#prepare to be boarded curs!

[blueberreads]

MerMay: 2 Plunder

Raid commenced!

@saveofmdcrewmates

[livwifeofkarl]

Now prepare to be boarded, curs!

[thatskindarough]

I think season 2 of OFMD has fundamentally changed me cause I went back to season one, right?

I can’t get through OFMD 1x01 without laughing. I literally cannot stop laughing. Every second is just quiet snuffling as Stede says “AHOY! PREPARE TO BE BOARDED CURS!! Is the ladder meant to be this shakey??! Keep it straight (lmao) if you can! THANK YEW! Hello, I’m Stede, I’ll be your robber here today!!”

Just knowing where Stede as a character ends up—I can’t help but love and appreciate Rhy’s performance. It’s hilarious. It’s perfect.

[renee-writer]

The Contractor Chapter 17

AO3

“So?” Jamie raises his auburn brows at his cousin. They have returned to work after Angus ‘ guided tour. Both him and Rupert are smirking at the other man.

 

“Sae what?” He tries to keep his scowl but a constant grin won’t allow it.

 

“You and this Geillis, ye bleeding numpty!” Rupert replies. He re-measures the board he is preparing to cut as he waits on his reply.

 

“I dinna ken what you are going on about.” He lowers his head to mark the place where the board is going. They are working outside, repairing the back porch.

 

“The hell you say! You were like a faithful cur, leading her about, agreeing with all she said.” Jamie lays a board, screwing it into place.

 

“Admit it, you have a wee crush on her.” Rupert cuts the wood, giving him a chance to reply.

 

They both look expectantly at him. Finally, he looks up, a seldom seen full smile on his face. “Aye, alright. There be something amazing between us. I have never felt such before. It is like she holds my heart.”

 

“Bloody hell, Rupert, he is in love!”

 

“Aye Jamie, he is!”

 

“Now wait a minute. That isn’t what I said.”

 

“You did though. You have been as thoroughly beguiled as I am with Claire. Welcome to the club. Isn’t it grand?”

 

“Now, I wouldn’t be saying that.”

 

“Don’t worry Angus. We will help you through it.” They are both laughing. Angus ‘ signature scowl reappears.

 

“Stop it! This be no laughing matter. What am I to do?”

 

“Enjoy the feeling. Ask her out. Get to know her. Let her get to know you.”

 

“Crips! What if she doesn’t like me?” His strong cousin looks terrified.

 

“Just show her your sweet side. The side that came out today. She will like that.” Rupert advises.

 

“Aye, she will. She was as equally intrigued with you. Don’t fret. It will be fine.”

 

“It better be!”

 

They pat his shoulders, trying not to giggle again.

 

“Let’s  get this finished gentlemen.” Jamie directs them, “So Angus can ask her out.”

 

“No hurry.” Their giggles escape.

[marylcna]

5 Top-Rated CNA Programs in Arizona: Your Path to a Fulfilling Healthcare Career Starts Here!

Title: 5 Top-Rated​ CNA ​Programs in Arizona: Your Path to​ a Fulfilling Healthcare Career Starts Here!

Meta Title: Discover the Top-Rated CNA Programs in Arizona for Your Healthcare Career

Meta Description: Looking to⁣ start a career in healthcare⁢ as a ‌Certified Nursing ⁤Assistant (CNA) in⁤ Arizona? Discover‍ the top CNA programs in the state ⁢to kickstart⁤ your⁣ journey towards‌ a rewarding and ⁤fulfilling career.

Introduction: Are you ⁢interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare industry as a Certified Nursing Assistant‌ (CNA) in Arizona? Becoming a CNA can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path, ‍providing you with the opportunity to make a positive impact on ���the lives of patients and their families. However, ​finding the right⁢ CNA program that⁣ suits your needs and expectations is crucial to ‌your success.

In this article, we will explore the top-rated CNA programs ⁣in Arizona that⁢ will help you ‌kickstart your journey towards becoming a healthcare professional. These programs have been carefully selected based on their quality of⁣ education, ⁣accreditation, student ‌support services,⁤ and post-graduation success rates. Whether you are a beginner looking to start your career in healthcare or⁣ an experienced professional seeking to enhance your skills, these CNA programs in Arizona are sure to provide you with the knowledge and training you need to⁣ succeed.

Benefits of‌ Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Before we delve into the top⁢ CNA ⁢programs in Arizona, let’s first understand ⁢the benefits of becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant:

1. Job Security: The demand for CNAs in healthcare facilities such as ⁢hospitals, nursing ​homes, and​ long-term care facilities continues to grow, providing ‌ample job opportunities for certified⁤ professionals. 2. Fulfilling⁣ Career: As a CNA, you will have the chance ‌to directly impact the lives of patients by providing ⁤essential care ⁢and support. 3. Entry-Level⁤ Position:⁢ Becoming ‍a CNA is a great way ‌to enter the healthcare field and ‌gain valuable experience that can lead to further ‌career advancement. 4. Flexibility:​ CNAs have the flexibility to work in various healthcare settings and choose different shifts to accommodate their lifestyle. 5. Competitive Salary: CNAs in Arizona can earn a competitive salary,​ with opportunities for overtime and additional benefits.

Without further ado, let’s explore the ‌top-rated CNA programs in Arizona that will set you ⁣on the path to a fulfilling healthcare career.

1. Phoenix College – Certified ‌Nursing Assistant Program: – Location: ⁣Phoenix, AZ – Program Length: 8 weeks – Accreditation: Arizona State Board of Nursing – Cost: $1,200 – Program⁢ Highlights: Hands-on training, clinical experience, job placement assistance

2.⁣ East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) – Nursing Assistant Program: – Location: Mesa, AZ – Program ⁢Length: 6 weeks – Accreditation: Arizona State​ Board of Nursing – Cost: $950 – Program Highlights: Small class sizes, experienced instructors, externship opportunities

3. Pima ⁤Community College -⁣ Nursing Assistant Program: – Location: Tucson, AZ – Program Length: 6⁢ weeks – Accreditation: Arizona⁣ State Board of Nursing – Cost: $1,000 – Program Highlights: ‌Skills lab training, comprehensive⁣ curriculum, NCLEX exam‌ preparation

4. Brookline College – Nursing Assistant Program: – Location: Phoenix, AZ – Program Length: 8 weeks – Accreditation: ‍Arizona State Board of Nursing – ⁢Cost: $1,500 – Program Highlights: Blended learning, career services, CPR certification

5. Glendale Community College – Nursing Assistant Program: -​ Location: Glendale, AZ – Program Length: 6 weeks -⁤ Accreditation: ​Arizona State Board of Nursing – ⁤Cost: $1,100 – Program ⁣Highlights: ⁣Hands-on practice,‍ clinical rotations, state certification exam prep

These ‍top-rated CNA programs in Arizona offer a comprehensive curriculum, experienced instructors, hands-on training, and job placement assistance to help you succeed in ⁣your healthcare‌ career. Whether you⁢ are looking to start your⁣ career as a CNA or advance your skills⁣ as ⁣a healthcare professional, these programs provide the perfect platform for your success.

Conclusion: Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Arizona ⁤can be the first step towards a‍ fulfilling ⁢and⁢ rewarding healthcare profession. By enrolling in one of the top-rated CNA programs in the state, you can gain the knowledge, skills, and practical experience ⁤needed to excel in the field.

Whether you choose Phoenix College, EVIT, Pima Community College,‌ Brookline College, or Glendale Community College, you can rest assured that ‍you will receive a quality education that will prepare you for a successful career as a CNA.‌ Don’t hesitate⁤ to take the leap and start your journey towards a fulfilling ⁤healthcare career today!

Remember, the healthcare​ industry​ is always in need of dedicated and compassionate CNAs who are committed to providing excellent patient care. By choosing one of ⁤the top CNA programs‍ in Arizona, you are taking the first step towards making a positive difference in the lives of others. Good luck on your ‍journey to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant!

https://www.cnacertificationschools.net/5-top-rated-cna-programs-in-arizona-your-path-to-a-fulfilling-healthcare-career-starts-here/

[johnmeriton]

Discover the Best CBSE Schools in Nagercoil

This city holds the status of being one of the best culturally relevant and educational cities in Tamil Nadu, specifically located in the town of Nagercoil. In this array of esteemed institutes, the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) holds a significant position out of all the other schools. Amid these institutions, Thrayambika Vidya Mandir has emerged as one of the best institutions due to its new approach to educating students.

Comprehensive Curriculum

Thrayambika Vidya Mandir is affiliated with the CBSE syllabus of study, which is both academic and character-building. It comprises a wide range of subjects like science, mathematics, social science, and languages, which means students get a balanced education. The focus on the meaning of concepts and their application enables students to perform well in competitive societies.

Experienced and dedicated faculty It was found that Thrayambika Vidya Mandir has a large and competent faculty whose contribution is considered the fountainhead of the institution. The school has the best teachers with adequate qualifications, experience, and passion for molding the young generation. These educators apply diverse approaches to teaching and use new forms and approaches in the management of the classroom.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure Thrayambika Vidya Mandir has standard facilities that support students in getting the best education. The school has very large class sizes, adequate scientific and computational facilities, a fully stocked library, and great sporting amenities. These modern structures guarantee all-round resource provisions for the students to excel academically as well as socially.

Emphasis on Co-curricular Activities Realizing the role of holistic development, Thrayambika Vidya Mandir places more importance on co-curricular activities. The school provides many different kinds of sports, arts, and cultural activities so the students can follow their passion. Such physical activities are quite vital in building the character of the students in terms of teamwork, leadership, and time management, among other life skills.

Focus on holistic development Thrayambika Vidya Mandir is determined to promote the all-round growth of its students. The above analysis shows that the school’s education provision is a product of not only academic but also emotional, social, and physical development. The school environment at Thrayambika Vidya Mandir develops confident, analytical, and problem-solving skills among the students in order to face challenges in the future.

Technology-Integrated Learning  As for modern approaches to learning, Thrayambika Vidya Mandir is an institution that utilizes advanced technologies. It has smart classes, online resources, and digital libraries, and hence offers a computerized education to the students. This integration also guarantees that students are prepared with adequate skills for the modern face that is digitalized. 

Strong Parent-Teacher Collaboration  Thrayambika Vidya Mandir admits that parents and teachers play an essential role in the development of a child. Timely parent-teacher meetings, along with other forms of communication, make the parents play an integral part in their child’s learning. This cooperation fosters the personalization of the students’ learning needs and affords them their growing processes.

Community Engagement and Values  Thrayambika Vidya Mandir is not only an institution but an organization that guides the child to be a man of principles like honesty, punctuality, and being sensitive to society. It has a strong program of community work and environmental conservation, which contributes to the moral development of the youth. 

Conclusion  In your search for the right school to enroll your child in for CBSE education in Nagercoil, Thrayambika Vidya Mandir is the right choice of school. Facilities include experienced faculty, upgraded physical resources, a sound academic curriculum, and personality development programs, making the school a suitable place for young minds to cultivate. This school’s standard ensures that the students reach the institution with the vision of being shaped into future leaders and responsible citizens in the global community. Make the right choice and send your child to Thrayambika Vidya Mandir for a well-rounded education that prepares a child for life.

[staticflood]

I don't really care for mangoes that much. I think they're ok, but I'm not crazy about them. My boyfriend loves them though, so of course we bought mangoes.

Ive been preparing food for him recently, I think it's fun. So I taught myself how to cut mangoes. I learned how to handle a food just so I could see my love enjoy it. And as I sit there with stained yellow curring boards and sticky hands I csnt help but think,

This is love? This is pretty nice

[tutoroot]

How to Make Dislike Subjects Easy with CBSE Online Tuition?

When it comes to academic performance, there are often subjects that students find challenging or uninteresting. In the context of CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) preparation, these subjects can pose a significant hurdle to achieving good scores. However, with the advent of technology and online learning platforms, such as CBSE online tuition, students now have access to effective resources and strategies that can help them excel in even their most disliked subjects. This article will explore the common difficulties faced by students in CBSE preparation, offer curative strategies to deal with the subjects they don’t like, provide CBSE preparation tips, discuss study techniques, and emphasize the benefits of CBSE online tuition. By implementing these strategies, students can transform their approach to studying and improve their scores in challenging subjects. 

Common Difficulties Faced by Students in CBSE Preparation

Lack of interest: Many students struggle with subjects they find uninteresting, which makes it difficult for them to concentrate and study effectively. 

Inadequate understanding: Certain subjects may present complex concepts that are challenging to grasp, leading to confusion and poor performance. 

Time management: Balancing multiple subjects and assignments can be overwhelming, causing students to neglect the subjects they dislike. 

Fear of failure: The fear of performing poorly in a disliked subject can demotivate students and hinder their learning process. 

Curative Strategy to Deal with Such Subject in CBSE

To tackle the challenges posed by disliked subjects, students can follow these curative strategies: 

Change your mindset

Instead of viewing the subject as a burden, try to develop a positive attitude towards it. Understand that every subject has its significance and relevance in your academic journey. 

Seek assistance

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you face difficulties. Consult your teachers, peers, or even online tutors who can provide additional support and guidance. 

Break it down

Divide the subject into smaller, manageable topics and tackle them one at a time. By breaking down the subject, you can approach it systematically and comprehend the concepts more effectively. 

Find relatable examples

Relate the subject matter to real-life examples or situations that interest you. This can make the learning process more engaging and help you understand the relevance of the subject in practical scenarios. 

Practice regularly

Consistent practice is key to improving your understanding and performance. Dedicate specific time slots for practicing the subject regularly, reinforcing your knowledge and skills. 

Best Way to Overcome the Challenges in Dislike Subject

The best way to overcome challenges in a subject that you don’t like is to approach it with determination, consistency, and a growth mindset. Embrace the following strategies: 

Acknowledge your difficulties: Recognize the specific areas or topics that present challenges and focus on addressing them systematically. 

Break it down into smaller goals: Divide the subject into smaller, achievable goals, and celebrate each milestone to stay motivated. 

Seek support: Reach out to teachers, mentors, or online tutors who can provide guidance and clarify doubts whenever needed. 

Practice regularly: Regular practice is essential for mastering any subject. Set aside dedicated time for practice and revision. 

Stay positive: Maintain a positive attitude and believe in your ability to improve. Replace self-doubt with self-motivation and perseverance. 

CBSE online tuition offers several advantages in making disliked subjects more manageable and enjoyable: 

Personalized learning: CBSE online tuition platforms provide customized study plans and resources tailored to individual needs and learning styles. This personalization helps students better comprehend difficult topics. 

Interactive learning: Online tuition platforms offer interactive sessions, virtual classrooms, and multimedia tools that make learning engaging and interactive. 

Expert guidance: Qualified tutors and subject matter experts are available to provide comprehensive guidance, clarify doubts, and offer valuable insights to enhance understanding. 

Flexible schedules: CBSE online tuition allows students to access classes and study materials at their convenience, accommodating their busy schedules and ensuring optimal learning opportunities. 

Peer collaboration: Online platforms often facilitate student interactions through forums and group discussions, enabling collaborative learning and the exchange of ideas. 

