#soren fluff

[soren-the-snake]

You and Soap had never though of having kids, always a weird topic to bring up with him. That was until you two were at a baby shower, with all the kids running around the both of you sat next to eachother with his hand on your thigh.

You and Johnny had been married for a few years now, and he was finally off deployment for a month. You both sat at your nieces birthday party, watching all the kids running round laughing.

“These kids are adorable.” He glanced at you, slightly embarassed he even mentioned it “Forget what I said, dinnae mean anythin.”

You smile and observe the kids, “They are adorable.” He stares at you silently for a moment, then speaks “Have..have you ever though about having kids?”

You chuckle and nod “I’ve always wanted kids with you, there was just never a time to bring it up.”

He blinks in surprise, and fiddles with the hem of his shirt, obviously nervous. “It’s been on my mind recently, with some of the guys having kids of their own, it’s got me thinkin ya know?”

You look at him and smile, “I would love to have a little one with you.”

Soap chuckles and nods “Well, do you think anyone would notice if we crept away back home?” You smile and stand up, leading him back to the car to go home.

You are in bed, doggy style with his cock fully in you, gently rocking and grinding into you. “What do you th- f-fuck.. think of Ellie? for a g- shit! girl?” He asked grinding and gasping.

You were throwing out baby names while he was balls deep inside you. “F-fuck.. Ellie’s good..” You gasp when he hits your g-spot before continuing. “Or ma-aybe something like Amira?”

You throw around names for a while before he cums and pushes it deep into you. You stay cock warming him for the rest of the night while you talk about what the future baby would look like.

He nuzzle into your neck “She’ll have your eyes, I just know it” You raise a brow “What about a boy?” He hums in though and press a small kiss to your neck “He’ll have your hair, and my eyes.”

You talk for hours before falling asleep together, dreaming peacefully of your future family.

[newtthetranswriter]

Soulmates? Soulmates.

Paring: Soren x nonbinary half elf reader

Summary: You were born to an elf and a human in a world where elves and humans don't get along. At the age of five you lost your parents and end up being adopted by the King and Queen of katolis. Shortly after the queen passes, your soulmate bond appears. now you have to try and keep your true self hidden while hearing the thoughts of your not so bright soulmate.

Word count: 6687

A/N: so, this my attempt at a multi part fic, it is a soulmate au cause I'm a sucker for them let me know if you like it and want to read more.

MINORS AND AGELESS BLOGS DO NOT INTERACT

Warnings for this chapter: Death of parents and talk of assassination.

Being born to an Earthblood elf and a human really was not the best thing to happen to me. Sure being connected to the earth arcanum is amazing, when I was younger and still lived near the border of Xadia, my elven father taught me how to use planet magic. I learned how to help crops grow faster and stronger, I also learned how to do minor healing spells. I bet you are now thinking well you got to learn magic. How can that be so bad, well I’ll explain.

You see being half elf, I don’t exactly look very human. While I do have five fingers like humans, but my ears are pointed and have a pair of short branch like horns that sprout from the top of my head. You may be also asking how on earth do you hide that from humans, and there is a fairly simple answer. When I was younger it was easy to hide with hats or head scarfs, but as I’ve gotten older, my horns have become more difficult to hide. To help hide them when I was about five my family took me to The Moon Nexus deep within the human kingdom of Katolis and requested help from the guardian of The Moon Nexus. Lujanne was able to craft a moon opal necklace that created an illusion that made it look like I had normal ears, and no horns. The illusion also makes it so that if someone were to ruffle my hair they wouldn’t feel the horns either. 

There are two other things I need to address before we get into our real story. Firstly not only does this world have magic, elves, and dragons, but everyone here has a soulmate. Soulmate bounds can appear in numerous different ways, some are born with tattoos that match, some can hear each other's thoughts, some can feel each other's pain, basically if you can think of it as a connection it has probably happened. I’ll tell you about my connection later. Every creature, human or elf, has a soulmate. In most cases humans have human soulmates and elves have elven soulmates. On rare occasions a human will be paired with an elf and they are both forced to make hard choices: do they find their soulmate and risk both of them being killed because of disagreements between the two peoples or do they forget their soulmate and try to live normal life without them. My parents were one of these rare mixed pairs, obviously they chose to meet and had me. 

