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edenesth · 11 months ago

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The Way to His Heart [14]

Pairing: general!Seonghwa x wife!reader

AU: arranged marriage au (Joseon era)

Word Count: 3.8k

Summary: Life has been hell ever since your mother's passing many years ago. Despite being from a prominent family, you've never received the privileges associated with it. It only got worse with the arrival of your stepmother and her daughters. When the intimidating General Park was in search of a wife, your father seized the opportunity to dispose of you, simultaneously securing a connection with the powerful general—killing two birds with one stone.

Part 13 | Fic Masterlist | Part 15

"J-Jinjoo? Is that you?"

Your breath caught in your throat as you observed the scars scattered across her body, wounds that hadn't been there the last time you saw her. The severity of her punishment was evident, and judging by the marks, it seemed unlikely they would fade anytime soon, if ever.

The younger girl smirked bitterly, "Are you happy now? All five of us have been beaten nearly to death, left with scars that will likely never fully heal in this lifetime. Mother will serve until the day she dies, and the three of us will pay for a good chunk of our lives!"

As if anticipating your inquiry about the former minister, she shook her head and balled her fists, "Father has endured enough beatings and torture to render him almost paralysed, and guess what? He's been exiled to god knows where. If you want more details, perhaps you should ask your husband about it."

Your heart sank at the mention of Seonghwa, "Wh-what do you mean? Your punishments were determined by His Majesty. Why would my husband be involved—"

She scoffed incredulously, "Did you truly forget who General Park really is? He sat back and enjoyed the show while we suffered, allowing the torture to happen. That absolute monster—he did this to us; he ruined our lives forever. I mean, sure, we weren't great to you either, but look at you now, Lady Park. It's all thanks to us that you're who you are today."

Noting your silence, she continued with a sly edge, "Though I wouldn't celebrate too soon if I were you. Who's to say when he'll show his true colours once he's grown tired of you?"

Before you could respond, Hongjoong appeared at your side, his tone laced with disbelief, "Worry about yourself first, peasant. Oh, the audacity of this young lady. Do you even realise who you're addressing? How dare you try to twist this around and play the victim? You and your family got what you deserved. Count yourself lucky that you're still alive and well, hm?"

The dressmaker turned to signal the factory owner and the elderly man immediately rushed over anxiously, "S-sir, what brings you to this part of the factory? P-please, allow me to escort you out."

Halting the man, Hongjoong gestured towards your stepsister, "This one right here was being disrespectful to Lady Park. Would you mind teaching her a good lesson for me? Otherwise, I may have to reconsider our choice of fabric supplier."

Suddenly realising her mistake, Jinjoo trembled like a leaf under the owner's stern gaze. He bowed repeatedly at you and your friend, "O-of course, sir! Rest assured, I'll ensure she never forgets her manners again. You have my word!"

As Hongjoong guided you out of the store, you remained silent, your thoughts swirling from the disturbing revelation that the general had been involved in the punishments of your family.

Walking alongside the dressmaker, the weight of the revelation bore down on you like a suffocating blanket. The image of Seonghwa, once your loving husband, now tainted with the sinister aura of someone who could watch others suffer without flinching, haunted your thoughts. Sure, you were there to witness him extracting the confession from your father, but you never fathomed that he would actually be involved in the subsequent punishment.

Your stepsister's words echoed in your mind, stirring up a cocktail of dread and uncertainty. Could it be true? Have you really forgotten the true nature of General Park? The man you had once trusted implicitly now appeared in a new, unsettling light. The realisation sent shivers down your spine as you contemplated the implications.

Fear gnawed at your insides as you entertained the chilling possibility that if he could inflict such cruelty upon your family, what would stop him from doing the same to you if ever he grew displeased? The thought sent a chill down your spine, leaving you questioning everything you once believed about the man you loved.

Throughout the remainder of the day, you remained unusually quiet, your thoughts clearly elsewhere. Hongjoong opted not to pry, deciding to wait until you were back within the safety of your home before broaching the subject. Despite his efforts to lighten the mood and draw a smile from you, it seemed futile. He was acutely aware of the impact Jinjoo's words must have had on you, especially given your delicate emotional state. After enduring years of mistreatment, he could see how trusting others fully must be an immense challenge.

Later that evening as you sat down for dinner together, he finally broke the silence, setting down his chopsticks with a sigh, "What's on your mind, Lady Park? You know you can talk to me, right?"

You paused at his question, pondering whether to confide in him about your inner turmoil. How would he respond? Would he be disappointed in you? After all, the general was his close friend. It seemed likely he would take Seonghwa's side and defend him. Though your husband hadn't given you any reason to doubt his affection thus far, his decision to hide this information from you must carry some significance.

"It's nothing, Hongjoong. Maybe I'm just feeling a bit weary after our day out," You mumbled, resuming your meal and hurriedly stuffing more food into your mouth to avoid conversation. He frowned at your behaviour and gently intervened, placing a hand on yours, "Hey, hey, slow down. The food isn't going anywhere; it's all yours."

With his arms crossed over his chest, he shook his head disapprovingly, "Who are you trying to fool with that lie? You might be able to deceive anyone, even your dumb husband, but not me. You were perfectly fine until you ran into your... into her."

You froze, caught red-handed in your attempt to deflect. You should have known better than to think you could fool Hongjoong with such a feeble excuse. Instead of scolding you, he softened, uncrossing his arms and leaning in, his eyes full of understanding.

"Listen, I'm sorry I wasn't there by your side to defend you earlier. I should have prevented all of that from happening today; it's entirely my fault. When I heard what she said to you, I knew it would affect you. And now, seeing you like this, I can tell I was right. Don't you dare believe any of her ridiculous words, you hear me?"

Setting down your chopsticks shakily, you turned to face him, despair etched clearly on your features, "But Hongjoong, what if there's truth in what she was saying? Wh-what if he eventually grows tired of me? Will I end up suffering like all of them too?"

The dressmaker didn't have the heart to berate you, understanding your doubts despite the internal frustration he felt at your stepsister for undoing all the trust you had in Seonghwa with just a few words.

He released a deep breath and offered a smile, "Have you forgotten everything I've told you about how he's different when it comes to you? He would never do anything to hurt you; I can vouch for him. As ruthless as General Park can be, he reserves that side only for those who deserve it. Your family deserves every bit of the punishment they received for the harm they caused you. You shouldn't feel any guilt for them, you know?"

Hongjoong leaned in closer, his tone softening, "Trust me, she's just jealous of you. It's obvious she's envious of the life you have now, and she's intentionally trying to stir up trouble between you and your husband. Don't let her get to you. You and Seonghwa have something special, something she'll never understand."

As his words sank in, you felt a slight sense of relief wash over you. It did make sense that Jinjoo would resort to such tactics out of jealousy. After all, her resentment towards you had always been evident. You felt ashamed for entertaining the possibility of your husband hurting you when he had only ever been good towards you.

However, the memory of the scars on your stepsister's body lingered in your mind, knowing the ones on your father and stepmother were even worse than what you've seen. While you recognised that your family deserved the consequences of their actions, the realisation that Seonghwa had played a part in their suffering made you feel sick to your stomach. Your emotions were in disarray; it was difficult to act nonchalant after learning the unsettling truth.

Despite the turmoil raging within you like a storm, you didn't want to add to your friend's concerns. Putting on a smile, you nodded, "You're right, Hongjoong. I must be silly to let her words affect me like this." You forced a light chuckle and went back to your meal, hoping to change the subject.

Though the dressmaker felt somewhat reassured that you acknowledged his advice, he sensed you were still troubled by what you had learned. He could only hope that with time, you would be able to move past Jinjoo's words. The last thing Seonghwa needed upon his return from war was to find his beloved wife fearful of him.

Damnit, I shouldn't have taken her there.

"General Park hasn't arrived yet, you say? Well, who would have thought he'd become such a loving husband? This Lady Park must be quite remarkable for him to—"

Rolling his eyes, the general heard the familiar deep voice gossiping about him from outside the main tent, where meetings would take place. With a loud clear of his throat, he pulled open the flap and entered, his presence immediately causing everyone in the room to straighten up, "I'm here now, Mingi. It would be great if you could cease your idle chatter and get to work at once."

"S-sir! It's been a while, you look good—"

"Save it, Officer Song."

Acknowledging the command with a salute, the taller man swiftly proceeded to the central table, laying out numerous documents detailing the strategies he had developed, "Yes sir, here are some of the plans I've drafted thus far."

Seonghwa nodded approvingly and approached him. As he listened to his colleague's explanations, a satisfied smirk graced his lips, affirming his keen judgement in promoting the right individual.

General Officer Song had risen to become one of the most esteemed military strategists in Joseon, all thanks to General Park's recommendation. Your husband was notoriously difficult to impress, but Mingi's exceptional talents caught his attention during a particularly challenging battle many years ago. Despite being a mere low-ranking soldier at the time, he devised a brilliant plan that ultimately turned the odds in their favour, leading to an epic victory.

"Ruhon is known to be rash in their decision-making; their impulsiveness is evident in their sudden attack plans," The taller man explained, his fingers tracing over strategic points on the map, "We can capitalise on this by striking where they least expect us. Through my research, I've identified blind spots that will catch them off guard. May I have authorisation to deploy troops to these locations, sir?"

The general nodded decisively, "I have faith in your judgement, Officer Song. You've never let me down in all our years together; I'm confident this time will be no exception."

"Thank you, sir."

Once all the necessary arrangements had been finalised and everyone had been briefed on their roles, the meeting came to an end. While the other officers and soldiers hurried off to relay the information discussed and carry out their assigned duties, Officer Song lingered behind, sharing a knowing look with the general.

Taking a seat beside the person he considered his friend and mentor, Mingi offered a genuine smile, "Congratulations on your recent marriage, hyung-nim."

Returning the smile, Seonghwa gave the taller man a pat on the back, "Thank you, Mingi-yah. I hope you've been well these past few years. Once this is all over, might I hear news of your own wedding?"

Blushing faintly, the strategist shook his head, "Unfortunately, I haven't found my one yet. But I am happy for you, general. Everyone in Joseon seems to know about your new wife and her difficult past. I'm just glad you found each other. I heard you were granted a few days with Lady Park before coming here. How is she holding up?"

The mention of his wife brought a pang of discomfort, evoking memories of your heartbreaking farewell. Throughout his journey to the war site, your husband couldn't shake the image of your tear-stained face, "She's... she's handling it better than I expected, or maybe that's just what she's showing me. When I told her about my departure, she didn't break down. Instead, she smiled at me with understanding and simply asked when I would be leaving."

"Huh, did she really?" Mingi mused, a hint of admiration in his tone, "I suppose now I understand why you're so smitten with her. It seems she's truly as delightful as the rumours claimed." Even from the snippets of what he had heard, the strategist could tell that Lady Park was indeed an extraordinary person, and he could see why Seonghwa held you in such high regard.

With a nod, the general's expression grew sombre, "Indeed, she truly is. But I won't lie and say I'm not worried about her," He admitted, "When she first arrived, I treated her poorly. I mistook her for just another spoiled brat, only to learn she's suffered a life far worse than mine. I'll never forgive myself for that. From that moment on, I vowed to give her nothing but the best. You know, I had plans for a grand wedding, a chance to make up for everything..."

Officer Song's face mirrored your husband's solemnity as realisation dawned, "Then this war happened..."

"Yeah, but that's not all," Seonghwa continued, his voice heavy with worry, "I just... God, what if I don't return to her? I've only just found her..."

Bowing his head, the general felt overwhelmed by his concerns. Mingi placed a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder, "Have you forgotten who you are? You're General Park of Joseon, the King's most trusted warrior. If anyone can make it out of this war unscathed, it would be you. Trust me, you will make it back to Lady Park. And you better invite me to that wedding of yours." The strategist said, his words laced with a touch of humour.

Despite the weight of his worries, your husband chuckled softly, nodding gratefully at the reassurance, "Of course, Mingi."

Before the two could continue their conversation, a soldier barged into the tent, panting heavily, "General Park! Some of Ruhon's troops have been spotted approaching. We need you out there!"

Alright, let's get this over with.

Meanwhile, back in the general's estate, you found yourself in your usual spot in the pavilion. Lady etiquette books lay scattered around, forgotten as your gaze drifted distantly over the tranquil lotus pond.

Regardless of the overwhelming emotions that had consumed you the day before upon learning the truth about your family's punishments, you couldn't deny the longing in your heart for Seonghwa's presence. Being alone in the pavilion now felt even lonelier than before. Accustomed to his warm embrace, his absence left a void that seemed impossible to fill.

