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muddyorbsblr · 1 year ago

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all will be alright in time [rtc what if…?]

'relinquish the crown' masterlist See my full list of works here!

Summary: Loki makes a realization about his role of keeping watch over the timelines when a branch slips from his grasp | sequel to 'bigger than the whole sky'

Pairing: Loki (God of Stories/Time) x Reader

Word Count: 6k [pls prep some drinkies & snacks before going in]

Warnings: 18+ | angst with a happy ending; some steamy moments at the end; this is the RTC universe so…themes of incest if you squint (he's adopted but still…); Loki S2 finale spoilers [let me know if i missed anything!]

Things to be aware of: no prior reading of RTC is required but reading 'bigger than the whole sky' is kind of required…

Dick-tionary: steamy moments (but no outright smut) starts at "We'll need it, my love." and ends at "Happy anniversary, my love"

Time moved differently from where Loki sat, in his throne beyond space and time. It was as if he was simultaneously between two ticks of the clock and experiencing every moment to ever happen in every multiversal timeline all at once. He wouldn't be able to tell if two seconds or two millennia had passed since he bid you farewell.

All he knew was the routine he established. The one that functioned as his own form of a personal clock.

First he would choose one of the timelines at random, monitoring for any threats that could potentially be beyond the capabilities of that world's defenders. More often than not an iteration of Thor would be among that group, so he would check on the blond oaf as well.

In the timelines where his brother mourned him, he would send a snake or a black cat his way. The god's way to send a message. I miss you, too, Brother.

Then he would check on you within that timeline. He found that in a few of those lives you were not in league with his brother, but rather one of the innocents, living your life in a constant state of elevated awareness, anxiously waiting for the next invasion and preparing accordingly. In those lives, you found love with an echo of him. A hotel night manager. A decommissioned military tracker. Even a prince in some timelines. And in a few occasions, an actor.

After that he would check on your timeline. His final stop on his personal clock. Every time a slight anxiety would wash over him, wondering what he would find when he saw you this time.

The first few moons worth of visits he found you in bed, curled into a ball and clutching his pillow. You'd cried yourself to sleep, the disquiet showing on your features even in your slumbering state. You grieved long past what was customary in Asgard, seemingly returning to your wardrobe set in onyx fabric when in truth if one looked close enough it was truly set in the deepest emerald.

Grieving for the living. What a peculiar concept that ruled both your lives.

It was only after a year that you'd begun to re-integrate yourself into Asgard's society, most of your steps fumbling and truly only powering through with the support and occasional aid of your family, mainly Sif and Frigga. You'd made amends with Thor and Odin, apologizing for your behavior while you were under the effects of the spell that locked away your memories, telling them what you could of yours and Loki's story when you became ready.

Lately you'd been working on restructuring some lessons within the school curriculum, assuring that the information was kept up to date and refining where necessary. It gave the god a semblance of peace knowing that there was something that could finally occupy your mind that somewhat gave you some form of satisfaction.

With every cycle he checked on you the longest. Stayed with you until you were fast asleep.

After two years you visited Midgard, blending among the denizens of a town that still reverently worshipped the gods of Asgard and stayed with Loki's altar for a fortnight. You spoke with him as if he was right there in the sanctuary standing beside you, your hand still instinctively twitching to reach for his even after all the time that had passed.

Your last day on Midgard you placed an offering at the altar. Loki could have sworn his heart stopped beating for a good few moments once he caught sight of the gold wedding band laying atop the offering plate. "Husband, I know not if you can see or hear me, but I wanted you to have this. It's a Midgardian tradition, I know, but it's one that I was always quite fond of. To wear something on ourselves that could serve as a symbol of our love. Our fealty to one another. Had I not been under the spell's influence during our wedding I would have chosen to include this in our ceremony. This is the closest I will ever get to giving this to you, but I wanted you to have it regardless."

You placed your hands onto the altar, the god's air catching at the back of his throat and tears welling up in his eyes once he saw the matching gold band around your finger.

"I love you and I miss you desperately and always, my darling husband." You pressed your lips to the black and gold marble altar before walking away, keeping your head down to shield your tears.

It was possible that you'd assumed that the ring, similar to all other offerings on his and the neighboring altars, would either be swiped by a nameless faceless passerby or cleared away throughout the periodic tidying of the sanctuary. That it wouldn't even have crossed your mind that the moment that no eyes were on his altar, he'd conjured the ring over to him, and it was now worn on his finger for him to look upon fondly as he checked on you, pressing his lips to the gold band once you'd tucked yourself into bed for the night, hoping that somehow you would feel the message he was sending you through space and time.

Goodnight, little Princess. I shall see you again tomorrow.

In the years that had passed, you continued to work on various texts, constantly revising on parchments and going back and forth in the library you held in your chambers, still so careful not to disturb Loki's side of the shelves that housed his journals and textbooks. The work had kept your mind occupied, and the people that surrounded you offered pleasant enough company that from an outsider's perspective, you seemed almost as lively as you once were.

They couldn't see that your smile never reached your eyes. They never heard the clipped quality of your laughter or how you would cut it short, the slight wince in your features as if you were admonishing yourself for granting yourself the permission to laugh. And the way that you would start playing with your wedding band straight after.

When he checked on you during what would have been the tenth anniversary of your wedding day, he found you once again curled up in your bed, shaking and screaming into a pillow as sobs wracked your body.

He couldn't help himself. He reached out to you, a breeze blowing through and ruffling your hair in a gentle caress despite all the closed windows and doors in your chambers. You immediately stilled your movements afterward, clutching your pillow tighter against yourself.

"I'm sorry, husband," you spoke into the quiet. "It hurts monumentally worse today."

For the first time in what felt like eons, he was unable to fight the urge of his hand twitching and reaching for yours. And his heart dropped as he felt a branch slip from his grasp.

"No," he hissed in a panic, already moving away from his throne to start chasing after it before the light inside of it began to fade and the branch would die.

Only it didn't. The green glow emanating from the branch remained as vibrant as it was when it was within Loki's grasp. It didn't even move too far away that he'd been able to return it to his hand after a few strides, as if nothing had happened.

"What--"

"I need to be honest, God of Time," a voice spoke from the void. "I was hoping you'd come to this realization a bit sooner."

"Who's out there?!" he yelled out, already conjuring duplicates of himself to be at the ready in case he would need to fight. "Show yourself, intruder."

First a pair of white glowing orbs materialized a mere few feet from where you once were the day that Loki last saw you. And then a body that resembled that of monks on Midgard, in robes that vaguely resembled the ones that he also wore, only set in different colors.

"There is no need to be alarmed, son of Odin. I pose no threat to you. I am the Watcher. I monitor all events within the multiverse, and I have been keeping an eye on how you have been adjusting to your new responsibility as the savior of the timelines."

"How did you get here?" He hadn't done away with his duplicates yet. Each of them were still poised to attack if this Watcher was lying and threatened the safety of the timelines. Any timeline.

"I was made aware of another set of eyes watching over the multiverse once you ascended your throne," the Watcher explained. "This plane is unreachable to most beings within these universes that we watch over, that is true. I am here and I can reach you because I live in the same plane. Think of it as a different room within a house."

"What realization did you speak of earlier?" He made the decision to move the topic along, his question about the branch not dying despite slipping from his fingers truly being the most pressing matter.

"You created a tree," the Watcher answered simply. "In its infancy, like any living thing, it requires a great amount of care. Do you agree?"

Why was this person speaking to him as if he were a child? "Yes, of course, but this doesn't explain what--"

"After it has been given enough time and care, however," he continued, not allowing the god to finish his sentence. "Would you also agree that it would not require as close of a supervision? Once a tree has grown to a certain size, on Earth or Asgard or any other realm, it requires less frequent tending to. It draws most of its energy, its nutrients, its life…from its foundation. The roots have become strong enough to support the rest of the tree, for the most part."

"I…I believe I'm beginning to see your point."

"You've created a tree," he repeated. "And its roots have taken form. They have strengthened. Now I know quite well how you are when spoonfed your answers, so I will leave the rest of this lesson for you to discover on your own. Be well, God of Time."

With that, the Watcher disappeared, once again leaving Loki on his lonesome. The lesson still not fully learned and due a good deal of experimentation.

He started with one branch in each hand, letting them slip from his grasp and observing how they behaved. When there was no visible change and he'd realized that he couldn't feel any loss of life within those two branches, he released another pair. And another. And another.

Suddenly the lesson became crystal clear. He need not keep such vigilant watch on the timelines any longer. Much like a tree, it can be left to grow and flourish on its own, needing only the occasional visit to fortify and further nourish its foundation.

He could step down from this throne removed from time and space. He could end his isolation.

He could come home. To you.

It took a good long while, it could have been minutes or it could have been years, seeing as he constantly reinforced each branch with enough of his magic before setting them free. But finally his hands were empty, and the cape that had refashioned itself to hold more timelines roamed free as well.

He took a few moments to re-familiarize himself with his range of motion, bending and stretching in various positions to ensure that there were no sore points in his body. After that, it didn't take him long to decide on his next course of action.

Before he opened up a portal to his destination, he reinforced the foundation of the tree one last time, hopefully putting enough of a buffer that it would be a good long while before he would need to return.

Hopefully when he did, he would not be walking through the portal alone.

Once he was satisfied with the tree's reinforcements, and he could see that each branch was still existing safely and peacefully in its own place within the multiverse, he conjured a portal. Leading to the familiar corridors of Asgard's palace.

He'd forgotten what it felt like to have the sun on his face, to hear the footsteps of Asgard's people echoing throughout the halls. The sudden onslaught to his senses nearly disoriented him, but he persisted, striding down the hall and barely noticing how the people he passed began to look upon him and whisper words along the lines of Is that him? He's returned? Must we alert someone?

Soon enough he'd arrived at the doors to your chambers, nearly stumbling on his own feet because he couldn't move through the doors fast enough. "Y/N?" he called out, hoping that perhaps he'd arrived at an early enough hour of the day that you were still inside, preparing yourself for your duties ahead.

When enough time had passed with no answer, he accepted that he would have to embark on a search throughout the palace to find you.

"Before I have the guards take you, I expect you to explain yourself," a familiar aged voice pierced the silence of the room. "Who are you and why are you in the princess' marital cham--Loki?"

He turned and he was face to face with Odin, pure shock and a mixture of other expressions he'd never seen on the Allfather coloring his face. His mouth hung open, as if unable to find any words for what he was seeing.

"Hello, Father," Loki began, not entirely sure of what he could say after all the time that had passed. Before he could try and find any words, however, the Allfather's next action stunned him to complete silence.

He bent the knee, bowing his head to the ground.

"Come now, Father, this truly is unnecessary, there were times I've been gone for much longer," he attempted to joke, the tone coming out unnaturally, seeing as it had been eons since he'd actually spoken to anyone other than the Watcher.

Of course a tiny part of him relished in this moment, however. The Allfather bowed to no one. At least he thought…

"Y/N has kept us apprised of what you'd done, my son," he spoke, rising to his feet. "Of what you'd sacrificed to not only save the Nine Realms, but beyond our time, beyond our universe. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that all realms within her reach know the tale of your heroism. That they know you for who you truly are."

Odin motioned for him to look upon the parchments on your desk, illustrations depicting what you'd called "The Heart of Yggdrasil" on a handful of them.

"Children on Asgard and Midgard, and all realms in between, ask her what you are the god of now," Odin began to explain. "She tells them all that you are more than a god now. That you are the best of us. For those who cannot grasp such a large concept she named you the Keeper of Time. For the rest she named you the Savior of the Multiverse."

Loki found it near impossible to breathe trying to process the information, trying to understand that all this time the parchments that you'd been working on had been to tell one specific story. His story.

"She makes me seem some sort of hero," he said in awe.

"From the tales she has told, it is very much deserved." The Allfather clapped a hand on his shoulder, giving a squeeze as if making sure that he was truly there. "I'm proud of you, my son. We should have a ceremony to celebrate your return, and to anoint you your new titles. You have been greatly missed, by your family, by the people, but by no one more than Y/N."

There were no words he could muster to respond adequately other than, "Where is she? Where can I find my wife?"

Odin righted his stance, motioning toward the door. "I suggest trying the training fields. Thor does his best to keep her occupied so her mind won't wander too far. I suspect he will make more of an effort today considering--"

"Today marks a decade since our wedding," Loki finished, his heart constricting at the thought of you struggling to not even think of today, to keep yourself distracted until the last possible moment that you would have to be alone in your chambers, once again sobbing like he had seen you this morning. He began to step toward the corridor. "Thank you, Father."

Do not worry, my darling Y/N. You need not shed any more tears over our separation. Once I find you and have you in my embrace I will never let you go again.

When he made his way to the training gardens he was once again met with a pang of disappointment to find nobody there. Your sparring session with Thor must have reached its conclusion.

Still he attempted to call out to you. "Y/N? Little Princess?"

Again you did not answer, but Loki was met with another familiar voice. "Brother?"

He turned toward the direction of the voice, greeting Thor with a tentative smile, once again trying his hand at his former playful, mischievous tone. "Hello, Brother. Did you miss me?"

Once the blond god had made his way over he only responded by clapping both hands on his shoulders. "Y/N told us of your fate. How is this possible?"

"When last I saw her she stubbornly told me that there had to be another way," he explained, words getting caught in the lump in his throat. "I should have listened to my wife."

"She has been completely beside herself today," Thor offered, looking away the second his eyes began to fill with tears. He cleared his throat before speaking again. "It is agonizing seeing her like this, especially after she'd been doing so well the last few years. But today…today has taken its toll on her. More than she would ever admit, at least to me." He gave his brother's shoulders a light squeeze, not too dissimilar from how their father did a few moments ago. "Your return is the best possible gift you can give her today. Welcome back, Brother."

"Where can I find her?" Loki's tone had grown a touch desperate, his desire to find you and finally hold you again physically making his muscles ache. "Father told me to look here…"

"The armory," his brother finally answered. "She told me she would be there checking on the quality of the wooden swords for the young soldiers in training and that she wishes to be left alone, but I think she would be more than happy to make an exception for you."

