#our-brilliant-skies

[aliesbienish]

A study of wolves

Paul Lahote x Reader.

A relocation to La Push brings more than just a new career.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

A rare sunny day was surely a good omen. You read that North West Washington state had one of the wettest climates in the country, so pulling into La Push with clear skies and warm sun rays was surely a positive sign. It was nice to finally be here, out of the bustling city and into an area of lush green trees and isolated beaches.

Deciding to apply for the graduate internship across the country was spur of the moment. Sure getting paid to complete ecological surveys of the areas wolf populations was a dream job, but you had no expectations of getting it and therefore no reason to believe you would be packing up your life. Yet two weeks ago that unrealistic dream suddenly became reality. So here you were in a small reservation town with all your belongings stuffed into the boot of your car feeling for the first time like a proper adult.

You had managed to find your way to a small wooden cabin on the outskirts of town, your home for the duration of this project. You had detoured to Seattle a few days previously to meet your new supervisor and to get training on the process, but otherwise you were pretty much autonomous. You were the only one from national parks stationed in the area, but the local La Push council were kind enough to support you during this project. They had approved use of their cabin, and negotiated to have a council member with you during work in the field. This you were rather thankful for, knowing that managing to get lost and costing the parks department money to send out a rescue wouldn’t be a good look for your career.

Stepping out of the car, and taking a big stretch, you turned around to see two men waiting on the cabins porch.

“You must be [y/n], welcome to La Push,” A smiling man in a wheelchair declared as he offered his hand to shake. “I’m Billy Black, the chief here. This is Sam Uley, he and a few others will be the ones to help you navigate our forests ,”

“Thank you for having me, it’s lovely to meet you both.”

“We just wanted to welcome you, as well as invite you out for a bonfire this evening. We tell traditional stories, and have a barbecue. But more importantly it would be a good chance to meet some locals.”

“Absolutely, as long as I’m not intruding that would be brilliant,”

“Not at all,” Sam’s deep voice replies, speaking for the first time. “My partner and I live a few houses down, we’ll collect you on our walk down so you don’t get lost,”

You smiles and nodded gratefully. After collecting the cabins keys from Billy and declining Sam’s help to move your bags, since you had so little anyway, they were on their way and you started to get settled.

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The summer sun was still high in the sky when Sam came to collect you that evening. He introduced you to his fiancé Emily who you instantly took a liking too. She seemed bubbly and inviting, happily asking questions and getting to know you. You had quickly schooled yourself when you first saw her, ignoring the scar that cut across her otherwise flawless face. However you were curious as it seemed to match the claw size of the gray wolves that roamed the area.

The walk to the beach was short and flat, and you were soon making your way out onto the sand. You heard the distant sound of chatter as Sam lead you passed driftwood and out onto the open beach. Ignoring the growing nerves settling in your stomach you followed him and Emily towards the large unlit bonfire surrounded by people. Billy was the first one you spotted and he quickly invited you over and introduced you to the other senior council members. He then called over his teenage son Jacob, who reluctantly said hi with his friends Quil and Embry.

After speaking with council members, mostly about the work you would be doing, it was time for food. Plates were passed around and you were happily munching on roast potatoes when the bonfire was lit and Billy’s voice started to reverberate around the group. The stories of the Quileute people and their shifter legends were fascinating. In particular their link with wolves sparked your interest, and you couldn’t help wonder how big the local wolf population was back in the days of Taha Aki.

Eventually the legends came to a close and you came back to reality. The older members began to pack up and Emily beckoned you over from further down the beach.

“[Y/N], hope you’re having a good time. The elders and kids will be heading off but we are staying around for a few drinks. If you’re happy to stay I can introduce you to a few people your own age.”

“That would be amazing,”

Emily smiled and thrust a can of beer into your hand which you gratefully accepted. A bit of liquid courage wouldn’t go astray. She lead you towards the small group hanging around the water.

“Hi [y/n], “ Sam greeted as you invaded the circle. “Babe,” he placed a kiss on Emily’s forehead and wrapped her into his side.

“[Y/n] is the parks worker who Billy told us about. [Y/n] this is Kim,” she pointed to the smiling short brunette who gave a small wave. “Her boyfriend Jared,” the taller boy with arms wrapped over Kim’s shoulders gave a cheery hello. “And Paul. Who along with Sam and Jared will be helping you with the study,”

You turned to face the last member of the small group, who had grunted as a greeting. Paul was the closest to you and you had to crane your neck to see him. Once you caught a glimpse of his face, which was lit by the dying embers of the fire, time seemed to slow. Your eyes met and you could hear him audibly gasp.

That trigged noise in the rest of the group that you didn’t quite understand. Emily gave a little clap, Jared and Kim giggled with each other and you were sure Sam was almost sighing in relief.

You snapped out of the trance and almost reluctantly pulled your gaze away.

“It’s lovely to meet you all, and thank you for being so welcoming.” You smiled, not realising your whole life was about to change.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Part two

Well looks who’s branching out from Bridgerton. Thought it was time to go back to my fanfic writing roots, I almost feel like I’m 13 again. Anyone keen in a part two?

[saltprince]

ORISON - English & Japanese lyrics

Full text for the Japanese/Romaji/English lyrics for Sandalphon's second character song, ORISON, under the cut.

Note: Orison was officially confirmed to mean "prayer" in the announcement stream

Romaji and English translation by Saltprince. Japanese lyrics taken from the cd booklet.

Terms of use: You're free to link to this blog post, quote, or add these lyrics to the Wiki or other platforms for educational purposes, so long the original post or handle are being mentioned. (If you drop me a message about it, that'd be nice but not required!)

Do not use this content for lyric videos. If possible, I'll have a lyric video up on my channel later if copyright allows it.

編み上げられた堅い糸は ami agerareta katai ito wa Even the strongest of threads

儚く解かれ hakanaku hodokare Will come apart before long

眩むような視界の中で kuramu you na shikai no naka de As if I'm somewhere my field of vision is blinded by light

響いた風の音色 hibiita kaze no ne'iro The wind's whistling resounds

もう決して mou keshite I'll never again

迷いに囚われぬように... mayoi ni torawarenu you ni Be a prisoner to my own troubled heart…

追憶の痕 tsuioku no ato Where only memories remain 強く抱いて tsuyoku idaite I'm being held tight 新たな羽を広がてゆく arata na hane wo hirogate yuku By new wings that are now mine to spread

いつでも何度でも itsudemo nando demo Anytime, time after time 願った未来を negatta mirai wo It's a future born from a wish この身の全てで導いて行こう kono mi no subete de michibiite yukou That I'll guide us towards with everything I have in me 幾多の想いを ikuta no omoi wo Countless wishes 授かりし羽で sazukarishi hane de Will be carried by wings passed down 限りのない空を kagiri no nai sora wo Into the endless skies 見届けよう mitodokeyou I'll see to it myself

共に刻む　時の行方 tomo ni kizamu toki no yukue During the time we whiled away together 焦がれし“望み”は kogareshi nozomi wa Our deepest “desires” やがて胸に深く根付く yagate mune ni fukaku nedzuku Had already taken root deep inside 消せぬ“願い”となっていた kesenu negai to natte ita Becoming an enduring “wish” もう二度と　悲しみに染まらぬように… mou nidoto kanashimi ni somaranu you ni I'll never again let it be stained with sorrow…

問いかけた過去 toikaketa kakou I questioned things in the past 動き出す未来 ugokidasu mirai But the future is already in motion 誉れある homare aru There's honor in it 栄光の旅を eikou no tabi wo In a glorious journey bathed in light

未完成の夢と mikansei no yume to The dreams that never got to be 愛しき世界よ itoshiki sekai yo And the world I've also come to love この胸に包み込めるように kono mune ni tsutsumi komeru you ni I hope to embrace them with my whole heart 永劫の時が　必要だとしても eigo no toki ga hitsuyou datoshitemo Even if it takes an eternity's worth of time 揺るぎのない yuruginonai I'll keep going 決意遂げる日まで ketsui togeru hi made Until the day my resolve is unshakeable

Swear to bring peace to the sky

差し出すその手　その微笑みは sashidasu sono te sono hoho'emi wa You offered me your hand and the softest of smiles 痛みすらも　霞ませていくだろう itami sura mo kasamasete iku darou Something sure to even fade away the deepest pain 見失ってた mi'ushinatteta I lost sight of it before 空の色は　こんなに蒼く… sora no iro wa konna ni aoku But were the skies always this brilliant blue…?

翔けゆく刹那に kakeyuku setsuna ni The moment I spread my wings 約束をしよう yakusoku wo shiyou We'll make a promise 進化の果てに掴む黎明を shinka no hate ni tsukamu reimei wo To grasp the limits of evolution, the dawn of a new age いつでも何度でも itsudemo nando demo Anytime, time after time 願った未来を negatta mirai wo It's a future born from a wish この身の全てで導いて行こう kono mi no subete de michibiite yukou That I'll guide us towards with everything I have in me 不屈の祈りを fukutsu no inori wo It's proof of a perservering prayer この背に刻印（しる）して kono se ni shiru shite A weight I'll carry on my back 限りのない空を kagiri no nai sora wo Into the endless skies 見届けよう mitodokeyou I'll see to it myself 蒼き空へ aoki sora he Towards skies of clear-blue さあ、羽ばたこう saa habatakou Now, spread your wings and fly

[amywritesthings]

Hi! Hi! Hi! It’s the Floch friend again. I missed Levi and SU reader so much!!! They live rent free in the back of my head and I always miss them, I don know how you do it. I’ve already said a million times how I love your writing, but it always scratches the right part of my brain and I can’t stop rereading everything.

As for the Hallosleepover, I have a couple of prompts, you can choose either of them (or none, if you don’t feel like it). For Levi x SUreader - their first fall on the surface, and for Levi x P4reader - “when they instinctively put a protective arm out to protect the other when an actor tries to jump out and scare them” (a prompt from the second list).

Hope you had a nice week ❤️

hallo-sleepover '24! / accepting.

floch friend, hello my love! gosh you are always so lovely, i swear. you are the best. i would be delighted to give you a lil First Fall for our fearless duo

first fall.

pairing: levi ackerman x f!reader word count: 860 tags: big fluff vibes, changing of the season, mentions of the underground city, set in the flackbacks and universe of silver underground. credit: dividers by @saradika-graphics

Colors.

The trees change colors on the surface.

Levi’s busy fixing his carat in the freshly-cleaned mirror in the corner of the room while you button your ivory pants. Now that you’ve both been on the surface — him for four months, you for two — you’ve settled into a new routine similar to the one you abandoned below the surface.

After living a lifetime there, you’re both used to working in pure darkness. It gives you precious time to be in one another’s presence before you have to slip back across the hallway and into your quarters to pretend yet another day.

The day is still young; dawn fast approaches from its kiss goodnight.

As the sun creeps across the horizon, your eyes see the flutter outside Levi’s open window. 

Your chin turns to observe absently, but then the world stops.

Leaves.

Red leaves.

(It’s almost the start of autumn, Petra had told you at dinner not long ago. A new season. It’s beautiful this time of year.)

“James?” you hear from the side; Levi’s voice, gruff from the morning still.

Dropping your leather leg straps to the floor, you abandon dressing in proper attire for a chance to sprint out of his captain’s quarters towards the front door of headquarters. 

The wooden door slams against stone, reverberating down the hallway. 

The sound may wake up half of the squad from their slumber. 

You don’t care.

Ever since the two of you managed to survive the underground with bared teeth and taut fists, it’s been tough to simply be. The Survey Corps are by no means gentle — people die just as often as those who were once your neighbors — but the surface dwellers have no idea of the luxuries they take for granted.

Down there, the gentle caress of the breeze does not exist. Down there, warmth can only be found in another body and not the sky.

There are no trees, no trunks, no leaves. There are no changing skies.

But up here?

Everything lives and dies and lives again. Everything has an order, turning brilliant colors in the blink of an eye. Slowly the humid summer air flutters into a crisp chill. 

The start of autumn.

Boots skid against the floor as you rush towards the front entrance. You scoot through a sliver of an opening to find yourself outdoors — surrounded by a sea of brilliant vibrance. The trees that were once a staunch green have now faded into a cacophony of colors: oranges, yellows, reds.

No two trees are alike.

“The hell’d you run out for?”

Hearing the baritone sound behind you, your wide eyes find Levi following out right behind you. His hands are still fussing with the carat at the base of his throat, jacket abandoned.

Then he pauses.

Sees, what you see.

“The trees are finally changing. I saw it from your window and had to see it for myself,” you exhale with a childlike wonder, unable to contain your excitement. 

With Levi you don’t have to — just like the changing of the seasons, he knows just about every version of you; every color. You’re allowed to 

“Is this what Petra was talking about?” he asks, leaves crunching under the heel of his boot as he moves to stand beside you. “Autumn or whatever?”

“I think so. She called it a season. I think she said there’s four of them?”

“What was the last one?”

Sticking out a tongue as you concentrate for a moment, the word comes to you a beat later. “I’m pretty sure it was called summer.”

“Hm.”

“I can’t believe they’re all different,” you murmur, pointing one out in particular: its leaves are only just beginning to fade into a new color, causing it to stand out. “Look.”

“I see it.”

His statement isn’t said with annoyance but amusement.

When you turn to him, Levi isn’t looking at the trees. He’s staring at you, as if he’s more interested in witnessing your reaction to something so new and beautiful than living in it for himself.

“Well don’t stare at me.”

“I’m not.”

“Liar.”

His eyes narrow with a fraction of amusement before blinking back to the trees. “Petra also said it will snow up here in the later months.”

“Snow?” you repeat. “What’s that?”

“Got no clue,” Levi admits, choosing to be honest in this private moment with you. If it were anyone else, he’d have a smartass remark. It’s too early for that. “Was hoping you’d know.”