However, as you contemplated the absence of your husband's comforting presence, conflicting emotions surged within you.

No matter how hard you tried, you simply couldn't shake the unsettling realisation that the same hands that held you close were also stained with the blood of countless others. Hongjoong's reassurances echoed in your mind, yet a nagging doubt persisted. While he assured you that the general would never harm you, your moral compass grappled with the knowledge that he was capable of inflicting pain without hesitation, regardless of justification.

It just felt so... wrong.

"Ah, is this the famous lotus pond you've mentioned, Miss Jang?" The unexpected voice startled you out of your thoughts. Turning to confirm your suspicions, you let out a loud gasp at the sight of the fourth prince standing before you.

You scrambled to your feet immediately, performing the formal bow, "Y-your Highness! What brings you here?"

Rushing up behind Yeosang, the head maid panted heavily, bowing deeply before you and shooting an apologetic glance, "Mistress, I am so sorry for not alerting you of our guest! His Highness showed up spontaneously without making an appointment prior and wouldn't allow any of us to announce his arrival."

Eunsook nearly had a heart attack when one of the maids informed her that the prince had arrived unannounced, waiting to be greeted at the entrance of the estate. Jongho was absent, having gone out with a few other servants to replenish household essentials. Rushing over, she found that Yeosang had insisted on surprising you personally, leaving her flustered and anxious. With her master now at war, it was evident to her that His Highness was attempting to make an advance on you.

The prince couldn't help but grin at how adorably confused and caught off guard you looked, "Yes, that's right. I wanted to surprise you, Miss Jang. Are you surprised?"

Quickly regaining your composure and summoning the poise of a noblewoman, you nodded, "I guess I am, Your Highness," You said before turning to dismiss the elderly woman with an assuring smile, "It's alright, Eunsook. I was growing slightly bored anyway. Come, Prince Yeosang, let me show you around, and you can tell me why you've decided to pay us a surprise visit."

Recalling his fondness for flowers, you led him through the winding paths of the estate's gardens, each turn revealing a new burst of colour and fragrance. Sunlight danced through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the well-tended flowerbeds, "Now, I know our humble garden obviously cannot compare to the ones in the palace, but I am very proud of our servants' hard work. What do you think, Your Highness?"

While your eyes remained fixed on the colourful flowers, the prince's gaze was captivated by you, his admiring gaze lingering on your graceful movements amidst the blooms.

"I agree; I think it's absolutely enchanting. While it may be humble, it surpasses the beauty of any of the palace's gardens." He remarked, his words carrying a subtle double meaning. He wondered if you could discern the implied compliment; he was indirectly comparing you to the royals in the palace. In his eyes, you outshone any of his sisters, his father's concubines, and all the potential candidates ever presented to him.

Yeosang found himself torn between amusement and slight disappointment as you appeared genuinely oblivious to the deeper meaning of his words. Your reply, however, pleased him, "Thank you, Your Highness. It seems you have good taste," You attempted a joke. Fortunately, he laughed in response, "I think I do too, my lady."

He halted his steps and turned to you, "I have a question," He said, and you nodded, encouraging him to continue, "Go on. Ask away, Your Highness."

"Even with all these beautiful flowers here, is your favourite still the lotus?" Your heart skipped a beat at the mention of the lotus, a symbol closely tied to memories of your husband. Determined not to show any hint of turmoil, you nodded and answered steadily, "Of course, my prince."

The prince kept his smile intact, "Hmm, I see. Is it solely because the general dedicated a pond full of them to you?"

When you remained silent, he clarified, "What I mean is, if you had the freedom to choose, which flower would truly be your favourite? Instead of accepting what's given to you, I believe you should have the right to make your own choice." It was another subtle suggestion that you should be able to choose your own path, including your life partner, rather than conforming to arrangements made for you.

It appeared that you had grasped the underlying meaning of his words this time. You blinked rapidly as you gathered your thoughts before letting out a chuckle, "Ah, I suppose that hadn't crossed my mind," Shifting the topic, you continued, "Anyway, let us move on from idle chatter. Why don't you enlighten me on the purpose of your surprise visit, Your Highness? With my husband away, I'm unsure if there's anything I can assist you with."

Sensing your slight discomfort, Yeosang decided to get straight to the point, "Right, I'm aware General Park is currently away, bravely fighting for our country. That's precisely why I'm here—I was hoping you would be able to represent him at my upcoming birthday banquet. Her Majesty, the Queen, has also expressed her desire to meet you in person."

Your eyes widened at that, "Sh-she has?"

« Preview of Part 15 »

Feeling like you were left with little choice but to agree, you accepted the prince's invitation to his upcoming birthday banquet, scheduled just a week away.

Since bidding him goodbye, you had confined yourself to Seonghwa's study, burying yourself in your studies. The weight of the upcoming royal event weighed heavily on you. It would mark your debut in royal circles, and facing it without your husband by your side added to your nerves. Could anyone fault you for feeling anxious?

You contemplated seeking help. While Eunsook was supportive, her knowledge of palace affairs was limited. Would Hongjoong or Yunho be able to offer insight? Perhaps Jongho, with his years of service to the general, might have some valuable advice.

A light bulb went off in your head when you remembered San, the King's royal secretary. Surely, he would be the most knowledgeable about the matters you needed help with. However, your enthusiasm waned when you realised you had no means of reaching out to him. Moreover, you doubted he would have time to spare for a little woman like you, given his busy schedule.

Palming your forehead tiredly, you suddenly noticed a shadowy figure loitering suspiciously outside the study. Their silhouette, visible through the paper walls, didn't resemble anyone familiar, and it sent a shiver down your spine. If it had been one of the estate staff, they usually would have announced themselves.

Jumping to your feet, you instinctively grabbed the inkstone from Seonghwa's desk, preparing to defend yourself. With cautious steps, you approached the entrance where the unknown person lingered, apparently trying to catch a glimpse of you, "Who's there? I know you're not one of my staff. If you do not reveal yourself, I won't hesitate to hurt you!"

Your yelp escaped when the individual abruptly swung the door open in response to your words, "Woah woah, it's just me!" He reassured, causing you to pause with the stone halfway raised as you blinked in recognition, "O-oh, it's you..."

Scratching the back of his neck sheepishly, he apologised, "I'm sorry for startling you, Lady Park. In case you forgot, my name is Wooyoung. I'm here on the general's orders to assist you should you need anything."

Dun dun dunnn! Wonder what Prince Yeosang has up his sleeves heeheeee anyway, I just wanted to tell y'all that I'm about to have another crazy week ahead. So, like this part, the next one is probably gonna take a while too😭

Also, Happy Lunar New Year to those of you who celebrate it! As always, thank you for reading and let me know your thoughts! <3

Tag list (1/8): @huachengsbestie01 @evidive @weedforthoughtz @ssrnghwa @yunnieo @sunnyhokyu @lynnsqueendom @frobin4ever @chwesuh-imnida @thunderous-wolf @itstheghostofmypast @professormingisglasses @deltamoon666 @avantalem @famishalll @yungilia @soobiverse @joongified @scuzmunkie @http-gyu @mentoslol @atinyreads @angel-hyuckie @anxiousskylar @onedumbho3 @narashii @ddaeing @sanstreasure0305 @sohnfile @scarfac3 @dreamingofyeo @puppyminnnie @tinyteezer @vantediary @satsuri3su @mismatchfluffysocks @aliona124754 @bts-army380 @lilactangerine @atinyniki @pay13 @1117promises @xoxkii @st4rcig4r @hikarii02 @nescaffei @xdolls-crownx @ashrocker123 @skzline @minkiflwr @starssongs98 @baeksofty @skz1-4-3 @kawaiikels @madnpan @maoyueze @en-happiness @cheolliehugs @persnyako @startinystay @chngbnwf @fatspecimen @christinerose380 @stfu-rina @kyukyustar @taytayy178 @appleschre @brielle-in-the-galaxy @kamabokogonpachro @laurenwidjaja @yangwonielvrs @n1k1mura @idkwgoh @loveateez @linosllvr

Tag list (cont.): see comment/reply section

#edenesth #the way to this heart #ateez #ateez fanfic #ateez fanfiction #park seonghwa #ateez seonghwa #arranged marriage au #joseon era #seonghwa x reader #seonghwa x you #ateez fic #historical au

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larluce · 8 months ago

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Arthur and Merlin travel back in time without knowing the other is from the future too AU

Tagging @aceauthorcatqueen , @fallenxjas , @smileytrinity ,@lucifertookmyshoe , @an-entity-i-think , @thecornerofbelu , @griffonskies , @odinjm , @cinnabon-sweetroll-tiramisu , @thelady-mary , @bennedict , @nightninjaboy , @st8-of-grace , @star-rie , @error-username-not-available , @dogberryrowan , @jamieweasley13 , @tansyuduri , @tercais , @robynnemrys , @evadne01 , @serasvictoria02 , @hairdryerducks , @hopeaha FINALLY STARTING WITH YOUR REQUESTS!! :D

LINKS TO THE OTHER PARTS OF THIS AU HERE: PART 1 , PART 2 , PART 3 , PART 4 , PART 5 , PART 6 , PART 7 , PART 8 , PART 9 , PART 10 , PART 11 , PART 12 , PART 13 , PART 14 , PART 15 , PART 16 (You're here) , PART 17

In "The Dragon's Call"

Uther talking with Arthur in the throne room.

Uther: (warnly) Who is he?

Arthur: (mad and anxious cause Merlin was stabbed and he's not there with him) You called me all the way here just for that? He's Gaius' appreantice. He told you that!

Uther: Don't take me for a fool, Arthur. I'm asking who is he TO YOU. (looks at Arthur, sternly) It's obvious that you knew him from before.

Arthur: (thinking) Shit... (says) We... met just 3 days ago.

Uther: (increasenly raises his voice in anger) And you expect me to believe that you made such a tremendous display just for some peasant man that you've known for 3 days?!

Arthur: That 'peasant man' just saved my life!

Uther: For which I'm greatful... but also suspicious.

Arthur: What?!

Uther: He took a knife for you, shielded you with his body... and called you by your name. Yet you insist you've only known each other for 3 days. (pauses dramatically) I'll ask again. What is that man to you?

Arthur: (sweats)

Gaius: (enters) You called for me, your Majesty?

Arthur: (surprised) Gaius! What are you doing here? You should be attending Merlin!

Uther: (sarcastic) Oh, you know his name too. What a surprise.

Gaius: (Looking at Uther, but reassuring Arthur) The boy is stable. The blade didn't puncture anything vital, but it was poisoned. I managed to extract the poison thought, so he is out of danger now.

Uther: You told me you recently hired this boy as your apprentice, right Gaius?

Gaius: Yes, sire.

Uther: How long has he been in The Citadel?

Gaius: Just a few days, sire.

Uther: Are you sure?

Gaius: Yes, he just arrived 3 days ago.

Uther: And he has never been in The Citadel before.

Gaius: Oh, no sire. Merlin is from Ealdor, an Essetir village located on the border. He's never been in Camelot before.

Arthur: (smiles smuggly) See?

Uther: (still not convinced but lets the matter be for now) You shouldn't act so distrough about strangers, Arthur. I expect better composure from you in the future.

Arthur: (hangs his head in a shame he doesn't feel) Yes, father.

Uther: (to Gaius) Your ward deserves a reward for his heroic act today.

Arthur: (thinking) Finally!

Uther: I'll give him 20 pieces of gold.

Arthur: (thinking) What?! (says) No! You can't reward him with that.

Uther: You think it's too much?

Arthur: Too little! He saved your son! Your heir to the throne! Or do you really think that my life it's worth just 20 pieces of gold?

Uther: (thoughful) I guess you have a point. How do you think I should reward him then?

Arthur: Status. Gold is precious but it ends eventually. Status is forever.

Uther: You want me to lord him? I can't do that. He's a peasant.

Arthur: But you can give him a position, maybe? In the royal household?

Uther: Hmm... It's not a bad idea. I'll have to check if there's an avaible position-

Arthur: (quickly) There's one!

Uther: (surprised) Really?

Arthur: (smiling) Well... I still need a personal manservant.

Uther: ...

Gaius: ...

Time skip. Uther talking to a servant.

Uther: (incredulous) He really did that?

Servant: (who had to confess under pressure) Yes, sire. The prince paid me to act as a victim while he pretended to bully me.

Uther: With what purpose?

Servant: (nervous) I... I don't know, sire. He didn't tell me, sire.

Uther: But you have a guess.

Servant: ...

Uther: You can speak freely. Nothing will be hold against you.

Servant: Well... my guess is that... the prince wanted to... get his now personal manservant's attention, sire. The prince stopped 'bullying' me when he arrived and defended me.