He broke into a run, haphazardly thanking his brother before letting his feet carry him to the armory as fast as they could manage. The sound of your voice softly singing a familiar tune that brought him back to the days leading up to the festival for the Autumnal Equinox mere months before you two had become betrothed.

How shamefully oblivious he was back then to the fact that you'd been singing this while thinking of him. So consumed in his own efforts to hide away his affection for fear that you would find him so abominable that he had been unable to see that you had been doing exactly the same.

When he finally looked through the open door of the armory, it was as if he'd forgotten how to breathe, seeing how the light from the window hit your features just so that you seemed an angel. A forlorn angel with puffy eyes and a crease between your brows as you willed yourself to keep focused on the task at hand.

My darling wife.

"No weapons for you today, dear Daughter," your father declared before plucking away your dagger from your hand and placing it down on a nearby bench. "Your mind is far too pre-occupied I cannot in good conscience allow you to spar with anything that could harm either of us."

Instead of sparring as you normally did, him with varying weapons while you stayed your course with your daggers, he tested your defenses. You knew quite well why he'd chosen to spar like this today. It was to keep your mind reactive, your reflexes sharp, and dissuade your mind from thinking of much else in the process.

But ultimately after a few rounds of him too easily breaking through your defenses of crossed arms weakly attempting to push back, he stopped. "Daughter, are you sure you wish to train today? I truly would understand if you wish to--"

"To what, Father?" you interjected, a slight sneer pulling at your upper lip. "To stay in the kitchens and gorge myself with every little cake and pastry I lay my sights on? To see how many pitchers of wine I could consume before I stumble into my chambers and fall asleep?"

"Y/N I simply meant--"

"Look, Father, I'm already sad. On any given day. There is nothing to gain in changing my routine today in a way that would make me any sadder. Today is simply another day, much like the day before and the day after." Your voice choked on your own words, as if your white lies were so potent your own body was recoiling against it. "I will be alright."

Those words tasted the most bitter on your tongue. No, you wouldn't be alright. You hadn't been alright for quite some time.

The sound of Halley's steps bounding toward where you and your father were standing did not alleviate your souring mood any. "Princess! Princess ohh have you heard--"

"Shall I take a guess, my friend?" She excitedly nodded her head telling you to continue. "Fandral and Narda have returned from their betrothal ceremonies across the Realms and they've revealed that they eloped. Probably in Vanaheim. Or even Alfheim."

Her smile dropped, concern coloring her features. "Y/N do you truly not know who has returned to us?"

You shook your head stubbornly. "Halley, much as I am elated for our friend I cannot bring myself to smile and put today out of my mind. Please, do go and send my congratulations to both of them when you see them later in the day but…I'm afraid that I will simply be poor company to keep today."

The words were near impossible to utter through the lump in your throat, a slight hiccup escaping you and making you step away from both of them.

"Princess, if you would please--"

"I will be in the armory," you spoke dismissively. "Ensuring that the wooden swords are still safe to be used. I would appreciate it if I were to be left alone for the remainder of the day."

Thor knew there were no words that could bring you comfort this day in particular, so all he could do was respect your wishes. "I shall have the staff bring your dinner to the armory then."

You gave both him and Halley a single nod before you strode down the corridors toward the armory, sloppily wiping at the fat tears rolling down your cheeks with the sleeve of your dress. Normally you were able to put up a brave enough front so that your friends and family would not have to be so concerned for your well-being, but today…today was nearly impossible to maintain that facade.

Too many thoughts plagued you today of how your hours could have been spent celebrating with your husband; you felt as if the sun was cruel to pull you from those blissful dreams where Loki was by your side and you got to celebrate a decade together like you were meant to. The dreams had felt so real, much like the first times you'd dreamt of your beloved when salacious images overtook your subconscious. So real that when you were ripped from them you couldn't hold back the tears that wracked your body.

And things were only made worse when you felt the breeze in your chambers. The windows were closed, and as were the doors. There should be no wind coming in to your bed chambers, and by that logic you knew exactly what had caused the anomaly.

And guilt overcame you knowing that you'd given your husband enough cause for concern crying in bed the way you were so early in the day that he reached out. The gentle caresses of the breeze that should not be possible ruffling your hair as if trying to tuck it behind your ear the way he used to.

He had enough on his mind keeping watch of all the timelines, he should not be burdened further by witnessing your grieving.

You hadn't felt him at all since that exchange, and for the most part you were grateful for it. The memory of his words the last time you saw each other worsened your guilt. I can't hold you. I couldn't watch you break like this and do nothing.

Perhaps it was better that he look away.

You made your way to the rack that held the wooden swords, lightly running a finger across the dulled blades and immediately finding a dented spot that formed a sharp corner. "That won't do…" you muttered, pulling up a stool and grabbing some sanding paper from a nearby drawer to start filing away and dull the weapon once more.

Absentmindedly you'd begun to start humming an old tune you once sang in the music room, back then trying to express your frustration over finding yourself falling in love with Loki.

I'd let you ruin the rest of my life

How was it that somehow the words rang truer now that you were his wife compared to back then when you were still in the midst of falling?

The sound of another humming along to the tune had you sitting up with your back ramrod straight and alert. "I said I wished to be alone why is everyone so insistent on--" You turned around to berate the unwelcome visitor, only for your words to die off in a rather unbecoming sound in the back of your throat as you saw the figure at the door.

"Hello, little Princess."

"Oh Norns, this is it," you muttered to yourself. "I've finally lost my grip on reality. Hallucinating my husband in the middle of the day and I haven't even had a single sip of wine." You promptly put away the wooden sword and disposed of the sanding paper. "Perhaps I'd inhaled too much of the wood dust and now it's having a bizarre effect on me--"

Your words were cut short feeling a hand curve around your waist, a body walking up behind you and pressing against your back. "I promise you, my love, this is no hallucination…" The air around you became near impossible to breathe as his arm wrapped around your waist, working his free hand up to put your hair over your shoulder and expose the back of your neck.

"Why does this feel so real?" you questioned breathily when your illusion had pressed his lips to the back of your neck, kissing a path to your ear, your voice thinning to the point you could barely utter the words. "Is this Valhalla?"

"No, my darling," he mumbled against your hear, his exhale warming your skin. He turned you around in his arms, placing your hands over his shoulders. "I truly am here. With you."

Tears began to blur your eyes as you tentatively touched your hand to his hair, the air leaving your lungs once he turned his head to kiss a trail from your palm to the inside of your wrist, his eyes never leaving yours.

You shook your head at him, refusing to accept what was right in front of you. "Loki I said no more illusions, don't do this to me," you pleaded, already starting to step back from him.

He had his arms around you, pulling you back into his embrace the second you moved even a fraction of an inch away from him. "This is no illusion, little Princess, I swear to you." He brought your hands back up to his lips, pressing a kiss to each knuckle. "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. Not without you."

Before you could utter a word in question, he grabbed the back of your neck and captured your lips in a desperate kiss, his other arm wrapping around you to lift you off the ground and set you down on the now empty wooden desk. You whimpered against him when his hands began to roam your body, grasping frantically at whatever was within his reach to press you harder against him.

You felt the sting of hot tears behind your eyes as you held on to him just as tight, feeling the skin straining and stretching over your knuckles with how hard you grasped at his back. If this was real, you would not allow him to slip from your fingers so easily.

Not like last time.

This time when you pulled away he was still there. You both were. "How is this possible?" you breathed out, your stubborn mind finally beginning to relent and accept that perhaps he truly was here, that this was no illusion cast by your husband to calm you some on what should be such an auspicious day for both of you. You rested your head on his shoulder, tears once again starting to fall down your cheeks. "How are you here?"

"I was wrong, little Princess. There was another way. It took a good deal of time for the solution to be plausible, but I finally found another way."

Neither of you moved from your spot, him stroking your hair and pressing a kiss to the top of your head whenever you sniffled, as he told you about how he'd seen you in your state just this morning and how the branch slipped from his hold. About the other being on that plane of existence called The Watcher leading him to the discovery that a strong enough foundation had finally been built. That now it would only need the occasional visit from him to ensure that its foundation was continually strengthened.

And finally about how the first thing he thought of once he was fully freed from the branches of the timelines was coming home and finding you.

You sat quiet for a good few moments, allowing his words to sink in before you spoke again. "Does this mean…you're staying?" you managed to choke out before a fresh wave of tears begun to fall from your eyes.

"Yes, my love," he whispered into your hair, pressing a tender kiss to the same spot before tilting your head to look up at him, wiping your tears away. "I'm home."

He pressed his lips to yours once more, smiling against your lips when you threw your arms around his neck. He tightened his hold on you, breathing out a slight chuckle when you yelped at the feeling of the table disappearing from under you. When you opened your eyes, you were suddenly in your bed chambers, your husband carrying you across the room in his arms.

"That's…new…" you mumbled against his lips when he kissed you again.

"Eons have passed for me since last we saw each other in our chambers, my darling wife," he whispered into your skin, placing a soft lingering kiss below your ear before laying you down on the bed, your back settling into the soft mattress. "And yet through all that time my body, my heart, only ever craved to have you with me again."

Your heart felt as if it could burst at any moment. After all the time that had passed, it felt completely foreign to you, finally feeling as if you were no longer simply dragging yourself through life. There was no longer a void in your life in the shape of your beloved.

The visions of what your new future could hold now that he had returned overwhelmed you, rendering you unable to do much of anything other than pull him down to you so you could kiss him again, sighing into his mouth when he pressed his weight onto the bed and proceeded to deepen your kiss.

"In that time, little Princess, let's just say my abilities have…evolved. And in mastering them all, I've often thought about how I might use those abilities in this very room. Once we'd reunited and your memories have all been freed."

A small gasp escaped you as you watched a wave of his magic washed over the entirety of your chambers, a slight barrier appearing by the windows and doors before visibly fading into nothing. "Silencing enchantment?" you queried, unable to help the smile that stretched across your face.

"We'll need it, my love." With a small twitch of his fingers, both his robes and your dress dissolved into nothing, baring your bodies to each other. "Oh how I've missed this," he rasped, a thrill shooting through you as you watched him rake his eyes across your body before licking his lips. "How I've missed you."

"Husband," you whined, squirming under his gaze, the undeniable affection and desire shining in his eyes stealing all the breath from your lungs. "I've missed you."

Loki leaned down to hover over you, lips tracing along the bridge of your nose before proceeding to press featherlight kisses all over your face, letting out a shuddering groan when skin met skin, your chests pressed together as you trailed your fingertips down the length of his arm. Once you reached his hand, lacing your fingers between his, tears began to well in your eyes again as the gold band around his ring caught the light.

"You got the ring," you said in wonder, your breath coming out like a bewildered chuckle as he brought your hand up to his mouth to kiss along the backs of your fingers.

"Of course I did. For so long it was the only thing that brought me a sense of comfort, every time I looked upon it, it was almost as if I could feel you with me." He released your hand, leaning back down to capture your lips in a slow, languorous kiss. "And now I finally do."

You moaned against his lips as his hand wrapped around your knee, hooking your leg around him as he proceeded to roll his hips into yours.

"I know we should probably announce my return," he said in a teasing tone. "But I haven't even the slightest urge at the moment to do anything other than…reunite with my darling wife." He smirked against your lips as you whimpered desperately at the feel of him lining himself up at your entrance. "The only thing I plan on keeping for the foreseeable future is the love of my life, on our marital bed. Any and all forms of clothing forbidden."

"I have no objections to that," you said back breathlessly. "Happy anniversary, husband."

"Happy anniversary, my love."

One day, centuries after your reunion, Loki helped you into a set of robes that seemed more suitable for lounging than anything else before conjuring up a portal that led back to the tree. He would have to be there for a while, tending to the branching timelines and ensuring that they would all stand on their own for a good long while after he would once again leave them to grow and flourish on their own.

"I want you to come with me, darling. We could make an adventure of it."

He didn't need to ask twice. You would go to the ends of the world with him.

He held your hand firmly in his as he led you through the portal toward the solitary throne he once occupied, giving you a soft smile as you discovered the changes he made to the space before he went home to you all those years ago.

There were now two thrones at the heart of the tree.

A/N: I had to make it better I couldn't just leave my precious blorbos in pain even if this is an alternate universe 🥺🥺 And I just had to add that little bit of Odin bending the knee as a treat 🫡

Here's the song that gave me most of the vibe for this story:

And here's the song that Y/N was singing in the armory:

'everything' taglist: @simplyholl @loopsisloops @imalovernotahater @coldnique @loz-3 @huntress-artemiss @salempoe @vickie5446 @athalialaufeyson @lokiprompts @kats72 @kikster606 @asgards-princess-of-mischief @lokixryss @thomase1 @mischief2sarawr @peaches1958 @lovingchoices14 @lunarnights95 @goblingirlsarah @iamlokisgloriouspurpose @creationsbyme @maple-seed @mjsthrillernp @ladyofthestayingpower @mygfloki @sititran @glitterylokislut @ozymdias @fictive-sl0th @lokidbadguy @mochie85 @silverfire475 @joyful-enchantress @elizabethmidnight2017 @holdmytesseract @smolvenger @gigglingtiggerv2 @lokidokieokie @superficialdomina @anukulee @kmc1989 @november-rayne @goddessofwonderland @buttercupcookies-blog

#loki x reader #loki x female reader #loki fanfiction #loki fanfic #loki laufeyson fanfic #marvel fanfiction #marvel fanfic #mcu fanfic #loki angst #loki laufeyson angst #muddyorbs writes #Spotify

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kimberbohwrites · 3 months ago

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Alright, I'm officially launching this. It's been a long time coming on this one. Dusk & Honey: Chapter One Next Chapter> Word Count: 4,157 Rated: Overall fic rating is Explicit, this chapter is SFW READ ON AO3 (or continued below) Please don't forget to kudos/comment/like/reblog <3 >Halsin x Tav art by @ DARKURGETRASH on tumblr<

Summary: The story of my OC Tav, Luna and her experience during the timeline of the game, not modifying canon so much as adding more to the Halsin-romance path. Featuring: world-building, action, well-researched drow lore, hurt/comfort, slowburn Halsin romancing, and eventual smut. PLEASE MIND THE TAGS, we'll be exploring trauma in several areas including touching on some of the darker canon trauma faced by Halsin. Tags/Warnings: Eventual Smut, Enemies to Lovers, mildly they are gonna fight, Halsin Romance Route, Named Tav, Character Death, Canon-Typical Violence, Slow Burn, Slow Build, Drow Culture , Half-Drow Tav, Anti-Drow Racism, Anti-Tiefling Racism, Hurt/Comfort, Canon Compliant, Baldur's Gate 3, Cleric Tav, Implied/Referenced S*xual Assault, (meaning the eventual discussion of Halsin's time in the underdark), Pining

Chapter One

Luna had seen a lot in her life but the events of the last tenday had left her unsettled and she didn’t care much for the feeling. It was probably the fact that she’d experienced true terror before in her past and she wasn’t keen to relive it again so soon. She was relatively young for her kind, only 50 or so years old, as a half-drow that settled her in her final years as a young adult. Were she human she might be considered middle aged or even older by the archaic standards by which they viewed women.