Snow.

You wonder what they call the changing colors, if they have a name as foreign as snow.

Reaching for his hand, Levi does little to dissuade you as you pull him towards one of the adolescent trees to the east by the stables. When you reach to run a fingertip along one of the low-hanging crimson leaves, he squeezes your joined hands.

“Guess we’ll see it together,” he adds.

A promise.

To see everything, anything, together.

(A promise once made in eternal night, now carried into the light. I won't go far from you.)

Nodding, you squeeze his hand back.

“Yeah. Together.”

[eternalstarlitwonderland]

SHINE BRILLIANT

The stars are aligned, and our fates are aligned as well

I guess it is indeed written in the stars; there's no doubt about it

It's genuinely brilliantly written

We can't escape from it

No matter how we try to outrun it

Our paths will take us on a journey to the North Star

No matter where we are

We'll never be far from one another

We are always there in each other's hearts

And lastly, don't forget about all of the memories that we have together

Underneath the sparkle of the starlit skies, gazing from afar, knowing that our destinies are going to be interwoven

Gradually embrace the one-sided admiration through millennia

A mind filled with fascination as you depart from the collective

As you began to descend from the starlit glint

Carrying the warmness of being loved and treasured, You were never alone

The melody soothes your uncertainty

A gentle breeze blows over your sad memories

Now, My shimmery little star… SHINE BRILLIANT, Like A Star

Starlight gradually sneaks its way in

The phosphorescence illuminates me

Watches the newly formed hour setting itself in

The night blooms softly, illuminating the entire balcony

As it basks in the brilliant starlight

The luminescence becomes more brilliant than ever before

Starlight, Star Bright, is the first star I will see tonight.

Catching wind of a shooting star

Capturing a glimpse of it

While looking through the lens of the telescope

Being in awe by its twinkly glimmer

Seeing the dazzling glow caught my attention

I ask myself, "What does it convey?"

Is this a glimmer of romance? Or is it a beckon of love?

Who knows...

I am just fascinated by it

One star will stay, and Another will fall and find its path...

Your twinkling presence caught my eye

As you descend from the starlit glint

Blinding the North as you pass by...

At this moment I want to see you

Even if it was a brief second

I just want to see your face again

Just smiling at me once more

I want to catch a glimpse of you shine brilliantly once more

My shimmery little star… SHINE BRILLIANT, Like A Star

My heart suddenly began to throb in anticipation

As I patiently wait for your dazzly arrival

The only sound I hear is my heart furiously beating

My senses are tingling with excitement

My mind is racing

Thoughts are over the place

Now I'm entering the fight-or-flight mode

My body is on autopilot

Star shine, Star glow, The first star I clasped tonight...

Heading towards that luminous glow

With each step I took

The closer I got, the glow turned into a flare

Overwhelming me with its bright light

Losing track of time, Getting lost in the brilliance of it

Everything seems to be in stagnation

It's so surreal…

Once again, We meet at the North Star

Facing you in the brilliant light of Orion

You embraced me in your enlightenment

Your warm presence ameliorates my loneliness

Knowing that it was only simply my fleeting dream

But damn it feels so good not to be an ephemeral

Feeling your warm lips on mine

I couldn't help but melt in your soothing touch

Your warm touches hit all the right places

To silence all of the suspicions and mistrusts that I have

I want to be in your arms for eternity

Unfortunately, we have eventually to go our separate ways

Always cherish the memories, My shimmery little star…

Now, My shimmery little star... SHINE BRILLIANT, Like A Star

[apod]

2023 December 28

Jupiter and the Geminid Image Credit & Copyright: Gaurav Singh

Explanation: For a brief moment, this brilliant fireball meteor outshone Jupiter in planet Earth's night. The serendipitous image was captured while hunting meteors under cold Canadian skies with a camera in timelapse mode on December 14, near the peak of the Geminid meteor shower. The Geminid meteor shower, asteroid 3200 Phaethon's annual gift, always arrives in December. Dust shed along the orbit of the mysterious asteroid causes the meteor streaks, as the vaporizing grains plow through our fair planet's upper atmosphere at 22 kilometers per second. Of course Geminid shower meteors appear to radiate from a point in the constellation of the Twins. That's below and left of this frame. With bright Jupiter on the right, also in the December night skyview are the Pleiades and Hyades star clusters.

∞ Source: apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap231228.html

[enjoyerofstories]

you're not a damsel to me bree. you're a warrior. you're strong and beautiful and brilliant and brave

the call and response of trust and loyalty intermingling in the air until they become a melody. a beautiful truth that circles in the wind until everyone must hear it too

you and me, b. we can make things better. make it good. together

i dream about us bree. fighting side by side. together

how does he do it? how does this boy navigate my emotions like a seasoned sailor, finding the clear skies and bringing the closer when all i seem able to do is hold fast to the storms?

i'd forgotten the easy way nick can just... find my heart and hold it between his hands. how effortlessly he sees me in the dark

call and response, a link held taut between us from the moment we met. I'd nearly forgotten the way our connection resonates inside my chest. how inevitable it feels. like chimes rising in response to the wind, the tide rising to meet the beach.

[christinebloodwrittings]

Engraved on the knowledge tree.

Request by: @white-00-7

Pairing: Lucifer x Fem!Angel-Reader Summary: It is said that time turns people you know into people you don't anymore. When your prayers weren't answered, you decided to visit your dearest friend, in Hell. Warnings: Slight angst, Adam and Eve mention, fluff, NSFW.

“Dearest Sami:

I have heard of your new position in the heavens, congratulations! You must be very happy, as I am for you. The flowers of the garden are exquisite, I’ll bring you a few when I go up to visit. How are you now, are you still picking fights with Michael?

Yours truly, Y/n, principality of the south wall.”

“Dear Y/n:

Principality, oh my! I guess I’m not the only one with a big promotion. I am well, swarmed with papers of matters that yet don’t exist, if that was possible. I have a proposition for a new animal, I will show it to the council and let you know what they tell me.

And Michael is still a pain in everybody’s shoes, certainly someone’s been putting something in his oatmeal every morning, not that I have anything to do about it…or maybe I have.

How are things in the garden? I heard the big man was about to make something new.

Yours truly, Samael Morningstar”

“Dearest Sami:

My word! A new animal? I hope it is fluffy or cute, but that is perfectly capable given your gifted mind. And yes, the big boss is creating something he called “People”, we have yet to wait on his final design, he has tried many methods to create one, but they crumble down.

Don’t bother your sibling, Sami, you know you’ll get in trouble again. I hope you succeed in your presentation.

Yours truly, Y/n, principality of the south wall.”

“Dear Y/n:

I indeed succeeded! Soon you’ll see what will be called a duck floating in the lake of the garden, it has both yellow and white feathers, with a beak on their faces! Most adorable.

What is he making them with? I heard he’s going to try mud next; I do hope that works now.

 Which leads me to the next question: at what full moon will you bless me with your company here? I have no one to annoy Michael with, I miss you!

Waiting for your letter, loved the little gardenia inside.

Yours truly, Samael Morningstar”

“Dearest Sami:

I am so glad you liked it! He has succeeded as well! He calls it a “Man”, he’s oddly like us, without our immortal glow and wings of course, he looks simple and fragile, but strong. Adam, the first man! Very smart as well.

I am afraid I have to stand guard, big boss’s orders, so the day I had planned going up had been postponed. I’m so sorry.

Here’s a loose feather of your latest creation! Cute as they can be, the human was the first to caress them. The feathers are the softest thing I have ever felt, even more so than petals. You are brilliant Sami!

Yours truly, Y/n, principality of the south wall.”

“Dearest Y/n:

Oh my! It’s better than I had ever imagine! Though it fills me with grief knowing that I won’t see my dearest friend in a while, but no one can fight against the big man.

I have heard that the man feels alone, so he will be making him a companion, what he calls a woman. To be his equal and support.

The first one to jump on the idea was cupid, as you can imagine, she loved it, so much that she and the big man are discussing her appearance.

Thank you for the feather, still, I would like to see you.

Yours truly, Samael Morningstar”

After Lilith was created, there was almost no letters from Samael. You, dearest reader, couldn't imagine why.

There was an exact number of twelve letters sent to Samael, but the only one that came back, when the skies were tainted red, was to join the fight against a rebellious angel and his legion of insurgents.

Armed and sadly ready to make a move as the front line, you saw Samael, your friend at the other side of the battlefield, your heart crumbled as you were hit by your comrades running off to battle.

An arrow sent you against the ground, then the fire burnt most of your wings and skin as you retreated, last thing you saw was a blinding light, then all of the rebellious team sank down on the ground, including your beloved friend, who had in his arms the first woman.

After the light, fire stars showered down from the skies, one last deed before the angels fell from the heavens, pass the grounds of earth to the new kingdom, Hell.

Your once pearly skin was tainted with burn marks, golden patches colliding with the pale hue. The pain spread across your arm, portions of your torso and multiple specks on your face, similar to freckles but in reality, those were tiny fire marks from when they collapsed on the ground.

Ever since that day, Samael turned into Lucifer.

“This is absurd! How in the- HOW was she able to redeem a sinner?” you heard Sera yell on the other side of her conference room. “Who cares?! The princess did it, there’s hope for hell after all!” Emily cheered and with reason, redemption down there seemed impossible, now it’s a reality Heaven must seize.

“Y/n! can I ask you a favor?” Emily peeked her head out from the door, “Sure miss” you replied, after there was no garden to guard, you were put as a regular soldier, just making sure everything is as perfect as it always seems to be.

“I need you to take this letter to Charlie Morningstar, okay?” why she didn’t go herself? Because as a seraphim she would have to go through Michael and the rest to be allowed to do so, and that could take another hundred years.

“Sure thing, your eminence” you walked away from the building, eyeing through the door the snake winner, internally speechless.

The portal was opened in direction to the Heaven Embassy. As you walked around the streets, sinners looked at you both in fear and repulsion, you couldn’t blame them really, “Fear not, I do not with to harm you” it work in matters that they started to ignore you, resuming they lives. Though you couldn’t stop hearing the screams and nasty comments made.

“You bitch, is your fucking angels fault!” a demon yelled before throwing a stone your way, hitting your shoulder, so a lot of other demons cue in throwing stones at your body. You dismissed the act and kept walking, knowing that if you retaliate things could escalate and become worse.

Besides, after the fire burnt your skin, you almost didn’t feel anything on your back.

The shiny building named ‘Hazbin Hotel’ had a different aura surrounding it, no wonder they were able to redeem someone.

You knocked on the door a few times, a cat like demon opened, his eyes wide as he eyed you up, “What do you want?” he bitterly asked, defensively, “Exterminators gave us a bad rep, huh?” you tried to ease the tension, “I’m here to speak with Miss Morningstar” he looked at the sword attached to your hip, “Loose the sword” he spit, his ears pinned down behind his head, “If it makes you feel safer, here, just don’t let it go into the wrong hands” when he had the weapon on his hand he stepped aside.

“Husk, is everything okay?” your previous dead like feeling melted away, she was the living image of your friend, exactly the same lovely feeling he used to irradiate, “Oh hi! Welcome to the Hazbin hotel!” she took your hand, pulling you further inside, “Oh wow, those are the greenest eyes I’ve ever seen!” she took your face in her hands, rising a golden blush on your face, seeing pass her glow to see just his image, and adoring the same reaction upon meeting you.

“Lovely to meet you, princess, my name is Y/n. I have come with a letter from the Seraphim Emily” you tried to fix your emotions by detach yourself from them, almost impossible when she looked so much like Lucifer, it hurt your insides, even more than your scars.

“Since when soldiers like yourself deliver correspondence?” you heard the red smiling demon jest from the other side of the parlor, “Since the garden of Eden faded” did he meant soldier as an insult? Or he made reference to your wounds? You fidgeted with a strand of your long silver mane.

“I didn't know angels could have freckles” an ex-exterminator made an observation, “Those are burns Maggie, I recognize my own work when I see it” the voice of the former archangel sent a shiver up your spine, thousands of years without hearing his voice made you almost forget it.

Your stomach twisted inside your body, much like Lucifer’s when you turned around and saw you. You were given the image of a lion for your strength and brave heart, he always made a mess of your hair when he wanted to pet your fluffy ears, saying that in between all the angels with your same physique, you were one of a kind, given your white fur instead of the caramel looking one.

He had always made you feel special, and just like that he turned his back on you.

“Y/n, principality of the south wall” he seemed a stranger to that name, centuries without saying it out loud, “Lucifer Morningstar, king of Hell” you curtsied, and oh how it hurt his pride. “No need for that, Y/n, I’m so glad to see you well” he extended his hand, repressing jumping to hug you, given that the last thing he saw as he fell was you under a bunch of his flames.

“Likewise” you felt his hand, rough and calloused, “Will you stay for dinner, or you have to fly back?” you couldn’t fly anymore, just to show him you expanded your backbones, allowing him to see the naked bones lacking flesh and feathers, “Even if I wanted to, I can’t, but the embassy isn’t far away”.

He remembered your wing ceremony, those were hours and hours of soaring creation by his side, enjoying your freedom, and because of him, you were stranded in the ground like a defeated bird.

The room was in a mix of awe and pity, seeing the damage created by a war made for love, then the princess interrupted with the news of her redeemed friend, it was all laughter and joy. But for some reason Lucifer couldn’t stop looking at you, all that damage, all the pain and recovery that you must’ve endured.

“Y/n, you’ll have to stay” he worded that sentence so weird, he had to make another go with it pointing the sky, clouded and dripping. “It’s just rain, I can walk just fine” the radio demon cleared his throat, calling your attention, “It’s acid rain, my dear, I’m afraid you won’t make it pass the door” upon the demon’s hand on your shoulder Lucifer’s eyes turned red for a fraction of a second.