Uther: I've heard. He also let the boy go unharmed after he insulted him. After calling him... What did he call my son again?

Servant: A... prat... and an... ass, sire.

Uther: I see... (sighs) You're dismissed.

Servant: (between surprised and relieved) Really? I'm not in trouble, sire?

Uther: No, you aren't.

Servant: And I don't have to give the gold back?

Uther: (opens his eye wide) He gave you gold?!

Time skip. After the events of "The Mark of Nimueh"

Uther watches the knights coming back from a trip all cover in leaves and mud at night.

Uther: Where do you come from so late? (looks at them up and down) And so dirty.

Leon: Ahm... The prince entrusted us with an important mission-

Knight 1: (exhausted) We're looking for a flower.

Leon: (hits him)

Uther: A... flower?

Knight 2: A purple lily, sire.

Uther: Is it a lily with healing properties? A magic plant that endangers my citizens?

Leon: Ehm... no, just a regular purple lily, sire.

Uther: So my son order you to search for a purple lily in the middle of the night.

Knight 1: And he's still searching for one too as we speak.

Leon: (hits him again)

Uther: May I know why?

Knight 2: I think he wants to gift the flower to-

Leon: To a woman! We think he wants to gift a flower to a woman, sire. Though it's just a guess.

Uther: Right... (thinking) What a fussy woman. (says) He could have sent the flower to be painted if he needed a purple one that much.

Leon: He insisted it had to be naturally purple, sire.

Uther: Painting a lily purple is a luxury only royal can afford. I'm sure the girl would still appreciate it.

Knight 1: We told his highness that.

Knight 2: But he still insisted it had to be naturally purple, sire.

Uther: (thinking) I very fussy woman indeed. (says) I'm going to talk with him. This is ridiculous. There's a reason why we prefer to paint lilies purple. It's nearly impossible to find one that is naturally purple. He is never going to find-

Arthur: (entering, all cover in mud and leaves and with a purple lily in an improvised container in hand, very excited) I found it! Leon I... (stops himself when he sees Uther and composes himself) Good evening, father. (bows)

Uther: (explodes at seeing his son's embarrassing appearence) That woman is too fussy, she's making you act like a fool! Is not like she is your fiancée. If for her vagary of wanting a naturally purple flower you stoop to acting slavishly like a servant then Camelot is doomed! You are the prince! How can you give this image? have dignity! What kind of ignorant, uneducated, vulgar woman are you involving yourself with?!

Knight 1: (confused) I thought the flower was for his manser-

Leon: (covers the knight's mouth)

Arthur: (to the knight, seriously considering making him kill number 2) Innprudance*!

Uther: (his right eye ticing)... What?

Arthur: (thinking, kind of concerned) Has he always had a tic in his eye?

Time skip. After Lancelot's imprisonment.

Uther scolding Arthur in his chambers.

Uther: (furious) You imprisoned a man just because he touched your manservant?

Arthur: No, I imprisoned him because he was found in suspicious circunstances.

Uther: What suspicious circunstances?

Arthur: The part of the woods we found him in was burned! There was still spots of fire there and a big hole in the ground! The earth was shaking just before we encountered him, that's clearly sorcery! He could be in alliance with Nimueh for all we know!

Uther: (incredulous) Right... and it had nothing to do with the fact he was caring your servant in his arms when you arrived.

Arthur: Of course not! Do you really believe me that unreasonable?

Uther: Yes! You know why? Because everyone seems to believe that! Since you came back from your search of Nimueh, the whole castle doesn't stop talking about how you got a man arrested because he dare to touch your manservant!

Arthur: Well, it's not true.

Uther: Fine, if you're so sure he did sorcery, I'll prepare his execution inmediatly.

Arthur: I never said I was sure, just that I found him in-

Uther: Suspicious circunstances, I know.

Arthur: Like I said, I'm not unreasonable. I can't execute him for sorcery without solid prove.

Uther: But you're not going to free him either.

Arthur: Because of the suspicious circunstances.

Uther: So you're just... going to keep him in there.

Arthur: Yeah.

Uther: ...

Arthur: ...

Uther: I'm too old for this. (leaves)

Time skip. After Merlin moved in to Arthur's antechambers.

Uther being attended by Gaius in his chambers.

Gaius: (mixing a concoction in the king's tea) This should help you with your nerves, Sire. I don't know what to do about the tic in your eye though. I would recommend you to rest more.

Uther: How could I? I'm the king! I have a lot of duties to do!

Gaius: You could delegate some of your duties to prince Arthur-

Uther: Arthur! He's the reason I'm like this! Him and his greedy manservant! No offense, Gaius.

Gaius: None taken, sire. And I can assure you Merlin is nothing like that. He's just an innocent country boy. I think he's not even aware of the prince's affections for him yet.

Uther: That's what he's making everyone believe! But it's all an act, I can see it! He used his seductive arts to have my son in the palm of his hand!

Gaius: (puts the cup of tea in the king's hand) Whatever you say, sire. Your tea.

Servant: (Knocks door from outside)

Uther: Come in. (takes sip of his tea)

Servant: Your Majesty, (Bows) You asked to keep you informed of... uhm.. any important change related to the prince and his manservant.

Uther: (sighs and take another sip) What did he do this time?

Servant: The prince asked his manservant to move to his antechambers, sire.

Uther: (relieved) Oh... That's not so bad.

Gaius: (cheering Uther up) Is not bad at all! As his personal manservant he should have moved there from the start. I'm surprised the prince didn't ask him to move before.

Servant: (sweating, nervous) Yeah...

Uther: (sighs) There's more, isn't it?

Servant: Uhm... well... there are rumors, sire...that says that..ahm...

Uther: (demands) What?

Servant: The reason the prince asked his servant to move was because he brought another man to his room, sire.

Uther: (breaks the cup of tea in his hand)

Gaius: (sighs, to the servant, calmly) Bring me another cup and some bandages, please.

Servant: (bows and leaves)

Uther: Gaius.

Gaius: Yes, sire?

Uther: You have brought a seductive demon to the castle.

...

Uther finding out about arthur's weird obsession with merlin ☑︎

*Innprudance is the actual name of the Knight just so you know. And it fits him perfectly.

Credits to my best friend Rosangela, who helped me with some dialogues and situations, no only in this part, but several ones. Love you so much! ❤️

#merlin bbc #bbc merlin #merlin #merthur #merlin fanfic #merlin prompt #merlin fic #merthur fic #arthur and merlin #merlin and arthur #merthur fanfiction #merthur fanfic #merthur prompt #Arthur and Merlin travel back in time without knowing the other is from the future too AU

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anotherhumaninthisworld · 10 days ago

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Augustin Robespierre being his brother’s number 1 fan compilation

…I tremble, my friend, when I think of the dangers that surround you. I implore you, give us your news, report to the public your motion and the scandalous scene you suffered at the hands of an enemy of the people; your virtues, your patriotism must triumph. But you have to convince the ignorant for success to be certain. Farewell, I embrace you with tears in my eyes. Augustin to Maximilien in an undated letter, 1790

…Our simple villagers are horribly gullible; in vain do they know what you have done for them. They forget everything to feast on the misfortune of being crushed by taxes because of you. Augustin to Maximilien in an undated letter, middle of June 1790

I am angry, dear brother, that you are so weak when it comes to your interests. Why hesitate to publish the response to Beaumez? Why consult again, when Charles Lameth has signed and approved this answer? This is an insult you are doing to your greatest friend. So I alert you that I will publish this answer tomorrow. Augustin to Maximilien, June 6 1790

…Your motion for the marriage of priests makes you get regarded as impious by all our great Artesian philosophers. It is well within my principles, but few people are at the same level! You would lose the esteem of the peasants if you renewed this motion. This weapon is used to harm you; people only talk about your irreligion, etc. Perhaps it would be a good idea to stop supporting it. I don't even believe that the National Assembly is mature enough to adopt it. Tell me if I will please you by going to Paris. Augustin to Maximilien, undated 1790

…I cannot hide my fears from you, dear brother, you will seal the cause of the people with your blood, perhaps these people will even be unfortunate enough to strike you, but I swear to avenge your death and to deserve it like you. You will be surprised to learn how far the villainy of your enemies extends. They went to the houses of the people I saw, telling them that they were dishonoring themselves by welcoming me into their homes. I confess to you that this monstrous behavior made my blood boil, that it was prudent for these villains not to appear before me. […] I would like to go to Paris for July 14; I have not yet had a single patriotic enjoyment in Arras. I have to compensate myself. Give me, I beg you, the means to go there, it will be enough to please you. Augustin to Maximilien, undated June 1790

Patriot Dupleix [sic], I learned indirectly that my brother is indisposed; I am worried; let me know about his situation as soon as possible. Send me also the cartridge that I asked my brother's friend to look for in his papers. Tell my brother that my sister is convalescing, and that I will send back Mme Witty's book in a few days. Don't waste a moment, send answers right away. My worry is at its peak. Nothing prevents me from flying to Paris. Also send me some copies of the speech on the war that your friend gave and the observations of Pethion [sic] and Robespierre. I embrace you and your family. Augustin to Maurice Duplay, March 19 1792

It’s surely not curiosity that draws in such a big number of members today, it’s the intimate sentiment of dangers against liberty that assemble them here. I am somewhat ashamed to be speaking before you, because the brother of Robespierre should be calumniated, and he is not. […] Citizens, I had a big fear, it seemed to me like assassins were coming to stab my brother. I heard men say that he would perish by their hands. Another one, whom I asked if he wanted to be the executioner of my brother, responded: ”He has been the executioner of a lot of others.” After this, it is possible to believe innocence will never be victorious! […] I don’t want to leave this rostrum before making an observation on Marat: Marat can’t be guilty, because he is persecuted by the same enemies that persecute Robespierre. Augustin at the jacobins, October 29 1792

…I have just been appointed commissary to the army of Italy, the mission is difficult; I accepted it for the good of my country, I am convinced that I will serve it usefully if only by destroying the slanders with which my name has been blackened. Augustin to Antoine Buissart, July 20 1793

From this moment (around June 10 1794) Robespierre and his friends acted with hostility against us, and especially against me (Barère). One day they even sent Robespierre the younger to me, whom they had recalled from the Basses Alpes. This lunatic entered the committee under pretext of giving an account of his mission to Nice; but instead of fulfilling this duty, he addressed me in a furious tone ”You have maltreated my brother. We missed you on the 31st of May 1793, we shall not miss you on the 31st of May 1794.” He left still threatening us. Memoirs of Barère (1896) volume 2, page 169.

[Robespierre the younger] complains that the lowest flatteries are used to create division between patriots: they went so far as to tell him that he was better than his brother: “But in vain,” he cries, ”would anyone want to separate me from him: as long as he is the proclaimer of morality and the terror of scoundrels, I aspire to no other glory than to share the same tomb as him!” Augustin at the jacobins on July 11 1794, recorded in number 32 (July 18) of Mercure français.

Robespierre the younger: I am as guilty as my brother: I share his virtues; I want to share his fate. I demand an act of accusation against me also. Augustin at the Convention on July 26 1794, as reported in number 311 (July 29) of Le Moniteur Universel

…Proceeding to learning of the causes of the accident, the patient told us his name was [Augustin] Robespierre; that he voluntarily threw himself from one of the windows of Hôtel de Ville, to escape from the hands of the conspirators, because, having been put under a decree of accusation, he believed his death inevitable; that he never stopped doing his duty well at the Convention, like his brother; that no one can reproach him for anything; that he regards Panis as a conspirator, because he once came over to him and declared that Collot d’Herbois does not desire the good of his country in order to deceive him; Carnot appears to him to be one of the conspirators, who wants to surrender his country... Medical report on Augustin, written on July 28 1794, two o’clock in the morning, at the civil committee of the city hall section

#augustin robespierre #maximilien robespierre #robespierre #frev #frev compilation #ok but it’s somehow charlotte who’s ”obsessed with her brothers in a not healthy way?”#also augustin predicting his fate two weeks before it happens… ouch

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discordiansamba · 1 month ago

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"what do you want?"

azula refuses to look at zuko as he sits down in front of her cell. it's the first time she's ever seen her too young uncle dressed like the fire nation royalty he's always been, and she thinks she's already sick of it. he's even managed to scrape his short peasant hair into a somewhat proper topknot, fixed into place by a flame hairpiece that reminds her of the ones she's seen in depictions of avatar roku.

