#rush royale priestess

[blueopalsystem]

Sapphire eyes

Boy, your eyes are like sapphires

Gee, heh, that's pretty corny tho heh

Oh no, not at all. Any woman would like it

[sir-tuitsum]

An Empress' Harem.

In where, some of the honkai star rail men become your concubine. Focused on how you came to meet them and integrate them into your harem.

Men: Sunday, JingYuan, DanHeng, Gepard, Aventurine, Dr Ratio.

Note: no warning, just a birthday gift to my friend <3 thanks for winning the battle of the sperms. probably choppy and feels rushed, wasn't edited but this is for you <33

second part: here

third part: here

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Sunday

During your years as a princess, of course your husband would need to come from a strong clan to provide you better supporters in your campaign to become crown princess and later Empress. At the age of 9, your father had already gotten to work and convinced your mother, the then Empress, to betroth to the Oak Family's young son who was close in age to yourself.

You met the 10 year old only weeks later, he was as gentle and man-like as you'd expect from a son of a noble family. You easily sensed his tense demeanor around you, he made it his mission to make sure you were pleased the entire time you both were together.

"I will ask the maidservant to give us treats. What do you like?" You took the Oak clan's son for an outing in the Southernmost Imperial Gardens, it was closest to your father's palace as he would've liked it anyway.

"Ah, are you a fan of treats? What treats do you usually like getting?" He stood quite straight with a hand behind his back, as he should be.

You blinked, "Treats are okay. I usually end up eating Honey Cakes I suppose."

"Honey Cakes are sweet, I think I'd like to have one too."

When you asked him why his face scrunched up a bit while taking a bite, he simply brushed it off and said it was sweeter than he was used to. You assumed the maidservant had messed something up in his cake and asked your father to replace her later on.

Either way, Sunday was your personally chosen future royal consort by the former Empress, your own mother, so naturally you held him to high regard.

He was then and now, the very epitome of a perfect consort. He was given praises by both your mother and father quite often for his etiquette and behavior whenever he came by the Imperial Palace. It was enough his family received praises for their efforts in kingdom management by your mother, also with your father praising his family's influence, seeing you as set in stone for the throne being already favored well by your mother.

You married him as soon as the age was appropriate. On the wedding night, he had frigidly arranged old husbands' tales, from using plants said to boost fertility to saying prayers to placing down objects rumored to be favored by the aeons. He had kneeled before the bed after the priestesses and servants had left the private chambers, his hands clasped in prayer.

"The priestesses gave us enough blessings, no?" You jested. You were not surprised of course, years of being together with him had shown you his sweet devout heart towards the aeons. You found it an entertainment to tease him over the years.

"It is good to show the gods your own faith as well, to ask them personally shows your trust in them and pleases them more after all.." you felt almost bad for interrupting his prayer, with the way he glanced up at you afterwards, "perhaps you should join me, we could give honor to Ena for a stable marriage."

It was not uncommon for you both to spend your leisure time praying. Maybe your fondness for him came from the fact he didn't only run to the gods when something went wry. You remembered the first time, when you were but 11 and had visited the Oak's residence without much of an announcement due to having been passing by and decided to stop to visit him, you had been told the young lord was praying as he usually did around his hour. Your better manners told you to wait but in the moment you had made your way to the family's temple and easily made your way inside, as no one would stop an imperial heir so easily.

You found him on his knees, offerings before him as a painting of Ena laid before him on the wall. He was focused, not noticing your entrance. You observed him from where you stood, the relaxed look on his face wasn't normal for you. He was always at attention and the image of sophistication every man wanted to be, composed at all times. The gentleness of him this time wasn't the expected one of his stature, something about the moment almost felt intrusive. You were quiet in your strides towards him, having a closer look at his face now, you assumed it was the dim lighting of the candles but he looked like a different person. You looked forward at the image of Ena then kneeled next to him and clasped your hands together as well. It just felt right.

Praying with the other became something shared between you two when you both found time together.

You shrugged, "I don't see why not."

JingYuan

An incident had occurred during the celebratory banquet in which the pet kitten of a noble had disturbed the peace by causing a servant to lose balance and create a mess. A great disrespect to the royal family, your mother then had chastised the pet's owner publicly and declared the kitten to be skinned alive to teach everyone a lesson of letting creatures run wild in an event like this one.

Well, you found this sentence to be bad, for the kitten at least but your mother's temper was something to be observed carefully, you'd rather not make the evening more unpleasant for her. Or yourself.

It would be three days later when you'd hear noises when you were taking strolls after a long day in your lessons to clear your mind. You had stopped to rest in a pavilion before you'd journey your way back to your palace and heard it. You told your servants to wait for you at the pavilion as you made your way towards the noise as stealthy as one could be, peeking from behind a wall, you saw a boy perhaps older than you kneeling before a bush. There was a bowl next to him and his hand was stretched into the bush.

"pspspspsps-" you had heard from his mouth, ringing confusion bells in your head.

Then you saw it, the pearl white kitten itching out from the bushes only to be attacked with immediate petting from the young boy. That cat looked an awful lot like the cat ordered to die. It shouldn't be, as you saw the peeled skin yourself. It shouldn't be, what person in their right mind would walk straight into a death sentence like this. This definitely wasn't the cat sentenced to death.

So, you watched the should-be-dead kitten make its way toward the bowl of food, meowing in gladness then going right back in to continue eating.

"Does that feel better, Mimi?" The will-be dead boy muttered softly, his tone soft as he ran his hands through the kitten's head.

You felt more uncomfortable when you recognized his face, the amber eyes and the white hair, the black spot on his face-

Jingliu was a popular swordsman hailing from a clan who rose to a respected military family from her great efforts and achievements in conquest. She took in a young distant cousin whose family had fallen on hard times and raised him to take after her and continue her legacy of sword masters. You met this boy after he had accompanied his caretaker to the Imperial Palace for the banquet to celebrate her recent victory. You remembered seeing his face when he had come to greet you and your mother formally before the banquet commenced. You remembered how much your mother revered and praised Jingliu for her military prowess. You recalled thinking the cat faced boy had delicate features.

Military families were highly regarded by the Imperial family. They were considered military when someone received honors and official recognition from the imperial family for carrying out a successful military operation. These families usually aimed to produce soldiers and were determined to ensure all their descendants carry out their military duties for generations. You were curious about Jingliu’s choice to have a man carry on her military legacy though, most unusual.

You looked back at the white haired boy caressing the young kitten like a babe. You admired his idiocy in a sense. His actions were careless and could cause lady Jingliu trouble if he was not careful- this he was not being either. And yet his actions had somewhat touched you.

You also wanted to help the kitten during the banquet, maybe this could be your second chance.

.

.

An invitation was given to the Jingliu's household inviting the now young man to enter a concubine selection for one of the princesses. To his surprise, he was one of the first chosen by her.

Gepard

During your concubine selection, you heard the name Gepard Landau and you immediately decided then and there you would take him as your concubine as well.

In the years before your dynasty sat the imperial throne, the Landaus had supported your family during the civil war. The first Empress of your dynasty had taken a Landau son for her main husband, the royal consort then, the empresses after her had them as apart of their harem for years. This was an easy decision for you.

Moreover, it keeps the Landaus in check, they had weird influence over the imperial military. It would be tricky for you, if Gepard caused any trouble you can't be too strict on him, his family would find way to stick their hands into harem issues and shield him.

Either way, the Landaus are close with the Imperials, this was expected.

With your royal consort next to you, you watched the carriage wheel in with the Landau's sigil, the proud lion, waving from its flag as it pulled up to your palace gates. The custom was that you shared chambers with the concubine on the day they arrive as per tradition. You didn't have much appetite for him. You met the Landau and his older sister when you were still a girl, you had proudly announced to your father the moment he left your presence that he was beautiful and you should have his hand when you grow older, much to your father's pleasure. Whenever the Landau family bought their children around you were always expected to play with them, this was your pleasure, then you had a strong craving to have him.

Out of sight, out of mind. The Landaus preferred to raise their younger offspring away from court. Gepard and his baby sister would spend their time in the countryside with their father from the capital while their big sister would have to handle the duties as the heir apparent in the palace with their mother. Your childish affections dispersed over time. He was now a thing that was a part of the happier times of childhood more than a person you wanted.

Watching the blonde lion step from the carriage, dressed in the colours of his house and the veil on his head, your mind wandered back to the boy you knew. You recalled you barely looked up during the concubine selection and only said yes because she heard his name and accepted him immediately. You never got to look at him.

As per tradition, he kneeled before you every 2 steps he took until he was directly in front of you. At the final kneel, he didn't rise and awaited his new wife’s command to rise, her official welcome of him into her household. Your expression softened, though only slightly. With deliberate grace, you extend your hand toward him, “Gepard of House Landau,” your voice calm but carrying the weight of tradition. “Rise and take your place among those who are my harem.”

He took her hand, her touch steady and warm, yet undeniably regal. As he stood, the space between them felt both vast and impossibly close.

The things that were not said, unspoken words and battered feelings, it was obvious your feelings didn't go as deep as his. The consummation night was not as deep as he wanted it to be. The words, “Tradition demands our Union but I shall not ask any more of you than what you are expected to.”

Control, commands, longing, he did not expect indifference.

Gepard watched you leave, his thoughts a tempest. The girl he had once played with as a boy had grown into a ruler he could not yet fully understand. But for the first time since entering the palace, he felt less like a pawn and more like a participant in a game he was only beginning to learn

Dan Heng

Your history tutor himself held personal vendetta against the Vidyadharas, if you listened to the man explain the history surrounding them, you'd think he was personally there to experience the atrocities.

Though, you did not dislike him for it. The consequences of the old dynasty's actions did not disappear with time.

389 years ago, before the first Empress of your family overthrew the Vidyadhara Dynasty in the 5 Year War, the final ruler of the Vidyadhara was a man. Male rulers were few to none in the country's history, the only reason Dan Feng found himself on the throne of Gold was from a lack of women in the succession. The fertility of the Vidyadharas has dwindled over time until it reached a point they had to turn to a man to inherit the throne. This was their final mistake.

Undoubtedly, this was the worst sovereign to ever step foot on the throne. The first Empress of your dynasty led conquest against the tyrant and in five years time, the Vidyadhara dynasty were no longer legitimate rulers. They were stripped of their lands, titles and wealth, casted off and put under surveillance by your family after the death of

the tyrant. Bans were carried out against them, stay away from the capital, they couldn't hire help without the approval of the new dynasty, the next head of their family was chosen and controlled by your family, etc.

Now, there were two bans you had to be mindful of; Marriage of a Vidyadhara was determined by your family. Vidyadharas are forbidden from entering the royal harem. For the safety of their dynasty never rising again. This wasn't a problem for you until you were approached by an advisor, speaking of a young Vidyadhara being seeked out by a noble for marriage, a noble of importance. Your natural response would be to ban this immediately, you can't mix Vidyadhara blood with your allies. Perhaps it was the late night meeting but you asked for the noble to bring forth his intended bride.

You will continue to blame the late night, the young man, Dan Heng he called himself, a pretty Vidyadhara from the main branch of the family. I'm your own defense, the pretty boy seemed less interested in the idea of the noble woman being wedded to him and his responses seemed almost robotic. In your own defense, his corrupted blood shouldn't be mixing with your allies. It doesn't matter how you took action to stop this, what matters is the marriage was cut off that night. It doesn't need to be bought up that you made conditions to a serious ban your family pressed on since childhood.

As long as Dan Heng was banned from ever becoming the Royal Consort, having any children he produced inherit your throne and his family did not receive the honors the average concubine’s family was given, you could handle this. You won't regret this later.

Aventurine

In your opinion, the Interastral Peace Cooperation had a too heavy grip on the nations, even empires like your own. You recalled a visit of an ambassador from one in your youth, finding the preparations grand enough for a king to welcome one.

Even as an adult, you found their existence in the continent as a pack of dogs being held on a leash by one person. You weren't stupid enough to deny the good they've done to unite nations in peace but you weren't ignorant enough to deny their less honorable pursuits.

Your ascension to the throne naturally led to an ambassador of theirs being sent to congratulate you. It was a natural tradition for them to appease their royals and for the rulers to accept it.

Here in the banquet hall, you observed the other envoys bought with her as they entered. They approached you first with the proper greeting, Jade took the liberty of introducing herself then everyone else. You masked your disinterest until you noticed the blond, you hadn't seen him before, his frame seemed to be smaller and hidden behind the rest. You leaned back in your seat, looking over his form as Jade introduced him.

“Aventurine, a young man in training by myself.”

“What would you train a man for?” You didn't take your eyes off of him, he must've not grown very fast as a child, for whatever reason.

“Whatever a man can understand, there are good ones out there, like him.” She gestured to the blond with a smirk on her face.

You smiled in response to her jest then looked back at Aventurine, “if he is so good, he can tell me about it.” You motioned to the close spots to yourself at your table, inviting the blond to sit with you instead of his colleagues for the remainder of the banquet.

Well, this training, he won't be able to complete it anymore.

Dr. Ratio

Your first tour as Empress took place in the capital, the pride of the Empire. Your last tour had been when your mother was alive, only last year in another smaller city. On the third day of your tour, your royal consort and yourself were set to visit a distinguished university, personally funded by your family for years.

Education was one of your most prized priorities, there was a pull back before your ascension that you sought out to fix when you were Empress. You made it your own issue to get the universities and lower level schools back on track. If your ears were right, others took advantage when the imperial eyes looked away from it.

In an attempt to not disrupt the school day, you met the staff of the university privately and spoke with them about affairs in education.

Though, mid conversation, a man with purple hair had made his way into the room, abruptly so. His eyes locked rather aggressively with some of the educators in the room but he made his way before you, all proper greeting requirements met and rising when you gave him the permission to. He took a seat close by, opening the book in his hand, “It is my ill manners I arrived so late, it was not intentional on my part and I mean no disrespect to you, my liege.” He bowed his head to you as he spoke, you did not respond with anything but a nod.

“If I am so bold, I want to ask for more than just funding to the schools but for funding to the students as well,” he started, “I just think these funds benefit the schools more than the students. Even with the school funded by your majesty’s kind grace, it's not enough to have their needs met to stay in it.”

Well, it was a pleasant change of pace. You've spent the last half hour here with the inhabitants in the room sending you praises for the funds, then asking for more, then praising you, then repeating. Even his tone was too high to be asking that for someone of his standing. Whatever the person next to you said, you didn't hear it, you lowered your chin to look the purple haired man in the eye.

“And what else?”

The amber eyed man's eyes widened slightly as if he had expected a different response from you. He composed himself quickly after, spinning through his books, “I have personal petitions from my own students in here, some I've tried to sponsor myself, I had them write down their troubles-” you found the reactions of the other folks in the room to be almost comedic. Perhaps a less public inspection was needed.

You rose from your seat, “Perhaps you can tell me more about your students and requests, somewhere else, a stroll or a room to ourselves, whatever you desire.” You looked the man over before making your way towards the door, expecting him to follow in tow. You cared less for what the other women in the room had to say at this moment about your sudden leave, you only looked back to make sure the purple beauty was following you.

Yes, you can't wait to learn more about what he has to say and can do.

*************************************

[guilty-pleasures21]

The heretic princess

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Warnings: none.

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     Your eyes scan the words on the page, reading and re-reading the letter your dearest friend had sent you. Maybe this had been a bad idea. Maybe you should just go home and- You gasp as the letter is snatched out of your hand, then you turn to glare at the culprit. “Hey-”

     “Are you going to continue pining over his letter or are you going to do something about it?” The High Priestess fixes you with a challenging look, giving you a moment to consider her words. It had been three months since you’d arrived at the Temple, spirited away by your supporters who would see you seated on the throne beside Miguel - not some spoiled and senseless daughter of a common man who had somehow worked his way into the Royal Court. Of course you had protested - questioned how you could possibly turn your friend's affections towards you when he couldn't even see you! But the best way for Miguel to develop feelings for you was by forcing him to miss you; forcing him to understand how much you truly meant to him. That was what the Head Priestess had said anyway. 

     “Your pen and paper will only be able to hold his attention for so long,” she continues, pulling a fresh sheet of paper out of your drawer. “We must continue your training if you are to win his affections and become Queen.” 