With CBSE online tuition, students can overcome their aversion to dislike subjects and unlock their true potential. While it’s natural for students to dislike subjects, it’s crucial not to let these subjects hinder their overall academic performance. By employing the strategies outlined in this article, students can develop effective study habits, tackle challenges head-on, and achieve good scores in even their most challenging subjects. With the support of CBSE online tuition, personalized learning experiences, expert guidance, and interactive resources are readily accessible. Embrace the opportunities provided by online learning platforms to transform disliked subjects into areas of strength and success. If you are looking for such a type of online tuition platform Tutoroot will be one of the choices that offers interactive online learning sessions in an understandable manner. To check more about the CBSE Online Tuition Platform click here. 

[mysticalcrowntyphoon]

Pharmaceutical Third Party Manufacturing is essential for the development of innovative dosage formulations, given the requisite infrastructure and expertise.

Table of content

Third-party pharma manufacturing

Drug manufacturing and participants

Pharmaceutical outsourcing is  always preferable

Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals  Ltd.

 Third-party pharma manufacturing

 The therapeutic source, and engineering of drugs, is a multifaceted process and firms address the trials to get the clientele their desirable medicines proficiently. Third-party pharma manufacturing takes care of drug manufacturing efficiently which includes a lot of mechanical hierarchies and wherein due care is required at each level. Transporting authentic elements, underdone resources, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, excipients, and other essential materials take a heavy portion in the making of drugs so that a reliable supply chain can be sustained. The delivery chain states the process under which drugs or medications are mass-produced and transported to patients. This procedure is very tedious and all-encompassing with many stages to be taken to confirm the reliable and stable distribution of medicines.

Drug manufacturing and participants

As stated above different phases are taken in the drug manufacturing process. Different phases or measures are taken up by a varied variety of participants who are there in the pharmaceutical manufacturing end-to-end process including producers, across-the-board suppliers, and pharmacy benefit managers. In such a multifaceted procedure, the position remains higher for pharmaceutical companies. Medications if distributed incompetently or mistakenly affect the business's repute and purchasers' trust. It can hinder the sale and profit limits or potential profit too. If the distribution chain gets troubled then the curative progression of patients can also be affected. It may hamper the image of the medication for customers.

Drug manufacturing goes through the subsequent stages to confirm the pharmaceutical supply chain. It also assurances that drugs are voluntarily accessible for delivery to benefactors and patients.

* Medications are created in different manufacturing sites or parts which further get dispersed to distributors.

* Kept at different kinds of inventories, delivered further, and processed through value and consumption management screens by pharmacy benefit management companies.

* Circulated by drugstores and finally get transported to and taken by patrons.

All these procedures are intricate and require expertise for technicalities. Companies refrain from going through such complex procedures and thus look for specialists in this area and they select Third Party Manufacturers for Pharma.

Pharmaceutical outsourcing is always preferable

Conventional drug delivery possibilities are in larger demand, which has increased a lot and helping to bring advancement in the manufacturing process also. Many factors keep on affecting the preparation like the aging population, the complication of compounds entering the development pipeline, the larger attention on specific healing markets, and increased patient-centricity awareness. Whatever the demand is well catered by the third-party manufacturers as they are well versed in their technical field and well equipped with world-class infrastructural support and machinery. A pharmaceutical manufacturer delivers a vast volume of its products that is preferably equivalent to the demand for its goods from patrons. Even pharmaceutical manufacturers have the most influence over costs, assessing expectable demand, probable competition, and likely marketing costs to launch the wholesale gaining cost.

Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is measured and graded highest amongst the Top ten Pharmaceutical Third Party Manufacturing Companies in India. Akums help companies to emphasize their core aptitudes, such as research and development, by outsourcing the manufacturing process to specialized third-party manufacturers. They are proficient manufacturers and providers of a major chunk of medicine supplies raised by the public. They are renowned worldwide recognized pharma manufacturers.

                                                               Key Takeaways

· Third-party pharma manufacturing takes care of  drug manufacturing efficiently which includes a lot of mechanical hierarchies  and wherein due care is required at each level.

·Whatever the demand is well catered by  the third-party manufacturers as they are well versed in their technical  field and well equipped with world-class infrastructural support and  machinery.

·Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is measured  and graded highest amongst the Top ten Pharmaceutical Third Party  Manufacturing Companies in India.

[ieisia]

Alice Augusta Ball

At the University of Hawaii, Ball investigated the chemical makeup and active principle of Piper methysticum (kava) for her master's thesis.[15]Because of this work, she was contacted by Dr. Harry T. Hollmann at Kalihi Hospital in Hawaii, who needed an assistant for his research into the treatment of leprosy.

At the time, leprosy or Hansen's Disease was a highly stigmatized disease with virtually no chance of recovery. People diagnosed with leprosy were exiled to the Hawaiian island of Molokai with the expectation that they would die there. The best treatment available was chaulmoogra oil, from the seeds of the Hydnocarpus wightianus tree from the Indian subcontinent, which had been used medicinally from as early as the 1300s. But the treatment was not very effective, and every method of application had problems. It was too sticky to be effectively used topically, and as an injection the oil's viscous consistency caused it to clump under the skin and form blisters rather than being absorbed. These blisters formed in perfect rows and made it look "as if the patient's skin had been replaced by bubble wrap". Ingesting the oil was not effective either because it had an acrid taste that usually made patients vomit it up.

At age 23, Ball developed a technique to make the oil injectable and absorbable by the body. Her technique involved isolating ester compounds from the oil and chemically modifying them, producing a substance that retained the oil's therapeutic properties and was absorbed by the body when injected. This Ball was unable to publish her revolutionary findings before her untimely death. Arthur L. Dean, a chemist and Ball's graduate study advisor, dean of the college, and later president of the university, was privy to details of the process she developed. After Ball's death, Dean undertook further trials and by 1919, a college chemistry laboratory was producing large quantities of the injectable chaulmoogra extract.  Dean published details of the work and the findings without acknowledging Ball as the originator, or crediting her work. Her name is not mentioned in any of Dean's published works on the chaulmoogra extract, while the name "the Dean method" is appended to the technique. A University of Hawai'i academic, Paul Wermager, in 2004, quoted a 1921 newspaper interview with Dean, in which he emphasizes the importance of the work of his predecessors in the development of the extract. Despite this, according to Wermager, the Paradise of the Pacific report goes on to mention Hollmann and other colleagues, but not Ball.

In 1920, a Hawaii physician reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association that 78 patients had been discharged from Kalihi Hospital by the board of health examiners after treatment with injections of Ball's modified chaulmoogra oil. In Ball's Method, ethyl esters of the fatty acids found in chaulmoogra oil were prepared into a form suitable for injection and absorption into the circulation.  While not curative or able to fully halt the disease's progress indefinitely, the isolated ethyl ester remained the only available, effective treatment for leprosy until sulfonamide drugs were developed in the 1940s.

Ball's colleague Hollmann attempted to correct the mistaken impression of the extract's development. He published a paper in 1922 giving credit to Ball, calling the injectable form of the oil the "Ball method" throughout the article. Hollmann discusses techniques developed elsewhere and reports progress in related leprosy treatments. Although Dean had contended that his later work was a refinement of Ball's method, producing an "advanced specific", Hollmann compares Dean's and Ball's techniques in the article, in a section titled "Ball's Method of Making Ethyl Esters of the Fatty Acids of Chaulmoogra Oil", and rejects this.  He describes Dean's method and writes of it

Ball nevertheless remained largely forgotten in the scientific record. In the 1970s, Kathryn Takara and Stanley Ali, professors at the University of Hawai'i, found records of Ball's research and made efforts to ensure her achievement was recognized.

[todaysdocument]

The 4 major patterns of discrimination identified in "Civil Rights of Puerto Ricans in the United States", 6/10/1947: 

Housing discrimination, discrimination by police and teachers, and military segregation.

File Unit: "Puerto Ricans in the United States, Civil Rights of"-Memo to the Pres. Comm on Civil Rights Prep. by M.D. Stewart and Herbert Kaufman, 1946 - 1947

Series: Staff Memoranda, Witnesses Statements to the Committee and Other Committee Documents Files, 1946 - 1947

Record Group 220: Records of Temporary Committees, Commissions, and Boards, 1893 - 2008

Transcription:

[partial round stamp] RECORDS SERVICE / U.S. GOVERNMENT [end stamp]

June 10, 1947

MEMORANDUM

TO: Members of the President's Committee on Civil Rights

FROM: Robert K. Carr, Executive Secretary

SUBJECT: "Civil Rights of Puerto Ricans in the United States" prepared by Milton D. Stewart and Herbert Kaufman

[round stamp] HARRY S. TRUMAN LIBRARY / NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS SERVICE / U.S. GOVERNMENT [end stamp]

PUERTO RICANS IN THE UNITED STATES

I

Patterns of prejudice and discrimination against Puerto Ricans in the United States have not yet crystallized. Nevertheless, there are clear indications of trouble to come. Current trends are menacing in terms of our past experience. For this reason, any action taken with respect to civil rights will be of special significance for the Puerto Ricans because it may have important preventative as well as curative effects.

The United States acquired Puerto Rico in 1898. By 1940, approximately 150,000 Puerto Ricans had immigrated to this country. Since the outbreak of World War II and the increase in economic opportunity, the rate of immigration has increased tremendously. Some sources contend that the number is still below 200,000, but social and welfare workers have advanced estimates as high as 350,000. Exact data are lacking because the Puerto Ricans were granted United States citizenship under the Organic Act of 1917; since they have free access to and from all parts of the country, and since they do not fall within the jurisdiction of any single Federal agency, no official tabulations have been made. However, the Puerto Rican Office of Information estimates that the net influx is about 2,500 a month, with 6,500 returning to the island for every 9,000 who arrive.

At present, they come to the United States primarily for economic reasons. Puerto Rico is overcrowded and not well enough developed industrially to support its population. At the same time, continental United States is in a period of prosperity. Transportation, both by air and by ship, is relatively inexpensive. Under these conditions, it is not surprising that Puerto Ricans are making their way to the mainland in ever-increasing numbers.

They settle almost exclusively in New York City; large colonies have appeared in East Harlem, the lower Bronx and near the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The people in these communities retain the Puerto Rican culture pattern to a large extent, especially in language, recreation, diet and social organization.

Most of the Puerto Ricans come here voluntarily and independently. A very small number came in under contract for domestic service.

[page 2]

[round stamp] HARRY S TRUMAN LIBRARY / NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS SERVICE / U.S. GOVERNMENT [end stamp]

-2-

Charges of "slave labor" have been made, but they were discredited after an insular official investigated the situation and concluded that no civil rights were being violated by the contracts. However, the United States Department of Labor, which must approve all such contracts, is not enthusiastically supporting the contract device, so it is doubtful that it will become a major vehicle for the importation of labor.

II

The economic status of the Puerto Rican in the United States is affected by three major factors:

First, the overtaxed school system of Puerto Rico has been unable to supply many of them with even a rudimentary education. Today, with the highest school registration in history, it is estimated that only 53% of the children of school age actually attend.

Second, English is the official language of the schools, although most of the children speak only Spanish. This, some authorities maintain, operates to make people "illiterate in two languages". Few of those who come to the United States can get along in English.

[round stamp] HARRY S TRUMAN LIBRARY / NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS SERVICE / U.S. GOVERNMENT [end stamp]

Third, since Puerto Rico is under-industrialized, the people have no opportunity to develop the skills required by industry here.

For these reasons, Puerto Ricans have been employed mainly in unskilled jobs. They work in restaurants as waiters, busboys, and dishwashers. They supply most of the manual labor in laundries. They clean the ships that stop in the Port. They serve as domestics.

There is no evidence of any deliberate discrimination to restrict Puerto Rican to this kind of work, nor of wages having been scaled against them. No complaints have been lodged by Puerto Ricans with the State Commission Against Discrimination. There is no civil rights problem in employment now.

But stereotypes regarding the capacities of Puerto Ricans are developing. They are associated with manual labor. They come from an area which has a lower standard of living. Should an economic crisis develop, competition for unskilled labor jobs may increase. The Puerto Ricans may be induced to work for lower wages than native workers in the struggle to hold the only type of job for which they have qualified heretofore. In such a situation, not only with the rights of the Puerto Rican be endangered but an environment will have been fostered in which group tensions will reach a perilous stage. No need for special action to protect civil rights of Puerto Ricans is indicated, but any general recommendations designed to protect all minority groups will do a good deal to prevent a potential sore spot from festering.

III

There are four areas in which a familiar discriminatory pattern has already made itself evident.

[page 3]

-3-

In housing, the Puerto Rican has been confronted by the same barriers that obstruct the Negro. When he looks for an apartment, the doors in white neighborhoods are often closed to him or the rents are raised. This factor, in conjunction with the low economic status of the Puerto Rican and the natural desire of recent immigrants to stay together, accounts for the substandard conditions which prevail in these communities. Ancient buildings, overcrowding, poor ventilation and inadequate sanitary facilities are common. Disease rates and crime are consequently high.

There are some indications, not very easily substantiated, of discriminatory police administration in Puerto Rican districts. Complaints of arbitrary arrest have been reported to the Office of Puerto Rican Information. Many of these apparently arise from the inability of the people to make themselves understood in English. However, a good part of this problem is rooted in the failure of New York police to understand Latin American culture, and many ordinary meetings and discussions seem to be regarded as near-riots by officers who are unfamiliar with the group. A startling example of this misapprehension followed the Scottoriggio murder, when all social gatherings of the Puerto Ricans in East Harlem, a common type of recreation in Puerto Rico and virtually the only kind the Puerto Rican in New York can afford, were forbidden by the Police Department and a number of them actually raided. Here, misunderstanding produced a violation of civil rights; the implications for the future are threatening.

In education, the Spanish-speaking Puerto Rican children have posed a serious problem for the authorities. Generally speaking, the children have been treated with courtesy and sympathy and have received special assistance in overcoming their language handicap. However, some teachers have privately manifested hostility toward their Puerto Rican pupils and have even referred to them in derogatory or abusive terms. It is difficult to see how they can keep from reflecting their attitudes in the classroom.

Finally, the armed forces, in applying their policy of segregation on the basis of color, imposed on the Puerto Ricans a pattern foreign to them. Reports from one source illustrate vividly the nature of this type of discrimination. During the war, in Puerto Rico, newly inducted recruits were lined up. An officer then walked along the ranks and, on  the basis of a cursory personal inspection, arbitrarily assigned some men to white units, others to segregated Negro units.

In all four areas, the indicators have swung over to the danger zone. The issues are not peculiar to the Puerto Ricans, however, and can be handled by action directed at protecting all minority groups. Such action would prevent the Puerto Rican situation from growing more troublesome.

[round stamp] HARRY S TRUMAN LIBRARY / NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS SERVICE / U.S. GOVERNMENT [end stamp]

IV

Socially and politically, the Puerto Ricans in the United States have not met with any widespread violations of their civil rights. They

[page 4]

-4-

are admitted to places of public accommodation and recreation, they vote when they qualify on the same basis as other citizens, their civil and legal rights have not yet been widely violated. But unhealthy signs are developing in employment, in housing, in police administration, in education, and in the armed forces. The influx which gave rise to the symptoms is likely to continue, for the insular administration is anxious to relieve the critical economic conditions on the island by moving as many people as possible to continental United States. Furthermore, it is hoped that the Puerto Ricans will seek employment opportunities outside of the crowded New York slums; the problems may well become rational. The need for action is clear, though there is no special area in which the Puerto Ricans are distinct from any other minority group. If civil rights in general are maintained, social conflicts which are now only in the making may be resolved.