And secondly, like I said before when a human and elf soulmate pair chose to meet it almost always ends poorly. You see when my small family was leaving The Moon Nexus after getting an illusion to hide my true self, we were spotted coming from the Cursed Caldera. My father had yet to cover his own horns and one of the humans who spotted us reported it to the knights of Katolis. We were unaware of them following us until we decided to set up camp a few miles away as it was getting late. As we were about to eat dinner the knight ambushed us pointing their swords at my father.

“Step away from the woman and child, and you won’t get hurt.” yelled one knights as he moved closer to our small family.  

Frightened by the sudden yelling and pointed weapons, I hid behind my mother trying to get as far from the swords as possible. “ Please, you don't understand, I’ve done nothing wrong. This is my family.” I heard my father say as he tried to explain the situation, hoping they would let us go.

The next things I heard were the sound of a bow being fired, something hitting the ground and my mother’s scream of agony. It took me a moment to understand that the knights took my fathers protest as an act of disobedience and one of them shot him. My mother’s scream was one of horror and of pain as she felt her bond with her soulmate snap as my father died.

“You’re safe now, we will get back to town safely.” I heard one of the knights say as he started to pull my mother off the ground, as she had fallen to her knees from the pain in her chest. Apparently my mother was not willing to leave her soulmate's body as she fought with knights to get back to my fathers corpse. I had completely spaced out at this point, having just heard my father be killed and hearing my mother’s cries for her lost love. I didn’t even hear my mother shout at the knights for killing him, or the sound of the knights telling her he was better off dead, and lastly I didn’t register the sound of the same knight who shot my father taking another shot. All I know is that one second my mother was cursing at these nights and the next I was an orphan being carried away by a group of knights who had just killed my only family.

At age of five I had lost both of my parents in the span of a couple minutes all because of an ancient feud between humans and elves that I didn’t and still don’t understand. At the age of five I had to hide my true self from everyone because if anyone found out I would be killed as well. Being a half-elf orphan in a human kingdom was hard. No one even looked my way not because of what I am but because after that night I stopped smiling. No one wanted a kid who didn’t show joy or happiness. That is until Shortly after I turned eight.

At the age of eight I was greeted with something that would shock any kid. The royal family was traveling around Katolis to meet their subjects and see the status of their kingdom. Now you may be asking what that has to do with me. Well, the answer is simple, Queen Sarai saw me sitting alone and weak in the street and couldn’t bear watching a young child not much older than her first born son suffer in such a way. She decided then and there I would be brought back to the castle with her family. King Harrow tried to protest, commenting on how they already had two children and it didn’t make much sense to pick up a random kid from the street, but being the kind yet headstrong woman she was, Harrow had no choice but to agree. And just like that I was adopted into the royal family.

It was weird having a family again, Sarai treated me like her own child and tried her best to get me to open up. It was still hard for me to smile, after a week of being in the castle I had quietly told Sarai about what happened to my parents and accidentally let it slip that I was half elf. She was such a kind woman but I thought she would have me killed for it but she assured me that no one would find out about it unless I wanted them too, even going as far as hiding it from King Harrow. Being able to share that part of me again brought me joy but it was short lived.

Not long after I had joined the royal family, I lost another person who was very important to me. While on a trip into Xadia, to find a magical item to save two kingdoms, my adoptive mother gave her life to save the life of The high mage of Katolis. While I may have only known her for a few months, it felt horrible losing another mother figure and the only person I could be my real self around. To top everything off not only did I lose my adoptive mother but after years of hoping my soulmate bond would never manifest it happened, an hour after I was told of Saria’s passing.

I had been sitting alone in my room crying to myself about life being extremely unfair. I heard a small voice in the back of my head, but it wasn’t mine. Hey, who’s crying? I heard the voice of a young boy ask, but it seemed like he didn’t understand what was going on. I realized almost immediately.  

Of all the times for my soulmate bond to appear it had to be now. I thought to myself not knowing if he could hear me, but my suspicion was confirmed when I heard his reply.

What do you mean soulmate? Wait, don't answer that I think I heard my dad say something about it. So you’re my soulmate, does this mean we are going to be best friends? Anyway, why were you crying? Is everything okay? I heard the boy ask. I had to admit it was nice knowing that there was someone I could talk to right now, who hopefully wouldn’t judge me.

Nothings okay. My adoptive mom just died. I just got her and she was taken from me just like my first mom and dad. I don’t know why this keeps happening to me. I responded to him letting my feelings out that I hadn't voiced since King Harrow told me and Callum that our mom was gone. But I guess if you’re okay with hearing about my problems we can be friends. I followed up trying to make it so my first conversation wasn’t all bad even if I still was sure I wanted a soulmate after what happened with my parents and now seeing King Harrows face after telling his two adopted kids that his own soulmate was gone.