     You sigh as she sets the blank page before you. “How am I to win his affections if he cannot even see me?!”

     Iset frowns disapprovingly at your raised voice. You were fourteen now: much too old to be throwing tantrums over a boy you liked. Especially considering that the boy in question was to be King one day. You would have to comport yourself much more elegantly if you were to convince the Prince that you would make a fine bride for him - the only bride for him. She folds her arms across her chest, maintaining her stern expression. “He will see you when he can bear it no longer. When he has fallen in love with your mind and your words are no longer enough for him.”

     Your brows furrow in confusion. “But … how will I know?”

     Iset raises her eyebrows, giving you a knowing look. “Because he will make sure that you do.” 

     Your stomach flips at her words and you turn back to your desk to begin crafting your reply.

     Miguel tapped his fingers on the table, bored. He was quickly growing tired of the favour his mother insisted on showering upon the Lady Dina - the oldest daughter of one of her good friends. It was obvious to everyone that she was pushing for their marriage, but there was absolutely no way he would marry someone who was so … so silly! Yes, she was beautiful, but he’d quickly discovered that it wasn���t enough to hold his attention. The girl thought of nothing besides her looks and her clothes and her jewellery, what support could she possibly provide him once he became King? He rose out of his seat, drawing everyone’s gazes his way. 

     “I will retire to my chambers now,” he informed the room. “Thank you all for being here tonight.”

     He could hear his mother gasp and hiss at Lady Dina to follow after him, so he picked up his pace, marching out of the room before he could be sucked into another inane conversation. He slowed down as he approached his chambers, relaxing once he was safely away from all the eligible ladies his mother had selected to become his next queen. Well, maybe not his queen, but someone respectable enough to carry his seed and birth his heir - that was the more important thing right now. 

     “My Prince.” Miguel stopped in front of his door as a messenger approached him, bowing low in greeting. “You have received a letter.” 

     His heart sped up as he took the scroll from the messenger’s hands. Only one person’s letters were delivered straight to his private chamber, no matter the time. He rushed into his rooms, unfurling the scroll and setting it down on his desk. 

     ‘My dearest Miguel,’ you’d written, ‘I am glad to hear that you have almost caught up to me with regards to your linguistic education. Perhaps I should take on another language myself?’ 

     Gods, he could practically see your face, your lips curling into a mischievous smile as you teased him. He and Kai had tried to sneak into the temple a few times to see you, but the terrifying Head Priestess had always caught them and sent them marching back home, heads bowed in defeat. Did you look much the same? Or had you grown in the last two years, just as he had? Would your body be more filled out the next time he saw you, your curves more pronounced? It wasn’t something he’d ever considered before, but now that he’d matured, he couldn’t help the thought from crossing his mind. 

     ‘Although being in the Temple does not give me much opportunity to socialise, I have worked on my charm wherever I can, even coaxing a snicker out of that grumpy old priestess I had told you everyone was terrified of!’

     He chuckled at that. You had always been a charmer, lighting up every room you entered with your warm and friendly smile. It had served you well in overcoming the legacy your family had left you: the last true Royal, niece of the deposed ‘Heretic Queen’. You had been orphaned at such a young age and then taken in by the new king who had taken over the throne - his grandfather. And how easy it had been for you to win their hearts, you with your sweet smile and your thoughtful kindness and your humble intelligence.

     ‘I must be sure to thank Kai for looking after you when you are training out in the desert. I would not be able to stand it if anything were to happen to you, my darling duckie.’

     He could feel his heart flutter at the tender term of endearment you had attached to his childhood nickname. You’d never addressed him in such a manner when you’d still been in the palace, but you’d started showering your letters with them, always referring to him as your darling, your dearest, yours. He wondered what the words would sound like in your voice, your warm smile aimed at him and him alone as you stretched up to run your fingers through his hair. 

     ‘I cannot believe that your coronation is approaching so quickly! I know in my heart that you will make a fair and just king, one who will be remembered by history for his wisdom. And I am sure that the woman you choose to stand by your side will make an excellent queen to our people. But I do also hope, my dearest duckie, that she will be a fulfilling companion for you as well. Someone who matches your clever wit and with whom you can entrust all your secrets, share all your burdens. And you know, my darling friend, that you will always have my support in whatever decision you take, no matter the circumstance. Yours, Y/N’

     Miguel sighed and sank back into his seat at the reminder. An excellent queen to her people. Someone who would know how to charm visiting emissaries and make them comfortable enough to spill all their secrets to her … He pursed his lips as he ran a finger over your elegant script. The woman he would choose … A fulfilling companion, someone who would support him in every decision he would make, who would share his burdens so that he would never have to shoulder them alone. His gaze fell to the word you’d written before your name: your promise that you were his … Then he took out his stylus and began writing his response. 

     You rush out of your room and into the hallway, the scroll clutched tightly in your hand like some sort of precious treasure. But to you, it was a treasure: a confirmation that the goal you had been working towards for the past two years was finally coming to fruition. The Head Priestess had been right after all. You stop when you see her making her way towards you with equal frenzy, a matching scroll fluttering in her elegant fingers.

     “Princess!” she exclaims, rushing down the hallway. “I have just received a letter from the Prince himself! He has specifically requested your presence at his coronation next week. And at the celebrations after!” 

     Her eyes are wide with surprise, but her lips curl at the ends in victory. All the head priests and priestesses of the temples surrounding the capital were required to attend the coronation and recognise the new king on behalf of each of the Gods and Goddesses of the pantheon, so it was not customary for the Prince to send a letter reaching out to the temples personally. Unless there was something - or someone - he wanted there specifically. You hurry forward, closing the distance between the two of you. 

     “Yes! I have received his letter as well! He said …” Your stomach flips as you recall his words; his passionate plea for you to return to the palace and be by his side once again. You straighten, remembering all your training on how to carry yourself if you are to be Queen - when you are Queen. “He said that he requests my presence not just as my future king, but also as my best friend.”

     Iset narrows her eyes as her mind begins running through all the items you will need to pack for your trip back home. 

     “Hmm, yes.” You watch her carefully, waiting for her response. Finally, she spins on her heel and starts marching back down the hallway. “Come. We have much to prepare.”

[m-jelly]

Oh ok sorry, can I request an omega verse one than? Can I leave the plot up to your imagination?

So, I got a little carried away with planning this. This will be a long fic eventually because I fell in love with the idea so much, but it will be hybrids and omegaverse instead of just the omegaverse.

@ladycheesington <3

Destined Mate

Pairing: Alpha Levi x Omega Fem Reader

Genre and tags: Omegaverse, Royal AU, fluff, romance, drama, protective Levi, falling in love, loving Levi, almost forced marriage, happy ending.

Concept: Hidden away as a priestess for the Luna God, the King of your land demands that all Omegas be rounded up and offered to him as brides. You manage to avoid it but as a precaution, you write a letter to Emperor Levi asking for help as he is renowned for providing sanctuary to hunted Omegas. You get found out by the King and dragged to the castle. On the day of your wedding, Emperor Levi arrives and rescues you and takes you to his palace. You both feel a strong connection and realise you're fated mates.

Not tagging as I know not everyone likes omegaverse.

Part 2

You released a long sigh as you stared at the letters delivered to see there was still nothing from the Emperor. You longed for him to contact you and offer you refuge. You clasped your hands together and mutter a prayer under your breath. You shivered when you felt the presence of the Luna God.

You opened your eyes and looked up at the Luna God floating above you with his long white locks and golden eyes. "Why is the land like this? Can't we be free of this? Why must Omegas suffer?"

He cupped your face. "My poor sweet moon ray." He kissed your forehead. "You are all blessed with your roles. You are very blessed."

You turned your head away. "I don't feel blessed. You made me an Omega. I have to use medicine to suppress it. I have to hide here from Alphas."

"You are blessed."

You turned from him. "I wish I couldn't see you."

He chuckled and floated after you. "Moon Ray, you are my most blessed."

You covered your ears and rushed away from him. You found a peaceful spot in the gardens and gazed out at the land. You hugged your legs tightly and hoped that Emperor Levi would save you. You didn't want to be the bride of the King of this land. You wanted to be free and you wanted to find your fated mate.

You flinched when you heard someone call your name. You stood up as your terrified friend ran over. "What's wrong?"

She grabbed your hand. "The King's guards are here for you. Someone told them about you. You have to hide!"

You ran with her. "They might kill you."

"I won't let them take you." She gasped when she ran into the guards. "Oh no..."

The next moments and days were a blur because you felt so scared and broken. You were dressed up and fawned over by different maids. Tears always stained your cheeks. You ignored the Luna God trying to talk to you. You felt like you wanted to disappear. You felt like the world failed you and most of all, the Emperor of the other kingdom as well.

You gazed at yourself in a wedding dress and hated what you saw. You had dreamt of a wonderful Alpha saving you and marrying you as you stayed at the temple, but it never happened. You wanted your wedding to be a happy day, but instead, it was full of pain and heartache. You just wanted the ground to swallow you up.

You gripped your flowers as you were moved through the castle to the grand hall. You felt panic set in when you saw the King waiting for you with a disgusting grin on his face. You started to hyperventilate as thoughts of what was going to happen to you tonight filled your mind. You didn't want to be a breeder for a wicked King. You wanted love.

The King grabbed your upper arm and pulled you close. "What a delicious Omega you are. You've been hiding for some time, but now you're all mine. You'll make me many children."

You welled up and whimpered. "I don't want that. I won't want you."

He squeezed your arm hard. "You have no choice." He jumped as the double doors to his hall slammed over. "What!? Guards!"

You gasped in delight when you saw a raven-haired beauty with glorious royal robes and a sword with the most stunning blue eyes. "Levi." The emperor had come.

Levi shouted your name with eyes filled with adoration. He raced down the aisle. "I'm here!"

You looked at the King and clawed his face causing him to release you. You dropped to the floor and moved away from him as he screamed in pain. You screamed when he growled at you and dove for you. You held your arms up but didn't feel his touch, only something wet and warm followed by a scream.

You moved your arms down to see one of the King's hands on the floor. Levi had cut his hand clean off. You gazed up and the King screaming and crying in pain before he vomited all over the floor. Your heart raced when Levi gazed at you with such care.

Levi put his sword away and got down on one knee. "I'm sorry I took so long."

You gazed at his outstretched hand. You welled up and dove into his arms. "Thank you for coming."

Levi held you tightly and inhaled deeply. He held back a moan as your scent washed over him. He couldn't believe how delicious and wonderful you smelt. When he got your letter days ago he became so intoxicated by your scent on the letter. He had admired your writing and inhaled your scent and knew in that moment that you were his destined mate. You were his wonderful omega and he was your alpha.

You shivered in Levi's arms, but not from fear, it was arousal. You inhaled deeply and knew this man was your destined mate and would be the love of your life. You pulled back a little and just gazed into his wonderful eyes. You smiled as he played with your hair a little. You giggled as he tapped his forehead against yours.

Levi scooped you up into his arms. "I've never taken a bride before on her wedding day. This is the first and last. I very much want to keep you as mine."

You gazed at him. "I sense you're my alpha, my destined mate."

He smiled. "Me too. My omega." He walked out of the castle to a carriage. "I intend to court you though. I want you to be wooed, cared for, adored and loved. You deserve to be worshipped."

You hummed and rubbed his chest as he sat in the carriage with you on his lap. "I want to do the same for you."

He purred at you. "I cannot wait." He leaned closer. "Forgive me, but my instincts are demanding for me to kiss you. May I?"

You nodded. "Please do kiss me. I'm desperate for it."

He smiled before crashing his lips against yours. He growled against your lips as you moaned in delight. You clung tightly to Levi as his tongue slipped into your mouth. Levi hummed in delight as his tongue moved with yours. You both felt a fire burn through you both. You both could sense that this was meant to be, that you both were meant to be together and you were destined mates. You were meant for love.

[death-before-ilion]

Life of Paris (Alexander)

1231 (age 0) Queen Hecabe of Troy dreams that she is about to give birth to a flaming torch that sets her city aflame. Aesacus, son of Priam by his previous wife, interprets the dream and declares the child will bring the downfall of Troy. On the day of Paris's birth, Aesacus further prophetizes that any royal child born that day would have to be killed to save Troy. Paris is born that same day before nightfall. Priam spares the child, unable to kill his own son. Herophile, priestess of Apollo, insists the child must be killed. Priam asks his chief herdsman Agelaus to kill Paris. Agelaus cannot kill the child and exposes him on Mount Ida, where he is suckled by a female bear. Five days later, Agelaus finds Paris alive and adopts him and tells Priam the child is dead.

1216 (age 15) Paris routs a gang of cattle thieves and returns the stolen animals to the herd, thus earning the nickname Alexander. Soon afterwards, Paris becomes the lover of Oenone, daughter of the river god Cebren and oread nymph of Mount Ida.

1214 (age 17) Paris and Oenone get married.

1212 (age 19) birth of their son Corythus on Mount Ida.

1211 (age 20) Paris starts organizing bull fights on Mount Ida, which he wins almost every time.

1209 (age 22) Paris offers a golden crown as a prize for his next bull fight. Ares chooses to participate, transforms into a bull and wins the contest. Paris gives the crown to Ares without hesitation, the honesty of which catches Zeus's attention and leads him to decide that Paris will award the golden apple he has been keeping since the marriage of Thetis and Peleus to the fairest goddess. Judgment of Paris: Paris attributes the golden apple to Aphrodite, earning Hera's and Athena's enmity, but winning the promise of Helen's love, most beautiful of all mortal women.

1208 (age 23) To atone for the supposed murder of his own son, Priam has been organizing expiatory games. Paris's favorite bull is taken to be the prize of this year's games. He decides to participate to win it back. Paris wins all the games, which angers his brother Deiphobus, but his sister Cassandra recognizes him with her seeress powers and Priam welcomes him back to Troy.

1207 (age 24) Paris hires Phereclus to build a fleet, as advised by Aphrodite.

1204 (age 27) Paris and his cousin Aeneas and a contingent of warriors leave for Greece, pretexting to visit and enquire about Hesione, Priam's elder sister. They travel through Greece, and when they reach Sparta, they are welcomed and entertained by Menelaus, husband of Helen who is immediately smitten with love for Paris, as promised by Aphrodite. Menelaus must leave for Crete, for the funeral of king Catreus, his grandfather. As soon as he is gone, Helen embarks with Paris for Troy. However, to avoid being pursued, they detour south of Crete, to Cyprus and Phoenicia. Paris and Aeneas sack Sidon.

1203 (age 28) The fleet reaches Troy. Paris and Helen marry.

1202 (age 29) Birth of Bunomus, their son.

1194 (age 37) Birth of Aganus, their second son.

1193 (age 38) The siege of Troy begins.

1192 (age 39) Birth of Idaeus, their third son.

1191 (age 40) Oenone sends their now adult son Corythus to Paris to participate in the war against the Greeks. He is welcomed by Helen and is stricken by her beauty. Paris does not recognize his son and kills him out of jealousy before he is informed of his identity.

1188 (age 43) Troy is struck by a minor earthquake, but the three sons of Paris and Helen are killed by the collapsing roof of their house.

1184 (age 47) Paris duels Menelaus and is saved by Aphrodite. He wounds Diomedes and later kills Achilles with an arrow guided by Apollo. Philoctetes wounds Paris with an arrow bearing the poison of the Lernaean Hydra. Helen rushes to Mount Ida to beg for Oenone's healing skills. She refuses and Paris soon dies. Oenone commits suicide.

[prue84]

Siblings socials: The beast's lair

Fandom: BBC’s Merlin (post-canon, modern magic) AU AU: The Pendragon siblings return (sequel: modern magic) Series: Siblings socials — [ Reblogs > Likes | No AI involved ] —

You thought Arthur, being a former king, would always be the master in any couple or pairing? Well, think better. Morgana is more than willing to prove the world that is Merlin the serval who commands between the two.

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Morgana, the famed once Queen of Camelot and socials star, has taken her duties of chronicling her brother Arthur's adjusting to the modern world very seriously. If she has a chance to humiliate him, in face of the legendary epitome of noble warrior built around him during the centuries, she will do it gladly, not even hiding a smirking during the whole time. As socials love cats, who is she to deprive the socials from pics of Merlin the grumpy serval? The fact that Arthur is sleeping in an idiotic pose on the background is just a bonus point.

