to warm by the fire. As the men chatted away, Rowan made her way to the beach, stopping and dropping to the ground when she spotted the men encamped on the beach. Swearing in Gaelic, she gripped the scruff at Faolan’s neck to make sure he didn’t growl and give their position away. She took her bag off and strapped it around the beast’s.

“Go home, Faolan. I’ll be right behind ye.” Rowan whispered. The wolf let out a small whine before he turned away, making his way back to the village while Rowan stayed, counting the men so she could give an accurate report to the village elders. When her eyes met Harald’s, Rowan ducked and crawled along the brush until she was far enough into the foliage before she stood and hurried along behind Faolan.

“What was that?” The first man asked, looking up at the sound of twigs snapping. He reached down, fingers wrapping around the axe at his side as he scanned the surrounding area, looking for movement. Both men saw the flash of gray fur pass quickly by, followed by a flame of red hair; Visible even in the darkness. The second man motioned for the first to split off towards the left, while he tracked the intruders on the right. Trailing silently after them into the darkness of the woods, but eventually losing sight as the darkness became too much; Slowing their progress significantly.

“Go.” The second man ordered quietly, gesturing back towards the beach. “Tell King Harald what we’ve found, and assemble more men for a search. I will try and the trail.” The first man nodded and turned back towards camp. Leaving his companion to assemble a torch and continue the search.  

Meanwhile, Rowan continued to move swiftly through the darkness. Picking her way carefully over fallen debris and tangled tree roots as she strayed away from the main trail; attempting to lose the enemies who likely now pursued her, as she fled towards her village. Hoping she would have enough time to warn her people of a potential attack before it was too late. Anger and fear building inside of her chest as she pushed herself harder, bound and determined to not let her people suffer through another attack like they had all those years ago.

The sound of twigs snapping several feet away from behind her, made Rowan turn, a knot forming in her stomach as she spotted the faint glow of a torch coming over the small rise she had just climbed. Ducking behind a tree, she shielded herself from sight momentarily as she closed her eyes...Rowan’s heart sinking as she came to the realization that she would be unable to return to her village safely, without risking the exposure of their location to a potential attack. She knew what she had to do, but that didn’t make the choice any easier as she let out a soft, shaky sigh. Opening her green eyes as slipped the bow over her head carefully, and nocked an arrow. Sending up a silent prayer for the gods to protect her family — her people — before drawing back the sting of her bow, and stepping into the open. A steady breath leaving her lips as she released the arrow towards its target, the startled yelp that followed signaling that she had struck her target.

Rowan using the distraction as her opportunity to change directions, doubling back, as she began leading her enemy away from her village, and deeper into the woods. Another arrow nocked and ready to fire as she neared the next ridge; ducking behind another tree as she waited for the torch to appear again...Her heart rate quickening when she turned to find that the light had been extinguished. A wave of panic washed over her as she struggled to pick up on the faint footsteps that rustled from somewhere in the darkness. Unable to determine what direction they were coming from, Rowan was left to make a split decision, as she darted from behind the tree, hoping she could make a break for the treeline. 

The flash of red hair was all they needed, as Harald gave the signal for their own archer to take a shot; the man loosing the arrow as the rest of the men relit their torches. Harald watching as the form stumbled in the darkness, but only for a moment before darting off once more.  A smirk creeping onto his lips as they took up their pursuit once more, driving their prey back towards the edge of the forest, where more of his men lie in wait to capture whoever it was that they had been chasing all over the woods...But the small victory soon faded from his thoughts as bone chilling howl pierced the silence, followed by a series of snarls and growls that brought the group to a stand still.

Rowan stumbled as she ran through the treeline and out into the open, coming to stop as she was greeted by a rather unwelcoming sight, as a group of men closed in on her. Rowan quick to draw back the string of her bow in defense, ignoring the searing pain in her shoulder the action caused, from having been struck by an arrow herself. The edges of her lips quirking into a faint smirk as she heard the howl that broke the silence and caused several of the men to glance towards the treeline; Searching. Rowan seizing the opportunity to loose her arrow into the man nearest to her, watching as he crumpled to the ground as the arrow struck him between the eyes, her next arrow nocked before the man had even full collided with the earth. Another man lunged towards her, catching the second arrow as a series of shouts broke out amongst the group of men in front of her...Their words foreign to her as they spoke.

“Come on. Come get me, ye heathens…” She said with a smirk, fingering the feather fletching of her arrow. Rowan readied her bow again, waiting for the next victim to step forward and make their move. She knew that she stood very little chance against these men, but that didn’t mean that she would go down without a fight. Another series of shouts erupted from the woods, causing Rowan to turn and glance over her shoulder as the shouts quickly dissolved into one horrified scream that was followed by vicious snarling and the sounds of teeth ripping into flesh. Another man used her distraction to strike her with the hilt of his sword; sending Rowan to the ground as her vision blurred around the edges. A foot kicking her bow out of her reach as it approached from behind. Rowan struggling to focus on the man’s face as she glanced up, recognizing him as the man from the beach.

“Bind her and take her back to the beach.” Harald ordered as surveyed the two dead men that lie on the ground in front of him, before turning his attention to look down at the fiery haired woman who struggled against the two vikings who hauled her to her feet before their King. Allowing him a brief moment to examine her more closely as he grasped her jaw tightly, forcing her to look at him; Rowan’s eyes struggling to maintain focus as the edges over her vision started to turn black...The last thing she saw being a flash of gray fur, followed by nothing.

------------------------------

So that’s the first chapter! I hope ya’ll liked it...I also wanna add ((don’t quote me on it as I used google traslate)) that Mo charaid means ‘My friend’ Gaelic. And Faolan means Little Wolf.

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