[round stamp] HARRY S TRUMAN LIBRARY / NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS SERVICE / U.S. GOVERNMENT [end stamp]

SOURCES

Interview with Mr. Leonard Sussman, Puerto Rican Office of Information, New York City

Interview with Mr. Donald J. O'Connor, Office of Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C.

McWilliams, Carey, Brothers Under the Skin, 1943, pp. 204-17.

Chenault, Lawrence R., The Puerto Rican Migrant in New York City, 1938.

[backhurtyy]

no one asked but here are my favorite stede bonnet lines from episode one: pilot

what we’re about to do will be perilous! very perilous! some of us won’t be coming back. others may be wounded. still others may come back looking totally fine but, but in reality be totally devastated by what they’ve witnessed.

right! this it it! places everyone! look scary!

now prepare to be boarded, curs!

raid commenced!

oh gosh. is it meant to be this shaky?! can you two down there just hold the bottom?

my name is stede, i’ll be your robber here today

watch my buttons! *little kicks*

yes…. tell them what happened here today 😠

*sits down* *stands up immediately*

for example, if your average pirate doesn’t steal, he doesn’t eat. that’s a lot of mental pressure.

here it is. the spoils of battle! *sets down the plant* woohoo.

avast, ye!

listen up, buckos. we have our eyes on a ship. a big one. that’s right, a whopper!!!

killing and… having to kill… i mean that’s, thats. having to kill.

okay, you are lord peter gravelston, minor royalty from essex, and you live horse riding. next!

[concussed-to-pieces]

Her Dove, His Falcon, Their Shield Part One

Fandom: Game Of Thrones

Pairing: Eventual Oberyn/Reader/Ellaria

Rating: Holy shit M.

AN: Disclaimer for Game Of Thrones writing here! This installment contains a reader that is a ruff tuff cheeto puff, a damn juggernaut. STRONK. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to culturalrebel and hulia for recommending me compilation videos, as well as to @zeldasayer for inspiring me to write a hella buff reader. This is peak indulgence, pauldronsexual hours bois. I wax poetic about Ellaria, it’s a great time. I'll see you all with part two on Monday. Enjoy!

Tag List: @culturalrebel @huliabitch @absurdthirst @helplessly-nonstop

[!TRIGGER WARNING!: This installment contains depictions of canon-typical violence, allusions to canon-typical abuse, depictions of sexual activities with a pregnant party and vague allusions to breeding kink. Stay safe!] 

You were sure your fingers were broken.

The pain flickered sunlight-bright behind your eyes every time you had tried to move your pinky or your index, your entire right hand so gristly you didn't dare to look at it after you had bound it up as best as you could.

You clutched your hand to your chest, forcing yourself to focus. The wharf. You had to reach the docks. That had been your plan this morning, before everything had gone so terribly wrong. 

You crept through the shadows, dashing away your tears with your threadbare shawl. Your weeping would only be a sign of weakness, urging the vultures to circle on your corpse before it was even cold.

The creak of timbers heralded your arrival to the waterfront and a soft sigh of relief left your mouth when you spotted who you were looking for. The sailor that had promised you passage was there, leaned against the wall of the nearby harbormaster's quarters. He glanced up at the sound of your voice when you hailed him, tipping his head.

"Well well, look what the cat dragged in." He chuckled, wandering hands already tugging at your shawl. "Have you brought the payment, my dear?"

You pulled forth a small purse of coins. "I know it is less than what we promised, but I was unable to-" The man clicked his tongue, obviously disappointed. "I-I am certain we can come to an agreement, please." You begged desperately. You were so close to your escape!

"Darling, we had a deal." The sailor chided, sounding like he was scolding a child. "You bring me the payment, and I convince my captain that having a woman on board our vessel isn't bad luck. Now, at the eleventh hour, you decide you want to bargain?" The man crowded you back against the wall, his face inches from yours when he muttered, "I don't barter with whores." The blow caught you unawares, the back of his hand connecting with your cheek. You shut your eyes when he raised his hand again, gritting your teeth in anticipation of stifling your noise. 

Gods, you were so tired of this.

"What are you doing to that girl?" A man's voice demanded, his distinctive Dornish accent thick with either drink or weariness. "Get away from her or I will cut you down where you stand, you cur." 

"She is hurt, lover." That voice was lilting, intrigued, a woman's voice. "Look at her hand, and the way her face is turned. She has been struck."

You abruptly felt the sailor's weight removed from your body, the sudden action making you cringe back against the wall. Large, trembling fingers eased your wounded hand away from where you had it protectively curled into your chest. "What has happened to you, sweetling?" You didn't dare to open your eyes and the man tsked after a moment, relinquishing your hand. 

"Lover, we must get you onboard, your wounds-" 

"A moment, Ellaria. This…" A hand touched your cheek, making you start and open your eyes. Dark, textured leather armor met your gaze, the surface spattered rusty with blood. Your breathing stuttered. You didn't dare to look up at the man who wore the armor, staring at his chest as hard as you could manage.

The hand slid beneath your chin, tugging your eyes reluctantly upwards as your shawl slid off of your head. You gasped when you caught sight of his face. The man appeared battered, the sides of his head badly bruised at the temples and cheeks. There were livid contusions that looked suspiciously like large handprints, as if someone had attempted to crush his skull with their bare hands. His left eye was bloodied, laced with spiderwebbed veins and swollen half-shut. The fingers that touched your face were still shaking, his other hand pressed to a dressing that wrapped around his left elbow.

"Not a girl, I see. A woman." The Dornishman said quietly after enduring a moment of your impolite gawking. "And as such, I cannot make this choice for you."

You swallowed hard. You had heard stories about the people of Dorne, about Sunspear and the supposed depravity that took place there. True, you had been hoping to get aboard a ship and go somewhere, anywhere, as far away as you could manage. And with that sailor denying you passage...

The man's deep brown eyes saddened at your silence. "Would you stay here and endure this mistreatment from men like him, simply because it is familiar?"

You shook your head, fleetingly meeting his gaze and opening your mouth. "I have never been on a ship before, m-my lord." You attempted a belated curtsey. You had no idea who this man was, but it was best to err on the side of caution that he was of a higher social ranking than you. Most people were.

He seemed amused if anything, a pained smile crossing his haggard features. "You will soon grow to love it, little dove."

"If it pleases you, my lord." You demurred in a whisper, your heart pounding in your chest. Were you trading one cruel man for another? They often hid their true intentions until their audience was gone. But the woman at his side...she didn't seem fearful. "I have naught to offer for my passage but this, my lord." The small purse of coins jingled softly as you extended it to the man in front of you. "I am uncertain how much distance it will buy me, but I am not afraid of hard work."

The man waved it off, cupping your hand around the purse. "Do not trouble yourself with such things, my dove. Our time grows short." 

…

You had been warned of the sea illness, but you appeared to be able to ward off the heaves if you stayed above decks. The fresh salt air stung your cheeks, yet you refused to move from your spot by the railing. You made yourself scarce beside a pile of coiled rope, staying out of the way of the sailors bustling about and watching everything with wide eyes. Your injured hand was still cradled to your chest, but you had no attention for it as you hungrily devoured your surroundings.

King's Landing had been an area tinged gray, dour with gilded suffering. The golden sunsets that would pour through the high windows of your barren room paled in comparison to the sunset you were witnessing now. It was as if the horizon itself was ablaze, a cacophony of reds and oranges that turned the ocean brilliant. You had never seen such a sunset in all your years, and you prayed that it was a good omen. 

The sailors sang as they worked, all of them settling into a rhythm in order to keep everything running smoothly. It was fascinating to watch men pulling lines taut and tacking the mighty vessel into the wind, the ship nimble enough to respond to such rapid adjustments.

"There you are, little dove." Ellaria swayed easily with the motion of the craft, one hand resting on the shrouds to keep her balance. You started in surprise, having not noticed her approach. "You enjoy watching the sailors?"

"They are incredible, my lady." You replied honestly, cocking your head to the side. "I know very little about sailing, but surely their skill is unmatched? You must be immensely proud."

Her laughter was a beautiful noise, just as beautiful as she was. "My lover will be pleased to hear such flattery from your lips! He takes great delight in sailing. Now come with me, flattering dove. We must have the healer tend to your hand." 

You shakily climbed upright, gripping the bannister with your good hand as if your life depended on it. The journey back to the elaborate cabin was fraught with peril for you, and you envied Ellaria's gauzy, simplistic garb every time your heavy skirts got caught on the various cleats and belaying pins. 

Ellaria opened the cabin door and ushered you into the darker environment, tutting between her teeth. "Lover, you should not be upright." She scolded.

The wounded man (now heavily bandaged), shot her a lazy smile from his place at a desk, quill resting on a half-used sheet of vellum. "I know, Ellaria. She tried her best to tell me so as well."

An older woman (the healer, judging from her no-nonsense expression) rolled her eyes and dusted off her hands, approaching you rapidly. You flinched back and she slowed, her gaze flicking to Ellaria in question.

"We encountered this sweet dove on the docks. It is her hand, Ael." Ellaria said quietly, taking your arm. "Come, sit. Ael will not harm you."

You were settled onto a soft cushion and the healer slid your hand into her own, her touch light and careful while she unwrapped your bruised fingers. "How?" She asked, her voice just as quiet as Ellaria's.

You squeezed your eyes shut against the memory, biting your lip. "It was an accident, I didn't mean...I upset him."

"Him?" The man asked, leaning forward and then grimacing in pain. "That man on the docks?"

"N-No, my master. I am...well, I suppose I was, a-a helpmate of sorts. Shield-maiden. I...helped him to don and doff his armor, and I," you hesitated, "well, did whatever was asked of me."

Ellaria made a noise in her throat. "So what crime did you commit, to earn such punishment that would render you useless for your primary task?"

"I...I broke two of his fingers." You extended your uninjured hand in a gesture to allay concern. "I did not mean to! It was an a-accident, he had a trial to prepare for today with a fearsome opponent. His mind was elsewhere, and when I went to slide his gauntlet on-"

"What was your master's name, little dove?" The man interrupted you, his expression thoughtful. 

"His name is Ser Gregor Clegane, my lord. An enormous man who has been dubbed The Mountain." 

"You mentioned a fearsome opponent. But with a master such as that, who was this fearsome opponent?" 

"A prince of Dorne, my lord, one of your own! Can you even imagine?" You sighed dreamily, vaguely aware that Ael was giving you an odd look. She probably thought you childish, still swooning over faceless royalty. "I was told that he was an immensely fierce and clever man, though not in such forgiving language." Then, forgetting your place, you muttered, "I hope that he roundly trounced Ser Clegane."

The man burst out laughing, but winced and held his jaw as Ael fixed him a stern glare. You were certain your confusion was quite bare on your face. "Apologies, I do not laugh at your misfortune, little dove. Rather, at the providence of it all." He explained, still chuckling. "You are to thank for his terrible temper and sloppy work at the trial, then?"

"Oh, you witnessed the duel? What happened?" You asked excitedly, rocking on your seat in anticipation. 

"Oberyn, stop teasing." Ellaria murmured, sounding almost like she was chiding him. 

Oberyn. 

Your heart leaped into your throat as the man tossed you a pained smirk, moving to the pile of cushions and blankets on the floor. "Y...You? You are-?" Your voice failed you.

"Prince Oberyn Martell, the Red Viper, a fierce and clever man among many other virtues?" He drawled, looking like the cat that ate the canary as he gingerly reclined on his soft throne. "None other than, sweet dove."

"They are so deliciously genuine, lover." Ellaria crooned to him while you felt your skin flush hot with embarrassment. "They had nothing but lovely things to say about your crew, and now this? Such courtesy."

"Truly?" Oberyn (Prince Oberyn! your mind shrieked in horror) asked, his tone bordering on surprised. "And all of that, without even knowing who you spoke to? Rare courtesy indeed." 

"I...I am so sorry if I've offended you, your highness." You whispered, "I know there is no excuse for my ignorance."

"Nonsense! I owe you a debt, it seems!" Oberyn replied cheerily. You dared to look up, finding him with a hand pressed to the side of his well-bandaged jaw. "Ser Gregor sought to crush my skull after I had run him through. Clearly, it is thanks to you that he could not maintain his grip and I escaped with this colorful bruising."

"So you killed him?" You asked, knowing full-well that the hope in your voice was unbecoming.

"If he is not dead yet, he will be soon." Oberyn seemed outrageously pleased with himself, though his eyes were strangely melancholy. "Justice has been served. I only wish that I could have stayed to witness him breathe his filthy last, but it seemed that the royal family had other plans regarding the outcome of the trial. I thought it better to take my leave before they decided to finish what Ser Gregor began."

You ducked your face into your elbow, trying to quickly hide your tears. Ellaria caught your chin though, her confusion evident. "Why do you weep, little dove?"

"P-Please forgive my loss of composure! I w-weep for myself, my lady." You hiccupped, the words spilling out of you. "I suffered much by the hand of that man. To know that Ser Clegane is in agony or already perished…it feels like a precious gift, yet I should take no joy in the knowledge. To luxuriate in his demise makes me no better than him."

"You are alive and he is not. Luxuriate in that, if you will not give yourself the satisfaction of indulging in vicarious revenge." Oberyn murmured, his tone troubled. "Did he shame you, little dove?" 

You raised your eyes to his and he must have seen the truth there, even though you said softly that you had heard of him doing far worse than what had ever been done to you. "I believe I was one of the luckier ones, your highness."

The prince cursed under his breath, rubbing his temples. "I will be overjoyed to be back in Dorne once again. King's Landing is fraught with madness. A wonder that it still fills me with fury! I am half-dead." He muttered. 

"Indeed you are, lover. You ought to be resting." Ellaria chastised him, her tone fondly concerned.

"Yes, my love. I am immensely weary. But council me before I slumber. What shall I do with this unforeseen ally?" The prince asked, waving a hand in your direction. "They spake so sweetly to me, and I could have been the lowest man in all of Dorne. Such honesty deserves reward."

"Not to mention that without their aid, your head would have been crushed." Ellaria pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "And I would not be able to do this."

"You graciously offered me passage, your highness. That is more than enough-" You began to protest, wincing when Ael tightly bound your fingers together once again. 

Oberyn dismissed your reasoning with naught but a slow flick of his wrist, yawning widely. "Ellaria, the weariness has ensnared me. Do with them what you wish, my love." He mumbled, sinking down into the nest of blankets. Ellaria studied you for a time as you sat silently, letting Ael tend to your hand. You didn't dare to meet her eyes, so frightened that she might view you as defiant. 

"I know you must be used to making yourself small, little dove." She finally spoke softly. "Take heart, the people of Dorne are not so cruel as those you have encountered." Ael had finished wrapping your fingers and Ellaria encircled your wrists, the other woman searching your eyes. "Men use such pretty terms to describe the anguish their counterparts inflict upon us. Shamed, as if you were a naughty child." She shook her head unhappily. "I would promise you your heart's desire, for it is because of you that my beloved still breathes. Anything you wish, you need only ask."

You stared at her dumbly, trying in vain to blink back the fresh tears that rose at her practical words. 