“In that case, princess, would you mind sparing a room? I’ll leave first thing in the morning” she dismissed you calling her princess, “Call me Charlie, and yes, but the rain lasts at least a couple of weeks” you found weird that she stuttered her sentence, so much you thought she was lying.

“Charlie, if you want me to stay for some reason you can just say so” she fiddled with her suit, “I mean is true that the rain lasts a few days, but I want you to see what we can do to redeem sinners, and you could pass the message?” her way to ask for her hotel sake and her father’s was cute, you were unknowing of the latter though.

“Very well” you felt her snaping your back in the tightest hug ever, “Oh thank you, thank you!” she yelled into your chest, “Ah, Charlie I love you, but let her go please, you have yet to control your strength” Vaggie ran to your side, to take her girlfriend away from you, only then both your soul and the air came back to you.

“Like father like daughter” you muttered breathlessly, Alastor holding your arm to support you, “Really?” she lighted up even more, as if that was possible. “Exact quality hug, but he broke two ribs in the process” you let out a laugh, this time the one with the golden blush was lucifer.

“Miss Y/n, you must be tired, how about I escort you to a room?” Alastor took the opportunity to kiss the back of your hand as he pulled you towards the stairs, only to be blocked by Lucifer, “I think is best for me to do it, she’s my friend” he made an emphasis on ‘my’ when he spoke, trying to take your hand from his, but Alastor took his feet away with his tendrils coming from the floor.

“I am the host of the hotel; it is my duty” his smile grew on his face, focusing only in getting into Lucifer’s skin, he didn’t noticed you walking away, “I’m the king of hell!” Lucifer roared annoyed. “Charlie dearest, how about you take me? You are the owner of the hotel” she giggled awkwardly seeing the scene, “This way, ignore them, they do this every day” her comment made you let out a laugh, “I can imagine”.

Lucifer watched you go away with Charlie, the sway of your hips along with your hair falling down to your middle back, made him feel a tingle going up and down his body. “She is a majestic sight to behold” the drop that made Lucifer snap from his stare, “Touch her again, and I’ll forget you are friends with my daughter, bellboy” poor Alastor saw dots of light, when the king hit exactly where his wound was.

Later that night, after Charlie had gifted you a robe and a toothbrush set to use, you stared at the city, seated in a sofa chair next to the window, a cup of tea that Husk had made for you, as a way to apologize for his bitter attitude earlier, which you smiled and told him that it was rather admirable of him, to be so invested in protecting his friends.

You heard a knock, “Y/n? Are you awake?” you thought for a minute, before getting on your feet and adjust your robe. Lucifer was outside your door, his tail wrapped around his leg for moral support, his heart on his throat as he had told himself over a hundred times to just go and talk with you, before actually running down the stairs to your room.

Your mind was plagued with thoughts as well, what might he want? Is he going to apologize for what happened? Is he just going to catch up with you? But of course your body was faster than your mind, because you had opened the door.

Your divine light illuminated his eyes, rising the blush once again when he saw you mere in a long robe, “Yes?” you softly asked, “Do you- ehem, would you like to talk? I mean with me? Not that you couldn’t with anyone else, just- I mean this situation, can we?” you laughed at his ramble, “Come in” his tail lightened around his leg as he entered your room.

“So, uhm, it has been a while” he sat in the chair opposite to yours, “It has” you took another sip of your tea, “Azrael took your place to annoy Michael, the other day he found a roach in his coffee” the ice breaker worked just fine, Lucifer discarded his hat on a side, and laughed his heart out imagining the scene, “And here I thought the angel of death had no sense of humor” he said in between laughs, “You would be surprised” you took another sip.

He swallowed a tight ball of saliva as you crossed one leg over the other, allowing your shiny skin flash him for a second, “I wrote to you nonetheless” his eyes traveled up to your piercing green eyes, “You did?” he heard a low ‘mmh’ before your answer, “I received a letter from the queen, saying that you didn’t wanted to associate with someone like me” you materialized the letter, reading it out loud.

“Estimated Y/n.

I would like you to stop sending your letters, my husband is beyond your pity and sympathy. He doesn’t with to associate with someone like you. We are pretty much done with heaven after what happened.

I suggest you start acting with more dignity and stop trying to romance a married man.

Regards, Lilith Morningstar, queen of Hell.”

You dropped it to the ground, “I kept writing though, eventually, I just tossed my quill and paper, hopeless” he went on his knees, taking the letter into his hands, before looking up from your legs to your face, “Even after…that?” another hum, “Well, it was almost for nothing, she left me seven years ago” you didn’t know whether to give up the façade and offer him some kindness or continue, “That’s unfortunate” you said out of nothing.

“I think apologizing isn’t the best way to go here” his hand was suddenly on your calf, just feeling your softness, “So, can I tempt you? So maybe the next time I see you will be sooner than ten thousand years?” his yellow hue eyes shone in the dead of night right against your leg, in which he rubbed his cheek.

“I- I can’t, what will they say?” he smiled, pushing himself up, his chest slowly rising against your knee, until his face was inches from yours, “If they throw you out of heaven, I promise to catch you” he whispered, “Don’t play with me, devil” you warned, the light white fur on your neck spiked up as a response of the amount of chills his sudden touch on your hips was given you.

“I’m not, I promise I’m not, but as a matter of facts, I had a dream about you” your leg fell from your opposite knee, giving him accidentally, the opportunity to push himself between them. He took your face in his hands, caressing strands of hair away as he settled his sight on your eyes.

“Your eyes remind me of the grasslands of Eden, of the first emeralds, they are so full of life and beauty, just like the bearer. I won't say that the dream haunted me, because I was really waiting for the light of hell to come down just to dream of you, seven consecutive years since my wife left me”

Tears burned their way down your face, “I…missed you too” his breath was so suddenly close, you shut your eyes without knowing what to expect. He smiled, you were still you, “Y/n” he called you, “Tell me you enjoy being a soldier, and I’ll walk away” subtle, lovely, a kiss to your upper cheek, right below your eyes, catching a tear that slipped.

“I don’t, but you just left, and when she comes back, you’ll leave again” “Not this time” “You promise?” “I promise” he waited a couple of seconds for you to say something else, your face was so conflicted, he didn’t knew if you didn't wanted him, or you hated him, but he had no response.

Your lack of words guided his hand to cup your face with one hand, gently at first, then he slipped pass your hair to the back of your head and pulled roughly until he could devour your mouth like he had dreamed, biting, without regard, the soft flesh of your lips.

"Kitten, you taste better than I could ever dream" he lowered his head to your collarbone and from there to your chin he licked like a snake getting a taste of his prey. The sensation of his rough forked tongue sent a shiver down your spine.

You wanted to resist, but his kisses, were so skillful, his hands suddenly grabbed your hips, lifting you up with ease, automatically you hooked your legs behind his back, then your hands flew to hang on his shoulders.

Your back hit the soft bed, in one swift motion, still having at least one hand on your hips to keep you grounded.

He wanted to have you, fast, but also take his time, the bulge in his pants wasn’t making his situation any better for him. You were damned and lost in his caresses, your hands were all over his back and hair, his own matching your movements, while his pelvis teased yours, rub after rub, both undergarments were soaking wet.

As time went by, your doubts dissipated in between his hungry kisses. He sat up, with his hands he threw his coat aside and opened his shirt for you to see, waiting to see if you wanted to escalate or maybe tone things down a notch, he was fine as long as he could still make your lips all swollen as they were.

He watched your hands travel down to the straps of the robe, undoing the knot and allowing him to see the light pink lace lingerie you were wearing. Your pale skin, the lingerie, plus the golden burn marks made such a nice color palette on you, he felt he turned harder just seeing all he could have If he had made the right choice in the garden.

“Do I look that good, seducer?” he noticed your lips moving but it was as if he was in a trance, you were just so “Divine” he let out while going down against your belly, leaving kisses on every rough burnt spot, “I’m so sorry” your hand was petting his head, making him drop moans of his own as you did every time he touched you.

“Do you always wear this under your armor? Or you were hoping to see me?” your blush and the way your eyes moved away from him proved you guilty, “My, my, if I didn’t knew better my dear, that puts you in line to be damned for the sin of lust” his tail caressed the inside of your thigh a few times as he purr those words, making you shake in anticipation.

“Will that turn me into a sexy demon?” he laughed, his tail flicking against your clothed bundle of nerves skillfully, “I’ll see to it if you allow me to” his teeth bit into your neck, not drawing blood but enough to add to your collection, “Lucifer, please” you moaned breathlessly, “May I taste you?” his horns popped out of his head as he looked on your eyes for consent, “Fuck it, yes” his disheveled look was a such a tripping hazard.   

Your robe hanged on your elbows as you looked up to see what he was up to, he was kissing the inside of your thigh while he discarded your panties, having the sight of your wetness all to himself. Looking directly to you he wet his lips before licking you clit, making you shiver, then your legs were secured on his shoulders before he went in.

Lapping your folds like a starved man, drinking in your essence like it was the finest wine, he delighted himself in your beauty, “At this rate, I’ll end up corrupting you, my sweet kitten” he took your soft tail in his hand, twisting it around his arm. “Will you make yourself responsible?” he purred in response, taking in his teeth, gently, your clit, teasing a moan out of your throat, “Why of course darling, if you think I’m letting you go easy now, you’re dreamin’ baby” he winked, making his way up, with a flick of his fingers his clothes were gone, as well as your robe.

“I’m truly sorry about what happened” you pulled him up for a heated kiss, tasting yourself in his lips as you did. He then asked for permission for the main thing, in which you said yes in between kisses. His hips collided with yours with each thrust, the sound of skin slapping and the wet sounds filled the room, as did your moans and his.

Ecstasy was a word you wouldn't use for that moment it was too simple. Suddenly there was a knock on your door, “Y/n? Are you okay, we heard a noise” you looked down and your cup was smashed against the floor, you must’ve knocked it at some point.

Panic filled Lucifer’s mind at the voice of his daughter on the other side, “I’m fine Charlie, I merely knocked a cup accidentally, go back to sleep” you heard her say an ‘Okay’ accompanied with a yawn.

He then took himself out of you for a few seconds, then pulled your body towards him, rotating your hips until you were on all fours. He grabbed your hair and he continued fucking you, the thrusts getting stronger and more accurate.

"Stay here, with me, please" he breathed against your ear, to which you couldn't respond, the heat clouded your senses, a warm feeling crawled up your core to your chest, a feeling you knew the meaning of.

"You’re squeezing me so tight" he said in between panted laughs, "Stay, please" you shook your head, “Please love” he bit your shoulder, seeing the golden blood turn red as it went down your back, “There’s no turning back now, anyways, you’re stuck with me” he started thrusting with his life when he saw your eyes turn black, your iris still as green as it was.

“Mine, MINE” he growled, hands on yours as he felt you squeeze him as you came. “Yes, yours” you spoke out of breath, mind blown entirely.

His six long wings had spread out when he finished, so he took the opportunity to take your body in his arms and wrap you in the pile of soft, warm feathers, filling your face with kisses as he positioned both under the covers, “We’ll clean up tomorrow, I don’t want to let you go” you laughed as he whispered those words with kisses under your chin, “Please don’t ever” you hugged his back with one arm, the other hand scratching his head, pulling out a purring sound from him.

You were far too corrupted to go back now.

[loganwritesprobably]

– Shanks & Buggy & Reader with the 2° or 3°genre, prompt (e.) ✨

Oh this pairing has so much potential, but I like it being platonic. Switches up the vibe a little. You've given me a little too much power with that choice, but I think the end here manages both..

Content/Warnings: Shanks & GN!Reader & Buggy, hurt/comfort, hurt/no comfort, childhood friends, background character death, arguing, yelling, end of friendships

You, Buggy and Shanks had been friends for as long as you could remember. Your first few years had been rough, or at least everyone assumed so considering you'd been picked up by the Roger pirates as a three year old after Shanks of a similar age had identified you and wanted to play with you. A year later had come Buggy, and on the Oro Jackson the three of you were raised to be pirates. Shanks was always the strongest of the three of you, while Buggy was the most sensitive, and you were the smartest. Between the three of you, you would've made a brilliant pirate crew.

Would've. That was the key word. Past tense.

Roger had been executed, and the skies had opened up to scream their protests. Rain poured down over the three of you as you trudged through Loguetown and away from the execution platform. You couldn't bare to look at it anymore. Shanks was up ahead, leading the way, while you followed, hand in hand with Buggy.

You paused near the docks, and you took a few steps away from the boys to look out at the sea. It wouldn't be the same without him. You'd wanted to stay with the crew until you were at least sixteen, but you'd not been with them in over six months and you were only fifteen. Shanks and Buggy were hardly older than you. You'd been abandoned.

Your ears perked up as you heard yelling. Buggy. You whipped around to look for the danger, and realised it was you in trouble - Buggy was yelling at Shanks. You rushed over to their sides, stood just between them, trying to figure out what had happened.

"He isn't going to go looking for the One Piece." Buggy muttered, and you could hear how betrayed he felt, and some part of you felt the same. You looked at Shanks with slightly widened eyes.

"Shanks.." you murmured, searching his face in hopes you could understand.

"We can all still sail together." Shanks offered, but the offer was lame, it fell flat. He didn't even sound confident about the offer.

"But that's our dream Shanks - the one piece." You replied, inching closer to Buggy. You hated to choose sides when they bickered, but you all knew a choice had already been made.

"I just.. I don't know. Maybe it isn't mine anymore." Shanks whispered, but he might as he might as well have screamed it. Not his dream anymore?

You took Buggy's hand in your own, and laced your fingers. Both of you needed the support.

