#personally for me it was my father leaving colour of magic in my room by accident

[ode-to-fury]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, you do not decide which discworld book you're going to read first, the universe does. It's whichever one accidentally makes its way into your immediate vicinity, whichever one is the only one on the shelf at the library when you were actually looking for something else. It will find you when it's Time, it has something to do with wossname... quantum

[dwindlinghaze]

moony's song

(remus lupin x reader)

summary: yours and remus's relationship throughout the years.

contents: the kind of fluffiness that makes me cry, little fighting, getting married at the end, two years age gap, no magic mentioned, lyall lupin (rem's father is not a bad person here), not proofread!!!

　 . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆

"happy birthday!" the whole room cheered and urged you to blow the seven candles. it was your seventh birthday.

remus hugged you tightly, muttering birthday wishes in your ear. "happy seventh birthday. thank you for being my best friend and thank you for being you. i'm so lucky."

you hugged him back, his figure taller than yours. he loved how he can feel like he's protecting you by the tiny height difference.

you glance up at him, looking at his eyes that resembles the starry night. it shines like the stars, the pretty lights.

and remus looked at you too, feeling himself blushing and reddening.

their two fathers were on the room right besides the stairs, the two men looked at each other knowingly at their respective children.

"they're growing up and falling in love," your father joked, earning a laugh from his other companion.

"i wouldn't surprise me if they ended up marrying each other. those two are inseparable since we moved here. glad my son has an amazing best friend that keeps him alive," lyall spoke.

hearing these, hope and your mother smiled as they rolled their eyes playfully, whispering "oh my my. ". it was undeniable that you and remus are destined to be together. whether it was platonic or romantic, you two are soulmates- if there's such things as soulmates.

remus was there when you were struggling to colour a colouring book. he was there to help you. he took your pencil colours and make the plain white and black paper into rainbows.

when you were bored, he lets you draw on his arms with those markers your mother bought. you let him style your hair the way he wants. he picked plants, flowers, and leaves for you when you're running wild in your father's backyard.

you two completes each other.

your friends back at school thought remus would beat you up in every playtime days. judging by the fact that he's two years older than you and he's much tougher. but he never did. he never did.

you know him enough to know that despite his formidable appearance, he's a whole sweet and gentle person behind the facade.

"hi, angel," he calls you angel because he thinks heaven sent you to him to make the small block wide town of his world less lonely.

"hi rem," you said back. "what are you doing after school?"

"um nothing," he said as he took your books off of your hands so he can hold it for you. "i was thinking we can hang out. my mama bought a new plant and she said we can help her gardening."

"oh sure! i'd love that," you smiled. he can get lost in your eyes as simple as sinking ships on water; so inviting.

"hello! no staring!" you joked.

"sorry!" he held his eyebrows up, making a face.

later that afternoon, your mother was walking with you on the way to remus house. "bon aprés-midi hope!" your mother beamed.

"bonjour!" remus replied in a very poor french accent.

his mother laughed, nudging his side, "it's in the afternoon, remmy. bonjour means good morning."

"well, i'm saying good riddance," he replied as your mother chuckled at the boy.

"where's y/n?" remus asked. his eyes looking at every direction.

"boo!" you jumped to his back, making him fell to the ground.

"hey!" he yelled, clutching his stomach in laughter.

"hello," you replied back, unfazed.

then the four went off to gardening. you and remus were on a team, he's the one to shovel out the soil and you were the one to put the plants overtop.

after hours of work, you and remus laid in the grass, facing the sunny sky with your eyes closed and forehead glistening with sweat

"sunny days remind me of you," remus said, still closing his eyes.

you felt your heart tugged at his words. he always has his way into your heart, and you would let the door open for him every time. "hmm? why so."

"because," he paused. "because you're like sunshine. you know, i read a book once and the character told this other person that they reminded them of the sunshine because that person makes days so much brighter and warmer."

"remmy,i'm happy i've met you," you confessed, feeling slight anxious.

"rem..."

"yeah..?"

"i think i'm in love with someone," you said. his heart was jolting.

"who?" he spoke shakily.

"captain america..." you answered, much to his disbelief. "i'm gonna marry captain america."

"you can't marry him. that's impossible." he insisted.

"it is not," you replied playfully.

"yes it is. he doesn't live here and your parents will not approve it because he's as old as your grandfather. he doesn't know you. and he shouldn't too because y-" he stopped.

after few second you said, "because what?"

"nothing, never mind."

"have you ever kissed anyone?" you asked after a long while, feeling anxious at the thought.

"like they do on TV?" he blurted. now his heart was drumming out his chest all of a sudden.

"uh huh."

"no."

"maybe we should. just to see what's the big deal," you said, uncertain but determined.

"but i don't know how," remus said, embarrassed.

"me neither," you replied. "let's try."

"okay.." he lifted himself up from the grass and helped you up too. "like this?" he placed his hands on your shoulders awkwardly.

"i think we should close our eyes," you suggested.

"then i will not be able to see anything."

"just do it."

"okay okay," he said, voice trembling.

"one, two, three?"

the two leaned forward and forward until their lips met in a brief and barely touching kiss. then you two sit back in surprise, breaths unstable.

"say something, it's too quiet," you said, fumbling with your fingers anxiously.

"umm ummm," remus tried to come up with a topic.

and just then your mother called, telling you to go home because it's getting late.

"don't tell this to anyone please?" you said. "it's not that i hated it. i just don't want people to know."

"yes yes i agree uhm definitely okay."

"see you tomorrow then?" you asked, standing awkwardly besides the tree.

"okay, see you!" remus said. you turned your heels to head out the yard and just then, you heard remus calling your name.

"yes.. what rem?" you faced his direction.

"would you think of me?" he asked.

"for what?" you asked cluelessly.

"well, if you don't get to marry captain america," he sent you a sweet adoring smile.

"i would."

the he ran off to the trees, you shaking your head, admiring him as he ran.

just two kids, you and him.

time skip☆

you were now sixteen when suddenly, you weren't that little girl he used to see.

you have moved schools when you were entering middle school, now you're only able to go back to the small town once in every month.

you were now more mature. older and wiser even just in a span of nine years. many differences and maturity have shown as you got older. you held yourself in such grace that leaves remus' thought of you lingering around.

you and remus send each other messages everyday. there's not a day in which there's no message from you nor remus.

although you 'changed', he's still remus lupin. his eyes still looks like the starry night. it shines like the stars. the pretty lights.

"hi rem, i missed you a lot," you said as you reached over to him, kissing both his cheeks.

his hands flew up to the spot where your lips were, blushing underneath. "i missed you too, how is school?"

"other than us not being able to see each other every weekdays, it's going pretty well," you told him.

"well, i'm glad you're back here anyway," he said happily, not having the patience to wait to catch up on each other. "mum! y/n's here!"

"oh! gracious look at you! i just saw you a month ago and you're now like a brand new person!" hope beamed.

"trust me, i'm still the same person that feeds stray cats on the streets," you joked.

"we missed you so!"

"so do i!"

"i'll let you two have your moment," hope grinned as she walked away from the kitchen.

"hi," you whispered, feeling nervous somehow.

"hello."

"are we just gonna say greetings now?" you joked, trying to make the situation less awkward

"well- no. i think there is something, and i need to tell you," remus said.

"yeah? what is it? you can ask or tell me anything."

"is there someone out there?" he questioned, growing uneasy.

"as in..?"

"like boyfriend or girlfriend?" he elaborated.

"no. no one has made me feel things since," you said.

"since what?"

"since you," you sighed, your shoulders felt lighter, like a weight that has been pounding down at you has been lifted in mere seconds.

"oh my god- are you really?" remus asked, the uneasiness now turned into something different.

"well yes."

"well i've been wanting to tell you this for so long and you just made it a hundred times easier. angel, i'm in love with you. i have always been. i know that 'feelings' you mentioned earlier might not be as strong as love but i love you. so much every passing day. and if you're not ready for anything yet, that's fine! i will wait until you are."

"remus- i love you too," you said, crushing yourself to his figure as he wrapped his arms around your frame.

you two stayed quiet, neither one wanting to break the comfortable silence. but then remus started to laugh, shaking his head.

"what's so funny?" your head perked up in interest.

"just- how simple and comforting this is. i have been worrying for so long and you just made my worries go away by saying that you love me too," remus said.

"remus i'm not only 'saying' i love you. i do love you, really!" you clarified.

"i know, angel," remus said, rubbing your back soothingly. "this is the part where we should kiss. like in the TV."

"yeah," you laughed, remembering your first kiss with the boy. "i'm still inexperienced."

"same here," he said. "let's practice then."

"remus!" you laugh, hitting his chest in a joking manner. "i wouldn't mind if we do."

then he kisses you for the second time, nine years apart.

it was tender and uncertain but still giving butterflies.

"was that better than our first?" he asked.

"yes, but we need to improve don't you think?"

"absolutely," he replied before connecting your lips to his again in a soft and gentle but sweet kiss.

on the other room, your father and lyall was looking at the two of you knowingly. "i used to joke about the two of them, growing up and falling in love. i never believed they'd actually be falling in love."

your mother smiled, and roller her eyes. feeling happy for the two because she knew from the start that this will happen one day. and it did.

things seemed to go smoothly in the relationship. he is the best person and a gift. he loves you so much, more than life itself probably. every month you go back, he's there waiting for you at your parents house.

although long distance relationships are hard, you two had made it work. even though there are ups and downs.

at 2 am riding in his car, the atmosphere was different. there's something there that wasn't there before. and shouldn't be.

remus has been acting off these past days and you noticed. even his mum does too.

you worried that his feelings has faded and that he doesn't want this kind of relationship. one where you're constantly gone, leaving him alone on the creek bed of his town while you're back at school three hundred miles away.

"love?" you spoke up, trying not to burst into tears.

"yes?" he said, eyes on the read still, glancing at you for only a mere second.

"is there something you're not telling me?" you asked.

god damn it. you knew remus way too much. you can read him like a magazine. "you shouldn't worry about it."

"okay...," you said. then a ringing silence filled the air "do you still love me? or like even?" you asked in such uncertainty that dropped his heart.

"of course i do!" he scoffed. "why wouldn't i? what leads you to this conclusion, angel?"

"i just feel like there's something off," you admitted "please just tell me about it okay?"

"okay."

"okay," you said. "so are you going to tell me about it?"

"um, yes and no."

"why?"

"i don't want to pressure or worry you," he said nonchalantly.

"i worry about you everyday, this won't change a thing i promise. if it's something that i did, i'm sorry, and i will fix whatever the problem is."

"you want to hear the problem? well, here goes- i sometimes feels like i don't even have someone. you. you're so far away and i'm so lonely and hopeless back here. in this small secluded town. i feel like i have nothing for me on my plate.

"you're out there, discovering things while i'm here waiting for you like a dog. i'm sorry. i'm not jealous or anything. if anything i'm so happy and joyous that you've got the opportunity but what am i doing here? i'm seventeen and has no plans!"

he is now rambling, raising his voice. he has never done this.

"please calm down!" you raised your voice slightly. "you will find something, just trust me!"

"and you know what bothers me too? i have been wanting to have someone to talk to about my problems but i have no one. not even you! every time i tried calling your mobile, you always say you're doing assignments and stuff. all i want is just time to spend with my girlfriend!"

"well i'm sorry! i'm not the one that sets assignments to students!"

"well of course you're not, genius," he scoffed.

"hey what's with you? i don't even know you!"

"no, the real question is: what's wrong with you? you barely have time for me anymore and when you do it's during times like these. way past midnight at two am!"

"remus stop the car!"

"what?!" he hit the breaks abruptly.

"i don't want to be here right now. you know damn well that this is not my fault. i have things to do too! at the end of the day, i always send back your messages. i'm still trying everything to balance my life. please, let me-" you opened the car door and jumped out.

"angel, what are you doing? it's not safe to walk around here at this time!"

"just like you said, this is a small secluded town, nothing will hurt me! my house is near anyways, just don't follow!" you ran straight to your home leaving remus in the dark street.

but he didn't stay there. he isn't going to make things wrong with you. he knows what he had said was just out of stress and you don't deserved to be blamed.

he arrived at your house, knocking on the door. of course no one answered because it's past midnight and your parents are fast asleep, though he knew you're behind that wall and awake.

he didn't come home. he stayed outside on the porch, back against the wall until the morning light. he couldn't bring himself to walk home. he was ashamed. he couldn't even sleep that night.

"remus?" you asked, voice cracking.

remus jolted up from the floor, his back painfully still. "oh angel! i'm so sorry for last night! please let me fix things up! please! hear me out," he said, tears spilling down his cheeks.

"come to my room, we can talk there," you said.

"okay," he entered before following you to your bedroom. "i'm sorry okay. last night was all so stupid! i didn't mean a thing i said. i know you're busy and stuff and i'm no one to tell you what to do. you should focus on yourself and your future, i don't want to be a burden. i just missed you. i missed you so much everyday and i worry with all the things in your life that you're going to forget me one day."

"rem," you spoke softly, pulling his hands to yours. "i love you. i will never forget about you. you're ninety percent of my mind. even one time i almost write your name in my paper test because i was thinking of you. i didn't knew how much i've been pushing myself to the point where you feel neglected. trust me i don't want you to feel that way."

"i know you don't," remus sent her a weak smile. "i'm sorry for putting all that on you."

"there's nothing to be sorry for!" you assured him. "lay down, darling. your back must hurt."

"it is," he groaned.

"just come here, lay in my bed," you insisted, pulling the covers to keep him warm. you kissed his forehead, as you lay down next to him.

"i love you, good night," you said, pressing your lips to his when he closed his eyes.

"you know it's eight am in the morning and i'm not going to sleep," he said.

"did you sleep at all?"

"um i don't remember," he mumbled in your arms before he was off to dreamland.

"right.." you chuckled, pulling him closer to you as he sleep.

time skip☆

a few years has come around. now you were twenty seven and he was twenty nine.

after these years, you have graduated, renting a place near your hometown while also working on your dream job. remus was there all along.

you both were sitting at your favourite place in town. a bench right beside the manmade waterfall.

remus looked at you, searching for something in his pocket before he got down on one knee.

as he pulled out a ring, he shakily spoke. "i have been thanking the gods and whatever's up there for sending me to you. i couldn't imagine a life without you in it. you showed me colours i can't see, and secret languages i can't speak with anyone else.

you make me live. you're the one who taught me how to love myself. i remember how lonely i was back then until you came. you've been my guiding light. i want to do everything, only if i'm doing it with you. if you ask me for the moon then i will pull it to earth and set it in our bedroom. y/n will you marry me?"

"i will," you cried, taking deep breathes shakily. "remus, i love you so much, i can't even-"

"shh no need to explain. i know the feeling too," he pulled your in his arms. the world seems like it's rotating in slow motion, the only people there is the two of you. no one else matters.

the the whole town came to the wedding, though it is a very small town so it's not a lot people. you walked down the aisle with a veil over your head.

you looked perfect. you are perfect.

remus has tears glistening is his eyes as he watched you walk gracefully. your mom and remus' cried.

he said "i do" and you did too.

you reminisced the day you two met, retelling the stories back to your baby daughter while rocking her on the very front porch.

"i met your father when i was really young," you chuckled, your first born daughter in your arms as you peered over to look at your husband who was wiping the table. "we did stupid things, but we did them together."

"you know, i always thought i would marry captain america one day. and sometimes i even cry because i know i couldn't love anyone else more than i do to captain america. but remus- he's something. i love him even more than anyone and i'm glad i didn't marry captain america!"

remus overheard your conversation, a smile on his face. "hey, i should be celebrating the fact that you love me more than usa guard!" he joked as he kissed your head. "look at you! you're so pretty. you've got your mother's eyes!" he tickled the baby on your arms.

"she's got your bone structure i think," you said.

remus laughed as he wrapped his arms around you from the back, his chin resting on top of your shoulder.

seventy years passed, you still looked at remus the same way you did eighty years ago. his eyes still looks like the starry night. the stars that shine in the sky, the pretty lights.

"happy eighty seventh birthday my darling," remus said, kissing your wrinkled cheeks. all your wrinkles and your white hair doesn't matter to the love you and remus have.

he taught you how forever feels like.

and this, this love is so alive even after all these years.

[crownedghostprince]

Two Queens on a Chessboard (Descendants) pt 1

Evie x Female!Reader.

Fandom: Descendants.

(Y/N) is the daughter of Snow White.  She’s been attending Auradon High for a little while now and Prince Ben, (the future King of Auradon) just declared he’ll be bringing over four VKs (Villain Kids) to help them choose their own destinies and not what their parents want for them.  (Y/N) loves all things girly, cute, pink and fun...but she didn’t know “all things girly” included liking girls themselves.

Requests: Closed. Requested: no.

Warning(s): None, this is just a cute, gay romantic and fluffy story.

Note: In this Evie is not at all related to Snow White or anything, as in this Timeline the Evil Queen did not marry Snow White’s father.  Instead, she attempted to date her father and when he died he left a will claiming her to be trustworthy of everything he possessed until his daughter (Snow White) was of age to inherit it all (18) and that’s how the story goes in this world. 

I hope that’s not confusing and enjoy!

Word Count: 2,700+ (roughly)

[First Person Perspective]

(This incredible picture of Evie belongs to ‘lilicohirukoma’  on Tumblr.  Check her out, she has some fun relogs and other posts!)

I carefully observed as birds glided effortlessly across the sky, flapping their wings against the warm sun.  The sunlight drifted through my open window, lighting up my sketchbooks and coloured pencils.  I did my best to keep the wind from blowing my reference pictures off my desk as I drew the parrots above to the best of my ability.  Their coloured feathers that lit up the world as they passed it by were my favourite thing about them.  I was supposed to be getting dressed for the day, or at least doing something more productive, but I felt too at peace to move.

It took my mother knocking at my door to get me away from my desk to let her in.  Her pale skin came into view as the door swung open.  I reluctantly met her brown eyes as she spoke, clearly upset, “(Y/N) you should be dressed already!  I don’t care for these Villain Kids, or whatever Prince Ben is planning with them, but I’ll be damned if I let you leave the house not looking like royalty.  I swear, sometimes you forget you’re my daughter.”  She scolded, entering my room and shutting the door behind us so she could dress me in the outfit I chose.  “Look at this!  It’s so pink the pink tax could charge you twice for it!”

“Very funny, mother.”  I rolled my eyes and started to undress, letting her pull the pink dress over my head as she continued to comment on it.  While we were both distracted a couple of the parrots from earlier flew to the windowsill and watched.

“There’s so many frills I can’t see the bloody hem!  Do you think they added enough sparkles?  I swear this dress has more sparkles than the Fairy Godmother’s magic spells.”

“I think it’s a charming dress.”

“Charming?  Charming would be blinded by this dress’ glow!”  She scoffed, continuing to do up the corset and back bow.  The dress I chose to meet the Villain Kids in was a cute 1950s, Rock ‘n’ Roll inspired dress with the skirt reaching my knees with lots of frills, a bow in the back and lots of sparkles.  The top part of the dress was shaped with a scoop neckline and a simpler design aside from the corset so the skirt could catch people’s eyes first.  The skirt was the main focus of the dress and the top simply blended quite nicely.

I had chosen matching pink high heels, my nails were done with an almond shape in a very light pink colour.  Imagine white but with a tinge of pink, that’s the colour.  I was in love with the outfit and I even did my hair in a cute 1950s curly side bun hairstyle with a cute pink bow in my hair.  Can you tell I love pink?  I chose silver jewelry to match, a simple necklace and bracelet and some studded earrings.

But back to the present moment, my mother had finished doing up my corset and my outfit was finished with the added jewelry that she helped me put on.  She looked me up and down and shook her head.  “How did we go from my blue and yellow to your blinding pink?”  She sighed, putting her hand to her cheek as she tilted her head.  She doesn’t like pink all that much, she says only Aurora and her child, Audrey, should dress in pink as it’s ‘their colours’.

“Mother, you know I’m not a big fan of yellow.  Besides, I do wear blue!  I was just in a pink mood today.”  I explained even though we’ve had this conversation many times.

“I know, darling.  I just sometimes wonder who you get your personality from.  You don’t really act like your father or I at all.”  She stated completely ignoring that fact that I do many things she did at 17 years of age.  I guess she just blocked out those memories like most parents.

“Well, sometimes a little sugar needs some spice.”  I simply replied by saying our phrase.  She was always considered the sweetest princess and queen, which she was, and when I grew up to be quite more lively and sassy I was nicknamed her ‘spice’.

“Well, Little Miss Spice better grab her purse and leave for school if she wants to meet those Villain Kids so badly.”  She smiled.  I returned her smile and we both turned to my desk where my pink purse was and we noticed our audience.  The two parrots from earlier were there, but a squirrel, a bluebird and a doe had joined the window, watching with interest.

Like my mother, I naturally attracted animals and got along wonderfully with them.  But sometimes it was a bit unnerving to realize you’re never truly alone when you live right near the forest.  Oh, right, we live on the edge of Auradon, just outside a magnificent forest filled with many creatures - magical and non-magical - in a cozy castle.  It was more a mansion styled as a castle, but the comment stands.

“I’ll, uhm, be on my way then.”  I cleared my throat and grabbed my purse, giving the animals all a pet before turning back to my mother.  She sighed and gave me a quick hug, being careful not to smudge my makeup and eyeliner.

“Just promise me you’ll be safe and you won’t get too close to any of those children.”  She looked at me sternly.  Although it would be more intimidating if she wasn’t slightly shorter than me.

“I promise, mother.”  I smiled and kissed her forehead before jogging out the door and waving, “Bye!!  I’ll see you tonight!”  I skipped down the halls and a couple of the house mice joined me before running from our cat, Sherlock.

♡ ~~~~~~ ♡   

Finally, I arrived via limo to Auradon High.  Kids my age had already started gathering and the band was practicing before the kids arrived.  I stepped out, “Thank-you, Mister Desmond!”

“Have a lovely day at school, Miss White.”  He waved with his soft smile.

“I will!  Goodbye!”  I closed the door and skipped up to my two best friends: Jane and Elin.  Jane was the daughter of the Fairy Godmother and Elin was the daughter of Elsa.  Elin has ice powers like her mother, except her powers are smaller in scale and easier for her to control.  Well that’s what she told me, but I’ll never know for sure.  “Hey, Elin!  Hey, Jane!”  I called, finally skipping up to them.

“Hey, (Y/N)!”  They both greeted - Jane a little more nervous than Elin.

“Are you excited to meet the VKs?”  Elin asked excitedly.  Her soft blue eyes lit up as she smiled and finished braiding her white hair.  It was pretty long so it took her some time but it was always so worth it.  She was almost as good as Rapunzel’s daughter when it came to braiding hair.

“I’m really excited to meet them! I really hope they don’t cause us any trouble...I feel like they’ll be really cool to befriend!”  I answered, bouncing up and down a little.

“I’m not thrilled.  I hope they leave as quickly as they come.”  Jane gulped, nervously picking at her fingernails - an anxious habit she’d had for a while now.  I took her hands and squeezed them slightly.

“Don’t worry I’m sure they won’t bother us much.  They’ll probably think we’re all too prissy and princess-y to be worth bothering.”  I reassured her.  She smiled slightly but still looked worried.

“I’m more concerned about my mother forcing me to meet them and be near them more than I would like...”  She whispered uncertainly.  We both looked over at her mother who stood beside Prince Ben and his girlfriend Audrey at the front of the gathering, just in front of the band.  My mouth formed an ‘O’ shape as I realized what she meant.

Her mother was always so extroverted and confident and Jane was the total opposite, being more on the shy and reserved side.  “I’m sure she’ll take it easy on you, vennen.”  (Darling)  Elin reassured her in her thick Norwegian accent, placing her hands on Jane’s shoulders and giving her a little playful shake which elicited a little giggle from Jane.  “Besides, if you stick with us, we’ll protect you from them!”  Elin grinned and gave the air a couple fake punches to prove her point.