"i thought i would visit my great-niece," zuko says simply, "-is that a problem?"

azula scoffs. you've never had any interest in me before, uncle. why start now, after a lifetime of ignoring my half of the family?

at least he has the decency to look properly guilty, she thinks. he even apologizes, which she just rolls her eyes at. what? getting sentimental in your old age? or is it your newly returned mortality making you regret your past choices? whatever it is, she wants no part of it.

zuko just sighs.

i know it's hard to understand, niece, he says, but the way you were raised and the things you were taught were wrong. you are just a child. there is still time for you to unlearn them.

"don't call me a child," azula hisses, "-not with that face."

her great-uncle just heaves another sigh. fair enough, he says. your uncle never liked it when i lectured him at your age either. i guess it's hard to take me seriously when i don't look my age. but i've seen much more than you have, azula. i laid the air nomads to rest. do you know how many of them were children?

"they were weak," azula replies, "-it's what they deserved."

the weak deserve the right to live too, zuko tells her. and clearly, some of his father's soldiers must have agreed with him, because he found plenty of fire nation remains with evidence of scorch marks on them too. they saw an injustice happening with their own eyes that they realized they were a part of, and died trying to protect the air nomads.

"then they were weak too," azula waves a hand, "-besides, everyone knows the air nomads were plotting to invade the rest of the world."

her great-uncle just laughs.

(it's not a kind sound.)

"invade the rest of the world?" zuko asks. "sounds terrible. good thing the fire nation got rid of them and then spent another hundred years at war with the rest of the world."

azula frowns. that's different. the air nomads wanted to force their lifestyle on the other nations. the fire nation isn't doing that. we're just-

"-spreading our greatness to the rest of the world?" zuko asked. "i thought you were smart, niece."

azula bristles. smarter than you, uncle, she hisses.

zuko pinches the bridge of his nose, and sighs. he spits flame as he does, as if he is just barely holding in his temper. fine, he says. i can see we're not getting anywhere today. i'll visit again.

"don't bother," azula says, "-i'm no traitor."

(zuko exhales as he leaves. he has no idea how iroh manages to do the 'wise old man' thing. he'd ask him for advice, if it weren't for the fact that he was so much younger than him. he was over a century old. he should know how to talk to a teenager without losing his temper.

ugh. maybe bumi had a point about him being a fake old man.

he wants to help his niece. he does. he wants to believe that she can change, like iroh changed. she's still so young.

he just has no idea how to get her there. he knows almost nothing about her. he's fought against her, but he doesn't know azula. she's right- he really did ignore her side of the family. he had his reasons, but...

...he sighs. maybe he should do the one thing he's been avoiding all this time, and talk to the man who'd made his niece like this in the first place. it would shed some light on her upbringing, if nothing else. there was no point in avoiding ozai- not now that he was mortal again.

...he still didn't relish the idea.)

#spirit bridge zuko au #zuko voice: it's not that i was playing favorites or anything. it's just *really* hard to look at ozai #zuko: ...okay i know how bad that sounds out of context

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kikitakite · 7 months ago

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@fantasyfictionfables

I was going to reblog some of your posts because I wanted to discuss your takes on Mystra, but then I found out you're a Christian conservative who hates gay people.

No gay person thinks their sexual orientation is their identity, but it's absolutely PART of their identity, just as being straight is part of yours. You can claim otherwise, but it determines who you might love and marry and that person will one day become a part of you and your identity. It's inevitable. As a wife and mother of three, you should know that better than anyone.

But people from groups like yours shame gay people for exploring that part of themselves and that's why Pride Month exists. Pride isn't "propaganda". It's about marginalized people showing the world they exist and they're not ashamed of it. Parades are also a great way for gay people to meet each other. My bestie met her wife at a march 15 years ago and they've been together ever since. It's beautiful. They have two happy, gorgeous children who wouldn't exist without Pride, because their moms never would've met.

Pride also raises money to help gay teens who've been cast out of their homes and gay refugees who've had to flee their country because being gay is illegal there. It also provides support for gay people who need medical help, therapy for abuse, suicide prevention and more. It's a safe space for people who are often discriminated against and even KILLED just for being who they are. So sorry that seems to bother you.

Your take isn't brave, it's just ignorant and hateful. You didn't have to write that post. Nothing provoked it. You just WANTED to to air your allegiances. And then you turned off comments and reblogs lmfao. For the majority of the year, gay people survive just like us straights. They go about their day and don't even mention being gay. You picked the one month in the entire year that's dedicated to them to complain about their existence and call them "deranged". And then you have the audacity to say you "bear no ill will" towards them? Bullshit.

I can only assume the word "pride" scares you because you're a Christian and it's a sin, am I right? Well here's something ironic: lust is also a sin, yet your entire blog not only consists of Gale thirst posts, but you're also stealing Tim Downie's voice to make audio clips using AI. Hmmm, I wonder if God would approve of a married woman posting NSFW content and using a man's voice for her hedonistic writings without his consent. 🤔

And by the way, as a veteran DnD player I can tell you right now that Mystra has done some absolutely VILE shit to her followers. She's not perfect. None of the gods in DnD are. They're flawed and often cruel. I've seen you compare Mystra and Gale to stories in the Bible, but that almost feels blasphemous. Mystra has a history of evil deeds. She orchestrated Elminster's rape, made sure he had kids and never told him about them. She turned Volo into an anchor without his knowledge. She tortured a peasant because he refused to sleep with her, then killed his wife and punished him for crying about it. And don't even get me started on the "daughters" she created. The third Mystra (who has Mystra and Mystryl's memories) is cruel to Gale as well and the game gives so much context for that. Plus ALL the companions agree she's unreasonable and tell Gale to reject her, and if he does it leads to one of his most satisfying endings. He's happy, he's a teacher, he marries tav and everyone approves. Your way of playing isn't the only right way and people aren't wrong for criticizing Mystra. There's plenty about her that deserves to be criticized, as is the case with every god in the pantheon.

Speaking of, I have nothing against Christians, but I do when they use their faith to shame people and act like total hypocrites.

#pride month #happy pride 🌈#homophobia #gale dekarios #gale of waterdeep #mystra #baldur's gate 3 #bg3 #call out post #tw r4p3

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azrielslightintheshadows · 1 year ago

Note

Hello!! I went back

I would like to ask Rhysand something, I imagine something where maybe in the store where the reader works some people don't like the reader and make fun of her, and the reader always stays quiet about it, not fighting back, and maybe her bond with Rhys is recent and they are still getting to know each other, so no one respects the reader and Rhys doesn't know anything, but after a while, maybe one day when Rhys goes to visit the reader in the store where she works, Rhys sees people making fun of his partner and gets angry and defends her?

High Lady.

Rhysand x f!Reader

Warnings; swearing, scary Rhys.

Masterlist.

Hiii welcome back in my requests I'm so happy to see you again! I had so much fun writing this! Hope you enjoy it!

“Hey Colin have you heard what Y/n says?” Ivy your coworker shouted.

“What?” Colin quirked a brow, amusement flashing in his eyes.

“She told one of her friends that came here earlier that she went on a date with the High Lord” Ivy burst into laughter with Colin following suit.

“Is that true y/n? Did you dream about being Lady Night yesterday?” He exclaimed making your cheeks flush with embarrassment.

“I wonder what our High Lord would say if he heard the rumors this peasant spreads around. I mean have you seen him? He would never waste his time with someone like her.” Ivy looked at you with an arrogant expression.

You lowered your gaze to the ground and gritted your teeth trying to hold back the tears. “Aww you’re making her cry” Colin cooed with a smirk.

“She deserves this for disrespecting our High Lord.” She scoffed and turned her attention to the customer that walked in.

That was your daily life ever since you started working in the jewellery store. The first day on the job you managed to sell the most expensive necklace of the store and the owner immediately became quite fond of you. Your coworkers though feared that you would get a promotion and decided to make your life a nightmare in hopes you would quit. It hurt you deeply, but you decided that the job was more important, so you didn’t give up, you just tried to ignore their comments.

You focused on the costumers and once again you sold more jewels than everyone else.

Great, tomorrow they will treat me even worse. You mentally groaned.

“Bye” you mumbled as you grabbed your bag and left the store.

“Look at her, she is in such a hurry. Is the High Lord waiting for you?” Colin howled.

You shook your head and quickly walked away. You wanted to scream “Yes he is” but you knew they wouldn’t believe you. Usually, they liked to mock you for your looks and intelligence but now they found the perfect topic. You cursed your self for talking loudly with your friend, you didn’t mind when they made fun of you but making fun of your relationship? It hurt you deeply. You only met Rhysand two months ago and the insecurities of not being enough for him were still on the surface, so their mockery cut you like a knife.

With a sigh you unlocked the door of your apartment and walked in. You hanged your coat in the closet and hurried to the kitchen to cook dinner.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

A knock on the door pulled you out of your thoughts and you smiled. You quickly took off the apron and checked your self on the small mirror next to the door before opening.

“Hey beautiful” Rhysand’s deep voice filled the silence. He gave his signature feline smile and offered you a bouquet of roses.

“Hi” you chirped and stood on your tiptoes to give him a soft kiss. “It smells so good.” He murmured into the kiss, and you giggled.

“I’m kissing you and you’re thinking about the food?” you feigned a hurt expression. “I have to stop spending so much time with Cassian.” He chuckled and let you guide him inside.

After dinner you sat in front of the fireplace with two glasses of wine, talking about your days and stealing kisses from each other.

“I feel like something is wrong” Rhys said softly.

“What do you mean?” you furrowed your eyebrows.

“Like something is bothering you… you usually smile more” he explained.

“Oh I’m okay just tired.” You avoided his gaze.

He stared at your face for a few seconds and sighed “you know you can tell me everything, right?”

“Yes my love. I’m okay.” You smiled.

You spent the night in his arms, sleeping peacefully as his warmth made you feel safe.

Morning came and you slowly got up without waking him up. You got ready for work and left a note on the counter before leaving.

Off to work, I left a key so you can lock the door.

Have a nice day ♡

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

The moment you stepped into the store Colin raised a brow and smiled mischievously. “How’s the high lord?”

You rolled your eyes and placed your stuff in your drawer.

“Oh come on, we care about our High Lord… is he okay?” he continued.

You had hoped that he wouldn’t make fun of you today that Ivy isn’t working.

The day went by painfully slow, your hands shook by the constant mocking and even some customers looked at you with pity. Colin was telling everyone that you are so desperate for attention that you started rumors about dating the High Lord.

The sun was setting, and you started cleaning the counters and preparing for closing when Ivy walked in.

“Oh hello Lady Night” she chirped and exchanged looks with Colin.

“Hi” you replied and continued counting the money you made.

“So, are you really dating the High Lord or he’s just wetting his dick?” She howled.

“Is this the way to speak to your future High Lady?” a growl sounded from behind you.

“Rhys?” you gasped and turned around. Your mate was standing in front of the door looking more intimidating than ever. His night-kissed power shook the floor making some of the jewels clink against each other.

“My Lord…” Ivy gaped “I’m so sorry I- I didn’t know.”

“Who do you think you are to treat my mate like that.” He snarled, his voice was different, more intimidating, more terrifying and it made your knees tremble. You quickly understood that this voice was filled with authority. This voice didn’t belong to your mate but to the High Lord of the Night Court. The most powerful High Lord in Prythian. Thus, your colleagues fell on their knees, bowing their heads and shaking in fear.

“You’re both done here. If I ever see you again near my mate I will fucking end you. I will turn your brains into mist.” He smirked as both got up and sprinted out, nodding their heads repeatedly.

“Rhys, what is my boss going to say? He will fire me.” You spoke.

“He wouldn’t dare.” He replied and moved closer wrapping his arms around your waist. “And even if he did, you wouldn't have time for this job anyway. You will have a court to rule my High Lady.”

Your eyes watered and you pressed your forehead on his chest.

“Thank you for defending me.” You whispered.

“Anything for you my mate. I love you.” He said softly and you gasped, you had never said it until now.

“I love you” you replied.

He cupped your jaw and lifted your face so you could stare into his eyes.

“My High Lady.” He whispered and captured your lips with his own.

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thetraumaking · 7 months ago

Text

The Accursed Crown

Other Chapters

Chapter 15: Thief

One thing Azula hated most were thieves.

Unfortunate souls who could not get a proper grasp on life, stealing from others around them. The scum of the world, pathetic weaklings deserving nothing but waste and scrap.

As a princess, she had her fair share of encounters with thieves. Petty little servants worming their way through the cracks and ending up in her chambers. Not knowing that they will soon be caught red handed when they’re elbow deep in her treasury. They even had the gall to wear her jewelry, parading around as if they stumbled up to a gold mine.

She has no tolerance for those who steal. Especially if they take what is hers.