"You know, most people only deal with one idiot. You pick a best friend, and you put up with them for life. I thought you two would be the death of me. But it looks like I'll be picking sides before that happens." You said to Shanks, and Buggy squeezed your hand to reassure and comfort you. You watched as Shanks took a single step back, scared and betrayed, then he spun and took off in a sprint, away from the two of you.

You and Buggy leaned heavily against each other, tears rolling anew down your faces, eyes already sore and cheeks red and splotchy. You thought you'd cried your share of tears already, but of course there was more. Buggy held you, and you held him in return. For a long time the two of you stood there in a tight embrace, crying and letting the rain wash away your tears.

"We'll start our own flashy crew." Buggy said, and you smiled despite the tears and just nodded, not trusting your own voice. Yeah, you didn't need Shanks.

Requests are open! See below links for my other works, and how to leave requests. I write both canon/canon and canon/reader requests for your enjoyment

AO3 | Fanfic Masterlist | Request Rules | Fic Trades Guide | WIPs

Tags: @claryeverlarkf

[tragedybunny]

Caught Out

༺Summary༻

Astarion and Serafina get caught out in a storm and come up with a plan to get warm again.

༺Pairing༻ Astarion x Serafina (Female Tav/OC)

༺Warnings༻ Non-explicit sex, a hint of suicidal ideation, otherwise just mostly fluff

༺Word Count༻ 2554

༺A/N༻

This a gift for my dear friend @icybluepenguin as part of our server exchange. Sorry I had to keep secrets for so long on this. 😅 I hope you love it.

Thank to @leomonae for betaing and assuring me it worked, and for the great addition at the end.

Read on AO3

Darkness was coming earlier with each day; while on the one hand that meant more time Astarion was able to travel freely, it also meant that the nights were becoming colder and the weather less pleasant. Serafina had watched the sun sink down past the horizon through a gathering tide of dark clouds that held the promise of a storm.

She and Astarion had left Baldur’s Gate some weeks back; their first lead on a way for Astarion to walk in the sun had proved fruitless, and now they were on their way to Waterdeep to consult with Gale on some research he had done.

Though at the moment, Sera wished they could just take shelter for the night. Astarion would likely want to press on: not only was he eager to find a way back into the light, he was eager to explore the world he’d been kept from for two hundred years. His impatience in that regard was understandable and forgivable, and so she would relent to continuing on, hoping the rain wouldn’t catch them.

As if sensing her thoughts - and she wasn’t sure that was out of the realm of possibility, with his new talents that had emerged once the tadpole was gone and he started being fed properly - Astarion emerged from their tent, immaculately dressed and perfectly coiffed. He flashed her a brilliant smile, fangs on full display; reveling in himself, with nothing to hide from her any longer.

“Good evening, my love.” He came over to wrap his arms around her and face the direction she was keeping watch, as she smothered the last of the cookfire. A sudden wind shook the leaves of the surrounding trees, drawing her gaze back to gathering clouds she had been observing earlier.

“Maybe not so good judging by those clouds.” Leaning her head back, Sera’s lips softly brushed the edge of his jaw, innocent and sensual at once. “Perhaps we should just stay at camp tonight?”

“Don’t tell me the hero of Baldur’s Gate is scared of a little rain!” Astarion’s teasing was followed by a playful nip to the point of her ear.

Swallowing down her growing misgivings about continuing their journey with the threatening skies, she turned in his arms and playfully tugged at one of his curls. “Oh, I'm not, but we'll see how you feel as soon as these get wet.”

“Cheeky.” Cool lips brushed over hers. “Let’s just see who surrenders to a little inconvenience first.”

With the camp packed, the two of them set out for the night along the road north to Waterdeep, emerging from the edge of the trees that marked the boundary of the Misty Forest. Astarion had been hesitant to fully enter the woods initially, knowing that the elves within saw it as their sovereign kingdom and might not feel kindly towards a half-blood and a vampire intruding. Sera had agreed with that assessment; what she hadn’t agreed with was not taking a room at the well-known traveler’s refuge, the Way Inn.

But Astarion had argued it was too crowded; too many would-be heroes. In the end, she couldn’t blame him for being cautious about being discovered; not after they’d accidentally discovered another vampiric ability of his near the start of their journey when he’d walked right up a wall in front of the inn’s patrons they were trying to defend. Luckily they had been playing heroes that night, and so the owners of the inn had been willing to overlook the obvious vampire who’d spent the following day hidden away in one of their rooms.

A distant peal of thunder broke the silence of the night; Sera glanced back towards where the stars were disappearing into a looming blackness. “If this storm catches up to us, we are staying in a real building tonight – one with a proper bath.”

It had been weeks on the road, bathing in rivers and ponds a good portion of the time; with the temperatures falling, a hot bath was most definitely in order. Maybe she should apologize to Astarion for teasing him when he’d previously complained about his creature comforts, Sera thought.

“Of course we can’t have a delicate lady such as yourself exposed to such elements,” Astarion said, then laughed merrily, darting just out of reach of her attempted playful smack to his shoulder.

“Impero te.” A clap of thunder came, right beside Astarion; he froze in his impish dance, looking worriedly up towards the clouds despite having heard her vocalize the spell. A simple Prestidigitation cantrip; now it was Sera’s turn to laugh. “I thought you were unworried about the elements.”

“That was cheating, madam,” Astarion groused.

The banter and chatting continued as they walked, before finally they fell into a companionable silence. While Sera certainly didn’t mind Astarion’s usual more talkative moods, his jokes and gossip about their friends gleaned from letters, the silence was lovely. The silence meant he was comfortable: not feeling driven to be entertaining and witty, every second of his existence, in order to earn his place. Not feeling like he had to earn his place with her.

Slowly, the light of the stars vanished, and then the moon as well, taking the ambient color of the world with them, until she and Astarion were left to rely upon their inherent darkvision as they continued along.

Another boom of genuine thunder sounded, closer than the first; the wind answered it with a fierce gust.

“I believe your storm ha-” Astarion cut himself off at the first drops of rain pattering down, looking up at the sky. “- has found us.”

Sera shivered in her armor, pulling the hood of her cloak over her head and trying not to be cross with her love over his earlier stubbornness, but finding herself longing for the warm bath she could be enjoying right now instead of standing in the frigid rain. “Shall we pick up the pace? Bowshot shouldn’t be far.”

Lightning danced across the sky, briefly returning color to their surroundings. Astarion stared at the falling water with disdain, but seemed determined not to admit defeat by agreeing with her outright. “If that is what my beloved wishes, we’ll make haste to town.”

With a gallant bow, he set off at a brisk jog; a pace designed for her to keep up with. He was faster now too, these days; it wouldn’t sustain over long distances, but in a short trek, he was near-impossible to catch.

Not to be found wanting, Sera hurried to follow, slipping the strap of her staff over her shoulder to keep it out of the way.

The patter of rain soon became a downpour, the water soaking into the padded cloth of her armor and weighing her down. Astarion had slowed, his own leather armor sodden as well. The relentless wind made her blood feel like ice water in her veins. Shaking, she pulled her now useless cloak tighter around herself. 

Astarion further slowed his pace to let Sera catch up, then put an arm around her.

“I'm sorry, my love; I should have listened. You're freezing.” His voice sounded so genuinely pained that Sera couldn't help but let go of any lingering irritation.

“Let's just find some place to stop.” Gods above, how far could Bowshot be?

“Perhaps that will suffice?” Astarion pointed to what looked like a rather worn down building some distance off the road.

It would at least be dry. But… 

“There could be other things taking shelter there,” Sera mused, though the steady flood from the sky was making her care less and less about that with every passing moment.

“What's the worst there could be? Goblins? Kobolds?”

“You know, I think you secretly like eating kobolds,” Sera teased; Astarion scoffed at the remark. “But you're right, it has to be better than this.”

The two of them scurried from the road and down along the overgrown, muddy track that looked to have once served as a cart path.

The structure loomed before them, two stories of worn wood, grime-covered windows, and a door barely clinging to its hinges. It couldn’t be any worse than camping in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, though, Sera thought, hanging back to keep an eye on the road behind them while Astarion, as the more silent of the two of them, entered first to scout the place.

It wasn’t long before he reappeared, a pale face and faintly glowing red eyes looming out of the darkness; it would have been frightening, if Sera didn’t know it so well.

“It’s not a well-kept inn, but there are no kobolds.”

“That will do.” Sera followed up into the house as Astarion led the way, down an entry hall into a parlor with a large hearth and the broken remains of furniture scattered around. Various doors led to the rest of the house, and a stairway vanished up into darkness.

At least the roof above this area seemed to be holding fast against the continued torrent of rain, even as the storm banged and boomed in even fiercer fashion.

“Nothing for it but to sit it out, I suppose,” Sera said, after taking in their surroundings.

“We need to get you dry first,” Astarion said, brushing a strand of hair out of her face and cupping her cheek. “You’re cold as death. And I should know.”

Astarion set to work without waiting for a reply, removing his armor and breaking apart a few of the chairs; in the meanwhile, Sera stripped off her cloak and padded armor before tugging off her boots as well, leaving both her and Astarion similarly garbed in loose shirts and breeches. From inside their Bag of Holding, she pulled out a couple of bedrolls and extra blankets - they might as well make themselves comfortable.

“Ignis,” Astarion spoke; a fire blazed to life in the hearth, adding at least some warmth to their bleak shelter.

When he turned back toward her, Sera had the bedrolls spread out on the floor and had already made herself comfortable; she patted the spot next to herself invitingly. The grin Astarion gave her in return was both mischievous and lascivious.

He wasted no time in settling next to her, pulling her into his arms. “Why, my sweet Serafina, this won’t do at all.  Your clothes are still far too damp; best to remove them.”

“How will I keep warm at all without them?” Sera looked up at him through her lashes, eyes wide in a pantomime of feigned naivety.

“I’m sure I can think of a way to get you warm.” Astarion’s hands gripped her shirt, beginning to tug on it as though to pull it over her head. Feeling a sudden flush, she yielded, growing passion starting to push away lingering trepidation about the storm. 

Brilliant lightning brightened the room, flashing just as thunder rattled the house’s rickety bones, followed by a strange thump from up the stairs.

They both froze.

“I thought you cleared the house?” Sera asked, lowering her voice to a whisper.

“I did!” Astarion shot back, defensively, before recovering his composure. “Perhaps it’s a ghost. Do you need me to protect you from the other creatures of the night?”

His hands went back to attempting to remove her shirt.

“We fought a ghost and won,” Sera muttered as one of his icy hands suddenly palmed her breast, leaving her sighing and leaning into his touch. A metallic sort of whine came from upstairs; it had to just be the house having been shaken by the storm, the wind still battering it, but they seemed safe enough for the moment. Why not indulge in a bit of fun?

“Oh no, a ghost. Maybe we should hide under all these blankets.”

“Excellent idea, love. I can keep you nice and safe under there.” With a quick tug, Astarion pulled her shirt off and pushed her down to the bedroll. “Oh, but these breeches are…”

Astarion trailed off, clearly unable to decide whether to keep going with the ghost pretence or the “too wet” notion. “Well, either way, they just have to go.”

Soon Sera was left naked and shivering, eager for both the blankets and Astarion, even if his body temperature wouldn’t help with warming her up. But there were other ways he could help her with that, as he’d promised. 

“No fair, you’re still dressed. We should be equally vulnerable to the ghosts,” Sera teased, sliding her foot up his leg to run along the obvious bulge at his groin.

“Of course, I’ll make myself a similarly tempting target to lure the ghosts away from you.”

Astarion quickly dispensed with his own clothes until he was left bare, shining like marble in the soft glow of the fire; a truly ethereal beauty. Sometimes, Sera thought that if he accidentally killed her during one of his feedings, she’d be happy to die that way: in his arms, lost in passion, offering him the sustenance to sustain his life.

There was another thud somewhere in the house, quickly blotted out by yet more thunder as the storm’s fury began to build to a crescendo.

“Oh no, protect me, my brave love!”

Sera held her arms out, lost in the building warmth in her core, unable to muster any care for the fact that this particular thud seemed closer. Gathering the blankets, Astarion lowered himself down to her, lips pressed against hers, covering them both. The chill of the rain-soaked walk was instantly forgotten. He was right: he was very good at getting her warm - with teeth and tongue and hands and cock stiff with wanting her.

The blankets surrounding them trapped the heat of their coupling while the fire burned itself down. A sheen of sweat covered them, by the time Astarion collapsed into her arms, face nuzzling into her neck.

Sera hummed, running her fingers up and down the lean muscles of his body, less sharply defined now that he was no longer being starved. “Is it my turn to warm you up, love?”

“You're too good to me,” Astarion breathed, just before his fangs sank into her neck.

The storm slowed as he fed, leaving behind only the sound of a gentle patter of rain and the crackle of dying embers.

Safe, warm, loved - there was nothing more Sera could want. Except for the goal they sought: Astarion returned to the sun. And they were well on their way to that one.

Once Astarion finished feeding and had licked her wounds clean, Sera sat up. Waterdeep was still a long ways to go.

“The rain’s stopped. Our armor is still soaked, but we could get on the road without -”

Sera was cut off by Astarion wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close, kissing along her shoulder. “A little longer, Sera, love; no need to pay for my impatience twice in a night.”

Sera wavered, then gave in, her eyes closing as she sighed contentedly. As they shut, for a moment she almost thought she’d glimpsed a silvery figure from the corner of her vision.

A trick of the shadows and the ghost talk from earlier, surely, Sera thought, dismissing the imagined apparition as she leaned back against Astarion. Besides. She had a vampire.