More about the AU under the cut. (More fanworks from this AU at the links above) (More fanworks about the prequel here)

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About the AU The story is a sequel to the The Pendragon Sibling. Eventually, the druid give the royal couple a serval as gift for their renowned peace between the throne and the magic people. The servan turns out to be a very magical boy. At the same time Morgana acquires a puma, who happens to be the disguise of an High Priestess. I elaborated a bit here. * Not even the union of the Pendragon siblings, as King of Lands and Queen of Avalon and royal couple ruling over Camelot, with Morgause the High Priestesses of the old religion and Emrys the immortal dragonlord as their shadows and mates, is enough to prevent Arthurs tragic end at Camlann at the hands of the traitor Mordred. After Camlann, Merlin withdraws in his own pain, while Queen Morgana rules wisely for the next decades, assuring that the golden age of Camelot continues. When the time to retire from the mortal life comes, Morgana, with her loyal companion Morgause and Merlin, retires on the island at the center of the lake Avalon, taking residence in the tower standing there. Centuries pass, between long sleeps and new lives in the world outside. But magic, for a series or undisclosed circumstances, have been slowly fading in the lands outside of Avalon since the Siblings balance was lost with the death of Arthur. The more they are away from the island, center of the Old Magic, the more the contact is faint, and both Morgause and Merlin feel the need to stay in their animal forms. Until magic is so weak that they are stuck in their animal form even when staying at the tower. In the 21th century Morgana is following an academic career. Every morning, during breakfast, she keeps the tv on to make some background sounds. One morning the BBC's morning program suddenly switches to a live from the town of Avalon, for news about some odd happenings at the lake. The country wonders if this is the day when King Arthur will finally raise. There has been many false alarm. This morning is different, though. Morgana, with her two felines, rushes to the lake through magic and is there to see Arthur emerge from the waters. Merlin, a one-century-and-half ancient serval, attacks everyone present, Arthur included, and Arthur himself is forced to draw Excalibur to suffuse the situation, before his sister is arrested and his feline mate put down as the rabid cat he is. After the necessary time to familiarize with a world that is completely different from the one he remembers, Morgana introduces Arthur to the marvels of the socials and together they become Twitter stars, entertaining people with their commentaries on Arthurian-related productions and their bickering. Between Morgana's interviews and bits shared by Arthur on socials, the world is revealed that the Matter of Britain is mostly made of lies and exaggerations. BBC reaches out to Morgana to collaborate to write a series that would tell the true story of the Pendragons. Morgana launches herself in the project with eagerness. As the search for a proper location to set Camelot is about to start, Morgana hints that she might has the original castle miniaturized and preserved by magic and she would be amenable to make available as set, as long as the production covers the costs of restoration. Thus the Pendragons get their old nest back restored to its golden days free of charge, and Arthur can return to live in his natural habitat. Eventually, the true identity and nature of the felines, believed to be just animals given immortality by magic and relics of the golden age of Camelot, will be revealed, But that's another story for another time.

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Notes Initially, this - the original screencap minus the serval - was supposed to be an Instagram-mock shared by the Merlin of the National Treasure instagram AU, but I didn't have the text ready and was thus stuck since 2018. Some months ago I decided to switch the poster from Merlin to the Morgana of this AU. It made no sense for Morgana to share a pic of her sleeping brother without Merlin the serval around, so the idea of putting a serval on the bed came. Tec stuffs (aka Behind The Manip) A nightmare. I couldn't find a serval pic that fit with the perspective required. And when I did, they came with dark shadows on their legs I couldn't fix. So I had to use the blankets to mask here and there, which came with another challenge on its own. Instagram graphic made all by-hand, with much moving/copy/pasting and, especially, a wearying research to find out which font the website used. No template site. Since I created my own template, it won't reflect any future changes the platform might make (I have no intention of modify my template).

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Crossposted: Livejournal: prue84.livejournal.com/103011.html Dreamwidth: prue84.dreamwidth.org/94038.html Deviantart: deviantart.com/prue84/art/The-beast-s-lair-instagram-1015696733 (instagram post), deviantart.com/prue84/art/The-beast-s-lair-photo-1-1015696691 (photo 1), deviantart.com/prue84/art/The-beast-s-lair-photo-2-1015696758 (photo 2)

[bapydemonprincess]

Picrew used: https://picrew.me/ja/image_maker/1657119

🌹💖Princess Mey Rin💖🌹

The fairest, sweetest princess known in the land, far and wide. Though a bit sheltered from the outside world due to her very poor eyesight and her Father's overall over protectiveness, she's sharp in other ways like knowing why her circumstances are the way they are and figuring out various means of escaping to go out into the woods beyond.

Every time, however, a devoted protector of hers is bound to find her.

One being the Kingdom's mysterious advisor and mage, Sebastian Michaelis, who seemed cold and uninterested in socializing with visitors of any kind from other kingdoms, trying to make trade deals or gambles; attempting to trick the King into making bad decisions. (there have been too many close calls where the fool almost agreed..), but the princess has warmed their heart when she will not give up on trying to socialize with them, asking questions and begging to be told more stories of the powerful mage's life before this.

Another being a brave, gallant, if a bit over the top bold and brash, dramatic and sometimes egotistic Grelle Sutcliff. A leader among her army and already solemnly sworn to protect the entire royal family, she's often found herself specifically rushing to scoop up the bumbling princess when she's attempted to blindly run off out of excitement into an unknown location or climb a tree in the woods out of wanting a little fun in her life.

Finally there's her very own tutor, a holy priestess and healer of the kingdom, Hannah Annafellows, who also patiently puts up with the billions of questions the princess asks, charmed by the young woman's endless open and honest curiosity.

And also noticing as the young woman grows braver a curious energy growing within her. Almost similar to the healing powers she herself has.. if a bit different in its own manner.

As the kingdom starts to fall into hard times as the King, Lau, does some not so smart deals with some shady neighboring kingdoms, his daughter secretly searches; begs and pleads with her sworn and loyal protectors to help her save her tiny family of only her Father and her younger sister, Ran Mao. (who unknowist to her is also trying to figure out how to protect her poor-sighted older sister in her own ways; learning to fight!)

Who would think, realizing she can see in the distance and wield a bow and arrow with ease, would help Mey Rin become one of the deadliest stealth archers in the land.

And help her secretly take out her Father's enemies with a single shot before anyone knows it.

[four-loose-screws]

FE2 Novelization Translation - Chapter 5 Part 1

If you would like to start from the beginning, read a missed part, etc., click here!

FE Game Script Translations - FE Novel Translations - Original FE Support Conversations

If you are interested in donating to support my work, please check out my Ko-fi here. Thank you!

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Chapter 5 - To Mila's Shrine

Part 1 - The Sisters from Archanea

"What caused this mountain of corpses?! Was it the earthquake last night?" It was very possible that Valbar was right. 

Judging by the clothing that washed up on the red waves of Zofia's eastern coast which lead into a strait, they were Pirates. But from the number of corpses, they couldn't imagine a human had done this.

After Alm's fated reunion with Celica, she and her army left immediately for Zofia's northeastern region, where Mila's Shrine was located, despite being at the castle for less than a few hours. Zofia's east coast was likely to become the last beautiful scenery they would see. Before them lay nothing but rough terrain, first that of first a desert, then a volcano. 

Leo was the first to find what caused the pile of corpses. "Over there!" He pointed his finger at a pair of pegasi flying over the heads of a group of Pirates among the waves, dragging the corpses onto the beach. "Those are the foxy little ladies from Archanea!" He said, then turned towards Boey and winked.

"Wow…!" Valbar whistled, impressed. "These guys are from a group of Pirates led by Garth, one of Grieth's underlings. They're the fiercest group along this coast! The two of them alone did this? I can hardly believe it!"

As everyone was marveling at the sight of the Pegasus Knights’ abilities in combat, they were already taking down another Pirate with their swift lancework. 

"No! Someone strong is heading straight for them!" Saber shifted slightly, ready to move at a moment's notice.

A giant had snuck up behind the sisters at some point. Everyone quickly recognized him as Garth himself. 

Saber tried to jump into the fray, but Leo stopped him. "Boey, let's go!"

Both Leo and Boey started running. 

Mae scowled as she always did in response to their crude behavior, while Genny simply laughed.

Because their target was the leader himself, they wasted no time in starting to fight. Leo shot an arrow through his chest, and Boey burned his armor with a Fire spell. They watched his giant body collapse to the ground from a far-off distance, smoke billowing into the air, bringing all the fighting across the beach to a halt. 

Still, something seemed strange to Celica, and she didn't even have to squint to see what it was. The Pegasus Knight sisters did not start to come down from the sky, in fact, they turned their lances towards Leo and Boey.

With Celica as their vanguard, Mila's Restoration Army rushed into the fray as the sisters glared daggers at Leo and Boey. Both were yelling at the now pale men at the exact same time, so no one could make out exactly what they were angry about, but they seemed to be infuriated that Leo and Boey had killed Garth. They thought Garth had known something about where their younger sister was. 

"Bring him back and make him tell us where she is!" One of them said, her white cheeks turning bright red.

"We promise to help you find your sister." Celica said not so much as to take responsibility for Leo and Boey's behavior, but because she wanted the sisters’ far above average strength for her army. Ahead of them on their path was a desert and a volcano, where even the royal family's power had hardly any influence. Regardless of what might exactly happen as they traveled, to make it to the shrine and prevent Alm's tragedy, their army needed more members than they had right now.

The sisters realized that Celica was a Priestess and landed their pegasi, albeit reluctantly.

"Though we know she wouldn't do anything reckless, our youngest sister Est is currently training alone. We are worried that she might lose heart out on her own." The elder sister said. 

From their imposing stances, it was clear that they had prior experience fighting in war somewhere else before. The elder sister introduced herself as Palla, and the middle sister introduced herself as Catria, then they finally both shook Celica's outstretched hand, and vowed to go with her.

-

Grieth's Kingdom of Thieves was currently unstable, and much of that was caused by the footprints Celica and Mila's Restoration Army left behind on their journey. They had completely taken out Darth and his Pirates at the straight, and most recently - though this was mostly the work of the Archanea sisters - they had even eradicated Garth and his followers. In less than one month, two of Grieth’s most reliable main groups were gone. It would be strange even for him, the unofficial king of thieves, not to panic.

Or at least, that was the current hottest topic in the town Mila's Restoration Army stopped in to find a room for the night and stock up on food. It was the easternmost town in the eastern region of Zofia. The Pirates had been aggressive lately with their activity around the area, and were now stationed within Zofia's borders. 

They achieved that position by any means necessary, even if it meant choosing a town that could not fight back and physically threatening to turn their weapons against the people until the village surrendered.

That was what the owner of the inn told them.

He also told them that Grieth's Thieves were the reason why one of the villagers said he wanted to join them, after hearing that a group of units was in town.

To make it to Mila's Shrine, Celica felt it was inevitable that they would have to fight Grieth and his army of thieves. And so she said to the villager, Atlas, to accept his request, "If you are willing to help us defeat Grieth, then please come with us."

Atlas's family had been killed by thieves. Not only would his anger make him stronger, but Celica was also amazed by his swordsmanship when Saber challenged him to a duel to test his abilities. He wasn't even a unit yet. She felt that another sword wielder would be of great help to them after Kamui's passing.

"We must go fight Grieth immediately." Both Atlas and the sisters, worried about their kidnapped youngest sister, were impatient and ready to fight. 

But Saber stopped them from going anywhere. As he was taking a moment to relax in the living room of the small house they rented from the innkeeper, taking a sip of his drink, he said, "I understand how you feel, but we don't have a strategy. And as they say, without a strategy, all battles are reckless. It's not like you two sisters don't already know that."

Palla and Catria were both speechless.

"Grieth is a powerful enemy to have. People as strong as Darth and Garth were just small fry in his kingdom. At our current strength, we wouldn't even be able to touch him."

"Then what are you saying we should do?" Atlas, not yet used to being in an army, was overcome by his innate competitive spirit. He further furrowed his brow and shouted his enraged opinion at Saber, "Is Mila's Restoration Army really nothing more than a bunch of cowards?!"

"I appreciate the energy, but," Saber glared at Atlas to prevent him from saying anything further. "We will go to Mila's Shrine. We should keep our battles as small as possible, and prioritize going to the shrine. Since they have already transcended, our magic units should all be fine, but us sword wielders should at least transcend to the next highest class. If we don't, bringing down Grieth will be but a dream. Do you understand, Atlas? No matter how good you are with a sword, a mere villager will be of no help in real combat."

Valbar glanced down at Atlas's clenched fists and said, "But don't you have it backwards, then, Saber? We need to defeat Grieth to make it to the shrine. But you're also saying that it is impossible to defeat him without completing the transcendence ceremony at the shrine. So hasn't our mission always been impossible from the start?"

"It isn't like you at all to say something like that, Valbar." Saber said with a laugh. "If we face Grieth head on, then we'll all be killed. However, if we are able to transcend, then we will have a path to victory. The shrine is where we will obtain our path to victory. …But don't you know that we are in the greatest danger now? If we do not arrive at the shrine ready to face danger, then we will not be able to defeat the danger we must defeat to make it to the shrine, and we will enter a vicious cycle that will never end. If there's anyone who can sleep soundly through that kind of danger, they certainly aren't units!

"We must cast aside our shame, avoid any all-or-nothing battles that would make us sacrifice even one or two people, and commit transcending at the shrine as our only goal." Saber stated, and everyone fell silent.

-

In one of the rooms of the inn, Genny and Mae were tying up each other's hair in front of the crackling fireplace. At first glance, it looked like they were just doing regular girl stuff, but when Saber realized that the hairstyle they had chosen was the one usually reserved for the recently deceased before burial, he was sad to see that they had taken his words to heart.

Celica was sitting at the desk, just finishing a letter. As she prayed to Mila to grant Genny and Mae her divine blessing, she folded up the letter and placed it in a small leather bag, then dropped a ring. She had requested one of the blacksmiths in the village to have it made out of a piece of the hilt of the sword she received at the Necrozombie Shrine. Though it did not have much power, it could be used in place of healing magic to heal someone. During her brief meeting with Alm that afternoon, she had measured the size of his finger.

They heard a knock on the door. It was a peddler who utilized his ability to cast teleportation magic as capital to run his business. He went around each room of the inn, asking the patrons if there was any business he could do for them. He appeared to be a good person, and so Celica asked him to send a package to Alm at Zofia Castle. She then handed him the leather bag with the letter and ring inside, along with several gold coins.

Just as she did so, Valbar came flying into the room, completely out of breath. The scene startled the peddler so much that he thanked Celica and immediately left the room.

"The sisters are nowhere to be found! Atlas is gone too, and there's no trace of Boey or Leo either! They must have gotten too impatient, and left for Grieth's desert… You wait here, Celica. I'll go bring the five of them back." Valbar said.

Genny and Mae immediately began preparations to leave as well.

"What's so great about those pegasus ladies anyway?!" Mae grumbled.

"They have been quite a lot of trouble already!" Genny grinned widely to make her nervousness go away, then clasped her hands together to pray for forgiveness for Mae's understandably frustrated complaints.

-

Alm had already left Zofia Castle. Though this shocked the peddler, because Celica had paid him so exorbitantly well, he still saw the job through, finally finding Alm at the entrance to the western forest, and handing him the leather bag directly.

Alm decided that this town would be their frontline base for their attack on Desaix's fortress. As the village was one of many living in fear of Desaix's threat to their lives, once he said that they were the Deliverance, the villagers welcomed them with open arms.

'We will arrive at Mila's Shrine very soon. But because of the earthquake, I assume you will be stuck at Zofia Castle for some time.'

Alm read Celica's letter, then crumpled it up into a ball. "We really are on opposite paths." Alm grumbled as the ring fell out of the bag and landed at his feet. When he picked it up and tried it on, it fit his left ring finger perfectly. It made all of his childhood feelings for her come rushing back, so much so that his head started spinning.

Alm truly was in love with Celica. But there was no way for that love to grow right now. Because his heart was in such disarray, he already resented his reunion with her.