Ellaria tutted, her hand rising to smooth over your tangled hair in a maternal fashion while the tears spilled down your cheeks. "You are exhausted, little dove." She soothed, a gossamer sleeve catching your tears and patting your face dry. "Sleep now. I will ask you in the morning."

...

You woke to someone gently brushing your hair, the groan of timber and faint sounds of water all around you. Certain that you were dreaming, you hummed and shifted your weight, snuggling a little closer to the lap your head rested in.

"Dove, are you awake?" Ellaria. You nodded sleepily, trying to remember who that name belonged to. "I had hoped to be done before you woke." She sighed. "Try to stay still for me, sweet. I will be finished in a few moments." 

As you felt her begin to plait your hair, your mind slowly seemed to shake off the warm haze of sleep. The Mountain. Your hand. Prince Oberyn--

Gods, Prince Oberyn! You flinched, wide awake now. Ellaria patted the top of your head, obviously satisfied with her handiwork. "There! Beautiful." She said decisively. "You slept so soundly, my little dove! You needed the rest, I imagine."

"My lady…" Right back to where you had started, you nearly wept all over again. Your life had been devoid of tenderness for so long, cut off from any warmth or care. Now here was a small smattering, a ray of sunlight through the clouds, and you were utterly in a shambles. "I apologize for my turbulent emotions." You breathed. "I am at a loss."

"Hush, little dove." The woman murmured, a finger tucking beneath your chin to tilt your face up. "You are so pensive! I would see you smile. Breakfast, perhaps?"

You hesitated, your stomach knotting uncertainly. "I do not know if I will be able to, my lady. The ship...I am unused to its motion." 

Ellaria smiled at you, a genuine, soft smile that wrapped around your soul like a secret. "We shall eat above decks, my dove. Something light, to baby that green belly of yours."

Gods, was she teasing you? You had no idea what to think as she got to her feet and extended a hand to you. The light played across her golden skin when she helped you rise, even more of her body on display in today's garb. You felt like a drab sparrow beside a brilliant goldfinch, trying vainly to smooth the wrinkles out of your skirts as you followed behind her.

The sky was blue overhead, the sun just slightly above the horizon. It was still early, though normally you would be going to sleep at this hour.

Your shudder had nothing to do with the brisk sea wind.

"Beautiful, is it not?" Ellaria said gladly, tilting her head at you. Her brown eyes fairly danced with good humor, like she was sharing a joke. 

Your heart clenched in your chest and you swallowed roughly. When you agreed with her, you were unsure of whether you spoke of the sky or the woman beside you. 

After a light breakfast, Ellaria left you to your own devices. You continued to watch the sailors with awe, thankful that they all seemed perfectly content to ignore you.

It did not take long for the prince to grow bored in his confinement, his complaints growing louder and louder until he emerged onto the deck. Half-dressed, Ellaria following after him bearing a light golden wrapper, Oberyn stalked to the railing and stared moodily across the water at the other ship that had departed alongside his at King's Landing. 

"Had I not promised Cersei that I would bring that miserable pile of driftwood to her child, I would scuttle the whole affair." He muttered, stroking his facial hair. Ellaria attempted to drape the dressing gown around him, beckoning for you to come assist her. "Even after all the harm she's done, I will not cause undue grief to...ah, my dove!" The sight of you seemed to shake him from his doleful contemplation, and you couldn't help your flush when the prince idly brushed his fingers over your cheek after you had succeeded in helping Ellaria. "Have you decided what you might ask of me, little dove?" Inhaling a bracing gulp of air, you nodded. The prince inclined his head, tucking Ellaria into his side and then raising his eyebrows at you in silent query. 

"I ask...I-I ask two things of you, your highness." You winced when your voice squeaked nervously. "First, I humbly request that you hear me until the end. What I will ask...I know that it is laughable." The prince frowned, but nodded. "I was trained for much of my years in the manner of a soldier, as my mother bore my father no sons. That is how Gregor found me." You steeled yourself. "I would like to continue my tutelage and, once I have become a full-fledged warrior, I would ask to join your soldiers and fight under the flag of Martell."

"Why...Why would you ask for that?" Oberyn queried, his tone one of immense confusion. Ellaria looked bewildered as well.

"After everything that has...happened, to me, everything that has been done to me, I am no longer fit to marry." You explained, doing your best to be ginger with your speech. "Yet, I would serve the man who slew Gregor with my very life. All I can ask for is the chance."

The prince lifted his hand, laying it across the back of your neck and tugging you to lean close. He pressed his forehead to your own, his eyes searching yours. "Not a dove at all." He murmured finally. "A falcon. You will have your wish and one better, my falcon. I will not see you amongst the rank and file of soldiers in my brother's army. You shall train as a knight." His hand clapped your shoulder warmly. "A knight of House Martell. It will be difficult! But I know you would not expect ease after the life you have endured." He glanced at Ellaria. "What say you, my love?"

Ellaria's smile was soft and a bit sad. She cupped your face, touching her forehead to your own as well. "Elia would have loved the spirit of this one."

Elia Martell. You had heard the stories, of course, but the depth of the anguish you saw in Oberyn's gaze took your breath away. 

The prince nodded sorrowfully after a moment, kissing Ellaria's knuckles. "Aye, she would have. But she can rest easy now, my love, and that is all that matters."

…

"Again!" The battlemaster shouted, his hand extended to direct. "First form!"

You had flourished under the watchful eye of the head warriors of House Martell, training alongside several of Oberyn's own daughters. The strength you had built through your prior training with heavy plate and shield made you unexpectedly hardy, especially when clad in the much lighter leather and chain mail that the Dornish warriors wore. 

You were able to wield a pike on foot with relative ease, and Oberyn saw to it personally that you were granted a larger shield. "If you are to be drawing the enemy's attention, I would rather you are shielded…"

You assumed the first stance, your form wavering ever so slightly when Oberyn and Ellaria emerged from a nearby hallway to observe the training. 

The prince was well on the mend from his grisly ordeal with Gregor, only bearing a slight tenderness in his left elbow during poor weather. He was a truly lucky man. Ellaria was in good spirits this afternoon, her smile radiant as she waved to you. You bowed, panting a little from the exertion of your training. The battlemaster dismissed you with a grin, overused to such royal interruptions. 

Oberyn's younger daughters flung themselves at you in their typical fashion the second they were permitted, all of them piling onto you in an effort to take you to the ground. You struggled valiantly against the assault as Oberyn laughed, the man wading into the mass of bodies after a moment to pluck Loreza from your back. "Such violence from my beautiful children! You are your mother's daughters." He teased with a broad smile, rubbing his nose against Loreza's. 

Dorea danced around her mother, tugging at her hands. "May we go to the water gardens, mama?" She asked, pausing to meticulously straighten her petite bracers. Dorea took the training very seriously. 

Ellaria nodded, patting her on the head. "Alright my little snakes, rise from the sand and go play." She urged, "You have all done so well in your training today! I am very proud." Elia rolled her eyes, shaking her head when Obella and Dorea shrieked their delight. She was, of course, too old to let such maternal praise cloud her impressions of how her training had actually gone. 

You wished you didn't light up as bright as the children whenever the prince and his paramour praised them. You knew that it was foolish. 

"We are both impressed with your progress. It has only been five months and yet, you fight as if you were of Dorne yourself." Oberyn observed after his children had departed, his hand resting at the small of Ellaria's back. 

You went hot at the praise, bowing and stammering, "a-all due to your faith in me, your highness!"

"How many times must I insist that you simply call me Oberyn?" He asked, the grin he shot you making your knees weak. "After all, unwittingly or not, we conspired together as equals!"

"Do not tease her so, lover!" Ellaria chided him. "We had something to tell her, remember?"

"Apologies, my love." Oberyn cleared his throat, and his face grew incredibly serious. "My falcon, we come bearing wonderful news. My paramour is pregnant once again." He announced, "A new Sand Snake will be born in but six months time."

You gaped at him, then at Ellaria, who was beaming. "Oh, that is...good?" You half-questioned. True, the people of Dorne had radically different viewpoints from the rest of the world when it came to bastards, carnal acts and indeed, their sexuality in general. You were still adjusting to such broad views.

Ellaria nodded, thankfully not visibly offended by your hesitation. "In Dorne, children are a treasured blessing, not the death knell that so many seem to see them as." She rested her hands on the nearly imperceptible swell of her belly. "Oberyn wished to ask you to become my sworn knight, to defend me from such trials that pregnancy brings." Her eyes were dancing again; she was joking with you. 

You chuckled nervously, dusting the knees of your breeches off. "I fear I would do more harm than good in that department, my lady." Despite her insistence that she was but a bastard, you always referred to her as 'my lady', just as you always referred to Oberyn by archaic honorifics. 

"Are you greatly concerned with the skirmish I am sending you to, my falcon?" Oberyn asked bluntly. 

You shook your head. "Not at all, your highness. I have faith in my skill, as well as the competence of Prince Doran's military."

"I will be there as well, though only advising in my elder brother's stead." Oberyn sighed wistfully. "You must be twice as fierce on the battlefield, my falcon! Fill my place in the ranks."

"I must be at least six times as fierce if I were to try and match you, your highness!" You protested.

"The genuine nature of your flattery never ceases to raise my spirits, my falcon! Dorne will need your strength." The prince grinned sharply, "And your ferocity. I assume we can expect great things from you?" He extended his forearm and you clasped it, feeling the coil of muscle that lurked beneath the sleeve of his brocade robe.

"You may depend on me, Prince Oberyn." You replied firmly.

...

It was to be a simple pincer attack, your small battalion held in reserve to strike at the most opportune moment. Everything always seemed so straightforward when in the map room.

Now, in the muddy chaos of the battlefield, you planted your massive tower shield as a rallying point for the foot soldiers and warded off the attacks that poured around it like river water. Cavalry thundered past you into the fray, lances up and proud Martell trappings flapping in the breeze. You struck down Dorne's foes without mercy, attempting to do the absent Oberyn justice.

Until you caught sight of Elia, torn from her horse by a greatsword-wielding warrior. She hit the mud hard, barely rolling out of the way of the man's full swing. He landed a glancing blow on her shoulder and you heard her cry out.

You jerked your shield up out of the ground, terrified beyond measure that she would not hear your voice. You gathered your legs beneath you to brace for her weight and shouted, "Lady Elia!" Her eyes met yours for a split-second. "Ninth form!" With your shoulder and knee set into the back of your shield, you tilted the metal.

The smaller woman bolted up and onto your slanted shield, then wheeled and sprang off with her arm outstretched to grapple the warrior's neck. The man was floored by the blow, he and Elia tumbling to the ground. You thrust your spear through the offending wrist that still gripped his sword, your razor-sharp weapon piercing the weak point in his armor and pinning his hand to the ground as he screamed. 

"If any man dares to touch a Sand Snake, he shall lose his hand and his life." You seethed, raising and then crushing the edge of your shield down on his throat. Elia stared up at you, hurriedly accepting your hand when you offered it. "Are you badly injured, my lady?" You asked worriedly.

"Just winded." She jibed but winced afterwards, touching the blood blotting her armor at the shoulder. "Damn it, and perhaps my shoulder could use tending."

"Shall I escort you back to the stratagem, my lady?"

"So courteous! A true knight." She teased, laughing. "Of course, deliver me to the hands of my hen of a father, that he might chatter and squawk about how careless I was." She tossed her head haughtily. "Wonderful."

"I meant no disrespect, my lady." Elia had a rebellious streak that may have very well been the entirety of her body. Fiercely capable and cunning beyond measure, this would be a blow to her pride. But you could not very well permit her to venture on wounded and get herself killed in the bargain, so you herded her gently back towards the stratagem tents.

You were both soaked head to toe with the blood and sweat of battle, so Oberyn's gut-wrenching expression of terror upon catching sight of his daughter was to be expected. "Elia!" He cried, striding out of the tent. "Where is the wound? You would not retreat willingly, you are too stubborn."

"Hush, I am well. Your falcon saw to that." Elia retorted, gesturing at your massive shield. "She clove a man's head off with that simply for touching me."

"He did a sight more than touch you, my lady." You replied stiffly, "I merely retaliated."

Oberyn enfolded his daughter in his arms, squeezing her tightly as you stripped your helmet off. "Straight to Ael with you. You have done well." He praised her, "but this shoulder will need to be tended lest you lose feeling in your hand."

After Elia had departed, you dropped to one knee. "Forgive me, your highness. I was not fast enough to keep her from harm."

"Lightning itself is not fast enough to keep that one from being wherever she wants." Oberyn replied dryly, clapping your shoulder and urging you to stand. "You brought her to me, a task which I'm certain she did not make simple. You are…" he trailed off, staring at you. Since you had removed your helmet, you assumed you must have some mud on your face. Why else would he look at you as though he had never seen you before? Perhaps the sun was in his eyes, or maybe your hair was much more hopeless than usual.

You quickly scrubbed at your cheeks, but Oberyn remained silent. "Prince Oberyn?" You queried tentatively.

"You are capable." He managed to finish his thought after several more moments. His voice was strangely faint. "Thank you for returning her hale and whole to me."

"Are you well, your highness?"

"Quite well. Astonishingly so, given the circumstances."

...

You were knighted formally as Ser Shieldove of House Martell on the following new moon. Oberyn winked at you in playful insinuation when you and several other new knights knelt before his brother to be anointed with seven oils, nearly causing you to embarrass yourself by laughing. The younger prince had become markedly more flirtatious towards you after the skirmish, his teasing bold even for his standards. You had dismissed it though, certain that he was merely expressing his gratitude with some flattering attention directed your way.

At the feast that followed, Oberyn and Ellaria flanked you instead of taking up their usual position at the head of the table with Prince Doran. Ellaria in particular was nearly hanging off your arm as the both of them fed you from their own trenchers. His tender touch while he plied you with fruits and the brush of the pads of her fingers against your lips made your throat burn with an odd emotion that you dared not examine. The flavorful dolmas hit your tongue and turned to ash in the wake of Ellaria's beautiful smile and Oberyn's jests.

The prince was regaling anyone who would listen with the thrilling (and greatly exaggerated) tale of you and Elia in the skirmish. "-my daughter, Elia Sand, though wounded, fought valiantly against a warrior seven times her size. Ser Shieldove, thinking quickly as she always does-"

"That is a falsehood, your highness." You protested, making Oberyn and his audience laugh. "I was in a panic. I was so fearful I would not reach her in time."

"What is a skirmish if not an opportunity to embellish?" The prince teased. "As I was saying, Ser Shieldove utilized one of the many tactics she learned in her knightly training…" While Oberyn prattled on, you felt his hand rest idly on your leg. You barely kept from leaping out of your skin when he gripped down a little tighter, his fingers rubbing circles through the gossamer of your gown and the fabric of your hosiery.

"More wine?" Ellaria asked sweetly, refilling your goblet before you even had the chance to nod. 

"Thank you, my lady." You cocked your head to the side. "Are you well? I hope the babe does not grieve you."

Her lovely laughter, combined with the hypnotic press and drag of Oberyn's fingers, made you wish that you could stay where you were forever. "I have done this four times before, my falcon. Or should I say, Ser Shieldove?" She chuckled. "I am prepared for whatever discomfort this little one sees fit to inflict upon me."