I guess that was something the drow do have right, holding our older women in reverence.

She shook the thought away, she knew the cost of that reverence was absolute tyranny under Lolth. Pushing her long white hair out of her eyes she peered out from her bedroll at her strange new companions. Sleep wouldn’t come easy for her and so she silently stood and retreated from the circle of safety in which they slept each night. Their forms were still, save for Karlach who let out a snore and a grunt every so often.

A tiefling barbarian powered by infernal mechanics, an vampiric elf with tragedy in his eyes, a cursed human man with too much mystery to make him simply a harmless wizard, a fairytale prince with a dark past, an alien from a different plane whose hardened armor likely shielded more than just her body, and another half human stuck worshipping a terrible goddess for unclear reasons.

The half smile that crept across her face in the moonlight held warmth. She couldn’t help but already feel a certain attachment to them. Was it too soon to call them friends? How does one describe a group of perfect strangers who are about to risk their lives together? They were on the eve of storming a massive goblin war encampment. Where hopefully they’d be able to retrieve a Druid who might be able to heal them of the mindflayer tadpoles they’d found themselves infected with at the start of their adventure.

Halsin, they’d called him.

The handsome older tiefling at the grove seemed certain that if anyone could set everything to rights, it would be him. Luna held no love for the Druids of the Emerald Grove for she had seen their cruelty firsthand. While her Goddess, Eilstraee called her to good, it had been all she could do not to rip out the Druid Kagha’s throat when she had discovered her holding a child under the threat of death by a venomous snake. She could have killed a little tiefling girl all over a statue.

As a Cleric, her reverence for her Goddess was absolute but she was certain that the Dark Maiden wouldn’t call on her followers to kill children for removing a statue. Luna wasn’t educated in the ways of Sylvanus but surely he wouldn’t have wanted blood spilled over his idol. With a deep huff, she cleared the memory of Kagha from her mind and gazed up at the moonlight.

Moonbathing was her favorite thing to do since she’d made it to the surface. There wasn’t a moon or a sun in Menzoberanzan — just the Narbondel and the fairie fire of various shades that lit the cavernous spaces and houses, some bioluminescent flora and fauna existed as well. Largely, there was darkness and the bleakness of the Underdark had weighed heavy on her. They’d said it was because she was a “filthy half-breed” and that was why she couldn’t abide the Underdark. But the joke had been on every person who’d pursued her as she’d fled Menzoberranzan. Every member of the party was a full drow, a whole hunting party meant to eliminate her before she could escape the Underdark. Her survival had been mere dumb luck, because as she’d finally made it to the surface they’d overtaken her to discover it was a midday on a brilliantly sunny summer morning. They’d been forced to turn back, some falling to the ground in pain and being left by the group to suffer.

Luna had continued into the sun, her eyes and skin burned against the foreign rays of the sun — but that pain had been all that stood between her and freedom.

That had been almost 30 years ago but the memory still felt like a fresh wound in her mind. She forced the sounds of screaming and the curses chanted on the wind from the Clerics of Lolth. Instead, she let the moonlight kiss her skin as she offered her arms and her troubles up to the visage of her Goddess in her lunar form. Swaying lightly in the breeze as she allowed her muscles to ease and willed the stress and unease away. She scanned the reaches of her mind, her memories for something sweeter to replace them.

Images of perfect ripe berries, sunflowers, the yellowed and worn pages of her favorite book, and silver swords ringing true all flashed across her mind. Her favorite things never failed to bring a smile to her face. But something else, just a flash of something new had been in the mix: kind eyes and the warm words of the very Druid they currently sought to rescue.

The words were easy to know the source of, she had taken Halsin’s journal and his pipe from the Grove while Nettie hadn’t been looking. While she didn’t approve of stealing, she couldn’t help but want to know more about the Elf that everyone spoke so highly of on both sides of the simmering conflict. Besides, she had told herself repeatedly that she would return them to him as soon as she rescued him so it truly wasn’t stealing. Many of her nights were sleepless and reading over his notes and journal entries had been like getting to know the man a through one-sided correspondence. Luna couldn’t help but notice an obvious warmth in the tone of his words, even in something as clinical as his research notes.

The flowers were drawn so lovingly, as were the animals depicted in the quite talented sketches that accompanied many of the notes. She thought of the soft Druid that must have drawn them — probably meek and scared in the hands of their goblin captors. Her resolve strengthened.

The kind eyes took her a moment longer to connect, but after a moment a blush crept across her dusky, storm-blue skin. They were Zevlor’s eyes, of course, the kind and handsome older tiefling that had sent them in search of Halsin in the first place. Luna had always had a soft spot for people who care for those around them who are weaker. Zevlor’s dedication to his kin had been admirable.

She’d wished she hadn’t talked him out of laying out Aradin, that failed adventurer, but alas it has been the right thing to do. Violence was nessecary, yes, but only as a last resort when the time for words was passed. With the new lightness of spirit provided by her meditation came the clarity of the truth before her. It was very likely that unavoidable violence lay on the horizon for Luna. It wasn’t that she was afraid for herself, as a tempest Cleric, her ability to heal and destroy had already made her valuable for her camp-mates.

Luna recalled the stunned look on Gale of Waterdeep’s face when his thunderwave had missed during the battle at the front gate of the Druid Grove where they’d first happened upon Wyll, Zevlor, and Aradin. She had stepped up right after and with a deft hand, thunderwaved two goblins from the top of the outcropping on which they’d chosen to make their stand. The goblins had perished and her party had been able to fight its way to the small group in front of the gate to rescue them from the Worg and Bugbear which had surrounded them.

“What kind of Cleric are you exactly?”

Gale had done little to disguise the shock in his voice as he asked that question. It was colored with both amusement and surprise. Luna had smiled sweetly at the question and offered her answer. In truth she had barely avoided the wizard and her other companions. She was powerful but like the storms she wielded, her power was unruly and dangerous.

No, it wasn’t herself that she was afraid for.

Zevlor popped into her mind once more, triggered by the memory. His dusky crimson skin, the wrinkles and ridges that adorned his rugged face, and the nervous twitch of his tail as they’d spoken together in private in his cave. With a start, she shook his face loose of her mind and started back for the campfire. Sleep would be important to the success of tomorrow’s battle. She had already let Astarion feed on her, she couldn’t handle any distractions or weaknesses.

She climbed back into her thin bedroll, flat on her back to look at the stars as she let the sweet sounds of the evening carry her to sleep.

—*—*——*—*—

The battles had been trying, but they had lived to tell the tale — but only just. Sneaking in through a weak wall in the temple facade had proven a key strategy, she was grateful for Wyll and his ability to blast down the rubble. It had allowed them to bypass the leaders and goblins within as they’d made their way back to where Astarion had spotted a bear being tortured by the goblins.

It was very likely, this was their Druid but they had no way of knowing for sure.

Only Wyll and Karlach had supported her in her decision to free the bear without knowing fully. But her companions had followed her into battle nonetheless. The large brown cave bear had in fact, been the Druid Halsin and he’d noted her potential madness at freeing a bear with no questions asked.

The moment Luna had laid eyes on him out of wildshape form, something had caught in her chest. Something she’d never felt before. She’d seen many handsome men and women in her time, surely this wasn’t just about Halsin being easy on the eyes. He was an altogether unexpected thing, the soft and meek Druid she had been anticipating was instead an unusually large elf, built more like an orc than any elf she’d ever laid eyes upon. It was another thought for her to bury in her mind for another time. There was additional bloodshed ahead of them and it didn’t look like it was something they would return alive from.

When Halsin had offered to go with them to finish off the goblin leadership and the hundreds of goblins within the ruined temple of Selune, Luna had eagerly agreed. She found the presence of a large cave bear padding softly behind her, oddly soothing despite the way he seemed to unsettle everyone else in her party.

The full drow that had awaited them in an antechamber, Minthara had chilled Luna to the bone. There had been such hate in her eyes and it had forced bitter memories to the forefront of her mind. Like savage childhood beatings from Lolth’s favored that looked just like the cruel drow woman, who they’d come upon plotting the mass murder of the Druid grove with the eagerness of someone picking what to eat for dinner. Killing her had been easier than she would have liked to admit.

Halsin and Karlach had lead the charge in, with Luna, Astarion, and Wyll on their heels. But Minthara’s focus had lasered in on Luna.

“Oh, whelps like you are quite rare for a reason, half-breed”

The Paladin’s words had settled on her like ice that threatened to paralyze her and she had felt the familiar panic rise in her chest one more. She was never going back, she’d sooner die. Minthara could tell she had hit a nerve and continued her line of verbal attacks, coupled with brutal physical blows to Karlach.

“Usually, someone would do you the kindness of putting an abomination like you out of your misery as a babe, how uncared for you were that they couldn’t have spared you the shame.”

When it happened, her heart had been beating so hard that it pounded in her ears like some artificer’s creation. Her blood ran cold and the rage she felt within had let loose to a blissful emptiness that overwhelmed Luna like the tide pulling her out. What had come next was a surprise to everyone but her, oh she knew what would happen and it had been too late to stop it.

Luna’s power had exploded it out in a violent storm surge of thunder and lightning, like a typhoon contained within a dropped flask — it engulfed everything around it. Wyll and Astarion were lucky enough to be standing far enough back to simply be knocked to the ground and hit with bits of debris from the blast. Minthara, Halsin, and Karlach couldn’t say the same.

The sound of Minthara’s scream growing quieter before fading away completely as she had plummeted to her death in the cavern below them was all Luna could hear as her eyes had tried to refocus from the blast. Tears had already brimmed in her eyes, if Karlach and Halsin had been standing in the wrong place — not even her healing magic could bring them back from that fall.

“Luna! For gods sake, help!” Came Wyll’s voice on the ledge of the pit. His arm had been latched to the unconscious form of Halsin, dangling in the cavern. He had been knocked out of wildshape and was elven again. Astarion was clinging to Wyll’s ankles and pulled back with all of his might to try to stop the warlock from sliding off the edge after the Druid.

She’d bit back the forming tears and dove down to the ledge and spread herself out flat, grabbing Halsin’s other arm. Still, the three of them weren’t enough to haul the Druid back to safety and she could feel them slipping after him.

“We need to let go damnit!” Astarion had hissed as he continued to hold Wyll’s legs.

Luna knew he had meant it to save their lives, but still she had held fast and pulled in an attempt to accomplish the impossible. She was unwilling to let Halsin die alone because of her foolish lack of control. She had been so ready to accept her death, she had just needed to get the other two to let go.

“Take Wyll!”

She’d shouted back at Astarion, hoping he’d choose to save the two of them as opposed to dying. The look of shock on his face had been new.

“No one is letting go, solider” Had come a groggy voice over their heads as Karlach had reached over the edge and grabbed Halsin by the back of his tunic. She had clearly been knocked unconscious by the blast and was bleeding from a large gash on her head. Her arrival was like a hero of old, auspiciously timed when all hope seemed to be lost. Tav wondered if Karlach had become used to having to save the day constantly as a result of her hard decade in Avernus.

Her fingers had still clung to the massive Druid’s arm, his skin slick from the battle but her grip felt more secure. Karlach had begun to slowly pull Halsin back up as the three of them scrambled to help. Incredibly, with her help it had been easy to move him.

Luna scrambled to her feet to make room for the massive Druid’s form and she’d encouraged Karlach to lay down as well.

“Please Karlach, i’m so sorry this is all my fault, let me heal you”

The guilt that threatened to paralyze her had risen like a tide from within. It’s all my fault. She had willed a steady breath into her lungs as Karlach settled before her. The moon controls the tides. She had repeated it to herself over and over. Before long her heart had begun to beat steadier and she had allowed herself to relax after a few moments.

Looking Karlach over had revealed some painful looking, but easily healed superficial wounds. Luna had quickly rummaged through her pouch to find the bottles she kept wrapped in grimy scraps of fabric so they didn’t break.

“Got a bottle of the strong stuff while you’re in there, solider?”

Karlach’s jokes had seemed quick but the wince she had made revealed that the humor was a simple front. Finally she had located the bottles she was looking for, glowing red and freshly brewed by her that morning. She’d always loved herbalism and luckily there were a lot of herbs and other reagents found on the road.

“Drink this, I promise you’ll feel good as new, friend.”

“Bottoms up, mate”

She’d then been able to turn her attention to the Druid, she had found him being tended to by the less capable hands of Wyll and Astarion. The latter being the real culprit. Wyll had removed his jacket and forced Astarion out of his to create a pillow under Halsin’s head. Halsin had appeared awake but only barely, his eyes looking up at the cavern ceiling above him without focus.

His eyes had seemed to try to find hers as soon as she had entered his field of vision when she leaned down to look him over.

“By… Sylvanus” He had murmured “My lady”

She’d found blood pooled on the ground under his head and more running slowly from one of his ears. It was then she bad been positive, her stomach sunk slightly at the truth, the bleeding in combination with the difficulty focusing had meant massive head trauma. Fatal, if unhealed.

“Shhhhh, it’s just a bump on the head, you’re going to be okay”

Wyll had glanced down at the blood pooled on the ground and then back to her, bristling at her obvious lie to the Druid. Sure, it had been much more than a bump on the head — But Luna planned to make good on her promise. There had been no need to panic the large elf. She liked Wyll, he was brave and had the makings of the kind of hero she’d always heard about in tales that had inspired her. But he was also young.