I’m sorry, you lost your mom, moms? I’m not sure which is right but I don’t mind hearing your problems, that's what friends are for. If you don’t mind me asking what happened to your first parents? Also I’m _____ what’s your name? The boy on the other side of my bond said, I was confused by the pause in his last question, but figured it was probably an aspect of our bond.

I don’t think we can share our names through the bond. It’s probably to stop us from finding each other before we are supposed to. And I don't mind you asking about my parents, they were killed in front of me a few years ago. I don’t want to go into detail but after that I spent three years living in the streets before I was taken in by a lovely couple. I left out the fact that it was the king and queen because I didn’t want my soulmate to feel different because I was now royalty by association.

 It’s nice to know someone took you in, I don't know what I would have done if my soulmate was left to take care of themself in the streets. Can we share where we are from with our bond or do you think it will also get blocked? My soulmate responded accepting my answers and questioning if we could at least know where we both are in the world.

I don’t think so, if it’s trying to keep us from meeting until we are ready it probably won’t let us say places. I responded, it was kind of frustrating that i can’t even know if my soulmate is in the same kingdom as me or if they’re an elf or human. But that’s just how some bonds are, some give you all the information you need to find them, while others make it impossible to meet before a set time and place. Hell, even with the ability to hear each other’s thoughts we could be looking right at each other and not know until the universe was ready for us to know. Anyway it’s getting late it was nice of you to talk to me, I guess I’ll think to you tomorrow. I said getting ready for a restless night.

The last thing I heard before falling asleep was a gentle goodnight soulmate. It brought me a small sense of happiness knowing that even though I begged the universe to skip me and not make me have to be bonded with another, it didn’t listen and gave me a connection when I needed it the most.

That was ten years ago, I still talk to my soulmate every day. I’ve gotten closer with my adoptive brothers but I still haven’t told them or Harrow about me being half elf, I just don’t know how they would respond. I did however accidentally tell my soulmate about my heritage. It was a couple years after our bond formed, and I was outside playing with my younger brother Ezran when I had tripped and cut open my knee. I had momentarily forgotten about the person on the other side of my mind, and had silently wished I could just heal myself. What i wasn’t expecting was to be integrated by my soulmate about the comment.

What do you mean heal yourself? Wait, can you do dark magic? My dad and little sister practice dark magic, I’m not a fan of it, it’s kinda sad. I was startled at first but hearing that his family practiced dark magic confirmed my belief that my soulmate was at least human. It was also nice to hear that he didn’t fully agree with their practices.

I don’t use dark magic, it’s horrible and cruel. I responded, how could I ever think of hurting innocent creatures for my own gain.

Ok, but how could you heal yourself, oh my god are you an elf? Hearing his question I froze for a moment. Do I tell him the truth or do I try and say it was just a joke, but then i realized he would find the truth anyways so might as well just tell him.

I’m Half elf, please don’t tell anyone. I know we don’t know each other, but i can’t risk people finding me, i don’t want to end up like my mom and dad. I begged him not to tell anyone. He may not know my face or name but if he shared that his soulmate is half elf, he may be pushed to find me so they can get rid of me. Especially your father, if he really does practice dark magic he might try to find away to get to me. Just please I like my life as crazy as it has been.

I don’t think my father would do that, but if it concerns you that much I guess I can keep it a secret. If you are so worried about people finding out does that mean you live in a human kingdom, I know you can’t say which one but, it’s nice to know we are at least on the same side of the border between the human kingdoms and Xadia. He responded, it was nice that he was willing to keep it a secret even if he didn’t believe people would try to use him to find me. If you don’t mind, how do you hide that you’re part elf, I would think you have distinct features that would give it away.

Yeah I live in the human Kingdoms, and I wear a special necklace that’s enchanted with moon magic to create an illusion. It hides my pointed ears and Horns, but those are the only things that make me look like an elf. I appreciate you keeping it a secret. After that I closed our connection for a bit to have time to myself. We both have the power to open and close the transmission of our thoughts but can sometimes just slip, which is how that conversation started.

Back to right now, where I am sitting watching my younger brother Callum be taught the art of Sword fighting by one of the crownguard. It was honestly amusing to watch, Callum sucks at anything that requires physical aptitude, so instead of training it was more Soren smacking Callum repeatedly with a wooden sword.