You smiled at her, stating sincerely, "I am in awe of you, Lady Ellaria." 

"Of me? Whatever for?" She asked in surprise. 

"Your willingness to bear children. It is...I do not know if I would ever have the strength for such an endeavor." You admitted softly, leaning in a little. "Your joy is pure and rare, unlike anything I have ever witnessed. You are practically aglow. It makes my heart ache and sing all at once, to see you so happy."

Ellaria took your hands in her own, clasping them to her heart. "Ser Shieldove, your flattery has not lost its edge." She murmured, her eyes bright. "Though I know your duties may take you elsewhere, when you have a moment of respite, I...would be more than willing to have one of my midwives explain certain things to you. I understand that fear of the unknown keeps many in the darkness."

Your heart buckled in your chest, hope and terror at war with one another. "I know not whether I...that is, I am uncertain if I am able, Lady Ellaria." You replied in a hushed tone. 

Ellaria nodded, her expression saddened. "I know, sweet dove." After a moment, she rose to her feet. "Oberyn, lover, will you accompany Ser Shieldove and myself to the water gardens?" 

The prince immediately rose and you floundered to do the same, caught off-guard by the sudden request. "Of course, my love." Oberyn's tone was light, but you couldn't shake the notion that he had been waiting for her to say something.

His hand stayed on the small of her back the entire stroll to the gardens, and you found yourself envious of those fingers, envious of her skin. To know such gentle touch, to be able to touch so gently…

During the day the pools were alive with the sound of children of all ages, laughing and splashing about in the refreshing waters. But here and now, the only sounds were the wind stirring the water's surface and the low, inquisitive calls of the bullfrogs. Ellaria settled onto a bench, patting the stone beside her after a moment. You sank down in an unwieldy mass of delicate fabrics, longing for your armor. The dress was beautiful, but it drew so much attention.

"Speak to us, sweet dove." Ellaria implored, taking your hands in her own again. "We would know what troubles you in regards to these delicate matters, without fear of judgement or embarrassment." 

Oberyn cleared his throat, large hands framing Ellaria's shoulders. "The merrymaking of the evening cannot erase the furrow of contemplation from your brow, my falcon." 

You hesitated, staring down at Ellaria's hands wrapped around your own. Her fingers were slender, delicate. "I see the two of you, how tender you are with one another and I wonder if...I wonder whether I might ever find such companionship." You shrugged helplessly. "I am unskilled in these matters. Gregor was...the only one. I do not know if I could ever subject myself to...if I could ever…" You trailed off, biting your lip.

Oberyn muttered an oath under his breath and then quickly apologized, continuing on to say, "Brave, fierce falcon. You were dealt a terrible wound the day that monster stole you away. I had wondered why you did not accept the propositions offered to you by many of the other knights, but I merely assumed it was a difference of our cultures." 

You shook your head shyly. "No, your highness. I find their attentions flattering, yet frightening for this very reason." You were dealt a terrible wound. Oberyn regarding it as such, instead of simply as a normal occurrence for a woman to overcome, was strangely heartening. "Perhaps the wound lingers, festers beneath my skin. Perhaps I shall never be gentle again, and never know myself what such gentleness feels like." You thought aloud, voicing your worst fears. "Perhaps my life will be nothing but roughness and the whirling tumult of battle, my only chance thieved away from me."

"Oh, my sweet dove." Ellaria sounded distraught and you turned your attention to her, surprised when you saw her weeping. Her hands cupped your jaw, tugging you close enough to rest your forehead against her own. "You have such an immense capacity for love, daughter-defender. My heart breaks at the thought of you locking yourself away out of fear." 

"My lady…" Tears welled up in your own eyes and you tried to wipe them away hastily.

Oberyn shifted to the side, his arms wrapped loosely around both you and his paramour. "Do you watch us often, my dove?" He asked quietly. "Does it bring you peace to see how we exist together and with others, as easily as rising in the morning?"

Your throat ached with your tears. "The way that you touch her, your highness-"

"My body was designed solely for the pleasure of my lovers, sweet dove." Oberyn informed you, his deep brown eyes unbearably soft in the dim light of the lanterns. "It is a weapon on the battlefield, but never in the bedroom. Even if I come at my lovers with passion, there is not and should not be fear."

"I am a knight of House Martell, and yet I cringe at something so mundane!" You tried to jest, tried to smile.

"Many a warrior is thrown from a horse once and refuses to ever ride again." Oberyn pointed out, his hand absently stroking over your hair in a calming motion. "If an action has only ever caused you agony, you learn to avoid it." Ellaria tugged at Oberyn's sleeve, whispering in his ear when he bent lower. The prince smiled after a moment, nodding. "Of course. Whatever you like, my love." He agreed.

"Sweet dove, at some point in the future I would like to invite you to witness us in our bed chamber," said Ellaria, the words from her mouth damning and sweet as honey. "We are comfortable with an audience and multiple partners, as you are well aware. We would be more than happy to display the way certain acts ought to be performed." She laughed after a moment. "Truly, if I get much larger I may have no recourse but to ask for assistance when my cravings grow too raw!"

You swallowed, then inhaled raggedly. How long were you planning on languishing in this manner? Ignoring your desires out of fear and anxiety over what had transpired? Though Oberyn had assuaged your feelings of inadequacy, you no longer wanted to be the warrior thrown from your horse. You were a knight of House Martell, in soul and now in title. "I would be honored to witness such a thing, my lady." You croaked out, wincing and clearing your throat awkwardly. 

Oberyn's smile was a fond one, the man placing a kiss on his paramour's forehead. "Never fear, falcon. We shall not push you further than you can go."

…

Some weeks later, the battlemaster woke you out of a sound sleep, his tone one of long suffering. "Prince Oberyn seeks your council, Ser Shieldove. He bade you wear your armor, but bring no weapons."

Your mind whirled. Had something happened? Gods, Ellaria-

You weren't certain if you had ever donned your armor faster. It was scarcely ten minutes before you were striding through the airy halls, your tunic rustling beneath your light armor and mail. No weapons, he had said. What manner of exercise could this possibly be?

The prince flung open the doors of his chambers when you approached, his expression tight yet grateful. "I apologize for rousing you at such a late hour, my falcon." 

You dropped to a knee in typical salute. "What has transpired, Prince Oberyn?"

"Ellaria believed that tonight would be a good night for you to...witness. That being said, she wished for your assistance." The man said delicately. "My love is--ah, how to say this without being crass. She is swollen with child, and yet she craves a certain position." Oberyn raised his eyes to your own. "She reasoned that your strength would be sufficient to keep her balance while she indulges."

Your mouth went dry. "M-My strength?" You stammered. He nodded, studying you intently. His heavy gaze alone had you smoldering, had you nodding without thinking twice. He gestured you onwards into their private chambers, closing the doors after you.

Ellaria, her form barely concealed by the thin curtains of their bed, called your name so sweetly. Like a sinner to judgement you crept close, eyes averted from her nudity. "My dove, there is no shame here." She crooned, one finger beneath your chin urging your attentions to her body. Her kiss to your forehead was gentle, her heavy breasts pressed against your armor with her closeness. 

"Lady Ellaria." you breathed, wanting more than anything to greedily embrace her in your arms, shield her from the world. No one deserved to even look at her, no one--

Except Oberyn, of course. The prince was leaning easily against one of the banisters, one ankle tucked over the other while he observed his paramour with a blissful expression. Only Oberyn. Your heart ached, full enough to burst with your unspoken affection for the prince and his beloved. 

"The prince said you requested my presence, my lady?"

"I want you to see us, my dove." Ellaria said simply. "I may require your assistance, but until then…" She beckoned Oberyn closer and did not finish her sentence. 

The prince cupped her face and kissed her passionately, his smile curved against her lips. Once he was done, however, he turned to you. The bristle of his mustache met your forehead, grazing the skin teasingly before he kissed it. "A kiss from a prince. Let us hope you do not turn into a frog!" He said with a grin.

Ellaria's fingers kneaded at his light dressing gown, spurring him to peel and discard the garment. "Come, Ser Shieldove. Sit on the side of the bed and watch us." She implored.

"Are you certain, my lady?" You asked, hesitation plain in your voice even as your fingers twined greedily into their rich bedspread. "It is not...distracting that I am here?"

"Far from it." Oberyn grunted, chucking you under the chin. "It is a rare treat, to have my devastating falcon in the same bed as my lovely paramour. I will not involve you beyond function, of course, not without your consent. You are the audience tonight, and Ellaria wishes to show you the tender acts I inflict upon her."

You did not trust your voice to reply. You knew logically that there was no possibility of Oberyn causing her harm. You watched his hands, the shift of the candlelight shadows playing across the olive skin. Oberyn was languid in nearly every aspect of his life aside from training and battle, so it was no great shock that he was slow in his approach as well. 

He trailed a single finger down between Ellaria's bare breasts, over the swell of her stomach. Your hands fisted tight enough to ache in the bedspread when Ellaria crooned to him, the sunset-hued fabric wrinkling in your grasp. You were entranced, enthralled as surely as if you had been under some spell. 

"Lover, please…" Ellaria begged, and oh! Her voice was the sweetest music, a wine heady and luxuriant. How did Oberyn resist her? How did he temper his longing, when all you wanted to do upon hearing her ask once was fall to pieces?

"She knows I will satisfy her." Oberyn said softly, as though he had read your thoughts. He lowered his mouth to her breast and her fingers found his hair, cradling him close. His hand wandered lower and lower, seeking out the wetness that had built between her thighs. 

Your gorget threatened to choke you when you swallowed convulsively at Ellaria's trembling sob of pleasure, the prince shooting you a smirk from his prime seating.

"I think our falcon has taken a shine to your mewling, my love." He informed Ellaria quietly. His hand spread her wide, fingers lewdly displaying her plush entrance slick and pink, delicious--you caught yourself leaning in and quickly jerked upright. 

Ellaria noticed your interest, if her moan was any indicator. One hand left Oberyn's hair and reached out over the blankets to you, fingers extended as far as they could go. She fell just shy inches from your arm, blindly fumbling. 

Oberyn carefully scooped her hand back up, kissing her knuckles. "We do not touch her, my love." He reminded her. "Until you need her help to take me, and even then. Our falcon, our dove, she is a warrior, not a plaything." He glanced over at you, his expression mischievous. "It is enough that she wishes to touch you already, my love." His fingers plunged into her cunt and gods, she was wet enough to hear. 

Your thighs clenched and you felt shameful, like an intruder, but Oberyn hummed as if to draw your averted gaze to where his fingers plundered her slick folds. 

"She is much more sensitive when she is bearing." He sounded a little breathless, his dark eyes nearly black in the dimmed lighting. "I can wring two or three from her with ease, just my fingers. No pain."

"Two or three?" You echoed him in doubt, your voice rasping in your throat when Ellaria's back arched off the bed. She cried out and Oberyn moaned with her, his own enthusiasm evident in the way he claimed her mouth with his. She was beautiful, skin flushed and damp with sweat, and he was so gentle with her.

"I need you now, lover. I cannot wait, please, please-" Ellaria implored against his lips, and the tender way he soothed her hair back from her forehead made your chest ache. "I have missed you beneath me, my sweet Oberyn."

"And I have missed you, my divine Ellaria." Oberyn helped her kneel, then gestured you closer. "If you wrap your arms around her midsection--"

"Is that safe?" You interrupted warily, concern destroying your propriety. Oberyn just chuckled, rolling off of the bed to divest himself of his pants. You fought the urge to bury your face in Ellaria's neck out of embarrassment.

"Sweet dove," Ellaria's hand cupped your burning cheek. "If this is not to your liking…"

"Of course it--I mean, if-if I...what if I do something wrong? What if I hurt you?" You mumbled. "Men act as though we are unreasonably delicate for expecting an ounce of caution, yet we endure so much at their whim."

Ellaria interlaced her fingers with your own, bringing your palms to her defined hips. "I will not break, my gentle dove." She stated, a defiant toss of her head serving to drive her words home. She was the devoted paramour of Prince Oberyn, after all! Already mother to four of his children, soon to be five. 

Oberyn knelt on the bed and you couldn't help the way your eyes devoured him. His hair tousled, mouth still red from hungry kisses, lean body on full display. The member that hung between his legs had your breath hitching with a mixture of vague apprehension and arousal, how-

You tore your eyes away, tucking your nose in the thick waves of Ellaria's hair as your thighs flexed yet again. She smelled of comfort, of citrus and the spiced strongwine from their evening meal. Ellaria sighed, relaxing her weight back into your arms. "You are so warm, sweet dove."

Oberyn's hand stroked your cheek and you were unable to conceal your flinch. "Do not fear me, gentle dove. I would never harm in the bedroom; here, I am no longer the Red Viper." His tone was grave, and you saw sorrow in his eyes when you dared to look up. "I am simply a man hopelessly in love." His hands covered your own, tightening your grip on Ellaria's hips. "Now, help my paramour to rend me as she sees fit."

You did as you were asked, feeling the anticipatory tremor that ran through Ellaria's body. She wanted him. She yearned for him, canting her hips as far as she could to draw him close. But Oberyn was thorough, coaxing her thighs apart inch by inch and laving her hot skin with thousands upon thousands of adoring kisses. She was on the verge of collapse before he even deigned to lay down beneath her, and now you understood your place in their endeavor. 

She sank down onto his cock without hesitation, a breathless whine of delight leaving her lips while her head lolled back against your shoulder. Oberyn's cry in response was low, wanting, the prince's chest heaving as he thrust up into her. "Ellaria, you beautiful fucking woman." He seethed through his teeth, "Help her take me, my falcon, hold her steady while she tears me apart."

"Oberyn!" Ellaria sobbed, clinging to your arms while he urged her hips forward and back to ride his cock.

"If she wishes for another child, she entices me by laying on her stomach and beckoning me near." Oberyn informed you lazily between arching his hips up to meet his paramour. "When she does I am but her willing stud horse, lost to breed. Her hips fit perfectly in my hands and she begs me so sweetly for another babe, another little one to bring to her breast and nourish. My Ellaria, my beautiful, precious Ellaria." 

Oberyn reached up, his eyes so warm and fond as he cradled Ellaria's face in his large palms. You buried your face in Ellaria's hair again, not wanting either of them to notice the tears threatening to spill over. 

Ellaria nuzzled against his fingers, coaxing a ragged groan out of Oberyn. "Lover, you always know what to do to make my body sing for you." She breathed, planting her hands on his chest and circling her hips. Oberyn swore and gritted his teeth, his head falling back against the pillows. "But I would much rather you sing for me instead."

The prince's voice broke wordlessly in his throat, the noise sharp with longing. Your eyes widened and your whole body tensed at the sound, warmth coating the worn trews between your legs. What…? You had never experienced such a rapid reaction, and all it had been was a simple groan! Your grip on Ellaria tightened unconsciously and she moaned your name, her body pushing back against your armored chest as she rose up onto her knees. 

Oberyn fairly growled at her, one hand clutching at her thigh while the other delved between her legs. She cried out and you could feel her body spasm when he found her center, hips undulating hard to grind herself against his palm. "Come for me, my love, drench me." Oberyn encouraged softly. "Tear my seed from my body, milk me with that divine cunt of yours."