“Yeah!  And I’ll wear so much pink it would make any Villain gag from 30 meters away!”  I laughed and Jane cracked a smile.  Before any of us could joke around any more a hush fell over the group as Fairy Godmother clapped her hands three times like a primary school teacher and then shouted orders.

“Everyone hush!!  Listening ears and smiling faces on!  They’re coming down now!  Look bright and lively everybody!  Here we go!!”  She cheered and we all did our best to match her over bubbly personality.  Jane passed Elin and I some small flags made for occasions like this.  We excitedly waved them in the air as everyone cheered and the band started up once again.  It wasn’t the best welcome song, but it was pretty impressive considering they’d only had a week until now to practice.

The limo pulled up and the chauffeur opened the door.  We watched two boys tumble out, hushing us all with their arguing and battle for some piece of cloth.  Eventually a purple-haired woman stepped out and then followed a gorgeous blue-haired woman.  Her outfit, her hair, her smile - she was absolutely adorable.  I couldn’t stop staring and Elin had to physically close my dropped jaw with her hand.

Elin chuckled and gave me a discreet thumbs up, having hinted at me being bisexual in the past.  But...I always denied it.  I blushed and avoided eye-contact, my eyes slowly drifting back to the gorgeous girl rocking a stunning blue outfit and looking like she was a princess straight out of a fairy tale book.  I was especially in awe of her style.  She clearly had a good sense of fashion and she held her head high with confidence as she walked.

Her dress was a strange, but gorgeous, mix of leather with a blue jeans-inspired design and something similar to what the ‘Evil Queen’ from my mother’s past would wear.  She had a cute headband that matched and her whole outfit looked handmade, down to every seam.  She wore a contrasting red apple necklace; black, finger-less gloves and matching black and white tights.  Finally, I noticed how her hair was slightly curled, a bit like mine currently was, but her hair was fully let down and swayed in the gentle breeze.  She seemed ecstatic to be here and looked at everything like a small child seeing their biggest wish come true.

Elin snapped me out of my daze once again and we all watched as Fairy Godmother greeted them with her usual happy-go-lucky, primary school teacher attitude and then she introduced Prince Ben and Princess Audrey.  Prince Ben made sure to greet them all individually by shaking their hands and welcoming them, pausing a bit on the purple-haired woman and then continuing on afterwards.  I couldn’t see Audrey’s face but ever since her betrothal to Prince Ben I assumed she was pissed he wasn’t giving her all his attention.

Although that sounds ridiculous, I know Audrey very well.  She’s a very arrogant, ignorant woman who loves power and fame and money.  She cares little for other people, especially those actually in need of aid.  I remember watching once as she offered no food to a begging woman.  I made sure to buy some extra bread and cheese for the lady.  It wasn’t much, but she was thankful and that made me smile.  But for Audrey to pass her by without even acknowledging her?  Horrible.

We watched as Fairy Godmother wrapped it up and finished talking with everyone.  Prince Ben and Princess Audrey began leading them to the school, giving them a bit of a tour and talking about the history whilst everyone else in the area scattered and cleaned up any confetti.  I caught eyes with the beautiful blue-haired woman and we both paused for a second.  Even from a distance I could tell she was the daughter of The Evil Queen and she could probably tell I was Snow White’s daughter.  I felt my cheeks heat up and all I could do was smile, curtsy and wink and then quickly catch up with my friends.

♡ ~~~~~~ ♡  

“Pleaseee that was so embarrassingggg!!!”  I whined into Elin’s pillow.  Elin laughed in amusement from her office chair.  Elin was staying in a dorm room with Jane at the school as she travelled very far to attend and Jane stayed in the dorm room because she hated travelling such a long distance to school every day.

“I’m sure she found it cute, vennen min.”  (My friend) Elin shook her head as she spoke.  I looked up from the pillow more and stared pointedly.

“I assure you she probably did not, liebling.”  (Darling)  I tossed the pillow back onto her bed before standing up from the floor.  I brushed my clothing off and checked how I looked in Jane’s vanity mirror.

“How do you know?  You don’t!  In fact...there’s only one way of truly knowing.”  Elin grinned.  I watched her from the mirror as I fixed up my makeup before deciding to ask the dreaded question.

“And...how would I go about finding that out?”  I turned around and Elin stood up excitedly.

“At school tomorrow,” She grabbed my shoulders, “Introduce yourself and get to know her.”

“I--...I mean you’re not wrong, but...how would I even go about approaching her?”

“Well if you see you share a class, greet her then!  Maybe when you’re both leaving and also see what other classes you share!”

“Elin, mausebär.  (Mouse)  That’s incredible thinking!  You’re absolutely right!  I can just meet her at classes and then move from there!”  Elin and I giddily did a little dance on the spot.

“That’s the spirit!!  Overcome your fears!”  She cheered, her soft blue eyes sparkling with delight.  She began tossing little snowflakes above us like confetti.  “Jippi!”  (Yay)  She cheered.

We spent the rest of our time together with Jane, enjoying our lunches, joking and dancing around and doing each others hair whilst watching some movies like ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’.  We had a lot of fun like we originally planned.  This day spent together and movie night is how we usually spend our last day before school.  My mother’s fine with me staying out until midnight, so I was able to do that again.

I tiredly said my goodbyes to Elin and Jane, hugging them both before I followed Fairy Godmother to the front door of the school.  We talked quietly, careful of the sleeping students.  “I’m glad you and Elin are friends with Jane.”  She smiled softly, looking up at the moon as we waited for Mister Desmond to arrive.  “She’s so shy and closed off.  I still remember the day she came home from middle school, ecstatic and talking fast.  She was so happy to have friends she didn’t say a single word correctly.”

I grinned, remembering how I first met Jane by walking into a wall right in front of her and balling my eyes out immediately at the slightest drop of blood that was created by the impact.  She’d always been such a kind person.  She leapt straight into making sure I was okay, screaming for Elin to help us both when poor Elin herself was lost.  Luckily our gym teacher was nearby and helped us get to the nurse’s office where we all sat crying and apologizing.

It was a silly way to meet, but I wouldn’t change it for anything else in the world.  I was so distracted talking to Fairy Godmother and thinking back on my childhood days with Elin and Jane, I completed missed the four students hiding in a bush just outside the school - waiting for us to leave so they could sneak back inside.  When I finally spoke up to Fairy Godmother about how we met, as Jane never coherently told her mother, I also missed Evie’s soft smile as she pictured the scenario I was describing.

It was a perfect night and a perfect start to a new school year...and a future relationship.

♡ ~~~~~~ ♡

(Part 2 coming soon!)

[lulublack90]

Prompt 29 - Magic

@wolfstarmicrofic September 29, word count 753

Previous part First Wolfstar part

“Be careful. Please be careful,” Remus begged, his forehead pressed against Sirius’s. 

“We will, sweetheart, I promise,” He murmured, tilting his head up so he could kiss Remus goodbye. He looked over and James and Regulus were in a similar position. He huffed out a laugh and dragged his brother away from his best friend. 

“Come along, Reggie, let’s go and give Mother a good scare,” He winked at his boyfriend and whipped his brother away. 

They landed in the entranceway of the Summer House. “You good?” Sirius asked Regulus. Regulus took a deep steadying breath and nodded. Together they strode forward, into the dining room. 

“Good afternoon, Father. Mother,” Sirius smirked. Orion froze, worry on his face at the sudden appearance of his sons. Walburga, on the other hand, shot to her feet, withdrawing her wand. “Ah, ah, ahh, Mother. Sit down,” Sirius ordered, he and Regulus raising their own wands. 

“You,” Walburga spat, only addressing Sirius, completely ignoring her other son. 

“Me,” Sirius’s smirk widened. 

“Why are you here?” She snarled, gracefully lowering herself back onto her chair as Sirius pointed more forcefully at her with his wand. 

“I thought I’d come and personally tell you the good news,” Sirius said pleasantly. “Last night a few friends and I trapped and killed Voldemort,” Orion and Walburga lost all the colour from their faces. 

“You— you what?!” Orion breathed in disbelief, clutching the edge of the table and staring in wonder at his sons. 

“LIAR!!!: Walburga screamed, setting red jets of light shooting out of her wand as she pointed it at Sirius again, ready to cast a curse. 

“Expelliarmus,” Sirius said lazily, his mother's wand flying out of her hand and into his. 

“Vile little liar, give me back my wand,” She screeched. Sirius pocketed it. 

“Walburga, enough!” Orion ordered brusquely. “Boy’s I’m so proud of you,” Walburga's eyes snapped to her husband. 

“Traitor!” She spat at him. 

“No, dear, I am finally being the parent these boys deserve,” He turned sad eyes on the two brothers. “I am sorry I waited so long. Walburga,” He said haughtily. “I want a divorce. You shall leave this property immediately; you may only take your personal possessions, and everything else is to be left, and you are barred from stepping foot on any Black family property without permission.” Walburga’s jaw dropped. Orion had never stood up to her like that in his life. 

“And where exactly am I meant to go?” She asked coldly. Orion thought for a moment. 

“You will be allowed the cottage in Devon,” He decided. 

“And how am I meant to keep it? I require a house elf,” Sirius’s heart thudded in his chest as he thought of poor Rorbey, but Orion had other ideas. 

“Take Kreacher. You shall have an allowance to be decided at the divorce hearing. Goodbye dear,” Orion said dismissively. 

“Bye Mother,” Sirius waved cheerily. 

“My wand,” She glowered, ignoring him and holding her hand out for it. Sirius took it out of his pocket and held it aloft. It vanished. “Brat!!!” 

“Don’t worry, I’ve sent it to Devon. It’ll be there waiting for you,” Walburga turned to leave, but just as she reached the dining room door she turned back. 

“Disappointments, the pair of you, the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black is ruined,” She glared at them as though they were something foul on the bottom of her shoe and swept out the door, her dress billowing behind her. 

“Well, that went well,” Sirius barked out a laugh and took a seat at the table. He felt the house’s magic change the second Walburga Black exited the front door. She’d never be able to cross the threshold again. 

“Is he really gone?” Orion asked, his voice croaky. 

“Yes,” Sirius said seriously. “And he can’t come back. In the end, he was only a man,” Orion let out a thankful sigh.

“Regulus, son, I-I-I’m so very glad that you’re alive. So very glad,” Orion had tears in his eyes as he stood and walked towards his younger son. Regulus took a nervous step back. In an instant, Sirius was back on his feet at his brother's side. Orion opened his arms, and Sirius dragged Regulus into a hug. The three of them had a moment that Sirius never thought they’d ever have. He finally had the family he’d dreamed of, but his heart was being pulled to a pair of honey-coloured eyes and a green forest. 

“Dad, we need to have a talk.”  

Last part

[marvelmusing]

A Courtship of Shadows

Part Two

Pairing: Fae!Aleksander Morozova x Fem!Reader

Summary: Once again, Aleksander finds you at the edge of a ballroom and he finds himself more and more interested by you with every passing moment.

Warnings [18+]: mildly suggestive context (touching and Aleksander’s thoughts).

Word Count: 3K

My Masterlist • Part One

“That’s the third person she’s turned down.”

“There is no need to provide me with a running commentary, Fedoyr,” Aleksander remarks drily, swallowing down a mouthful of bitter wine as he keeps his gaze fixed purposefully away from whatever suitor had asked to dance with you.  

If Aleksander’s theory is correct, and you have Fae blood in you, the strangeness people had observed during your childhood is slowly shifting into an allure that the humans don’t quite understand, but they act upon it nonetheless. 

When he does risk a glance in your direction he observes the restlessness in your eyes. It doesn’t take a genius to realise you are bored. He can’t help but think of you attending one of his own balls at the Grand Palace in Os Alta. He wonders whether you would find more enjoyment among his court. 

Aleksander finds you intriguing. 

Ever since you had admitted that your mother thought you were a changeling child, he’s been entertaining the possibility that you might be Fae. 

He knows you have been contemplating what he told you, about the possibility of two humans conceiving a Fae child. Though Aleksander doesn’t believe that was the case for you. He suspects that your father was Fae, or at least had some Fae blood in him. 

He finds himself wondering about how you know so much about the Fae - especially the rules and tricks his kind use against humans. Perhaps your father had taught you, before he died.

As his mind wanders, he imagines what your Fae form might look like. Whether you would have thick curled horns like Zoya, or delicate pointed ears like himself. Whether your teeth would sharpen, or if your eyes might change colour. 

Living in the human realm for your entire life, you have been deprived of the magic that lingers in the soil of Aleksander’s kingdom. The same magic that provides Fae food with its luxurious taste that drives humans to addiction, as well as connecting every Fae to the making at the heart of the world. 

Whilst you seem healthy enough, he can’t stop himself from thinking of the toll such a disconnect from the Fae might have taken on you. 

Without thinking, he moves towards you, leaving Ivan and Fedyor at the side of the room. The crowd parts for him easily, lords and ladies averting their eyes as he passes them. A few people stare openly, watching as he walks across the ballroom. 

He’s wearing one of his most formal keftas, black with shimmering silver threads woven amongst the dark embroidery. This morning Genya had tailored his features to appear more human-like, but the nobles around him still recognise Aleksander as something not quite normal. 

Before he can reach you, someone stops at your side. Whilst the man doesn’t turn to address you, Aleksander can see your mouth moving as you take a sip of your wine. There’s a minute wrinkle to your nose as you swallow the dark liquid and it appears you’re as fond of the royal vintage as Aleksander is. 

He might stand out amongst the humans, but Aleksander has always been rather gifted at blending into the shadows. As a result, he finds it easy enough to stroll lightly around the table you’re standing in front of and lean casually against a marble pillar nearby. The perfect spot to overhear your conversation under the guise of watching the crowd of dancers gathered in the ballroom. 

“I assume you have something for me,” you say quietly to the man beside you. 

“Not much, the usual trivial gossip, childish whispering really.” 

“Dimitri, I’ve been dealing with the rumour mill for years. Whatever you’re trying to protect me from, I assure you, I can handle it.” 

The man - Dimitri - sighs quietly and the two of you are silent for a long moment. 

“They think you’re involved with Lord Kirigan.” 

Aleksander hones in on the conversation immediately at the sound of the name he’s been using among the human court, to seem approachable without surrendering his true name. 

“Involved?” you repeat. 

“That you’re warming his bed,” Dimitri elaborates. 

“Oh.” 

Genya has a particular talent for collecting gossip and Aleksander had been made aware of these rumours only yesterday. He’s impressed that you seem to have your own system in place to remain informed of the rumours involving yourself. 

“You rarely address him during social functions aside from basic pleasantries,” Dimitri explains. “They think you’re hiding something.” 

“And yet if I spend any amount of time with him, then they will all think I’m conspiring with the Fae,” you remark with a humourless edge to your tone. 

“Well, you can’t blame them, given the rumours about your…”

There’s a sharpness in your eyes that has Dimitri’s words faltering and a shiver runs down Aleksander’s spine at the sight of you looking so commanding with a mere glance. The thought passes through his mind before he can stop it, you would make a formidable Queen. 

“Do you have anything else to say?” 

Dimitri looks down sheepishly for a moment. 

“I think you already know the rest. Kirigan accepted Rathbone’s invitation to Lichen Manor, though no one knows if he’s planning to join in on the hunting season.” 

“Not on Rathbone’s land, but he might accept someone else’s invitation.” Aleksander is intrigued by your causally confident answer, and luckily Dimitri seems equally curious for an explanation which you promptly provide. “Rathbone usually hunts deer on his land, and Kirigan won’t kill a deer, they’re practically sacred in East Ravka.”  

The nobles in this country always refer to Aleksander’s kingdom as the Fae Kingdom, refusing to acknowledge the historic connection between the two lands. To them, the human kingdom is the true Ravka. It’s clear you don’t share their views. 

He’s once again surprised that you know about Fae customs. Aleksander’s grandfather had created the first white stag many centuries ago, and since then his family has safeguarded the species. 

In the springtime, small white fawns can often be seen wobbling about the grounds of the Grand Palace as they take their first steps and Aleksander briefly wonders if you would like to see the deer for yourself one day. 

“I heard someone mention he intends to visit Hawthorne House while in the country.” 

Aleksander knows that Hawthorne is your childhood home, the family estate that your cousin will inherit when he is of age. 

“Mother will be pleased,” you remark.  

“Apparently she invited him.” 

“She’s most likely looking for an excuse to host a ball.” 

“You didn’t know?” 

A small sigh shifts at your shoulders. 

“No. We haven’t spoken for several weeks.” 

“Will you be spending your summer at Hawthorne?” 

“I suppose. It’s what I usually do, though if Mother is planning a ball I might make myself scarce.” 

There’s a small hum of acknowledgement from your informant. 

“Speaking of, I’d better move on.” 

“Thank you, Dimitri.” 

He nods politely and steps away from you without a word. 

Aleksander watches your expression change now that you are alone; exhaustion and worry touches your features as you pour another glass of wine. 

He decides to step out of the shadows, moving around the table and through a handful of people, to appear at your side. 

“Your highness,” you greet him with a polite bow. 

The corner of his mouth lifts in a slight smile as he inclines his head in acknowledgement. 

“Good evening, my lady. How are you enjoying the festivities?” 

He watches your expression falter slightly, that intelligent glimmer sparkling in your eyes as you attempt to work your way around his question. He knows you aren’t enjoying yourself but you won’t admit it. However, the Fae consider it impolite to lie, especially to someone in the nobility, or royalty like Aleksander. 

“Your pianist is very talented.”

He smiles with a nod of appreciation before he glances over at Marie as she sits at the piano placed in the centre of the king’s musicians, her fingers moving delicately over the ivory.

The quickest way to appease Aleksander is to compliment his people, and you appear to have noticed this. It both infuriates and enamours him. To feel so seen by a stranger is unnerving, but Aleksander can see an equal amount of you. 

He watches as you take a sip of your wine, and once again you appear to be as unimpressed by the taste as he was earlier. 

His thoughts move to the small basket that sits on a side table in the guest rooms he has been occupying whilst staying at the human palace. The basket which is filled with Fae food, in case of an emergency or a bout of homesickness from one of the younger Faefolk in Aleksander’s entourage. 

Now he imagines taking a luscious red apple, cutting a slice with his knife and holding the portion of fruit to your lips. The juice shimmering on your lips and the gleam in your eyes as you take a bite. The way your lashes might flutter as the pleasure sweeps through you. After all, you may have some Fae in you, but you’re still human. For now. 

He wonders how you might sound afterwards, whether your words would wracked with need or perhaps a dreamy sigh, as you thank him. A shiver runs down his spine at the thought of you offering such power to him. 

Aleksander clears his throat, attempting to discard the distracting nature of his thoughts of you. Unfortunately, the noise attracts your attention prompting you to eye him expectantly and he finds himself at a loss for words. 

“I was considering stepping out onto the terrace for a breath of fresh air,” he says with a small nod towards the french doors on the far side of the ballroom. “Would  you care to join me?” 

Being seen alone with you would do little to dispel the rumours surrounding the two of you, however, Aleksander cannot find it in himself to care for the opinion of the human nobility. He knows you would face more scrutiny than he ever would for such a thing, but he hopes he can one day convince you of how little these people matter. 

“I’d love to,” you say softly. The breath in Aleksander’s throat catches at the honesty in your words and his eyes remain locked on yours as he offers you his hand. 

When you take his hand with a small smile, he finds himself wishing you weren’t wearing gloves tonight. However, the intricate white lace of your gloves does allow him to feel the warmth of your skin and it looks far better on you than the silk often favoured by the ladies of the human court.

Delicate frills encircle your wrists, allowing him to admire the bare skin of your forearms, glowing under the light of the ballroom as he leads you towards the terrace. 

The cool evening air brings some clarity to Aleksander’s thoughts and he puts a respectful amount of distance between the two of you as he stands by your side in front of the stone wall that surrounds the terrace. 

Aleksander has always felt more comfortable during the night and it seems you favour the stillness too, though he will admit that his assumption is based on how alluring you look in the moonlight. 

Heavy black clouds gather ahead and Aleksander can taste rain in the air. A downpour is about to begin but he cannot find it in himself to draw you back into the light and heat of the ballroom, especially when you look so soothed by his quiet company - even as you engage in small talk with one another. 

“I hear you’re planning a tour of East Ravka on your return to your kingdom,” you remark lightly. 

He nods.

“As much as I intend to enjoy the summer here in West Ravka, I find myself longing to reacquaint myself with my country after such an absence.” 

“It is a good thing for a king. To love your country and people so much.”

“As an expression of goodwill, I extended an invitation to your king though he regretfully cannot join me for the journey.” 

“His health is of utmost importance at the moment,” you reply smoothly. Not a lie, though Aleksander can see that you want to soften the rejection. He knows why the human king does not wish to visit the Fae Kingdom, but he will accept your attempt at excusing your king’s superstition. 

“Of course.” 

He hesitates for a moment. He wants to study your reaction to what he is about to say. 

“He informed me that I could extend my invitation to anyone else in his court.”

As expected, you turn your head to face him. In the distance, thunder rumbles lowly. 

“Who do you plan to invite?” you ask quietly. 

He steps closer, watching as your gaze flickers from his eyes down to his lips. 

“There is only one person who I believe will appreciate my kingdom to the extent it deserves.” 

He is close enough to smell your perfume and he is thoroughly tempted to duck his head down and trace his nose over the hollow of your throat where he knows the scent will be the strongest. 

Then a raindrop falls on his head. Another falls on your face, tracing down your neck. Soon the rain is falling hurriedly and your lips part in surprise as the chill rises to your skin.

Aleksander relishes in the sweet scent of rain and he smiles at the refreshing sensation of rainwater soaking through his kefta. But he knows humans aren’t particularly fond of rain. 

“Perhaps we should return inside?” he suggests. 

He watches in awe as you shake your head, a wide smile illuminating your face. 

Aleksander stares as you tilt your head back, providing him with an exquisite view of your neck, bared so beautifully, and his eyes roam over the deep neckline of your dress as droplets of rainwater roll down your exposed skin. 

Saints, he should look away. 

He wants to ruin you. 

As your eyes flutter open, still heavy-lidded to protect yourself from the rain, your gaze meets his and Aleksander is certain his heart stops as you smile at him. He steps closer, his gaze acting as his hands wish to, scrambling over your form as the fabric of your dress clings even closer to your skin. 

Something in your own eyes darkens and Aleksander wants to devour your lips with a heated kiss and consume each and every moan he can wring from you. Instead, he traces his knuckles faintly over your cheek, following the path of a droplet as it runs down to your neck. 

His touch lingers against your collarbone, swiping his thumb over the water collected there by your chest. He can see the rapid movement of your breathing as your eyes remain fixed on him and the heat of your gaze warms his entire body, flooding down to the hardness growing beneath his trousers. 

He wants to take your hand and press it against the bulge there. He wants to see your lace-clad fingers roam over him. 

When he smooths his fingers down the length of your bodice, ignoring the swell of your breasts in favour of tracing a path down to your stomach, he sees you gasp silently. Lips parted, you stare wide eyed, and Aleksander wonders whether you have ever laid with someone. 

Fae do not wait for marriage and many engage in revelries that would cause a permanent scandal in the human realm. He wonders how flustered you would be, if you saw how brazenly the members of Aleksander’s court touch one another in public. 

A smirk curls at the corner of Aleksander’s mouth as he observes your sudden fixation on his lips. Surely you wouldn’t object to indulging in a kiss? Not when you look so willing. 

Just as Aleksander begins to lean in, you step backwards. 

“You’re right. We should return to the ballroom.”