“Parry, Parry, You’re dead.” Soren said, hitting Callum in the forehead with the hilt of the wooden sword.

“You know Callum if you actually listened to Soren you might learn how to fight.” I shouted from my spot on the bench. The only response I got was an eye roll before he was once again smacked with the wooden sword being knocked to the ground, followed by a “you’re dead” from the knight enjoying beating up the young prince.

“Really? Are you sure? Even if I was wearing armor?” Callum asked from his place on the ground.

“Even if you were wearing the rarest legendary armor forged by Sunfire Elves… Super dead.” Soren chuckles leaning into the boy's face.

Callum scoffed “I’m terrible at this!”

Soren just responded with a yep and helped Callum to his feat. As much as I wanted to stay and watch Callum get his ass beat by Soren repeatedly I decided it was time to go somewhere else to relax. It totally had nothing to do with the fact that I noticed Claudia approaching, that girl just gives me the creeps. Don’t get me wrong she’s always been kind to me but knowing what she would do if she found out what I am, has put me on edge around her.

“Well I'm gonna go find Ez, see if he wants to go steal some jelly tarts with me. See you jerks later.” I said getting up and leaving.

After a few hours I was just sitting with Ezran and Callum eating jelly tarts, when a guard knocked on the door and informed us that King Harrow wanted to speak with us. We all just shrugged and left towards the Throne room. Now I have a slight idea what was going on, there had been murmurs all day about something happening tonight and I had a feeling it wasn’t good.

When we entered the throne room we were greeted by the High Council gathered around the war table off to the side of the room. Seeing this I knew exactly what was happening. I didn’t say anything because I know whatever we are going to be told will be a lie to try and protect my brothers from the truth.

“Kids! You’re going on a trip. To the Banther Lodge!” Harrow said with what seemed to be excitement, but I could tell he was hiding something. Callum and Ezran shared a look of confusion before Callum spoke up.

“But… It’s spring. That’s the winter lodge.” Callum said, perplexed as to why we were being sent to the Banther Lodge all of a sudden.

“Eh. Winter is coming eventually.” The King responded thinking for a moment.

Ezran looked more confused by what we were going to do there. “What will we do? Everything fun there has to do with snow or ice.”

“Maybe you can invent new versions using dirt and rocks. You could build a dirtman! Or what about mud-sledding? That could be a thing!” Harrow said, trying to cheer up the youngest of his children.

I just rolled my eyes at this. “It’ll be fine Ez, we can find something to do while we are there.” I said ruffling his hair, trying to cheer him up. God why do adults lie to kids, like they aren’t protecting them just prolonging the inevitable. I thought to my soulmate, maybe he would agree with me.

I’m not sure, maybe they just want to keep kids innocent for as long as possible. The world can be a really messed up place. I smiled at his response, he’s right I should try to keep it so Ezran and Callum can be happy kids without having to face the dark truths of our world. What brings this up though, is everything ok?

I’m not sure, my adoptive father is sending me and my brothers away for a last minute vacation and it’s obvious he’s hiding something. I responded to him before realizing we were being ushered out of the room, and being told to go pack. As I walked out of the door King Harrow tapped my shoulder signaling me to stay back for a moment.

I complied, understanding he wanted to say something to me without the boys hearing it. “Is there something else you need me to do, your highness?” I asked, still not willing to call him dad even after ten years of him treating me as his own.

“You know you don’t have to call me that,Y/n. But anyway I know you figured it out, you have always been very observant. I just ask that you don’t tell them until after everything happens, please try to protect them from the harsh truths that await them. Please help Ezran because he is so young and will have to deal with so much, please just help him.” King Harrow asked, he knew i wouldn’t say no, he knew I loved Ezran and Callum, so much to the point I would do anything for them.

I looked him in the eyes so he knew I was being honest. “I promise I will do everything in my power to help both of them. All I ask in return is please tell me what is happening? I understand it is something big and probably not going to end well but I need the details, so I can explain it to them when the time is right.”

“You do not need to concern yourself with the details. If everything goes as we plan, everything will be fine.” Viren said, making his way around the War table. I completely forgot that pompous ass was here. “Don’t worry your pretty little head princess. Now go be good and leave the safety of the King to the adults.” I sneered at the dark mage. He knew that I resented that title. It never felt right not only was I not royalty by blood, but I did not identify as a woman. Everyone in the castle respected that and just called me by my name, except Viren, it’s like he has a personal vendetta against me.