His heated words made you feel like your heart would beat out of your chest. Ellaria tilted her face into your neck, her panting, breathy cries whispering over your skin and making you wish more than anything that you were the one causing them-

She went taut in your hold and you watched Oberyn watch her come with the same blissful expression on his face that he had sported earlier. It was as if his own release was an afterthought, the prince humming to echo Ellaria's incoherent whimpering while he shifted his hips restlessly beneath her. "Keep gripping me, my love, keep-" Oberyn bucked up hard, hands covering your own on her hips to keep her still when he buried himself in her again. His shoulders tensed, thighs trembling as he came with a shuddering gasp of her name. 

Gods, you wished it was your name he spoke with such passion!

Ellaria nearly collapsed, your arms around her the only thing keeping her upright. "I have you." You breathed, cradling her back against your chest. "I have you."

The other woman blinked up at you sleepily, one shaking hand raising to stroke over your hair. "Thank you, Ser Shieldove." She whispered. Oberyn clapped her thigh, carefully tilting her hips and closing her legs once he slipped out from beneath her. 

"Steady, I need to fetch a cloth." He instructed you, nearly staggering when he rose from the bed. "Gods, Ellaria, you will make me swoon one of these days." Oberyn continued, half-laughing and shaking his head. He wrapped his light robe back around his body, looping the belt once and then abandoning it.

You hid your face at the sight of him stretching languidly, his lithe and golden form barely covered by the haphazardly-tied dressing gown. "You can look at him, you know." Ellaria sighed in your ear, sending a shiver down your spine. "He loves being observed. He preens." She confided, chuckling softly. 

"What are you telling her, my love?" Oberyn called from the washbasin, shooting her a suspicious glance.

"Nothing, lover." Ellaria winked up at you, relaxing into your arms a bit more. "Nothing at all."

"Now, my falcon. Is it your turn?" Oberyn asked conversationally while he tenderly bathed Ellaria's intimate area. The other woman hadn't stopped squirming, trembling beneath his careful ministrations even as she clung to you. 

Panic seized your body at the idea of being naked, being vulnerable, exposed, and despite the hard work the both of them had done, you found yourself shaking your head violently. 

Oberyn simply laughed, dismissing his own words as a jest and easily soothing your terror. 

...

When you returned to your quarters later that evening, you could not remove your armor fast enough. Clad in only your underthings, you slumped into the chair beside your bed and put your head in your hands. 

I can wring two or three from her with ease, just my fingers. No pain.

Ellaria's wanton cries rang softly in your ears. The way she had sought him out with her body, sought to be cherished, claimed-

You are so warm, sweet dove.

You flushed hot, rubbing frantically at your eyes. Gods, the way the two of them praised each other, praised you...it hurt, it made your body throb. You bit back a sound of pain, your eyes watering. To be loved by someone, to have their love in return...well, that is what all the songs and stories of man were about! 

Yet here you sat on the outskirts of a camp you dared not approach, gazing at the raging bonfire of someone else's affection. 

And you envied, with a ferocity that made your jaw ache from how tight you clenched it.

Envied Oberyn, for being a prince, being free to do as he wished, being able to trace secret patterns over Ellaria's skin as often as he pleased. Envied Ellaria, for being brave, being so effortlessly sensual, being able to bring Oberyn to heights of ecstasy that you could not even dream of.

You felt like a child that had been happily playing pretend, only to have a bucket of cold water thrown on you.

Your fingers dug into your thighs, rubbing over the scarring there. No, you would never know, would you? You would never know the true depth of another's love. You were not destined for such things, and you had been foolish to grasp for them in the first place.

You had been greedy, overeager to voyeur on the prince and his paramour due to your deep admiration of and attraction to the couple. This was hardly behavior befitting a knight of House Martell! You would have to do better in the future, instead of taking advantage of the generosity extended to you in good faith. All Ellaria and Oberyn had wanted to do was help you, and you had turned it into some lewd fantasy. 

You shook your head at your own thoughts, thoroughly disgusted. You would tear down everything good that you ever had, just to delude yourself into believing you could be bedded by a prince of Dorne and his beautiful lady.

Part Two

[tiramisiyu]

【未定事件簿】 Tears of Themis: “Romantic Rail Getaway” Lu Jinghe Route, Day 1

Translation Masterlist | Event Masterlist

Lu Jinghe Route: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5

Videos, where applicable, are hyperlinked on the headings in the post.

See under cut!

Part 1: The Rainforest’s Invitation

Circulating Trip Train Start Station

I’ve heard of something along these lines before – Tambuyani’s trip train is a thread that links together pearls.

Only with the guidance of this thread can you experience this country’s charm.

Lu Jinghe: I looked at the train route. The first station is located at Xiangya City.

Lu Jinghe: How about we wander around Xiangya City’s resort area in a moment? We shouldn’t tire ourselves out on the first day too much – might as well save some strength and have our fun slowly later.

MC: Mhmm, I saw that on the guide, it said that the resort has a massive local customs experience workshop. Do you want to experience wood carving?

Lu Jinghe: If you want to go, then I’ll accompany you.

We excitedly discussed our upcoming ride plans.

In front of the trip train’s station, other visitors were just like us, looking forward to the fantastical trip that was soon to start.

About this trip – it had started with Lu Jinghe.

--

[Flashback]

Lu Jinghe: Hey, jiejie, you’re taking a long break these days, right? Got any trip plans?

MC: Hmm… I haven’t thought about it for now. Let me sleep in first a few times, then I’ll figure it out!

Lu Jinghe: After you’ve slept enough, want to consider participating with me on the Tambuyani circulating trip train journey?

Lu Jinghe: A premium luxury high-end self-directed travel, and Pax’s CEO will personally design the trip route for you.

MC: Tambuyani? Why’d you suddenly want to go there?

This name, which I’d only seen in geography books, left me filled with surprise.

Tambuyani was a little tropical country located near the equator. Though its sceneries were magnificent, their economy was undeveloped.

No matter how you thought about it, a place as remote as this wouldn’t be Lu Jinghe’s first choice.

Lu Jinghe: For work. Pax invested in a rainforest over there and opened up an event. I’m planning to go there myself to see.

Lu Jinghe: On the way… I can take you to have fun for a few days and relieve boredom.

MC: So that’s how it was – then I’ll think about it…

Lu Jinghe: Stop considering it – might as well hurry and pack your suitcase. I’ll pick you up tomorrow to go to the airport. Hanging up now.

[Flashback end]

--

Lu Jinghe moved rapidly. On the second day, we boarded the private plain headed towards Tambuyani.

We were sent straight to the start station of the circulating trip train when we got off the plane – he’d arranged for everything neatly and tidily.

Precisely as he said, this was a trip that could let one relax, as well as look forward to greatly.

MC: Right, you said on the phone with me before… you came here for a rainforest project?

Lu Jinghe: Mhmm, Pax is preparing to build a nature reserve at Imana Rainforest and analyze the “parrot-tail fairy flower” project in the meantime.

MC: Parrot-tail fairy flower?

Lu Jinghe: When our people came to the rainforest to discuss the reserve project, they noticed a kind of rare plant with medicinal value, by chance.

MC: Hmm… it sounds like those legendary medicinal herbs that can cure illnesses and save lives?

Lu Jinghe: It might be, though I’m not too clear on the exact situation.

Lu Jinghe: When we get to Xiangya City in a moment, the person in charge of this project will pick us up. When time comes, you can ask him in detail.

MC: … There are Pax’s people in Xiangya City too?

Lu Jinghe: He came to Xiangya City on business today, so I called him over to chat. It’s perfect for getting an understanding of the project’s development – this is called “preparedness averts peril”.

The corners of Lu Jinghe’s mouth pulled up, his eyes full of smiles.

Lu Jinghe: Alright, let’s talk about this later. Let’s think first about how we’ll enjoy a happy lunchtime on the train.

Lu Jinghe: In the train’s dining room, there are Tambuyani’s characteristic culinary delicacies, and decent-tasting Western meals that you can help yourself to. What do you want to eat?

MC: Hmm…

Since we’re here, logically, we should try the delicacies of this place.

But I remembered, when I was looking up the guides, I saw those “characteristic delicacies”.

Stuff like roasted ants, stuffed cicada pupae, roasted scorpions… what if later, the stuff in the food platter brought over by the server was…

Should I challenge myself?

>Self-serve Western meal >This place’s characteristic delicacies

MC: I’ll go with the self-serve Western meal.

Lu Jinghe: Sure, I’ll go book a sumptuous self-serve feast, and we’ll be able to eat it after we get on the train.

Lu Jinghe: Although… you sure you don’t want to try Tambuyani’s characteristic delicacies?

Lu Jinghe: I’ve heard that there’s a kind of black bean orange rice that tastes delicious – it’s one of the visitors’ must-try Top Ten Characteristic Delicacies.

MC: I do want to try… but what if I run into some particularly weird ingredients… that would be tragic…

Lu Jinghe: Makes sense. We can take it slow and check out the tables of the guests who’ve ordered those delicacies.

Lu Jinghe: If there’s anything you want to eat, there’s still time to order them next time.

MC: Okay, so it’s decided!

 >Self-serve Western meal >This place’s characteristic delicacies

MC: Whew, I’ve thought it through! I’m going to eat Tambuyani’s characteristic delicacies!

MC: The guides online say that the black bean orange rice on the train is one of a kind. Those who’ve eaten it all say it’s good.

MC: Want to order one serving with me?

Lu Jinghe: I’ll lowkey let you in on a secret. Actually… I had just wanted to recommend the black bean orange rice to you; didn’t think you’d bring it up first.

Lu Jinghe: Sure enough, the two of us have tacit understanding!

Lu Jinghe smiled, his expression looking “quite proud”.

I was unable to resist teasing him once.

MC: Have you really decided? If it doesn’t taste good, then you won’t be able to regret it.

Lu Jinghe: Have some trust in yourself – believe that our choice will definitely be right!

Lu Jinghe smiled, his eyebrows curving. Looking at his eyes, it seemed like I could smell the sweet scent of the orange rice.

MC: I already can’t wait to try it.

--

“Toot…” accompanying the sound the whistle’s long toot, the circulating trip train entered the station gradually.

Lu Jinghe stood up, dragging his and my two large suitcases, and winked at me.

Lu Jinghe: Let’s go – our rainforest trip is about to start.

MC: Mhmm, coming!

 Part 2: Vacation Entertainment Area – “First Time Hearing about the Rainforest Project”

After the circulating trip train arrived at Xiangya City, I followed Lu Jinghe to tour around Xiangya City’s vacation resort area.

We’d just arrived near the vacation entertainment area when we saw a young person far from us, wearing traditional Tambuyani clothing, waving at us.

???: Hello, CEO Lu and Lawyer MC. You two finally came as expected. Was the trip here smooth?

The young man greeted us very warmly.

???: I’m called Akka, the person in charge of the rainforest project. Welcome to Tambuyani.

MC: Hello.

Lu Jinghe: Akka is the rainforest expert that Pax specially hired. He knows about everything in the rainforest the best.

Lu Jinghe: Weren’t you just talking about how you wanted to know about the rainforest project? You can straight-up ask him.

Akka: CEO Lu, you’re being too courteous. It’s all thanks to the support of Pax that I have the opportunity to take charge over this project that I’ve thought so long over.

Akka: Feel free to ask whatever questions you have. I’ll definitely do my very best to answer them in detail.

--

[INTERROGATION START]

Rainforest Project

MC: Could you tell me what the “Rainforest Project” is?

Akka: It’s like this. The Pax Group and the related departments of Tambuyani’s government reached an agreement to build a rainforest nature reserve.

Akka: The main goal is to develop the rainforest economy, as well as to search for and protect rare rainforest plants.

Akka: The construction plans of the whole reserve was named the “Rainforest Project” by us.

Parrot-tail Fairy Flower

MC: Hm… what’s the “parrot-tail fairy flower” project? Does it have to do with the “Rainforest Project”?

Akka: The parrot-tail fairy flower was a rare plant we noticed by accident.

Akka: In its rhizome, there is a special sort of alkaloid in it that has significant curative effects to many kinds of severe diseases. It’s got very high medicinal value.

Akka: It was just that, due to ecological damage in the rainforest a few years ago with factors like the exacerbation of resource plundering, we thought before that this species of flower had already gone extinct.

Akka: Everyone is very happy about the discovery of the continued existence of the parrot-tail fairy flower.

Akka: I truly hope that we can get a grasp on its properties early on, so we can advance in science-based planting and protection of these.

MC: I really want to see a parrot-tail fairy flower myself.

Lu Jinghe: You can. I’ll take you to see them in a few days.

Reserve Plan

MC: What plan have you prepared for your reserve? Could you let me in on it?

Akka: As of now, there are two large chunks of the plan – the ecological entertainment area and the biological reserve.

Akka: The main hit of the ecological entertainment area is the environmental protection tour, which has attracted more visitors to experience the charm of our Tambuyani rainforest.

Akka: On the biological reserve side, we’re protecting the rare plants in the rainforest. We’ve developed a limited-time sightseeing tour to increase everyone’s protective concern towards the environment.

Akka: Although, these are still in the planning stage. In upcoming days, we might adjust the plan at any given time.

MC: Still, it really does make me excited, listening to it.

MC: After it’s built, I feel like this place will become a trip hotspot.

 Rainforest Economy

MC: When you’re talking about the rainforest’s economy, you mean…?

Akka: We’re mainly developing the rainforest trip project and investing in the rainforest economy.

Akka: Only when the economy has developed will the local residents have the energy to work with us and finish the upcoming collaborative plan.

MC: (Feels like Pax is doing a big project here in Tambuyani.)

INTERROGATION COMPLETE

Lu Jinghe: Alright, let’s end this simple intro here. Shouldn’t we start touring around?

True… I’d gotten too absorbed in the conversation and almost forgot that the trip was the ultimate goal.

MC: Mhmm, let’s go! Let’s sign in at the vacation entertainment area.

Lu Jinghe: Exactly. The trip is what’s important!

 Part 3:  Vacation Relaxation Area

[Gameplay]

Part 4: Indigenous Arts Area – “Pleasures of the Resort”

Leisure Recreational Beach

Under Akka’s company, Lu Jinghe and I followed Xiangya City’s commerce main road, idly strolling near the leisure beach.

The warm sunlight paired with the sounds of the waves, making me absentmindedly think that I was vacationing at a seaside city.

MC: I didn’t think that Xiangya City had such a pretty beach.

Akka: This artificial beach is a specifically-built attraction by the trip planning department, to guide visitor flow.

Akka: A little farther down is Xiangya City’s most well-known vacation resort. As it’s your first times coming to Tambuyani, I recommend that you two must go check it out.

Akka gave us a warm introduction to the popular attractions in Xiangya City, looking just like a tour guide.

--

INTERROGATION START

Popular Attractions

MC: Akka, how about you recommend some of the popular attractions in the vacation resort for us?

Akka: I personally would recommend the two of you see the rainforest ecology park, and the indigenous art museum.

Akka: I feel like… these two places embody natural style and cultural environment of Tambuyani the best.

Rainforest Ecology Park

MC: If we go to the rainforest ecology park, we’ll probably experience the charm of the rainforest in advance, right?

Akka: Yes, the entire rainforest ecology park is designed to reproduce Tambuyani’s most famous Imana Rainforest.