Desaix's fortress looked much more sturdily built up close than it did from far away. Alm reminisced on their fight against Commander Zakson, a reinforcement army of Desaix's who ambushed the Deliverance when they left the castle. It was no easy fight. Silque was forced to run all across the battlefield healing everyone, eventually fainting from exhaustion, and they had no guess yet as to when she would recover.

The Deliverance was getting impatient. They were still missing something, and that something was the very backbone of their operation. Mycen was right. They didn't know for certain if anyone who could inherit the throne was alive, and that uncertainty spread like an illness through the hearts of all their members.

A member of the royal family's bloodline. That was the only weapon the Deliverance needed now.

"Princess Anthiese… If you are alive, then grant us your divine protection…" Alm prayed. As meaningless as it was, that was all he could do.

[literary-illuminati]

Book Review 67 – Saint Death’s Daughter by C. S. E. Cooney

This is a book I’ve been vaguely aware of for a while, without really knowing anything about it beyond that it was getting a lot of positive buzz, but it got a WFA best novel nomination and that provided the impetus I needed to finally give reading it a try. And, well, I’ll be honest – this was a slog for me. If it had been half the size it would very likely be one of my favourite works of the year; as is the best way I can describe the reading experience is ‘slowly drowning in cotton candy’.

The book stars Miscellaneous ‘Lannie’ Stones, younger daughter of a declining noble house which has provided executioners and assassins to the royal family of Lariat since its founding, and generally but not lately provided necromancers as well. Lannie is the hope of the family, a necromantic prodigy (if one with a profoundly inconvenient allergy to violence that requires her isolation from the rest of the family and her raising by a bound revanent nanny and the dubiously trustworthy ghost of an ancestor). As the story opens, her parents have both died, and she’s been forced to write to her terror of an elder sister to come home as their debts are called due. She comes home with an enscrolled and deeply unwilling fiancee abducted during her studies. This, surprisingly, only takes up the first small chunk of the book, followed by a timeskip, the introduction of Lannie’s niece born in the interim, the elder sister dealing with the consequences of her seven-year campaign of bloody vengeance against the foreign court which murdered their parents, and the beginning of the actual plot.

I really did want to enjoy this book, and on the page-to-page level it was often somewhere between charming and delightful. But there were just so many pages, and so very little happening on most of them. After the timeskip the book spends something like 500 pages just leisurely meandering, stopping whenever anything catches its interest to spend half a page or three enthusiastically describing it. At a certain point the exuberant narration and playful vocabulary stop feeling delightful and start feeling like the author is somehow being paid by the word.

This is made all the odder by the fact that around the 80% mark the book suddenly realizes its got a bunch of problems to resolve and switches into an entirely different gear, rushing through revelations and resolutions like it’s on a deadline. Which apparently it was? The book ends with what feels like less of a sequel hook and more like a final hundred pages were chopped off the finished product by a longsuffering editor pushed past the brink.

So, the lion’s share of the book is interested less in plot than character dynamics and cute slice of moments. It’s very much a found family sort of narrative, delivered in an incredibly blunt fashion. Which definitely works for a lot of people, I’m sure, but everyone was so obviously written to be endearing and charming and fell into love of various sorts with each other so instantly it just left me cold, and more a bit bored.

This is a book with footnotes, and among those it feels pretty middle of the pack? Not doing anything particularly impressive with them, and they don’t have a real character or voice different from the rest of the book, but they’re a fun enough way to infodump a bunch of Stones family history (particularly all the ways different members have died).

Thematically...look, I’m aware this is entirely a personal pet peeve not shared by any particular audience, but the fact that Lannie’s whole life from infancy is being chosen as the beloved priestess of a goddess of death for one specific purpose, and that this is portrayed as an entirely benevolent, positive, and uplifting thing to have done at basically all points that it’s discussed just sets me on edge. There’s nothing really badly done about it, I’m just a contrary maltheist by nature and the book did basically nothing to allay that.

Generally – I don’t know, I’m not opposed to 700 page books (I’d be an utter hypocrite if I was. Almost certainly still am regardless), but I feel like being that long is a failing the book then has to justify? It should be obliged to do something with the length, if it’s going to demand so much of my time to wade through it. This didn’t really feel like it did.

[ekat-fandom-blog]

Tarot Cards

I disagreed with some of the choices for the official DC tarot deck, so this is who I'd choose. I did limit myself to superheroes and the major arcana unlike the official deck.

The Fool - Beginnings, innocent, spontaneity, free spirited, naivety, foolishness, recklessness, risk-taking Color: pale yellow Crystal: Tourmaline, turquoise Animal: eagle, man, butterfly Plant: aspen, grapes, peppermint Weapon: Dagger and fan Characters: Starfire

The Magician - Power, skill, concentration, action, resourcefulness, manipulation, poor planning, latent talents Color: Yellow Crystal: Tiger eye, citrine, fire opal, agate Animal: Ibis, ape, swallow Plant: Marjoram, palm, vervain (cerebral excitants) Weapon: Wand, caduceus Character: John Constantine

The High Priestess - Intuition, higher powers, mystery, subconscious mind, hidden agendas, need to listen to inner voice Color: Blue Crystal: Moonstone, pearl Animal: Dog Plant: Almond, pomegranate, haze, moonwort (emmenagogues) Weapon: Bow & arrow Characters: Dr. Fate

The Empress - Fertility, femininity, beauty, nature, abundance, creative block, dependence on others Color: Emerald green Crystal: Emerald, rose quartz Animal: Sparrow, dove, swan Plant: Corn, myrtle, rose, clover, cypress (aphrodisiacs) Weapon: Girdle or belt Characters: Mary Marvel

The Emperor - Authority, father figure, structure, solid foundation, domination, excessive control, rigidity, inflexibility Color: Scarlet red Crystal: Ruby Animal: Ram, owl Plant: Oak, tiger lily, geranium Weapon: Horns, the burin Character: Batman

The Hierophant - Religion, group identification, conformity, tradition, beliefs, restriction, challenging status quo Color: Red orange Crystal: Topaz, carnelian, lapis lazuli Animal: Bull Plant: Mallow, sugar cane Weapon: Labor of preparation Character: Captain Marvel/Shazam

The Lovers - Love, union, relationships, values, choices, disharmony, imbalance, misalignment of values Color: Orange Crystal: Alexandrite, agate Animal: Magpie Plant: Orchid, rush, LSD Weapon: Tripod Characters: Green Lantern(Stewart) and Hawkgirl(Shayera)

The Chariot - Control, will power, victory, assertion, determination, lack of control and direction, aggression Color: Orange-yellow Crystal: Amber, chalcedony Animal: Sphynx, crab, turtle Plant: Lotus, olive, watercress Weapon: Fiery furnace Character: Red Hood

Strength - Strength, courage, patience, control, compassion, weakness, self-doubt, lack of self-discipline Color: Yellow Crystal: Cat's eye, topaz, chrysolite Animal: Lion Plant: Sunflower (carminatives) Weapon: Disipline Character: Miss Martian

The Hermit - Soul-searching, introspection, being alone, inner guidance, isolation, loneliness, withdrawal Color: Yellow-green Crystal: Peridot, bloodstone Animal: Rhinoceros, dog Plant: Snowdrop, aspen, narcissus (aphrodisiacs) Weapon: Wand & lamp Character: Raven

Wheel of Fortune - Good luck, karma, life cycles, destiny, a turning point, bad luck, negative external forces, out of control Color: Royal violet Crystal: Sapphire, amethyst, lapis Animal: Eagle, sphynx Plant: Hyssop, oak, poplar, coca Weapon: Scepter Character: Red Robin

Justice - Justice, fairness, truth, cause and effect, law, unfairness, lack of accountability, dishonesty Color: Green emerald Crystal: Emerald, coral, jade Animal: Elephant, crane Plant: Aloe, tobacco Weapon: Cross of equilibrium Character: Booster Gold

The Hanged Man - Suspension, restriction, letting go, sacrifice, martyrdom, indecision, delay Color: Deep blue Crystal: Beryl, aquamarine Animal: Snake, eagle, scorpion Plant: Lotus, ash, water plants, fermented grapes (purges) Weapon: Cup & cross Character: Nightwing

Death - Endings, beginnings, change, transformation, transition, resistant to change, unable to move on Color: Blue-green Crystal: Jacinth, amethyst Animal: Wolf, beetle, crayfish Plant: Cactus, yew, aspen, myrtle Weapon: Evil eye, pain of obligation Character: Green Lantern(Hal)

Temperance - Balance, moderation, patience, purpose, meaning, imbalance, excess, lack of long term vision Color: Blue Crystal: Jacinth, amethyst Animal: Horse, dog, centaur Plant: Rush Weapon: Arrows Character: Green Arrow

The Devil - Bondage, addiction, sexuality, materialism, detachment, breaking free, power reclaim Color: Indigo Crystal: Black diamond, jet, obsidian Animal: Goat, ass Plant: Hemp & marijuana, thistle, fig, orchis root Weapon: Evil eye, lamp Character: Arsenal

The Tower - Disaster, upheaval, sudden change, revelation, avoidance of disaster, fear of change Color: Scarlet Crystal: Ruby, garnet Animal: Bear, wolf, horse Plant: Absinthe, rue, tobacco Weapon: Two-edged sword Character: Robin(Damian)

The Star - Hope, spirituality, renewal, inspiration, serenity, lack of faith, despair, discouragement Color: Violet Crystal: Turquoise, rock crystal Animal: Peacock, man, eagle Plant: Silver fir, olive, coconut (diuretics) Weapon: Censer Character: Superman

The Moon - Illusion, fear, anxiety, insecurity, subconscious, release of fear, unhappiness, confusion Color: Violet-red Crystal: Milk opal, moonstone, pearl Animal: Dolphin, fish, scarab Plant: Poppy, hazel, opium, nettle (narcotics) Weapon: Magic mirror Character: Green Lantern(Jessica)

The Sun - Fun, warmth, success, positivity, vitality, temporary depression, lack of success Color: Orange Crystal: Diamond, heliotrope(bloodstone) Animal: Sparrow-hawk, lion Plant: Laurel, sunflower, heliotrope Weapon: Bow & arrow, spear Character: Flash(Barry)

Judgement - Judgement, rebirth, inner calling, absolution, self-doubt, refusal of self-examination Color: Red Crystal: Fire opal, malachite Animal: Lion Plant: Hibiscus, red poppy (nitrates) Weapon: Wand, lamp Character: Green Lantern(Guy)

The World - Completion, integration, accomplishment, travel, lack of completion, lack of closure Color: Blue-violet Crystal: Onyx, jet, lapis lazuli, black pearl Animal: Crocodile, dragon Plant: Cypress, hellebore, yew, nightshade Weapon: Sickle Character: Wonder Woman

[nec-romantic-nightmare]

Something I wrote for my class again

This time Rakuen experiencing some hate from another oc I have who I just call Captian

He's arrogant and cruel and hates demons-

This is also Rakuen's struggle with belonging most due to the actions of others around her

Green - Captian

Blue - Himiko

Red - Rao

Pink - Rakuen

--------------------------

Spite of Others 

Rakuen hummed silently her claws gently moving across the still koi pond, making little ripples that the fish swam up to curiously gently sucking on her claw before fluttering away into deeper water.

It was peaceful outside the palace, the tall looming building casted a shadow over the small secluded pond, any light that did creep out was colored green by the over head bamboo trees that grew there.

She was waiting outside the palace as Rao had to attend a meeting with Himiko and other royal delegates, she....Preferred to wait outside hoping to avoid a certain Captian of the guards-

"Well well...." a low arrogant voice snorted.

Rakuen's hair stood on the back of her neck, the koi in the pond startling and fleeing into deeper waters as the shadow of the looming man grew nearer.

"So the Priestess' little hellion waits outside like a mutt waiting on its master...Hm at least she knows your worth...." He laughed with a wicked smirk on his face.

Rakuen didn't respond or raise her gaze, her hands shaking, maybe if she didn't speak he'd leave her be-

A rough hand grabbed one of her pink horns and pulled her upwards to look him in the face. She cried grabbing his wrist digging her long black claws into his arm. He let out a pained noise and shoved her backwards to the ground harshly, kicking up dust around her.

"DONT put your claws on me you damned demon!" He spat rubbing his now bleeding wrist, it staining the sleeve of his haori. He threw his arm back and grabbed his katana roughly glaring at her disgust covering his features, green eyes cruel and vicious. "I should kill you like I do the rest of your kind....But that foolish woman we call a queen and her little regent are soooo fond of you...Their little PET demon pfff...I would-"

"You would WHAT, Captian?"

A stern voice cut the suffocating air, Rakuen letting out a sob covering her face and shrinking where she sat on the dirt.

The guard Captian whirled around and all color drained from his face when silverish-blue eyes stared down at him. Himiko's face looked calm, though her upper lip twitched trying to hold back a scowl, her eyes burned with rage. The queen had guards and a fuming Rao behind her, Rao's fists were clenched so tight her knuckles looked even paler.

"Y-you're highness I was jus-"

"Tormenting my apprentice?!" Rao blurted out, her voice shaking with rage, had Himiko not put an arm out in front of her she was sure the other woman would have torn the Captian apart.

"Rao. Please. He will be delt with....For now...Captian I recommend you leave my presence this moment...We will be having a conversation about your actions....And position."

Captian's face twisted and he stared to Rakuen then back at Himiko. "WHAT?! My position? MY position? Over HER?" He motioned to Rakuen violently, pulling out his katana pointing it at her Rakuem shrieking when she looked up, Himiko jumping in tense fear but Rao was a step ahead of her jumping forward and landing a kick right into his chest knocking him backwards.

"Guards!" Himiko spat.

The guards behind her yelped hesitating but they rushed towards their Captian and grabbed him, one kicking his katana aside. Captian swore aggressively but he was tugged away by his fellow guard quickly, as Rao stormed after them.

"Rao!" 

"I'm making sure he doesn't get into any more trouble!" She called back her tone had lessened in anger but was still tense.

Himiko sighed turning back to Rakuen who was was still crying into her arms and shaking, small whimpers escaping the younger woman. She approached her slowly trying not to spook the terrified girl anymore. She carefully sank down to her level sitting beside Rakuen still shaking slowly looked up at the other woman, soft sobs and deep breaths still leaving her mouth.

"Rakuen...Are you-"

The younger woman threw her arms around the taller's waist hiding her face soft whimpers muffled by Himiko's chest. Himiko sighed her expression pained seeing the younger woman shaking in her arms. She caressed her brown hair gently, her fingers brushing against Rakuen's pink horns the smaller woman flinching and pulling away.

"Himiko- Don't....I...My horns-" She touched the one Captian had grabbed frowning, she felt her claws tap it and winched.

"What about your horns Rakuen? Other than that rough grab they seem al-"

"That's what I mean...!" Rakuen stood up, her face twisted with disgust and pain, she looked down at the koi pond tears rolling down her cheeks. "Their....If I didn't have them...Then I..." Himiko stood up slowly walking towards the younger woman, she followed Rakuen's eyes to the water, koi nervously avoiding their reflections.

"There is nothing wrong with your horns, or your claws or your fangs Rakuen...It isn't you. You aren't misplaced because you did something wrong....Man....Is cruel. Some seem to forget what cruelty we ourselves are capable of..."

Rakuen didn't lift her gaze Himiko stared at her reflection, gentle guilt creased her forehead but with a sigh love flooded Himiko's eyes and she turned to face Rakuen properly taking her clawed hands.

"You're magnificent Rakuen. Captian's cruelty, others like him....They don't understand that. They're too caught up in their own hatred to realize this. They swear the imps, the chimera, the onis...All demons are the only ones capable of evil....Yet they strike you without knowing you. You file your horns, hide your claws...You tug on your ears when people stare and you hold your tail when it wags...."

Rakuen looked at Himiko her bangs falling over her eyes. "They judge you without understanding the effect." 

"I don't belong....It's expected." Rakuen finally spoke her voice meek, distant. "Don't belong? Rakuen..."

"Himi....Just....Just leave it..."

Rakuen pulled her hands away and stepped past the taller woman, she walked towards where Rao had rushed off with the guard Captian, probably towards Ankoku temple, her tail dragging behind her.

"Rakuen...."

[blueopalsystem]

Some valentine themed rr art

2 might have lost the plot

Might finish 3, it's really cute

[holyguardian]

Aerith had to swallow back her emotions. It was mostly shock, and ice cold feeling that would have to thaw before she could sort out what she truly felt... but not even that was being granted, not truly. Her shock wide eyes shifted between the Lucian King and her mother.