As I was about to snap at Viren for his comments, I was interrupted by King Harrow. “Everyone but Y/n out, I would talk to them privately.” With that the High Council left to give us the room. Once the room was empty and enough time had passed for there to be no one lingering by the door, he turned back to me. “I wanted to talk to you about this privately because I know you have your reasons for hiding it and I know you trusted Sarai, but shortly before our trip to Xadia she told me about you. I know you are part elf and you wear that necklace to hide it. I’m not mad, you have been a great older sibling to my sons, and are a very important member of the family.”

I was shocked, he’s known for ten years that he was raising a half elf and said nothing. He trusted Sarai’s word that I wasn’t a threat and let me live here like a normal human for a decade. Before I could thank him for his kindness he continued. “I believe that with your guidance and support Ezran can change the way things are. Please make sure he doesn't hate elves after tonight, tell him and Callum the truth when you get to the Banther lodge please. Help him forgive them and create a bond between our worlds. As for what is happening tonight, there are reports of Moonshadow assassins gathered in the woods, preparing to kill me tonight under the full moon. Viren is trying to find them or find a way to stop it, but we both know Moonshadow elves aren’t easy foes to best. I ask you to keep your brothers safe and help them forgive even after this. I did horrible things to the people of Xadia and those actions can only be repaid in blood.”

I couldn’t find any words. The man who took me in as a child and raised me like his own wants me to help his sons forgive a group of assassins, and work to bring peace between the human kingdoms and Xadia. It was mind blowing. “You have my word, I will do everything I can. And thank you for accepting me for who I am even if I wasn't the one to tell you.” With that being said King Harrow gave me a gentle hug before walking me out of the throne room.

I slowly made my way back to my room in the castle to pack my bag for the trip tonight completely lost in thought. I didn’t know how I was going to get my brothers to forgive a group of assassins for killing their father, after all I still haven’t forgiven the knights who killed my birth parents. I also had no clue how they would react to me being part elf, they have spent their whole lives being told elves were evil and now I'm supposed to tell them and an entire kingdom of elf hating humans that the king’s adopted child is one of them.

Hey soulmate, are you free to chat? I asked hoping my other half would be able to help me through my thoughts. Even though he tended to be a dork, when it came to serious conversations he was rather helpful with figuring things out.

I’m a little busy at the moment, there is a group of assassins after the King I work for, and I’m currently looking for them, but what’s up? I was completely shocked, what were the chances of two kingdoms facing an assassination attempt at the same time. I started to piece everything together, my soulmate was a member of the Crowngaurd, a group directly in charge of protecting the King, and he was currently out looking for a group of assassins. My adoptive father is a King currently writing out his last goodbyes to his kids because a group of assassins are planning to end his life tonight. Hey soulmate you still there, what’s going on why’d you get all quiet.

Are the assassins Moonshadow elves? I asked knowing that if the answer is yes, I know who my soulmate is.

Uh yeah, how’d you know? 

I took a deep breath before responding. I know because they are coming for my adoptive father, The King Of Katolis, which means we have already met on multiple occasions. I wasn’t sure if he would hear the part about Katolis because if the universe isn’t ready for us to figure it out yet, it won’t let us say places, but there are too many coincidences for it to not be time to figure it all out.

Wait you’re saying you’re Y/n, King Harrow’s oldest kid, but you’re part elf, what, i’m confused. I could hear the perplexion in his voice as he also connected dots but was confused as to why the King of Katolis would adopt a half elf. I laughed to myself as I placed my belongings in a bag knowing I would be leaving my home shortly, but hoping my soulmate would be back at the castle soon so I could look him in the eyes knowing who he really was to me.

Just get back to castle before me and my brothers are forced to leave for the Banther lodge. I want to wish my soulmate luck to his face before he fights a group highly trained assassins. Met me at my room when you get to the castle.

Wait I know who you are but how do you know who I am, I haven’t said my name. I chuckled to myself again.

It’s not hard to figure out that the great crownguard Soren is on the end of my mind, after all how many crownguards have a father and sister who practice dark magic. I laughed as I could hear him chuckle at my comment. 

It wasn’t long before I heard the sound of armor making its way to my door followed by a rather loud knock. I swung the door open to immediately be wrapped in a huge by the tall blonde. “I’m so glad I found you.”Soren said with his head buried in my shoulder.