Akka: Over two hundred types of rainforest plans are planted in the ecology park, and we also have explanatory guidepeople to expound on the characteristics of the rainforest plants.

Akka: I feel like this is a great opportunity for visitors to learn about the rainforest.

MC: Mhmm, we’ll go see the ecology park in a moment.

MC: I already can’t wait to experience the atmosphere of the rainforest.

Indigenous Art Museum

MC: The indigenous art museum… is it a place to display the artwork of the indigenous people?

Akka: Yes, this art museum was recently just completed and opened to the public.

Akka: There are lots of modern handmade artworks made by the indigenous people, as well as some ancient art relics dug up by archaeologists.

Akka: Trust me, you’ll definitely feel like it was worth it if you go see!

MC: (Art-related things… Lu Jinghe probably is very interested.)

MC: How about we go check out the art museum in a while?

Lu Jinghe: I was thinking this too. Sure enough, we’ve got tacit understanding.

 Rainforest Delicacies

MC: I remember that… the online guides say that there’s a rainforest delicacy street in the resort area!

MC: Are there any special delicacies you can recommend?

Akka: Haha, there are lots of delicious delicacies in the resort. As for special ones… hmm…

Akka: I’d recommend the two of you try the palmito salad and black bean coconut milk fried shrimp.

Palmito Salad

MC: Palmito salad?

Akka: Yes, it uses the tree core of a special palm tree, which gets grouped with olive oil and fresh fish to make a salad.

Akka: This kind of palmito tastes sweet and refreshing, is rich in nutrition, and it has diet therapy uses.

Akka: I guarantee that you two will praise it to high heavens after eating it.

MC: Sounds pretty good. Lu Jinghe, how about we try it later?

Lu Jinghe: Sure, it’s noted on our delicacy checklist.

 Black Bean Coconut Milk Fried Shrimp

MC: Black bean coconut milk fried shrimp? Hmm… the sound of it kind of feels like dark cuisine.

Akka: It’s not dark at all! The fragrant black beans, sweet coconut milk, and the fresh, sweet shrimp are a perfect combination!

Akka: It’s covered in breadcrumbs and fried until golden – it’ll definitely shock your tastebuds.

MC: (Why does it sound like he’s reciting it off an advertisement? Could this be a delicacy Akka likes?)

MC: Sure, I’ll try it when I get the chance.

INTERROGATION END

--

Akka patiently introduced us to the various vacation events in the resort area. The hype I was feeling was already at its highest level.

MC: It feels like there are lots of places in the resort area.

Lu Jinghe: Mhmm, we’ve got an entire day’s worth of time, and we can check them out slowly.

Just as we were chatting, Akka’s phone suddenly vibrated.

He turned around and picked up a call. A few minutes later, he hung up, looking at an utter loss as he faced us.

Akka: CEO Lu, Lawyer MC, my apologies. I’ve got some things to deal with and I’ve got to return to the research lab…

Lu Jinghe: No worries, go ahead.

MC: Thanks for introducing us to so much stuff. We’ll check everything out ourselves for the next while.

Akka: Right, this is our Tambuyani travel map, and the popular attractions have been indicated on it.

Akka: If the two of you are interested, you might as well reference the travel route on the map.

MC: This map is really useful, thank you.

Akka: No problem. Then, I hope that you have fun at Tambuyani. Goodbye.

 Part 5: Rainforest Delicacies Area

[Gameplay]

 Part 6: Rainforest Ecology Park

[Gameplay]

 Part 7: Lively Intent

Xiangya Resort Area

After bidding farewell to the person in charge of the project, Lu Jinghe and I went to wander at the resort area.

We walked as we viewed the resort area’s rainforest ecology park, experiencing the charm of the rainforest in advance.

MC: The real forest must be even more beautiful.

Lu Jinghe: Mhmm, Imana Rainforest is known as the Green Pearl of Tambuyani, the most beautiful location in Tambuyani.

Lu Jinghe: In two days, we’ll be able to witness its charm ourselves.

MC: There’s a question I’ve wanted to ask the whole time… is Pax SciTech’s collaboration with Tambuyani for the rainforest reserve very important?

Lu Jinghe: Huh, why do you ask?

MC: You’re pretty busy usually. If it’s not important, you wouldn’t come out to inspect this yourself.

Lu Jinghe: Projects like this don’t need me to head out personally to begin with, but, well…

MC: (So, you simply just wanted to come out with me and have fun?)

Lu Jinghe: I took you out to have fun to have some more days off.

Guessed right – not even the slightest bit off.

MC: Oh you… watch out, you’ll probably be scolded again by your Board of Directors members again after getting back.

Lu Jinghe: Jiejie, are you worrying about me?

Lu Jinghe’s voice was full of joy, hints of mischief showing through his eyes that were full of smiles.

Based on what I understood of him, he was waiting for me to deny it to seize the opportunity and tease me.

Hmph, I’m not letting him lead me by my nose!

MC: Yeah, I’m “worried” that that group of old people will give you a good spank when you get back.

MC: When time comes, don’t come jumping into my arms, crying.

Lu Jinghe: Ah?!

Lu Jinghe widened his eyes and opened his mouth, wanting to speak, yet speechless.

After freezing for two to three seconds, he tactically coughed twice, clearing his throat.

Lu Jinghe: Uh… tomorrow, we’re going to check in at the Mangrove Forest Park. How about we head back to the train earlier and rest?

It truly was rare to force Lu Jinghe into surrender. If there was time, I really wanted to see this for a few more minutes.

But he was right – it really wasn’t that early anymore.

Thinking about the itinerary tomorrow, I decided to let him go for now.

MC: Sure, I’ll listen to you. Let’s head back.

Hearing me say this, Lu Jinghe released a very conspicuous sigh, displaying the lively smile that was just like in the past.

[ikemenfics]

The Kiss That Begins with C

Word Count: 1983

Happy valentine’s: The finale of our crazy crack comes to an end!  

“They went aft th' Uesugi Takeda alliance, too?”  The white haired man leaned back, looking all but flabbergasted hearing the recent events regarding the Oda and Takeda incidents.  “They mad?  That’s madness.”

The messenger nodded, agreeing with the pirate warlord, “There were no casualties though.  That’s the strangest part…”  They sat, contemplating their sake as they spoke.  

“So ye're tellin' me that a lone figure broke into th' Oda 'n Uesugi castles.  Nah only that, they went aft th' warrior monk, too.  Hmm..."  an idea spawned into Motonari’s head.  If he could get ahold of the geniuses that broke into the castles AND got to the warrior monk, that could spell complete chaos on all sides.  Motonari’s face broke into a grin at the thought, dismissing his subordinate.  

"Now all that's needed be gettin' th' apparent trespassers t' come t' me."

Elsewhere, around a table sat figures playing cards.  One perked his head up, gave a nod, then excused himself from the game.  Another figure reached to peek at his cards but found his hand smacked away before he could eye the hand.

Motonari had wandered into the woods.  His intention was to question Kennyo himself, as an “ally”, about the recent drama.  After all, Kennyo had also failed to take the town he had planned to raid.  There was definitely suspicious intelligence at work and if it was against Oda, Takeda/Uesugi, and Kennyo...they were people he definitely wanted to see.

His vision warped and he nearly fell over as his mind tried to reorient itself.  A point pierced reality, slicing cleanly downward.  A figure in white stepped from the tear in the world, giving a bow of flourish.

“Pardon me,” the man said, raising from his bow, “My name is Edgar and I have been commanded to bring you this.”  A small bag appeared in the man’s hand and was tossed towards the pirate warlord.  “You are to use this to bring joy-”

[Now’s me chance] Motonari didn’t let Edgar finish.  He charged towards the man, hitting him near his midsection, knocking him off balance.  The two tumbled into the tear in reality, Motonari already standing to dash away into the realm behind the tear.  Edgar stood and considered giving chase. “It seems, I must notify the king of my failure.”

Figures at the table started placing their cards down. “Straight.”

“Gay!”

“I got nothing.”

“Pair...10’s.” “Two pair, queens and aces.” “Go fish.” “Wrong game, but good try.” “What did Edgar have, though…” another hand reached for his cards.  “Royal Flush..ace high.  How?!” Before the conversation around the table could continue, a figure burst into the room, rushing past the players without a word.  Several pairs of confused eyes followed him as he left, Edgar close behind. “My king…” Edgar panted, “we have a breach.” 

Chaos erupted as everyone stood, dawning back their full uniforms, preparing to apprehend the man. “Wait.”  The red king glanced in the direction Motonari had gone, “Reinforcements might be needed.  We can’t risk the citizens.” “Agreed,” the black king nodded.

Orders were given and soon the members all split in two directions, some towards the border of reality, others into Cradle.

You were walking through the halls, delivering various repaired garments to their respective owners when the world warped. “AGAIN?!” Was all you could cry before familiar aqua hair appeared. “Yoohoo~!”  Seth stepped into reality, followed by a figure you’d never seen before.  His companion was tall...very tall.  You craned your neck to get a good look at him.  He stared down at you and you were sure he started hunching so you wouldn’t have to look up so far.  “We need your help,” the man said, “Where is your king?”

You and your new guests arrived at the war room to alert Nobunaga and co.  There wasn’t a meeting and messengers had to be sent, leaving time for introductions between you, Sirius, and Seth Hyde. “A queen?  But you’re a...?” You trailed off, letting the question hang lest you accidentally offended someone. “Not that kind of queen, little lady.” “More like a queen in a deck of cards, second to the king, as it were.”

The war room doors slid open with a loud thwack as men charged into the room.  “Motonari has done what?!”  Hideyoshi’s cry preceded him as men filed into the room.

You explained, “They said that Motonari walked through the tear that the strange man with the chocolate had made.  They are asking for help in tracking him..” “I can track him easily.”  Mitsuhide turned to Nobunaga, awaiting his orders.

“You can’t track him in another land, Mitsuhide,” came Hideyoshi’s response, “Even you aren’t that talented.  Damn that thrice cursed cur for causing all this trouble!  Nobunaga-sama, let me lead men into the realm and we will bring him back for your justice.” “Hey, now,” Sirius interrupted, “Calm down.  We have armies, we need someone who knows the pirate to help us track him.  We don’t need more war on our hands.”

“I will *not* calm down.  Not while that lunatic pirate heathen is out there causing trouble.” “So you’re just going to make more trouble for everyone trying to stop his?  Great plan,” Ieyasu crossed his arms, watching Hideyoshi fume.

“If we’re sending people out to track, I can help,” Masamune said, “I got speed to go with Mitsuhide’s intelligence.  We’ll bring him back in no time.” “And probably with half your parts missing, too,” Ieyasu muttered to no one in particular. “I haven’t lost any yet!” “Care to adjust that eyepatch?  I think it’s blinding your good eye.” Nobunaga raised a hand, all bickering coming to a halt.  “I will send Mitsuhide and Masamune.”  He stood, intending on leaving the war council when a thought struck him, “You’ll take my lucky charm with you.  I can’t risk losing two of my best to this task.”

Meanwhile, in a tower, two men sat and discussed a possible alliance. “YOu are telling me you can rid me of both armies and all I have to do is give you lodgings?  You can’t be serious.” “I be perfectly serious.  I needs them in chaos as much as ye do.”

Amon sighed, moving a bishop across the board, “Then it seems I have little choice as you already ransacked much of our stash.  Where did you learn to fight like that?”

“A scallywag has t' throw away all th' rules o' fightin' if he hopes t' survive th' sea.  Thar be no honor outside o' yer crew among pirates.  Even then…”

And so it was that you, Masamune Date, and Mitsuhide Akechi found yourselves in Cradle.  It was a wonder to your eyes.  You’d read about the elaborate rose gardens of Europe, but nothing quite correctly encompassed what assaulted your senses.  The roses were perfectly red and bushes all but made a wall around you.  There was a large table, a red and black table cloth covering the wood.  You found other figures and a shocking sight. “Shingen-sama?!  Yukimura-kun?  And Sasuke-san?!” Yuki blanched but Shingen was quicker, “Ah, so they have acquired the aid of a goddess.  I do not have to worry so much about being out of my element, for surely we now have luck on our side.”

“Masamune,” a man whom Sirius had been speaking with while you gawked approached, “You will work with Luka and Fenrir, my jack and ace.  I’m told you make a rather formidable ace yourself.” Masa nodded his agreement to the team, moving to join them. “Luka, first we need to prepare rations for the search parties.  Fenrir, get the gear ready for them.  Masa can help with either.” “I’ll cook,” the one eyed dragon stated. “Roger that,” came Luka’s response. “On it,” Fenrir’s.

“Oh...I was told to give you this..” Ray lifted your hand, placing a small kiss in it.  This kiss was different than previous kisses, for this one’s wrapping was brown with lighter tan stripes.  A caramel Hershey’s kiss.  You glanced up confused and all Ray said was, “I don’t know.  I was just told to give it to you.  I’m sure you’ll find out why later.”

Parties split, each moving to their respective headquarters, leaving you to follow the black army somewhat helplessly.  You moved from the garden to a place called Central Quarter and from there to the Black Army Bridge.

You, however, didn't get to cross it.  An arm shot out, your mouth covered as you were dragged away.  In an alley, figures in white examined you.  They seemed to be confirming something before a flash of light found you in a new place.

“I did warn ya nah t' let me catch ye, once, seamstress.”  Your eyes widened as you met Motonari’s.

“How did you even get here?”  You had a million questions but you had to keep calm, buy time, the others would find you, right?  In that time, you needed to get Motonari to spill all you could get from him. “Doors don't jus' open one sided, seamstress,” Motonari said, “When th' scallywag wit' th' thin cutlass sliced th' world, I jus' stepped into his side o' it.”

You pressed more, trying to ask where you were, who the people in robes were, but Motonari was done with talking.  He held up a bag that you recognized.

“Wha' th' heck are these?  th' metal be lame 'n doesn't make decent bullets, but th' brown stuff underneath be too soft fer anythin'.”

“They’re...kisses…” you said, weakly, realizing what your task was going to wind up being.

He eyed the bag, questioning your sanity or education regarding displays of affection.  It was a familiar conversation.

“Strange thin' t' call these.  But I didn' make 'em so I don't much care.  Take 'em.”

You shook your head, realizing what you had to do.  “You can’t just thrust them at someone.  There’s an order to things.”  You removed the caramel kiss from your kimono, holding it out to him. “It’s diff’rent.” He took the sweet and you leaned, kissing his jaw.  Motonari’s entire body went stiff at the touch, the man turning into an almost human statue.  Moving back you held out your hand. “Now you can give me one kiss.  That’s it.”

Motonari eyed you in shock.  He silently took a kiss from the bag, flicking it at you.  You caught it, almost fumbling trying to hold onto it.  You closed your eyes, waiting for the kiss but none came.

Opening your eyes, you found him smirking at you.  “Didn' realize ye were that way fer me..”  He took the bag, placing the whole thing in your hands.  Your hands holding the bag, he took the opportunity to seize your face in his own.  “Now, where's me kisses?” His mouth pressed against yours, his tongue already invading.  It was passionate, him breaking on occasion to nip and lick, before pressing his lips to yours again.  You moaned at the attention before he finally parted.

“Was that a bag's worth o' kisses?”  You stared at Motonari, nodding in response.