Tag list: @writingmysanity @snowfolly @sunfire-ancunin @vixstarria

@just-a-refrigerator @ladyofcrowsandcoffee @tallymonster @azu21

@wilteddreamsofbaldursgate @spacebarbarianweird @cilil @bg3obsessedsideblog

@talented-bitch @claryvoyantfray

[doonarose]

GOAD Writer's Guild presents: Give Me Jizz or Give Me Death - A Choose Your Own Jizz (CYOJ) Adventure

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARLOTOFUPDOG OMG!!!!!!!!

(yes, you should feel equal parts pleased and terrified, we wrote you choose your own jizz/graveyard/dark/ghost/crack/weird fic)

And yes, the rest of you can read it too!

Summary: It is a dark and porny night. Everything feels… spooky. And salty. Really, really salty. Tread lightly in this Choose Your Own Adventure fic, our Ineffables have the odds stacked against them as they step foot onto an island with danger around every corner. All they really want is to have a nice picnic… Well, maybe a bit more than that.

Enter if you dare.

TW: Although this is very much for fun (and yay happy birthday, we love you!), we have hit the big ones: major character deaths, graphic violence (and death), noncon. As well as disgusting jizz, ghosts and cameos by characters you perhaps would rather not see in ways you definitely don’t want to see them. Basically: dead dove, don’t eat. On steroids. But for fun.

A/N: Yes, so happy birthday u/harlotofupdog!!! And welcome to the second iteration of the @goodomensafterdark Choose Your Own Adventure style fic. This wasn’t meant to happen. We only had a week or so to whip up something quick and easy to celebrate our dear, dark, jizzy Harlot, and instead here we are with some of the most ghastly, gooey choices a reader will ever have to make.

The premise is simple, borrowing heavily from Harlot’s own very brilliant Good Omens fics, our story begins with Crowley and Aziraphale on a windswept island, out for an adventure and choosing to explore the lighthouse (of course), the graveyard (obviously), or a pub (the trifecta of Best Ever Fic Settings). Within each, our heroes could find their bliss or their very worst endings. How happily they end up depends entirely on your choices.

At the end of each chapter you will have to choose what happens next. Navigate by clicking the links, NOT by clicking ‘next chapter’.

Amazing thanks to u/wingsofopal and u/nosferatini for thinking this was at all a good idea to try to pull off in a week and for wrangling our exceptional writers, betas and cheerleaders!

Shout out to each and every author: u/adverbian, u/-cheeseplants-, u/blackjeans93, u/startledplatypus, u/FuzzyGoblinoid, u/depressedpenguin2, u/yes-its-unholy, u/Natyu0815, u/gaiaseyes, u/nosferatini, u/happynachohologram, u/wingsofopal, u/paperclip_ninja, u/badbitchbarenziah, u/blackjeans93, u/likeafuckingninja, u/sensiblesquirrels, u/she_makes_things, u/doonarose, u/dbacklot99, u/hakunahistata, u/zin_lynn and u/PurpleMoonPagan for the intro limerick.

I think we all found out some interesting things about ourselves and each other during this journey into the darkest, weirdest, jizziest corners of our brains! Many authors also helped beta each other’s work, as well as special shout-outs to u/pepper_bird, u/ghst_signal and u/tawnyowl95 for extra beta help!

Enormous shoutout to u/IneffableCrankShaft for that amazing cover art!!!! And also to u/likeafuckingninja for some extra special saucy art within the fic!

All of this spunky, gooey, frankly quite weird jizz is for u/harlotofupdog to celebrate their birthday!!! And as a little thank you for their lovely/soul-shattering fic!!

Excerpt:

“Well, this place feels…spooky.” Crowley’s words are whipped away in the wind as it lashes relentlessly through the grass. It howls past them, across the red sandstone cliffs and down to the docks they’ve left behind one trudging step at a time. There’s no turning back, not with rain threatening to pour forth from the evening skies at any moment. Not now that they’ve made it this far up the narrow path to the highest peak of the island, panting and heaving a picnic basket back and forth between them. How many books did the bastard pack, exactly? “WHAT?” Aziraphale calls out, and Crowley turns to face him, locks of his own hair flickering like flame across his vision. “I said, this whole place feels spooky .” “That’s why we’re here, my dear.” Aziraphale has properly caught up to him now, his cheeks pink and his pale curls hopelessly tousled. Crowley’s heart twists at the sight, beating faster. “WOT?” Crowley shouts back, attempting a grin. Aziraphale hands him back the picnic basket with a hearty shove and the makings of a smirk about his lips. “I thought you liked spooky! Big, spooky, um, fan, wasn’t it?”

Read the fic here! And don’t forget your amazing bingo card to play along as you go!

[sylusjinwoon]

{ 170 }

always by your side.

choso kamo x fem.reader

warnings: blood mention

the sun was shining brightly when you and choso decided to go on a much needed date. whereas you were all smiles and sunshine, your boyfriend had an almost eerie gloom to him.

after sharing a light lunch at your favorite café, you simply wished to bask in your lover's presence while exploring the city together. as you tugged choso along, whispers from other people could be heard from all around you, making your boyfriend seem to further curl into himself upon witnessing such words.

"he's so pale, what is he, a corpse?"

"i feel bad for the girl... do you think we should see if she's okay?"

you could feel your annoyance mounting, glaring at those boys who wished to take you away from choso. wishing to comfort him, you squeeze his hand within yours, facing him with a kind smile on your face.

"cho, don't listen to them, okay? come on... you know you never once cared about what others thought about you, so don't let it bother you now."

the tiniest smile graces your lover's features, taking one of your hands before settling it on his pale cheek. "i know that but... it's just- i don't like upsetting or embarrassing you. in many ways, they're right, you deserve-"

not allowing him to finish such self-deprecating thoughts, you gently shush him while placing a finger on his parted lips. "i deserve you, and that's final."

choso's eyes widen for the briefest moment, mirroring the momentary shock he felt before narrowing once more, eyes now filled with complete and utter adoration for you. letting out a light chuckle, you watch as he leans down to press a kiss against your forehead.

"thank you, my love."

you hum, basking in the soft sensation of his kiss felt against your skin before taking his hand once more. while you continued to explore the city together, your eyes go wide upon seeing something that towers over you. you signal for choso to stop walking while pointing a finger up at the looming ferris wheel with its brightly colored lights seen flashing against the sunset.

"choso, come on, let's get on the ferris wheel! it'll be the perfect end to our date!"

choso hums and follows your gaze, giving you a nod. never one to ignore your wants and needs, he takes confident strides toward the ferris wheel and waits in line. with a wistful smile painting your features, you slowly begin to interlock your fingertips with choso, making sure that you held his hand in a tighter grip. your boyfriend returns your smile, and within what felt like mere seconds, it was finally your turn to ride the ferris wheel.

sharing a pod with choso, you rest your head on his shoulder while admiring the skies. the sun had already begun to set over the horizon, painting the skies in brilliant, twilight hues.

"i'm so happy, being able to witness such a beautiful sight with you."

you listen as choso hums in response, giving your hand another squeeze as you were filled with love for him. wishing to act on your emotions, you softly call out choso's name and capture his attention.

choso's eyes go wide when you gently framed at his face with your two hands before leaning closer to him. "i will always love you."

those were the final words that come from you when you finally press your lips against his in a sweet kiss. being perfectly slotted against his lips, you try to deepen the kiss, only to feel slightly dejected when he doesn't return your affectionate gesture, filling your heart with a sense of unease.

"back then, you didn't let me finish." an almost pained whisper was heard coming from choso, making you furrow your brow in response when he suddenly keeps your head still, finally returning your kiss.

but instead of tasting the faint taste of coffee from choso, there was an unknown... almost coppery taste that had come from his lips. filled with nausea, you shove yourself away from him, eyes going wide upon seeing choso's mouth filling with blood.

the thick, red liquid seem to be pouring from his eyes and mouth, making it seem as though your beloved was crying tears made from blood itself when he brokenly says to you-

"i was going to tell you that you deserved someone who was still alive."

your screams of agony and despair were all that you could hear---

waking up with a gasp, you found yourself suddenly in an upright position, still in bed as the blankets slide off your form.

your breathing was heavy, and you couldn't stop your heart from clenching so painfully in response. broken sobs wrack through your body, and your eyes remained unfocused as the tears kept falling from your eyes, further blinding you.

a tired voice calling out your name serves as a much needed reminder that you had been suffering from a nightmare; that he was still by your side and was currently bringing you into his embrace.

"cho...choso... it's... oh, it was awful."

you curl into your lover, feeling choso brush his slightly chapped lips against your temple while rubbing comforting circles around your back.

"what happened?" he whispers to you, still littering your face with his soft and lingering kisses. his methods of comforting you were working, and you felt your heart slowly calm down, ceasing its almost painful beats as you cling to the front of his shirt.

"you were dead... in my dreams... and when we kissed, y-you..."

the raw pain you felt in your nightmare was too much, rendering you speechless once more as choso let out a coo of your name.

"i'm sorry you had to experience such a potent nightmare, my love." with gentle movements, choso moves your face away from his chest, smiling down at you as your eyes met with his deep purple gaze. "but, i want you to know that i will never leave your side."

you could feel your tears continue its steady stream down your face when choso gently traces at your bottom lip, whispering your name once more before leaning forward to kiss you deeply. he tastes the saltiness of your tears and groans, threading his fingers through your hair while whispering to you,

"i'll always be by your side protecting you no matter what. now, let's get back to bed. i'll keep you in my arms for the rest of the night so that you can rest easy, how does that sound?"

with choso smiling down at you, you felt all of your anxieties and fear melt away. giving him an eager nod, you greedily press your frame against the front of choso's chest, hearing him letting out a content sigh before laying back in bed with you in his embrace.

as you buried your face within his chest, you could feel choso pressing several kisses against your hair while murmuring his complete and utter devotion to you. basking in his whispered promises of love and forevers, you felt your eyes slowly begin to grow heavier before shutting them completely...

now shielded from any bad dreams by the man who would always be by your side.

a.n. - hhhhh this is technically the first story i have written for choso, and i hoped it turned out well enough. i wanted to include different jjk characters in hopes of writing more jjk someday,,, but,,, writing for a new character is hard 😭 still, i hope this story was enjoyable enough!

all stories are written by rei; reposts, translations, and plagiarism are not allowed.

[fushiglow]

Here’s my AO3 wrapped for 2024!

This time last year, I was really proud of what I'd achieved with my writing in 2023. Little did I know that I was about to blow myself out of the water in 2024!

I've never been this productive for a fandom in all my life; it's actually wild what my brain has come out with in the last 12 months, even through all the ups and downs the year brought with it. Though the ending to 2024 was particularly hard, I won't let anyone take that away from me.

Glo, you did amazing actually ✨

Words written: Over 200k words published in 2024 and many more sitting in my secret WIP pile!

Works published: Twenty three published works for Jujutsu Kaisen, 21 of which are complete. Help.

Work I'm most proud of: Over the Threshold, even more than last year. My love for this work is infinite and blue.

Work that readers enjoyed most: This time last year, Over the Threshold didn't have many readers yet, but I think it's safe to say that this is now a reader favourite too. After that, however, it's probably Mailman AU or Office AU — hard to judge which since they were cross-platform, but while I think the strength of love was stronger for the former, the latter probably wins in sheer numbers.

Fastest work to write: Thunder. I've said it before, but this fell out of my brain onto the page in a single morning.

Slowest work to write: It took me three months to write chapter 12 and it wasn't even that long, so unfortunately it's Over the Threshold. Progress on this fic has slowed significantly towards the latter half of the year and it frustrates me, but I won't rush this work!

Number of WIPs I'm taking into 2024: God, I've literally lost count at this point, but I know we're over the 40 mark. I have too many documents open. Someone rein me in please.

Favourite character to write: Last year I said Gojō, but writing Getō in chapters 11 and 12 was very difficult and all the more rewarding because of it. Honourable mention to Megumi in In His Shadow and Balance, because I adored writing from his POV in those fics.

Favourite line/passage I wrote this year: Chapter 11 specifically is my magnum opus. For now, at least. If I'm honest, I think every single chapter is brilliant from here on out. Wish me luck!

It was an A minor chord on a rainy afternoon. A chromatic flourish, tumbling over black and white at the top of the piano. A second suspended like magic in the air, waiting for resolution to the third. But also, thunder booming and bellowing its way across the city. The day’s first birdsong, before the heavens found their forgotten yellows. The hiss of the Pacific Ocean kissing Suguru’s feet, stretching out into infinity before him. Blue was the autumn wind’s mournful howl ushering in the death of the year. The hopeful chime of icicles fracturing in winter’s thaw. The pensive pitter-patter of a spring shower on Suguru’s umbrella. The summer chorus crying its jubilant love song to cloudless skies. Most of all, it was Satoru and his blue, blue eyes.

Once again, thank you to everyone who supported my work in 2024, whether in my comment section, in the replies and reblogs here on Tumblr, or even in our private DMs. It's all the motivation I need to continue when I'm feeling unwanted in this fandom; I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the love you've shown for my writing over the last 12 months.

I'm going to make a post about my writing process soon, so if you have any specific questions you'd like me to answer, leave them in the replies! For now, here's to many more wonderful words in 2025!

P.S. This exercise is for my own record keeping, so I just used a collaged together template I made last year. Feel free to use it for your own AO3 wrapped if you like!

[the-cauldron-witch]

It has been some time since I've finished a piece of art, but here she is!! My darling Myrtha! Name: Myrtha Age: Unknown, estimated over a hundred. Species: Roti Island snake-necked turtle

Story of her below!