Wed today? That was... in that moment her eyes did all the screaming that her voice could not. It horrified her, in a way. She was getting exactly what she wanted but it was all... wrong.

"Mother?" she asked the Queen directly, knowing there would be softness even in this. "We can't... I mean... that isn't enough time, it wouldn't be... complete." What she wanted to say was that it wouldn't be real.

Ifalna did indeed soften. "It will be complete, my darling girl. Your union will be witnessed by the Gods, and the Lifestream. I promise you that. After the war, we will make every blessing, honour every tradition, but in the eyes of our families and the divine, you will be married today."

Aerith stuttered out a hopeless little sound. The beginnings of a complaint, though her eyes lowered, as did her head. This wouldn't be happening if it wasn't dire. And so with a nod, she kept her gaze on the floor.

"As such, we must take our leave. It is time to make our preparations." The Queen informed, not unkindly — however rotten it felt otherwise.

Aerith hesitated a moment before she dipped in a respectful bow to her future father-in-law. Then she turned to Somnus, unable to even meet him in his eyes as she dipped again, a gesture of her respect, and of her new place. She was to honour and obey his wishes from this day on...

And just like that, she was being led with her mother's arm around her for guidance. As they were walking out, her brother asked for her and took a few steps, but her mother gave a tense shake of her head while her father pulled him to his side to behave.

It should have been light and airy... shouldn't it?... To prepare for a wedding, even a private one under the veil of shadows. But she had an awful feeling about it now. Things were skipped. Rushed. More time was spent braiding her hair into the traditional style of a bride than she cared for, when she would rather pray at the alter of the ancients, or receive her blessings of good fortune from a lifespring. Instead it felt forced and hollow in a way.

Like they were pretending at something. Like... their feelings couldn't tie into it. How could they, when they were starting on the wrong foot now?

There weren't lavish decorations. There wasn't even a temple, the need for secrecy was so urgent. Instead it all took place in the very halls where they had eavesdropped on their futures. It was almost ironic to end up there now.

Her family stood on one side. His family on the other. Royal houses about to unite in a whisper that would detonate a war with the self-named dragon King.

Aerith wore a long, flowing tunica recta in white. Her head was adorned by a simple tiara that looked more like a dainty flower crown dipped in gold. It was her favourite, one she hadn't even known was packed away, but that had probably been a secret too.

It felt like a long walk. She was guided by her mother, the echoes of their footsteps echoing louder than the waves crashing, at least that was how it felt. At the end of that long walk, the Queen passed her hand to Prince Somnus, a symbolic gesture of handing over a daughter.

From there, she stepped up with Somnus to the priest and priestess guiding their blended ceremony. Then she turned to her husband-to-be, eyes lowered to where they stood with both hands gently linked. She was tense, and she could feel the weight of duty on her shoulders. He must have felt it too, if not more... it was him, about to be ripped from his home...

Somnus had expected a lot of different outcomes. But not this.

Not the appendage to the bigger announcement. That Aerith would marry him – there was a feeling in his chest as if his heart learned to soar the skies. And yet Queen Ifalna’s next words shot it out of the heights like an arrow would pierce a hawk.

He could feel Aerith’s eyes on him, though he stared at his father at all of this. No. No, that was not right.

Taking a step forward, Somnus gestured wide as he raised his voice: “Pater, that is not just. I am not a son of the Cetran bloodline, I am-“

His words were cut short with one harsh gesture of the King and Somnus could see the patience on his father’s face immediately wearing thin. He was angry. He probably had fought valiant worded battles against the Cetran monarchs, against the Queen at his side who so gracefully delivered this devastating message to her daughter. The Lucian King had gotten the upper hand in these debates. The farmlands were cornered, otherwise Somnus had no explanation as to how Aerith’s parents could have allowed this to happen.

“Enough, Somnus. Know your place. You will serve Lucis and you do so by becoming the farmland’s king. Until then you will join them in their lands, learn their customs, their culture, their lives, so you will serve your future people well. You will take part of our armies with you already to defend the farmlands against Jacob. And you will prove yourself worthy. I expect nothing less from you.”

It was clear that no arguments were allowed. Not at all. Somnus could only lower his head, take that half step back, so he was beside Aerith again.

What was she thinking? She must feel so betrayed. By her parents. By the Lucians. By him.

I had no idea, please… believe me.

Would she ever buy these words from him?

Though they would not even get a chance to digest any of this and talk about it. The King continued the plans laying ahead.

“Time is a luxury we do not have. Rumours travel fast and we already lost a day to yesterday’s tragedy. Jacob must not know of this union before it is solidified. You will be wed today, in a private ceremony with just your families as witnesses. Come tomorrow, you will travel back to the farmlands. There will be no discussions of this, it has been decided by Queen Ifalna and me.”

[sweet-can-of-beer]

Imagine you are a common human in a kingdom full of monsters. You are the king's beloved fiancée but not everything works out as sweetly and romantic as he wold like to.

♤A little note♤

I wrote this in a insomniac rush tonight. Sorry if it has any tipos or doesn't make any sense. You can imagine the monster king of your liking♡

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~◆~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This whole self esteem situation was getting to the kings nerves. He was a patient and caring ruler, but when it came to you he used to be a little less patient. He seemed to always have the urge to be around you, making sure everything was fine.

It was natural to worry. Not being of any royal upbringing and most of all HUMAN, not every monster in the court was very found of you. (If it weren't for minimum courtesy he would have everyone who disapproved of you thrown out of the palace windows). Imagine the indignation thet run throught the palace when you where declared his one and only mate and started courting.

He wanted nothing but to make you feel safe and loved around your new home, but it was difficult with everyone around bullying you whenever he turned his back or slid his eyes of you.

That's probably where all this nerve-wracking nonsense came from.

You where currently hidden in your chambers, your face stuffed to one of your million fluffy pillows when he came in. He didn't hesitated to come uninvited when he smelled the sent of your sadness and dry tears.

Apparently a few high tieflings form the court have been rude to you. They mistaked you for a servant and throwed wine to your head.

- Princess? - He said the nickname with such sweetness that it almost hurt you and suddenly the tears came flowing back.

- why are you here? go away! - You tried shouting but your voice was cracked and muffled against the pillow.

-hey, i heard what the duch and the high priestess did - you could feel his weight on the bed now, pulling you to his side, a warm hand coming to rest on your back and stoking your hair.

- I'm making sure they never treat you like that again. No one in this castle should be able to disrespect you- he said firmly. He was so reassuring, so warm and sweet that you couldn't contain it anymore, you deserved noting of this. It hurted so much it make your insides twist with anger.

-WHY? - you snapped loudly, cringing away from his touch. -Why would you want me? Of all the monsters in your court you dare choose a human of no name. You could have just married any pretty noble's daughter and have me as your chamber maid if you wanted a human whore that much! - those words burned your throat but you needed him to hear them, you needed to let him know what you heard day by day when he wasn't around.

You turned to him with rage you weren't even sure of it was for him or for the asshole members of his court. At this point you just wanted to shout anything at anyone. He juts happened to be unlucky enough to be the one around when you needed to vent it all out and he was truly surprised in your outburst looking at you with wide eyes and an unreadable expression.

-THATS WHAT THE DUCH SAID! THATS WHAT EVERY DAMN CREATURE IN THIS PLACE THINKS OF ME! WHY WOULD YOU BE ANY DIFFERENT! - You thrown your pillow at him.

In less than a second you found yourself pinned to the bed. Crushed by his weight.

-WHAT?- He shouted in your face, his anger was not directed to you, but you could feel it in the way he held your wrists almost painfully. He seemed to gain conscious of his actions by an instant and lessened his grip a little.

-why would you believe any of that? I'll kill those fools if it's necessary so you'll never have to listen to them again. You are my mate. I wouldn't choose anyone but you... -

But you didn't hear him anymore not even dared to look at him. You just wanted to be alone.

- I should just do what they said. I'm such a usless and disgusting thing after all. We haven't even mated yet. You could juts ditch me and find anyone else-

-That enough! - At this point he was almost sobbing from rage it hurt him so much to see you like this. If you weren't going to believe his words you better will believe his actions.

His mouth crushed roughly against yours. You whined at the force of it and tried to push him away but he was to heavy he stubbornly locked you in place. One of his hands let your wrist and came behind your head, pushing you deeper into the kiss. His mouth moved with all the built up passion that he had been suppressing in his intent of appearing a noble gentleman through all your courting. He was so not keeping that act anymore. If he had to be aggressively direct in showing his devotion to you then so be it.

His hands started to roam all over you, exploring every inch of your body, squeezing and groping hungrily. He even bite your neck when he noticed you trying to shut your own moans. How dare you even try to prive him of hearing you.

His intense demonstration continued far to much than what you thought it would. By the time he gave you a second to rest there was almost no air left in your lungs, and even less inches of you he haven't already touched. He was panting and growling above you trying his best to remember he couldn't fuck you senseless just yet. He needed to marry you in from of all those disgraceful so called nobles. Declare YOU their queen and he would even fuck you on your new throne in front of everyone to prove them wrong.

That train of thought was what brought him down. The realization hitting him like a bag of bricks in the head. He was in heat. What an unfortunate moment to realize it.

He tried to focus his blurred gaze on you, all sweated, panting for air and disheveled beneath him. The most breathtaking sight of all. His member has presed painfully hard against you. And he wanted nothing but to continue proving how much he adored you, but in his state he was not sure if he could be as gentle as he needed to be during his first time with you.

He pressed himself a little harder against you grunting at the way you tried to push your tights together, squeezing him in turn. That was enough.

He unwillingly pushed a little away form you, kissed your forehead and started whispering sweet words in your ear.

I love you so much. Please don't be mad at me.You mean everything to me. My queen. My mate. Please don't let anyone make you feel like you don't deserve it. Just say it and i prove to you how wrong they are.

-Im sorry- you whispered against his shoulder after a while. All your anger and tension having disappeared under his sweet caress. -I'm not mad at you. Nothing about this is your fault. I was just so frustrated-

-I know. it's alright love. Everything is fine now. Im not mad at you either. Sorry for being so... -

-Heated- you interrupted him nudging your leg against his crotch playfully.

-I was gonna say straightforward - he pushed himself away from the bed, away from you warm skin before he lost himslef to his heat again. He took a moment to adjust his pants. You weren't ready to deal with him in this state just yet.

-Anyway I should leave. I need to set up a weeding as fast as possible if I want to have my way with you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~◇~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[ithilwen-lionheart]

Love, lead me on - Legolas x Priestess!Reader - Chapter 1 (Re-Vamped)

Alternatively:

On the road leading to you, I'll send a million I love you's

[ Work Text: ]

A priestess should be one with her surroundings in order to be bound with even the smallest life around her without requiring the use of her senses- from the flutter of a butterfly's wings to the eruption of a volcano.

She is to hear every heart -beating or not- around her as well as the pleas for help and the cries of pain and anguish. To feel the tears of those who lost, and those who were forsaken. At the chance of being an audience to this, she is to act, for fate had not placed her where she finds herself at for a mere play at destiny's chessboard.

A priestess is where she is for more than a single reason:

to lay gentle hands on the wounded,

to aid the disabled,

to protect the defenseless,

to provide comfort and dreams to the haunted and,

to save as many souls as she could in behalf of the honor of both herself and the order that she represents by the crest that she wears.

But what of her? The priestess?

Who then would save her from the desolation of her heart?

-----

Amidst the roaring flames and clouds of smoke, where there was nothing but the sight of destruction, death and chaos, there remains a tiny flicker of hope that dare arise the hearts of those left alive and running in the floating city of Laketown.

Amongst them is a priestess, albeit a novice, of the Northern Order.

Her (H/C) shone as if commanding the lights of both day and night, skin of (S/C) so vibrant and pulsing with life, and eyes that are the most fanciful shade of (E/C)- ever so curious, ever so alive. She is a wonder dressed in dark brown garbs over a short white dress and loose pants tucked underneath knee-length boots, darting around the docks hidden under a simple royal blue hood.

As much as she is still of relatively fresh blood, she strives to give the best for all she believes could still be better at all times and so here she remained escorting every villager she could find into safety and out of the flames that ravaged all that it touched.

She is -like Lady Galadriel had said- here for a reason and even though some parts of the 'whyfores' remain unclear at the moment, her heart had long found the most significant reason behind her rushing about just under the gargantuan dragon, Smaug-

-it was because a piece of her was here.

The piece being of her heart that she so willingly gave to one who neither asked nor needed it, much less even knew he ever had it in the first place- Prince Legolas of Mirkwood, son of the Elvenking of the Woodland Realm, Thranduil.

All she came to do was pick up a thing or two about the Woodelves of Mirkwood after gaining the King's approval through the Elf Lord Elrond who all too willingly vouched for her character out of fondness.

She was initially left to Feren's care. Her pursuit of knowledge started with tours around the villages and the castle, expounding into lessons on their language and spells, books and healing. Then came one fateful noon when she came across the day patrol that the Elven Prince had led all the while on a stroll of her own with her Siberian Tiger, Luna. Legolas was immediately transfixed with her "odd choice for a companion" and it was a fascination that only developed further until her existing lessons began to get muddled up with archery and horseback riding. Before she knew it her charge had changed and much to her chagrin, with this also came a budding admiration for the prince each day that had passed until she began to ardently wish she could learn shape-shifting sometime soon within that mere month.

But that wasn't the most of the problem, no, it wasn't even half of it.

"(Y/N)? (Y/N)!" A hand on her shoulder attempted to shake her back to reality.

This, this was the problem.

It took the girl a few moments to register the voice as she was still nursing the echoing screams of a woman who had just lost her beloved husband over the memories that smelled vividly of book pages, herbs, and had Legolas written all over it in shades of gold and late afternoon sunlight. She felt a clenching in her chest at this and she doesn't know whether it was out of mourning for the woman's loss or that of her own.

Finally looking up, she sees long ginger hair in braids and bright emerald eyes glistening with concern on the face of the beautiful elf warrior, "Tauriel..." she trailed off and turned to look at the thick clouds of smoke that covered the light of the stars.

Tauriel furrowed her brows a bit and released the younger girl, "Are you alright?" She asks because there's something in the those eyes that went beyond being a simple Old Soul and a novice priestess.

(Y/N) just nods and shifts her attention to the elf approaching their group. The elleth notes how the younger girl falters for a moment before schooling her features into that of her usually playful sheepishness around Legolas.

-----

"

If I'm allowed to peep into your heart, I only want to make sure of one thing,

I wonder if I exist somewhere in the road leading to you...

"

The blond prince approached them. It had not once escaped (Y/N) how those icy blue eyes simply grazed over her before completely settling on Tauriel.

"Is everything alright, Tauriel?" He asks, his voice gentle and worried as he sheathed his knives in their scabbard on his back.

And it was as if there was only the two of them standing on the burnt planks over the debris-littered water. As if the captain of the guard hadn't just left him alone after dragging him into this mess, left him to chase after Azog during the preliminary ambush of the orcs back when Laketown still wasn't crumbling down in dragon flames as she tended to the dwarf, Kili.

Tauriel was not the least bit bothered by this huddle- not even after her apparent deviation from their initial plan of being a part of this world to help the populace instead of just a singular soul. She merely nods, giving the mortal girl beside her a glance that wasn't discreet enough for Legolas not to notice.

'Then again, what things Legolas never noticed Tauriel doing is very few and far in between...' (Y/N) ponders while trying her utmost not to nurse such sour thoughts- she wagers that maybe she knew now exactly why her chest felt all tight.

Then those piercing eyes were on hers. In fluid grace, he swipes an arrow from his back, aims at something behind her and shoots.

His arrows finds its home straight into the face of a marauding orc.

"You should know better than to space out in battle, (Y/N). I had taught you better than that." His tone was reprimanding yet with no small amount of a tease. It belied the concern that hung like a subtle scent underneath, one in danger of being so very easily missed.

(Y/N) adds the pale notes of worry to her list of reasons justifying her helpless clinging to this hopeless attachment.