He nods, though he doesn’t make an effort to move yet. 

“Not in this state. Might I suggest the door to the left?”

He nods in the direction of the door which will lead to a hopefully deserted hallway. Returning to the ballroom together, soaked through, will only lead to more rumours and Aleksander doesn’t want you to feel ashamed by what has just occurred between the two of you. 

He smiles softly when you nod in agreement and he follows you through the doorway and into the quiet hallway. Sounds from the ballroom are muffled but Aleksander can hear a waltz playing and people dancing to the tune. 

He watches as you remove your gloves, attempting to wring out the poor scraps of fabric. A shiver shakes your body and Aleksander notices the goosebumps on your skin as a few stray raindrops linger there.

Plucking out his handkerchief, he is pleased to find the fabric has remained dry enough to wipe the water from your face which he does so with a careful murmur, 

“Here. Allow me.”

There is no response from you as he continues to dry your neck, sweeping over your collarbones and dipping down momentarily to your cleavage. Without the all-encompassing patter of the rain, he can hear how your breathing shifts. He takes mental notes of the areas that make you inhale sharply or sigh softly. 

Once he is done, he hands you the handkerchief to dry any spots he may have missed. 

“Keep it,” he insists softly. 

The only form of thanks you offer him is a small nod of appreciation, but your lack of verbal thanks doesn’t vex him as it used to. Now, he wants to see how far he can push you before you thank him and is pleased every time you fail to fall into his trap because that alone means he must try harder at the next opportunity. 

He takes your hand, now bare as he had wished for earlier in the evening, and lifts it to his lips before he gifts you with a gentle kiss to your knuckles. He selects his next words carefully, hoping to leave a lasting impression on you. 

“I hope you have a pleasurable evening, little blossom.” 

He smiles as you blink dazedly at him, inclining his head before he releases your hand and heads down the hallway towards his rooms to dry off. 

-

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[imaginefan]

Slave To Emotion *Part 5*

Klaus Mikaelson!Father X Son!Reader

Word Count: 771

Requested: @emaz-0225

Request: Original Request

*Part 4*

You continued to be a looming threat, you made no move to pull any of them into a trap or hunt down your youngest sister as Klaus had expected, he realised that you were a lot more like your mother than he had first given you credit for. His temper and your mother's love for a cunning plan made you dangerous.

(Y/S/N) had disappeared after the fight with you and he assumed that she would not be back, that is until a few days later when she walks back into the courtyard with her mother behind her he was ready to call betrayal until they both spoke. “Before you spiral into paranoia, I have brought my mother here because she may be the only person that he still listens to.” (Y/S/N) said, lifting her hand before Klaus could talk. “Klaus we must save him.” Katherine pleaded. “He does not want saving.” Klaus answered. “Some would have said the same of you. When Hope asks what happened to her brother, will you tell her the truth or will that be another story spun in your favour?” Katherine asked. “You were always good at those.” “Careful Katherine, you are no longer a vampire, I could easily kill you with a flick of my wrist.” Klaus warned. “But you won’t.” (Y/S/N) warned “because if you do, I will be the one to tell Hope the truth of what happened, even if it takes my life to do so, she will know you the way we have, she will know that you turned into our grandfather and inflicted the same madness you’ve suffered on our brother and then killed him for the ailments you had inflicted.” “Do you have a plan?” Klaus asked. “Mm.” Katherine answered “I will need Elijah’s help.”

Katherine found you easily, you were still at the cemetery, as much as you loved being around ancestors, it was starting to feel like a prison when leaving meant that you were always looking over your shoulder. “You’ve made quite the home here.” You turned fast, coming face to face with your mother. “Your here.” You breathed tears gathering in your eyes, you fell into her arms, you realised a moment too late that you weren’t alone and your head swung with the sudden and instant darkness of death.

You woke up tied to a chair with vervain ropes and Klaus standing in front of you “this must be a nightmare if you're here.” You muttered as you looked around, trying to figure out the best options for escape, but you could sense the magic barriers, it would take too long for you to get out of this room while he was watching you, it seemed that they weren’t underestimating you this time. “Son.” Klaus started. “I am not your son!” You yelled. “ Y/N M/N Petrova Mikaelson born June 5th 1492 you were born first and you like to practise magic and your favourite colour is Aqua and you like art. You are my son! I am sorry that this has happened but it is time that the fighting stopped, so I offer your mother a place to stay where she will be protected and safe, and all you have to do is promise to stop this, you don’t have to stay, all you have to do is promise that you will stop attacking us and attempting to kill me.” Klaus pleaded. “And you will leave me, no matter where I go?” You asked. “I promise.” Klaus answered, with the deal made you were freed and allowed to leave.

You were walking through the house when you caught sight of your sister holding Hope and talking to Hayley, she seemed to feel your presence and turned to you. “(Y/N/N) I missed you.” She said with a smile, you looked at them for a second before taking out a small bracelet and handing it to Hayley. “Do as you please with it, but know that if you ever need to, you will be able to find me with that bracelet.” You explained before saying goodbye to your sister and leaving to find your mother. “Mum.” You said softly and she smiled as she opened her arms “are you sure that you’ll be okay here?” “I will be fine, it’s time that you stopped fighting for everyone else and a home for yourself my little prince.” She said pressing a kiss to your forehead before turning you towards the world, where you left to make a name for yourself one that you could be proud of.

Requests and general question!

[starwriterulia]

Tomb of the Goshenite Stargazer Dragon - Chapter 2

SUBJECT MATERIAL WARNINGS FOR THIS FANFICTION ARE INCLUDED IN THE MASTERLIST POST OF MY BLOG AND THE FIRST CHAPTER OF THIS FANFICTION.

Bat dividers by @violetbudd

Creator support banner by @cafekitsune

Latest revision: August 18, 2024. Added "Support your creators by reblogging" banner. Added ⏭️ emoji below end of chapter banner with text explaining its function as a navigational button.

Fandoms: DC Comics, Batfamily, no Batcest, Thalassic Space (OC; takes inspiration The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Assassin's Creed: Black Flag, Silent Hill 2, Silent Hill 3, and other sci-fi, fantasy and horror titles, as well as original concepts, such as the science and lore of the galaxy.)

Chapter Summary: Faith tells more lore to Batman and Robin, and a bit more about herself to the group chat.

[In order of appearance] Characters: Faith Lawson (TBA; self-insert), Bruce Wayne (Batman), Damian Wayne (Robin), Tim Drake (Red Robin), Barbara Gordon (Batgirl), Stephanie Brown (The Spoiler) Dick Grayson (Nightwing).

Word Count: 6744 8381 (July 30 revision) 8303 (August 10 revision)

Content warnings: N/A, unless I've forgotten something while transferring and adding lore. Let me know if I did!

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3

"You've got nice, big beds, eh?" Faith said, lifting the blankets and climbing into the bed. Hawkman and Hawkwoman had left the room, leaving Martian Manhunter to sit in front of the monitor to listen.

"Of course." Batman brought the wastebin next to the bed, then sat on the bed while Faith made herself comfortable with the pillows, putting one under her chest.

"I've only got a twin. My apartment is small. One bed, one bath, shared living and dining room with a connected kitchen."

"You live by yourself?"

"Yeah. I have work on Monday."

"Uh-oh."

“It should be fine?” Faith squinted her eyes. "There’s a Scripted event in that, if I leave Earth due to summoning or forced departure to another galaxy, such as Thalassic Space or this galaxy, I duplicate myself once so that I may continue life on Earth. But it might not happen. It's a Suggested Script, really. Not sure if it makes sense, so it’s not confirmed."

"What would it take for it to be confirmed?"

"You could comment on that part under the Unconfirmed Ideas heading of the Thalassic Space Planning document, saying it sounds fine, then I'll move it to its appropriate heading and mark your comment as resolved, and remove your comment. In this case, the heading is About the Great Little Starwriter. Here, I’ll share the TSRPG app with you, send you a friend request, and then a link to the document. It's encrypted and protected by another muse child, Chandra, whose mother is Calliope and father is Michael. Her Dragon Persona is part Android, SOFFFIAA: Simulacra of Friendship for Future Insight and Aspirations. Sophia, spelled with ph, is also the name of one of the Four Legendary Unicorns, and yes, Chandra is the type of person Sophia favours and allows to ride on her." Batman hummed. Faith woke up her phone and did some tapping. "Accept the download, please." Batman looked at his glove.

Thalassic Space Roleplaying Game would like access to your device.

Decline – Accept

"The loading screen of the app will explain its purpose. You can delete it at any time like you would any other mobile app, and you can share it with anyone through the Share button via your Profile with a QR code or device sharing, like I did with you. You’ll have access to all publicly known lore of the galaxy, and what isn’t there is in the Planning Document. You can see the Profiles of your Friends at their respective tab, and review their Health, Magic, Equipment, Status, Abilities, Skills, Personas and Soul Fragments, if any of the latter four Assets are applicable or known to you or your Friends."

"Alright." Batman selected Accept. The download and installation required three seconds. The app's icon was an eight-coloured sigil Batman had never seen before.

Four thick black circles forming a vertical number eight and a horizontal number eight, joined to create four angular teardrop shapes, perhaps better described as leaves, morphing the outward sections of the eights into fan shapes. The upper half of the vertical eight was sky blue, the lower half white; the left half of the horizontal eight was yellow, the right half red. The upper left leaf was emerald green, the upper left peacock or mermaid blue; Batman wasn't one hundred percent sure. The lower left leaf was ice blue, and the lower right leaf was a light red.

"That was very fast." Batman said.

"You don't sleep, and you're at peak physical and mental condition. It was fast for me when Ra's and I were in Platonia because I registered when I started lucid dreaming in the dream world of Thalassic Space at fourteen."

Batman opened the app. The loading screen, seen for ten seconds, displayed a white-blue O-type star that rotated, surrounded by magic circles depicting religious symbols. A blue lotus, a red eternity knot, a purple oak tree, an orange bolt of lightning, a golden eye of Ra, a blue David’s star, a red sigil of Baphomet, and the eight-coloured sigil. The title, in white-blue, read Thalassic Space Roleplaying Game and below it, in white, read:

Serving citizens and visitors with memories and immersive gameplay in the galaxy created post-mortem of "Tony" Richard Lawson in November 2021 by his adoptive daughter, Faith Lawson, the mortal name and memory-bearing soul of the Author of Thalassic Space.

Faith is revered as Ønske Ulia Χαμένος (Chaménos), daughter of Skuld and Víðarr, fostered by Frejya and Freyr, and mentored by Urania and Uriel. Faith, through Ulia, is the Great Little Starwriter of Thalassic Space, and Playwright of the Rondo Theatre in the Dream World on Paper, the dream world of Thalassic Space.

Connection is possible thanks to your knowledge or introduction to the dream world’s mechanics and lore, Thalassic Space’s history, and intention to participate in adventures in the dream world and-or Thalassic Space.

Batman noted the loading was taking longer than the installation.

Verifying files…

Registering user's memory-bearing soul to Santa Claus' Snow Globe Room…

Registering user's magic-bearing spirit or lack thereof to the libraries of the pantheons…

Registering user's physique and attributes…

Creating a personalised Room for user at the Pàrras VLFS Hospital and Hotel…

The app made three jingle bell sounds. Batman was presented with a 3D room suited to his aesthetics with a two-screen monitor computer on a desk, a queen-sized bed, a nightstand, a wardrobe, a vanity desk, a bathroom, and a door with the label (HOLD 3s) Leave planet; Go to Pàrras, planet Youtrnaeyl beneath it. The black UI in the bottom of the screen said Room, Map, Journal, Friends and Party in white text. A pictograph of a camera with a label in white below was at the upper right of the screen. The upper left had a white letter B on a black background for his profile photo. Batman was written above a green bar that read HEALTH that was almost full, a bar beneath that read MAGIC that was a greyish blue and had the words DISABLED at its right end.

"Are you in?" Faith asked.

"Yeah."

"OK, I’ll send a friend request."

Batman received a green notification banner on the app.

Ulia Χαμένος has sent a Friend request! <TAP TO GO>

"Feel free to explore your Profile and App Settings. For example, if you don't want jingle bells, you can change the ringtone, or set it to different levels of vibration, or a tickling sensation on your hand, nose or neck. Your Foes list shouldn't have any information you don’t know to be true. If it does, report it, and SOFFFIAA will purge it, so a paradox doesn’t occur."

Batman tapped the notification and was sent to the Friend Request screen of the Friends tab. He accepted Faith’s request, then backed out. He was in his Profile tab, showing his Health points were 480, 000; a question mark at its right end. Batman tapped it, and the pop-up read:

HEALTH is calculated by multiplying the user's age by 100 thousand, if human and non-magical, 150 thousand if human and magical, 200 thousand if non-human and non-magical, 250 thousand if non-human and magical, plus 1 million per decade if immortal or demi-immortal via demi-demonhood or demi-godhood.

"You came up with all of this too, right?" Batman said, as the game jingled and showed a notification.

Ulia Χαμένος has sent a message. <TAP TO GO>

"Yeah! The logic is supposed to be solid, like well-made video game worlds are." Faith said, while Batman clicked the link. "There's no password, for now."

"Thanks. I'll help you make a password later. But yes, just reading how Health works shows how much thought has been put into this."

"Thank you. You can use your Journal to view your life story as described by an angel, and you can search by date. If you have questions and are uncomfortable with talking to SOFFFIAA, but I'm not nearby, shoot me a message. If you'd prefer to not use the app or it's down for weekly server maintenance for an hour on Sundays at noon PST, my phone number is 778 [XXX-XXXX]."

"Will do. Thanks, Faith."

"You’re welcome!" Faith held her finger down, tapped, exited the app, and clicked to turn off her phone.

Batman’s TSRPG gave him a notification, and he opened the respective document. "By the way, your email for this is hilarious. I know it’s just a bunch of numbers, letters and symbols, but I can’t look at it without thinking how Matt Rose would read it, full send."

"Who’s that?"

"A YouTuber who reads Reddit. He’s British, so it's funnier." Faith started coughing. She heaved and swallowed. "Ew."

"What was the last thing you ate?"

"I tried to eat a banana and apple sauce. Threw it up earlier. Tastes sweet.'

"Lovely."

"I know, right?" Faith giggled.

"I have your tea, Faith." Damian said, not wearing his mask, entering with a teacup and putting it on the nightstand. "It's hot, so be careful."

"Thank you, Damian."

"You’re welcome."

Batman asked, "Faith, what's the eight-coloured sigil?"

"The Double Eight of Thalassic Space. It tells the story of the O-type star's spirit. The white and blue spheres are for the O-type star, and the yellow and red for the G- and M-type stars. The inner leaves are for factions and locations involved in the story: emerald for the Emerald Thieves, who were the elite of the Thieves Guild and returned to greatness during the main novel, mermaid sapphire blue for the merfolk of Thalassic Space, who were corrupted by Nero Poseidon through Nero Dionysus and became the only known sirens in Thalassic Space, ice blue for the Ninth Circle of Inferno, as Lucifer was the one who told Nerobzal about the Door to Platonia and as a reminder of the evil that Kaleido wished to release, and blush red for the blood of the anthropomorphs of Thalassic Space. It's blush red instead of blood to evoke thoughts of gentleness and love after the struggles they faced." Faith said, and picked up the teacup, blowing on its tea. "Any other lore related questions?"

"Where do the Departed come from? You told the ones who were harassing Ra's to return to the Underside."

"Well, then I must explain a Soul Bridge, which Dreamer Mages can access, and sometimes the owner of the Soul Bridge in dreams can too. It's a soul-bound Landmark in the Dream World on Paper, which I think you've the name of heard before." Faith sipped the tea.

"Yes." Said Batman. "Just the name, though."

"It's named so because I had a dream where I saw that I had drawn a simplified version of the three areas of the dream world on paper I had glued to coloured construction paper as a kid, and it blew my friggin' mind." Faith giggled.

"That's cool." Damian said, not doing so well in hiding the tone that showed how he actually felt.

"These areas are: a desert with mountains where there's mines, Egyptian ruins and a massive sinkhole in the dunes, a forested mountainous island with a dojo surrounded by an ocean, and a town with a city within a short distance that is actually Vanderhoof and Prince George, surrounded by a forest." Faith sipped. "Neo Spirits hang from the Suspensions of a Soul Bridge and whisper, speak or sing to the High Mind part of the subconscious, the sky of the dream world, to remind us of dreams, self-love, and good memories, all to make us smile and improve our quality of life. Nero Spirits cling to the Underside of a Soul Bridge and snarl, shout or scream to the Low Mind part of the subconscious to induce of nightmares, such as panic attacks, self-hatred, which can be expressed in many ways, and bad memories, which come from experiences related to the former two aspects." Faith sipped again.

"In the waking world of Thalassic Space, the army of Nero Spirits include the undead, which can take the form of draugr or zombies, and evil vampires, werewolves and sirens, though the latter is quite rare, and I don't think Urania mentioned them as a result. They only appeared because of Nero Dionysus, and they weren't around for long after the events of the main novel." Faith sipped. "Nero Spirits have neon red, orange eyes or yellow to evoke the imagery of fire. If they're toxic, their eyes are neon green, neon blue means electricity, neon purple means corruption of mind and decay of body, and neon pink means nightmares."

"Neo Spirits have pastel, jewel or earth-tone eyes, and depending on what the narration describes that colour as, you can associate the meaning of that rock or plant as relevant to the purpose and sometimes the personality of a Neo Spirit." Faith sipped more. "Both are bound to a Soul Bridge but can be seen in dreams or nightmares, and Neo Spirits can be summoned to the 28 Mansions to provide a source of comfort to a person when they've passed on, and Nero Spirits can be manifested, which is terrible news. Ask me about that later, unless I bring it up naturally through more exposition."

"Will do." Said Batman.

"Any other questions?"

Damian said, "Yeah. Why did you spare Grandfather?"

“If I killed him, he would fight his way out of Inferno, and from Mansion 0 and the 28 Mansions of the Four Symbols of Chinese astrology learn about the existence of the Earth-ruining events he so desperately wants and of the nearest reincarnation Realm, the Realm of Tree Peoples." Faith sipped. "Bartholomew, or maybe Krampus, would seek Ra's and promote him to General, giving Ra's permission to command Nerobzal's army. Ra's would bring them back here, occupy all the heroes, and then, all he would need to do to trigger Red Storm Earth is to cut me with my tooth and dagger, stuff my necklace down my throat or injure my throat with it, and have me fall to my death from at least three stories onto a cluster of manmade or natural spikes and thorns, a death vaguely reminiscent of Sailor Venus from the first season of Sailor Moon. 'Cause you know I gotta shout out the O.M.G." Faith giggled, and sipped.

"Nice." Said Damian. "Uh, nice reference."

"During Red Storm Earth, the 200 Fallen Angels are released from Dudael to kill, burn and rape humans and animals as they please while a rainstorm of black clouds with neon red lightning pours down at all times, and the movement of the Fallen Angels will create hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis and hurricanes. It will last for two days, and then Yahweh will send a massive, fiery planet to reset Earth to the beginning of the first day, but everyone will remember what happened." Faith sipped. "It can be stopped if the Four Legendary Unicorns are summoned from Thalassic Space, their Earthly riders win a race against the Wild Hunt, and brought to resurrect me. They are Bella, who is white with gold in her mane and tail and golden hooves, and she loves people with childish joy and love in their hearts who have forgiven themselves and others who have wronged them and those they love; Sophia, who is a dark liver chestnut with a light chestnut mane and tail with silver hooves, and she loves people who are wise about Earth, oceans and space, and who wish to spread that knowledge and sow inspiration to create a healthier world with the world and our neighbours; Pärla, who is baby blue eyed, her body pearl pink and her mane and tail lavender, is fond of magical people who use their gifts to help others, especially fairies and demigods; last is the stallion, Bedöma, who is black with orange eyes, and a red mane and tail alight with yellow lightning, and he allows heroic people who have never killed a god or fairy or the child of a god or fairy to ride him, but will deny people who have never saved a life."

"If the Four are gathered and I am resurrected in time, the day or days will reverse as if Yahweh had cast the fiery planet onto Earth, saving lives and the planet." Faith said. Batman hummed. "There's a second catastrophe he could cause, but the people in the 28 Mansions would only tell him about Red Storm Earth. Ra's could only find out about the Invitation of Nerobzal from Bartholomew or Krampus."

"Tell us about the Invitation of Nerobzal."

Faith nodded as she sipped. "So, I live as my Ego, as do all people. This is equivalent to a Neo Persona. We all also have a Nero Persona. While Neo Spirits and Nero Spirits are from the Suspensions and Underside of a Soul Bridge, our Neo and Nero Personas are Roles that we can each assume. Like you, as Batman and Robin, are Neo Personas, but Zur-En-Arrh and Robin before you properly settled into the Batfamily, no offense," Damian grunted. "Are examples of Nero Personas."

"These can be dangerous on their own, but at times aren't nearly as dangerous as manifested Nero Spirits. Manifested Neo Spirits are not an issue, unless you're an angel, in which case you expose people to your real form and voice, and that'll fry people's brains and kill them." Faith sipped. "Manifested Nero Spirits torment people’s minds, and their bodies react with seizures or possession by the Nero Spirit, and the possessed may injure themselves or become paralysed and vulnerable to a dark sorcerer, demon, or the manifested Nero Spirit. They’re dangerous, even to gods."

"A Nero Spirit can be manifested by a dark sorcerer through a ritual in which eight buildings containing at least eighty people are set ablaze with the blue fire of Naglfar." Faith sipped. "As the fire kills people, so does the newly spawned Nest of Naamah and its insect demons, which can quickly spread to other buildings if the windows and doors are not sealed or covered by fire. Drown the insect demons with boiling saltwater or burn them until they and the Nest are eliminated. Red fire reminds the demons of the volcano from which Father Dragon was made by the seraphim, and it's not blue, so it does not count towards the fire of the Naglfar. If the insect demons have Nested in a person, death by boiling saltwater or fire is the only mercy and way to prevent further reproduction of the Nest."

"Ew, they nest in people?" Said Damian.

"Uh, think of the fetish. It's like that."

"Ew!"

"Yeah, it felt right to make that creative decision, sorry." Faith sipped.

"No, uh, yeah, it works."

"If the Naglfar fire is not extinguished before the last person in the eight buildings dies, Nerobzal will rise from the ashes of the buildings and laugh, repeating the insanity that Earth felt when he laughed at Emperor Nero’s death. To return Nerobzal to Sagittarius A*, where he was banished to be torn apart for eternity at the end of the main novel, the archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel and the muses they each bore a child with must be summoned by a Jewish man of pure heart, whoi is brave, kind and masculine in all ways applicable to the definition of a man under the eyes of God across all eras of mankind,"

'I immediately know who she thought of, when writing this.' Batman thought.

"And a cultist of Asherah must be present as well. " Faith sipped. "The Jew and the cultitst must each throw a spear, the Jew of lightning and the cultist of ice, into the eyes of Nerobzal. Blinded and frozen by the power of God and Asherah, Nerobzal will retreat for five years, and be unable to be summoned during that time. It’s also written that the person responsible for the ritual will be punished by the archangels, and made to forget all that they know about that night, and all knowledge of Thalassic Space."

"Ah, so that's your plan to remove Ra's' knowledge, as we all know he won't agree to the Departed taking it from him."

"Yes." Faith sighed, and sipped. "I'm sorry, I-I can make another that isn't a disaster, if I have an Editor. Proper noun, he he. Same with words like Landmark, uh, well, you're Batman, you get the idea."

"I do, yeah. Do you have any other ideas to get this out of Ra's' head?"

"Well, I am a wish-granting creation dragon. I dunno if Urania or I told you that, already."

"No, that's actually new information."

"Oh! Well, I accept gifts."