Taglist

@thelaundrybitch @thegirlwiththeninjaturtletattoos @redsrooftopprincess @iridescentflamingo @sophiacloud28 @yorshie @ninnosaurus @silverwatergalaxy @truffle-draws-turtles @thepinkpanther83 @avery73

The pattering of heavy rain pouring down by the sheets against the Tartarugo Brother’s dump truck echoed inside the otherwise quiet vehicle. Wipers furiously waving back and forth to wipe away the droplets attempting to obscure Donnie’s vision of the dirt road ahead, the asphalt having been left behind about half an hour ago now. The radio had lost all signal to the stations in their usual line-up, leaving the four brothers in relative silence.

“Alright, we’re going to need to park up here, otherwise the truck will probably sink into the mud too much for us to get out. The weather certainly isn’t on our side on the matter,” Donnie announced to his brothers over the sounds of the storm battering the truck, spying a decent opening ahead between two large trees just to the left of the dirt road. Nestling the massive dump truck between the two massive American sycamores, Donnie cut the engine before shoving the key into the safety of one of his cargo pockets and zipped it shut.

“We’re going to need to leave through the back,” Donnie told Leo, nudging his leg gently. Shoving the youngest brother’s legs out of his lap Raph stood up, throwing open the back doors and hopping out, feet landing with a wet squish. A shudder wracked through his shell at the feeling. Jamming his phone into his basketball shorts pocket Mikey popped out of the truck with a hop, followed by Leo then Donnie who slammed the door shut and locked up.

“Are we sure ‘bout all this? All April said was that a lotta people were tellin’ the news station of someone scarin’ away hunters and hikers,” Raph questioned gruffly, having to raise his voice slightly over the downpouring rain. Lightning shattered the blackened skies followed by a low rumble of thunder vibrating the air, the gusts of wind turning the droplets into stinging projectiles. “Fer all we know it’s some jackass in’a ghillie suit gettin’ a laugh”

“She didn’t say someone, she said something. Whatever it is April is pretty sure it’s not human,” Leo stated flatly, turning his head so that the rain didn’t pelt his face.

“Angel cakes wouldn’t have us come out here for something that stupid anyway, I bet my board on it,” Mikey defended April with an affirming nod to no one in particular, looking up just as another scatter of lightning shattered the sky with brilliant light fading into the clouds. It was bad enough they had to trudge through the ass-smelling swamp, the added awful weather seemed unnecessary in the youngest’s opinion.

“Reviewing all the information April gave me, plus tapping into the wildlife cameras put up by conservationists, whatever is hiding within the swamp terrorizing people walks similarly to humans but is at least twice or more the size,” Donnie reported, looking down at the device attached to his wrist. Pressing one of the buttons, a small hologram displayed of a clearing recorded somewhere within the swamp, “April wanted us to check it out because of this video that was sent in of it. It’s the only video that shows it clearly for more than a few seconds,”

From the shadows beyond the cameras’ sight lumbered in a rather large figure, slowly trudging into view through the murky water and thick mud. The creature walked upright with a very visible hunch and a short and clumsy gait, one of its arms clutching onto a hiking staff with a lantern hanging off the curled top. Dirty and discarded fabrics were draped over or wrapped around the figures frame, obscuring the camera of any further details.

“Um…where the hell is its head?” Mikey questioned, growing increasingly unsettled as the video played. The draped fabrics shifted awkwardly as the creature shambled its way closer, standing just a few yards away from the camera now. It stopped, the fabrics shifting and rising in an awkward fashion, as though something in the middle of its body lifted the sheet. Bending over shakily, the lantern swaying back and forth as it gripped the staff for stability, the things other arm reached into the water and pulled out a stone.  With one flick of its wrist, the creature launched the rock with laser like accuracy at the camera and promptly cut off the video.

“What the fuck?” Raph muttered in disbelief.

“Whatever that is, it definitely isn’t human,” Leo stated, pausing long enough to let the clash of lightning and thunder roll out. “Do we have any areas where that thing is frequently sighted?” He questioned the taller brother.

“I narrowed down all the sightings and reports to one specific area. Once we get there, we can split up and comb the area more carefully” Donnie reported, turning off the finished hologram video and opening the map. “I already have all the wildlife, trail and security cameras displaying a feedback loop for anyone other than myself. Park rangers closed off all camping sites and hunting trails until they figure out what this thing is, so we should be completely alone out there. Well, besides whatever we’re searching for”

“Alright, turn on your coms and trackers just in case we get separated or go off course in the swamp. I don’t think the weather is going to get any better from here on out,” Leo instructed as he began following Donnie’s lead, wincing against the bite of the rain.

The rain settled into a steady rhythm as the four brothers ventured into the swamp, following a path worn into the earth by time and many footsteps. Raph grimaced as he brought up the rear, the feeling of the muck and gravel beneath his bare feet sending spikes of repulsion through his very being with every step. With each step he could hear the mud squelch under his feet even with the rain.

“Alright, we just need to go northwest for two clicks, and we’ll be in the general area with the most frequent sightings. I set up a program on my computer to keep the trail cameras running with the feedback loop and alert me if the creature triggers the motion sensors,” Turning in the direction his GPS instructed Donnie began leading them off the worn path and into the thick of the swamp, each step bringing the rather tall terrapin down an inch into the mud and water. The gentle sloshing from each step his brothers took turned his stomach a little, finally working up the nerve to follow Raph began walking after his brother and shuddered with every wet step.

“You guys see that?” Mikey questioned suddenly, his voice cutting through the heavy droning of the rain. Following the youngest brother’s line of sight Leo, Donnie, and Raph peered through the rain the best they could. A variety of lures dangled and danced from invisible fishing line weaved between two tall trees, like the pattern of a spider’s web. Light reflected off the many fishing hooks, various shreds of fabric dangling as remnants of past victims having been caught by the hidden trap. Adjusting his crooked glasses and blinking in disbelief, Donnie studied the hand-made web curiously.

“That’s…interesting,” Donnie mumbled, unsure what to make of this. Whatever made this did it with the knowledge that A: spiders were something feared and B: how to utilize discarded fishing line and lures to make a web.

“What could have done this?” Leo stuttered, shaking his head and glancing around himself as the paranoia began to tighten his chest.

“I don’t know…but it’s definitely meant to keep people away, not capture them,” Donnie cautiously began walking in the direction the GPS directed, keeping his eyes peeled for other fishing-line spider webs. Taking a few steps closer to inspect the web, Mikey poked and pulled a few of the lures, one of them shaped like a fish and another shaped like some strange cricket like bug.

“This is getting weird bro,” Mikey stated to Raph, turning to join the grimacing brother in following Donnie’s lead.

Another ten minutes of trudging in the disgusting thickness of the swamp, passing at least four or five more fishing-line webs, Leo began noticing some trail markers as they continued. Long, thick, and carved-smooth sticks jutted from stones piled to hold it up or a mound of earth sturdy enough to hold it. Stained with natural pigments, decorated with ropes tied around the top and midsection, or wrapped with a piece of scrap clothing, the markers varied in decoration as they continued. The further they walked, the closer together the trail markers stood.

“Alright, we’re in the general area with the most sightings. So far, none of the wildlife cameras have…” Cutting off his own sentence, Donnie stopped dead in his tracks with a strangled noise. “What the fuck…” he whispered, blood running cold in his veins.

 This wasn’t right, there was absolutely no way he was seeing this. Pressing the screen of his wrist device, the hologram displayed the view from one of the trail cameras. Standing directly within view, somehow not alerting the motion sensors on the camera, was the very creature they were searching for. The sheets of torn fabric draped over the hunched form moved strangely, something lifting from the bottom again. Two glowing rings peered from the shadow under the sheets, the things head was hanging closer to its midsection rather than its shoulders as normal. Whatever this was, it moved in such a slow and careful way it hadn’t set any of the sensors off.

“What tha hells yer problem, Don?” Raph demanded through gritted teeth; fists gripping around his Sai as he waded through a particularly thick patch of mud. Did Leo or Donnie even tell him to wear shoes, or that they were going out in a god damned swamp of all places? Not that the smell differed much, but at least in the sewers he could find a way around the filth. Even if he climbed a tree to avoid the muck that he was currently ankle-deep in, Raph was positive his weight would uproot the tree from the waterlogged ground itself.

“Donnie?” Leo called with worry, stopping in his tracks once noticing the tallest brother had gone silent. There was no answer, just the orchestra of chirping or croaking of amphibians and other critters living within the swamp. Donnie shook his head; it wasn’t possible that the creature knew they were looking for it by staring into a camera.

No. No this thing was smart. It must have been watching them from the very beginning and knew they could see it through the camera. It was toying with them. He didn’t register what way his legs started moving, simply trotting towards his older brother’s voice to show him the live camera footage. His heart sunk further into the pit of his stomach as something taught caught Donnie’s shin beneath the dark water. The invisible twine snapped, setting off a chain reaction of wooden wind chimes dropping from their branches within the trees.

“Shit…It knows!” Donnie swore over the terrible clattering of the hollow wooden windchimes. Compared to the usual serenade of windchimes on a gentle breeze, the hollow wooden chimes dancing in the blustering wind made nothing but a hollow racket. His wrist device beeped loudly, alerting the movement in front of the camera sensors. Bending down to reach into the mud the creature grabbed a large rock. With a flick of its wrist, the creature shattered the camera and cut the feed.

“The fuck do ya mean ‘it knows’, what’s it know!?” Raph snapped, head whipping around in search of the threat. Donnie and Leo stood off to his right with Mikey to his left only a few feet away. Brandishing his weapons in each hand Raph steadied his breath, readying himself for an ambush or attack from afar.

“It knows we’re here in the swamp, it must have been watching us from a distance the entire time!” Donnie barked loudly, “The wind chimes are a goddamn alarm system!” Cursing under his breath Donnie swiped away the broken footage and tapped to open multiple windows. The other feeds continued to play the live camera, yet the creature never reappeared. If the creature was smart enough to set booby-traps to alert it of intruders and memorized the location of each wildlife camera within the swamp, there was a high chance that it also mapped out the quickest route around them to get to their location without being caught.

The sound of mud and water rapidly sloshing in the distance echoed off the trees from all angles, making it almost impossible to discern which direction the threat rushed at them from. Pulling out his nunchaku Mikey turned his head rapidly, eyes darting as he tried to find his unseen target within the trees. Between the disorienting sounds of the storm and the natural sounds from the swamp’s inhabitants, it was impossible to figure out which direction the creature was charging from. Movement from the corner of his eye caught his attention and Mikey swung his nunchaku, ricocheting a stone aiming for his head.

“Shit, where is it?” Mikey shouted, trying to catch sight of whatever launched that rock. Just as quickly as the wading footsteps rushed in their direction, they vanished behind the natural sounds around them. Steadying his breath while silently unsheathing his katanas Leo’s stood perfectly still, trying to listen for any possible movement. A clash of thunder and lightning roared through the swamp, blinding their senses for a second long enough for the creature to make a move. There was a wet suctioning squelch followed by a deep wooded creek. Leo turned his head towards the sound just in time for his eyes to catch the massive barren dead tree tilting towards Raph.

“RAPH!” Was all Leo could shout before the massive tree came crashing down only a foot away from Raph, one of the massive branches breaking against the back of his shell and knocking him to his knees with a splash.

“Fuck! I got some in my mouth!” Spitting and roaring with anger Raph scrambled in search of his Sai, tridactyl hands sifting through the thick mud, roots, and pond grass. Another splash from the opposite side of the tree caught his attention, Raph snapped his head to look up, breathe catching in his chest as he stared at the creature in clear view.

Two bright white rings gazed at Raphael, its head sway at the end of an impossibly long neck covered by the sheets draped over it. Horror gripped his chest so tight it knocked the air from his lungs as he registered the terrifying thing slowly extended its neck towards him. One tridactyl hand clutched the staff close to its side while the other hand extended its green, three fingers towards him.

Three fingers?

“What the…” He whispered, blinking at the creature that now stood still in plain view. A dirty butcher’s cloth was wrapped around its midsection, random patches of fabric sewn over old torn holes and a thick braided rope tying its to its midsection. The soaking sheets draped over its upper body clung to its shell and weighed down her neck that strained to hold up its head.

“Raph!” His brothers screamed in unison. Leaping over the massive dead tree trunk Donnie’s staff pierced the mud between the two, landing just in front of Raph. Launching itself backwards the creature stumbled, using its staff to steady itself so that it wouldn’t fall backwards. Finding the hilts to his weapons Raph pulled them from the liquified earth, shaking the filth off as Mikey hooked his arm under his bicep and pulled him up.

Instead of running or attacking again, the thing stood in stunned silence. Its head bobbed heavily, studying them with perfectly circular white eyes as they stared back. An oddly familiar three-fingered hand reached for the sheet covering its back, rolling it backwards to reveal more of itself. Shell and plastron now visible, it confirmed what Raph had suspected.

“It’s…another mutant turtle?” Mikey questioned in surprise, blinking as the rain somehow took the moment as a cue to slowly dissipate into a thin mist. The creature silently studied the four of them, eyeing their weapons cautiously but unable to stop herself from taking a tentative step forward.

“Tur…tles?” The elderly turtle croaked, her voice raspy and dry despite the moist air. Lowering his staff but keeping it firmly in hand Donnie stared as the other mutant shambling its way closer. Reaching for the goggles perched on the top of his head Donnie gently tugged them over his glasses and scanned the mutant standing in front of them.

“Not only is she another mutant turtle,” Donnie spoke as his eyes rapidly read over the information being displayed by his goggles. “She’s an endangered Roti Island snake-necked turtle, a critically endangered species possibly extinct in the wild and only found in the illegal pet trade. They’re normally found in swamps or lakes in Indonesia, which explains why she’s here-”

“Focus, Donnie” Leo hissed, sharp steel-blue eyes focused directly on the newly discovered mutant turtle. With the rain finally clearing enough for the moon to peak through the dispersing clouds, gentle light illuminated the elderly mutant turtle standing a few yards away. Using the staff to sweep a few steps in front of her, the elderly mutant took a tentative wet step towards them again, eyes bouncing off their weapons while her head swayed at the end of her neck.