Tossing the impending bout of self-loathing aside, the priestess opts for much needed presence of mind. Allowing her senses and intuition to take hold, her hand flew to the dagger at her waist to flung it at the beast that stood a few feet behind the unsuspecting prince. Finding a remotely stable pole behind the figures before her, she ran towards it and used it to propel herself forward to kick the monstrosity square on the face for good measure- her body barely grazing the prince's face and shoulder as she spun horizontally through the junction.

After hitting her mark, she gathers enough momentum with her feet planted on one hideous face to launch herself upwards before landing with both feet back on the ground. The priestess allows herself a dramatic flourish and a bow upon seeing that she had both elves attention: Tauriel with her face gawking in awe and Legolas with profound pride effectively unapparent to those who had not taken to heart his set of facial reactions.

Which made up everyone else who was not (Y/N), "Same could be said to you, Prince Legolas." She snickered and stood straight, the cape of her hood swishing behind her.

Legolas smirked, "I would not get too brazen now, dear priestess." She pretends that her heart did not make somersaults at the playfulness of him, his words and the title by which he chose to address her as and his closeness as he walked towards her and swung his sword at yet another orc that stalked them.

As much as they may always be at each other's throats with their snarky quips and witty banter, when it came a time like this- on a battlefield in a world that is larger than life, running through blood and gore and fending enemies meant to kill and destroy, it almost seemed as if an unspoken mandate that they would watch each other's back. Even if it was often (Y/N) alone who had guarded his while Legolas remained occupied looking after his heart, Tauriel.

Hers remained an exposed target, open to the world for the taking.

The novice priestess had long ceased minding the danger. It was a half-life she found herself willing to bear for as long as her insignificant mortal life would allow if it was what it took to safeguard his joy even if it were out of and for someone else. Better see it than not at all, She would oftentimes think whenever doubt threatens to find root in her heart and her mind begins to question the soundness of the extents she is willing to take for the unrequited admiration she harbors for the prince.

"Think fast, princeling!" She suddenly hollers with an urgency that Legolas knew to answer with muscle memory rather than the previous bristling he used to at the employment of the moniker. It was so much of an overused 'there's filth behind you that I am going to hit so please duck' that the Elven Prince had by this point knew to humor it with an equally mischievous smile that matched her own.

(Y/N) swung her left arm back and with it brought water forth, turning them into icicles that she then used to impale the beast with.

By the moment Legolas had straightened back up to his full height, he shot her one of his grateful little grins that she grew to know meant nothing more than appreciation. It only spanned for a mere few seconds before his whole attention snapped towards the sound of something cracking.

It did not take him a bat of an eyelash to dive in and push Tauriel away from the debris that nearly fell over her.

It did not take (Y/N) a mere half of it to whistle for Luna to tackle them both out of harm's way.

Commanding the water to douse the flames threatening to begin spreading outwards from where they were, the priestess throws both elves yet another cheeky grins and inclines her head, placing a hand just above her heart as she declared,

"At your service, my dearest Prince Legolas and Lady Tauriel."

The Great Tiger gracefully strides back to her owner with not so much as a beckoning before affectionately rubbing her huge furry head lovingly against the priestess' entire side, "You did a stellar job, my darling moon! Huh? What is it?" (Y/N) bubbling chuckle died at her familiar's observatory report. Her entire mien changing from blithe to grievous, "Bard? That is folly! He would not be able to take down a dragon by use of ordinary arrows. What? Bain? His son? Where is he? Oh dear Valars... Alright, take me there."

Not a heartbeat was wasted as the priestess swiftly climbed her mount. Halfway into uttering the command for their hasty departure, (Y/N) notices the confused albeit apprehensive expressions on her companions' faces and it made a grimace of the smile that she failed at, "Perhaps my lord and lady might fetch Bard's girls from their home? The boy is no longer there, I am to find him." she offers as if a cue that it is due time they get back to their posts and save as many lives as they could.

It was then that Tauriel had allowed the truth to make a home of her face. There was not a single attempt made to hide where her true concern laid- not with the world as she had so boldly declared to Thranduil, Legolas and (Y/N), no.

The mortal priestess could feel her heart break for the Elven Prince but still she spoke -it was information necessary for the lot of them to function, to know what they are doing and who remained in need of actual saving, "Yes, Tauriel, the dwarves are with them." she begins perhaps a nudge too pointedly than she intended, "Luna also notes that Kili had successfully recovered." (Y/N) did not find the least amount of entertainment at the elleth who flushed in embarrassment at having been found out, especially not when Legolas in turn rose a scrutinizing brow, his eyes now fixed on hers.

The priestess found herself with very little else to do save for scratching the back of her neck diffidently, a guilty upwards turn on her lips as she spoke, "I may or may not have mixed in some very specific ingredients on to the healing salve he took to hasten his healing process..." her voice trails off, gaze dropping to the side and away from electrifying blues, fearing that her resolution to remain a neutral party would waver at the intensity of those eyes.

Before she knew it, a hand laid atop her knee. Too delicate and thin to be Legolas', Tauriel was looking up at her with immense relief and gratitude, "Thank you." Those words alone and the thankful squeeze of a hand should not have given anything away aside from a profound sense of alleviation, however there remains the reason why novices are sent to see the world before they could undertake their vow as priestesses.

First they are to learn about every being in Middle-Earth. To see beyond race and skin and fur, into the hearts that laid underneath chests of varied sizes and make, to pay careful attention to the emotions that lurked beneath every breath and every bat of eyelashes, those that swirl just around a creature's eyes before disappearing entirely and turning into something else.

And in those bright emerald greens she saw love. A yearning so desperate yet aimless and confused and so so young that all that concealed the heart's desires was a thin sheen that is nearly transparent it might as well not be there. Tauriel had fallen for the dwarf and (Y/N) knew it ever since that night in Mirkwood's dungeons- long before even the elleth herself was consciously aware of it.

The intensity of what to her might have been a new emotion seeped out of her unbidden and heedless, so much so that it began to concern Thranduil. (Y/N) had been there during their confrontation but she swore against breathing a word of what she had witnessed. It was a secret that is all too welcome to lay beside her heart as they bury it once it finally dies from all the blows it had endured for and from the obliviousness of the prince.

"Legolas had grown very found of you."

"I assure you, he only looks at me as a captain and a guard. Nothing more."

"Perhaps once. But not anymore."

"Surely you would not let your son pledge himself to a mere Silvan elf."

"Yes. You are right. But he cares about you. Do not give him hope where there is none."

"Shall we head off, Tauriel?" (E/C) eyes were fixed on the blonde prince as he clasped a tentative hand on Tauriel's shoulder. It was a touch of lingering caution and persistence, of dwindling hope- of a stubborn refusal to acknowledge the inevitability of a loss. (Y/N) knew too well the chords of that tune, the ultimate fate of that prose.

Like calls to like.

Not trusting herself enough to meet the broken soul hidden underneath those pale blue eyes, the priestess was quick to turn to the direction that would lead her to Bard's house. Not once turning back to the elves behind her.

"It appears not... we are on completely different roads -you and I- and woe be this fate that I exist nowhere in yours." A lone tear traverses down one flushed cheek, short-lived was this grief as a brown gloved hand rose quick to rid the world of its existence.

The priestess dons up a smile if only for the comfort of the villagers still in need of aid and pats the side of the heart who remained steadfast by hers, "Let's get going. Shall we, Luna?"

-----

"

Within the fleeting dream, I wish this unexploited love to end,

Yet, I open my eyes to this red and flickering flame of love...

"

Casualty had and will forever remain a given wherever dragons and war are involved. Regardless of what a single soul or a group of races do, it could never be avoided and there would still be those whom they failed to reach in time and those whose plights they never even knew of.

It was this that most likely explained the burnt and mangled bodies strewn across the shore from where they evacuated what they could of Laketown.

This was what (Y/N) remained to see in the middle of the night while everyone else had long succumbed to sleep. She never knew why but out of all the people who had lost someone that was close to their hearts, it felt as if it were her who took everything the hardest. Sleep could not find her and so she instead volunteered to keep the fires going through the night in a bid to keep the villagers from freezing as winter is already upon them.

Smaug was dead. Bard had successfully driven the one Dwarvish wind lance in existence through its heart and was reunited with his family once more. He was even given the title of 'Dragon Slayer' as the dwarves of Erebor, lead by Thorin Oakenshield, finally reclaimed their homeland.

The priestess mused with no small amount of frustration how for some, prophecies and cautionary tales are so easily told by tapestries and age-old songs and yet those who heard and saw insist on making the same mistakes as the ones before them, insist on falling for the very same frailty that had caused the undoing of people and of kingdoms that had once flourished, the death of many and of what truly mattered. She never truly arrived at an answer, fathoms she never could-

-not while she herself remains suffering from the same affliction.

Kili had left in pursuit of the rest of his kin. However before that he first entertained the frivolous idea of taking Tauriel with him- the split second of consideration in the elleth's eyes did not get past (Y/N)'s keen observation. The priestess wondered whether Legolas had noticed it too because he was quick to intervene and order his captain to take her leave of the dwarf who then in turn left a stone with engravings on it as a promise that he will come back for her.

It was then that she saw the resolution deteriorate in the prince's eyes and through a chink, was able to discern the hurt and despairing vie as his entire figure slumped albeit immaculately discreetly. As if in quiet suffering, the final song of a dying wren- so tiny in the crushing hands of cruel fate and an even more brutal world.

The death throes of his heart and his hopes deserved a funeral pyre. It deserved acknowledgment, to (Y/N) it would have been granted eternal life.

The priestess sighs visibly now, white puffs of air slipping past her opened mouth. Everything goes cold wherever Death walks by, the trail he makes being that of emptiness and irremediable loneliness. She could feel the presence of Death even if it remained not her and hers- the dreadful aftertaste even stronger still. She remains consciously aware of the lives it took and the pleas of the souls who do not wish to depart from their loved ones yet and it tastes like bile stuck at the back of her throat.

The voices are there, yes, they drag her down into a state of half-sleep. A void that is a mixture of both her conscious and subconscious thoughts. She succumbs to it, it was not as if her service is needed anytime soon. Legolas and Tauriel left earlier to ride north, so there was not much left for her to do except to keep close watch of the bonfire.

Laying down, her back rested against patches of grass and dirt. She took a deep breath, watching the midnight skies clear for once to make way for starlight. It never failed to make her marvel at how surreal and distant the skies are for mortals, like some unattainable dream forever for them to see but never to touch-

Everything rushes to her and all she could see was the elf prince the very instant she had closed her eyes.

Before her were vivid recollection of the times she stood by him. From where he elegantly drew his arrows, took aim with his long arms and shocking depths of intoxicating blue, and then shot with deadly precision at whatever his target was; to where he skillfully fought his enemies with practiced ease by use of swords and knives and equally quick wits; where he is so much an adept warrior yet a refined prince both at the same time; where he is warm and gentle and bearing so much knowledge crammed into the little space in his eyes; where even though his soul may be centuries old, he remained eternally youthful and curious and his heart so achingly devoted to both the wrong causes and the right in tragic equality-

(Y/N) halts her reverie if only to stay Death's hand from laying a premature claim to her heart.

There were times she so fervently wished herself free from the burden of feeling so strongly. The mere idea that a vital part of her supposedly undivided attention as an aspiring priestess had been effortlessly snagged by one soul is trouble enough, but coupling it with the reality that it is unrequited made it all the more unbearable. It cleaves her actions in two and as much as it remains a shame to admit it, shall there be an innocent human, elf, or dwarf hanging on the precipice of a cliff with an incapacitated Legolas on the other and she could only deign to save one of them-

-she would rush to the prince's aid without so much as a second thought.

"Argh," The priestess' groan was only barely muffled by the crackling embers of the bonfire, "It is due time that I set my priorities straight.. I am a disgrace to my house." she threw her arms over her eyes that remained scrunched shut.

"How could you say such a thing about yourself?" A voice chides so hauntingly beautiful and familiar that she wished she could just close her eyes forever and hear nothing but that sound whispering her name in the tone that it would use to address his beloved.

She would try to keep her eyes closed, to feign sleep-talking, anything to keep herself from seeing him as close as his voice had indicated because she knew it will be her undoing. Yet like clockwork, she remains a loyal prisoner to his words as he leaned closer and demanded, every hushed breath a crooning tormentor,

"It is only proper manners to meet the eyes of whom you are speaking too, dear priestess. Is it not?"

At this (E/C) eyes fluttered open and all there was in her world then was his face curtained by his silky long blonde locks. (Y/N) figures maybe he was the reason why the moon was missing that night.

Like a child in a trance, (Y/N) reaches upward with a hand to haltingly touch a few of the glistening strands between her thumb and forefinger if only to see if the Legolas that crouched beside her was real.

With the slightest curve on the side of a perfect mouth, the figure vanished into thin air like silvery whisps of evergreen scented vapor. It did not take a second for the girl to realize that it was naught more but a ghost made concrete by the sheer strength of her longing.

She stood with vivid exhaustion plastered on her face -emotionally spent and heartbroken and for no one else to see- and made her way towards the camp to rekindle the fire threatening to die out.

The renewed pang her daydream had left fueled the flickering embers in her heart, even as it turned into despair as she stared at the crackling wood before her.

His illusion may have deserted her yet the hole he left in her heart had endured- the apprentice thinks she will harbor that -him- for however long her pitiful existence on the earth would stretch.

-----

"

I might not be the one who warms up your cold and numb hands, but

the one who can illuminate my future in this world is only you...

"

The real Legolas is with Tauriel under the same stars that prayed witness to her breaking that night. It is cold and (Y/N) wonders if they found some place warm to stay or if they, like her, opted to sitting close to one another in front of an open fire outside.

If they did however, it will not be quite like her, she realizes. For with the pair of them there is but one of her in the dead of night.

It would not matter if it gets cold, her heart whispers, there is the two of them after all. Always had been and always will be. Because even though the elleth displayed tendencies to go astray, the priestess knew, just like Tauriel, that Legolas would blindly follow her to the ends of the world.

(Y/N) hopes that the captain would at the very least return the favor by protecting him even if it is done out of nothing more but sheer courtesy. It will be hard for her to intervene on the occasions that they would be this far away from her and some time soon, she will have to eventually leave their side to discover the rest of the world-

Alone. To further her desire to be a priestess of great power, enough to leave the world a better place than when she had first found it.

Better than when it had first broken her heart.

Tear-stained (E/C) continued to stare at the dancing flames before her as she curled into a ball in a fetal sitting position. Allowing herself the luxury of weeping for all the wrong causes she had been too willing to bet her heart on and for the future she could now no longer see without the prince in it.

(Y/N) ultimately decides to strive for that future if she must- even if it means that she is to stay as nothing more but a priestess in his service. The path she would walk would bear no small amount of heartache yet with it will also be the guiding lights made bright by the purpose of being able to stand proudly beside the prince-

and to her young heart it was all that mattered.

-----

"

Even though I deliver this "I love you" to you one million times.

In the end, you won't give me a "YES", but

I will deliver this "I love you" to you one more million times again.

Oh love, please show me a way...

"

They never went back that day. Or the day after that. Not even when the villagers of Laketown went on their journey towards the ruined city of Dale, not even after they arrived.

The (H/C)-nette did her utmost to be of use- operating with the thought that perhaps if she moved about extensively enough the dreadful thoughts might spare her some mercy. Tending to the wounded and handing out blankets and food ration, keeping watch at night and maintaining what small amounts of bonfires they could manage- she took anything and everything to get her mind off of things.

(Y/N) was well aware that even Bard had taken notice of her blatant refusal to remain idle- nevermind to rest- yet he never did directly voice his concern, not even after she had volunteered to man the night watch for the second time in a row. He just asked her once if she was faring well and suggested he give the task to someone else the night before so that she might have a well-deserved rest.

It was an offer that she of course courteously declined. Resolution dawned quick upon her then that even if Bard did make an effort to retire her the results would have remained the same.

The midnight chill seemed much preferable over the warmth of a blanket after all. Especially these past few days when sleep had been her enemy and everything that came close to it had conjured upon her reverie the same picturesque imagery of the prince. The one who would openly smile for her and for her alone, the one she would divulge her genuine feelings to without fear of judgment or distaste or banishment altogether. She could no longer recount how many times she had told this prince how much she adores him so neither can she recall how many times he had been so close for her to touch before consciousness befell her and she realizes that everything was just the same tricks her mind had gotten used to playing on her over and over again.