"What gifts do you, sorry, does your Dragon Persona like?"

"Rocks, gemstones, flowers, seeds and saplings, and traditional, performance and digital art."

Batman hummed. "Are you in danger of being killed by Bartholomew again, now that your dragon powers have returned?"

“No, Ra's is the only danger. Bartholomew only wanted to kill me because he's transphobic, and I was with Argophael when he found Argophael."

Damian asked, "Why did you chose to write a story like that?"

"Because too many trans people have died because of awful people, and in fantasy and horror, we get to emphasise and explore different ways to express history and emotions." Faith said. Damian and Batman hummed. "Oh yeah, I should say: if Ra's doesn't want to bother with Platonia, he could travel to Andøya, Norway to find and solve the hidden puzzle to reveal the door to my dragon tomb that the Snow Elves and Astral Giant Elves will have arranged by now. Planet Yotutrnaeyl is just a bigger Earth with magic islands, after all."

Batman asked, "What are the Departed going do with your hair and blood that you gave them?"

"They’ll give to Analise, one of the twin girls of Krampus, to advance Odeya’s strength. She's not evil, she's just a biology girl."

Damian said, "Soooo, what are you going to do when you're not sick?"

"I'll use Platonia after I’m done being sick to get my other Relics and my Costume, unless you want to take me to Norway."

"We'll go to Norway." Batman said.

"Sweet, OK!"

Batman hummed. "You should be proud of Thalassic Space. It's really well done, Faith."

"Yeah, it's really cool." Said Damian.

"Thank you!"

Batman said, "You should try to sleep. I'll read over what’s available in TSRPG and your planning document."

"OK! Goodnight, Bruce. Goodnight to you too, Damian."

"Goodnight, Faith." Batman patted the blanket where her right arm was, then rose and walked to turn off the light.

"Goodnight." Damian said, leaving with his father. Batman closed the door.

"Do you want the app too, so you can read?"

"Sure." Batman interacted with his gauntlet, sending the app to Damian. "Thanks."

"You’re welcome. I'm going to read in the drawing room. I might have a conversation with Watchtower, while I'm in there."

"OK. I’ll be in my bedroom."

"Oh, and you can tell the others about our new member."

"Already?"

"Why do you think she’s unsuitable?"

Two second pause. "You have me there. I have nothing against her."

"Thank you."

"I will add her in the group chat, as well."

"Good idea. Thank you, Damian." Batman said, as Damian reopened the door of the guest bedroom.

"Sorry to bother you."

"No, no, it's fine. What's up?"

"What's your phone number? I'd like to add you to the group chat." Faith gasped with a smile. She repeated her phone number. "Thanks." Faith nodded.

"Um, what's the WiFi name and password? I like to listen to ocean ambience to sleep."

"VKR3L17WE is the name, and TREACLE0743, all caps, no spaces, is the password. That’s T-R-E-A-C-L-E, 0743."

"Thank you."

"Mhm. If you need anything, just text me or Father." Damian told Faith their phone numbers.

"Thank you so much."

"You’re welcome. And don't worry about making a mess. You're sick. You're allowed to be gross." Faith smiled a little. "I will brief the others on what's happened. You can say whatever else you'd like, after that, OK?"

"OK!" Faith said. Damian exited, went to his bedroom, and closed the door. He took off his costume and put on a comfortable shirt and pants. He opened the Batfamily group chat and added Faith to the group.

Damian added Faith Lawson (StarwriterUlia) to the group.

Faith Lawson (StarwriterUlia) changed their display name to Faith.

Damian: Everyone, meet Faith from Earth-33. Grandfather had a naughty dream and wanted her body and power and brought her to Father's mansion to taunt Father, but he cut himself with Faith's dragon tooth so Faith had to come along.

Damian: Some ghouls called Departed seized Grandfather and put him in a room of the domain that Grandfather and Faith used to travel from Earth-33 to here. The Departed harassed him while Faith and Father talked.

Faith: *Room, Domain. Sorry, author things, proper nouns need to be capitalised.

Damian: Yes, thank you.

Damian: Faith opened the door and requested for Platonia to show Grandfather. Faith told him to back off or face her full power later, and that a Departed would come to him after a week of nightmares and offer to take his memories and knowledge of Thalassic Space.

Damian: He won't agree, of course.

Tim: Yeah, no.

Faith: Aaaa, hi!

Tim: Hi Faith, welcome to the Batfam 😇👋

Faith: Thank you!

Faith: But yeah, and because he's a demon, he could not only use Platonia again, the Departed and Umbrella Man will just ignore him. He could go to Mansion 0 and any of the 28 Mansions of the Four Symbols of Chinese astrology, the afterlife of the people of Thalassic Space that has many doors to the afterlife Realms of the real religions that have magic circles surrounding the O-type star of the galaxy, protecting its planets from its massive heat and magic output, and find out about Red Storm Earth and the Invitation of Nerobzal.

Tim: Umbrella Man?

Faith: Do you know the TF2 ARG Project Skybox?

Tim: Oh! Yep.

Faith: Ra's isn’t considered an interloper now. I didn't mention this to Batman, but Ra's was attacked because he *was* an interloper until it realised he was a demon.

Damian: Father will read this too, don't worry.

Faith: OK!

Faith: Anyway, Platonia won't try to devour him again.

Tim: I'm sorry, what's Platonia?

Faith: It's the Navidson hallway from House of Leaves, defined as Julian Barbour's platonia. You summon a Door to Platonia with the door opening ritual seen in MyHouse.wad.

Tim: Ooooh, that's so cool!

Faith: Thanks, I’ve been working on Thalassic Space for four years.

Faith: Ra's could learn everything the public knows and the history of Thalassic Space and me, and the closest Realm in the world of the living is the Realm of Tree Peoples. Bartholomew or Krampus would gladly promote Ra’s to General upon meeting during Ra’s would-be trail of destruction in the Realm of Tree Peoples. Bartholomew is the Ebony Giant Elf who murdered my Dragon Persona, the Goshenite Stargazer Dragon, and my Animus/lover, a trans boy named Argophael who was Bartholomew's eldest triplet and fled from home because of his dad.

Tim: Bartholomew sounds like an evil wizard LOL

Tim: Is Santa evil too?

Faith: Oh yes, he’s a pirate warlock with a serrated black sword of blue Hell fire. That’s what he killed us with, as we enjoyed the night life of the Carnival of Seasons, on the Realm of Tree Peoples. He mutilated our bodies as we died, and he raped me. The Carnival is between the Stretch of Heart, the forest where the Oak Dwarves, Spruce Humans and anthropomorphs people suitable for the forest live, and White Sun Harbour, where Fir Elves and fish-anthros live. Astral Elves and Snow elves live in the villages around the Pivot Day Monastery, the Domain where the Astral and Ebony Giant Elves live.

Tim: Wow, this lore is SO GOOD!? 😮

Faith: Also, no, Santa is an Astral Giant Elf, not an Ebony Giant Elf; he's the good one of Nerobzal's sons. Bartholomew and Krampus are the other, older two. Nerobzal is the big bad evil of Thalassic Space. At least, in the Script. Backstage at the Rondo Theatre, where I'm the Playwright, he's just an Actor, like everyone else who's named in Thalassic Space who isn't a deity or demon.

Damian: OK *that's* an important detail you should have mentioned earlier. Urania didn't say that, either.

Faith: Sorry, it's so easy to get carried away with my own toys!😛 It's a blessing if a chapter for anything I write is less than 20 pages LOL

Tim: LOL

Faith: Nerobzal was Erophael, a Court Fool of Yahweh, until Emperor Nero off'd himself, then Erophael laughed so loudly that all living things went nuts for five seconds until Yahweh cast him out of Paradiso. Oh shit, I forgot to tell this part of the lore, aaaaa, but Yahweh had also been affected! Michael stuffed that malice into Nerobzal's throat, literally, so Yahweh's OK now, but still.

Tim: Oh geez!

Faith: Michael stuffing Nerobzal's throat is where the Siren's Knot comes from. If a siren has a Siren's Knot in their throat, they can't sing or talk well, even in Neofom or Nerobzal, and are more likely to choke to death. Sirens are characterised by yellow eyes and a tail belonging to any fish that is unfriendly or toxic, manages to leave the hive, always bulit in or nearby the den of a sea monster, such as those on planet Bafsina (bahf-sin-uh; means 'basin' in Neofom, the language of Neo Spirits, who are friendly, unlike Nero Spirits; both come from Soul Bridges. OH GOD, LATER, OOPS. SAME WITH THE NAMES OF THALASSIC SPACE'S SIX PLANETS. Also yes, Damian, there are three more planets! They were created by the massive amount of magic used in the Third War for the O-star Spirit, and they are Judge, Little Path and Sia; Tim, the original six are Yotutrnaeyl, meaning 'journey', Bafsina, and Grace, the *OG* of the entire series that I made before my adoptive dad died, motivating me to make 8all of this* LOL)

Tim: LOL, "OH GOD, LATER, OOPS". Also, thanks for the quick lore drop this time around!

Faith: I girlbossed too hard with the lore in four years LOL

Tim: LOL

Barbara: Are there unicorns and pegasi in Thalassic Space?😮

Faith: OMG hi!

Barbara: Hi there! Welcome! 🥰💖

Tim: Tell us about Soul Bridges, while you're at it!

Faith: OK!

Faith: The Sanctuary of Gla’si’ (Glass, in Neofom, the language of Neo Spirits; Nerobzal is both the name a character and the language of the Nero Spirits), on the Realm of Album. Thanks to the formation of the Oracles, the twelve most powerful Dreamer Mages from different universities on the original three planets of Thalassic Space, the population's questions of how the body is able to or unable to use magic from the O-type star and Sagittarius A* was finally answered. The names of magic in Thalassic Space are Elevifeb, unscrambled as 'believe' and 'belief', in reference to what a person believes in, be it themselves, their family and-or friends, and belief being a more divine-centric term for a person's faith; good, solar magic; all three words are used interchangeably, and Eledisfeb, unscrambled as 'disbelief'; references the same terms as Elevifeb, but with negative connotations; dark, singularity magic; again, all three words are used interchangeably.

Tim: I'm sorry, but couldn't you have just called it Elevib or Elefib?

Faith: Yeah, but then I'd be one syllable short.😛 Symmetry or lack thereof is important to the bards and Playwrights of Thalassic Space!like me, the Playwright of the Rondo Theatre in the Dream World on Paper, a term I came up with after I had a dream where I saw childhood drawings of the dream world I glued onto coloured construction paper, and I REMEMBER DRAWING THEM. It blew my friggin' mind. 😵

Tim: Fair. Also, cool!! 😮

Faith: People who live in, have visited or acknowledge the existence of Thalassic Space have Five Mortal Qualities: the memory-bearing soul, which dies with a mortal and immortal, but their memories are archived in Santa's Snow Globe Room. Memories from a past life can be restored via resurrection by a divine or demonic entity who has their Snow Globe at whatever ritual the entity is conducting. Snow Globes *can* break, but they respawn in the Snow Globe Room if broken. Yes, this is stolen from the Santa Clause movies. Also, this is how my Animus literally gifted me Thalassic Space for Christmas when I was a demigoddess LOL

Tim: LOL!

Barbara: LOL I love that.

Faith: Second is the magic-bearing spirit, which can be disabled or awakened due to many circumstances depending on the person's status as a human or non-human, their physical and mental status, and even if they're alive or dead. The spirit stores knowledge related to magic, including any physical motions or verbal phrases required to cast a spell.

Tim: Can the spirit die?

Faith: Nope. But it *can* be stolen, and drained, by dark sorcerers.

Barbara: Ah.

Tim: Ahhhh.

Faith: Third is the mind, which is directly connected to the soul, and that's how impulses and protective actions are communicated to the fourth, the body, which acts out what the mind instructs it to. The heart is technically both the fourth and the fifth, according to some faiths.

Faith: The Soul Bridge is where Neo and Nero Spirits are born; Neo from the Suspensions, and Nero from the Underside. I use different specific verbs to describe the emotions, but both whisper, talk, shout or sing to the High Mind (the sky, exclusively interacted with by Neo Spirits) or the Low Mind (the river, exclusively interacted with by Nero Spirits) to influence or remind the Five Mortal Qualities of whatever the frick that Spirit was born for.

Tim: Ha ha!

Barbara: This is a fun read!

Tim: Heck yeah it is!

Faith: Soul Bridges can be accessed by expert Dreamer mages, and in the dream world by a person. Mine starts out like the bridge in Vanderhoof near Riverside Park and connects to Old Loop Road, but it's *so broken and twisted* that it's literally the most impossible roller coaster my subconscious could come up with. That's how it views my memories, my magic, my body, heart and mind; they're all out of sync, and it's dangerous and nonesensical. But I remember a dream where I was riding on it like in a crazy mine cart mobile game mixed with an arcade railgun shooter with Final Fantasy elements thrown in there, and I've come to accept that, if I ever go downtown, I will have a very violent awakening, literally. It'll be one of those dreams I wake up from in a hot sweat, shaking and letting out a loud scream.

Faith: And that's all about Soul Bridges and how they work, with a bit of info. about Neo and Nero Spirits! I had to throw the Five Mortal Qualities in there, 'cause that's just how I explain it in the planning document.

Barbara: Holy crow, your mind, girl! 🤯

Faith: Thanks LOL

Faith: That being said! If made General, Ra's would have access to Nerobzal's army of undead, Nero Spirits, and evil vampires and werewolves. There are also dark sorcerers, but Ra's wouldn’t order them around. All of that is the cult of Kaleido, or what remains of it after the Third War for the O-star Spirit. Kaleido was Kitsch, now Kaleido has been freed again and is Kirei. Instead of Italian vampires, the Japanese control it now!

Dick: All of *this* is what you've been cooking for four years? 🤯 I think we have a creative genius in the group now, holy smokes!

Faith: Oh geez, hi! Also, thank you! The complexity of Thalassic Space is me trying to emulate the masters of fantasy LOL

Dick: Hi Faith, welcome 😊 Also yes, it shows!

Faith: Uh, and I've been cooking soup.

Tim: Soooouuuup!

Barbara: Sooooouuupppp!!

Stephanie: (smacks lips) good soup.

Faith: Aa! Aaaaa!

Stephanie: hi 😉

Faith: I'm gonna freaking explode aren't I? LOL

Barbara: Please don't explode. 😜

Stephanie: so you've got magic dragon powers? :ooo

Faith: Yes! I can use the Thu'um, and my dragon tomb has my other two Relics. One is a white ebony dagger that can become Uriel's fiery sword (he’s my spiritual father; Urania is my mother), which Ra's cut himself on 'cause he was being greedy, and he ran out with only the dragon tooth 'cause he woke up my ten Dragon Priests. :D They're technically just guarding Argophael, now.

Barbara: Ooooh, was he your dragon boyfriend?😮

Faith: Yes! And trans! I've always been pansexual lol.

Tim: Eyyy, another gay in the family, woo hoo!

Faith: 🎉Let's freaking go, lesbians💅✨

Tim: LOL

Barbara: LOL

Stephanie: lmao

Dick: Ha ha ha!

Faith: Do I have to say what Bartholomew did again?

Barbara: Nope! We scrolled up 👍

Faith: OK, THANK GOD LOL

Barbara: LOL

Tim: Also, why did you name him Bartholomew?

Stephanie: LOL you named him Bartholomew

Faith: Bartholomew Roberts.

Barbara: OH RIGHT he's a PIRATE WARLOCK

Stephanie: a good fit for a transphobe, ngl

Faith: Yeah! And he's captain of the Naglfar because why the fuck not? XD

Dick: Whoa! We're tossing f-bombs out, now?

Faith: I'm always tossing f-bombs out. I just get bored of it sometimes. Also, it's not always time for an f-bomb.

[Faith sent an audio message.] [Singing merrily:] Ohhhh, fuck fuck, fuckity fuck fuck! A-fuck fuck, fuckity fuck fuck! Fucking fuck, fucking fuck! Oh, fuck fuck fuckity fuck fuuuuck! Fuck.

Dick: Nope. Not listening to whatever that is.

Dick: Nevermind, Barbara played it on her phone.

Barbara: LMAO

Tim: LOLOLOL

Stephanie: BEAUTIFUL. SAVED. THAT'S MY RINGTONE FOR YOU NOW FAITH LOL

Faith: I'd like to thank Casey Jones from the comic that was in the back pages of the manual for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2012 for the Wii for introducing me to 'fuckity fuck'. Fucking is just a normal verb form for fuck.

Barbara: LOL

Tim: Oh no, noooooo, that game *sucked*!

Faith: I had some fun with it, playing with my brother, and it and the movie it was based on introduced me to the fandom I wrote my first fanfic for, OK? I wouldn't be here without it! Muchlessbeamonsterfucker. Anyway!

Tim: LOL

Barbara: OMG FAITH 🤣🤣

Stephanie: PFFFT GO OFF I GUESS

Faith: The other is a white-blue gradient scallop seashell necklace that works like the Mermaid Princess pearls of Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch, but I can also dance, and my genre is Tohou Eurobeat.

Stephanie: (gasp!) so you're a magical girl too!! :oooo

Faith: Yes! :DDDDD I also have a Fairy Persona named Solas. My birth demigoddess name is Ønske, but when Urania became my mentor, I also got Ulia Chaménos, the surname to tribute the people I'd go on to save. And I got invited to Paradiso, where Uriel greeted me as my patron angel, and I was told my mortal name, which is, well, Faith!

Stephanie: coool :o what does your fairy 'sona look like?

Stephanie: wait no!

Stephanie: you can just show me some time!! right?

Faith: Also yes, I can! Dragon powers awake = everything is awake.

Faith: I also have a magic Costume, formally called my Astral Jester Costume. The styles of the pieces can change, but by default, it's a T-shirt crop top, shorts, cuff-bracelets lined with jingle bells, a choker with a cluster of jingle bells, hiker shoes (I have a deformed right foot, and my feet are naturally wide, so no flip-flops, flat shoes or high heels!) with a cluster of jingle bells, and, of course, a jester hat with four “ears”, each with a cluster of jingle bells. The entire outfit is white but can change colours as it changes styles. It's a magic cosplay piece LOL

Tim: OK cool but *why a jester?*

Faith: Look, Harley didn’t make me gay, LEGO Catwoman did, but I gotta do one for the clown gays, all right? Harley is an iconnnnn

Stephanie: lol truuuuueeeeee

Tim: Go off, girl! 🤣

Faith: When LEGO Catwoman used the diamond to cut the window, and was caught in the spotlight? And then we saw it again after the villain level? I was like "Oh, she’s cool! …Is she hot, too? Is that just her thing?" There's a reason my imaginary friends were fairies and mermaids and I've had my first imaginary friend, Bella, since I was like 6 🧚🦄🌈✨

Tim: yaaaaassss! ✨🌈✨

Stephanie: yes, miss gurrrlll!! 💖💖✨✨

Barbara: I love that for you!! /gen

Dick: Yeah that's cool 😁

Damian: You can all read about the Four Legendary Unicorns in the app's lore or the planning document.

Faith: Thank you, Damian!

Damian: You're welcome.

Dick: Hey Faaaaaaith

Faith: Yeeeeees

Dick: Who's your favourite Robin? 👀

Faith: He's not present. (throws a peace sign, vanishes)

Dick: GAAAAASP! (holds chest)

Tim: Eh, fair.

Stephanie: lmao

Faith: (Reappears with the sound of a tendon going over bone) But uh, the Four represent the emotions and head-spaces of the people they allow to ride on their backs. Two Italians, and two Swedes LOL

Stephanie: aw man, not the swedish!

Dick: LOL why that sound??🤣

Faith: I've got hyptonia from my dwarfism, OK! I make it a lot!

Tim: Oh cool! How tall are you?

Faith: 4'6" (146 cm)

Faith: Just know that it was supposed to be Polish as a Witcher reference. 💀

Stephanie: bruh 💀💀💀

Tim: LOL the opposite of the Wild Hunt

Faith: Literally 💀Anyway! I have the flu right now so please don’t visit, thankssss

Barbara: No. ❤️

Faith: OK! I believe you! Jump in the line, rock your body in time.

Faith: OHHHHHHH!!!

Barbara: LOL!!

Faith: I know that song from Just Dance 2. Or was it 3? I don't remember and I don't care to ask SOFFFIAA right now LOL

Dick: You’re so energetic, I love that.

Stephanie: oh you're *def* a Just Dancer.

Faith: Thank you! (ihaveareactiveattachmentdisorder)

Steph: felt that

Tim: LOL

Barbara: LOL oh hon, you're perfect 🤣

Dick: 🤣🤣

Damian: I can hear you laughing from across the hall…

Faith: Also, I haven't played since I broke my knee in March 2015 ☹️

Stephanie: awww, that sucks! but we can get you back into shape!

Faith: It's gonna be a *real* challenge.

Dick: We can do it, though 😊

Faith: And heck yeah! Oh, also.

[Faith sent a voice message:] Damian climbs out of bed, takes a decent stride away from the furniture, and does a backflip.

Damian did as told. He held in his scream of fury, and sat back on his bed.

Damian: Never do that again. Whatever that was.

Faith: Wow, he didn't scream in anger! I'm glad /gen. Also agreed

Tim: Girl is OP af💀

Faith: It’s the power of the Thu’um, but I just speak English >w<

Stephanie: i kinda wanna try 😮

Faith: Also yeah, sorry for being a Mary-Sue, everybody blame Ra's for bringing this shit into DC Comicsssss

Tim: Nah, don't apologise.

Dick: Do you *remember* the magic users we've got?

Faith: Oh yeeeeah, sorry, too used to being mean to myself

Stephanie: mood honestly

Barbara: Well, *that's* going to change, Miss Faith!

Faith: Honestly, that would be nice.😄

Barbara: ❤️

Faith: Are you sitting or standing, Steph?

Stephanie: i’m laying in bed bored as shit

Faith: REAL XD

Faith: Also feel free to get this on video for evidence, up to you

Stephanie: oooh bet, lemme record this, go ahead!

[Faith sent a voice message:] Stephanie runs to the wall, runs up the wall, does a cartwheel as she reaches the ceiling, and lands firmly on her feet.

[Stephanie shared a video.]

Stephanie: THAT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!!

Barbara: Nice flip, Steph!

Dick: Good form 👍

Stephanie: Thanks!

Tim: I mean, I wasn’t doubting your dragon powers were real, but hey! They’re real!

Faith: But uh yeah! I think the magic should be easy for me. It'll be trying to get my body to work like it did in high school that'll be the problem 🙁

Dick: How fit were you in school?

Faith: I could lift 420lbs on the leg press.

Dick: Nice!

Barbara: Wow!!

Stephanie: damn!

Tim: You had strong legs!

Dick: You had an injury?

Faith: Yeah, I broke my left patella in tenth grade. I'll spare y'all the story for now, but it gave me anxiety and depression, and that led to a rough last semester and an even rougher grade eleven and twelve. I tried homeschooling, but Internet and fanfiction writing hooked me, and I would have been just fine at the high school branch near the police station, but then I met the one IRL boyfriend I’ve had, and then I was even more depressed. Another story for another time. I used to play volleyball and dance, and now I can only dance while sitting down. It’s not quite the same to make a choreography and be unable to do it. Hence my magic pearl!

Dick: You fit right in with us. You had a rough life too. And now you've been given the opportunity to take your life back.😊

Faith: Yeah! I mean my job is going fine, and Bruce just approved the idea I had for my Earth-33 self to return and continue her life, so no worries there. But I've spent so much time reading and consuming media just trying to understand how people make friends, and what family is like! Not that my adoptive family didn't love me, or try to teach me. My foster parents just screwed up *bad*. I was a Benadryl kid.

Dick: That sucks. Sorry to hear that.