“You’re…turtles,” She spoke again, her voice slightly strained as though she were forcing the sound down her rather long throat. “Other…mutant turtles…I don’t recognize you”

“Yes…yes, we’re other mutant turtles. My name’s Donatello,” Donnie spoke slowly, blinking as he removed the goggles and listened to her slowed speech. “Can you tell us your name?”

The extinguished lantern hanging from the staff clutched in her gnarled tridactyl hand swung gently with every shaky, cautious step she took in their direction. Unsettling bright white irises glowed against pitch black sclera and pupils, studying their faces the closer she got. Mikey audibly swallowed as he ducked himself behind the safety of Raphael, even though the older brother was just as terrified of her appearance as the youngest.

“Myrtha…they call me…Myrtha,” A thin lined smile crooked the ends of her lips, giving her a softer and less intimidating appearance almost. The unnaturally long, muscular neck twisted and contorted as it studied their appearance.

“Myrtha? That’s an interesting name,” Donnie spoke calmly, hiding the nerves that frayed at her rather frightening presence. “Are you alone out here, Myrtha?”

“Yes…live out here by Myrtha’s self…” Myrtha’s head snaked and swayed while speaking, her appearance still unsettling but less frighteningly so. The rain had finally subsided altogether, but the dark clouds still hung low and menacingly with fissures of open sky showing the moon and stars.

“Then who are ‘they’? The ones that called you Myrtha,” Leo probed further, softening his expression but keeping his stance stiff, katana gripped tightly in each hand.

“The doctors…there were many that cared…for Myrtha…at her old home” Her head bobbed and weaved as she spoke in broken sentences. The wet fabric clung to the contours of her shell and muscles of her neck, “Little one…helped Myrtha escape, gave Myrtha…special card that open doors…Myrtha ran for long time…got away from the doctors, hide here”

Inching forward carefully and slowly, Myrtha blinked her darkened eyes up to each of their faces. Flinching as those white rings connected with his baby blue eyes, Mikey shifted himself further behind Raph’s larger form. Raph’s skin crawled as their eyes connected next. Their fearful reactions didn’t deter Myrtha from stepping just a tiny bit further.

“Myrtha hides in the swamp…safest place found, so far…scare people away so they don’t take Myrtha…don’t want to go back…Myrtha heard doctors say Myrtha’s too old…” Turning her head in every angle, surveying her surroundings as though she would be ambushed on cue, Myrtha looked around fearfully. A stroke of realization flashed across her face; Myrtha whipped her head back in their direction with wide eyes. “Are you…here to take…Myrtha back?” Her voice broke as she questioned the four turtle brothers, looking suddenly more terrified than any of them felt. Knotted hands clutched the staff in preparation to fight for her life.

“No, no, no, we aren’t going to take you back,” Leo spoke with soft reassurance, “Myrtha, you…scared a lot of people. They’re talking about you to authorities and closed this entire area until they find you,” He explained, finally sheathing his katanas into their respective holsters.

Horror flashed across her face as though Myrtha was struck by a stray bolt of lightning, head rapidly whipping back, forth, and curling over her shell to look behind herself in search of any possible threats. Hands and legs started to tremble in fear at the thought of returning her to wherever she came from.

“Myrtha, they aren’t here right now-” Donnie made his voice low and soothing, taking a gentle step forward. Catching his movement from her peripheral vision Myrtha jumped back almost an entire foot, wielding her staff in both hands as though she would swing. Pausing and giving Myrtha a moment to calm down again, Donnie began speaking again.

“Listen, Myrtha. We aren’t here to take you back to wherever you came from, but people know you’re here now because you’ve scared off so many people, okay?” He explained slowly, guilt climbing its way into his chest as Myrtha’s fearful eyes blinked at him. The terrifying creature had all but transformed into a fearful elderly woman before Donnie’s very eyes. He held out his hand slowly and delicately towards her. “Can you trust us to help you?”

Wide eyes studied his features carefully, the rings slowly following the contours of his face in search of any lies written on his face before returning to his eyes. Taking a tentative few steps forward Myrtha wordlessly accepted the offered hand. Now that he was as close as possible, the wrinkles and veins covering her body were much more visible, Donnie predicted by appearance alone she could possibly be older than Master Splinter. Gently taking her knotted arthritic hand in his own, Donnie hunched himself over so that his height would be less intimidating.

“What…are we jus’ gonna bring ‘er back to the lair or somethin’?” Raph looked between Leo and Donnie in sheer disbelief. The grime and filth that clung to his skin, gear, and shorts had almost entirely dried on him thanks to the cold wind.

“What other choice do we have,” Leo’s nostrils visibly flared as he exhaled exhaustedly, rubbing the wide bridge of his nose where a headache started to settle. Sharing looks of incredulity, Raph and Mikey tossed their hands up in the air and accepted defeat. As if the back of the truck wasn’t cramped enough.

“Let’s get going,” Donnie announced, firmly squeezing Myrtha’s surprisingly bony hand as it curled around his. The thin lined smile had returned to her features, her eyes shining with gratitude at the purple clad turtle’s kindness. A small smile curled the edge of his own lips, today certainly hadn’t turned out as expected but at least they had found Myrtha before anybody else did. Especially whatever ‘doctors’ were searching for her.

[egg-emperor]

In a cyberpunk world covered in smog, Eggman factories/theme parks and filled with scared civilians, empty shells, robotomized drones, robot servants, mind controlled slaves you'd probably be the only living being genuinely smiling and happy under Eggman's superior glorious rule. In a crowd full of frightened peasants and empty shells that given up any hope of freedom, singing the daily egg national anthem , the sheer genuine joy and enthusiasm on your face stands out like a beaming ray of light.

Your enthusiasm brings the egg immense joy, he would be pleased with your service and genuine loyalty.❤️

Yesss I love that. Most people were forced into it after he succeeded in taking over the world, whether by harm and threat or full robotomy and anyone who ever felt positively only did due to brainwashing or delusion of the kind of person he was and his plans for the world, until they actually had to live it

Now the world is dark and polluted with smog covering the skies and deadly theme parks, robots, and factories all around. There's no way to escape his powerful reign, it's all encompassing, taking up more and more of the land day by day and leaving everyone with no refuge from their new harsh reality

And all the people, his new slaves, stand lined up together now, forced to bow and sing praises to their new cruel, terrifying, diabolical emperor who towers high above them all, looking down on them so smugly with such pride, loving the high of the power and control as he makes them sing the daily anthem

Everyone has had their freedom ripped away, some to the point they can't think for themselves anymore and have become mindless drones from robotomy, trapped in robotic shells, or brains numbed and taken over by brainwashing or mind control and live as lifeless drones, chanting the anthem in monotone

And those who still have their mind intact to think are horrified and miserable, and ashamed if they were once deluded and helped allow it to happen. The anthem only forces them to come to terms with it as they're forced to sing words that affirm it, at gunpoint of the robots that surround them

While everyone else looks either miserable, scared, or blank and lifeless, with either crushed souls or devoid of one entirely, one face stands out in striking contrast to dull crowd, full of light and life and immense joy, with a bright passionate soul and adoration in his eyes and that's meee hehe 🥰

I sing passionately from the heart with great enthusiam, so delighted to celebrate our brilliant and handsome emperor. I'm the only one who is truly genuinely happy to live under his rule in a world that's been owned and changed by him in every way, with no delusions about it involved

I knew exactly what I was signing up for- not that I really had any choice or say anyway because the world was going to be his and he was going to do whatever he wants, no matter what we thought. But I think it's all so beautiful because it's what he wants and makes him happy so I want it for him too

He can immediately spot my smile standing out from the rest and it makes his smile grow into a wider grin. He's getting all the attention and praise he's always desired and never cared how much the people wanted it and was happy forcing them- but it does feel good that someone truly wants what he wants

Who is truly loving and loyal, passionately lives by the rules of the empire, and means every word of the anthem. Who looks at him with nothing but immense love and joy like he truly deserves. It's a big extra ego boost when he's already on top of the world figuratively and literally with it at his feet

I'd be even happier to see how it makes him happy to know he's deeply loved and appreciated and put an even bigger smile on his gorgeous face! 💜 And perhaps eventually he'd say "With enthusiam like yours, you should come up to the podium and announce my arrival before I make my epic entrance!"

I'd be honored to announce and say "All hail our beautiful, powerful, mighty emperor of the glorious Eggman Empire, Lord Eggman!", setting the example of how a true most loyal and faithful member of the empire should act, stepping down and bowing to him when he enters the spotlight with a prideful stride

The idea of him and I literally being the only truly ones happy left, himself for getting everything he's ever wanted and me because all I wanted was for him to get what he wanted is wonderful. And we get to be happy and enjoy and celebrate this new beautiful perfectly twisted world together. His world 😍

[incandescentlysomething]

Lady of the Ashes: Chapter 3

House of the Dragon Season 1

Aemond x TargaryenOC

Chapter Word Count: 3763

She was his everything… For her…he would do anything.

From the moment of her birth, Aemond Targaryen swore himself to the protection of his niece Aelinor Velaryon. As the two grew up inseparable, they find themselves entangled in the Dance of Dragons, battling to stay together even as their families try to pull them apart.

IMPORTANT: Instead of the six year time jump we saw in the show, we're doing a nine-year time jump. I was in no way comfortable building toward future events with Aelinor only fifteen years old. Here is a list of current ages. Aemond: 24 Aelinor: 18 Jacaerys: 19 Lucerys: 15

Let me know what you think!

Masterlist A03

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 P.1 P.2 Chapter 3

Nine Years Later

The citizens of Dragonstone felt the dragon before they saw it. The fishermen working at their boats, the merchants unloading their hauls from the ships, all felt the world swallowed by shadow as the sun above them was blocked out. The first time it happened, as the shadow of dragon wings passed overhead and the heat of the day was blocked, some of them had screamed that it was Balerion, returned from the dead. There had been chaos in the streets.

But now they knew better, and some of them even lifted their arms to wave at the young Princess as she flew by.

Aelinor Velaryon Targaryen laughed when she saw a few scattered expressions of fear below her, pulling hard on the handle to draw Darrax away from the shore. He’d been known to swoop down and steep the catches of unlucky fishermen, but now he was so large that he would destroy everything in his path if he tried.

“Come, Darrax,” she leaned forward to pat his neck. “Let us carry on.”

The girl was a sight to behold, and many people from the harbor and the castle both stopped their tasks to watch her and her mighty dragon turn toward the sea.

Darrax had not slown in his growing, now with a wingspan rivaled only by Vhagar and a body only slightly smaller than that of Vermithor. His obsidian scales sparkled a million shades of blue and green as the light of the sun reflected off of the waves. He was fast, carried by his large wings, and it was easy to see why the people of Dragonstone had shouted ‘monster’ the first time he flew above them.

But he was also gentle, for he had his rider to care for.

Aelinor had grown much since her childhood, though those that truly knew her would have said that she had not changed at all. She wore her hair in a long plait down her back, and it flapped behind her in the wind, a streak of brilliant silver against the sky. Her reins were modified with a single handle, so that she might be able to command Darrax with only one hand. She rarely needed to, however, as the bond between dragon and rider was so close that she could command him with just Valyrian.

“We aren’t fishing today, Darrax,” she called. “Just stretching our wings.”

The young woman had been stretching her wings more and more often as of late, as she found it suffocating to be in the presence of her parents. Her mother was pregnant with her fourth child by Prince Daemon, and while Aelinor wouldn’t mind supporting her mother in such a time, it was difficult to do so without encountering her father. He had been growing ever more persistent in his desire to train her and Darrax, and she was beginning to run out of excuses.

They swept around the west side of the island, keeping low so that they both might enjoy the spray of the sea. If anyone had asked, Aelinor would have said that she went this way so that Darrax might rest on the cliffside that faced toward the west. But Darrax did not need any such rest, and there was only one reason that she always flew west.

This day, like all the rest of them, she looked west and found the skies empty.

Aelinor sighed, too used to the disappointment for it to sting much. It had been a long nine years, with no word save what came through official messages to the Princess Rhaenyra. She knew that Aegon and Helaena had wed, and that they now had two children. She could not imagine that to be a good match, struggling to reconcile the odd and insect-obsessed Helaena with an image of motherhood. Nor was the Aegon that she remembered the type of boy who should have been a father. Aemond…there was little news of Aemond. She knew it was no fault of his own, but she still found herself hoping to hear from him, even after all these years.

Darrax let out a huff, sensing his rider’s emotions, and then he dove.

“No! NO, Darrax! No!” Aelinor’s shouts were silenced as Darrax plunged beneath the waves.

For a few moments she was weightless, and then he was splashing back to the surface, his wings causing great waves around them as he launched himself back into the sky.

Aelinor sputtered and spat out water. She was completely soaked, but she was laughing. “Darrax!” She scolded, though they both knew she didn’t mean it. “You silly creature. Let’s go home then, so I can dry off.”

Darrax pumped his wings, driving himself up and over the cliff, cutting across the island to carry them back to Dragonstone.

An hour later, Aelinor was walking through the halls of the castle. She was no longer wet, though her leathers had pasted themselves uncomfortably tight against her skin. She had undone her long braid, letting her hair fall past her hips. A bath. A bath was what she needed after that sojourn into the sea.

She reached up with her bad hand, grabbing her glove with her teeth and pulling it free. Then she carefully stretched out each of her fingers, looking forward to warm water and bath salts.

“Aelinor,” her father’s voice echoed from in front of her, the man himself stepping out from an adjoining hall.

She didn’t slow her pace. “Price Daemon.”