I hugged him back, pulling him into my room. “ I feel the same, now I need you to promise to stay safe tonight, I know it’s your job to protect the king but I need you to make it out alive. I can’t lose you after I just found you.” I said looking into his eyes.

He was about to respond when there was another knock at my door, when I asked who it was, it was another guard coming to inform me that I needed to find my brothers and get ready to leave. “Hey I’ll be fine, and I’ll do everything I can to keep your dad safe. And don’t say he isn’t your dad, because he is, he’s been there for you for ten years. Now you promise that when you get back, I get to see beyond the illusion you wear. I want to see the real you.” Soren said after the guard had left my door.

I nodded in agreement before leaving the room to look for my brothers, the guard wouldn’t have told me to find them if they were where they were supposed to be. As I walked the halls I ran into Callum, who looked like he was also looking for Ezran, so we started looking together.

As we walked in silence only calling out occasionally for Ezran, Callum stopped suddenly. “Ez, is that you?” He paused to look around, while I looked at him confused. “Hello?” When there was no response we continued on down the hall looking for the boy and his glow toad.

After a few feet we both stopped feeling a presence behind us, Callum started smiling thinking it was Ezran, “You know you can’t sneak up on me.” he stated as we turned around only to be greeted by a Moonshadow elf with her blades pointed directly at us. “Uh, Uh, you’re not who I thought you… You’re one of those with the pointy…”

“Oh, you don’t like my ears?” the elf responded, unamused by the boy’s rambling.

“No. I mean, yeah. Yes, I do, I guess.” Callum said, fumbling over his words. I rolled my eyes at his stupidity.

“He meant the pointy swords.” I responded, for him before he kept putting his foot in his mouth. We both tried to step back from the blades.

“That’s far enough. I’m looking for someone.” The elf said.

Before she could continue her statement and ask questions Callum opened his mouth again. “oh , uh, did you check back there?” He pointed at a curtain, once the elf had turned away, he grabbed my hand and started running down the hall.

When the elf had realized she had been tricked, she started to chase after us. We made our way outside with Callum trying to block the elf’s path with armor stands he knocked over in the hallway. We saw a couple guards and shouted at them that we were being followed. I managed to watch as the elf jumped past the guards and swept their legs out from under them using her blades.

“Hey you swept the leg!” Callum exclaimed leaving both me and the assassin confused by his outburst.

“What?” she asked before stepping closer to us.

“Uh, uh, nothing” Callum said before grabbing my hand again and started running up one of the many towers in the castle coming to the doors of the High mages office. “Lord Viren! Claudia! Anyone!” He shouted as we pushed into the room.

All of sudden we were knocked over by the elf once again pointing her blades at us, now we were cornered. “Neither of you have to die.” She said, stepping closer to us.”There are only two targets tonight.”

I looked at Callum confused, “Wait, two? What do you mean?” I asked the elf, only thinking they were after King Harrow.

“I’m here for the King. And I’m also here for his son, Prince Ezran.” She said moving her blades closer to both of our throats.

We both looked up in shock. “ You can’t. That’s not fair. Why would you hurt someone who’s done nothing wrong?” Callum asked, voicing our shared question.

She pushed her blades closer to our throats, the tips now making contact with skin. “ Humans cut down the King of the Dragons, and destroyed his only egg, the Dragon Prince. Justice will not be denied.” She said matter-of-factly.

I watched as Callum thought of what to say next, when he spoke I definitely was not expecting the words he said next. “I see. Well, then, you’ve found me, I’m Prince Ezran.” I looked at him like he was crazy as the elf processed his words.

I was about to protest when we heard a small voice coming from a large painting, “Callum, Y/n” We all looked towards it slightly confused before I registered who was on the other side.

“Psst Callum, Y/n” ezran called again.

“Shh, go away.” I whispered back as I was closest to the painting.

“But Y/n, I found something.”

The elf stepped closer to me and the painting. “Are you talking to that painting?” she asked, confused by what she was witnessing.

Callum chimed in. “Uh, why would they do that? ‘Cause it’s not a good time.” He said getting a little louder towards the end.

Before either of us could stop her the elf reached over and swung the painting forward, revealing Ezran holding Bait and a jelly tart. “Uh… Jelly tart?” he asked, holding it up to the elf.

“Kid, get out of here.” Calum Said pretending he didn’t know his own little brother.

Ezran looked at me confused and concerned, before addressing our brother. “Callum, What’s going on?” I could hear the concern in his voice not understanding why his siblings were in the high mage’s office with an elf who was currently pointing blades at them.