Barbara: Awww, yeah, sorry. 😢

Faith: Again, I could literally go on, but you get the point.

Stephanie: yep.

Barbara: You're welcome to talk to us about yourself anytime, Faith! I'm sure you know plenty about us already ha ha.

Faith: Maybe not plenty, but enough to be very comfortable.

Barbara: Good!

Dick: Awesome.

Tim: So, are you aiming to get your 420 lift back?

Faith: I mean, that'd be *amazing*, I'd like to try!

Dick: Well, when you're not sick, we’re abducting you from the mansion. 🤪

Faith: Woo hoo!

Stephanie: i have a question!

Faith: Shoot.

Stephanie: where are you from? like, the country

Faith: I’m Canadian. Yes, I've been to America. We visited my adoptive dad's family in Gilmer, Texas in Easter of 2008 or '9. It was *so hot*. We flew kites, had authentic iced tea that Mom only let us have a bit of 'cause it had caffeine, there was a wasp on the bathtub that was in the backyard, and I remember briefly playing Tetris and one of the galaxy shooters with one of our cousins. And we went to the zoo! I vaguely remember the black panther, the birds, and the rhinos. We took a weird route there, but a more expected route back. I *think* that's the trip we stopped in Seattle or something to sea the ocean? I remember seeing the trees you used to be allowed to walk/drive through.

Barbara: You're just so full of stories. ❤️❤️

Faith: Aw, thanks!

Stephanie: deadpool or wolverine?

Faith: Smash both but Deadpool first unless the chemistry isn't there, ditto reasoning for Wolverine, marry Deadpool, talk history with Wolverine, I don’t think he’d like me enough to marry me; no killing here, folks.

Stephanie: wow. what a slut /aff

Faith: Thanks, I learned it from the cult of Asherah that the Yahwehists tore down, but before then, R34 and Bayonetta. Also Catwoman, again. Poison Ivy, too. OH and Her Imperial Condescendence from Homestuck.

Barbara: Oh my Gooood…

Stephanie: oh she’s *chaotic* gay!

Tim: Not Homestuck!! 😭 😭 😭

Faith: I used to be a Nepeta kinnie. Now I’m an Eridan sympathiser and fucker.

Tim: NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Stephanie: AAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

Dick: (Points at the cuss) Get outta my sandwich!

Faith: (Mine turtle) Hello!

Dick: LOL

Stephanie: lmao!

Barbara: LOL!

Tim: oh of course you like asdfmovie /aff

Faith: Anyway yeah! This will be fun if my body stops breaking after the first couple of weeks or so!

Barbara: Oh, we get hurt aaaalllll the time.

Dick: Yep.

Tim: Yyyyyep.

Stephanie: uh-huh!

Damian: Yeah.

Faith: I know, I've seen the panels… I don't usually save time or money to buy or even pirate comics tbh.

Stephanie: Fair.

Tim: Yeah.

Faith: OK! I'm gonna try to sleep now! Nice meeting y'all! 👋

Stephanie: Byyyyeeee!

Barbara: TTYL!

Dick: Bye! 😄

Tim: Sleep well, Faith!

Damian: See ya.

Faith has changed her status to Do Not Disturb.

Faith has changed her status to flu needs the z’s.

Tim: She’s got a good sense of humor.

Dick: Yeah, she seems easy to get along with.

Barbara: I think we're her only friends, though. 😉

Dick: Yeah.

Stephanie: yeah

Tim: Yeeeeah. Not that I mind, though.

Barbara: Neither do I.

Stephanie: same

Dick: Ditto. Some people just need the winds of fate to blow differently for something to go their way.

Barbara: Oh, for sure.

Tim: True.

Stephanie: i'm excited to help her, though! and be her friend. 😊

Tim: Heck yeah!

Barbara: Bruce, could you take her to the Belfry when she's not sick to start with the basics?

Bruce: Sure. 🙂

Dick: Yes, great idea.

Damian: Is it mandatory?

Dick: Nope. If you don’t feel like it, you don't have to, Damian.

Damian: 'Kay.

Dick: I think that's all for now, yeah?

Tim: Yeah.

Barbara: I think so!

Stephanie: yeah, no ideas for now.

Dick: All right. We'll let Faith know when she's done snoozing and go from there. [Multiple people Liked this message.]

Click emoji to navigate to next chapter. ⏭️

[curekibouka-writing]

Twst book 7 spoilers

Just my personal theories and some brief bits of translation

I know everyone is freaking out because of this but let’s draw a proper line between canon and assumptions. No Lilia did NOT call Silver “Lord Silver”, that was not in the Japanese text. 

However, Lilia did say the crown shaped ring was with Silver when Lilia found him as a baby, so it is true that Silver’s birth parents at least have the wealth / social status to give the baby a ring like this. The thing is canon did not give us any hints to assume Lilia knows that, maybe Lilia only knows about as much as us, he does not know whether Silver is a “lord” or not. 

Lilia observes that the jewel on the ring is the same colour as Silver’s eyes and he says he thinks Silver’s parents entrusted this ring with an earnest prayer for their son’s eyes to be forever pure without any sorrow. Lilia says originally he wanted to give the ring back to Silver when he becomes an adult, so it’s a little early now but he says it’s a good chance to give it back. He also says “Silver, you have grown into a fine young man fit to hold onto this ring. From now on, keep living without putting shame on this aurora-coloured brilliance, alright?”

Below are my theories: 

1. I think the acorn bracelet in the tin can (which Lilia said is the most valuable gift that has ever been given to him) is from Silver as a child because it’s placed with another item related to Silver. 

2. Thanks to @llondonfog​ for discussing this with me. Lilia said he wanted to give this ring back to Silver when Silver becomes an adult, which is next year when he turns 18. Lilia also said he thought his fading magic would hold out until he graduates NRC, which is also next year when Lilia should have become a fourth year. I don’t know if these are coincidence, so we thought maybe Lilia wanted to protect and teach Silver with the last bit of his magic until Silver becomes an adult, and then Lilia gives the ring back to Silver so that Silver (now fully-grown and able to fend for himself) can go back to his birth parents. 

3. I am not calm about this UFIKSCBYRLGF so Lilia just LEAVES??? He even says to Silver “Do whatever you want with our house” like WHAT??? And Silver doesn’t talk back at all, he just says “I understand. I will think about it.” Silver tried to stop Lilia from going once but only with the reason that “Me and Sebek can visit you with little difficulty even if you move to a foreign land, but Malleus-sama...” I assume he means Malleus can’t visit as often because he can’t just leave Briar Valley, ofc there could be other things he meant but at least it was FOR Malleus and not for himself noooooooooo. And Malleus was so calm in front of them and keeps saying he respects Lilia’s choice I cannot... Malleus does love Lilia enough to respect him and puts Lilia before himself at least for this moment (we dunno what he’ll do later) 🥺🥺🥺 But I’m sus about two things here. 1) Why is Silver so calm? Ofc it’s in his personality but his father is literally leaving him, and he did wonder once if he should go with Lilia, but that was because he worries about Lilia’s lack of life skills (tidying his room and such). He wasn’t worried about himself. 2) Why is Lilia leaving in such a hurry? It’s in line with Lilia’s personality but it’s still sus. A lot of people are theorising that there may be a bigger reason for Lilia to leave in such a hurry, and while nothing in canon suggests this I also agree with this theory, it just seems too strange to me that Lilia would abruptly leave his family like this

[kuroneko1815]

Time of the Hidden Dragon

Snippets from my AU of the second half of Time and Regret where Callisto never went to the Roan Kingdom and never met Judy. Now he meets Marchioness Judith Henituse-Thames, Penelope’s sixteen year old daughter (in reality she’s eighteen but she’s in disguise so shh… she doesn’t want anyone to find out). This one is already about half the length of Time and Regret. And it’s part of the planned Time series. Also for @touya-r who wants to see the Adult Judith and Callisto reaction.

A little note: Anything in italics is in their dreamscape.

He had been retired by then and had tended to the greenhouse from time to time but not to the extent he had been doing since then. “Are you just going to stare at me?” His father asked as finally looked up at him, garden sheers in his hand.

“Why don’t you go to the welcoming ball with us?” He offered, his father had withdrawn from society after the news arrived and nothing roused him anymore. The only place he went to now was to the family cemetery where they had erected memorials for Yvonne and Penelope.

“Why would I do such a bothersome thing as that?” His father turned away, already done with the conversation. He knew that his father would answer that way but he felt like this wasn’t something he would want to miss.

“Father.” He called out again. “She’ll be there.”

His Father turned back to him. “Who is this ‘she’ you’re speaking of? Are you or Derrick finally getting married? If so, then I’ll consider going to meet my new daughter-in-law.” He was testy and impatient, his father had brought up the topic of marriage a few times and that wasn’t an argument he wanted to happen right now.

“No. Penelope’s daughter, Marchioness Judith Henituse-Thames will be coming in person to receive the award for her mother along with her Aunt, Lady Lily Henituse and a few other nobles.”

“Oh.” Her father breathed out. He stood up immediately. “When did you find out?”

“This morning. The Roan Ambassador sent over the list of delegates and the ladies of Henituse were at the top of it. The Emperor pushed Princess Alissa to prepare the finest rooms when he heard the news. There are talks that he’s reopened the Emerald Palace for the delegation.”

-

-

Judith stared blankly at Prince John Regulus, he was, by everyone’s acknowledgement, the first in line to the throne after the Emperor Callisto Regulus. A boy of dragon blood that he had brought in after swearing never to wed or father a child. Well… he kept one vow but failed epically on the other before it had even been made. She forced herself to smile at the man that was greeting them.

She wouldn’t meet the Emperor until the ball tomorrow night. She checked that the bracelet was still on, her mother’s last gift to her while she still breathed was a magic bracelet that changed the colour of her hair and eyes, as well as binding her wings so that she wouldn’t have to expend the energy and magic to hide it away. The artifact was made by a combination between of the magic of the ancient mages and dragon magic which meant it was undetectable by regular mages.

She stared at the beautiful flowers in the garden that led to the high hedges of the garden maze that her mother had once spoken of. “It’s a beautiful garden.” She praised.

“Thank you, Marchioness.” Prince John said with a happy smile. “The Emperor tends to it well.”

“The Emperor does?”

“Yes.” There was a sad smile on his face. “Every morning he would go and tend to the flowers, of course there are gardeners that does quite a lot of work after he leaves but he makes sure the magic that keeps these alive year round are still active and of course, he prunes them.”

Judith smiled and glanced at her aunt. The two of them had noticed that the garden was filled with her mother’s favourite flowers and chose not to think on it. The Prince led them deeper into a tour, his wife, Princess Alissa had excused herself early on as she went to see to some issues that had sprung up as they tended to do in everyday life. While their two children returned to their studies.

-

-

She gave him a smile. “Penelope.” He breathed out when he went to hug her but she held her arms out to stop him.

“Your Majesty.” It seemed even in his dream she was going to be distant with him. “There’s something I’ve wanted to do for so long.”

“Oh?” He asked happily as he leaned closer. This was more like it. He knew his dreams wouldn’t make her so cold. He closed his eyes anticipating the kiss, except what he got was a stinging slap to the face that had his head turning so fast he was surprised he wasn’t suffering from whiplash. Before he could react properly, she punched him in the gut, hard, and he doubled over.

“I’ve wanted to do that for over eighteen years.” She said sweetly. “Be grateful I’m not doing anything else to you. A kick down there wouldn’t be out of the question if you piss me off.”

“You’re still mad.” He said when he finally stood straight.

“Do I look mad?” That was a trick question right? Her eyes were blazing green hellfire and the wind that picked up her hair made it seem like coiled snakes about to strike, her mouth was set in a firm line.

All in all… “You look beautiful, like a vengeful goddess about to strike me down.” Was he turned on? Maybe, yes.

She rolled her eyes. “Your tongue still spouts the weirdest things. Are you senile now, old man?” She said, ahh, her acerbic tongue, how he had missed it’s razor sharp edge about to cut him to pieces. Though she was a lot more disrespectful now.

-

-

“I noticed you made no mention of my looks.”

She raised an elegant brow. “You and I know that you’re still easily the most handsome man in the Empire. You’d probably have been able to seduce all of the women away from their husbands if you had just kept your mouth shut and put your sword away at all times.” She paused. “Or if you stripped.”

The reference to their first night left him grinning even as his ears felt hot. He gave her a lecherous grin as he started to casually unbutton his sleep shirt.

“What are you doing?” Penelope asked obviously confused.

“Well. You said I could seduce all of the women when I stripped. Let’s test out that theory, shall we?” He approached her and she backed away slowly before she stopped, her face completely blank as she finally understood what he was saying and just as he was about to reach her, she pushed him hard and he rolled down the hill.

It didn’t hurt, just felt like soft pillows and silk sheets unlike her hits which had felt real and painful. “Really? Even in a dream?” Her tone was so disapproving and he suddenly felt as though she were about to nag him on something, or pull his hair. Thank gods baldness wasn’t something that ran in the family.

“Oh, with you? Always.”’

She gave him a look that would’ve had him six feet under before her gaze turned serious.

-

-

Reynold’s eyes were stuck on the Marchioness though. He almost felt like he had stepped back in time, her face was so much like her mother’s. He heard the sharp inhale of breath his father took as they approached the middle of the room. Her group converged around her as Sir Lupin whispered something in her ear that elicited a laugh. It wasn’t obscenely loud or anything but the quiet whispers of the crowd, especially those who had met Penelope before rang around the room and her laughter had brought her into sharper focus as they inspected the beautiful young woman in front of them and compared her to Penelope.

-

-

When it was the Marchioness’ turn, he froze as she gazed up at him and he felt as though he had been transported back in time. If he ignored her colouring and height then it was Penelope looking back at him.

“It’s an honour to be here, Your Majesty, the Great Sun of Eorka.” She greeted him.

“Welcome Marchioness, I hope you enjoy your stay here.” He said immediately. Then, the greetings done, he turned and declared the ball open. Nodded as his cousin led his wife to the dance floor to begin the first set.

His eyes remained on the Marchioness as he thought about what he had once wished for, had held it dearly in his heart throughout his relationship with Penelope, and had even whispered it to her and had received a slap in the arm for as she blushed and begged him to stop joking. But it hadn’t been a joke. Even if he had never spoken it out loud again, Callisto still dreamed of it. A little girl who looked like Penelope.

And there she was, but it wasn’t his daughter. She was a tall girl, especially for someone her age. She was sixteen at most, if he thought about the timing of it all.

-

-

Gilbert Eckart stared at Penelope’s daughter with an aching heart. She looked so much like his youngest that it hurt. But where Penelope had been guarded, her heart shattered by the constant abuse and of getting her hopes dashed repeatedly, her daughter was light and happy. The very image of a girl who had been cherished so very much.

-

-

Bringing along Emily was enough, that was also why she had said that it was okay not to have any of the dragons accompany her when they offered. Yes, she missed the companionship and mental speak that they did but they would also catch on to her plans quite easily and would try to stop her.

So what if she was risking death? Her poor mother shouldn’t have suffered and died the way she had. From the moment she had received her mother’s ring, she had seen the state of her mother’s soul and had wept in horror. It had haunted her nightmares and fuelled her resentment towards the people of Eorka, especially her father who had broken her mother’s heart and had killed her the most. If things worked out, she would fade into non-existence.

Depending on whether or not her mother chose to have her, which meant beginning a relationship with her father. Which was also dependant on when her mother remembered. She may or may not be born. If she was able to do it right, she would be able to send her mother back to just before Leila made her appearance. That should give her enough time to run away from Eorka and into their family’s loving arms. Maybe she should send Emily back as well.

-

-

“That was a good spar, Lady Judith.”

The Lady smiled at him as she picked up her sword and accepted his hand, pulling her up easily. “Thank you, though I did warn you that I wasn’t that skilled.”

“Now you’re just being modest.” Or was she, the way she looked told him she was serious. Well, he remembered the way Choi Han had cut a bloody path during that final battle, the way the Molans tore through the ranks of monster and mage alike and realized she had been surrounded by strong people all her life.

In her eyes she was weak but when scaled to normal people, she had surpassed many normal humans. Especially since she was only fifteen or sixteen years old.

“I’m honest about my assessment so listen to me now, don’t compare yourself to the legends you grew up surrounded by. You’re already far above what the majority of humans are capable of. And you’d likely be a sword master by the time you turn twenty.”

“You think so?” She asked, eyes looking at him both hopeful and shy.

He felt himself smile though he didn’t know what it looked like. “I know so.”

-

-

“Did you have a good childhood?” He asked, it seemed as though she did but he wanted to know. Didn’t understand why it mattered so much to him that she did.

“The best kind.” She answered sincerely. “The only thing I was missing was Mama.”

“Not your father?” He questioned quietly.

She shook her head. Long curly hair flying side to side. “No. You can’t miss something you never knew you lacked. I had my grandfather and all of my uncles, even a few surrogate grandfathers thrown in so it wasn’t a presence that I longed for. And I honestly wanted nothing to do with someone who could break my mother’s heart.”

There it was, that dark twisted spike curling in him at the confirmation that Penelope had truly fallen in love with another. “I see. Well, father’s are overrated. I didn’t have a relationship with my father but I turned out just fine.” He assured her proudly.

She looked at him dubious. “My mother wrote in her diary that you were an unhinged psychopathic lunatic and an unrepentant bastard.”

He burst into laughter. “Your Point?” He teased her. “You are quite blunt. Your Mother was the same, that woman chose the most cutting words in the world when talking to others.”

-

-

Judith flew high into the sky, searching for traces of her mother’s magic, she had felt some of it in the cemetery, and some in the Duchy, there were traces in a cave within a forest but it was scattered. But now, she flew towards the great source that she felt when she sensed another thing. A scent was in the air and she grinned as she released her invisibility spell and saw another dragon do the same.

She engaged in a light game of tag with Dodori as they played around in the air. They finally decided to land deep into a forest not too far from the Capital and returned to their human forms.

She and Dodori looked around the same age now, his aging seeming to have stopped in his early twenties.

“What are you doing here?” She asked as she hugged her friend.

“Just wanted to check on you and make sure things are alright here.”

She grinned at him as she hugged him again, giving herself an excuse to hug him for longer. So what if she had a crush on him. He was handsome and the age gap was negligible if you thought in terms of dragons but she also wouldn’t act on it. Right now, she didn’t think she was in love with him or really felt that deeply beyond an appreciation for his good looks and some hero worship at her former instructor.

They spoke together for a bit before he said his goodbye and teleported away, assured of her well being. It couldn’t be helped though. She was in the eyes of all the dragons, the baby of their kind. She was currently the youngest one among their people, Raon being the second, and Dodori taking the third youngest title.

-

-

He turned to her, she was standing over him. Her long hair was like a curtain giving them privacy, her brow raised and her face just inches from him. He sat up slightly, closing the gap until their lips touched and he grabbed her, pulling her down to him, one hand wandering down to squeeze a cheek the way he used to.

She pulled away immediately, her hand went out to slap him repeatedly as she got off of him. “What the hell? Seriously, even here you’re thinking about this?”

“Tch, even in my dreams I’m being forced into celibacy.”

“You’re not being forced into anything.” The Princess said as her assault continued. “You can take any other woman into bed.”

“Well, I don’t want them in my bed.”

“Then you’re at fault for repressing yourself then.”

He rolled his eyes as he finally let down his hands from where it was protecting his face. Penelope was sitting down in front of him, her lips were quirked into a pretty smile. “None of those women do anything for me.”

“Oh, did something happen? That bit isn’t working anymore?” She asked, her words rather crude as she gestured at him.

“If it wasn’t working, do you think I would be acting this way towards you?”

“So you’re just as big of a perverted lecher as you were back then, Old Man?”

-

-

Judith stood with a smile so obviously fake, it put Uncle Alberu’s to shame. The more she heard with her dragon hearing, the angrier she got. And her smile was gradually changing, she knew. Soon it would be the full on patented Henituse-Thames scammer smile on her face, even now she struggled to control it as her mind began thinking up ways to scam the people in this banquet. Especially Princess Alissa who was a grown woman acting like a child throwing a tantrum.

Honestly, she didn’t even understand what was happening and why she was angry at Judith but she was already at her limits. Just as she thought that, the Princess approached her. Her smile became fixed on her face.

She didn’t think the Princess would try anything overt when the Emperor’s sole focus had been on Judith the entire time, and with the Crown Prince’s sharp gaze on his wife the moment he noticed she was walking towards her.

“Come join us, Marchioness.” The Princess offered.

She wanted to scoff. Join her and her little crew of malicious matronly harpies? No thanks. She wasn’t that old. But she kept her words to herself even as she continued to smile. Nodding and responding at the appropriate moments.

Her keen eyes saw the Princess gaze at one of her ladies and nod slightly which meant that Judith was prepared when the Lady ‘tripped’ and splashed some wine on her. Or rather, tried to splash wine on her. She side stepped the oncoming liquid, used her fan to block the rest, and held out an arm to catch both the falling Lady and her glass. Unfortunately, the wine splashed onto the Princess who was standing next to her.

Then the shrieking began as the Princess lost her composure and her hand raised to slap Judith. Just as she was about to dodge the blow, mindful of the fact that she couldn’t strike back or face charges of assault on a Royal, the Princess’ other hand reached out and grasped her wrist in a vice like grip as she hurled insults at her.

All the music had stopped and all attention was on them. She had no idea how she looked but at least the Princess seemed to be slightly unhinged in her eyes. The Crown Prince arrived, grabbing his wife’s hands even as the Emperor rushed to them.

As the Princess was being pulled away from her, she realized something crucial. The Princess’ grip hadn’t let up and the hand she had grabbed was the one with her bracelet. She could feel the chain digging into her skin. “NO! WAIT!” She screamed out loud just before the chain snapped and another silence descended.

The Emperor stopped and stared at her wide eyed and so did everyone else.

“You… you…” The Princess stuttered.

Damn. She never wanted anyone to find out about this.

-

-

Callisto’s eyes followed Penelope’s daughter as she made her rounds around the banquet. Frowning when he saw Alissa approaching Lady Judith. He had asked John to keep the two separate after a few encounters between the two had ended badly, all due to Alissa who seemed to have a particular hatred for the Marchioness.

He watched as she followed Alissa to her circle of ladies and winced but immediately began to grow amused as the girl clearly seemed to have stopped listening to their conversation and her eyes wandered around, catching his a few times. Penelope had been like that as well, even though she seemed to be able to hear everything at the same time.

Then he saw one of the Ladies trip and wine flew in the air, Lady Judith managed to dodge it but it ended up splashing on Alissa. Oh, he prepared himself for the explosion. And it was, the scream changed as she raised her hand another grabbing the Lady and he stood, rushing to the scene, only to be beaten by his cousin who pulled his wife away.

“NO. WAIT!” Lady Judith screamed as her eyes stared at the bracelet about to be torn off her. He knew from their talks that it was one of her mother’s last gifts and he mentally made a note to have it restored, it all fell away though as the bracelet finally snapped and the image of the girl in front of him changed. He froze, mind going blank as he stared at her.

Dirty blonde hair and hazel eyes were gone, replaced by golden curls and ruby eyes, dragon wings protruding from her back. Eighteen. His mind whispered. Eighteen not sixteen. Penelope’s daughter was eighteen. His daughter was eighteen.

The banquet had fallen to absolute silence as Lady Judith buried her face in her hands before she took a deep breath and looked at him for a moment then with her exhale, the wings disappeared. Folding into her back. Their eyes were still locked, ruby on ruby. His daughter was staring at him. His daughter… daughter?

Gods. He had a daughter! He was a father! He had a daughter with Penelope… he had a daughter with Penelope and he had missed out on her whole life. Penelope had made him miss it by keeping her a secret. He felt angry, upset, and hurt. This betrayal, he didn’t know how he felt anymore. Especially when she knew how much he had wanted a daughter that looked like her.