She had shot Wyll a firm look before turning her attention back to the Druid. Luna had then gently eased his head down flat on to the ground and removed the makeshift pillow from under him. She’d tossed them over toward Astarion who had immediately taken issue with the state of his jacket. He’d held the bloodstained garment aloft with a look of disdain.

“Would you look at the state of —“

Luna had fixed Astarion with one of her harder looks and his sentence had trailed off. While Luna never liked to issue threats of violence unless absolutely necessary — she also wasn’t above letting someone know they were toying with the line, with a single glance. Growing up the way she had and being alone for so long, that look had been a life saving mechanism.

She’d turned her attention to her charge once more and had found him even more dazed than he had been only moments before, a smile had spread across his broad face as his eyes tried hard to focus on her. Something had stirred like a tickle in her chest at the sweet look on the dazed man’s face. What was wrong with her? He was dying for goddesses sake and she’d allowed a momentary distraction.

“It’s you” he’d murmured

“Shhhhh”

“Eilstraee, I saw you in a painting…” Halsin’s voice had trailed off.

Luna had fought back the blush she’d felt at such an obvious but flattering mistake. He was concussed and needed healing, he didn’t know what he was talking about. She’d hushed him gently again and closed her eyes. She had looked to the night sky within her and the beautiful pendant of the moon hanging on its canvas. A deep breath had centered her within her power as she summoned the strongest healing spell she had been capable of in that moment.

In hindsight it had probably wasteful to expend the most powerful healing spell she had on hand before they’d dealt with Dror Ragzlin. Still, it had worked out for the best, the hobgoblin had been no match for a full strength cave bear blessed with the might of her goddess. Of course he’d been helped by a freshly healed and mended Karlach, Wyll, Astarion, and herself.

They’d agreed there would have to be a discussion on what exactly happened when Minthara had pushed her too far. She’d begged for their patience and to respect her privacy. It was the same respect given to all of them. They had agreed with varying levels of ease — some outright vowing to pry it out of her. There was a lot she should have probably said to her new companions but she couldn’t begin to understand how to start. For now she was content in respecting their secrets and begging them to let her have hers.

They were grateful to reach camp and the rest of their traveling companions that night. Gale had prepared a stew of foraged roots and some fish he’d magicked out of the Chinothar. It bubbled on a smaller fire the wizard maintained just for his nightly prepared meals. Always ready for whenever his companions were ready to eat as he lounged in a chair nearby, reading a heavy tome.

Strangely, even now as they began their post-battle and evening rituals, her mind drifted back to sweet moment when Halsin had awoken freshly healed. She’d been holding one of his hands as the spell took hold. As he had come back to full consciousness, his thumb had begun to stroke her hand tenderly. Luna had tried not to think much of the action until the Druid had sheepishly cleared his throat and pulled his hand away from her grasp with an awkward chuckle.

But now, standing outside her tent, gathering her supplies for a bath her mind drifted back to the gentle touch of his large hand in hers. Why did she feel so strange after healing a man she’d just met? Sure, the elf was attractive but she was sure it wasn’t that. She’d taken people to bed before and none had caused such an unusual reaction. Logic clearly pointed to a romantic affliction. However drow were not known for being romantic and in that regard Luna was more drow than human.

Maybe I should just bed the giant elf and get him out of my system.

Her goddess embodied love of all types but romantic love had always seemed beyond her understanding. Eilstraee had been patient always in their meditations, but deep down she worried her goddess believed such a thing beyond her. Not that it matters and I’m missing much, she thought. She enjoyed carnal relations and had never met anyone to change that to anything deeper. She shook these questions and frustrations from her mind as started off toward the river, sundries in hand.

By the roaring fire, several of her companions had already gathered around warm bowls of food, fresh from their baths. Tomorrow they were due back at the Grove, Halsin having already headed there right after the fall of Dror Ragzlin to set the escalating conflict to rights. She continued past her companions with a quiet smile, polite but quick enough to not invite company.

As she scrubbed the grime and blood of the day away her mind drifted to Minthara again. She’d been a Baenre. After so long free of that nightmare and yet the conflicts and horrors of her people had found her already. A Baenre. Minthara’s family had essentially ruled Menzoberranzan since not long after its founding. Of course Lolth’s will was the final word, but the Matron Mother of House Banere had only the Spider Queen herself above her in station.

Her heart began to race. Even a Half Drow like herself, kept out of sight as a servant and whipping post, knew about House Baenre. All Minthara had probably ever known was violence and at the end, she’d died a violent death. In her chest, her heart heaved at that thought. Her eyes brimmed with tears, she refused to allow to fall, she wouldn’t cry for that monster.

Am I any better than they are after this?

As she lingered in the water the tears had fallen anyway, carving little rivers of their own in the blood and muck on her cheeks — the evidence of her guilt. She scrubbed harder at her face in the broken reflection on the surface of the water.

Scrub as hard as you want, the truth will always be there. You’re just. like. them.

#daddy halsin #halsin fanfic #halsin baldur's gate 3 #halsin #halsin romance #named tav #oc luna #drow lore #halsin fic #halsin silverbough

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thecarnivorousmuffinmeta · 1 year ago

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how would you rewrite both the order and the death eaters to be more competent? and of course what would this likely change for the war - perhaps it lasts longer

The Order is incompetent. Luckily, so are the Death Eaters.

I wouldn't.

The entire universe of Harry Potter would have to change for this to occur. Namely, both Albus Dumbledore and Tom Riddle would have to be different people with different priorities and agendas for this to work.

If Tom has competent Death Eaters, he risks them figuring out he's destroying everything and not just the Muggle-borns. He also doesn't need or want them particularly competent, they just need to be destructive menaces who know how to fear him properly. If Tom wanted actual competence then he'd have to be a very different person who both trusts others to complete a task (he doesn't seem to) and actually want what he says he wants as written on the tin (again, he doesn't seem to, it's part of what he wants but not the full thing).

Dumbledore likes to keep things close to the chest, and both doesn't want people asking him questions or people ever doubting his decisions (see how he handles Harry in Halfblood Prince when Harry asks such questions as "is the power of love actually a thing" or "why do you trust Severus Snape", it was not... good). Dumbledore wants a gaggle of sycophants who cannot function without him, never question his authority or decisions even when it appears he's making strange decisions (again see Halfblood Prince where Lupin notes to Harry, when Harry questions about Snape again, that there are two kinds of people: those who question Dumbledore and use critical thinking and those who do not. Lupin is a proud member of the latter group and Harry should be too), and are, for lack of a better term, the kind of people Dumbledore likes the idea of.

Neither Dumbledore nor Tom would ever go out of their way to recruit anyone with the ability or inclination to question them or God forbid act on their own initiative.

Snape is a weird middle ground where, through various circumstances, he ends up in a position where he can never say "no" to Dumbledore so he gets a backstage pass. As a result, he's told a lot more than any other Order member and trusted with tasks that ah might make them question Dumbledore. He's competent to a point but while Dumbledore makes great use of him, it's mostly because he can. Voldemort makes little use of him and then offhand kills him with a snake because Tom wanted to see if a wand worked.

#harry potter #harry potter meta #harry potter headcanon #the death eaters #the order #albus dumbledore #anti albus dumbledore #voldemort #tom riddle #meta #headcanon #opinion

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allyaloe · 1 year ago

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LOVE COLLECTIVE READING - DISNEY LIVE-ACTION COUPLE EDITION <3

Hi. This is an exclusive reading just for Tumblr. This is for the collective, so use discernment. Also thank you so much to those who have booked readings with me or followed me in any capacity, it is so greatly appreciated!

Now, scroll down and pick a couple from any of the Disney live action reboots to get a message!

Cinderella and Kit (Prince Charming)

You may be a hopeless dreamer or romantic who has their head in the clouds more than their feet on the ground. Spirit says to “play it cool” with your crush and don’t overthink it! This person is kind, perceptive and adaptable, and could have Scorpio placements. You may meet in a work setting when you least expect it. I got this sense of feminine energy coming through, so maybe you believe in Divine Feminine/Divine Masculine if you’re spiritual yourself, and there could be a twin flame connection in this group. Take it how it resonates! Don’t be afraid to take the first step towards your happiness and always remember to be yourself. The letter L could be significant for someone, too, and Marcy/Marzipan (?).

Ariel and Prince Eric

Don’t bow to the pressures of conformity and embrace what makes you different! Perhaps you are destined for a love that brings out your adventurous spirits and tames your fears around relationships. You may connect with a like-minded soul or individual, the same way Ariel and Eric bonded over collecting things. For some, you could be in a serious commitment that is headed towards marriage. This person truly is a dream for you guys! The letter G could also resonate for at least one of you, and fire signs (Aries, Leo and Sag.) I’m just getting the cutest vibes and it makes me so happy. There is a genuine, pure and unfaltering love in this group and for some of you, you may already know who this person is. You may also have spent many past lifetimes together, and Akashic Records could be significant, as well as a watch or giving other gifts that have sentimental value.

Belle and Beast

You may have been involved in relationships that were toxic and hard to get rid of, and now you’re defining what you want in a relationship and out of life. It’s truly commendable how you’ve put up with so much, and still you are optimistic about your future, and learning and healing from your past. It’s important not to get too emotionally involved with the first person who shows you kindness, and instead, set strong and healthy boundaries that will aid you in your next serious relationship and help it stand the test of time. Libra placements could be significant (Libra rising, Gemini Venus) and the letters S, K, and A. “Don’t be afraid to love” is the main message to take away for you, but also don’t suffer fools gladly. Someone needs to block that person on Snapchat too, could have a letter H.

Aurora and Philip

You may just be quite lucky when it comes to love, and you may have a feeling that the next person you’re in a relationship with is someone you’ve met or known in a previous life. It’s as if you manifested or prayed for this person. Similar to the second group, it really is filling me with such a sweetness and zest for life. “Once Upon a Dream” is definitely stuck in my head now so strongly! You could resonate with the letters K and D and Virgo placements for one or either of you. Snakes could be an important symbol or mean something to you. It’s important not to hold on to the past too strongly and know that you’re safe. “I Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” could be a significant song, and whoever you end up with if you’re single could use music to express their emotions. I get this restless Aries/Sag energy, so that could stand out here, too. Please don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. This person could have been hurt in the past, but with you they see a fresh start. For someone, there is a person on a platform like Discord who is majorly crushing on you and you on them. Don’t wait! Make the first mood. Getting a message from you brightens their day; they could have Taurus placements, too. Take it as it resonates for you!

Thank you so much for checking out this reading! If you would like to support me, you can find my links HERE.

With all that said, I hope you enjoyed and I will catch you again soon!

- Ally :)

#Spiritual Guidance #intuitive readings #witchblr #pick a picture #pick a card reading #pick a card #PICK A GROUP #love reading #spirit guides #future spouse reading #disney #disney couples

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padfootdaredmetoo · 2 years ago

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Tangerine x female reader super smut. After going to a club to dance, Both get super horny and have steamy rough sex in separate blue light room on a bed (like in the movie when he walks into the prince).

Dear Anon! Thank you for waiting so long. I hope you enjoy this!

Warnings: Rough sex with a stranger, no protection (always have good communication and use protection in real life pls) Pussy eating, fingering, squirting, penetration

Tangerine Master Post

You were beyond tired as you entered the club. The initial glow of the pre-game drinks was starting to wear off after waiting an eternity in the cold to get into the club. Your friends on the other hand were overjoyed and already lost in the sea of bodies. The music was loud and the lights were constantly changing and strobing making it almost impossible to figure out where they went. After a long day at work, this was not the thing you would have chosen to unwind.

You tried to move through the dancing to find a familiar face when you accidentally bumped into a large body.

“Sorry!” The guy must have been well over 6ft, his large hands came up to grip your arms tightly. You froze unsure of what was happening. His hands were starting to roam and you did your best to push them off.

“Sorry - I - I’m not interested.” You shook your head trying to get the message across. He didn't seem interested in what you had to say. You took a step back colliding with another warm body and you looked around trying to catch someone's attention. The man behind you easily pulled the man's hands off you. As if knowing it was time to leave you watched the man quickly exit with his group. You looked up at the man behind you, your back completely pressed up against his front.

“Thank you.” You mouthed.

“Not a problem.” He leaned down and whispered in your ear. You realized he must be some kind of bouncer. He looked much too professional to be in a club like this. He nodded to the side and for whatever reason you nodded back. He quickly picked up your small frame and carried you to the side. Placing you on a bar stool in front of the bartender.

“Lemon make this girl a drink.” He spoke with an English accent. The bartender gave you a nod. “My shift ends in about 20 minutes. Wait for a dance?”

“Sure.” You smiled still slightly confused by the situation. You gave your order and watched carefully as the bartender made it to ensure this wasn't some kind of trap. 15 minutes passed as you kept your eyes open for your friends, but he found you first.

“Easy” He handed a large manila envelope to the bartender and then turned his attention to you.

“Still fancy a dance?” his hair was slightly ruffled and his jacket was missing. You forgot one little detail… you didn't know how to dance… You could move in time with the music but looking at him somehow you felt he might be after something different.

You still gave him a nod and he held out his hand.

“Don’t keep me here all night!” The bartender hissed confusing you even more. Soon enough you were pulled through to the center of the hot mess. He turned to face you and you shrunk under his gaze, a thick flush covered your cheeks. He held out his hand again and with a half-functioning mind you put your other hand on his shoulder like you were taught in school. He let out a chuckle and pulled you tight against him. If breathing was difficult before it was almost impossible now. His scent was everywhere and his other arm snaked around your low back trapping you there.

Giving you a minute to adjust to the situation he held you tightly swaying to the music. This awkward and traditional position had one benefit, you could hide your hot face against his chest. Slowly he guided your hand to his shoulder. He gripped your hips tightly with both hands. Your hiding place was gone and you looked up at him.

His eyes were curious and it only added to the embarrassment. You reached up on your tiptoes to whisper in his ear.

“I don’t know what I’m doing.” This made him chuckle again.