Especially if they are some petty brat from a primitive nation that still uses huts and wooden boats. No engineers, no notable achievements, no nothing. Beggars who survive off of what little they manage to hunt and bits of ice.

Scavengers, that’s what they are.

From the moment she got word that those water fleas would be coming to their palace, she was against it. Honestly, what was her grandfather thinking? Letting these peasants inside their palace. Allowing their poor polished floors be sullied by the mud and grime they track in.

She burned those lowlives who stole from her, at least they made some nice dummies for her to blow off some steam. A healthy way for her to manage her anger.

A productive way for her to channel her emotions to make sure she’s under control.

For the past month or so, it was a great way for her to train and maintain peace within her mind. Though, as she looked at the low life carelessly touching you.

Oh if she could treat her like how she treated those who stole from her, it would have been grand. Those filthy hands that grab at her belongings should burn like the cinders. Cracked, smoking, and hot.

‘Having a proper outlet for strong emotions will help you in maintaining a cool head in battle’

Your word rang in her head like a mantra. She couldn’t possibly attack her without repercussions, Yue may be from a back wash nation but she is a princess nonetheless. Maybe challenge her to an Agni Kai? No, she’s not fire nation nor is she worth such an honour.

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes.

Yue currently had her hands placed over your cheek and neck, where the most notable of scars lay. One from the brand and one from the very first offence Princess Ursa had committed where you had to burn off.

A ball of blue danced on the palm of her hands when she took aim.

Azula knows she can’t possibly harm the great Northern Tribe’s little Princess, so she curls her finger just so her fire would graze ever so slightly against Yue.

An audible click of the tongue was heard when you dove to save the water girl. Your hand on the back of her head, protectively pulling her closer to your chest to better dodge any more possible “attacks.”

Deducting that her acting skills might need a bit more work, she clasped her hands together. “Oops, I’m sorry, my hand slipped.” Azula tilted her head ever so cutely, feigning innocence.

Her eyes remained on Yue. If she has a working brain, she should know to play along. An open hostility towards their host nation won’t bode too well, especially if they want their negotiations to go well.

She unclasped her hands when she saw you help the water girl up. When she got a closer look at you, she noticed that your skin seemed to be looser? Walking up to you, she got a better look. The branded scar on your cheek was healed, the skin looked even and smooth. That’s a first. Though the tattooed number remained intact. And that large scar in your neck was also missing, replaced by smooth skin. The hands that released Yue were quick to be snatched by her, she inspected your palms and only then did she notice the lack of those signature calluses and wounds that littered your hands. The very wounds she used to trace and play with when she was younger.

She let go of your hands before dismissing you, sending you off to fetch beverages for their esteemed guest. How dare she modify you without informing her. Just because you’re a princess doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want.

She watched Yue fidget under her gaze, although she’s taller and older than her, nothing but a simple angling of the head can’t fix.

“I don’t know about you but I’m famished.” When you came back with a tray in hand, she smiled at the girl, “Well? The tea isn’t going to pour itself now is it?”

Yue wouldn't be able to defy her. They are in their territory and they are the ones looking for appeasement, they are the ones who are looking for financial stability. When she saw Yue nod, she couldn’t help but smile as if a weight had been taken off of her.

Good. The water tribe’s princess wasn’t a fool.

Though, she wasn’t the wisest. One should never try to appease the aggressor. But she doesn’t need to know that.

Yue kept her head down as she raised the cup to her, offering the tea. Keeping her smile on, she brought her hand to raise it, only for glass to shatter and hot tea to spill.

“Oops, my hand seemed to have slipped once more.” The rich brown stained the white and blue of the princess’s dress. “Pour me another.” Lifting her empty —waiting hand— she smiled.

The grimace she was rewarded with was quite satisfactory. She waited for the second pour and like before, her hand “slipped.” She heard the lid of the teapot rattle from how her hands shook. Despite being able to follow her father around for political affairs, she’s no good at masking her emotions it seems.

The corner of her mouth twitched. She was enjoying this.

Though, sparing you a glance, she lets out a huff. “Geez, you’re no good at this at all, Princess Yue. In any case, why don’t you use your bending to clean this mess.” She lazily gestured to the spilled tea and shards of glass littered across the grounds.

“But, since my purpose wasn’t to come here to humiliate you–” at first, “It appears that your father’s plea may come to fruition—” there was a hopeful gleam in her eyes at her words, and she was about to crush it. “If he manages to win the duel to show his worth.”

She watches Yue try to suppress her tears, her lips trembling and brows furrowed.

From what her father had told her, the water tribesman would be going against Zhao. Although he is the lowest ranking soldier that is within her circle, he did manage to land a position as their trainer. He must have some skill if he can, allegedly, fill your position. And your position is nothing to scoff at, rumoured to have royal blood, a young powerful soon to be general, the youngest and fastest to have risen up the ranks, and someone who has survived and thrived within the child officer program that had the mortality rate of sixty nine. *HAH.

Though, even if he did lose, it simply means that there will be a job opening for one fortunate soul. There will be no true losses on their part, a lousy lieutenant is hardly worth anything, besides, it's a small price to pay for the entertainment that they get to have.

Before she could taunt her more, Yue sped past her towards the direction she came from, the glass teapot shattering upon impact.

A second passed in silence before she crossed her arms, clicking her tongue, “That girl, she could have at least made herself useful and cleaned up this mess.” She then looked at you, you were still holding the tray. “Does she even know where the arena is?”

You stayed silent.

Grumbling, she looked down at the spilled tea and porcelain.

“What a waste.”

#fanfic #atla azula #avatar the last airbender #azula x reader #fire lord azula #fire lord ozai #atla #prince zuko #princess ursa

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lucarionite9364 · 2 months ago

Text

Khaotic Turn of Events

Havik x reader (Part 3)

WC: 4392

CW: mentions of violence

AN: holy hell it’s been like a month I’m sorry 😭

“Home late, again?” Your mother tutted. You hang your coat on the rack as you walk in the door. “Oh, mom, I’m sorry, I lost track of time again.” You chuckle to hopefully lighten her already sour mood.

“It’s always ‘sorry’ and yet you never do better.” Her words were like a bucket of ice over your head. “There is a curfew you know, or do you live in a make believe world and not the glory of Seidou.” “So what if I live in my own world sometimes,” you fall into a whisper, “It's better than all these rules anyways.”

A muscle in your father’s eye twitches. “What did you say? How ungrateful must you be. Born into the higher society of order, yet you still run around with low-lives.”

Your heart is pounding heavily with anger. How dare they speak about your friend like that? How dare they talk to you like that? You see your parents share a stern look of implicit agreement.

“Pack your bags. You’re out of our house.” It was like they dropped a bombshell on your life.

“WHAT?! Mom? Dad? What do you mean I have to leave?” You were in tears as the news felt like a slap across the face. They might as well have slapped you with how their insistence that you leave stung.

“It’s for your own good, my dear.” Your mother spoke in a calm tone but her body language was that of disdain. Your father spoke next. “You have been corrupted by that peasant boy. You are unruly!” He spoke about Dairou with utter hatred. No concern for life outside the rich.

You don’t know what broke your heart more: the fact your parents were disowning and throwing you out of not only your home, but Orderrealm itself, or that they scorned the one and perhaps only person who ever cared about you.

“Why do you hate him so much? What has he ever done to deserve anything he’s received?” You start the yelling match. Your parents looked upon you with disgust and repulse. Your tears freely flowed down your face, but you had to fight back against injustice.

“Why? WHY?! That boy has utterly ruined you with his filth. You were such a good child until he spread his filth to you. The lower class is naught but the dirt we walk on, and he will always be that. FILTH!” With the pure spite pouring from her lips you knew nothing she could say would ever repair the damage done. Not that she would apologize.

Your father stepped in after the onslaught. “No child of ours will be anything less than perfection. Why couldn’t you have been friends with the other boy in your class? Hotaru exemplifies the greatness of Orderrealm! Yet you had to ruin it. With that slave in the lowest caste.”

“You will NOT speak of him that way. I won’t let you.” You put on false bravado. You were scared. Terrified.

“That is it, we didn’t wish to have to resort to this, but you have tied our hands.” Your father turns the corner and comes back with a small sack of your belongings in tow. “Leave Seidou, and never return. You are unworthy of even calling yourself a Seidan.”

Your heart sank to your stomach. Leave Seidou forever. You can’t. Your whole life was here. You would never see it again. The sunset, the surrounding hills, Dairou. You would never see Dairou again, you couldn’t even tell him you were leaving. Your mind began to spiral as panic flooded your brain.

You stepped backward, unknowingly into the arms of a Seidan guard. When did they get here? Were they planning this? How long have they wished me gone? The guard roughly grabs your arm, holding his polearm in his other hand. Another guard grabs your other hand.

“WAIT! You can’t do this to me!” You wailed as the guards moved you back out of the house and away from the building. “Why are you doing this to me? Don’t you love me?” You begged and pleaded for an answer to their cruelty. What angered you more was that they looked at each other with love, and you with disdain. They acted like newlyweds, waiting to start a family for the first time. Ignoring your existence.

“You will regret this. I swear by the elder gods, you will regret this.” If they heard the venom in your tone, they ignored it. As the guards drug you toward the portal going who knows where, your tears were the only thing you felt as the rage numbed you.

The guards tossed you through the portal. Your old life was no more. With this, you passed out.

You don’t know how long you were out for. All you knew was that you were in a courtyard surrounded by strange men in orange clothing. Many of them had wraps around their bodies. You were approached by a man with long, dark hair and glowing eyes. If you weren't already afraid, you were now.

The man’s gaze softened as he walked. He held his hands up in peace, meaning you no harm. “I am Lord Liu Kang.” He begins, you’re still shaken up, so he continues. “I mean you no ill will. I only wish to help. What is your name?”

You were hesitant to answer. “My name. . . is Y/N.”

“So we find him in Outworld and bring him here for questioning?” Kenshi asked, holding up a charcoal sketched image of the enemy at hand. You stand beside Liu Kang as he briefs you on your mission. “Yes, if what I fear has happened, he is a grave threat to the realms.”

Kenshi rolls up the scroll in his hands. “Anything else?” Liu Kang looks to all of you, “Shang Tsung is a master of deceit. Do not trust a word he utters.”

Johnny chimes in with a quip. “Sounds a lot like my first agent.” You give him a sharp glare, “Be serious Cage.” Kenshi gives him a side-eye too. “It’s a tricky mission. I’d rather Raiden go along than this one.” “HEY!” Johnny snaps, “This one is up for the mission.”

You save Liu Kang his breath. “Raiden would be too recognizable in Outworld. We need the utmost discretion on this mission.” He seems unpleased but accepting of your answer. “And maybe Johnny can get some method acting as a spy.”

“You just said to be serious.” “I told you to be serious.”

Liu Kang speaks once more. “She is right. I am also breaking my word to Empress Sindel by sending you to Outworld.”

You feel the weight of how important this mission is settling into your chest. You know you can do this, Liu Kang believes in you.

You watch Liu Kang reach behind him and pull out a compass of sorts.

“This talisman is attuned to Shang Tsung’s chi. Follow it to him,” He gives the glowing item to Kenshi. “And be careful. May the Elder Gods protect you.” He gives you each a look to bid farewell. However, his gaze lingers on you. You’re not sure what his gaze means, but you hope it means well.

. . . . . . . .

“Ugh, Are we there yet?” You hear Johnny complain for the hundredth time in the past hour. You roll your eyes to Kung Lao who gives you the same look back.

Kenshi groans in annoyance. “Again? How old are you, five?” You chuckle at the mockery. “What can I say? These boots weren’t made for walking.” “But that’s just what they’ll do.” You say, answering his reference.

His eyes light up. “See? She gets the song reference.” Oh, he seems so happy. . . You have to mess with him a little.

“Song? What song?” You act curious. His face falls into confusion. “What? The song by Nancy Sinatra? You completed the line.” He sounds desperate for validation. “Come on Lao, no way she said that if she didn’t get the reference.” Lao just glances over to his direction.

“Don’t bring me into this, but if walking is the most pain you feel today, consider yourself lucky.” Johnny plasters a smirk on his face. “Oh, I’m already lucky. I’ve got Sento strapped to my back.” He seems happy when Kenshi’s agitation grows hearing him brag about the sword.

He just huffs. “I will reclaim it, Cage.” “Got three million? It’s yours.” “You know I don’t have it.” “I bet your Yakuza pals could come up with it. Oh that’s right, you blew them off.” You look to Cage as if to tell him stop before he regrets it. “If there’s one lesson Hollywood’s taught me, it’s never burn bridges. You never know who can help.” Ohhhhhhh. Line crossed big time.