And so, over and over she fell and swore and spilled the same words of adoration to the same phantom figure, hoping that it would somehow make him realize how much she truly, desperately means it. Over and over she awakes to see herself in the same position: curled into a ball, tucked beside Luna in front of the blazing fire before her, cheeks wet, eyes stinging; over and over her thoughts would wander to Legolas and she will say the same words again.

Some nights, she would ride Luna at full speed and run up hills to scream, on others she would curl in with the tiger and just settle with a coveted whisper.

All those times, her words fell on deaf ears. All those nights, her voice shivered and cracked for the absentee prince over and over again.

Out of love, out of a helpless passion she knew would never be returned.

She knew she will make the same decision a hundred times over because none of it was ever a mistake.

Once is a mistake, twice might perhaps be a coincidence, thrice could be a lie, there is fault in a fourth yet none of which could dare define much less begin to justify a word said a million times over before and again.

-----

The desolation of Smaug was merely the crux that predated an onslaught. Compared to the bloody war that followed, the flames and burned carcasses was nothing compared to the aftermath of The Battle of The Five Armies.

Bloody, mangled remains of elves, dwarves, orcs, and humans had littered both the foot of Erebor and the pummeled city of Dale. Discarded armor, ruined weaponry, machines and deteriorated stone walls of once great cities cluttered as far as the eye could see as if in poor tribute to a blood thirsty god.

Taking in the sight, it does not take a sage to conclude that no absolute victory had been won even by the rallied forces of all races combined against the Gundabad orcs and the annihilation of Azog the Defiler and his right-hand, Borg.

Not even (Y/N) could feel remotely festive after all that had transpired- not even if she were the key to every bit the most notable accomplishments they had with this war.

It mattered not to her that she had stopped a much unnecessary war between the Sindarin Elves and the Ironhill Dwarves; that she had fought alongside both dwarves and elves as Durin's Folk hid behind the walls of Erebor; that she stood firm with her usual garbs and nothing else but her courage and a sword and the skills she had learned from Legolas. Her great tiger, Luna, beside her-

(Y/N) had fought and will fight for everyone else's life if not for her prince's. That was why and how she manages to live, her own self-preservation long forgotten every moment spent in this unreciprocated charade of hers that stretched on and on. She had since ceased feeling guilt for throwing her life across the line far more times than she had kissed and will kiss the moon goodnight- unlike Legolas or Tauriel, she had not a soul who would mourn her loss.

Through it all, they had defeated their fair share of enemies- tiger and master, side by side. Guarding each other's backs and sharing an affectionate moment with their foreheads pressed together before going back into the fray once more and racing towards Dale after finding out that the orcs were planning to lay siege on the unsuspecting settlement.

It was already a given that the priestess would abruptly turn her head towards the direction of the city, chorusing with Gandalf as they made the dreadful announcement- hers containing a proposition to head straight to it with Bard and his army of angry lakemen to hopefully warn the rest of his own in time before it was too late.

The Elvenking had bestowed upon her then a look as if she had just lost all sense that he saw on her in the beginning.

"You came to the Woodland Realm with the intention of learning the culture of my kin in order to make a fine priestess. This is no longer the halls of my kingdom but a battlefield, (Y/N)." Thranduil seethed as best as his marmoreal grace had allowed. A hand settled on her shoulder then, the entirety of him threatening to haul her up into his mount, "You are still but a novice and even better than that you are not trained to be a warrior." his eyes blazed pale flames as his voice dropped, "You should be aware of the confines of what you could and could not do, priestess. Before you get yourself killed."

His disquietude was a sight to behold for Thranduil had been known for a great many things but this- ruffled and disturbed, very nearly mortal.

Yet her resolution did not dwindle. For though she is young of age -even for a priestess, a mortal and most especially an elf- her fortitude surpassed that of a great warrior, be it living or dead.

With a slight shake of her head and an apologetic little smile, she confirmed that her will is yet to bend under the king's stone-cold gaze.

"My most sincere apologies, dear king. But as much as I appreciate your concern, I ought to take my leave. I believe you would be more than capable to arm yourself and your kin but I doubt those men and women in Dale would survive this attack unaided." She offers in weak succor, her face hardening a considerable amount before she deigns to hide it behind yet another smile.

The Elvenking barely held back the barb that threatened to resurface and slip past his lips.

'The delicate hands of a mere mortal priestess would not be able to hold half of the onslaught that would befall those doomed souls. It is a battle loss before it even began...'

Still, he managed if only with the knowledge that this stubbornly selfless and naïve mortal girl is a mere front to something more glorious than a simple priestess. Although he yet finds himself able to admit, Thranduil knew her to be a competent warrior both in heart and soul- her mentor was his son after all.

"Very well then. Do as you wish." He finds himself relenting with a tilt of his head in the manner that was customary for him, the one that threw parts of his silky white locks on one side in a gracious waterfall.

Face devoid of any emotion, he proceeded to take the same direction as the young priestess, his regal form perched atop his great elk falling in perfect sync beside master and tiger.

"Pardon my imprudence, my king, but is it of mere coincidence that we are taking the same route?" (Y/N) asked nonplussed, her head cocked to the side and at a loss as to why the Elvenking would leave his elves in the battlefield.

"I will not have you harmed where my eyes could see and my hands may reach." Thranduil replied cryptically, not a part of him offering or heralding the beginnings of an explanation.

The priestess allows herself to find momentary solace at this wrinkle in time where she had not been alone, letting it be known with a pleasant hum that she had taken his words for what they were. They resumed to ride in silence, (Y/N) so oddly at peace despite the bloodshed around them until finally, agonizingly, their paths had split up and she was forced to wave the king a silent goodbye.

"May the Valars look down and smile upon you." The Elvenking grants her his blessing with a subtle tip of his proud head- with it was a minute upwards turn of the lips that the girl hadn't missed.

The same way it did not escape (Y/N) how those frosty blue eyes that lingered on her looked so extraordinarily familiar that it took her breath away. Still piecing bits and pieces of her addled consciousness, Thranduil returns her wave with a curt nod before turning back to his post amongst his kin.

It was in Dale that she was once again reunited with two of the Elvenking's bane- the priestess belatedly and most inconsolably noting that by some odd strike of luck this very pair of elves remain her heart's own scourge as well.

"Where have you two been?" she inquires by way of greeting, both worry and fury coloring her tone.

Their response was of a more deplorable note. There was an impending ambush from the north. Legolas having already tried to coax his father into warning the dwarves, (Y/N) had already by then saw the losses Thrnaduil had suffered and so it had not at all been a surprise for her that the Elvenking had turned the request of his own son down.

It had caused even more strife than it was worth when Tauriel aimed her arrow at the king, stating in self-righteous fury how she pities him for not knowing of love- for not having such in his heart.

Which the priestess had found was quite ironic for the elleth to say after falling in love with a dwarf she had just met. As if she did not bear even an ounce of remorse for so carelessly discarding Legolas, for acting as if his feelings bore no weight and significance -as if it never was- even if it had been so painfully obvious for everyone else.

(Y/N) knew a part of the captain is completely aware of it by now. Even a blind man could tell by the tone and the choice of words the Elven Prince would use whenever he would talk to her.

That was where they differed. Where Legolas would talk to Tauriel, he would talk at (Y/N).

"I would go up to Ravenhill to warn Thorin." the priestess blurts out, more out a desperate plea to keep herself from going idle and falling prey to her despondent thoughts once more rather than an actual decision made by a sound mind.

Thranduil was relatively quick on the uptake, "This brash behavior is precisely what I was warning you against, (Y/N)." his scolding was the first of the many to come. His tone taking quite an exasperated turn once all the rashness in his features had simmered down.

Legolas' then followed shortly after that.

"Even though I am openly against ada as of current, I must agree with what he had said. This battle is no longer yours to fight- it was never yours to begin with." His brows furrowed with the will of someone who, in all seriousness, wanted her out of it.

(Y/N) carried on and sported this particular ache as she had done all the others, decidedly pushing through with fighting alongside them throughout the war.

Her loyalty for the prince had peaked during the battle. There was not a single moment then when she had thought about her life above his.

From the very moment he and Tauriel had arrived to announce the grave news of an ambush from Gundabad, (Y/N) was quick to take her leave of her post without a single question asked. Through the disapproval of all three elves whom she had grown to call as hers -to protect and to serve- she remained a steadfast albeit impetuous ally, even when both father and son had named her bravery a perilous understatement for stubborn behavior in different shades.

Through it all Legolas instinctively looked after Tauriel, and knowing all too well how the captain's grief would hit the prince tenfold, (Y/N) in turn watched over Kili atop both elves' backs, especially Legolas'.

It is in this demented process of flying above her wingspan, that the priestess had lost the only one who had ever unconditionally reciprocated her love in equal value.

(Y/N) was on one of the neighboring mountains in Ravenhill, riding Luna and shooting arrows at all the enemies who threatened her comrades when she saw Borg, aiming to stab Kili with a large wooden stake.

(E/C) eyes widened and the whole world seemed to have stopped as the priestess gazed dropped down to Tauriel as she howled in despondence- a sound that was quick to snag at Legolas' attention despite their distance. It was not just the mirroring pain that was etched on the prince's face that had spurred (Y/N) into action, no, the undefended dwarf on the verge of death had too became one of her trusted confidantes. Kili was the only one who knew of her adoration for the Elven Prince and even though he had found her out of accident, he had not once pried or forced her to act on it. The Dwarven Prince, did however listen, tossed in what wisdom his equally youthful self was able to supply every now and then along with the occasional teasing that had always been meant and succeeded in raising her spirits.

The thing about (Y/N) is that she would die before she allow harm befall what few souls she chose to hold close to her heart.

Dismounting, she gazed off into the distance, a silent plea to the great goddesses to guide her slipping past her lips as she begged for them to give her the strength it required to protect all those who are dear to her.

Just enough. Not more, not less.

"Luna, love, we are to split up, alright?" She whispered sweetly as she caressed her heart and pressed her cheek on that spot beside ice-blue irises and slitted pupils. Immense dread threatened to split her into two as the tiger purred and returned her embrace with fervor.

"That's my girl." she cooed and kissed one great forehead before nuzzling her nose against the tiger's, "I love you."

Even though she is unable speak, Luna knew to return the words with her eyes and a stroke of her head and huge paws against her human. (Y/N) knew exactly what it meant, every word.

'I love you too.'

'It is not your fault,'

'You never had the choice.'

'It does not mean that it made me think you had ever loved me less.'

'Goodbye.'

That was the last she saw of her companion's lively eyes and taunting stature. Last of the pristine snow white fur always combed to perfection, of the vivid charcoal lines that decorated the expanse of her body in such an exquisite manner, of the huge build that could take 4 riders at once, of those depths of wise yet impish aquamarine irises and of that adorable pink nose and tongue.

Luna had always smelled of snow and cookie dough. It was a scent that was unheard of and strange for a tiger especially one as regal as her, it steered her kind away as it drew elves, dwarves and men towards her. She had preferred things the way they were, preened on the attention she had received from minds she knew aligned with hers- the tigers, Luna seemed to have thought once upon the time (Y/N) tried to proactively introduce her to them, smelled at best and repelled her at most.

It was on the more isolated part of the mountain far from the festivities of Erebor when (Y/N) had once more reunited with her. Hours upon hours of scouring through various mountains after defeating Azog the defiler and she had finally found Luna.

And all there was for her were tears of regret and yet another fistful of an already broken heart.

The deluge fell from her tired eyes as she stared down at her fallen kin. Badly did she wish to turn her head away from the stains of angry red that tainted snow white fur, to tear her eyes from the despicable sword impaled on the great tiger's noble chest that had once heaved but now no more.

But she would not. Not when it was herself that had brought this upon her stalwart heart.

"It was all my fault... " the young priestess murmured, her voice breaking after repeating the same words for the hundredth time that night. It was not unlike a fool's wish to hope it might somehow make the loss bearable.

At the sight of no one, (Y/N) dropped to her knees and wept her heart out once more, however this time, she was now truly alone in her grief.

The midnight skies had never been so dark before, it was as if the stars themselves shared her heartbreak and hid behind turbulent clouds to allow the incoming storm to come in a bid to mask tears of their own.

The impending downpour was a beating she would welcome with open arms in the hopes that she would somehow drown in it as she laid there sprawled over her tiger, that perhaps with it and her she might disappear too.

There she remained struck down by her sorrow. No longer minding the men, women and children of Laketown, the elves of Mirkwood or the dwarves of Ironhill and Erebor. Now they are safe, now there was no longer any need for her at the festivities that took place inside Erebor.

No more fighting, no more protecting.

The rain poured heavily then, drenching the world and pulling the young priestess further down the ground as she curled up into the fetal position that grew usual for both master and tiger. Her body at last became leaden from where she lay with the heavy feeling now successfully gnawing at her beaten heart, the coldness and loathsome presence of Death mocking her as it triumphantly stole the animal's welcoming warmth away from her.

Dulling (E/C) hues fluttered shut, spent from all the crying she had done to make up for all the times she had kept her grievances to herself. Alone as she had always been yet never was back when Luna was still there.

Unlike now.

Pitiful hiccups escaped her plush lips, sobs consuming her body like a merciless undertow as her gloved hands reached up in an attempt to stifle her all-consuming anguish.

It was due to this that she did not see the clouds part to make way for the vivid light of the moon as it glowed with gentle rays of pale silver upon her as if in consolation.

"My dear girl..." The Lady of the Light strode towards the broken figure on the harsh damp ground. Reaching out, she touched the top of her most sprightly novice's head before sitting down beside her, the mud not once staining her elegant robes.

(Y/N) flinched at the sudden appearance of her mentor and quickly sat up to clear her face of tears and gore,

"M-my lady, " she despised how her voice came out in a battered croak, "-surprising to find you here of all places..." She trailed off, looking around in search for a diversion before noticing the hem of the lady's dress in contact with the puddle of murky water closest to them, "m-my lady! Your robes!" (Y/N) shuffled to her knees and rubbed the dirt off her hands on her cloak before reaching out to grab the ends of pristine white cloth.

Lady Galadriel lifted a mild hand up to soothe the panicking priestess and held the trembling hands that reached out to touch her clothes instead.

(E/C) orbs involuntarily looked down in fear that her mentor would see enough of her to tell that she could no longer take any more of the world. That the Lady of Light had already seen how defeated and disheartened her student was that she would just deign to recall her back to Lothlorien and finally appoint her as a temple-maiden instead.

Galadriel saw through all the young girl's uncertainties, that even though the young priestess chose not to speak of it, she knows that her brave and young little heart needed all the words of encouragement it could be spared,

"My darling, do you know what it was that I saw in you back when you were young? What it was I saw that eased my blessing for you to go on this journey without so much as a second thought?" The lady queried, covering both of the younger one's hands in hers, lowering them so that it settled on the space between them.

(Y/N) only remained silent, shaking her head a 'no', because not once had she seen anything remotely special in herself.

This coaxed a melodic chuckle from the Lady of Light, her eyes shining brighter than the purest star as she squeezed cold hands before answering with absolute fondness -as if the young girl is her own and she was a proud mother staring into her daughter's eyes-

"It was because you were blessed by the moon and the stars with a heart so pure and brave that it loves so selflessly and earnestly to the extent of what others would deem as a fault." the gentle resolution in her gaze made (Y/N) want to weep, "It is such a blessedly unsought fault that the world greatly needs yet overlooks both at the same time." Galadriel smiles wistfully, reaching up to touch one reddened tear-stained cheek, her thumb lightly brushing the salty trails off.

(Y/N) merely sighed in resignation. Of course her mentor knew, she always does. But that does not mean she would not dare ask,

"You knew?" She finds herself completely against the idea speaking it as for her the grief remained too near and so she decided to be vague despite knowing that the lady of light would easily see through it- through her.

A mischievous little upturn made its way across the lady's thin lips as she spoke deliberately,

"Of your attachment to the Prince of Greenwood? Of course I do. Your soul is that of a wanderer that never took root on a single location for more than a week and yet you took a month in Lord Thranduil's kingdom." there was a discreet emphasis on the name that (Y/N) was certain the Lady of Light was letting her in on, "If it would not be because of the Elven Prince then I would be inclined to think your heart was ensnared by the Elvenking himself- although," she pauses as if in thought, "For now I doubt it is such for as fine and fair an ellon he may be, the young king tends to be quite... unconventionally detached." Galadriel finished, the strain of describing the Woodland King courteously quite palpable.