“Just hold on,” he said easily pulling you tighter. Soon enough you relaxed against his body. He was very much in charge of setting the pace, his eyes asking silent questions and his hands went traveling your body. More and more you realized that this wasn't really dancing at all.

Once realizing this, whatever it was, was more about touching than it was about the music or form, you really started to relax. His touch was firm and inviting making you realize just how long it had been since someone had spent time touching you.

When he lowered his head your gaze focused on his lips. He moved towards you slowly and you eagerly met him halfway. Pushing up on your tip toes. He smiled into your mouth. You were completely at his mercy, his mouth and strong hands, all of it was too much and not enough.

Gripping the back of his neck you let him guide your hips forward to meet his leg. Naturally, your hips jerked forward at the opportunity for friction. One of his hands stayed there on the swell of your ass, encouraging you to grind down on him, while his other hand was firm on the back of his neck. Holding you in place so he could devour your mouth.

Things were moving past what you would consider appropriate for public. As if reading your mind and wanting to push you further his hands reached down to grab the back of your thighs, picking you up in one swift motion. He brought you closer to what your body needed. You could finally hit the spot you needed. Grinding hard against his length you moaned into his mouth. If he kept you here like this for any amount of time he was going to push you over the edge.

Breaking the kiss and looking at him you could see your effect on him which only made you needier. Somehow he could not only support your weight easily like this, but you were also moving in time with the music.

Your body was reaching its limits, and you could see him waiting for you to tap out. Seeing your friends watching you from the bar was enough to make you freeze up.

“Your -I’m - can we” You awkwardly stammered in his ear, caught between feeling mortified and desperate not to stop.

“You wanna leave or leave together.” He asked in your ear. You let go of the breath you were holding.

“Together.” You said quickly like it was lifting a weight off your chest. He finally placed you back on the ground and you fixed your short skirt back into place. He turned you around and kept you in front of him as you walked towards the bar.

You silently prayed that your friends wouldn’t make a big deal. You moved away from him as he spoke to the bartender.

“We’re going to go hang out some more.”

“YESSS!!!!” Tara shouted doing a happy dance. Liz on the other hand gave you a look across the friend group.

“You sure?” She mouthed and you nodded. She pointed to her phone reminding you to check-in. You gave her a thumbs up then gravitated back to where you wanted to be.

He looked down at you and pulled you close starting to lead you toward an elevator. You entered the old contraption and wondered if it would be able to make the journey. You didn't have much time to think about the horrid screeching noise the doors made when closing because his hands were gripping your face bringing your mouth back to his. His hands were much more persistent wasting no time lifting you up and holding you there against him. The elevator dinged and he grabbed your ass as he carried you down the hallway. He pinned you up against the wall beside the door the added pressure making you moan.

“Fuck” You ground against him as he fumbled with the door key. Once it was open he took you inside, then suddenly everything was blue.

“What the fucking -” He looked around then at you. “Fuck it I wanna see you.”

He carried you further into the room and you saw many reflections of yourself hanging off of him. The room was covered in mirrors. The ceiling, most of the walls, and the large windows doubled as more mirrors. In the center of the glowing blue orb was a round plush bed. You had so many questions about the design choices.

He placed you gently on the end of the bed and you lay there looking up at him catching your breath for a moment.

The music from the club was faded but still loud to your ringing ears. Your hands reached behind you to unzip the dress you were wearing but his hands slid up the sides of your legs. He took your patines off and wasted no time sliding his fingers between your wet folds. You quickly abandoned your attempt to undress being pulled under by the sensation of his rough fingers.

“Fuck you're wet. Got a spot on my trousers.” Your cheeks flushed but it wasn't enough to pull you from what you were feeling. He used his free hand to help you undress his fingers never moving from your wet heat. He undid his belt and you shook your head.

“No” You mumbled and sat up to start to undo the buttons of the shirt he was wearing. If there was an opportunity for him to be naked you were going to take it. He sighed looking somewhat amused at the situation. His fingers abandoned you and he took his clothes off piece by piece. The blue light made his skin glow and you looked over his various tattoos and hard body. Your eyes finally landed on his thick cock and you swallowed. There was no way all of that was going to fit in your mouth. A slight wave of panic brushed over you, that's what men expected right? Suddenly you realised that you were having sex with no discussion, with a complete stranger.

His fingers came up and pinched your jaw lightly. Your brief moment of rational thought was blurred out by the realization that choking to death on him might not be such a bad way to go. Your heart rate sped up again, your body heavy with anticipation.

Instead, he guided you up onto your knees to kiss him. His hand kept a tight grip on your neck as his other hand grabbed your breast. You instantly arched your back putting yourself on display for him. Taking a deep breath and looking to the side you could see yourself there, on your knees, legs spread, your pushed-out chest heaving, the curve of your ass, but it was his hands on you, the way he looked down at you. His hands were rough and commanding as they gripped your body and you had never looked so submissive.

You moved to press your face into the warmth of his shoulder breathing in the air off his skin.

“Don’t get shy for me now, love” His hand laid a firm slap on your left ass cheek and you let out a loud moan. “That’s a good girl.” He pushed you down to lay on the bed and your head was spinning and you felt yourself slip further and further away as he kissed his way down your body. Normally you would have died from embarrassment, but he pulled your legs wide open, eyes devouring you.

Looking up at the ceiling you saw all of yourself strung out on the bed. No part of you was hidden, the blue light reflecting on your swollen folds making them look purple.

Then his head was in the way and you let out a small scream as he began eating you out. No slow warm-up, no figuring out what turned you on. Confidence rolled off of him as he sucked and lapped at your clit. The tips of his fingers teased your entrance breaking whatever was left of your sanity.

“Please, please, please -” You begged voice wet with the brutal twisting of passion ripping you apart. He gave in and his rough fingers slowly pushed you open and you choked when he rubbed a sensitive spot.

“I can’t- fuck - I’m going- I -” Your chest heaved your words sounding like they were coming from someone else.

“Cum.” He said before upping his pace. You barely lasted another second before your body collapsed. Everything became tense and he held your clit in his mouth holding your body in contraction. Your lungs stopped working, as it tore through you. You felt yourself gush, something that had never happened before. Your eyes opened to see yourself, back arched, crushing his head with your thighs, making an absolute mess.

It snapped and your body went limp. The air returning to your lungs also brought tears to your eyes. Nothing in your body was working the way it normally did.

He looked down at you hungrily and wiped his mustache off with the back of his arm.

“Sorry -” For making such a mess? For crying? For crushing your head? You took a shaky breath. He came close to you on the bed, grabbing your chin again.

“What am I going to do with you, baby?” His thumb ran across your bottom lip. “Come here” he guided you up onto shaking legs and turned you to face one of the big mirrors. He helped you get on your knees. “Want you to watch.” He mumbled getting himself sorted behind you. He pulled your hips back and guided you onto his cock.

"Wait" You mumbled "What's your name?"

"Tangerine."

"Really?" You looked at him and were instantly distracted by the head of his cock teasing your entrance. You let out a moan, focus drawn back to the position he had you in.

You watched it happen, his thick purple cock slowly disappearing into your wetness.

“This fucking cunt” He hissed into your neck as he struggled to bottom out. Your whole body surrendered to him as he pushed into you. You were impossibly full and stretched out as he held you there pressed to his front. He slowly started to move and you watched fixated as he fucked you.

“Good girl, taking all of me like that.” His praise made your knees start to shake. He picked up the pace and moved his hands from your hips. One gripped your throat tightly and the other moved to your clit. You watched his fingers stroke you causing all your muscles to begin seizing. You struggled to hold yourself together waiting for his command. You could see it in his face that he needed you just as bad.

“Be good for me, love. Nice and tight when you cum for me.” He breathed into your ear and your body surrendered to his command completely. When you went under you felt your pussy struggle and choke on the size of his cock, your stretched heat struggling to contract around him. He just pushed into your further, keeping thrusts shallow. You could feel him all the way through you as he moaned. When his hand let up on your throat you felt yourself fall, body pulsing. Looking down you saw all of your wetness mix with his release as it coated the inside of your thighs.

Your body was spent and your muscles had completely given out. He picked you up and took you into the bathroom. He carried you to the bathroom pressing your chest against the cool marble of the vanity. He spread your legs.

“Fuck that’s hot.” He bit into your ass cheek and then began cleaning you up. You peed and made your way slowly back to the bed. The blue lights were turned out and a small bed lamp was on.

“Found something a bit more normal.” He said pulling his phone out of his pants pocket. You slowly moved through the room looking for your purse. Everything was thrown around and eventually, you decided to sit on the bed for a moment.

You weren't expecting this feeling. You’d never slept with a stranger, never had sex like that before either. But the low feeling you had at the moment made your bones feel cold. He was going to leave and you weren't sure what you felt but it was suffocating.

You placed your head in your hands and tried your hardest to push everything down. This emotion was loneliness, it was probably because it had been a long time since your boyfriend left you. That’s all -

His arm hooked around your waist and pulled you further onto the bed. You let out a sound of surprise as you rolled over to look at him.

“You should tell your friends that I haven't murdered you.” He grabbed your purse from the side table and lay next to you keeping his arm around you. The proximity was immediately soothing.

“What if you're going to murder me now?” You asked while sending a text off to Liz.

“And deprive myself of the world's best pussy. Not a chance.” He said causing your face to turn red. “The rest of you is nice too.” He added quickly.

“Wow thanks?” You said awkwardly.

“You hungry?” He ran his fingers along your stomach.

“Yes,” You answered honestly.

“Not too late for a first date is it?”

“In general no” You laughed. “But I’m not going to be able to walk, especially in heels for a while.”

“Room service it is then. Hopefully, the food isn't as kinky as the room”

“That would be a bad thing?” You asked wondering what on earth went through this guy's mind.

“Not if I’m eating it with you I guess.” He shrugged and ordered a whole wack of food.

“What is this place?”

“My employer set it up. Makes things a whole lot worse when you consider that I would’ve been here with my brother.”

“The bartender is your brother?” You asked confused at what job they could possibly have.

“Well, um - it's complicated.” He said looking sad for a moment.

“I’m not going to see you again am I?” The familiar sinking feeling came back as you said the words.

“My job doesn't leave a lot of room for a relationship.” Not even his confidence could cover that he was feeling the same thing you were.

“Then get a better job,” you said with a cheeky grin. He pulled you closer to him and started kissing you.

“Let’s see how many times I can get that pretty cunt to cum for me before room service gets here.”

______________________________

He woke up to the sound of a phone notification going off. He knew he shouldn't, but he reached over your sleeping body and grabbed your phone.

It lit up showing a long text from what looked like an ex-boyfriend. Bla bla bla - we should still be together - bla bla bla - Tara saw you with a guy - bla bla bla - he is trouble

His eyebrows drew together looking up at the name at the top of the screen the phone nearly slipped from his fingers.

No fucking way. No fucking way was he leaving you behind for that scum bag. He didn't know you that well but you'd barely shut up after dinner. Thinking of the comments you made about your ex became very worrisome.

He put your phone down on the side table. The thought of leaving was already heavy on his mind all night. He gave up on entanglements a long time ago for this exact reason. But if this was what was waiting for you, being with him and Lemon was really the safer option. Therefore it would technically be rescuing you....

He looked up at the ceiling to see your sleeping face nestled into his neck, unable to understand how he got so lucky.

#Tangerine #bullet train 2022 #tangerine smut #tangerine bullet train #tangerine x y/n #tangerine x reader #tangerine bullet Train x reader #bullet train smut

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imaginesmai · 1 year ago

Text

Once upon a fairy tale - Ubbe Ragnarson (3)

I wanna say I’m sorry in advance and that next chapter will be up tomorrow, so pls don’t attack me Other parts: Once Upon A Fairy Tale Masterlist

Plot: Aslaug tries to push you closer to Ubbe, leaving you in a vulnerable situation. When faced with a group of soldiers, they don't hesitate to make their opinion about you crystal clear.

Warnings: men being rough with reader, unwanted sexual attention, harassment

You woke up alone in the room, but there was evidence of another’s person presence not too long ago. There were robes on the ground, and a pair of man’s undergarments hanging from the bottom corner of the bed. Besides, it smelt like Ubbe.

When last night you told him to sleep on the ground, you half expected him to drag your out of bed by your foot, but you were too tired to care. Yet, as minutes passed by, you only heard him change clothes and pile covers on the ground. You had been almost lulled back to sleep when he had taken the pillow from under your head.

It could only go so well.

That morning, you changed clothes quickly, not wanting to find any unexpected visitors, and let the room to be made by a servant. It was sunny and warm enough to leave your coat inside, and to choose a light dress that would let the sun bathe your skin. Following a tradition you had created many years ago, you took the hall that led to the gardens and stared at the colorful flowers.

Spending a whole summer in a foreign country was incredible boring for a kid, and when you didn’t succeed in making friends, you had to look for other sources of entertainment. Ubbe and his brothers didn’t let you participate in their games; probably, because you won each one of them without playing fool. The only kid who made an effort to befriend you was Sigurd, but his interests didn’t align with you.

There weren’t many pleasant memories in the castle, but the gardens told a different story. Hvitserk was allergic to many of the flowers that grew inside, so the Lothbrok’s brothers didn’t go there often. It was silent and peaceful, and apart from an occasional interruption, you found yourself enjoying the calm. On the other side of the garden, you could hear the castle coming alive, probably from the courtyard.

Back home, you didn’t have flowers, not as pretty as in that castle. Watering them and watching them grow was your main activity during those months.

“Those are primroses” a woman’s voice said behind you, while you knelt in front of yellow flowers. “Had them brough from the woods outside the castle. And they’ve grown just fine”

“I can see that, my queen” you answered to Aslaug, not moving from your position. “They’re beautiful”

“Indeed” she agreed. “They’ve grown just fine”

Her feet moved forward and soon you were covered by her shadow. Looking up, you met her icy eyes and cold smile.

If you had to define Ubbe’s mother with a word, it would be distant. While her son was all feelings and impulses, she was always calm and passive. You had long ago discarded the idea of an indifferent queen – everything that happened in that castle, she knew where, when and why. Anyone could be fooled by her attitude, but you knew that every word and gesture was intentional and had a purpose.