He shook himself, mind going off on a tangent. Cedric approached him with an unreadable look.

“Lady Judith…” He began, clearing his throat before he decided that enough was enough and he turned to the people. “This banquet is over.” He declared.

No one made to move though. His daughter was still standing, the emotions leaving her face the longer she stood still, then someone swooped in. It was Dodori, the Pink Dragon she had introduced him too a few days ago. He approached her and led her away, his glare intense.

-

-

He sat in his room with a bottle of wine and stared at Penelope’s portrait. For the first time, he didn’t feel good when staring at her face. He was alone now, Cedric had left him there, running away the moment he had dismissed him because he knew he would’ve struck his oldest friend down if he looked at him any longer. Cedric had known Penelope was pregnant when she reappeared in Roan’s high society but had kept it to himself because of some trashy agreement he had signed. It was a two pronged betrayal.

He fell asleep.

“So you finally know.” Penelope said as she met him the moment his eyes closed.

Anger rose within him as he grasped her arms.

“Why? Why would you do this to me? Why would you keep her from me?” He asked, voice cracking at how utterly gutted he felt.

She looked at him, face blank. “What makes you think you deserved it? I couldn’t trust you with her. What was to stop you for hurting her the way you hurt me? It was the only way I could protect her.”

He stumbled away from her at her words. Protect their daughter from him? Him? Hurt their daughter? Hurt the only piece of Penelope left in this world?

“I already know that all you wanted was the throne and the Eckart were crucial for you to have at your back. To get that you needed an Eckart Princess, it didn’t matter which one. But I was the only one available at the time.” She continued on and he wished for her to stop. “What would you have done to the daughter of a woman you despised?”

“Penelope…” He began, wanting her to understand that it wasn’t like that. That he truly did love her but he couldn’t.

She raised her hand. “I tried to tell you, that day. Our last day, when you chased me with your sword but you wouldn’t stop, wouldn’t listen.”

Stop. Please. He begged in his mind. Images of that day flashed in his mind only it was Judith running away in fear instead of Penelope.

Penelope sighed. “Now that you know, there’s no point in trying to pretend that her identity wasn’t revealed. Go talk to her when you’re both ready but don’t put it off too long. It’ll fester. And ask her about the letter.” Then Penelope brushed her hands on his forehead and gave it a kiss.

[autumn-foxfire]

19). "There has to be a way to lift this curse!"

"There has to be a way to lift this curse!"

It was an impassioned plea, one that would make most people cave to their sympathetic urges and shower the man in apologies and reassurances however Dabi was not like most people.

Instead he just glared at the man, who was now wasting his precious time by insisting that somehow he, one of the best curse breaker on this continent, was somehow wrong in his assessment about the man's "curse".

"No, there isn't," he said flatly, "Because I can't break a curse that doesn't exist."

The man gaped at him as the crimson feathers of his, admittedly impressive, wings fluffed up as if to flaunt their own presence like their obnoxiously bright colouring, and the fact that a man somehow had wings, hadn't already done so.

"What do you mean I'm not cursed?!" the man screeched in a bird-like wail that had Dabi wincing and if he hadn't been such a prideful bastard who hated to show any kind of weakness in front of people, especially strangers, he would have reached up to cover his now aching ears.

"Are you blind?! What do you think these-" the man spread out his wings to show off their wingspan, taking up the entire room of Dabi's small tent as he did so, "-are caused by?!"

"Your mom fucking a bird," Dabi answered dryly, "Now leave, I have customers with real curses that I can break."

With how the man had previously taken his rejection, Dabi was prepared for the man to put up more fight and having to deal with him through force however the man just folded his wings back behind his back and dropped his head to the floor with a sigh.

"…Do you really think it's not a curse?" he asked in a defeated tone.

It was a question and a tone too hauntingly familiar to Dabi, one he had used years back when he had approached a curse breaker, who would eventually become his teacher in the art of breaking curses, and asked him to break the curse on his own frail body.

"It's not a curse kid, it's just bad luck you were born this way."

Dabi turned away, a self-depricating smirk on his lips as he repeated what had once been told to him, "Sorry kid, it's just bad luck you were born this way."

He paused and turned slightly to shoot the man a side-glance, "Though out of all things people inherit from their parents, I don't think wings is something most would be upset about."

The man laughed sharply, "These things have brought me nothing but pain," he sneered, "And I'm not a kid, the name's Hawks and I'm the new bodyguard for the Crown Prince of Endeavor."

Dabi's body turned to ice before he broke out into a harsh cackle that scratched his throat made his curl up at the waist.

"My, my, I didn't know I was in the presence of such an important person," Dabi grinned manically, "Maybe I can help you after all!"

Hawks looked at him with unease, clearly wary of Dabi's sudden change of heart, "But you just said it wasn't a curse?"

"It's not," Dabi agreed, a grin still curled up at his lips as plans formulated through his mind, "However that doesn't mean there isn't magic in this world that can't alter someone's body and I just happen to know some people who might know what we're looking for."

"What's the catch?" Hawks asked immediately, golden eyes narrowed with distrust.

Dabi just continued to grin, "Nothing much," he assured him, "I just want to meet the Crowned Prince."

And finally take his revenge against his father once and for all.

-

I wasn't sure what to do for this to be honest so I hope this is okay! I know most of my followers like Hawks and I've always wanted to write some snark between Dabi and Hawks so I wrote this prompt based on them.

It was nice to get the creative juices flowing, I feel like I've been a bit blocked in writing so these small drabbles might be what helps me get back into the groove (though I should also answer my waiting asks too T-T)

[genz420]

The Fire That Burns With Us - Chapter 83: Queer Customs.

Master List

Pervious Part - Next Part

138 - Harrenhal  

“I must thank you for inviting me, Your Grace,”

“Visenya,” Rob calls out to Visenya, gaining her attention from the food she is staring at on her plate. 

Visenya looks away from her food; she had been staring at it, hoping that the meat would magically cut itself and that the bread would rip itself apart.  Visenya didn’t want to ask Aemond or Ben to do it for her, not feeling comfortable enough in front of Rob’s wife, Alla.  

As soon as she looks away from her plate, Aemond pushes his plate to the side and takes her, doing what she wants without her having to ask.  Aemond knows Visenya well enough that she would not bruise her pride and would sooner go hungry than ask for help.  

“What?” Visenya asks as she looks between Rob and his wife.  

Alla is a beautiful woman, maybe a year older than Rob himself, but she doesn’t look like she is.  Unlike the four other people sitting at the table, it is clear that she has had a life away from violence and war and that she had also grown up where the sun shines and people spend time outdoors.  

The new lady of Riverrun is beautiful but not Visenya type and far from either Aemond or Bens.  

“Alla was speaking to you,” Rob answers Visenya as he notices that Ben puts more vegetables onto the plate in front of Aemond, who approves of the knight's actions.  

“Oh,” Visenya says before she looks at the frightened lady, offering her a kind smile.    “Sorry, I am not very used to people addressing me by those titles,”

“Should get used to it,” Ben tells Visenya as he moves across the table to pour more mead into Visenya's cup, even past the look both her and Rob give him.   “All those highborn fuckers will be calling by them soon,”

“Ben,” Rob warns, he doesn’t mind that kind of language when it is just them, but he doesn’t think his lady wife would appreciate such language.  

Alla ignores her husband's tone. Instead, she watches as Aemond moves Visenya's plate back in front of her, and instead of his hands going back to eat his food, Aemond's hand goes behind Visenya’s neck; she watches as a genuine smile graces Visenya's face as she looks at Aemond.  

Rob and Ben have a little stare-off with one another, waiting for the other to back down, and Ben gets Rob to break eye contact as he swiftly kicks the lord's shin.  Rob jumps a little in his seat before looking at Alla, who is watching Visenya and Aemond, with a smile on her face; it is obvious to anyone who even glances at the two that they are in love.   

“Sorry,” Ben apologises to Alla, pulling her attention away from the Targaryens.  “Forgive my language, my lady.  My parents died before they could teach me any manners, and both of my siblings have far worse mouths than me,”

Visenya sniffles her laugh as she watches the colour drain from Alla's face at Ben's words, and Rob just sighs as he looks down.  

“You do not need to call me by my titles.  Visenya is fine,” Visenya tells Alla, gaining her attention.  She wants the lady to feel welcomed and knows it will take some time for the lady to get used to the trio dynamic, just like it had taken Aemond some time to get used to it.  

“Are you sure?” Alla asks, not wanting to offend Visenya and there forth Aemond as well.  

Like many others, the prince scares Alla, always quiet and watching.  Alla has heard the stories about what is under the eyepatch, how he has no eye and only takes it off in a battle to scare and shock his enemies.  Aemond has only spoken to Alla a handful of times, often when he has come to relieve her of watching his children, but each time Alla is quick to leave the room, not to anger the man.  The one time she had stayed in the room longer than usual, Aemond seemed to be a different person with his children, and now Alla can see that he is the same as Visenya.  

“Indeed, you married Rob, so you are family,” Visenya answers Alla as she picks some of the bread off her plate, and Aemond watches her closely.  

“I must ask how my father is?” Alla asks Visenya.  She has been worried about her father and brother since the news of Visenya travelling to the Reach, worried they might have gotten hurt because of the fighting.  

Visenya swallows the lump in her throat at the mention of the Reach.  Even if Daeron had stabbed her, she can’t imagine how the prince must be dealing with losing his dragon.  If either Morghon or Cannibal had been hurt, much less killed, then she wouldn’t know what to do.  Aemond shifts in his chair, he loves his brother, but when he gets his hands on him for hurting Visenya, he will no longer be the crippled brother.  

“Good, from what I can remember.  Highgarden is a truly beautiful place, and the Reach only matches that beauty,” Visenya answers, biting back the memory of Daeron’s betrayal.   “Perhaps after this, all is over. Then I might give you a ride there,”

Rob looks at Visenya, he wants so badly for Alla and his friends to get along, but he knows that they can be overwhelming and don’t usually follow traditions or what is proper.  Visenya and Aemond had been good so far, keeping their hands to each other for the most part, but as Aemonds hand moves away from the back of Visenyas neck and disappears under the table, Rob can’t help but worry.   

“On dragon's back?” Alla asks, and Visenya nods; she knows that riding a dragon is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and not many people would turn it down.  

“Morghon is gentle and looks far scarier than he is,”  Visenya assures Alla before looking at Rob.   “Your husband has flown on him multiply times,”

“You never told me that,” Alla tells Rob and the lord looks at his wife, his mouth opening and closing like a fish.  Alla had already been worried about how close Rob and Visenya are, and the fact that he didn’t tell her about going on a dragon ride with Visenya might not have been the best choice.  

“Nyke pendagon issa isse,” Aemond whispers to Visenya, his lips brushing, and Visenya leans back in her chair as she looks at Aemond.  

I think he is in trouble.

Visenya bites back her smile as she feels Aemonds fingers tap against the skin of her thigh, she knows that if anyone were to see them, they would be appealed by the action, but that just thrilled her more.  

“Kesā sagon hae sȳrī lo aōha ondos daoriot keligon,” Visenya tells Aemond, her voice above a whisper, and she can see Ben choke on his drink before looking to the two Targaryens.  

You will be as well if your hand doesn't stop.

Aemond pulls his hand away from Visenya before finally picking at the food on his plate, he knows that it is risky to be so bold, but the way his heart was thumping did something to him.  

Alla looks away from Rob and towards Visenya and Aemond, making Visenya think that the lady was somehow fluent in Valyrian and had heard what they were saying.  

“Is that Valyrian?” Alla asks. She had never heard the language before, but it was almost intoxicating to listen to it.  

“Yes.  Forgive my husband and me; we tend to slip into it often,” Visenya answers; she doesn’t want to make Alla feel unwelcomed because she and Aemond are talking in a language she doesn’t know. 

“It is a beautiful language,” Alla compliments as she picks up her cup.  “Who taught you both?”

“I learnt from the maester,” Aemond answers first.  

“My father and grandsire,” Visenya tells Alla; part of her doesn’t know if Aemond would react at the mention of the late king or the fact that he would take the time to teach her but not him.  

“Are there any little pet names that you two have?” Alla asks, the language is interesting, and she hopes that one day she will be able to learn it.  She had heard Aemond calling the twins by a few different terms and them calling him “Kapa” and often asking for “muña.”  

“Ñuha dōnas and Perzītsos for Laenor and Daenys,” Visenya answers, enjoying answering questions.  “They mean ‘My sweets’ and ‘Little Flame’.  My father used to call me Ñuha dōnas,” 

Visenya smiles slightly at the memory, and the three men look around the table at one another.  It wasn’t often that Visenya would talk about Laenor, even with Aemond, so her sharing details with Alla surprises them.  

Alla looks at Aemond, noticing that he has been silent for the most part, but she wants to know the terms he calls the twins.  

“And you, Prince Aemond.  Have any little nicknames?” Alla asks, and the prince takes a moment before smiling at himself.  

“Ñuha dōna orvorta for her Grace,” Aemond answers, and Visenya looks at Aemond with wide eyes.  

“Aemond!” Visenya scolds Aemond as Ben booming laughter echoes in the room.  Aemond sits back in his chair with a small smile as he looks at Visenya, almost innocently asking what is wrong with his words.  

Rob watches Ben trying to stop himself from laughing, but the knight's face and neck are red as he covers his mouth as looks down at his plate.  Alla looks between the three people that can speak Valyrian, wanting to know what Aemond has said, and from the fact that Visenya's neck is flushed, she can tell that the name isn’t a sweet nickname. 

“What does it mean?” Alla asks as she watches Ben clear his face from the trees that are running down his face.  

“I wouldn’t want to sully your ears with my husband's words,” Visenya answers as she looks away from Aemond and back to Alla.  “And to think I used to teach you the language,”

“I thought the maesters taught him,” Alla tells Visenya.  

“Yes, but I used to try and teach it to him, do you remember?” Visenya asks Aemond, looking towards him, but Aemond just looks at Visenya, admiring her in the warm light of the candles around the room.  

“I do remember after I used to help you with your sword fighting,” Aemond recalls, his lips turning up at the memory.  

“By Blackwater Bay,” Visenya adds, not hiding her smile like Aemond.  

“So you both grew up together?” Alla asks, wanting to know more about their relationship. 

“For a few years, and then after my brother, Joffrey, was born, then I had to leave for Dragonstone,” Visenya answers; she doesn’t know how she feels talking about her childhood.  She misses it, issues similar times, and doesn’t want to think that she will never see her little brother again or her grandmother.  

Talking about her childhood would also lead to talking about her father, and as much as Visenya doesn’t want to admit it to herself, she doesn’t remember much of her father.  She can barely remember what he looks like and only remembers his specific memories.  

“And what did you prefer?” Alla asks as she picks at her food.  “King’s Landing or Dragonstone?”

“I felt at home where he was,” Visenya jokes as she looks at Aemond, and she can hear Ben make a gagging sound as she looks back at Alla.  “But I always felt at home on Driftmark,”

Alla looks between Visenya and Aemond, the prince judging Ben before returning to his food.  Alla can’t help but find it weird, it is clear how much they love each other, but to the rest of Westeros, the customs of the Valyrian houses are strange and not something they would do.  Alla can even stomach the thought of marrying her brother or uncle, but to the Targaryens, it means nothing.  

“You two don’t find it weird?” Alla asks, letting her curiosity get the better of her, and Rob watches Alla, wondering what she means.  

“What weird?” Visenya asks, not knowing if she is talking about the fact that she thinks Driftmark is her home or something else. 

“That you are, you know, what niece and uncle?” Alla asks, and both Visenya and Aemond shift uncomfortably at her words. 

“Oh,” Visenya says, and Rob and Ben look at each other.  Not once have they ever dared mention the relationship, Visenya had explained to them how it is different for them years back, and it took some time, but they understand it now.  

“Hmm,” Aemond says as he stares down Alla, making the lady shift uncomfortably under his intense gaze.  Rob likes his wife, and he can tell Aemond is very close to ending her life for her words. 

“Alla,” Rob warns Alla, making her look at her husband before returning to the two Targaryens.  

“Forgive me, I just-”

“Targaryens have queer customs, so no,” Visenya cuts Alla off; she knows that people not part of the Valyrian house do not understand, and the way Alla looks at her makes her feel ashamed.  

“Something I will have to get used to,” Alla says, and Visenya looks back at her.  

Visenya and Aemond had made a deal with Rob to unite their houses, and they couldn’t do that unless Rob had a child.  Now that he has a wife, they had been expecting news of Alla being with child for a while.  

“She is with child?” Visenya asks Rob, and Ben looks between Alla and Rob, looking at her still flat stomach with narrows eyes like if he tries hard enough, then he might be able to see the babe in her stomach.  

“We were planning on telling-”

Neither Ben nor Visenya allows Rob to finish his sentence before they are both out of their chairs and barreling towards the Lord with no regard for their safety.   Ben reaches Rob first, pulling the lord out of his chair before Visenya tackles them both; the force and unexpected weight of Visenya makes both Rob and Ben stumble on their feet, with Ben readying himself to take the full force of the group once they feet the ground.  

“Visenya!” Aemond shouts as he stands out of his chair, worried that Visenya might have hurt herself or one of her past injuries.  

Alla looks away from the prince, not used to the sheer amount of emotion and the reaction from the once quiet and reserved prince, and to her Lord husband and his friends, who are on the ground laughing on top of one another.  Aemond quickly moves around the table and towards the group, Ben now helping Visenya and Rob up off the ground.  

“You little fucker, why didn’t you tell us sooner?” Visenya asks, all sense being proper in front of Alla gone.  

“We are at war?” Rob answers, but his voice is filled with uncertainty.  He had wanted to wait until Alla was in the clear about not having a miscarriage, but she had told Rob that they were going to say to his friends tonight.  

“Horseshit- Aemond, I am fine,” Visenya tells Aemond as she feels Aemond feel over her stomach and arms for any sense of her being hurt. “This is amazing news,”

“Trying naejot mazverdagon ñuha prūmia keligon.  Daor concern syt aōha, sepār hae skori īlin riñar,” Aemond whispers to Visenya as he holds onto her waist; he is not going to let her go again.   

Trying to make my heart stop—no concern for your own safety, just like when we were children. 

“I’m fine,” Viseenya assures Aemond as she gives him a quick kiss on his cheek.   “Kostilus ao should gūrogon hen ñuha grēza sepār naejot mazverdagon sure,”

You should take off my dress to make sure.

“Now I will throw up,” Ben mumbles to himself before he pulls Rob in for another hug.  

Visenya looks away from Aemond and toward Alla, who seems still startled by the commotion.  Visenya smiles at the lady as she tries to walk towards her, but Aemond doesn’t let go of her, keeping his hands snugly on Visenya's hips.  Visenya rolls her eyes at Aemonds actions but turns her body towards Alla as she leans back on Aemond.  

Visenya and Aemond let out a hum of contentment as she does so, and the grip on her only tightens.  Aemond feels he can’t let her go, or she might hurt herself again.   

“Congratulations, My Lady,” Visenya tells Alla as she offers her a kind smile.  She knows what it is like to be happy but overwhelmed at the news of a pregnancy.  

“Thank you,” Alla thanked Visenya as she stands up from her chair, and Rob rangles his way out of Ben's hug to go to her side.  “I look forward to our family becoming one,”

Aemond stiffens at her words, yes, both he and Visenya had agreed with Rob that they would unite their houses, but it is too soon for him to think of one of his children leaving to marry someone.  Visenya feels Aemond stiffens and leans more onto Aemond, her hands resting on his.  

“It already is,” Visenya assures Alla.  

– – 

“What's wrong?” Visenya asks Aemond as she looks around the table for some more mead; the night at long since died with Ben,  Rob and Alla going back to their rooms for the night, but Aemond hadn’t seen as eager to return to their shared bed chambers.  

The truth is that Aemond was enjoying watching Visenya putter around the warm room, often watching her chest rise and fall with each breath and the soft hum as she walked.  He knows that when they return to their room, she will want to go to bed, but Aemond wants to spend as much time with Visenya as he can.  

“Hmm,” Aemond answers, and Visenya stops walking, looking towards Aemond before stepping in front of him and giving him a questioning look.  

Aemond looks down at Visenya, watching as she studies his face for something that would tell her what is wrong.  Visenya is used to Aemond giving other people non-verbal responses but not her.  

“Don’t hmm me,” Visenya tells Aemond as she leans her chin on his chest, looking up at him.  Aemond can’t help the small smile as he rests her hand on Visenya's hips and pulls her closer.  “Tell me what’s troubling you,”

Aemond should have known better than to try and find something from Visenya, she has always been able to tell when something is wrong, and he never wants to keep things from her.  Aemond knows 

“What if they don’t have a girl?  What if they have a boy?” Aemond asks; he knows that Rob and Alla want their child to marry one of their children, but he doesn’t want Daenys to marry Rob's child, and it was already a lot to agree for the betrothment between Aenar and their child if it is a girl.  

“I’m sure Rob is planning on having more than this child,” Visenya tells Aemond, knowing that Rob wants a large family.  For his children to have siblings, unlike him.  

“What if they want Daenys?” Aemond asks; he doesn’t want to lose his little girl.  

“Daenys is already betrothed to Rickon,” Visenya answers; even if Cregan isn’t supporting them, she wouldn’t call off the betrothment until Cregan decided to get involved.  

“And what if Rob wants us to break that and have Daenys marry his son?” Aemond asks Visenya, the possibilities are flying through his mind, and he can’t help but feel slightly overwhelmed by them.  

“We won’t,” Visenya assures him; she wouldn’t do that to Cregan and the Starks.  Visenya smiles at Aemond as she bites her lip to stop smiling.  “Or maybe we will have another daughter,”

Aemond perks up at that.  He and Visenya had agreed that Aenar would probably be their last child, not wanting to risk Visenya's life again and that Visenya didn’t like being pregnant.   But the genuine smile on her face tells him she is being serious, not a single sign that she is joking or getting his hopes up.  

“I thought you only wanted three?” Aemond finally gathers that course and his voice to ask Visenya.  

“I did, but I must say that making children is fun.  Don’t you agree?” Visenya asks Aemond, but he says nothing in return, just watching for the slightest sign that Visenya is joking or getting his hopes up.  “Why so quiet? Do you not enjoy fucking me-”

Aemond cuts Visenya off with a kiss, passionate and full of love.  The kind of kiss that some people will never get to have in their life, one that screams ‘I love you’ without words and sends shivers through the receiver's body.  Aemond isn’t always great with his words, but he can show Visenya just how much he loves her.  

Visenya can’t help but giggle against Aemonds lips, the tight, bruising grip on her hips sends pleasure through Visenya, and she doesn’t care that her handmaidens will give her questioning looks when they help bathe her.  She would rather Aemond help than some women she doesn’t know.  

“You have a wicked tongue,” Aemond breathlessly tells Visenya as they nudge through noses together.  

Everything about Visenya is intoxicating.  From her wild nature to the fact that she never seems to listen to Aemond when it concerns her health and safety.  Her smell, her taste, how she feels around his cock.  Aemond loves anything about her, from the scars on her body to the marks she has gotten from her pregnancies.  

“I do,” Visenya agrees as she slightly moves her face away from Aemonds.  “Tell me how much you enjoy it,”

Aemond waits a moment, thinking about what he could say to shock his wife or stun her for a moment.  Aemond moves off from leaning on the table and moves so that Visenya is the one doing so.  Aemond gently pushes Visenya against the table, making her move up to sit on it, her dress riding up her legs and the silt exposing her legs.  