Kenshi turns around and blares his flashlight at Johnny’s face. “The Yakuza are leeches, bleeding out those too weak to resist,” he walks closer to the actor. “I grew up in that life and I never understood it. Why my gain required others’ pain?” Johnny never even blinked at his words.

“I got out. I need my clan out, too,” The rage in his eyes grew. “We can’t be part of their crimes any longer.”

Kenshi never talked about his past with you, now you understand why. It was then that you heard a whirring noise come from the talisman in the swordsman’s hand. Kenshi turns to continue walking. Kung Lao follows, flashing his light into Johnny’s face. As you walk past you speak lowly.

“Not everything is about money or fame, Johnny. May the Elder Gods drill that lesson into your brain some day.” You hear him groan as you walk to follow your other companions.

As you follow the compass, you come across a colony of humanoid creatures. Creatures that are apparently in the midst of battle. Johnny already has his phone out, recording the fight; most likely using the footage as a reference for his next project.

“What’s your precious say?” Kenshi holds the talisman outward. “That Shang Tsung is among those. . . things.” “Oh, my fans are gonna go nuts cosplaying them at Cage Con.” You’re somehow shocked. “You have a whole convention dedicated to you?” He simplys smiles and shrugs his shoulders like it’s no big deal. “You are the walking definition of narcissism.” He frowns, much to your amusement.

You can see one creature in particular being held by both arms and dragged out to the center of the colony. You then see a man with long dark hair with a syringe approach him from behind. Wait. He looks like–

“That’s Shang Tsung.” Lao beats you to the realization. “Let’s jump him after he’s done,” Johnny suggests. “Oh! In “Fists of Iron” we did this thing where like–” He swings his fist as Kenshi interjects. “We are not basing strategy on your movies Cage.”

The thought is interrupted as you view the scene below. The creature held captive is struggling against the guards, but he was knocked down to his knees. Shang Tsung held up the syringe to his neck, and plunged the needle in. You cringe as the captive writhes in pain.

Suddenly, the man held down broke free from his restraints. Downing the first guard, quickly felling the second, he takes the offensive against Shang Tsung. Everyone in the colony delves into battle. The creature strikes at your target. Regardless of his defensive stance, the blows he takes are harsh.

“On second thought,” Johnny begins. “This scene’s playing fine without us. I say we let them finish it.” Yawning that last part, Kenshi chimes in. “We have to save Shang Tsung. Liu Kang needs him alive.” You sigh. “As much as I hate it, he’s right.” The four of you charge down the small cliff you were on and join the fray.

As the monster was just about to finish Shang Tsung, Kenshi jumped on his back, swinging him around. He managed to kick all three of you as you came in to help, knocking you to the ground momentarily. Winded, you stumble to your feet. As you were all distracted, the sorcerer shifts into the form of one of the creatures, quickly assimilating into the crowd. You lost him.

“What the–” Johnny cuts you off. “How did he do that?” You were dumbfounded still that you had lost your target. You snapped back to attention as Kenshi began his battle with the main man; leaving you, Johnny, and Lao to fight the rest of them off.

One of the creatures charges after you. You step to the left, ducking under Lao as he punches it in the face. You sweep the next two, knocking them to the ground. You move to the group on the left while taking out Reaper, leaving Johnny and Kung Lao to take care of the group on the right.

You swing your weapon to hit the first, bringing it back to hit the second. You reel it back and hold the rope at mid range to rapidly strike your next foe. One managed to slip past your guard to strike you in your already bruised stomach. You fall back to clutch your abdomen, but not before three more come your way. You clench your teeth through the pain to defend yourself. Uppercutting the first, forward kicking the second, and whipping your yo-yo into the chin of the third.

At this time, the three of you back your way to Kenshi. The swarm of monsters circle you, closing in slowly.

“You got us into this. How about getting us out?” Kenshi steels himself at Johnny’s words. “I know what this looks like, but we don’t work for Shang Tsung.” The man in front did not seem to believe him.

“If not, why save him?” His voice is gravelly, almost painful sounding. “Because Liu Kang, Earthrealm’s Protector, wants to question him,” Kenshi explains desperately. “He thinks Shang Tsung may be a threat to both our realms.”

He seems to accept this answer reluctantly. Kenshi holds out his hand in greeting, but he does not return the gesture.

“Our kind do not shake hands.” He growls. Kenshi quickly retracts his hand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend.” “Don’t you know what we are?” He questions. It’s times like these you wish you paid more attention in those classes. “No, we don’t.”

The man gestures to the rest of the colony. “We are victims of Tarkat,” He begins to explain. “The disease is not easily gotten, but you can’t risk more close exposure.” At this, Johnny swiftly wipes his hands on his chest plate earning a glare from you.

The tarkatan continues, “It disfigures, then debilitates. In time, it will turn us all into blood-thirsty monsters.” What a cruel fate, you think to yourself.

“So you weren’t always like this?” Lao asks. It's hard to tell if the man is perpetually angry with your presence or that’s just a resting face. “I was once a rich merchant. But when I became ill, I was banished. Now I run this colony.” You couldn’t imagine living with this disease. You hold respect for the man who now introduces himself. “I am Baraka.”

Respect or no, you need answers. “What does Shang Tsung want with your bone marrow, Baraka?” The tarkatan looks downcast. “I don’t know. But he comes here each month to harvest it.”

Kenshi continues, “Release us and we’ll capture Shang Tsung. And we’ll find out why he’s been coming here, I promise.”

Baraka looks to his fellow members of the disease, “Let them go.” Kenshi looks relieved, “Thank you. We won't let you down.”

The red clad man pulls the talisman out from his pocket, only to find it was broken. “Damn. This was guiding us to Shang Tsung. Now we can’t find him.” “His laboratory is near,” he states. “I’ll take you.”

Knowing what little you do about this horrid spellcaster, you have a sinking feeling settling in your stomach.

….

After wandering past the Tarkatan colony and through the woods, you come to a medium-sized building. Shang Tsung’s laboratory. You pictured something more menacing, although keeping a low profile would help his case. Either way, you dread what’s to come.

“Any idea what to expect?” Johnny muses. “No,” Baraka states. “I’ve never been inside.” “I couldn’t imagine you’d want to.” You chime.

“Stay here. We’ll check it out.” Kenshi says. At this, you and the others head toward the entrance of the building, leaving Baraka to hope you come back alive.

….

You and the others enter the building, your caution at an all time high. Kenshi, leading the group, opens the door at the top of the stairs leading to the top floor of the laboratory. You hear Shang Tsung speaking about something with Kytinn larvae, whatever the hell that is.

You, Kenshi, Johnny, and Kung Lao reach the top of the staircase but remain hidden by the stone wall lining the stairs. You crouch down to remain unseen as you listen into his conversation.

“How can you be sure?” You see the High Mage, Rain, and the Leader of the Umgadi, Tanya stand beside an unconscious Princess Mileena. What on Earth Realm is going on? It was then, you heard where Baraka’s bone marrow went, sending a chill down your spine. “Because it was brewed from freshly extracted Tarkatan marrow,” He states matter-of-factly. ‘It couldn’t be more potent.”

Kung lao says what you’re thinking, “He’s infecting her with Tarkat.” “And he’s got two of Sindel’s top dogs in on it,” Johnny adds. “No wonder Liu Kang was worried about this guy.”

The four of you crouch down to devise your game plan. “We need to stop them.” Kenshi starts. “Save a distressed damsel? Sure thing.” Let’s do this.

You run out from where you were hiding and announce your presence. “Get away from her!” Kenshi states sternly. “You bitch!” You know you did not just hear that come from Johnny’s mouth. The actor looks so smug for his reference no one gets.

Kung Lao pushes his arm. “Excuse me?” You all look at Johnny with annoyed confusion. “You know, the movie? Tiny girl, ginormous alien,” he mimes the scene. “Ripley!” You just shake your head in disbelief he would pull a joke at a time like this. Dimwit.

“No? Seriously?” Back to the mission at hand.

“Earthrealmers?” Rain begins. “How did they find us?” “They’ve already seen too much.” Tanya interjects.

She charges at Johnny and Kung Lao first, swinging her sanjiegun. Before Rain or Shang Tsung could react, you and Kenshi were already charging at them. Shooting out your yo-yo to knock the syringe out of the sorcerer's hand. He looks at you with some sort of death wish making you smirk as you pull Reaper back to your hand.

His eyes whip to Rain, “I need time. Buy it for me.” He scurries off to another part of his lab. You attempt to rush after him but the Hydromancer blocks your way with his staff.

“Liu Kang sent you, didn’t he?” Rain sneers. “Sent you to learn our secrets!” “He sent us here for Shang Tsung. But it looks like he’s just part of the problem.” Kenshi says, and you follow. “Just hand him over Rain. He only means to deceive all of us.”

Rain simply tuts before summoning his hydro powers. He creates a blast of water, hurdling it straight at you both. Either of you go separate ways to dodge, then make your own attacks from either side of him. You shoot Reaper out to wrap around his staff as Kenshi draws his sword. With your yo-yo trying to tear the staff away from him, he struggles to break free with Kenshi about to strike.

Suddenly, Rain yanks on his staff causing you to lose balance and fall to the floor. However, not before Kenshi slashes through the taught yo-yo string disarming you. Fuck.

Rain regains control of his staff and dodges Kenshi’s slash. You stumble from your feet, pocketing your broken weapon. Fists it is, then.

You gain your fighting stance and throw practiced punches at the mage. You manage to land the first few hits, but then he sweeps your feet with his staff and blasts you away with a powerful gust of water. Your back smacked the stone wall with a painful crack, knocking the wind out of you.

Kenshi makes trained slashes at the mage next. Successfully evading the blasts, he managed to beat the hydromancer and knock him to the ground.

Having beat Rain, you look over to see how Kung Lao and Johnny were doing. Not great considering Kung Lao got slammed in the face and Johnny practically did a backflip with how hard he got hit.

She was about to go for another blow, but Kenshi ran up behind her and flipped her around and away from Johnny.

“I thought Umgadi were loyal to the royal house,” Kenshi disdains. “Yet here you are, scheming against the princess.” Tanya has the nerve to act offended. “You trespass in Outworld, interfere in imperial matters.It is you, not I, who is the schemer here.” Thus, their battle begins.

You try to get up, but a sharp jolt shoots through your back. It’s only a pulled muscle, but you know it will bruise quickly if one hasn’t already formed. Since you can’t help Kenshi, you slowly try to scoot over to where Kung Lao and Johnny lay to make sure they’re alright.

You make it to Lao who has managed to sit up from where he lay. “Are you all good Lao?” He heaves a sigh. “Yeah, I’m good. BUt you seem a little worse for wear.” His comment makes you scoff. “Yes, I suppose getting flung into a stone wall will do that to you.”

You were about to check on Johnny, but he chimes in before you could ask. “Damn that hurt.” “Glad you’re not dead then.” You chuckle as Lao helps you to your feet. Just as Kenshi beats Tanya does Johnny get up from the ground with Lao's help.

Kenshi huffs, out of breath having won. “Step away from the table.” He holds his sword out to the sorcerer making a new serum.

“This is twice you’ve been a thorn in my side,” He slowly glances back, clearly annoyed. “You Earthrealmers do have unhealthy habits.” Johnny interjects. “You heard him. You’re not infecting her with Tarkat.”

He has the nerve to look offended. “I am trying to protect her, not infect her.” “Like we’d believe that.” You shout. “We’ve heard about how you lie. Excuse us if we’re skeptical,” Kenshi looks toward him, then to your group. “Cover him.” The swordsman leaves to go check on Mileena from around the corner.

You step forward, “Just put the syringe down, Shang Tsung.” However stern your voice was, it was not enough to make him yield. “You do not understand what you’re getting yourselves into.” He sneers.

It was then you heard the sounds of Mileena’s pained struggles. Kenshi shouting, “Princess? What’s wrong?!”

Kung Lao grabs onto Shang Tsung’s arm. “What did you do to her?” The spellcaster attempts to yank his arm away. “It’s what you’ve done, fool! Let me help her before it’s too late.”

The screams continue, sounding more painful than the last. The click of the one buckle holding her in place didn’t sound for much longer before a rip came from it. The worst sound you heard was that of her flesh molding and tearing away to reveal sharp teeth much like Baraka’s

“Now do you believe, Earthrealmers?” Shang Tsung states with alarming calm. Kenshi backs into your view, with the monster that is Princess Mileena shortly after. As trained as his face is, you can still see the glimmer of terror in his eyes.