Slowly, you rose up and brushed the dirt from your dress, although there was none.

“Do your new chambers meet your needs, my dear?”

“They do. Although I’m afraid I don’t think prince Ubbe share the feeling”

“He will, eventually. Give him time” she tilted her head in what pretended to be an innocent way, but that made her look like a snake staring at her prey. “Any man can get used to it”

You smiled without your teeth, because you had no doubt there were many others empty rooms in the castle. Only that she didn’t want you to be anywhere else, and you could think of a few reasons why.

Last year, you heard some of the servants talk about Ubbe, in a way you had never heard or thought about. You had had your own adventures at home, with a vendor from the market and with the stables’ boy in your castle. But those words got stuck in your brain, and for a few days, it was the only thing you thought about.

“It’s just, he’s gotten so big. And tall. And that face… He looks just like his father but more handsome, and he isn’t married yet. I would kill to feel what he hides between those elegant clothes” a servant laughed, as if it was a secret.

“I know. I can’t wait until he comes back. Heard he has let some girls into his room. I will gladly volunteer next time”

Everyone who had eyes could see Ubbe’s resemblance to his father, a strong, ferocious and handsome king. While you weren’t very fond of him, you had eyes, and could see too. Aslaug wasn’t any different.

She was getting impatient, and every year that went by, was another chance of a bastard appearing in the hands on a common girl and asking for rights.

“People will talk, but you don’t have to worry, Y/N” Aslaug assured. With a look, she started walking and you followed her, with your hands laced and your eyes on the ground. “Maybe it’s not common to share chambers before the weeding. You’ve been engaged long enough to skip that rule, don’t you think so?”

“I... don’t know, my queen. I can’t say what others might think of the situation, only that neither prince Ubbe nor I like it very much” you tried.

“You’ll get used to it too, don’t worry. After all, what better place to stay than in your husband’s bed? Isn’t that where a good wife belongs?”

You knew better than to talk back, so you kept quiet. The flowers you intended to take care of moved past you as you walked by her side, servants and soldiers bowing. Every year, she took upon herself to remind you that time was running out. Every year, she ambushed you sooner or later and tested the waters.

Sharing a room was nothing but accidental.

She couldn’t care less about his son’s reputation or about your dignity. The only thing she cared about was other’s opinion, and what they might say. Because they would talk, about you and Ubbe, and if someone was bold enough to start the rumor of you two bedding, the wedding she wanted would come up way sooner.

Birds chirped around you as you listened to her list the good qualities of a wife. You might not have had a mother, but your father had taught you enough and assured you other people would when he couldn’t. You knew what was expected from you, how you had to behave in and out the bedroom. Hating your fate didn’t make you ignorant, so you kept your head down and listened.

After a long and torturous walk through the gardens, you found the exit to the courtyard, where the king’s sons were training. There were soldiers and majors fighting against each other, laughing and tossing friendly punches.

From the language they were using and the lack of women, you guessed that was a place you weren’t supposed to be. There were shirtless men sweating and showing off his muscles, in a relaxed atmosphere that wouldn’t suggest the princes were between them.

Sigurd and Hvitserk were fighting against each other, with training swords and wooden shields. The loud noises didn’t alert anyone from the presence of the two visitors, and they kept going. Your eyes stopped when you found Ubbe, not too far away in a hand combat with a man twice his size.

He was shirtless too, new tattoos and scars decorating his body. The previous day, you hadn’t really noticed the change from the boy to a man, but now you did. He moved effortlessly around his opponent, dodging hits and throwing punches.

As you stared at the muscles of his back tense and move, you felt enchanted. You weren’t sure you blinked until the prince finally got a hold of the man’s forearm and threw him to the ground. When Ubbe rose victorious and showed his brothers a teethed smile, you forced yourself to look away, wondering how could a face change so much in a year.

Only then, you noticed Aslaug looking at you, with a satisfied smirk on her lips.

“Thought they would have finished by now. How silly of me” she excused herself. Instead of turning around, she gathered her skirts and stepped down the first stair. “Come on, dear, let’s say hi. It would be rude not to do so”

“My queen, I’d rather – “

“Now”

She didn’t wait for you, just kept walking down, knowing you would follow. Queen Aslaug had earned herself the respect and fear from the castle, day by day, and as soon as the soldiers noticed, one by one fell to their knee.

They didn’t look at you, didn’t rise up when you passed them or acknowledge their training partners. In a wave motion, they bowed to their queen and pressed a fist to their sweaty chest. You moved behind Aslaug in silence, staring at their faces and bodies. Maybe it was all part of her plan, but it didn’t mean you couldn’t enjoy it.

When you turned thirteen and your father caught you talking with the son of the cooker, he decided you would continue your training and outside activities far from any men. Excluding blurry memories of soldiers fighting with your father when you were younger, you had never seen so many men at their knees.

Thoughts that surely couldn’t belong to you crossed your mind, and you looked forward, ashamed and with your cheeks red.

A few feet away from you, Ubbe’s blue eyes met yours, his eyebrows furrowed. He looked between the kneeling soldiers and your cheeks, twisting his mouth.

“Hvitserk, Sigurd” Aslaug greeted them, taking a good look at Ubbe’s face. “Ubbe”

“Mother” the younger one replied, staring at the both of you with a small smile. “Princess Y/N, lovely to see you again”

“What are you doing here?”

Ubbe’s voice was rough, no trace of the bright smile you had seen moments ago. Soldiers were starting to rise, still in silence, and everyone stared while Ubbe and his mother stared at each other. They were fighting some type of mental battle no one else was aware of.

Awkwardly, you waited by her side until she finally clapped her hands and looked at the crowd, ignoring her son’s words.

“Don’t stop on our account, please. Continue your work. Let princess Y/N see how strong and brave her soldiers are going to be soon” she extended her arms towards them, although no one moved. “Keep going”

Slowly, the sound of swords and shields came back, and Aslaug turned back to her sons.

You could feel the stares of every man in the courtyard in the back of your neck, and it occurred to you, you weren’t wearing appropriate clothes. As an unmarried woman, you were supposed to be elegant, discreet, hidden. Most of the dresses you had brough were long sleeved and with high necks, covering every inch of your body. That’s how everyone in Mercia had seen you until that moment.

But it was hot and you were supposed to be in the gardens, so you had chosen a pale, blue dress with a low neckline that showed your shoulders, and sleeves that only covered until your elbow. And you hadn’t touched your hair, leaving it hanging from your shoulders.

Now aware of the situation, you crossed your arms over your chest and looked at Aslaug, who seemed awfully pleased with herself.

You didn’t think for a moment she actually forgot about the training.

“What are you doing here?” Ubbe asked again, staring at her mother. “It’s training day. You know it. And you shouldn’t be here, neither should she”

Disgust dripped from the last word, and he didn’t even meet your eyes.

“But she’s your future wife, you should share every part of your routine with her” she fired back, not minding Hvitserk’s stifled snort. “I didn’t see you this morning at breakfast, were you in a hurry?”

“I was. I have been training all day. Here. Where you shouldn’t – “

“Don’t tell me where I can or can’t be, Ubbe. Enough”

“Mother, we were about to end” Sigurd stepped forward. “Why don’t you wait for us in the castle?”

“I have business to attend” she smiled again, her snake eyes looking between Ubbe and you. “But you should escort princess Y/N. I think she was trying to take care of some flowers”

Without saying another word, Aslaug walked the other way. Soldiers moved so that she could pass, and when she did, they went back to their previous fight. She walked with a determination she hadn’t had in the gardens, and even if you had had time, you wouldn’t had been able to follow her. Not looking once over her shoulder, she disappeared.

And then, you were alone with the three princes in a yard full of loud soldiers who resumed their previous behavior.

All the respect they showed earlier, the quietness that followed your path, was because of Aslaug. You were just the foreign princess of a smaller kingdom, with no authority or importance in their training practice. You guessed that they would have had more consideration for any other woman from Mercia, but your value was of a servant.

A person without opinion or saying, that didn’t need to be taken into account.

When a soldier passed by your side and spit on the ground, only inches away from your shoe, you decided it was enough.

“If you’ll excuse me” you said, already starting your way towards the stairs. It wouldn’t be easy and you would probably have to shove some soldiers, but there wasn’t any other solution.

“Where are you going?” Ubbe asked, coming forward to.

“To my chambers? To yours. Anywhere I don’t have to see this”

“You can come to mine”

You found yourself face to chest to a man with blonde, short hair, and a missing eye. Only his shoulders were the length of your whole arm. His sweaty face stared down at with you side smile, earning the laughs of some of his partners.

It wasn’t anything new to you.

Maybe, during the first three years, people were intimidated by a foreign country visiting his lands. Maybe, they were actually happy at the thought of his prince getting married soon. But it all vanished quickly and you had endured your fair share of comments and observations from Mercia’s people. And you weren’t amused anymore.

Ubbe was, who stopped behind you.

Those people were not willing to risk his head, so they always talked when no one but you could hear it. The servants whispered not so low when they prepared your bath, the nobles sat close to you and commented the empty seat by your sides, and the soldiers only talked when the halls were empty.

“Get out of my way” you scoffed, easily dodging his body and moving forward.

There was a faint commotion behind you and soon Ubbe was back in his place, his breath almost hitting the back of your neck. The fact that his very naked chest was a touch away was making you nervous, and you tried to walk faster.

Soon, you lost the small clearing the princes were training in and were fully into the courtyard, surrounded by bodies.

Not even ten steps into the crowd, Ubbe grabbed your elbow.

“Are you insane? Are you actually insane?” he all but screamed to you. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Why do you ask so many questions? The only thing wrong here is your mother, who should know by now better”

“You should too! What was that back there?”

“Stop asking questions!”

You pushed him away and turned around, wiling your feet to walk faster. Not because you were actually annoyed by his questions, but because having him so close, made you stutter. The feeling of his hot chest against your fingers when you pushed him away, tempted you to keep your hands there.

Thankfully, you were smaller than him, and could outrun him while he tried to chase you.

Some soldiers thought it would be funny to try and stop you, going so far as stepping into your skirts and grabbing your shoulder and hair. They laughed and made comments that you shouldn’t had to hear.

To them, it was chasing the rabbit that was escaping from his prince. To you, it wasn’t so fun.

One of the soldiers stepped on your skirt and the cloth tore, achieving a bunch of hurrahs from the rest of his friends. Stopping to see how bad the damage was, you saw Ubbe pushing through the soldiers farther than before, something murderous on his face. He looked at your dress and moved faster, going as far as throwing a man into his partner.

You turned around to keep moving, now your eyes warm with tears. One thing was the playful banter of children, or even the not-so-playful pranks with Ubbe. But it wasn’t a joke anymore, you felt the men’s intention clear and loud. Humiliation and frustration boiled up in your body until you felt your chest tightening up. You willed yourself to save the tears for later, when you would be finally alone. So you tried to move.

Before you could do so, someone grabbed your hair and pulled harder than before, making your yelp in pain. You were thrown back, and by mere luck, you hit a man’s chest instead of the ground.

Suddenly, a pair of rough hands were on you, while your captor’s arms held you still.

“Come on, don’t be shy! Show us what more you have there!” someone roared, attempting to see through the slip of your dress. He managed to lift one side and grip your left calf.

“I’ll take the other side!”

He didn’t, because when the first man tried to move higher, still holding your left leg against him, was met with your foot on his face. The kick launched him back and made you stumble into other arms. Again, they tried to move lift your dress, now from behind. No matter how much you moved or kicked, your voice stuck in your throat.

By that time, there were tears running down your cheeks, and it was clear it wasn’t just a game between the soldiers. Some of them had stepped aside, looking almost troubled. But no one said anything.

It wasn’t like fighting with the princes, or falling into a prank. It felt like an assault to your dignity, even if they tried to make it look like a joke.

The first man quickly recovered and looked at you while covering his mouth. In his other hand, there was a piece of tooth that you had broken.

There was no longer humor on his eyes, not even the lustful glare he was trying to hide before. When he charged towards you, some of his friends tried to stop him, but it wasn’t enough. He moved with his whole-body force towards you, and since other soldiers were still holding you, you couldn’t do anything but close your eyes and try to cower away.

Between the shouts and laughs, you distinguished a familiar voice, and then heard a body falling to the ground.

Want to read more? Check out my side blog @imaginesmaimasterlists, where I keep all the masterlists! Feedback is always appreciated

Taglist:

@66vikings

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myapathyhaspeaked · 2 months ago

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Platontic Sides Week Day 2: Vacations

“For the last time, we’re not, and will never, swim on your side!” Roman yelled, but Remus kept poking him as he rambled on and on about the various benefits of the beaches on his side of the Imagination, like Lovecraftian monsters and seaweed that tangled around your leg and pulled you down, down, down into the watery abyss until you floated to the surface, gasses from decomposition escaping your blue-tinged lips. Roman failed to see anything beneficial about any of that, but had long accepted that trying to figure out how Remus found joy in any of his interests was like trying to get a true ant’s eye perspective by smooshing his face into the ground. Uncomfortable, and would never actually work.

“Oh come on, what’s even in the water!?” Remus complained, like he couldn’t imagine an ocean not filled to the brim with creatures that yearned for blood and bone.

“Fish! And seals and sea otters and starfish!”

“Mermaids?” Remus asked, and really Roman should know better than to treat his brother’s questions as anything but a potential trap.

“I could make some,” he replied, taking the bait. Remus grinned.

“Can they drown me?” Roman groaned and sped up to put some distance between them. Virgil looked up from his phone at the sound of quickening footsteps in the sand and decided to match his pace so he wouldn’t have to walk alone just because his brother was annoying.

The Prince had invited the other Sides to a relaxing day at the beach in the Imagination. This wasn’t a unique occurrence; Roman had been inviting the others to the Imagination since they were children. He’d created bouncy castles, jungle expeditions, magical playgrounds, petting zoos, and a myriad of other things for them to play in and explore. What was new, however…

Roman looked back to see Remus talking about something with Patton. Whatever it was, it was causing Patton to cover his ears and turn pale. He only stopped when a way-too-long arm snaked around to poke him on the back, and realizing he could bug someone else, turned to Janus to continue the conversation. If the snake happened to start walking slower than the rest, well Remus didn’t seem to notice. Their differing speeds caused them to walk less as a group and more as a line, like a roller coaster instead of a car.