He didn’t protest her use of the title. He had never been one to argue trivial matters, and he couldn’t care less whether she called him Father or not. For nine years, his eldest daughter had held him at arm’s length, resentment simmering between them like oil in a pan.

He knew she didn’t like him, but he just didn’t care.

“I wish to take you flying,” he fell into step, watching as she carefully tended to her crippled hand. “So that you might learn to—”

“To what? To fly into battle? Against who, Prince Daemon?” She demanded. “My mother might feign ignorance, but anyone can see that you are preparing for something. I will not be brought into your schemes.”

“You are your mother’s daughter, and with that comes specific—”

“Correct. I am my mother’s daughter. And the daughter of the man who raised me,” she didn’t say whom you murdered, though she had been tempted more than once over the years to confront him about the murder of Ser Laenor. “My loyalty is to them, and not to you.”

Daemon let out a scoff, but fell away, and Aelinor did not look back. 

She stepped into the warmth of her bedchamber, finding the bath already full and steaming.

“What did—” A girl stepped out from behind the dressing screen. “Rhaena!”

The two girls had grown closer in the years they had lived together on Dragonstone. Though not as close as sisters, they were dear friends. Aelinor decided not to wrap her in a hug, given that she still reeked of seawater, but she beamed at her cousin.

“I thought you might need it,” Rhaena laughed. “Darrax take you for a swim again?”

Aelinor was already stripping out of her leathers. “Of course he did. He’s positively impish.”

“I wonder where he gets that from,” Rhaena rolled her eyes, watching as Aelinor practically dived into the bathtub.

“It’s so warm. Thank you, Cousin.” They had never stopped calling each other that, all too aware of the boundaries that would be ripped down if they had to acknowledge what they were — sisters. But still, since the marriage of their parents a few years ago, they had been sisters in all but name, and Aelinor was eternally grateful for the female companionship.

“Your mother said that she wished to speak to you,” Rhaena said. “It sounded important.”

Aelinor gave a slight nod, dread already pooling in her gut. She knew what this was about, as did Rhaena. It was the same topic that had been haunting the halls of Dragonstone for months, casting a pall over everything Aelinor did.

“She knows my feelings on the subject,” she finally said. “But she is my mother, and the Princess of Dragonstone besides. My feelings have little relevance.”

Rhaena passed her a cloth, and Aelinor started to scrub some of the salt from her skin. “But shouldn’t your feelings matter? After all, it’s Jace, of all people.”

Rhaena’s expression was genuine, but Aelinor could hear the question she did not ask. Rhaena was, if not in love with, certainly interested in Jace. But it had never been a secret that, to secure Jace’s own place on the throne, he would marry Aelinor. With her pure Targaryen looks, they would be able to secure the claim of any of their future children. In recent months, Rhaenyra had begun making plans in earnest. After all, both Aelinor and Jace were older than Rhaenyra had been when she first wed Ser Laenor.

Aelinor sunk lower into the bathtub, letting the water lap over her mouth and nearly to her nose. She did not want to think about these things. She did not want to imagine having children with Jace, and certainly did not want to imagine what that would mean. Her brother was nice enough, having grown out of the worst of his childhood impulses, but he was still Jace. Luc would have been more agreeable, if he weren’t still a babe in her eyes.

At least she knew Jace felt the same way. They were not suited to each other.

But they would do whatever was required to win their mother the throne.

“It could be worse,” Aelinor sighed, trying to force some levity into the situation. “I could be marrying a Lannister.”

“At least they have gold,” Rhaena smiled. “What if it were Aegon, or worse, that rogue Aemond? When traders come from King’s Landing, they say that his face is—”

“I know what the traders say,” Aelinor snapped, biting her cheek to keep from cursing aloud. “I would like to bathe alone now, Rhaena. If you please.”

It was a dismissal as plain as any, but Rhaena did not fight it. She just said her farewell, stood, and walked to the door.

She should not have let it bother her so. It had been nine long years, and the rift between their families seemed more insurmountable than ever. But there was still that tiny part of her that sprang to attention whenever she heard even a whisper of Aemond. And too often, it was cruel, malicious whispers that her family seemed to take at face value.

The door creaked open, and Aelinor groaned. Gods be damned. Couldn’t she just have one bath in peace?

“Aelinor? May I come in?”

“Of course, Mother,” Feeling no shame at her own nakedness, Aelinor did not open her eyes as she heard her mother glide into the room and take a seat at her dressing table.

“Did you have a nice flight?” Rhaenyra asked, with almost forced politeness.

Aelinor shrugged. “As good as any. But I can confirm that the sea is quite frigid this morning.”

“Then perhaps you should not be swimming in it.” Her mother laughed.

Aelinor sighed, opening her eyes and moving to rest her chin on the side of the bath tub. “Out with it, Mother. I can see that it’s bothering you.”

Say it. Say that it is finally time for me to do my duty and wed Jacaerys. 

But that was not what Rhaenyra said. “Ser Vaemond moves to challenge Lucerys’ succession to the Driftwood Throne.”

“What?” Aelinor sat back. “But it’s settled. Why is Lord Corlys allowing it?”

“He isn’t. He’s been gravely injured in the Stepstones,” Rhaenyra gave her a sad look, appearing genuinely bereaved by the injury to a man they all admired. “Baela wrote. We must make for King’s Landing to defend Lucerys’ claim before the Iron Throne.”

Aelinor’s mouth dropped open. “When?”

“We will leave tomorrow,” her mother stood. “And Aelinor?”

“Yes?” Already her mind was awhirl with everything that this might mean.

“This is…” She watched as her mother searched for the words. “We need to present a united front. We’ll be bringing our dragons, and I…I ask you to remember who your true family is.”

It was both a warning and a scolding, all wrapped up in one. 

Aelinor nodded, and stared after her mother as she left the room.

She sat there for a long time, stewing in the bathwater. There was so much to think about. On one hand, she was more than a little relieved that she was not yet formally betrothed to her brother. But on the other, there was a genuine twinge of fear. She did not want the legitimacy of her brothers challenged, and she did not want their futures left uncertain. It was a settled succession, and Ser Vaemond was risking everything by drawing it into the open.

Her mother’s ascension to the throne would be questioned if her children were declared illegitimate, and Aelinor knew she would not be immune to that. She might look more Targaryen than Jace and Luc, but it was plain to see that she was not the daughter of Ser Laenor. Gods, this could ruin everything.

But, there was one thing that stood out above all else. 

She was going back to King’s Landing.

She was going back to Aemond.

King’s Landing

“Get up!” Aemond snarled at the squire in front of him. “I thought you were here to train, not lie on your back like a whore!”

The boy scrambled to his feet, wiping mud off of his cheek. “Yes, my Prince.”

Aemond sighed. There were many young lords looking to squire for him, and so far none of them had impressed him at all. Most weren’t even worth using as training fodder. He had to give the Blackwood lad some credit — at least he hadn’t started crying yet.

“Keep your sword up,” Aemond rolled his eyes. “And maybe you’ll be able to stay upright.” It was as close as he would get to offering advice.

“Prince Aemond!” A voice called.

Aemond looked toward the walkway, seeing Ser Criston hurrying down the steps. “What is it, Cole?” He did not have much patience for his mother’s lackey, having always found Ser Criston to be a bit…well, if loyalty could be a fault, then it certainly was in Ser Criston.

Cole stopped, offering a curt nod that could perhaps pass as a bow. “Your mother The Queen bids you attend her. She is in her chambers.”

“Wonderful,” Aemond couldn’t imagine what his mother could have to say. He loved her well enough, and she him, but they never had much use for each other. She often scolded him, calling him too wild, too unruly, and yet he knew he did not get half the scoldings that his brother did. “Take care of this one.”

Ser Criston stared at the Blackwood boy in disdain, but nodded, shedding his white cloak and setting it away from the mud. 

Aemond sheathed his sword, removing his gloves and hurrying toward the stairs. His boots splashed through the dir, and he saw many curious eyes turn his way.

Only once he was inside the castle did he slow to a walk, making his way toward his mother’s chambers. He passed many groups of lords and ladies, all of whom bowed in greeting, but he did not acknowledge them. They weren’t with his time.

A group of ladies-in-waiting gathered by the stairs, meaning he would have to walk straight past them. He recognized one of them by her red hair: the Tully girl. He thought her name might have been Myria or Myra or something like that. She had been presented at court a few months prior, with it plain as day that her family was angling to make a match between the two of them.

Now, as she had when she had first seen him in the receiving hall, she did not meet his gaze, bobbing a curtsy without ever looking him in the eye. He hurried past, hearing them erupt into giggles when they thought he was out of earshot. 

It was always like that. Why shouldn’t they laugh at the maimed prince? He was practically a circus attraction. All he had to look forward to was a future married to some random lady who couldn’t look him in the eye, let alone work up the courage to speak to him. He tried not to let it bother him, after all, they weren’t worth his time.

His chambers were in the same tower as his mother’s, and he passed the closed door of his room as he knocked on her door. “Mother? You sent for me?” A maid swung open the door.

“Yes, Aemond,” his mother was seated on the sofa, his niece and nephew playing with a maid on the floor in front of her. “You can all leave us.”

Aemond stood with his hands behind his back, quirking a smile at his young niece as she was carried from the room.

“Sit, Aemond,” Alicent sighed. “We need to talk.”

“You make it sound very serious,” he dropped into the chair across from her. “How may I help.”

He swallowed nervously. Was this to be it then? Was today the day that he would be officially tied to one of the sycophants roaming around the castle? Gods, don’t let it be the Tully girl. Someone with some backbone, at least.

“I called for you because I think this is something that should be entrusted to your skills. You  know the dragon keepers better than anyone.”

That did catch his attention. “The dragon keepers? Is something wrong with the dragons?”

Alicent sighed again, and he realized suddenly that his mother looked worried. More worried than he could ever recall seeing her, except that day when he had lost his eye. Even his father’s declining health had never caused the dark circles that now surrounded her eyes, and he could see that the skin of her nails had been picked until it bled.

“The Princess Rhaenyra is coming to make a petition,” she said finally. “She brings with her all of her children, and all of their dragons. The Dragon Put must be made ready for her and her hoard, and I must prepare a feast and a ball and all the like.”

Aemond felt his mouth go dry. “Her children? All of them? It couldn’t be. It seemed almost impossible. Nine long years had passed since…since…

“All of them,” his mother confirmed. “Which is the other reason I needed to speak with you.”

More likely, it was the only reason she had asked to speak with him. Subtlety was not his mother’s strong suit, and there was no reason the dragon keepers could not be briefed through a simple message. She had wanted to speak to him about his half-sister’s family, in person, for a reason.

Alicent leaned forward. “Aelinor will be with them, Aemond. But she is not the girl you remember. It has been nearly ten years, and you must remember who she is, and who you are.”

“And who is that, mother?”

“You are the legitimate second son of the King,” Alicent said. “And she is the bastard daughter of a false heir, who has spent nine years being fed their lies and derision, far from any realm of reason. The Aelinor you knew is gone.”

Aemond tensed. “That seems….Father has settled his succession, and we should not—”

“I am not here to argue succession with you, Aemond!” His mother snapped. “I want to be sure that you understand. When they enter this hall, it must be us, and it must be them. The fate of our family may very well depend on it.”

He knew that the succession crisis was constant fodder for the King’s critics, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. Blast the Seven Kingdoms, and damn the succession. He didn’t care if his half-sister or her bastards, or his own damn brother ascended the throne. He disliked them all equally. All he cared for was Aelinor.

“Besides,” his mother sat back, fanning herself weakly with her hand. “She is betrothed to Jacaerys.”

“What? Jace?” Aemond spat, unable to contain himself. “Why have I not heard of this?”

“They haven’t been to court to announce it.” Aliecent sighed. “Knowing Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon, Jacaerys has almost certainly bedded her already. What better way to secure their line?”

“That Strong boy will never—”

“Watch yourself, Aemond. Please.” His mother waved him away.

He didn’t want to draw out the conversation longer than necessary, and quickly stormed from the room. His mother had certainly achieved her objective, which was reminding him why he hated Jacaerys Velaryon so deeply. His own chambers were only a few doors away, and once he was there, he flung open the window and screamed into the open air. He didn’t give a damn if everyone in the courtyard could hear him.

For nine long years, he had stared across the sea toward Dragonstone. He had requested this chamber specifically because it faced south. And for the first few years, with decreasing frequency, he had begged his mother to grant him permission to fly that way. To where Aelinor was. To…he wasn’t quite sure what he had wanted to do. But he hadn’t wanted to leave her alone.

And now they had given her to Jace. Jace did not deserve her. That Strong boy did not deserve to breathe the same air as her.

Or, did he?

It had been many years since he had seen Aelinor, and she could have changed. She could be different to how he remembered her.

And she might not…

No, he wouldn’t let himself think about that. The truth was staring him in the face, the rage settling into his bones with every seething breath he took. Jace did not deserve Aelinor, but then, neither did he. He was just the scarred second son, after all, and she should be the lady of some great house. He wasn’t jealous, he was concerned for his childhood friend, who had been treated so carelessly by her family.

Given to Jace. He cursed aloud.

Still, his gaze drifted to his writing desk, and to the small box that sat in the top drawer. It had sat there for almost eight years, waiting.

And it had all been for nothing.

[followcb]

Sacred Spaces

my beautiful darkness

bathe me in your stars

open my eyes

to the gold there in your skies

let our blackness

represent our fullness

wonder and splendor

of everything amazing

breadth of colors

brilliant rainbow of the universe

a billion beaming suns

as life evolves, love comes

from darkest nothingness

to the eternity of blue foreverness

light shining into blank spaces

illuminating sacred spaces

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

©️ @followcb ☆ August 16, 2024