“Callum? I thought you were Prince Ezran. You lied to me.” The assassin said, realizing she had been tricked.

I started to move into the passage with Ezran as I looked at the elf bewildered “How is he lying worse than you trying to kill someone?” I was amazed she felt offended by a lie when she was here to kill my brother and his dad.

After Callum had moved closer to us, Ez held up Bait for the elf to see him clearly, and asked “Have you met Bait? Say hello to my little friend.” And on queue the glow toad started to glow extremely bright blinding the elf. Taking this as a chance to escape we all moved down the passageway before closing the painting again and running as fast as we could. “Guys, follow me. I have to show you something.” Ezran said as we made our way through the tunnel.

After running for a little while, we could hear our new elf ‘friend’ chasing after us. “You’re only making this worse.” We heard her call out.

“Worse how?” Callum said, antagonizing our hunter. 

“Hey Callum, here's a great idea, don’t antagonize the elf assassin who is chasing us with the intent to kill.” I said, trying to keep up with Ezran as he turned down another path.

“This way” He yelled as we rounded another corner, only to be met with a dead end.

Callum was not impressed with our brother leading us to a dead end and popped off with “We’re trapped. What do we do now?”

Ezran approached the wall and handed Bait over to me so his hands were free before saying. “Time for a puzzle.” He then started to push the different rocks in the wall while saying “Rock, rock, stone, rock, stone, stone. Rock, stone, rock, stone, stone…”

“Wait, what's the difference between the rocks and the stones?” Callum asked, interrupting Ezran’s concentration.

The smaller boy let out a goan before saying “Ugh! You made me do stone instead of rock.” and then he returned to pressing the pattern into the wall. “Rock, rock, stone, rock, stone, stone, rock, stone, rock.”  I just looked at the boy confused, but figured he probably knew what he was doing.

After a moment Ez turned to us and grind as the floor behind us opened to reveal a spiral staircase into a hidden room below. “Wow” was all that came out of Callums mouth before we all made our way down the stairs. 

At the bottom of the stairs, we were greeted by what looked like a dark mages supply cupboard. There were jars of animal parts and random books all around the room. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The first thought in my head was to ask Soren if he knew about this place as it obviously belonged to his father, but I decided against it as I know he was getting ready to try and protect the king's life. I figured I would let him reach out to me the next time he needs to speak with me just to not interrupt him and his job. 

I failed to notice that Ezran had closed the staircase but I did hear the conversation that followed.

“You’re sure she won’t be able to follow us?” Callum asked.

“No way. It took me over a month to figure out that combination.” Ezran said feeling proud of himself, before the sound of the passage opening again revealing the Moonshadow elf. “But how did you…” Ezran started confused as to how she figured it out so quickly.

She just smirked at him before responding with “ I just pressed the stones with the jelly handprints.” Ezran groaned facepalming leaving a handprint of jelly on his face.

I watched as she inspected the shelves lined with jars, and stepped back lifting her blades and pointed them at the three of us. “What is this place? Runaan was right. There’s nothing in humans worth sparing.” She stepped closer to us.” Times up. Humans destroyed the egg of the Dragon Prince. There must be justice.”

I pushed Callum and Ezran behind me remembering my promise to protect them, making eye contact with the young elf, “You’ll have to get through me.” I watched as she looked me up and down her eyes catching on the moon opal hanging around my neck before stepping closer placing the tip of on of the blades against my neck.

“Realy?” she asked, ready to take out whoever she has to inorder to complete her mission.

“Wait!” Ezran exclaimed. Stepping out from behind me looking towards a corner. “You need to see something.”

She rolled her eyes at this, “I’m not falling for that flashing frog trick again.” She said pointing the blade at Ezran.

The glow toad in question flashed red before Ezran responded to the statement. “He’s a glow toad. But there’s no trick this time. Please, look.” He pointed at an object covered in a cloth.

The elf hesitated, but eventually agreed. “Fine. You uncover it. Slowly.” She stepped back still pointing on blade at Ezran with the other pressed to my neck still.

Ezran walks over to it “I can hear something inside, something alive.” he said as he pulled the cloth of the mystery object. We were all stunned as it revealed a large glowing egg.

Slowly approaching the egg, the elf gasped. “It… it can’t be.”

Me and Callum both watched stunned as Ezran and the elf turned to face us. Callum then voiced what we were all thinking. “ The egg… It wasn’t destroyed.”