Aemond moves to stand between her legs, one hand going to the newly exposed skin.  His callused and scarred are rough against the smooth skin of her thigh; Aemond uses his other hand to take off his eye patch, knowing that Visenya hates when he wears it when they are intimate.  

Aemond could bend her over this table and fuck her like she was a common whore, and he knows that she would thank him after.  That she would be a good girl and take him perfectly.  Or he could worship her body and treat her like the Queen she is.  So many possibilities and opportunities to have his wife however he wants.  

“Hmm,” Aemond answers as he moves his hand up Visenya's body to push her further up the table.   “Want me to tell you how much I enjoy fucking you and how much pleasure that tongue brings me when I have your mouth stuffed full of my cock.  How I wished I could lock us in our chambers so that I could fuck you until it was obvious that you are a whore for my cock?”

Visenya had not been expecting Aemond to answer her, she had wanted to tease him and then maybe have him sit down so that she could ride him, but now she understands that she would most likely not do that.  That Aemond would be the one to take control tonight.  

Aemonds hands are quick to push Visenya's dress down her shoulders, and if they were in their chambers, then he would have just ripped the front of the dress, but he knows that they have to leave this room, and he doesn’t think that Visenya would want to walk around the halls without a dress.  

Aemond smirks as Visenya helps push the top of her dress down, giving Aemond accuse to her chest.  Aemond moves his head down and into the crook of Visenyas neck; the warmth of her skin is pleasant against his already warm face.  Visenya happily moves her hair over her shoulder and moves her head so Aemond has more room.  

If anyone were to walk into the room, they would see Aemond with his head buried in Visenyas neck while his fingers play with her nipple and group her breast.  Visenya's head back as she pulls Aemond closer to her body.  

“Qogralbar,” Visenya whimpers to herself, but that doesn’t satisfy Aemond.  

Fuck.

Aemond pulls his lips away from Visenya, admiring the already red marks on her red that match the previous marks he had inflicted on her neck the day prior.  What makes Aemond's breeches tighter is that Visenya never seems to cover them up, not with her clothes or hair.  That she wears them with pride, and when those lords look at her, they know that he is the one that just to fuck her and make her feel pleasure, not them.  

Visenya lets out a noise of displeasure as Aemond removes his hands from her breast and takes a step away.  Tits out and a pout on her lips, his eyes flicker between the scar on her lip that matches his and her chest.   

“Fuck what?” Aemond asks, teasing Visenya.    “Want me to fuck your mouth or your cunt? Or do you want me to fuck you with my tongue until you are shaking and begging for my cock,”

“Now, who is the one with the wicked tongue?” Visenya asks as she tries to grip Aemond's jacket to pull him back to her.  

Visenya pulls Aemond down to her level and captures his lips with hers, a kiss full of need and Aemond gently pushes Visenya to lie against the somewhat empty table.  His hands move to his hands to her hips. She is just resting on the table, and Visenya wraps her legs around his waist, pulling Aemond closer to where she needs him.  

Aemond lets go of Visenya's hips and grabs onto her wrists, moving to pin them beside her head but careful enough not to hurt her.  Aemond pulls away from the kiss, but Visenya tries to kiss him again.  

“Ao gīmigon Avy jorrāelan, paktot?” Aemond asks, and Visenya laughs slightly as she rests her head on the table.  

You know I love you, right?

“Nyke gīmigon,” Visenya answers as she kisses Aemond again, smiling against his lips. “Avy jorrāelan tolī,”

I know.  I love you too.  

Taglist: If you wish to be added to taglist please comment so!

@tempt-ress @kassies-take

[sodamnradd]

“Granger?” Draco cleared his throat.

She looked up at him from behind their desk, her wand stuffed haphazardly in her hair.

“There’s an exercise called ‘show and tell’ in Muggle Studies where—”

“I know what that is,” she cut him off impatiently. He was holding up her studies.

“Right. Well. I haven’t got any Muggle gadgets, so I wondered if you might lend me…” He paused mid-sentence. They were co-heads, true, and Granger had been civil these past three months. But why would she do him a favour? “Actually. Forget it.”

Draco left, hiding his face before she noticed how hard he was blushing. He would find something else.

By Sunday night, Draco was colossally screwed. If he failed Muggle Studies, he failed eighth year. He had no Muggle-born friends and no Muggle currency to order something from a nearby town, nor did he know how to do that in the first place.

He knocked on Granger’s door.

She wore an oversized Gryffindor shirt, hair twisted up with her wand speared through it. It smelled distinctly like ‘girl’ in her room, he noted, as she invited him inside and tossed her monogrammed trunk open. “You can rummage through it.”

He hesitated. It seemed too personal to riffle through her belongings.

“What?” she demanded when he didn’t move. She had that impatient look on her face and Draco was well aware of the scrolls and textbooks on her bed, abandoned mid-study.

“Are you sure?”

“I have nothing to hide, Malfoy.” She crawled onto her bed and cracked her book open.

He found various objects in the trunk. Muggle books without moving pictures, a photo album he didn’t dare flick through, until a strange wired object caught his eye, its buttons marked with odd lines and shapes.

“You’ll want to choose something else.” Granger’s voice made him jump. How long had she been watching him? “The school’s magic inhibits Muggle electricity. It’s useless here.”

Was that wistfulness in her voice? He hardly knew her well enough to tell. “What does it do?”

“Plays music.” She hopped off the bed and joined him, bending over to grab something from the trunk.

The shoebox clattered when she set it down. Inside were dozens of colourful plastic… somethings. She thumbed through them as if they were index cards, reading the miniscule labels. She cleared her throat and Draco was alarmed to find her tearing up.

“These were from my father’s collection.” She smiled, extracting a beige one from its case. “One of my favourites.” She handed it to him.

Draco read ‘Rumours – Fleetwood Mac’ and beneath it some odd words.

“Songs,” she said, as if reading his mind. “Then you flip it around and—”

“More songs,” he surmised. “How does it work?”

She showed him. Sliding a ‘cassette’ into the device, explaining how the sound travelled. “Here,” she said, wrapping the wires around the ‘Walkman’. “Might be worth showing the class, after all.”

“I’ll take good care of it,” he promised, leaving her room feeling all kinds of confused and affected.

Draco nailed the assignment. In a lineup of matches and gel pens, the Walkman was undeniably special. But he couldn’t unsee the yearning in Granger’s eyes when she’d showed him the cassettes. Magic had a way of silencing Muggles, pretending like they didn’t exist. He thought maybe he could change it.

--

“I have a confession to make.” Draco sat next to Granger at the lip of the Black Lake. The sunset had washed the clouds in glorious coppers and golds. A Gryffindor sky.

She looked up at him fondly, setting her book aside without even bookmarking it. “Here to admit you’re hopelessly in love?”

He froze, his heartbeat ricocheting in his ears and his tongue suddenly three sizes too big.

And then she laughed. “Go on. I’m only teasing.”

He released a sigh of relief, though his hands trembled removing the object from his satchel. “I gave you back a Transfigured cup,” he admitted guiltily. “This is the real one.”

Granger frowned, taking the Walkman. Before she could ask why, he said, “Press play.”

Surprise flashed across her face, meeting his gaze. Tentatively, she put the earpieces on and clicked the button. A delightful gasp as she shut her eyes and listened. She yanked them off. “How?”

“Took a few months,” he admitted sheepishly. Six, actually. Too embarrassing to divulge. “I suppose it’s useless now that the year’s almost ov—”

She pressed her fingers over his mouth.

Draco swallowed the rest of his words, the scent of ‘girl’ all over him. Gods, she looked pretty in the sunset.

“Have you listened to it?”

“A little to test it out. But I was waiting…erm…for you to tell me about the songs.” It sounded silly out loud. Romantic, even though he wasn’t. And they weren’t…

“It’s for you,” he amended. “To feel close to your parents.”

Her eyes were shining and Draco felt a pang in his chest. Great, now he’d made her cry. “Granger, I’m sorry—” He faltered as she sat up on her knees, shutting him up by crawling into his lap.

He could only stare as she planted an earpiece delicately in his ear, placing the other one in hers so they were connected. She hit ‘play’. The music poured in clearly, drowning out the hum of the outdoors and transporting them away.

“This one’s my favourite,” she murmured, pressing her cheek to his. Yes, he remembered.

She was warm and soft. Draco was certain she could feel his insatiable heart pounding against her chest. Granger sang softly, her lips moving against his cheek, her eyelashes tickling his cheekbone. “When the rain washes you clean, you’ll know…”

Draco became acquainted with Stevie Nicks in Granger’s arms.

He met Etta James hours later, sprawled out on burgundy sheets, and woke to Janis Joplin screeching in his ear. He learned the shape of Granger’s lips to Billie Holiday and the curves of her body while Nina Simone serenaded them soulfully.

Six weeks of pure, musical bliss.

And when the school year drew to an end, Granger laced her fingers through his and guided him through London until they reached a music store and stocked up on another shoebox worth of adventures.

(1040 words - my longest ficlet yet whoops lol, inspired by @ivmaruva's beautiful art, cross-posted from twitter)

Enjoying some contraband 🎶

[nomournersandnofunerals]

It's a disoriented state, I can tell. Growing up is more like leaving childhood behind; losing sleep since mother no longer falls asleep next to me. Not a day goes by that I don't wake up horrified and wanting more. At night, I can't fall asleep. In daylight, I want to sleep in. I've tried. It's not just my bad habits. Again, maybe it's just that. It's a lonely little world. I hear forks clinking, prayer calls, the buzzing of a cellphone. I see a person in distress and I want to reach out. My ribcage feels hollow with grief. Tears fall onto my face but my throat doesn't hurt anymore. For a second it feels good to not be in control of my body. I want the wind to carry me when it's sad. I want the water to wash off my sins that pay me a visit in my conscience, my grief, my longing for happiness that is perhaps imaginary. Will there be a day when I would walk by places I used to frequent and not get nostalgic? Will there be a night when my aisles of grief will not be mistaken for my delusion? I haven't smothered my hand in raindrops in a while. I haven't mingled in a room full of people for some time now. Are there things we can never forget? Are there things we can never remember even at the cost of our own lives ? Are there more colours of the sunset we don't know of ?Are there more days to live on ? It's a small small world and we all think certain parts of our life are bigger than the small world we live in. I haven't shared chocolate milk with my bestfriend in three years. I pretend to tuck my face into the pillow to cut off unpreventable 2 minutes long conversations. I eat the dessert my mother made with a full heart. She won't be making it again sooner than never. Sooner than never. Sooner than never . What's the point of happiness if it finds you in a tangle of situations and odd decisions? I can't even pick a dress. My father asks me what I'll be choosing to study. Take me back to the aisle of mingling bright lights, mirrors and glass reflections. Take me back to the day where I'm unaware completely, absolutely that days are finite, when you want to make a count of them. Take me back to the day where my parents buy me useless candy that would end up losing its colourfulness before I can finish them all. Take me back to the days when I thought pink skies didn't matter because we'll always have forever. Forever that will hold you, hold me in its bower. Forever that they tell you will never last but will fade before you can experience another summer, another winter. What would happen if we never called for the sun in the winter gloom? Would it never come? Turquoise. Violet. Mint. Vermillion. Magenta. Aquamarine. Periwinkle blue. Would I ever know if I never grew? The colours of life? That will push you once into the grey clouds and then again drag you to watch the sun rise in its glory. Growing up has its own magic. You grow apart to grow up. Grow apart to grow up. Is there more I would have to give up? Is there anything else I could lose without realising it slipping away through the gaps of my fingers? Memories resemble water to me now. They flow, flow and carry me in a direction I will never be old enough to know.

[chemicalpink]

Young Gods ❈ KNJ, JJK

❈ Pairing: Namjoon x Reader x Jungkook

❈ Genre: smut, f2l kinda, but also s2l, fantasy!au, fluff if you squint, gods!au, wizard/witch!au

➛ Part of the Namkook Moonrise Masquerade hosted by @jamaisjoons

❈ Rating: 18+

❈ Wordcount: 4.2k

❈ Warnings: it is jungkook centric, it does have a somewhat heavy plot, double penetrative sex, magical sex, teasing, slightest corruption kink.

❈ Summary: Legend has it that if you were to walk all the way up to Hallasan, and if the land is welcoming enough, you should be able to see the most beautiful lake where it is rumoured to home the most powerful being the world has ever had the pleasure to meet, so when young warlock Jungkook starts having trouble with his magic, who could blame him for travelling all the way there in hopes of finding answers only to be met with the hottest man he’s ever seen. and really,  who could blame him for fostering the biggest crush on him without saying a word for ages? that is, until y/n, a long lost friend of Namjoon shows up. so really, who is he to blame if he lets the two greatest beings in existence use him for their pleasure?

❈A/N: SHE'S HERE. GOD THIS TOOK A WHILE. Please enjoy! ALSO, banner by @jamaisjoons, I do believe the only thing that keep me writing this was the banner lol. Do tell your thoughts on this bad baby, I was heading towards a larger fic but I didn't have time yet magical au is most definitely there for future fics.

The first time Jungkook realised just how powerful he was, he was fifteen years old, although his mother can recall him being around four and being able to master a potion that most common-born non-royal witches could only hope to get mediocre at once trained at their young twenties. Of course, his magic had soon become taboo around the village, having to hide himself behind years of his father’s training, his lineage a bit closer to royalty, not quite, but just enough for his son’s magic to pass as his own. If his customers notice how better his spell jars or potions get once Jungkook turns eighteen, they sure don’t comment on it. Not that they would be able to tell that the family was hiding a master of the magical arts that could rival the country’s most powerful witch in the blink of an eye. Those were just rumours going around, as far as the Jeon’s were concerned.

“Son, I believe it is about time you get some proper practice on your magic” his father mentioned bypassing one Sunday night as they both locked up the store. He turned to hi, somewhat confused.

“Look if this is about Seojun noona’s elixir being more powerful than it usually is I swear it was a rightful mixture, my trial was right beside her actual one and she entered the shop sooner and-”

His dad shakes a hand dismissively at him, rounding the counter into the small storage room, coming back in sight with a leather-bound book in between his hands, calloused fingers roaming the antique-looking pages “I am not quite sure how much truth an old man like your grandfather could hold, but it wouldn’t hurt to try” he turned the yellowing book towards him, fast and almost undescribable scribbles decorating the paper as he squinted down at it, his father handling the energy in it to make the content quite literally come to life, a storytelling spell all too familiar to him from his young age.

“Dad, you know I absolutely love bedtime stories, but I’d say I’m quite a bit too old now for-” before he can even think about finishing the sentence, a mountain comes into view, alive straight from the book’s pages, standing tall and proud dressed in green, almost touching the sky, a magical aura surrounding it, one that he could even feel just by looking at it “What’s that?”

“The old man used to tell me stories about an ancient being, the most powerful of them all, living on top of Hallasan” the pages turn by themselves, the image changing to a faceless man, standing almost as tall and proud as the mountain itself, performing all types of magic, some of them Jungkook himself hadn’t even heard of “Legend says he was outcasted by royalty in fear of revolution, wouldn’t even be alive if it weren’t for he is a child of Earth herself”

“I-I don’t think I’m following”

His father sighs loudly before his magic shuts the book closed, all magic gone on a whim “Jungkook, whatever this man was, if my father was right and he really did exist, you might be like him”

“But-but I was born of both you and mum” he couldn’t quite yet fathom the extension of his own magic, much less think about the probability of being more powerful than any other being that had walked the Earth in millennia. Even if the man was real, would he even be alive still? If he was as powerful as he was presumed to be, would he even take Jungkook under his wing? What if he wasn’t as lucky as the man from the book and word got out and his life was endangered?

“Jungkook just think about it, you might be a child of the Earth”

“What if I don’t want to be” he couldn’t quite face his father, feeling his own heartbreak as the older man deflated. Jungkook knew that perhaps his dad had entertained the idea of his only son being a creature out of a legendary book, could feel how proud it would make him, for Jungkook to be a hero, make history with the power he presumably held within, yet he couldn’t help but feel like a small child again, afraid at the uncertainty that the future could hold. “I- I’m good with just running the shop and helping you and mother out with stuff”

His father sighed before placing a gentle hand on his shoulders, a small act that made him feel even more like a child, one getting subtly scolded by his parents as they prepare him for his inevitable future. “Jungkook-ah, your mother and I- all we really want for you is to live your own life”

His ears perk up, gaze facing forward as he catches his mother standing with her arms crossed over her body, the softest motherly look on her face “And if that means for my baby to go find himself at some faraway place, then so be it” she comes to join his father by his side, both of them bracing each other as the thought of their child growing up simmers down on them. “We just want you to grow up to your full potential Kookie”

.-.-

It had taken quite some convincing for him to completely make up his mind, the negging looks from his father as he helped around the shop, the longing yet scolding gaze his mother held over dinner until he found himself preparing a small bag for the long trip– almost burning inside his mind the map contained in his grandfather’s grimoire from the many times he had read over what he once thought to be a legend out of a children’s storybook.

The trip itself wasn’t as difficult as it was troublesome, having to hike up the highest mountain in the land, the difficult part–if the Jeon’s memories were anything to go by– was having the Hallassan land spirit to like you enough to show itself, even a step further to have the legendary witch to show his home.

For quite some time Jungkook entertained the idea of the immense possibilities on how the wizard could look, every possible image popping up in his head some variation of a wrinkly old man hunched over himself, staff in hand and he couldn’t help but laugh soundly at it, picturing himself getting nagged at by such a figure, perhaps he would end up looking like one of those old scholars that came to his village from time to time. But how wrong was he.

It took him three days, two cold sleepless nights in the woods and running in circles for at least two hours in the nothingness that was the top of the mountain for the valley to show up right where he had started to venture– he could almost hear the forest spirits snickering at him. He really tried to be angry at it, almost went back down just out of spite, yet the clearing before him had him doing a double-take, the space was bright and clear, none of the trees from before on sight, the small dipping in the middle of it leading to a sort of entrance– this was what he came for.

Jungkook had been raised better than what he found himself doing– walking into a stranger’s house uninvited. Was it really uninvited if after knocking for a few minutes the door opened on its own?

He walks inside, small steps, unsure of himself, his past resolve crumbling down completely as he walks further in where he listens to a hushed voice coming from his left, a mop of silvery hair turned away from him, green warm clothes cradling the figure, Jungkook entertains the idea of an old man still, yet not so much hunched over himself if the deep hushed voice and the hair colour was anything to go by. “...Now where did I last see-”

"Hello-"

"Oh! great timing! the pay is where it always is" broad shoulders are still facing him as the man moved around, a couple of won bills on the counter where he had waved his hand dismissively, not even bothering to turn around, for a legendary creature perhaps leaving his home door open was a recurrent thing, what with the whole clearing hidden from the public eye and all.

"Oh I'm not-" he had tried to make himself knows as definitely not the person he was expecting yet the man kept mumbling to himself, apparently in deep thought at whatever it was

""—So then if we are able to move this around we should -" he had started moving around the room, still not facing Jungkook directly, just pointing to places around the spacious room as his free hand busied itself with picking books from the humongous shelf against the wall

"I'm- uh" his hands couldn’t be still, grasping at the bag over his shoulder, knuckles almost white as he clears his throat "I'm not-"

"Did you forget where-" the man turns around and Jungkook feels whatever little poise he had gained leave him in the spot, right in front of him is the most legendary creature in existence, recorded alive for millennia, a god in more ways than one, no old man in sight but the prettiest human he had laid eyes on, fierce sight set on him awkwardly hanging at the entrance as the man keeps blinking at him "uh"

He bows down almost instinctively, 90 degrees, hair falling onto his eyes as he does so "Mister sir- uh keeper of Hallasan"

"You aren't Soobin"

"Uh.. no I'm not"

The man doesn’t even flinch at the information of a stranger setting a foot inside his house, deep voice calm as ever as he asks "How did you even get in?"

"Uh the door was open" he points to the door in a futile attempt for it to not make it seem like he was the weirdo picking locks or something at a magical creature’s home

"No it wasn't" he moves to the door in the most graciously way he has ever seen someone do it, almost gliding across the floor, eyes never leave him except for the brief second where his hand tries the doorknob "huh it was. Weird"

It took the man less than a minute after his initial shock to turn to Jungkook and invite him in, a pair of teacups resting against the table as they seated parallel to each other, him crossing his legs in a nonchalant manner as Jungkook couldn’t stop fidgeting in his seat– he certainly never thought he could come this far.

“So what can I do for you, Jeon Jungkook?” if he absolutely preened at the way that his name sounded in the stranger’s mouth, that was certainly something only for him to know.

The words died right on his tongue. There were certainly a lot of things the beautiful man seating across from him could do, none of them necessarily involving what he had initially come for, yet as the words take meaning inside his mind, he seems to short circuit yet again “I uh- you know- you know my name?”

He smiles a big smile, eyes crinkling into crescents, dimples showing and a heat simmering inside Jungkook’s belly “I know a lot of things, Jungkook” he stares off into space “Social skills are rusty, but they come back after getting a good look at you” Jungkook’s eyes must widen at the implication of his words. Could he read minds? Could he take a look into souls? “Just general stuff about you, don’t worry about it”

The man could definitely read minds.

Blink if you’re hearing this. The man blinks and Jungkook feels like fleeing. Wait. Everyone blinks, stupid. Perhaps some other time.

He somehow finds his voice, remembering the lingering question, the sole reason for him to be there “Mister Hallasan keeper, sir”

“Namjoon is fine”

“Mister Namjoon-ssi”

“Namjoon hyung”

Jungkook is sure this time his brain shortcircuits for real, for this complete stranger. Namjoon he corrects himself, to give him permission to call him so affectionately after only a few minutes of knowing him. After technically breaking- not breaking into his home.

Smile if you’re reading my mind. Namjoon smiles, something doesn’t sit right with him, he could very well be reading his mind, or simply smiling out of politeness at the extended silence Jungkook had caused, again. I’m onto you Mister Hallasan Keeper. Namjoon just smiles more fondly at him.

Jungkook goes on explaining his situation, from his rapid magic learning to being unable to wield his magic, to his father even suggesting that he could have been born from the Earth herself, just like Namjoon did all those millennia ago. The blond man restricts himself to listen to Jungkook speak, gaining a serious pose when he drops the reason for his visit, asking him for help. Jungkook’s almost sure he will deny it as he goes on to explain how his last magical apprentice had been there almost sixty years ago, going on about how he is pretty much a loner, no reason more than a brief excuse of being an outcast for practice differences with the village where Jungkook comes from, giving it a few seconds of thought before he accepts to have Jungkook under his wing, going as far as to give him a spare bedroom to sleep in along with the longest set of rules he had ever heard of.

Months with Namjoon look something more or less like this: waking up at 6 am sharp– something Jungkook had never done in his life, the first few times he had woken up later than that, it was almost impossible to know where his teacher had gone to. Have a rundown on the day’s activities and breakfast until 7. Jungkook was in charge of gardening on the 30-minute window of Namjoon harvesting for the spells he was due to make for the day. An hour of light reading– he knew better than to comment on how a thousand pages book was most definitely not light reading, but he did it anyway. He would then shadow Namjoon on whatever mystical task he had to do for the day before finishing up with him running basic high-level training with Namjoon’s guidance in the clearing– Namjoon had said that the Hallasan spirit would keep him safe and sound if he were to screw up, although so far all the spirit and her friends in the forest had done was laugh at his mistakes.

Five months in it, the whole routine came as second nature, he couldn’t even picture a day without Namjoon on it, not that there was anyone else that could pick up on the energy shift within it, Jungkook had learnt a lot from his teacher, not only in the magic department but about him as a person, couldn’t hide the lingering eyes, the curious touches of skin, every bit of information about Namjoon expanding that fondness feeling inside his heart, Namjoon was a man of habit, a powerful one at that, yet all those millennia living couldn’t hide the fact that Jungkook could see right through him, a lonely soul, as powerful as none other, yet so inherently say. Not even the whole power in the universe could keep him away from his own greatest danger: himself.