“What do we do?” Kenshi asks quickly. “Keep her occupied. I need time to finish more serum.” Picking up two vials, he begins his work once more. “Johnny, a hand here?” You hear the rising panic in his voice at the request.

Johnny rushes to his side. You try to go, but you fear you may collapse as you feel a sharp pain in your back once more. You stick with Kung Lao who is scrutinizing the sorcerer's work. You glance over your shoulder to see the battle between the infected princess and Kenshi begin. After a few minutes, that felt like hours, you see Shang Tsung finish up the serum. “Johnny, Kung Lao, hold her down.” The two rush over to hold her by the arms.

“It’s now or never Shang Tsung!” Kenshi shouts as they’ve got Mileena on the ground. Shang Tsung loads the syringe with the serum and heads over. Not before she broke out of their hold, knocking them out of the way.

Time seemed to stop as you witnessed the horrid sight of Kenshi’s sight being robbed from him. Blood sprayed everywhere. Your heart stopped as you heard the deafening cries of agony from your friend. “Kenshi!” Johnny cries. You fall to your knees in a state of shock, unable to will your body into motion.

Tears welled into your eyes as Mileena raised her sais up once more to strike a final blow. Shank. You thought she did it until you saw the vial plunged into her neck.

“By the gods, Mileena!” A new female voice exclaimed. Oh no. It was Princess Kitana. In the midst of more guards and known faces come in, you crawl your way over to Kenshi. Oh my gods. What should I do? He’s out cold. You hold his head in your lap to make him more comfortable.

“What’s happened here, sorcerer?” Kitana demands. The man in question saves face, only for himself. “These people were sent to disrupt your sister’s treatment and scandalize Outworld by revealing her illness.” His words were like an ice bucket over your head. No way.

“What? That’s totally fake news!” Johnny tried to plead, but was promptly knocked out by the Shokan guard. Going for Lao next, your friend manages to block the first hit. Promptly followed by a punch to the gut, then to his head. You shoot your attention to Kitana. You begged, but it was too late. “Princess, please you have to believe u-”

#mortalkombat 1 #havik x reader #mk havik #mk1 havik #mk1 #mk1 2023 #mortal kombat

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egg-emperor · 1 month ago

Note

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 😍

youtube

#dr. eggman #eggman #dr eggman #dr robotnik #self ship #self shipping #self ship community #self shipping community #sth #dark self ship #villain f/o #f/o #sonic the hedgehog #my post

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lavender-at-heart · 4 months ago

Note

Hihi! Could I request some headcannons of how Jedediah and Octavius would react to a new nightgaurd that is interested in both of them? Would they end up bickering even more or would they intentionally try and get along more? How open are they about their feelings towards the nightgaurd and how obvious to others is it how they feel? Do they have any special gestures they end up doing to try and show their personal affection? Things like that please :)👍❤️

Jᴇᴅ + Oᴄᴛᴏ ʜᴄ's

K first off I wanna say I'm so sorry for taking so long I have not checked my inbox in the longest time 🙏 hope it's not too late.

Warnings:

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Being a night gaured in a magical museum is hard enough

Having two miniatures fight over you is ever harder

It starts off as a joke on your behalf

Jed and Octavious were some of the first friends you made at the museum, they offered to give you tours and introduce you to the other exhibits

Jed and Octo would be super shocked at the stark contrast between you and the previous gaurds

You were a lot younger, a lot prettier, a lot nicer, always making light jokes and suggestive comments

And that's where you went wrong (or right). Being from a modern generation its normal to make suggestive jokes and use crude language and humor.

Sometimes you'd make little comments like " Wow that hat makes you look so handsome Jed" or "my you really are a brave general Octavious"

And you think their not gonna become mega infatuated with you? Yeah right

Octavious immediately insists on being your personal gaurd when you make the rounds, sometimes siting on your shoulder, keeping watch, sometimes always a few feet ahead to spot any danger

He would swear oaths to protect you in Minervas name

He would quote Roman poetry and compare you to the sun and moon

Jedediah would give you miniature bouquets and collect other things for you. Oh Ahkmenrah isn't liking his ring anymore? Well it would look just great on your finger. He would offer to walk with you, keep you company.

He would sing you old country songs about true love and the good old days

Obviously the animosity between the two grows so much more becuase of you

Jed will tie Octavious up with rope so he can't go join you on your walk

Octavious will send his army to destroy the western exhibit

They'll fight all the time, trying to assassinate eachother becomes a nightly occurance

And obviously it makes you sad, the two people you get along with most end up hating eachother

They will desperately try and prove to you why the others better

"Jeez, I mean you don't want to be bothered by this dusty old schmuck." Jed is definitely more forward but has that southern charm yknow?

"I am appalled that you would even dare to befriend this ungrateful, insolent peasant. He speaks to you in such an inappropriate manner and does not give you the proper respect you deserve."

Eventually they bicker so so much that even Teddy has gotten annoyed by it, so you step in

You tell them that if they keep fighting you'll end up hating both of them and go find someone else to spend time with

So they reluctantly agree

They both patrol the halls with you

They both enjoy siting on your shoulders, mostly becuase then they can't see eachother

But to be honest forcing them to hang out with eachother makes them slowly build their own friendship

Like they might do a joint valentines day gift, you know, combine forces so you have a better experience. It's only to benefit you (totally not becoming friends)

You feel like you could tell them anything, and they would just sit there and listen. They find modern human life so so fascinating

And you ask them for stories too of course. You ask about cowboy life and the glory of Rome, you can tell they both (Octavious especially) love talking and telling stories about the glory days.

#night at the museum #night at the museum x reader #night at the museum fanfic #natm jedediah #jedediah and octavius #night at the museum jedediah #jedediah x reader #octavius x reader #natm octavius

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tommock · 8 months ago

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I DNF'd Mistorn: Here's Why

Disclaimer: You asked for this. Let me start there. Don't get mad at me, Mistborn lover. If you clicked on this link, and that means you are taking the dagger into your own hand. The wound is self-inflicted!

I did not finish Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson. I know, I know, its actually called The Final Empire. The name Mistborn has stuck with so many readers for a reason, so I'll continue to use it as a shorthand. The book didn't work for me, but I think WHY it didn't work for me might be interesting to read about, especially for fellow authors.

If you have read and enjoyed the Mistborn books, or any work by Brandon Sanderson, I'm delighted. I want to applaud any work of fiction that brings people joy (so long as it or its author is not reprehensible in some way (he said, covering his ass)). I don't want you to think this is me taking shots at you or at Sanderson. I'm just talking about a work of fiction and what it did to my brain.

Believe me when I tell you I have no delusions about being some high-handed minister of good taste. You should see some of the anime I watch to destress at the end of a long day trying to be a self-published author, editor, and, well, just an ordinary semi-functioning human being.

I've read many, many books and loved them, only to come back to them later and find they were … less deserving of my matured tastes. Sometimes books meet us at the right time. If Mistborn was, or is, one such book for you, I would be a jerk and a fool if I tried to tell you that you were wrong for liking it. That isn't what this is. But, if you're at all curious why I didn't like it the way you did, here are my thoughts.

Instead of trying to construct some long elaborate essay, I've decided to present my reading notes as I was writing them. If you're at all familiar with my SPFBO9 opening reads thread, this is in a similar, though much protracted style. This is my travelogue of the first few chapters. If these notes are rough or feel stilted in places, I'm sorry. I DNF'd the book a few months ago, and I found in trying to clean up my notes that I was making up commentary to fill in gaps and I don't think that's fair. I've tried to provide some context where I could.

Pages referenced are from the first mass market edition, published August 2007 by Tor

My Notes:

Starts well enough. Interesting introduction to the fantastic elements of the environment (the ash fall) and the enslavement of the skaa. Some neat 2nd world titles “obligator,” etc.

Not great, not riveting, but competent introduction of world and one protagonist, Kelsier. He doesn't know what to do with Vin, though. Disconnect between the characters as we're told they are and their actions. Lacking coherent motivation.

(P.5)The slave that stands and stares defiantly sending a chill through the lord so-and-so is a bit melodramatic. Both actions struck me as over the top.

(writing note)…too many “of courses”

The writing is competent and descriptive. The Mist at night is another interesting setting detail.

(p.6) I immediately dislike Kelsier. “I’ll have to cure them of that (fear of the mist) some day.” This is has an unsympathetic arrogance about it. If this is also the man who stared defiantly at lord-so-and-so, hes blasé about endangering these people, and seems to look down on them, much like lord-so-and-so. I suspect this impression is not intentional. I suspect I’m supposed to think him strong and clever. We’ll see.

(7) rolling his eyes at these people. This seems intentional. But it’s also annoying.

(10) beatings beatings beatings. These “peasants” and their daily beatings. Did I mention the beatings? Their lives are harsh! There are beatings!

(‘) what is this talk about Tepper “leading” the skaa? Leading them how? They’re slaves! What decisions are they making? No, really. What is this forced little conflict? It’s pointless.

(‘) “How do you do that?” “What?” “Smile all the time” - there’s no reason for him to ask this. It’s unmotivated dialogue. How do you smile all the time? How? No. Why, sure. “You keep smiling. Is something about our home funny to you?”

(19-20, ch.1) I’m having trouble with Sandersons storytelling. This is coming across as heavy handed and simplistic. Here’s Vin. She was betrayed. There are betrayals. This boy who came to get her who’s nice enough will also betray her. But the ash is free…

I wonder if we’re going to slowly work through the alphabet section by section. Ash, then beatings and betrayal… who knows what could be next? Crime? I bet it’s crime.

Also - Reen’s sayings and betrayal. I think in general I find it a bit affected when we meet a character and they’re immediately thinking of their backstory … but that’s probably not fair of me. I think what comes across as affected is Sandersons execution. There’s a very light fiction - YA quality about Vin’s angsty introduction. I might have loved it if I read it at 14, but not now.

I’d like to think of an example of what would be more appealing to me - the introduction of a character with similar enough circumstances… Actually, Gideon the 9th might be a good example. We get to hear Gideon’s voice in the prose and the dialogue and get a strong sense of her character as well as the specific and very interesting world building details of how she got into the 9th house. Here, Reen’s betrayal is left completely unexplored, and so I wonder why bring it up at all except for that cheap YA punch in the gut of “my brother betrayed me and now I’m here.”

Maybe Sanderson felt some necessity to move faster here. He wanted to get to the city theiving … but it isn’t working for me, so obviously I think it was a mistake. Obviously he was hoping this would create a sense of anticipation that we would eventually find out HOW Vin’s brother betrayed her, but because he leads with it and then doesn’t explain it, it makes it seem like it doesn’t really matter HOW Vin was betrayed, what’s important is that she was betrayed and now she doesn’t trust anyone. It’s just a bit weak.

THE HEAVY HANDEDNESS (People being mean to Vin - her hard life) (21) the slap in the face (23) Theron looking Vin up and down - “eyes lingered on her … running down the length of her body. … She was hardly enticing (didn’t even look 16); some men preferred such women, however.” (24) “what do you know?” “Enough” - Vin hurts her, expositional dialogue about her brother’s debt and selling her to a whorehouse.

(25) fearing Vin would disappear in a scene she doesn’t have much to do during, we get these unnecessary interjections of her watching the interaction, followed by the explanation of Camon thinking Vin is his good luck charm. This should have been presented earlier, because it just interrupts the dialogue here. But also, it feels inaccurate after Vin made such a useful critique of Camon’s servants. She seems much more useful in other ways than a luck charm, and comfortable offering her criticism without the slightest hesitation.

This chapter ends rather abruptly and without much Go to it. Vin uses her Luck and gets our stuffy official to consider her boss’s mundane business proposal.

The notion that Camon brings Vin along because he thinks of her as his luck charm feels really thin, especially on a job like this where everyone has to look the part. Which raises an important question: what was Vin doing there? I mean literally. Why didn’t Camon have SOMETHING for her to do. Camon didn’t dress her up in any part, she didn’t have any kind of cover story as his daughter or nurse or anything. Just some kid in the room dressed … who knows how while important official business is discussed. She just floats somewhere, doing nothing, as far as anyone is concerned.

VIN’S MOTIVATION Where is it? What does she get out of making this work for Camon if he has no idea what she’s doing? Why is she avoiding him if this is such an important job? Why is she helping him at all?

The pieces are there, but Sanderson doesn’t put them together.

Camon should know about Vin’s ability to “smooth things over” in some capacity. This would give him a serious reason for her being there on this crucial job. Vin should be motivated to help him because if this lucrative job works out, it will go a long way towards paying off her brother’s debt. Now suddenly there is a sense of urgency for her instead of just having a bad time owned by a “crew leader” getting slapped around. The scam itself isn’t enough. Frankly, it’s kind of boring at this point. It’s a slow moving beurocratic swindle.