“It would be rude to not include them,” Patton had insisted. And look, what fun he’s having now. It wasn’t like they hadn’t excluded them before. Excluding them used to be the standard.

They finally reached the shore. It was perfectly picturesque, gentle waves crashing into white sand dotted with shells ready for the taking. An ice cream shop, one eerily familiar to the one Thomas’ family used to go to when they went to the beach when he was a kid, sat a ways away, playing music just loud enough to hear but not so loud that it became annoying like mall music. The seagulls squawked in the distance, and unlike the real ones, they’d stay in the distance. Logan breathed in the lovely sea air, letting his shoulders slump as he felt the tension leave his body.

He then started searching his tote bag for something. After a few seconds of grabbing around, he pulled out an orange tube. He popped open the blue cap.

“Everyone needs to apply sunscreen. I expect you to return in two hours to reapply.”

“Oh come on, we’re not going to get mesothelioma from a fake sun!” Virgil protested. He hated applying sunscreen, there was always the chance of accidentally rubbing his eyes before he rinsed his hands off.

“The term you’re looking for is melanoma, and it has been shown time and time again that the environment of the Imagination has the ability to affect us.” While developing cancer was unlikely (that wouldn’t happen in Roman’s fantasyland), they had gotten sunburn on previous excursions. It was, unfortunately, too intrinsic to the beach experience to leave out.

Logan finished rubbing the lotion on the spots his wetsuit left uncovered and passed the tube to Virgil. He cringed, but begrudgingly took it. Being sticky was at least marginally better than getting lobsterback.

Patton took his bag off his shoulders and began to set out the beach chairs. Roman joined him to stick the umbrellas in the sand. After applying sunscreen, the two of them grabbed some plastic buckets and shovels and made their way towards the water. They had plans.

The teacher sighed and laid down on one of the chairs, making sure the umbrella properly shaded him before reaching into his bag and pulling out his book about echinoderms.

“What’s the point of the wetsuit if you’re not going to swim?” Janus questioned hypocritically, because he was also sitting in a beach chair despite wearing a bathing suit, piña colada in the hand that wasn’t propping his head up. Logan wasn’t sure where the drink had come from. The snake had explicitly refused to carry anything.

He wondered if he had another glass. Hydration is very important. That’s why.

“I might later. It’s just that this chapter on starfish is so fascinating. Did you know that they don’t have a brain?”

Janus hummed, a noise that acknowledged what he said but didn’t give the impression that he cared all that much. “Reminds me of some people I know.”

Meanwhile, Remus was sneaking up on Virgil, who was busy watching a crab scuttle around a small hill. It had blades of grass poking through the sand, and it cut off suddenly to create a mini cliff into the ocean. The crustacean danced between clumps of grass, snapping its claws like castanets.

The anxious Side knew how to swim. He even liked to swim. He just had to warm himself up to it, remind himself that shark attacks were rare and Roman didn’t know how riptides work and wouldn’t make them even if he did and that he wouldn’t get the bends from diving just a few feet. So he was sitting off to the side, waiting for his nerves to stand down.

Remus snickered impishly, the only warning Virgil had before he was shoved over the edge and into the salty water. He spit the nastiness out before glaring up at the Duke, who was peering down at him in turn, grinning.

“You’re an asshole.”

“Thanks, I try.” He then disappeared, giving Virgil a few fleeting moments of hope that he had left to pester someone else. That hope was soon dashed by the huge splash of Remus cannonballing recklessly close to him.

Janus took a long sip as he watched Virgil flick water at the Duke’s face, only to scream shrilly when Remus gave chase. He tugged his floppy sun hat over his eyes and leaned back.

Patton and Roman had been busy creating a sand castle for the past fifteen minutes, and they were making remarkable progress, probably because they were in a fantasy where wet sand doesn’t collapse at the slightest disturbance. Their goal was a tiny palace fit for tiny royalty. They had completed the main tower, with a strand of seaweed hanging from a carved out window like the locks of a trapped princess. They were now working on the battlements and the moat.

Roman took a scallop shell from the pile they had accumulated and pressed it over where the gateway would be if he was working with a more stable material. He’d need to see if popsicle sticks would work, once they ate them (the popsicle, not the stick). Patton was next to him, poking crenels into the sandy curtain wall. Once that was done, he took some pebbles and lined them up against the edge of the moat that probably didn’t actually add any structural integrity, while Roman took some twigs and poked them into the sand to act as the castle residents. He also placed a cone-shaped shell (not a cone snail, Remus could have all the venomous creatures on his side, he didn’t need to share) outside the wall to serve as a cannon.

“I don’t know, it’s missing a certain je ne sais quoi,” he concluded after staring at their creation for a moment, rubbing his chin in thought.

“Jenny said what now?” Patton asked cheerily. He knew full well what je ne sais quoi meant, but he was here to have fun. The Prince rolled his eyes, wanting to groan but finding that he wasn’t upset enough to do so.

The fatherly Side scanned the beach for whatever could complete their masterpiece. There was sand, more sand, a shell, even more sand, some washed up kelp, a lot more sand someone should get around to vacuuming, and ooh, score!

He plucked it up from where it was buried in the sand, only visible by how it caught the light at a certain angle, then held it up to present it to Roman. He beamed proudly when his friend’s face immediately became one of excitement.

“Great horseshoe huffing heffalumps, sea glass! Good find, Padre, it’s perfect,” he said as he took it from his hands to admire it better. It was a glittering white, and upon closer inspection, slightly translucent. He spent a while twirling it in his fingers, observing how it looked at all angles.

Now they just needed to find the right place for it.

Atop the tower was the obvious choice, right where everyone could see it. But that was too obvious, and furthermore might cause the structure to collapse. If only there was an interior for the castle, because it would have made a fantastic disco ball.

While they sat there pondering, Remus crawled onto shore like he was reenacting the late Devonian Period, creeping up to the beach chairs. Unaware of his presence, Logan continued spilling sea creature facts.

“Did you know that when threatened, sea cucumbers will eject their internal organs in a process called evisceration.”

“Doesn’t sound like an overreaction at all.”

“Sounds sexy!” Remus popped up, between them, causing them to both jump in surprise. How such a loud Side managed to sneak up on anyone was a mystery, one that Logan was planning to study and one that Janus had long given up on solving.

“The sea cucumber?”

“Anything can be a—”

“No, no they can’t!” Janus interrupted. He’d use his hand-slapping-over-the-mouth trick, but that never seemed to last long with Remus.

“See, Chamber of Sea Kraits agrees with me!”

“You are deliberately misinterpreting me,” he complained like he didn’t purposely speak in a way that made it difficult to tell when he was being sincere.

“Why are you here, Remus? Last I checked you were occupied swimming.” Swimming was a generous word for it. The Duke had spent the last five minutes pretending to be a drowned corpse. He was so close to getting that stiffness of a body that was only halfway into rigor mortis just right.

“Got bored.” It turned out letting yourself drift was a good way of constantly washing up on shore like a piece of driftwood. “Say, how do you feel about burying me?”

“Six feet under buried or make you into a mermaid buried?”

“I’d prefer a kraken but that works too.”

Virgil saw Patton and Roman waving to him and walked onto shore to see what was up. And what was up seemed to be a kickass sandcastle.

“How the hell did you guys make that?” he asked, because he was pretty sure sand couldn’t do that. He’d know it could actually do a lot more than he thought if he fell down an internet rabbit hole about sand sculpting.

“Blood, sweat, and tears, my frightful friend.”

“And buckets!” Patton added before motioning for him to take a closer look. Peering down into the bailey, he saw a small mandala design made of shells radiating from a piece of white sea glass.

“Woah, neat,” he said as he took in the details. Several of the twig people seemed to be dueling. “So, what are you gonna do now?”

Grabbing the closest item nearby, Patton held up a beach ball and answered, “Volleyball?”

“With three people?” Roman asked. It would be odd, but if the moral Side wished for it, he was perfectly happy to make a quick volleyball court.

“We could do three on three if we invited the others.”

“They seem a bit…busy,” Virgil pointed out, nodding over to where Janus and Logan were packing sand on top of Remus, steadfastly ignoring his suggestions to add a certain anatomical feature.

“Well how about a good ol’ game of catch with your old man,” Patton suggested, and that received nods all around. Since two of them had yet to enjoy the waters, they decided to play in the ocean, wading until waist deep and standing in a triangle formation. Despite only being ten or so feet away from each other, they spent half their time chasing after fumbled balls as they drifted away, the waves pulling the beach ball away every time they reached like the fruit branches above Tantalus.

The Sides stayed at the beach until the sun began to dip into the water, lighting it up gold as the sky was painted in peaches and tangerines. They then made their way back to the door to the Mindscape, ice cream from the shop in hand.

---

@platonicsidesweek

#platonicsides2024 #sanders sides #sanders sides fanfiction #fanfiction #fanfic #roman sanders #remus sanders #virgil sanders #patton sanders #logan sanders #janus sanders #it's 11 pm for me it still counts lol

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paperanddice · 26 days ago

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Lamia and Leng Spider

Lamia are monstrous humanoids that have the upper body of a humanoid placed upon a bestial lower body. Most lamia have the bodies of lions, but ones with serpentine and even avian lower bodies have been sighted. All known lamias are female, though they can still produce offspring, laying small clutches of eggs. The majority of them are associated with demons and trickery, aligned with the Demonologist or the Prince of Shadows, utilizing magical manipulations to drive all manner of underhanded and predatory schemes. Legends say that lamia are the remains of a cursed civilization from a previous age, a legend that lamias will confirm and deny in equal measure. This curse may also be the source of the many lamia anti-theists, who try to rally people against the gods, rejecting their claims and calling for humanoids to live independent of their vicious oppression. This makes them enemies of the Priestess and the Crusader, even if they don't associate with demons, and so lamias are quite unwelcome in many of the Dragon Empire's cities. Lamia matriarchs are a special class of lamia, always having serpentine lower bodies and wielding much greater magic, taking leadership roles within lamia groups. They are also often much more cruel, a necessity to take control of her often fractious and fiercely independent lamia sisters.

Lamia 4th level spoiler [large beast/humanoid] Initiative: +6 Lion Claws +8 vs. AC – 10 damage. Pounce: If the lamia started its turn unengaged and moves to engage an enemy with a pounce, it deals an extra 5 damage with this attack. Lamia’s Touch +8 vs. PD – The target takes a cumulative -1 penalty to MD (save ends). Each time the target saves, it reduces the penalty to MD by 1. R: Suggestion +8 vs. MD (one nearby enemy) – 5 psychic damage. Natural Even Hit: The target is dazed (save ends). Natural Odd Hit: The target is stuck (save ends). Limited Use: 2/battle. Resist Psychic 14+. AC 19 PD 15 MD 18 HP 50 Alternate Attacks: Lamia with different lower bodies may replace their lion claws attack with one of the following attacks: Snake’s Constriction +8 vs. AC – 10 damage. Natural Even Hit: The lamia can grab the target if it doesn’t have any other creature grabbed. Hawk’s Talons +8 vs. AC – 10 damage. Natural 15+: The target also takes 5 ongoing damage.

Lamia Matriarch Double-strength 5th level caster [large beast/humanoid] Initiative: +8 Lashing Scimitar +9 vs. AC (2 attacks) – 16 damage. Natural Even Hit: The lamia matriarch can make a matriarch’s caress against the target as a free action (1/turn). Matriarch’s Caress +9 vs. PD – The target takes a cumulative -2 penalty to MD (save ends). Each time the target saves, it reduces the penalty to MD by 1. R: Daze +10 vs. MD (one nearby enemy) – 20 psychic damage. Natural 14+: The target is also dazed until the end of its next turn. Natural 18+: The target is dazed (save ends). R: Suggestion +10 vs. MD (one nearby enemy) – 10 psychic damage. Natural Even Hit: The target is weakened (save ends). Natural Odd Hit: The target pops free from any enemies and is stuck (save ends). Limited Use: 2/battle. Resist Psychic 16+. AC 21 PD 15 MD 20 HP 120

Leng spiders are massive inhabitants of the plateau of Leng in the Overworld. They have long battled with the other inhabitants of the plateau, in particular the more humanoid denizens of Leng. Their rivalry with these slavers unfortunately does not make them allies with the people of the world below, as they view themselves as beings who deserve authority over others and so if they could find their way down to the surface regularly they would likely open another war front against the Dragon Empire. Fortunately, they lack innate means of travelling this distance, and have not developed any technology to allow it as the denizens of Leng have. As such, those who find their way down are often solo, or rarely in pairs or triplets. The average leng spider is approximately eighteen feet in length, and nearly as tall. They always have an odd number of legs, usually 7 but up to 13 and occasionally as few as 5. One example of their high intelligence and technical skills are the web weapons they produce. Intricately balanced, they can lock a large block of stone or metal to a flail on one of their legs, or wrap several smaller weights together into a ranged bola. When given time, they can craft far more intricate objects from their webbing, studding their chosen lair with deadly traps and engineered platforms.

Leng Spider Double-Strength 7th level wrecker [huge beast] Initiative: +10 Poisonous Bite +12 vs. AC – 25 damage and 10 ongoing poison damage. First Failed Save: The ongoing damage increases to 20. Second Failed Save: The target is confused as long as it’s taking this ongoing damage. Web Weapon +12 vs. AC – 30 damage. Natural 1-5: The leng spider’s web weapon breaks. Quick Use: 1/round, as a quick action. R: Web Bola +12 vs. PD (one nearby enemy, or a far away enemy at -2 atk) – 20 damage and the target is hampered (save ends). The leng spider loses its web weapon when it makes this attack. Natural 12+: The target is stuck and hampered (save ends both). Quick Use: 1/round, as a quick action. C: Web Spray +12 vs. PD (1d3 nearby enemies in a group) – 15 damage and the target is dazed until the end of the leng spider’s next turn. Natural Even Hit: The target is also stuck until the end of the leng spider’s next turn. Wall Crawler. Web Weapon: As a standard action, the leng spider can craft a web weapon out of nearby rocks and its own webbing. It can make web weapon and web bola attacks until it loses this weapon. Resist Cold 16+. AC 24 PD 21 MD 16 HP 210

Inspired by the Pathfinder 1e Bestiary 2. This post came out a week ago on my Patreon. If you want to get access to all my monster conversions early, as well as access to my premade adventures and other material I’m working on, consider backing me there!