If you can read minds, kiss me. The kiss never came so perhaps Namjoon could never even read minds in the first place.

Now here’s the thing, Jungkook might be a mess when it comes to magic, but not so much at hiding his feelings, at least the best he could, Namjoon was as intelligent as men come and he had yet to notice. Namjoon’s friend that just happens to show up on a particularly lazy day– his teacher had said his magic tends to run out from time to time and would rather rest it; perhaps not so much.

Jeon Jungkook is a weak man. A weak man for beautiful things, like Namjoon, or you. Who just happened to walk inside Namjoon’s home like you owned the place– could he count it as his home too yet?

He could feel his heart wanting to leap out of him as soon as you introduced yourself, and perhaps he was imagining the way your eyes grazed over his figure before going to tease Namjoon, not that he stopped having heart eyes for the man when you walked in, he had enough heart eyes for the both of you, even if he had to keep them to himself. You were easier to warm up to than Namjoon if it was anything to go by, smoothly falling into conversation after you three had sat down for tea, walking up to Namjoon’s massive library, picking out books from their shelves as you asked him about his upbringings.

“The Jeon family? Oh, dearest, your grandfather was as good as wizards come” his brain cuts short as soon as the words leave your mouth, just how exactly could you have known the old man? The old wizard was presumably thrown out of the royal house for being unfit for ruling over the land. You playfully push your elbow against Namjoon “And I say this while knowing Joonie”

The blond man groans at your teasing.

“You-you knew my grandpa?”

“Yeh, such a shame he decided to be a mortal” Your initial interest seems to diminish as you turn to face the books yet again, a particular red cover catching your attention.

“What”

Jungkook faintly hears Namjoon standing up from his chair to try and get in between his conversation with you, although all he hears seems to come as if the voices were kept under cotton inside his ears “Y/N you’re overwhelming the kid”

For such a calm and collected posture, he had maintained not only while learning with Namjoon but back at home too, hearing such a word coming out of him really tips the glass “I’m not a kid! Why is everyone always treating me like a child!” surely it did seem rather childish to have an outburst like that, yet his mind couldn’t help but reel in all those other times in his stay where Namjoon had dismissed him from helping, saying it was a rather complicated spell you should wait this one out Jungkook. Or something along the lines of when you get stronger. It did seem the type of things one would say to their petulant child.

“Jungkook waits” Namjoon groans as he retreats to his assigned room, you can’t help the softness inside you at the way that strong independent loner Namjoon reacts to his apprentice being pissed off, certainly a first.

“You pissed off the kid” your remark isn’t that much well digested as Namjoon throws a dagger-like glare your way, groaning as he throws his head back against the couch

“Why am I parenting again?”

You shrug your shoulders as you offer him a tight lip smile, you had heard a lot about Jungkook even before you had walked inside the wizard’s home, like a reader of a slow-burning love story, you knew that ‘parenting’ was most definitely not the dynamic in his relationship with the younger, not with the way Namjoon had described the little mannerisms of his apprentice, or the way that he described his figure as the strongest back I’ve ever seen with such a tiny waist when he sent you a letter asking you to visit him.

The thing with the dynamic you had with Namjoon had been one going on for hundreds of years, feeding off of the magic that only such powerful creatures like you and him could conjure, effective yet dependent as when either of you two was in dire need of a boost, you would have to pay him a visit to work your magic. Jungkook hadn’t appeared after his little outburst, probably hidden in his room, taking only a few minutes of Namjoon glancing expectantly at the place where the younger had disappeared before you dragged him towards his room in an all too practised manner.

The whole environment was always on the calm side whenever you two get to it, something along the lines of strictly business, yet an undeniable connection between the two. Namjoon had you against his door, a dimly lit lamp on his desk, strong hands holding you in place at your waist as he leaned down to connect both of your mouths, eyes fluttering shut as he did so. Your hands found themselves tangled in his blond tousled hair in no time as he deepened the kiss, moving the both of you towards the bed as magic started glowing dimly within you two, connecting and feeding off of the spark of the situation, magic so profound and delicate that only immortal beings could hope to master. Namjoon placed himself against his elbows as you straddled his hips, your figure teasingly humping his growing bulge inside his pants as his breath started to become ragged, his own magic reaching forward to yours, just the way his lips chased yours. Yet there was only so much ominous Namjoon could handle. His hands were quick to undress both of you in between hot caresses and messy kisses as both of your bodies seem to move on their own accord, the magic itself doing the most out of the tantric experience, moans slowly but surely filling up the room as Namjoon positioned the tip of his hard cock on your entrance, teasing your folds for a few seconds before you settled on top of him in a familiar manner, sinking down on him as he throws his head back, letting out a groan. You are almost sure Jungkook could hear you both, yet your mind so clouded you wouldn’t have given it a second thought with Namjoon’s cock filling you up so nicely as you moved up and down on his length, that is until out of the corner of your eye you catch the casted shadow outside the dimly lit room.

"Your puppy is outside," You say as you stop moving on him, not quite removing yourself from the situation, yet you feel the magic in the room flickering faintly as if going dormant.

"What" Namjoon’s eyes are surprised as he lets reality sink in, his magic safely sated from the small act

"The kid that has an obvious crush on both you and me?” you state matter of factly as Namjoon’s jaw goes slack “He's watching us from behind the door"

As if on cue, there’s a rustling behind the door, feet rapidly resounding against the floor "No I'm not!"

Namjoon sighs loudly "JK just come in, I know this might seem.." the door opens and you could swear Jungkook’s eyes are about to leave his skull at the image he’s present with "weird"

"incredibly hot," they say at the same time, rendering both of them speechless

"huh kid's horny" you start removing yourself from Namjoon’s cock as your magic starts tingling, now reaching out for the younger "i like it"

"Y/N please"

You gesture by raising your hands as if surrendering, yet you know just how the night had taken a turn, willing to satiate your magic’s needs “He doesn’t like your PG training, let me handle this”

Jungkook is still sporting his Bambi eyes as he feels himself pulled into the room, closing the door softly behind him as he can only stare at you as you make your way towards him, lips ghosting over his “So tell me Jungkookie” your hand trails down to bring him closer to your naked body, taking his hand in yours and guiding it to your ass “Just how much are you willing to render of yourself for me and Joon?”

“All of me”

Jeon Jungkook might as well had been an erotic wizard like yourself if by the way he manhandles you and surrenders you to Namjoon like a loyal apprentice would to his master was anything to go by. Namjoon’s stare alone has the young man pliant as he caresses tan skin under his fingers, achingly curious as the youngest takes turns to kiss the eldest and yourself, Namjoon’s fingers playing with his nipples, your own hands working his length to life after your magic had completely undressed him, feeling both your and Namjoon’s magic reaching for Jungkook’s in a way you didn’t know was possible. A few kisses and lingering touches in, minds clouded with lust, kissing noises and moans taking over the space, Jungkook takes no time in positioning you on top of him, back to his chest as his length stretches you deliciously, long fingers playing with your clit as his own legs separate your thighs as if offering you up to his master, Namjoon looking like a man starved as he positions himself against Jungkook’s cock, his tip meeting no resistance as he glides in and nestles next to Jungkook, stretching you like no other time you could fathom, groans and ragged breaths of the men under and above you working you to your own climax, babbled words coming out of the youngest’s lips along with a promise of becoming yet another young god under your spell.

[aquilaofarkham]

title: the little death rating: T+ word count: 2,409 summary: Two years after his fight with Death, Trevor’s injuries start catching up to him while Alucard realizes that humans are more fragile than he thought. 

For @trevorsmellmont ❤️  Thank you so much for commissioning me!

READ HERE

There’s a sharp pain pooling beneath his right arm, coursing through his ribcage. Trevor ignores it just as he’s ignored all the other aches, jabs, and stings over the past two years. Two years of building something better, something sustainable to last far longer than its young, admittedly green founders. Countless days, weeks, and months erecting homes, gardens, and pens for those dumb gentle animals who think the entire townscape is their personal pasture. Not another mistake of allowing them to wander aimlessly straight into the castle. As if heifers need to learn how to craft medicine or conduct what’s being referred to as “electricity”.

The work will never be finished. Even on days like this when the sun burns hotter than any circle in hell. A few drops of warm salt-ridden sweat crawl past Trevor’s pressed lips and into his dry mouth. Pain and thick heat were never enough to stop him before—he tells himself this, barely certain of his own supportive thoughts (a new concept taking root in his mind). Take it slow, don’t push yourself, idiot. This cabin made from the earth will get built eventually. Another family will receive their forever home to fill with lots of babies. Old wounds beg to differ as Trevor’s arms begin to weaken, each movement slower than the last, struggling to keep up with Greta’s superior pace. She’s always known her way around a mallet.

Another bead of sweat gets caught in Trevor’s lashes, sparing his eyes from temporary discomfort. Though it wouldn’t have mattered as they’re already past any sort of respite. He looks for distraction but can only see the blurred shapes coming from a huddle of bodies, despite being a short distance from them. He knows it’s only Sypha and Alucard with the village children, which gives Trevor some relief.

There’s more comfort to be felt when he remembers that one of those little monsters is his own, nestled in Sypha’s lap then placed in Alucard’s gentle arms. She has a name far too long for any toddler to pronounce—Elizabeta Belnades Tepes Belmont—so what rolls off her developing tongue instead is simply “Liza”. She’s innocent now but once she leaves this little man-made paradise and ventures into a harsher world, she will take more after her mother and father. Grabbing whatever life offers with both fists, clawing and biting her way through every obstacle until her teeth are reddened with bloody meat. For the time being, they relish Liza’s soft cheeks, wispy hair, and the way she throws herself at whichever adult happens to be in her nearest vicinity. The other children are helping her socialize by playing games and embracing frivolity; a tactic Trevor remembers from his own upbringing, though with less games and even less frivolity. 

“Think you can handle one or two more?”

Greta’s voice manages to cut through Trevor’s mental fog. Funny how she asks if he can “think” about anything especially at this suffocating moment. She must have noticed the way his lips curl into a happy doped up grin while observing his family and couldn’t help but inquire. As any close, loved and valued friend would.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

“What’s wrong with looking a bit further into the future? Now that we all have one.” 

“Looking is one thing, but seriously suggesting is something else completely. My… performance in certain areas isn’t as up to snuff as it used to be.”

As Trevor says this, things deteriorate and get a bit fuzzier from his eyesight down to his chest. Out of focus. Painful. He keeps talking, keeps ignoring the inevitable. Always ignoring what his own body screams for.

Greta wrinkles her nose at his statement. “There are children present, Belmont.”

“What? I’m referring to the house. I barely managed to get one wall up while you’re already on the fucking roof.”

“So dramatic. You three really do deserve each other. And you’re still young.”

“On the outside, maybe.”

She laughs at his lie, misinterpreting it as another piece of mild self-deprecatory banter he might never be able to live without. Greta says something else, perhaps her own personal jest to counter his, but Trevor cannot hear. Breath grows heavier, forcing out a raspy “it’s fine. It’s just my chest”. Barely able to tell if Greta actually said anything about his sudden condition. Or rather, not so sudden. No, this has been building over quite some time now. His muscles and bones screaming, begging for relief or death, and end to everything—whichever comes first. Feelings that only worsened over the years.

Trevor loses control over his legs, now practically boneless. The collision between his head and the ground is nothing compared to the inner war over his heart. Whether it will finally succumb. Greta immediately calls for help—he thinks without confidence, once again. Trevor can still hear voices, but not their exact words. Not Sypha when she demands to know what happened. Not Alucard when he begs for him to stay conscious. Not even Liza as she cries for her papa.

Then all the chaos in the world fades into slow darkness.

--

Alucard stands outside the closed bedchamber door, contemplating how often he’s touched Trevor’s body. Lithe fingertips have memorized every crevice, scar, soft and rough spots alike. Not just as a lover with wandering hands underneath blankets in the dead of night. Or a friend who holds him steady on both feet when he needs it. But as this family’s self-appointed physician. 

Perhaps the prince of two worlds took after his father after all. “Polymath” is what Alucard used to describe Dracula and the very same word others have referred to him as, mostly in the realm of medicine. He knows more than anyone, little offence given towards the herb dispensers and leech farmers (only to be polite for his own townsfolk). Thus, through the anxieties and trembling hands, Alucard gave Trevor his diagnosis: heat exhaustion along with a muscle somewhere in his chest that decided to go rogue and strain itself.

The son of Tepes, the only local doctor worth trusting, and arguably the co-leader of their little prospering hamlet paces across the hall like Trevor did the day Liza was born. He’s on the other side of that closed door, resting. Bedridden from heat exhaustion and a fucking pulled muscle. It bothers Alucard. This shouldn’t have happened to someone who stood up to the personification of Death and pissed in his eye. A stupidly common and easily treatable inconvenience to the human body shouldn’t be the end of a fucking Belmont.

It shouldn’t—unless Trevor’s scars have anything to say about it. The ones on the inside and outside. Inside, unseen, and untreatable. There’s a harsh revelation to be found there; one which the prince has been purposefully avoiding up to this moment. Alucard can try as he wants, use the tools left behind by his father and mother as though it were their final death wish, but he might never tend to what pains Trevor on the inside. He’s a Belmont, undeniably so, but Belmonts are human despite the many recurring signs pointing to the contrary. Then there’s Sypha with her magic, but she’s human as well. Greta and Liza are still human. Humans are more susceptible to dying easy, little deaths even when they follow world-saving victories.

Where does this leave Alucard? Thoughts spiral down, down towards darker places the longer he nervously hovers outside the bedroom. He’s been known to awkwardly stumble into deflection, insisting he’s only half human whenever certain someones bring up this topic of necessary conversation. Meaning he might as well not be human at all. Not when the bodies of those he loves change so rapidly while his remains petrified. It’s only been two years, filled to the brim with countless hours he wouldn’t ever want to trade for the entire world. But the thought of one night as they nestle themselves into bed and Alucard touches either Trevor or Sypha’s chest only to feel an anomaly within their hearts. The earliest sign that time and age will eventually betray them as it does for all mortals—it could be the one thing to break him.

Alucard stops himself at the opportune moment, right before he starts thinking about his mother and father. Did Dracula ever contemplate Lisa’s mortality? Was the decision to never turn her easy or the hardest thing he forced upon his unstable, immortal conscience? Arms crossed over his chest like a protective cage, fingernails digging into the fabric of his shirt until it hurts, Alucard swallows a bitter glob of spit and reaches for the doorknob. Sypha will have to accept the fact that he couldn’t wait for her. He quietly thanks her for the lessons she taught him. If he needs to talk about something—truly talk, no sarcastic wit or banter, just the raw emotions—Alucard no longer hesitates. He won’t, not as he enters the room and immediately sees Trevor still in bed, not quite altogether there. At least he can manage a decent smile and wave of his hand.

“Evening.”

“How does your chest feel?”

“Still a bit tight, but I’ve been taking deep breaths like the doctor ordered.”

The amount of strain heard in Trevor’s voice worries Alucard. Hopefully the Belmont has learned something from the recent past, so he won’t be stupid and suggest anything having to do with leaving bed or getting back to work.

 “I think I should get up.”

“I think that’s a poor decision.”

“Are you saying that as my physician or because you’re letting that pretty little blonde head of yours get too worked up?”

No. Yes. Both? If only Trevor didn’t look up at him with those glassy eyes (can he still see him?) the colour of stained glass windows erected in cathedrals he felt so unwelcome inside. If only that smile, somehow both soft and shit-eating, wasn’t in place of a more serious expression. Then maybe Alucard could voice his concerns without being accused of acting overbearing—an accusation grounded in solid evidence but he’s not ready to admit that yet. Not out loud.

“Normal, healthy adults do not become bedridden after pulling a small muscle in their chest.”

“Belmonts aren’t normal… or healthy in my case.”

Alucard’s brow furrows. “I want to think you’re healthy—” I need to. “—that you’ll live long enough to see the children of this village have little ones of their own. Liza included.”

“God’s sake, she’s only two years old. You and Greta, always talking about looking one step too far into the future. Let her be a child before adulthood rears its ugly maw.”

“Try not to change the subject.”

Trevor lifts his head off the indent pressed into his sweat drenched pillow. “Alright. Fine. I feel much better. I won’t push myself and give my heart some more time to recover.”

No response coupled with broken eye contact; sure signs of Alucard’s reluctance to accept his rather weak assurance. The Belmont has no other choice.

“Come here. Sit.”

Another moment’s hesitation before Alucard complies. Feeling his weight upon the mattress, Trevor blindly reaches for his wrist until calloused fingers grip cool, unblemished skin.

“Now lie down. No, no. Not like that. Place your head right here.” He pats his chest and with a fleeting amount of guidance, Alucard’s cheek fits perfectly between his breasts. Two hands smooth over the dhampir’s curves before one before one rests on his silk smooth head and the other against the small of his back. Alucard lied about one thing: his own body can change in small yet noticeable ways. Without the need to fight for the lives of others, whether today or tomorrow, sharp edges turn softer. Trevor and Sypha have finally let themselves breathe as well, let go, and enjoy all of life’s pleasures.

“Hear that?” He asks Alucard.

“... It’s slow.”

“Slow and strong like it should be.”

Alucard wishes he could bottle up that heartbeat or place it in a box. Preferably a music box to listen to its soothing melody long after its original body and soul are both eventually gone from this world. Who knows? It might make things hurt a little bit less like when he redrew his parent’s portrait or built a much larger nursery where his own used to be. Not a lot, but Alucard could possibly live with just “a little”.

“Speaking of Greta…” The baritone of Trevor’s voice sends deep vibrations through his broad chest, tickling Alucard’s cheek. “She said something about more children.”

“More orphans joining us?”

“No, even though I know how much you love those damn orphans. She asked if we could handle one or two more.”

“What did you say?”

“I implied that she was taking after Sypha’s influence by being wonderfully insane.”

Alucard chuckles in agreement. That sounds like Greta. “You never know. It might be good for Liza if she has a younger sibling.”

With the sound of Sypha’s well timed arrival, he’s mercifully saved from Trevor’s lengthy speech about how patience is apparently a virtue and tirades about his “performance” or lack thereof. Greta reveals herself shortly afterwards with a still crying Liza in tow. So many bodies gathered around one inebriated individual, here for him and him alone. Trevor’s consoled yet exasperated expression directed at Greta in particular says “isn’t there someone more important you could be helping right now?”

Sypha is the first to voice her gratitude after fussing over her exhausting loved one. “I will never be able to thank you enough, Alucard.”

“I think the bed did most of the heavy lifting, love.”

Trevor is given an affectionate, somewhat caring glare in response but his focus is demanded elsewhere once he suddenly notices Liza jumping onto the bed. She snuggles herself between him and Alucard, wetting their shirts with her tears.

“Easy there, you little monster. Papa’s still a bit tender.” Not that she can understand or care.

There’s an aura of relief felt amongst everyone in the room—less with Alucard who smiles bittersweetly. It’s a truth he knew he had to acknowledge before it tore his heart open. Trevor and Sypha will die one day and he will have to bury them. He’ll bury Greta, he might even bury Liza. Not today thank all the gods, or tomorrow, not for the next few decades if fate is kind enough. 

But the day will come. And it will be Alucard’s own little death.

[joja-galaxy]

As I walked through the grounds of the castle, a smile shone on my face, knowing I was walking the path of haven.

Ava had been more tired than usual yesterday. The thought only quickened my steps with worry. I longed to stay by her side forever, but my father had other plans. He made kitt drag me out of Ava's bed with the king's demand to go to the fighting ground and practice my abilities.

What made it easier for me to leave her was our time together yesterday in the castle garden, where I braided her hair with an assortment of vibrant flowers. Among them, a majestic purple Gladiolus stood out, chosen by Ava herself to be the centrepiece.

Today, those flowers adorned her bedside, a colourful reminder of our cherished time together. When my gaze met hers, Ava's grey eyes held mine with a fragile smile. She lay against the pillows, her face drawn with weariness but brightened by the sight of me. "You came," she whispered softly as I settled beside her on the bed. "Did you doubt me?" I teased lightly, brushing a strand of hair from her pale face.

"How are you feeling, A?" I asked gently, concern etched in every word. Ava sighed, her voice tinged with frustration, "I wish I could be stronger."

"You are to me," I reassured her, taking her delicate hand in mine and bringing it to my lips. Each kiss carried a promise of strength and unwavering support. "You," I kissed her pinky, "are," she managed a small giggle, "the," our eyes locked, sharing a moment of unspoken understanding, "strongest," her hand felt cold and limp in mine, a reminder of her fragility.

"Person," I continued, kissing her thumbs tenderly, then turning to her other hand. With each gesture, Ava's eyes softened with gratitude and affection, silently responding to my words. "In," she eagerly awaited my next move, her anticipation infectious, "the," her smile widened, mischief dancing in her eyes, "World?" she asked eagerly, her voice a gentle melody that eased my troubled mind. "No, Universe," I replied softly, pressing a gentle kiss to her finger.

"There are still two fingers," she giggled softly, her curiosity piqued. "I," I kissed the finger that led to her heart, "love," my lips found her pinky, then moved to her small nose, "you," I declared as she threw herself into my embrace. "I love you too, Kai," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she nestled against me, finding solace and comfort in my arms.

"Should I braid your hair?" I whispered against her hair, feeling her nod against my chest. Her large grey eyes, shining like moonlight, met my smoky gaze. "Could you sing for me, Kai?" she asked softly, her trust in me unwavering.

"Of course, A," I replied gently, humming softly before beginning the lyrics that captured the essence of her effect on my life.

"I feel it in my heart, dearest, when you smile at me

I can feel the magic grow

You took the broken parts, washed away the darkest scars .

And let the light show"

Ava's laughter tinkled like wind chimes as I braided her hair, each movement gentle and deliberate. Her eyes sparkled with emotion, mirroring the love and admiration I held for her. The sunlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow over her cold body, creating a poignant contrast to the warmth of her soul.

"There's no moment I wouldn't trade," I whispered softly, my voice filled with sincerity and love. "For that sweet laugh when you call my name."

Ava's smile widened, a flicker of joy dancing in her eyes despite the weariness that weighed upon her. "Kai," she murmured, her voice a gentle melody that resonated in the quiet room.

In that moment, I realized how deeply I cherished these simple, precious moments with Ava. Her presence was a beacon of strength and love in my life, grounding me amidst the turmoil of duty and expectation.

"You lift me high, so high

With just your smile, my dearest

When you're by my side, my dearest

I soar up in the sky."

Ava closed her eyes, her hand finding mine, seeking comfort and reassurance. I brought her fingers to my lips, pressing a soft kiss to each one, imbuing her with strength and love. In that moment, amidst the flowers and the sunlight, time seemed to stand still as I cherished the peaceful beauty of Ava's presence in my life.

Little did I know, as she closed her eyes against the warmth of the sunlight, it would be the last time she ever opened them.

Yesterday I watched Grave of the Fireflies. Horrible experience but it gave me ideas and now I need to spread the pain and suffering.

You know that scene of Seita holding Setsukos lifeless body all through the night, hugging her while aimlessly staring into the night after realising that his little sister has passed away and is no longer with him?

Now imagine that's Kai and Ava. Kai telling Ava to take a short nap and after she wakes up she'll feel a lot better. Her laying there in the bed seemingly sleeping peacefully after drawing in her last breath. Kai staring at her at her peaceful expression and than crawling in the bed with her, holding her tightly. He stays there, with his little sister in his arms, long after night has truly fallen. He stays there until Kitt tries to move him and than he picks his sister up one last time and with a blank expression goes to bury her under the willow tree.