The tower rumbled, panicked voiced filling the areas around you.  Motonari took your hand, both of you leaving as the world seemed to stretch and strain against some chaotic movement.  You traveled to the garden, through the tear and back into the woods that Motonari had once occupied.  You panted, catching your breath, and glanced back to the pirate, only for him to cover your eyes.

“Don't stare at me anymore wit' those eyes.  They look too deep.  I don't like that.  Go galleon.  Ye're nah far from th' Oda.” You stumbled home, finding everyone had made it safe.  The rips in the world had been repaired, everyone back where they belonged.  You, though, found yourself staring again at the forest where a pirate seemed a little honest to you.

“Huh...bag’s worth, indeed, Motonari.”

What happened to the tower? Dunno You wrote it? Look, shoehorning...shoehorning They ok? Probably Didn’t you promise us Jonah About that... You’re not giving us much. Look here- -flings Edgar at you and flees- At least this is the last time...

[virgil-writes]

ash & soot

Long before the Winters come into play, a monster stalks the Forbidden Forest that surrounds the Village. Karl Heisenberg is sent to investigate, and heads deeper into darkness to find his prey, a thorn on his side and someone just like him. (eventual Heisenberg x OC)

on AO3: chapter one | chapter two | chapter three | chapter four | chapter five

chapter 5 - professional secrets

SFW, we finally meet our new friend. there's some slightly spicy language and blood but nothing much. around 3.2K words.

The sudden realization that he was not alone made his skin crawl.

Heisenberg instinctively reached for his hammer, scouted his surroundings for any piece of metal he could find. The pots rattled and he heard the cauldron swing violently, the stranger protesting with a sigh of frustration as she tried to steady the cooking pot. He made a sharp turn to watch her, eyes trained on her every move as he prepared to defend himself. “I am sorry to disappoint - even the nails of this house are made of wood.” She snickered, not seeming to mind him at all, having gone back to stirring the stew, humming what he recognized as a lullaby. “Take a seat, make yourself at home.”

There was something familiar about her, perhaps the way she held herself, or the tone of her voice. She looked nothing like the hag, was taller and much younger, too, but something told him they were one and the same.

She turned around and stared openly at him with a small smile, far too friendly towards a rugged stranger who had just invaded her home and knocked together all of her cast iron pans with a slight flick of his hand. Her clothes were simple, a long linen skirt the color of moss, white buttoned shirt with gathered sleeves and embroidered flowers. A colorful apron was tied around her waist, its pockets stuffed with dried herbs and wooden utensils. Her raven hair was pulled back to keep it away from her face, though a few unruly curls insisted on framing it ever so gently. She was the very picture of a peasant villager, while looking nothing of the sort. She had the garments and sheepish expression, but none of the devotion and fear. There were calluses on her hands from working the land, freckles on her face from being under the sun day after day, and despite it all her skin looked warm, soft to the touch, promised delights he had never experienced.

Eerily beautiful, mysterious, sinister. Voice of velvet with a hint of malice. If he were ever to be lured into the embrace of a mythical creature only to be eaten alive not long after, she would be the one to do it. The prospect of such a gruesome death, for some reason, only served to pique his interest.

“To what do I owe the honor of your visit? How can I be of service, Lord Heisenberg?” There was absolute certainty in her voice, like they had spoken many a time before. It was no surprise that she knew him, of course. After all, one had but to step inside the village church to see a picture of his handsome face alongside his adorable little family. He had never seen her, however, not in the fields nor the church, not in the masses nor the harvest festivals. Surely he would remember, such striking beauty and poised demeanor that would rival any noblewoman. She far surpassed the fabled Dimitrescu daughters, and that she was still alive was evidence enough to tell him she was not seen very often. Alcina did not suffer competition.

“In need of a curative or ointment?” There was homeliness in her grace, somehow, a simplicity one would not find among finery and expensive wine. She poured herself a cup of tea as she spoke, motioned in his direction as if to offer him some. The cup was neatly stacked upon others in the cabinet when he did not take it, and she shrugged her shoulders as if disappointed. The table set for two, the second teacup put away when he refused the offer. Had she been expecting him?

Like she had heard his very thoughts, the woman pulled a chair and gestured for him to sit, moving about with little discomfort for his presence. It felt as if he was no esteemed visitor, no frightening intruder, but a frequent houseguest, someone who had visited a thousand times over and needed no coaxing or guidance to make themselves comfortable. It was strangely heartwarming, the way he felt like he could kick off his boots and sit beside her on the couch to chitchat, open the cabinets to find himself a snack. He could sit cross-legged on the woven rug and pet the dog in front of the fireplace, sit by the table to study his plans with only the crackling of the fire as background noise.

She pat his shoulder reassuringly as she crossed the room to check on the stew, her touch lingering just a second too long, hips swaying to a tune only playing inside her head. The domesticity of it all was soothing, but also infuriating. He had not come for pleasantries, to sip on tea while they laughed over the latest village gossip. He had come to bind and gag her, to drag her all the way back to a castle that would become her final resting place. Somehow, he was sure the idea of being tied and manhandled would actually please her.

“Seeking a nice massage to alleviate the pressure on those shoulders?” She continued when his silence persisted, the teacup left behind on the kitchen counter as she reached up to a shelf littered with glass bottles. Crimson painted fingernails ran along the labels to pull a flask that looked harmless enough, though his knowledge of toxins was too limited to be sure. He recognized the liquid inside it as a fragrant oil, a drop hitting the skin on the back of her hand before she gave it a good rub as if to test it.

A massage would be nice, he had to admit, decades of sibling rivalry and impending doom for being part of a cult that worshiped a gross looking blob of mold taking a toll on his soul. He could picture it, his trench coat finally sliding off his shoulders after such a stressful day, her nails scratching against his skin as she pulled his shirt over his head. She would tell him to make himself comfortable on the bed or the couch, but he’d refuse it; he hadn’t laid in a bed in years, and at this point he was afraid of trying. Instead he would hold his head in his hands as he sat forward on the dining chair, for once trying to push away the thoughts that always raced through his mind. He knew he would lose his composure as soon as her hands touched the tender spots on his shoulders, a groan and his worries escaping his lips. He figured she would listen and hum appropriate responses as he wove the tales of his woes. It was hard to picture how it would all go, what relaxation truly felt like after so many decades of stress. Maybe he could stay a little longer, take her offer, and-

What the fuck was he thinking? His own inner contradictions were driving him up the wall; her friendliness was wearing on him more than Alcina’s rudeness ever did.

Once again she shrugged when he rejected her offer, made her way to the chair he hadn’t taken and sat down with her steaming cup of tea in her hand once more. They are dangerously close now, he is still frozen in place between the dining table and the fireplace - like an idiot. He could touch her from here. He could kill her from here. She scrunches her nose when again he says nothing, smells the air before saying: “Are you sure you do not wish me to draw you that bath?”

That is just about enough to set him off. The stunt with the horse, the illusions with the creature and the hag, the tricks with the lycan heads, and now this. Heisenberg saluted her fearlessness in the face of near certain death, could appreciate the confidence that exuded from her despite being in the presence of the most powerful lord of the village. Enough, however, is enough. He closes the distance between them in a flash, footsteps too loud in the silence of the cabin, and finds that his hand fits perfectly around her pretty little neck. He can hear the teacup in her hand fall and shatter somewhere beneath them, the chair comes along for a few steps as he drags her before it falls to the ground, but she wouldn’t live long enough to clean up the mess. He has her off the floor and slams her hard against the nearest wall, satisfied with the sound her body makes as the surprise knocks the wind right out of her. Teach her to shut her fucking mouth.

He watches closely for the terror in her eyes, waits for her strained voice to beg, please, Lord Heisenberg. It always made him feel dirty when they begged, made him feel like he was no better than any of his siblings, but just this once, he will allow himself to enjoy it. He seeks terror, yet all he finds is wickedness. Even so close to her demise, with his fingers tightening against her wind pipe, she does not fear him. He opens his mouth to speak, to yell, to tell her to shut it and announce that she is dying tonight, not because he wanted to, but because she had done away with his patience. Her hand snakes its way up his chest and arm to reach his own, holding it almost lovingly, nails scratching the skin ever so softly just like he had imagined, but somehow better, so much better.

“I was expecting something more romantic over dinner,” she finds the strength to speak, her voice almost a purr. “But I do like the eagerness.” His fingers clutch her neck a little tighter. In any other situation, this would have been enough to convince him to fuck her senseless. He liked himself a feisty partner, someone who didn’t bow their head to him, a challenge at last. But not now, not when he was pissed off and tired and sweating as if it was summer outside.

“Oh, you’re not going to like it when I’m done with you,” he pauses to pull her and force her back against the wall, the boards shaking with the impact. “Sweetheart.”

“Is that a promise, my lord?” Her eyes burn with something not quite like desire, contradict the deep turquoise and calmness of her irises. The hand around her neck is bloody, glove and flesh torn where the lycan had bit him, and her tongue darts out of her mouth to get a taste. The smile she gives him makes a delicious heat pool at the bottom of his stomach, sliding down dangerously close to his navel. He is deciding between choking her to death, biting a piece of her face off or bashing her skull in, lips contorted in a wicked smile, when he feels his fingers grasp at nothing, balance lost as he topples over and hits the wall with full force. There is a hollow thud when his nose hits the wooden boards, blood dripping down onto his chin. It takes him a moment to register that she has, somehow, slipped away from him, ducked under his arm to make her way back to the bubbling pot on the fireplace. She continues to hum the stupid lullaby and treat him like a harmless peasant.

“Are you staying for dinner, my lord?” She speaks as if nothing has transpired in the past few minutes. Like he hadn’t gone through the painfully embarrassing experience of threatening her with a very noticeable and contradicting bulge in his pants, right before he lost his balance - and dignity - and broke his nose against her living room wall.

He hadn’t felt this humiliated in decades. There are no words to describe the rage that courses through his body, although the snarl he pushes through gritted teeth might be good enough indication. Heisenberg braces himself against the wall, wipes the blood off his face on the sleeve of his coat. Plan B: shove her head into the fire and then choke her.

“Oh, let me take a look at that,” is all she says when he turns around, a piece of cloth in hand as she guides him to a dining chair. There is no time for his explosiveness, for his plans to be put into motion; for reasons not at all clear to him, he can do nothing but play along. She lifts his chin with such grace that he is unsure how to feel. The beast in the forest held him with the same care. He could deal with quite a range of emotions: anger, hatred, disgust, some more anger. This nobody had ever done to him - shown him kindness, cared for him. Miranda had tried, in her own awkward way, but never again after she had deemed him a failure.

It feels good to be at a loss for words, he notices, to have choice and violence taken away from him for just a few minutes. To let himself waddle in the silence of his empty mind, a tender touch to ground him and nothing else. It feels good, but awkward, and he shuffles to find something, anything, to talk about.

“You’re the monster in the woods then?” He asks as he looks away, too busy trying to justify to himself the absurdity of the situation. Here he is, sitting in a chair that is about to give under his weight, in the middle of the woods after petting a dead horse and almost being swallowed whole by a goat-human hybrid. The woman he was sent to kill is now gently caressing his jaw with the hand that holds his chin up as if to comfort him, the other busy soaking up the blood coming out of his broken nose. The embarrassment far outweighs the pain, but there is no sign of judgment in her features. It helps.

“Yes, sir.” She answers with a proud smile. “I am a healer by trade, you see. A little knowledge of plants can go a long way, especially in such a quaint, isolated little village like yours.” she smushed his nose in as if to prove a point. “Is that the reason you have come to me, my lord?”

“Funny thing,” he begins with a chuckle and ends with a whimper as she wiggles the cartilage on his nose. “I was sent to take you back to the village as a prize to the one and only Lady Dimitrescu. That, or kill you. Although she would prefer you alive.” Heisenberg observed her closely, hoping to catch a glimpse of something other than friendliness. If she had heard of him, surely she had heard of Alcina, and the horrible things she put women like her through. “Monsters don’t usually get a reputation for mixing poultices.”

She nods calmly, too busy with her ministrations to care. “Must preserve some professional secrets, now, mustn’t we? What is that you would prefer? Alive, dead? What can I help you with?” Her question is a simple one, although it feels as if it weighs far more than it was supposed to.

“Unless you can kill a century-old monster, my darling, there is little you can do for me.” His answer is pure sarcasm, and she does not seem to care. Her head tilts slightly to the side as if she is considering her options, as if, you know, maybe she can do that. “The fog in the forest - that you?” There is no hesitation when she nods. “Overgrown stallion?” Another nod. “Eldritch abomination? Sickly hag?” A throaty hum of approval. “Not bad.”

“Would you be so kind as to let me live, my lord?” She has her back turned as she speaks, perusing a tall shelf over the couch. The bleeding in his nose has stopped, and he realizes she has slipped the torn glove off his hand without him noticing. “I would be most interested in such a prospect.” There was a touch of drama in her words that he appreciated. When she turns back around, she looks and sounds more like a person than a character out of an old romance. “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” The woman returns with clean linens in her hand, a bottle of antiseptic and a pincushion in the shape of a pumpkin. He is unsure whether the needle and thread is meant to sew his glove or him back together.

“I’ll be sure to keep that in mind,” he makes to rise from the chair but never does, a firm hand placed on his shoulder.

“Allow me to fix that at least.” He sighed in defeat as he sat back down. It crossed his mind that he had no reason to comply, but did regardless. “And I insist you take a bowl of stew.” Her hands were back on his face before the could muster a response, more determination behind her movements this time. “This will only take a moment,” she explains, two fingers pinching the sides of his nose. A wiggle and suspicious crack later, and it was like the pain had never been there. Her hands were clean, as was his face, not a trace of blood anywhere. Quite the miracle worker, wasn’t she?

They remained quiet as she worked, his injured hand splayed against the wooden table. The burn of the antiseptic was good to keep him alert, to pull him away from his embarrassment. She expertly dabs onto the wound to cleanse it, her touches featherlight. The dog awakens from its nap with a stretch and a yawn, bounds up to him with a happy tail wag. Heisenberg pets its head with his free hand, the dog’s tongue peeking out in glee as it settled down at his feet. The shaggy yet adorable fleabag manages to distract him long enough for her to finish dressing his wound. “All good.” She announces, and he turns over to stare at his hand, expecting to see vestiges of blood and a nasty bite mark. He peeks under the bandage to find that it is merely aesthetic at this point, for there is nothing but perfectly healed, clear skin under it, a very faint half-moon scar where the infection should be. He looks at her in confusion and all she offers is a charming wink. Professional secrets.

Heisenberg spotted his hat placed neatly on the couch, and his hammer right beside it, though he did not recall how they had come to be there. He once again began to feel like himself with the weight of the hammer in his hands and the raggedy hat in its rightful place atop his head. Charismatic, glib Heisenberg, confident as all hell and twice as clever. Cold, calculating Heisenberg, who had been given an opportunity and bargaining chip and wouldn’t let his anger get the best of him. His fingers had reached for the doorknob when she poked him, a small lidded pot fastened with fabric in her hands.

“Take a left at the crossroads and I trust you will have no issues finding your way back.” She handed him the bowl with a smile, as did he in return. “I hope to see you again soon. Godspeed, Lord Heisenberg!” Were her last words as she pushed the door closed, and just like that, he found himself once again in the foggy forest, nothing behind him but trees and the sound of critters roaming the night.