#13th age #homebrew #my homebrew #monster #beast #humanoid #13th age level 4 #13th age level 5 #13th age level 7 #long post

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desertfangs · 11 months ago

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O Tannenbaum [AO3]

Armand/Lestat (primarily), with a hefty scoop of Armand/Daniel, a little dash of Lestat/Daniel, and a pinch of Armand/Louis & Louis/Lestat (all the ships exist, the fic just focuses more on some than others) Mature, Humor & Fluff + Sexy Kissing - 6,512 words Post-Canon/Prince Lestat Era

It's Armand and Lestat having a non-fight about something that does not matter at all except to them (who can decorate a Christmas tree better), with Daniel and Louis around to give them strong side-eye. Plus they make out and stuff. Merry Christmas!

This fic is definitely humorous, but it has some heartfelt moments, some sexy kissing and blood drinking, and shameless flirting. It was such a blast to write! I really love post-canon stuff with different groups of characters and Louis, Lestat, Armand, and Daniel have always felt like "the main four" to me and I just like them doing stuff together.

Excerpt:

Armand stood in the ballroom admiring the Christmas tree. It wasn’t quite as magnificent as the one at Rockefeller Center that always captivated him, but it was massive, rising up to skim the tall ceiling. It had been trimmed with lights and ribbons. Red and gold bows were strategically placed and silver and gold ornaments adorned the branches. The topper was an elegantly crafted three-dimensional star covered in glitter.

Armand loved most holidays but Christmas had the best decorations, particularly in the modern era where everything was bright and shiny. He’d always adored it, though for a long time, he thought such decorations were a mortal ritual, one he had no right to partake of.

He remembered staring at a tree in a hotel lobby in the early 1970s, demanding Daniel explain to him the significance of every ornament on the branches. Daniel, tired and exasperated, told him how ornaments could be personal or just colorful baubles. He’d been enamored with that tree and the warmth of the hotel lobby with its garlands and candles and fire in the fireplace. And he’d loved listening to Daniel talk about anything and everything, even if he'd hardly admit that to himself at the time.

“Incredible, isn’t it?” Lestat’s voice echoed through the large room, pulling him back to the present. Lestat was incapable of making a soft entrance. Instead, he burst forth, moving next to Armand with preternatural speed.

He wore a red sweater and that ridiculous golden crown on his head, as if anyone might possibly forget that he was the Prince. His hair was whiter these days, bleached from so many trips into the sun, which also tanned his skin. For creatures that largely did not change, it was strange how different he looked now then when they’d first met. Lestat had been new in the blood then, with bone white skin and golden blond hair.

“I’d wager it’s the best Christmas tree in the world,” Lestat continued.

“You’d lose,” Armand said.

Lestat pouted and Armand had to hold his expression steady so he didn’t laugh. “What makes you say that? You’re the one staring at it.”

“It’s beautiful but it lacks personality.”

Lestat clutched his heart melodramatically. “Such cruelty. It has my colors. Gold and red! It’s stunning. You’re just jealous my tree has reached such levels of elegance. I doubt you could do something so glorious.”

Armand glared at him. Lestat had seen Armand's efforts in the past, of course. But to remind him, he pulled out his phone and scrolled through his photos until he found a photo of last year’s tree at Trinity Gate. He and Daniel had decorated it, though Armand had chosen most of the adornments. It was colorful, with rainbow lights and a silver ribbon snaking over the branches to reflect them, and full of a variety of ornaments, some of sentimental value and others purely for decoration.

He showed the image to Lestat, who looked at it and then shrugged. “It’s a matter of preference, I suppose.”

“Preference? Mine is clearly superior and it’s my design. You didn’t lay a finger on this one.” Armand gestured to the tree. “Your little helpers did it all and you still want to take the credit.”

Lestat’s grin faltered and he looked wounded. Armand ignored the pang of guilt that rang through him. Lestat was the one insisting he was the best at things all the time! It wasn’t Armand’s fault if he could prove him wrong.

The cloud passed over his face and then that sinister grin returned. “You’re right.”

Armand nearly fell over. “What?”

“I did not design this tree myself. I’m busy with important duties to protect our kind,” Lestat said. “But if you wish for me to prove that I can do better than you, fine. Challenge accepted.”

Armand sighed. “It wasn’t a challenge.”

Lestat wasn’t listening. He took Armand’s arm and pulled him out of the ballroom.

Read the Read on AO3

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bitchalotl · 1 month ago

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Subversions I need to see in fiction ASAP:

- Any godsdamned curves on Sci-fi architecture. Even better if it's accompanied by natural colors (I am done with the same obnoxious neon blue and magenta)

- Magic users wearing armor, the thicker the better.

- Warriors / fighers wearing robes, the bigger the better.

- Morally bankrupt monks, clerics, and paladins.

- Autistic dragons that hoard still life paintings or bubblegum boxes (literally anything other than gold or jewels)

- Assassin's and rogues with cheerful and sunny personalities, but not in an unhinged way! (Just regular tax-paying people that happen to kill for a living)

- Dark lords who wear any color other than black, have a castle/palace made of something that is not the blackest bricks possible and that use some magic/weapons that do not glow red, blue or green.

- Lawful neutral demons who treat the unholy actions like we do office jobs.

- Unhinged AF angels who can and will snap your legs for refusing the good message.

- Mentor figures who don't look like they should be at a nursing home.

- Inmortals who actually enjoy the time they have and do not have clinical depression.

- Powerful magic casters that do not look like twinks or like grandpa's straight out of the 1750's, we need more middle aged characters!!!

- Less pyromaniacs in fantasy and less bomb/gun freaks in sci-fi (where are the water magic menaces or the laser bitches at?)

- Monarchs and nobles with literally any title other than king/queen, emperor/empress and prince/princess (where are the margraves? The langraves? THE FUCKING ARCHDUKES!?)

- More women in armor, more men in dresses.

- More elves that wield axes and more dwarves that wield bows.

- MORE FOREST DWARVES AND MORE UNDERGROUND ELVES.

- High tech, advanced civilization orcs.

- Skies that are not blue, water that is not transparent and plants that are not green (you really made a whole different world and made it look exactly like ours?)

- Fantasy kingdoms with symbols that are not lions, eagles, or wolves.

- Villains that do not have snake, wolf, crow, raven or spider motifs.

- Deserts with sand that is not fucking beige.

- Pantheons in which gods live in harmony and like each other despite their differences.

- Fantasy religions not modeled after Christianity in terms of aesthetics and structure.

- The thirteen thing/person/object/place in a group is fine, normal, and not evil or cursed.

- Light as destruction and corruption, darkness as healing, and creation.

- Sci-fi settings where we can see the sun.

- Bright light and sunny skies with clear weather in depressing scenes. Heavy rain and shadows in happy scenes.

- Unwilling heroes in fantasy. (Destiny called and they hung up and blocked the number)

- Fantasy worlds with stars that are not the sun and are not yellow, or alone.

- Fantasy worlds with multiple moons (the tides are gonna be nasty AF)

- More female goddesses of war, death, fire and destruction. More male gods of life, fertility, peace, water, nature and creation.

- More orchestral music for sci-fi settings and more EDM for fantasy settings.

- Blood that is not red.

- Sadness represented with any color other than blue, same with joy and yellow and hate and red.

- Horrors beyong human comprehension that do not have tentacles or many eyes.

#fantasy #sci fi and fantasy #sci fi #fiction #writing ideas #writting

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numinously-yours · 5 months ago

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Signs you may be missing & what they're trying to tell you

Happy Monday! Here is your reading for this week :)

Signs you may be missing & what they're trying to tell you. For the signs, I looked at signs and symbols on the cards I drew. I have the decks linked below so you can look for your individual cards if interested (I have had luck googling specific cards for these decks already, so they should be available on google images).

The Dreaming Cat Tarot (1 & 3)

Tarot of the Little Prince (Groups 2 & 4)

I hope this reading resonates. Leave a heart below or reblog and tag your pile if it does!

$1 and $5 tip options available on my etsy: Numinously Yours

Group 1: Wheel of Fortune, Five of Pentacles rev., King of Pentacles

Sign and symbols from card images: T, A, O, R, X and, V might be important letters. Numbers in increments of 5s and 10s. Butterflies may be present as a sign you’re on the right track, snakes may also be important. The sound of bells, chimes, or clinking. The color blue. Things falling/floating from the sky (snow, flower petals, cottonwood is falling a lot where I am right now).

What these signs are trying to tell you: Karma will find its way to you – don’t stop doing things for the good of doing them. This is not a sign telling you to do MORE, just to remind you that even though it seems like you’re not being “rewarded” for the good things you do, you will be. Try to be aware of ignoring opportunities. Opportunities are being presented to you in different ways but you either aren’t sure if you’re good enough to act on them or you think you’re making it up that you’re seeing them. You’re not making it up and you are more than enough! You do not have to wait to be “better” “richer” “smarter” or anything of the like.

If you’re trying to hone a skill, now is the time to invest in doing that. You know there are different ways to meet your goals, but this skill feels right to you. If it gets you your results in the end, do what makes you feel confident instead of risking something else because you feel like you have to. You have nothing to prove to anyone.

If you are coming to the end of a hard time, it may feel too good to be true. You’re waiting for the next shoe to drop. This is your sign that you can relax. Pause. See where your anxiety is coming from. Then see if there is any proof around you to corroborate your story. By thinking objectively, you can realign your thinking with the reality of what is happening.

Group 2: Page of Wands, Eight of Cups, Judgement, Eight of Wands

Sign and symbols from card images: Trains and the sounds of them, lanterns, smoke rings, chemical compounds (like H2O), red flowers, vines with flowers, the color red (and people wearing red, specifically), grey cloud(s) on an otherwise sunny day,

What these signs are trying to tell you: Stop giving up on yourself, you’re so close to your goal! It’s likely that you get close to reaching a goal but then psych yourself out. The fear of the unknown is becoming louder than the possibilities at the end of the journey. Try to bring the possibilities back to the forefront. Your guides want you to find your creative spark again (perhaps the goal you’re working on involves your creations). They’re reminding you it’s okay to try and “fail” because all that does is show you what didn’t work this time and helps you find out what will work the next time.

If you have been feeling called to try your own divination tools (tarot, oracle cards, numerology, etc), this is a sign to try it out! You don’t have to know what you’re doing in order to start – there are guidebooks, youtube videos, etc., to help you where you need support 😊 Local crystal shops usually have decks (that’s where I got my starter deck), otherwise Etsy is a good place to look for deals! Most, if not all, decks come with a guidebook. I got a $5 book from 5below which I love using, otherwise I’ve linked Biddy Tarot before which I LOVE.

Last thing I am picking up is that you may be feeling like things are moving to fast. You want a second to slow down and catch your breath, but it feels impossible (which may be part of the giving up before reaching your goal). Your guides are here to tell you that you are not acting rashly and things just happen to be going fast right now! Try your best to live in the now. This will help it feel like time is slowing down a bit and you can actually hear yourself think.

Group 3: Queen of Cups, Seven of Pentacles, Seven of Wands

Signs Sign and symbols from card images: The number seven, which might be obvious lol. Ribbons, bows, and other frilly things may be seen more frequently. Lily pads. The color purple. Mountains, falling leaves, fruit bushes. Mice may be a significant animal.

What these signs are trying to tell you: The biggest message I am getting is you are exactly on the path you are meant to be on. You are in flow with the universe. Keep on keeping on, you’re doing amazing! Your hard work, perseverance, investment, and self-compassion has not gone unnoticed. Your team wants to remind you that it is okay to be frustrated when it feels like you’re not getting results and that they are proud of you for continuing to do the work anyway. It is hard to power through and it is normal to question “what’s the point?”. You are in touch with your intuition and, even though you can’t answer “what” the point is, you know there IS one. That belief in yourself and the universe is going to take you far.

There may be a particular person or people that are challenging your patience. Looking at the seven of wands in this case, it may be that these people are envious of the progress you’re making. They want to know how they can get to where you are. I don’t think they are challenging you out of jealousy, perse, but out of genuine want for being as successful as you appear to them. Although this may be frustrating, try to think of it as a compliment. You are allowed to set boundaries with these people, too, but try not cutting them off completely. Maybe there are tips, trainings, or other resources you can provide for these folks. This would allow you to help them without feeling the burden of being responsible for their growth.

Group 4: Wheel of Fortune, Two of Pentacles, Seven of Swords

Signs Sign and symbols from card images: Sheep and elephants. Stars (actual stars or drawn stars) and other things from space (moon, comets, shooting stars). Things that fly above us – airplanes, spaceships, satellites. Grapes. The color green. Random bursts of wind.

What these signs are trying to tell you: First and foremost, you are being called to work on prioritization and adaptability. I think a lot of your life has required self-preservation and it is easy to make decisions based on your own needs. While it is good to make sure that you are thinking of yourself, it can easily turn into selfishness and deception (even though it’s not your intent). There are times you need to look at the bigger picture. Check in with yourself when you make decisions and have multiple priorities. Are there priorities you can use help with? Can you relinquish control of them? What I fear is that people around you will see that you do a lot of things alone and need control and then when you DO need help, these people might not be around. They may start thinking you don’t want their help and thus don’t want them around at ALL. I don’t want you to end up in an isolated place. There is a lot of good karma waiting for you, but you have to trust that the universe will only bring you where you’re meant to go. You can start with baby steps! Is there a report you need at work that someone else has access to and can input data for you? Do you need gas money, and know that your friend would give you some, but you don’t want to seem like you’re using them so you don’t ask? You’re allowed to ask. Your friends care about your well-being. Do you have a deadline that is approaching but aren’t sure if you can do your best work? Ask for an extension. If you can’t get an extension, sit with your boss to create an outline of your priorities. These little things can go a long way. People care about you and want to help. It’s okay to let them.

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