(32) Kelsier. Sanderson is doing a good job introducing some thieves’ cant here as Dockson and Kelsier are planning their job, talking about how they need a “Smoker.” Someone is a good Tineye. The loss of a man to the Steel Ministry underscores the mortal risk these men are taking. But … there’s something about all this crime play that feels a bit cute, like Sanderson had only a passing, generic understanding of (fictional) gangs/criminal organizations. He’s spent his world building energy on the fantasy aspects of the story - the dystopian Tolkien Lord Ruler and Steel Ministry, skaa, ashfalls, mist - but not on developing the criminal world of the characters, linguistically speaking. They’re all crews working on a job headed by a crew leader. This is the world we’re living in, most immediately, and yet it feels the most underdeveloped.

“Kelsier shook his head. ‘No. He’s a good Smoker, but he’s not a good enough man.’ Dockson smiled. ‘Not a good enough man to be on a THIEVING CREW … Kell, I have missed working with you.”

This stopped me dead. I laughed at the book and put my hand over my eyes. “Thieving crew” is just silly. It’s sixth grade D&D language, but even more ridiculous is the sentiment of Dockson’s statement: that character is somehow a moot point because they are criminals. It’s as if he’s saying: we’re breaking the law, so we’re the bad guys, and bad guys don’t work with “good men.”

Here we see Sanderson’s shallow understanding of the characters he’s portraying. They are stealing from slavers who exist in the service of a brutal, oppressive dictator. But put that aside, and consider we’ve just been told one of their ilk had been caught and beheaded by the Ministry. The risk these people are facing couldn’t be higher. Working with people they can trust, a stand up guy or a “good man,” would be one of the most important things to them. From their point of view a “good man” doesn’t mean a patron saint of the poor, but it means a hell of a lot. If a guy is a drunk who cheats on his wife, you can’t trust him not to turn on you. If he gambles too much, you can’t trust him not to gamble on your safety. He doesn’t keep his apartment clean, how can you trust him to be conscientious about keeping you alive. It all matters - even more so because he’s on a “thieving crew.”

Now, Sanderson probably didn’t give this line more than a moment's thought. He was writing fast and sailed right over it. But that’s exactly the problem. It gives the book a kind of childish, YA feeling.

(33) “Kelsier turned with curious eyes.” I’ve written lines like this, but I almost always revise them because I write about eyes too much. The point is his eyes aren’t curious, Kelsier is, and it shows on his face. I can’t picture curious eyes, and I’m sure you can’t either. And I would cut the next line of dialogue - going to chastise my brother … we already know he was going to do this because he said so, and the line just isn’t very good anyway. A look of curiosity from Kell, and the promise from Dockson “it’ll be worth your time,” gets us out of the section better. Sometimes the best repartee between characters is a look.

(33-34) the scenes with Vin remain heavy handed, and affected. This section adds almost nothing to the story accept for the disappointingly narrow view of a fantasy underworld that the women in it are only ever whores. This from a world crawling with Smokers and Tineyes? I think not. The clumsy presentation of Vin’s awful life is what makes these sections particularly affected. With her particular ability to use her Luck, I can’t help but wonder why she’s even still here. That seems to be the story to me. Not the abuse, but why she remains when she clearly has the power to get out. She can smooth over deals with reps from the SM, but she hasn’t thought to calm some member of the crew and then just … walk? Go literally anywhere in the city and use her Luck to get work where she won’t be whipped and slapped. It seems like the easiest thing in the world, so why hasn’t she done it? This is what the story here could have been, and it would have been so much more interesting.

Obviously she has to be there so Sanderson can have terrible things happen to her so she can be saved by Kelsier just like he saved the other raped scaa girl (let’s all take a moment to roll our eyes) and then her character can have a trajectory from passive victim to active hero - but that’s an excuse, and excuses don’t make good stories.

That said, as is, these two pages could be cut entirely and with very minor revision to the next session, nothing would be lost. It introduces a hideout we don’t need to know about, abuse that is redundant, over the top and unmotivated, and then Camon says “it’s time.” It’s just a prelude, in which nothing happens, before the actual scene. So just cut to the actual scene.

(36) we finally find out what the Camon job was supposed to be, I suspect because Sanderson finally decided what the details were. It would have been much more interesting to know this earlier, just like it would have been more interesting to understand about the particulars of Vin’s brothers betrayal earlier, so we could understand the context of the story being told.

But a LARGER ISSUE continues to emerge. First Camon tells Vin nothing about his plans. She says she is apparently the only crew member who didn’t know what was going on. Then, as they sit in the waiting room, in the vey belly of the obligator beast, he tells her everything. Why? Because Sanderson wants us to know even though he never decided who this character was.

He wants her to be a passive victim of inordinate abuses by a group of irredeemable villains, who only avoids constant sexual assault through the exhausting use of her secret magic so she can be saved and then learn how to be powerful later. But he also wants her to be a smart, capable member of Camon’s crew who is considered as such, because he knows passive protagonists aren’t interesting and because he wants us, the reader, to know what’s going on, and also think that Vin is cool. She can’t be both at the same time. She either needs to be less of an abject, pathetic victim, or she needs to be less involved in this big important scam - and that means she knows less about it and does less to make it work. As is, he’s done too little with either idea of her character and both Vin and Camon are an unmotivated mess.

(42) steel inquisitor. Cool, creepy, disgusting - something straight out of hellraiser.

(43) “Besides, I’m not about to let a possible Mistborn slip away from us” Ah!

Ch3 (45) after the meeting with the obligator (that was a trap), is the first time Vin ever expresses any interest in getting away. Much too late Sanderson gives us a much too thin reason why Vin hasn’t run away (considering the conflicting versions of her character as mentioned before). It’s little more than an afterthought.

(47) in no more than 2 pages Vin goes from never thinking she could make it on her own to leaving for good, telling herself she’d survived sleeping in alleyways before, she could do it again and - “Reen had taught her how to scavenge and beg. Both were difficult in the Final Empire … but she would find a way, if she had too.”

So far, this is all based on a bad feeling. More motivation conflict - Vin has no problem telling Camon directly how his plans won’t work and that he should change the way the servants are dressed, helps him succeed with her luck in both plans, but sees no reason to tell him “I have a bad feeling about this. That was too easy. Why did that obligator suddenly agree. Doesn’t this seem weird to you?”

Sanderson has many of the right pieces, but he hasn’t been able to put them together coherently.

(45)(And, just as an aside, I’m not sure why a girl who has spent to book so far reiterating to herself that EVERYONE WILL BETRAY ME is going out of her way to tell Ulef she has a bad feeling and to get him to come with her. Sanderson says “if he would go with her, then at least she wouldn’t be alone.” But he has also up until this point defined her character by a near constant desire to be alone - when she is introduced sitting in the window of the hideout thinking her brothers word “Vin wasn’t on duty; the watch-hole was simply one of the few places where she could find solitude. And Vin liked solitude. ‘When you’re alone, no one can betray you’- (37) at the “It’s just another betrayal, she thought sickly. Why does it still bother me so? Everyone betrays everyone else. That’s the way life is … She wanted to find a corner - someplace cramped and secluded - and hide. Alone.”

(47) "Bringing Ulef was a good idea. He had contacts in Luthadel." These after the fact explanations are no good. This isn't Vin thinking this, it's the author coming up with more justification for Vin's action, but in order for her character to seem active and motivated, this needed to be revised into the section where Vin decides to bring Ulef. Now it's just tacked on - oh, yeah, and, by the way, if you weren't sure it made sense for Vin to do this, Ulef probably knows people. So, there.

It doesn’t wash. Who is this girl? Can she not stand the idea of being alone, or is it the one and only thing she wants? Is she strong and resourceful in spite of her circumstances, or is she a passive victim? Does she believe everyone will betray her, or does she desperately want to believe otherwise because she can’t live in such an unkind world? Sanderson doesn’t seem to have been able to make up his mind. Maybe some of these details were added in revision on the suggestion of beta readers and the result is a checkerboard character. I’ve seen that before where you make a suggestion to a writer and they add your suggestion but they don’t make the necessary changes to the rest of the book so that the new material earns its place, they just throw it in and dust off their hands - job well done, gotta stay on schedule to publish! But now I’m just writing fan fiction about Sanderson’s process. I don’t know.

(55) Vin’s “weakness” - the contradictions/inexactitude of characters seems to be an ongoing issue for Sanderson, at least for Vin. Is she weak and has to pretend to be strong, or is she strong and often chooses to pretend to be weak (so far she has seemed to be weak and act weak, other than her Luck).

Well, that's as far as I got. Kel shows up just in time to be the wrath of justice for Vin. He's the superman who will make everything alright for this feckless girl. Our hero. Did Sanderson lay it on thick enough? Did you get that these people were all so irredeemably and stupidly bad? Aren't you so glad this strong man has shown up to be Vin's vengeance, just like had been telegraphed all along?

Sorry, I don't mean to be sarcastic. This part of the narrative really isn't so bad, its just been so heavy handedly and clumsily lead up to that there's no thrill in it for me. It isn't a bit satisfying. I'm just glad I don't have to read about any of these shallow side-characters anymore. Except, I have no intention to read on, so I don't have to read about any of them anymore.

Is this book bad? Yes and no. I don't want to read any more, and only read as far as I did as an examination of storytelling, so for me its bad. You only get so many eyerolls before I have to say that. The sentences are very clear and coherent. On their own, they are coherent. Together, they fail to paint of picture of coherent characters who drive the action of the story. If you don't have that, at least in my book, you've got nothing.

The images work. The setting, in its broad strokes, is eveocative. I'd love to set a DnD campaign in a world of ash and a dark lord and all that (I'm not the least mad about the cliché of the dark lord, by the way. Who doesn't love archetypical stories?) But, as near as I can tell, there are no human beings in this book. No one is real. The characters are just that, only characters in a book. They are paper cutouts. They fall flat when the hand of the author isn't pushing them around and making them do things.

Fans often hold Sanderson up as the gold standard of a fantasy author who produces work fast. And having read this far into Mistborn, I can say this about it: It reads like it was written fast.

Yes, Mistborn was an earlier book of his, so I can't judge him by it alone. But it is a work that is so often held up as a favorite by his readers. That's why I picked it up, to see what all the fuss was about. There were many things I enjoyed, but what I enjoyed wasn't the narrative. The story and the characters who moved it were the thing that I enjoyed least. The unique magic and broad setting details and description of places and creepy Inquisitors were what I liked best. The proper nouns were fun.

But proper nouns don't make a story for me. So I did not finish Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson.

If I were looking for a light fantasy read that I didn't have to take seriously and I could pick up and put down whenever I wanted because it was never that exciting or particularly witty or clever, but managed to string along one event after another and kept them going, more or less, whether it made much sense or not, until the end, I think Mistborn would be a fine book to dip into. Lots of people have read it. But then, that seems to me to be its major appeal. It’s a book you can talk about with other people.

It's not enough for me, though. There's lots of fun fantasy books out there that feel more coherent, and, well, INTERESTED in the story they're telling. Interested in violence and revolution and crime in an oppressively totalitarian, dystopian world. Interested in the plight of a young girl who only wants … well, what does she want? To be safe? But the only way she finds she can be safe is to go toward danger and realize how very strong she is? Maybe this story would like to be that, but it hasn't been for the first 60 or so pages.

Sanderson's novel felt more interested in the large and vague story shapes around the characters - a city, a dark lord, slavery, soot snow, bad mist, some kinds of magic, and (I cringe to say it) rape and thieving and beatings - but not in the world of their lives.

I've heard good things about The Way Of Kings from people who did not like Mistborn either, but its safe to say at this point that I have reservations about my reading tastes being a good match for Sanderson's work, at least at this point in time.

If I'm looking for fun I'd rather read another swanky, noir fantasy by Douglas Lumsden any day, or the next gothic gaslamp fantasy mystery by Morgan Stang, or discover my next favorite author, indie or otherwise.

I don't think Mistborn was terrible by any stretch of the imagination. Sanderson has delighted readers for over a decade now! He's prolific, hard working, and he delivers what his fans want, and he and they continue to be richly rewarded for his efforts. He is a Name in the genre, often listed alongside the greats. And why not? Isn't pleasing readers what this is all about? Taylor Swift has oceans of adoring fans, and she's no less deserving of her accolades. Brandon Sanderson is the Taylor Swift of fantasy, you could say. I just don't like her music either.

#books and reading #brandon sanderson #Mistborn #book review #book critique #dnf #fantasy books

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