Taking notice of the girl's mood brightening and the discreet little blush coloring her pale cheeks once more, the Lady of Light decidedly presses her luck, "You must know that I am not entirely dismissing the possibility- the Elvenking is a pleasant sight for tired eyes." She winks.

A tiny grin blooms on chapped lips as (Y/N) shook her head, "If I had not known of your marriage to Lord Celeborn I would think you have taken a rather indiscreet liking to the Elvenking, my lady."

The revered elf queen nodded her head of silken blond waves, "Indeed, but we both know you are wiser than that, my child. It is more likely you than I. Long blond hair, piercing blue eyes, a mercurial personality -that seems to be your kind." She chuckled and brought her apprentice's broken form within the confines of her healing embrace.

(Y/N) could not recall how it happened but Lady Galadriel had, by some miracle, managed to coax her momentarily out of her grief. She still mourned, yes, but the Lady of Light managed enough to entice her into participating in the celebrations that took place in Erebor.

Coming to the conclusion that no amount of lamentation would bring her fallen comrade back, the priestess decides she could at least prevent further concern her absence might arouse from the people, dwarves and elvish warriors she had grown acquainted with during battle.

She did not dare hope too much for Legolas to care about her missing if Tauriel was there.

The elleth could easily take her place.

Such brash a thought, (Y/N) thinks to herself, when you do not even have a place in his mind, nevermind his heart.

Still, the priestess finds herself walking towards the gargantuan halls of Erebor. A heaviness finding its eternal resting place in the pit of her stomach and the hollow of her chest.

[ To be continued in Chapter 2 ]

[ramayantika]

// Krishna fic masterlist // //Prologue// //CH-1//

Ch-2: Old wounds and a heartbreak letter

The princess's handmaiden, Sukanya, parted the curtains of the window to let the sun rays inside the room. Aarnika was still immersed in deep slumber for she had stayed almost the entire night to chat with her friend, Vedashree who had come to her palace with her baby boy.

Four years had passed since Vedashree's wedding. Aarnika had moved out of Mahishaka, and was residing permanently in the small city of Kanakgarh near the capital city of Mahishaka. It was only a day's journey from Kanakgarh to the capital. The reason why the princess chose to leave her palace shall be revealed in a while.

In these four years, Vedashree was crowned the queen of Ratnagarh and was blessed with an adorable baby boy. And as for the delicate matters of Aarnika's heart that she was sure she had lost to Krishna, both of them were regularly in touch with each other via letters. She had sent the first letter to him after incessant pestering by her friend who found enough time apart from her royal duties to force the princess to write and demand updates on him.

After two weeks, she indeed received a letter from Krishna, and soon they both conversed a lot through letters. Whenever Aarnika would write a letter to him, she would stay awake the entire night to check if she had chosen the right phrases, or if her handwriting was neat or not. Often at times, scrolls would lie at her feet that she had discarded in annoyance if even a drop of ink spilled on the parchment or if she had to strike off a letter while writing.

A loud wail of the baby woke Aarnika up from her sleep. Sukanya smiled at her and said, "Well, what even the sun could not do, the baby could." She bowed down slightly and wished, "Good morning, princess."

Aarnika nodded and said, "Good morning to you too Sukanya, and I cannot be blamed. I slept late yesterday. The sun's might fails against the blessings from Nidra devi." She rubbed her sleepy eyes and asked, "Is the bath ready? I think I am already late, and I need to rush to the Gauri temple."

"See, there is your lovely matula who has just woken up like you." Vedashree kissed her baby's forehead tenderly and cooed at him. "Now, stop crying, dear one."

Aarnika shook her head and raised her arms to hold the crying child. The baby agreed to come into her arms even though his wailing hadn't stopped. "Sssh your matula is here. Why are you crying so early in the morning? You had your food, didn't you?" Rocking the baby gently, she said, "We will go to sleep again and leave your mother, okay? Now, stop crying, darling."

As Aarnika rocked the baby in her arms, he slowly fell asleep in her arms, with a beautiful smile on his pink lips. Seeing her son smile, Vedashree commented, "Look at this naughty boy! He woke the entire palace up and now he wants to sleep."

"Even a baby wants to have fun, Veda," Aarnika said, while caressing the baby's head, earning a teasing remark from her friend. "I would love to hear you say the same, when you have your own child. I haven't got time to breathe, do you know?"

"Aha, then how haven't you fallen dead on the ground?"

"Dhaat!"

Aarnika joyfully laughed and said, "Well, now that your son is asleep, let's get ready. I need to head to the temple before the auspicious time runs out."

************ *************** *********** ***********

"May you forever be blessed with knowledge and wisdom. May your soul be blessed with infinite strength in times of trouble." Girijakumari, the priestess of the Gauri temple, raised her palm and touched Aarnika's head.

Vedashree, cradled with a baby to her bosom joined his little hands and said, "Do namo namo, son." The baby giggled in delight while the priestess smiled and pinched his soft cheeks lightly.

"May you grow up to be an illustrious son of your clan, and may your mind be bestowed with knowledge. Live long and live well, prince." Girijakumari gave her blessings to the little one.

Placing a garland around the neck of Gauri mata, Aarnika sat down and folded her legs, her eyes shut, as her lips mumbled a sincere prayer. "Oh, mother, the beloved of Lord Shiva, you know the one who resides in my heart. Let him be my husband and nobody else."

Aarnika's heart and soul was suffused with love for the young lord of Dwaraka. After meeting him at the wedding and writing letters to him, she never realized when she began falling for him. After moving to Kanakgarh, every time someone from Dwaraka arrived, she always asked them to tell her about Krishna. There were poets reciting poetry about his beauty and deeds, and sometimes sages from Dwaraka narrated about how wise he was and the recent happenings in his kingdom. Day by day, hearing about him, had made her heart, soul and mind surrender to him. She had then decided that she would take Krishna as her life partner and no other man would ever have a place in her heart.

The princess's arrival to Kanakgarh too was because of Krishna. After attending Vedashree's wedding, she had shyly told her mother about Krishna when her brother, Kaladhara overheard their conversation. Until that day, she had never known that a mere mention of Krishna's name would vex her brother.

"Why on earth were you talking to that cowherd prince, Aarnika? Don't you know you are a princess?" Kaladhara stormed inside the chamber, his eyes burning with rage.

Aarnika frowned and looked at her brother. "Why shouldn't I brother? And allow me to correct you. He is not just some 'cowherd prince'. He is the son of the noble Yadava clan, and even if he were a cowherd, then what right do we have to demean them?"

Scoffing, Kaladhara replied, "Yes, the wise little Aarnika perhaps forgot how he killed his own uncle. I can't even call him a true warrior. He ran away from the battlefield like a coward. True warriors never do that."

"You are wrong dada! If a true warrior must engage in warfare all the time at the cost of his people's lives, just to earn some name and fame, then that person is a big fool." Aarnika's mother hearing her children quarrel tried to intervene, by holding Aarnika's arm. "Stop arguing. Both of you. And Aarnika, is this the way I have taught you to speak to your elder brother?"

Taking a deep breath, Aarnika looked at her mother and said, "Maa, weren't you the one who taught me that if someone is wrong, be it even someone older to us, we must try and correct them. And clearly, dada is wrong here."

"As for you dada, don't you know how Jarasandha had created havoc in Mathura. Krishna obviously did the right thing because safety of the people comes first and then this transient name and fame of being a brave warrior. He behaved like a true king to people if not a true warrior according to your standards. But let's forget even that. His people love him. They are happy with him. Why are you getting so angry? Are you jealous that our people don't love you the same way?"

"Aarnika! How dare you insult me this way?"

"And how dare you insult Krishna?"

"Stop it, right now." Rani Karunamayee held Aarnika's hand and pleaded, "You are wise, my child. Be the bigger person and say sorry to dada. Do not quarrel and argue like this."

Aarnika was fuming. She moved her hand away from her mother's. Her beautiful blue eyes were storming with anger like a storm brewing in a sea. "Maa, please do not come between us. Dada needs to be put in place especially when he is the wrong one and not me." Folding her hands, she continued, "you know what? You are not capable of being a good ruler and you have the guts to say bad things about Krishna who is far better than you. A king isn't made by how well he can use his sword. He needs to be a father to his people and must always keep in mind the best interests of his people which you lack. But you will be the king just because you are the son of our father. That's it."

"Well, how about you say the same thing to our father? Let me see how much courage you have while you speak in front of him in the court for insulting the yuvraja." Kaladhara had turned calm and had his eyes possessed a glint that made Aarnika shudder.

Kaladhara clapped and a soldier appeared at the doorstep. "Announce that the princess and yuvraja will meet the king for the princess has insulted the future king and thus the king's name too."

"No no! Kaladhara, don't do that." The queen stepped in front of him. "You know the king's temper. He will banish her!"

In a mocking tone, he said, defiantly, "The princess must be reprimanded, mother. She needs to learn to control her tongue. We don't want her in-laws to think lowly of us by sending a girl who is hot headed and argues with people older to her. Father will see to it." He gently held her hands and continued, "You should have checked on your daughter before."

Both the prince and princess walked towards the royal court. The king, Raja Mrigasya, looked at his son and asked, "What is it son?"

Grabbing Aarnika's wrist, he pushed her to the front, and said, "I wanted to talk about Aarnika, father. First of all, she mingled with that low life cowherd Krishna at her friend's wedding and when I scolded for doing so she had the nerve to tell me that I don't have the qualities to be a good king and that Krishna is far better than me. She then had the audacity to say that I will be crowned as the next king because I am your heir and that I don't actually deserve the throne."

The courtiers gasped and whispered amongst themselves. The king still hadn't broken his royal composure. Taking a look at all his courtiers and other members who were present in the court, he asked Aarnika, "I have heard your brother. It's your turn to answer. Did you really say all of that? Is it true?"

The princess gulped and nodded her head timidly. "Yes, father. All of it was true."

The court members as well as some of the servants gasped again. With wide eyes they looked between the king and the princess. Raja Mrigasya did not pay heed to any of them, his gaze focused right over Aarnika.

"So who deserves the throne then, my child?" You?" Aarnika looked up at her father for a moment and grimaced inwardly.

"I asked a question, my child," The king stated. "Answer me. Who deserves the throne?"

Aarnika looked up and met a pair of menacing eyes. She was afraid for her fate because giving an answer was a bad option as well as opting for not giving one.

"I am sorry, father. I said all that in anger. I did not mean it."

Raja Mrigasya raised his left hand. "That's a lie. You said it in anger so you definitely meant it. So now answer my question."

Her fingers were trembling and embarrassment crept on her face at everyone watching her coupled with her father's questions.

"Father, dada was calling Krishna a cowherd and he was saying that since I am of royal birth, I shouldn't have mingled with him. I only told him he shouldn't have insulted him that way because Krishna had proved to be a capable leader to his people and had behaved like a true king too by protecting his people and establishing Dwaraka. That's it." She fearfully looked at her brother. "That angered him further more, so I ended up saying that he was not a capable ruler because for him only swords and warfare is the only criteria to be a king."

The king hummed amusedly and addresses the court. "Our princess thinks that our prince and the future king of Mahishaka is not really capable of being the ruler while that ruthless murder of his uncle is one. I wonder which books has the princess read? I wish I would have known this earlier that I would beget such a worthless daughter."

He looked up at the balcony where the queen stood, tears dripping down her face and her hands folded. "Karunamayee, you should have brought up your daughter well. Did you teach her all this?"

Aarnika winced and said, "Father, please do not say anything to mother. She is not at fault. It's me. If you want to punish me, then please go on. Do not say anything to her."

Raja Mrigasya laughed heartily in a mocking way. Gesturing to his chief minister, he said, "This girl says 'if' I want to punish her. She should know better that she will for the crime she has done." The king stood up immediately and so did all the courtiers. He then announced, "The princess has indeed insulted the future king as well as me for criticizing my choice thereby insulting our noble clan too. Alas, in the end, she is also my daughter, a wretched one at that."

He looked at the sobbing queen, saying, "The princess shall live alone in the Kanakgarh palace, but is also free to travel to Dwaraka, if she wants. After all, hasn't her silly heart fallen for that pretty throne grabber? You are pretty enough to entice him that he may grant you a place in his quarters. Mahishaka has no place for you, my sweet daughter. Until and unless we call you for your wedding, you are not to step foot in. Do not worry though, I shall let your dearest mother meet you there."

The king walked away haughtily followed by Kaladhara as the entire court stood shellshocked at the events that had transpired.

"Sakhi, where did your mind wander off? You have been staring at Mata's feet for a long time." Vedashree asked.

Aarnika blinked and looked at her friend blankly and then at the baby who had fallen asleep. "It was noticed. I was thinking about Mahishaka." A sad smile curved on her lips as she spoke. "Maa sent me a letter about Kaladhara's coronation two months ago. Three weeks ago he was crowned the king. There was a time when both of us used to play together as children. Maa would make us sleep beside her and look where we are now."

Vedashree placed her chin on Aarnika's shoulder. "Everything that transpired was due to your father. He never respected ranimaa and he caused rifts between you siblings. His toxic male ego passed on to Kaladhara too and look how he treated you and ranimaa."

The princess picked a flower from Mata's feet and touched her eyes with it. "You know I do sometimes wonder why my father hates me so much. He never ever looked at me lovingly. He didn't get married to the love of his life, but that should not be the reason to treat mother that way." A lone tear escaped her eyes. "I am my mother's daughter and I also look like her a little, so maybe that's why he never liked me unlike dada."

"You don't need him, Aarnika. Your mother loves you. I love you and look, even this little one loves you." She kept her finger under Aarnika's chin. "Someday in the future, you will find a life partner too who will love you wholeheartedly. And the most important thing is to love yourself before others do."

The baby giggled as if he understood everything, causing Aarnika to smile and kiss his head tenderly. "Can I abduct him?"

Before her friend could answer, Sukanya entered the temple complex carrying a letter in her hands. "Princess, you have been sent a letter from Dwaraka."

"Ooh, what has Dwarkadheesh written this time?" Vedashree squealed and following her was her son who clapped his hands.

Dear Princess of Mahishaka,

We first met at a wedding, didn't we? I feel lucky that I met you and found a friend in you. Good news is always shared with the closest of friends, so let me please your heart too.

I am getting married! I don't know if news and rumors have circulated in your area or not regarding how I 'abducted' the princess of Vidarbha, Rukmini to claim her as my wife. If at all you have heard anything about it, I would like you to ignore all that and come to my wedding and hear the story from me. I am a great storyteller, you know that already.

Rukmini would be delighted to meet you. I am sure about that. Also, my sister, Subhadra has been persistent to reveal the person I am writing these letters to, so I would like you to meet her. I hope you can make it to the wedding that shall commence after a week of this letter reaching you.

I wish I could write some more, but right now there is a lot of work going on for the wedding as well as there are other affairs that need to be taken care of.

Allow me to depart for now and see you at the wedding.

Your friend,

Krishna

"Why is your face showing a myriad of emotions? Is there a love confession?" Vedashree asked, curiosity lacing her features.

Aarnika pressed her lips into a thin line. She looked up at her friend and said dryly, "Turns out, I am going to spend all my life in this palace alone."

"What do you mean?"

"As a friend, I am happy that he is getting married, but as a one sided lover, I am heartbroken." Aarnika picked up her friend's child and said, "Now let me abduct your baby so that I can remove some of my loneliness."

********** ************** ************* ***********

I friendzoned her???! Anyway the story will proceed a little slow for now to set everything and then we will move to more interesting parts

Also I would love it if I could get your views on this chapter because this took me a long time to write so thode shabd plij

And I legit typed the 2nd half in the hospital 🤧

Tagging the tumblr gopis: @madhoshiyaan @eugenephosgene @pothosinpots @arachneofthoughts @yehsahihai @reallythoughtfulwizard @lil-stark @itsfookingloosah @riiddhhiii @pokemon-master-elita @inexhaustible-sources-of-magic @saanjh-sakhi @fantasticchaosdaze @jessbeinme15