[elluia]

Happy 17th Anniversary to Radiant Dawn!

What better way to celebrate than with fanfiction?

After the epic The Strong Survive...

After the heart wrenching A Cutting Truth...

I give you the fluffy Snowball Fight! ☃️❄️

Have some silly Greil Mercenaries and lovestruck IkeSoren on this beautiful day 💙 Always on A03!

Also my first work without any angst, congratulations to me XD

[josiecarioca]

Sooo, way back in September, I was too busy with real life bullshit to really do much to commemorate the birthday of the lovely @artisticreptilequeen , but I did keep the idea of drawing a gift in the backburner until I had a chance to ask them for a prompt. And this was it: some nice domestic fluff with Severus, Evelyn and Soren basking in the joy of Eloise's upcoming debut into the world.

It's been ages I don't draw three people in the same image, and this took a whole lot of looking at references, but I'm happy with how soft and domestic it is. And after some trial and error, the unfinished sketch look is what suited it best, and I like the warmth it gave the whole thing.

And I hope ya'll like your Snape with a little stubble and a ponytail who doesnt look like a man in his 50s is supposed to, I guess...

[stanpinessecretlover]

Heyo chnt fandom! I have decided that I will write fics (CHNT stuff on Google docs) based on ask box recs, so just go in my askbox and ask for a fic! Any type, any ship, as long as it's within reason

[yohohonabottle]

Clown's reminiscing & Bear's 'sin' (that outed half of the guests' present.)

The song that inspired it, lyrics got altered to match better.

Everyone was gathered in the Mystical house, the Magister Merlin having sent the invites and thrown this grand party. ...Everyone, but a certain wandering spirit. And tonight, on this wintery celebration evening, she held up a friendly Century Quest & Card duel competition- The prize being something simple. A patch.

Everyone knew that should the Incarnated spirit have been present, and took part--He would've won. Not even trying, just having fun and enjoying the friendly-fire rounds or 'spars' with people.. Regardless of who's who and what, stranger, enemy, friend or more. In the end, Thoran somehow won. And the Graveborns, aside from Earl Ludovic, didn't care about this small detail. Nor did the Hypogeans, other Maulers who managed to make it here. Half the guests didn't really care, half were not too approving of how...selective the party and competition feels. And the other half were only bit puzzled as to why the 'Magister' wasn't invited but figured he's probably busy or chose to be by himself tonight. Watching the Bantus king smugly claim the Ironjaw patch, Soren frowns. This just isn't right. Getting up from his seat at the table, his steps thump on the lounge's wooden floor. The memories of old adventures hold a burning, putrid sting-- A scalding, acid-like and drowning guilt still haunting his conscious and conscience to this day. It'll plague him 'til the end of his days. Rightly so.

—"Merlin, nothing personal but Pirin Hestios should've won the patch tonight." Sweeping a disdainful eye over the faces of the two nobles, king and pirate, the warrior's gloomy glare turns to Merlin. "And you people are crazy for not realizing that." Hodgkin scoffs with an amused snort from his seat at another table in the tavern.

"Why would we give that Rat the Patch, eh? So he could use it as a blanket?" Valen, Lorsan, Alsa and Eironn wince. Sinbad and Lyca scowl. Sonja and Lucca keep their mouth shut, but the edge of varying discontent tinging their masks of stoically dutiful neutrality is enough clue. Soren's ears pin back in annoyance as hearty laughter booms from some of the guests, Merlin included.

"That's the reaction I thought I'd get." A flicker of an idea lights up Lorsan's eyes at recalling a silly 'exercise' Pirin once did with Eironn. The aim was to help the Stormsword express better his emotions, or at least get more comfortable with them regardless of their nature. And also lift his spirit, by lifting some of the 'doom and gloom' with putting them through song. A method that the Burning star took to the desert and applied with the young Mauler. Absurd as it seems, felt and likely also is, to a degree, it did help. Taking out his lute, the bard easily comes up with a melody, and strums on the strings with a deft hand.

"Everyone in this room has been associated with Pirin, Either through adventure, the tavern or various odd jobs he does around for free or at most a silver." -The teen's voice is gruff as a buzzard's and gravelly with a small rasp, but darn it he kept pushing on. A few eyebrows were raised in question, some smiled and some rolled their eyes or scoffed. The hare kept on plucking the strings, setting the melody. "And I'm guessing most of you have either laughed in Pirin's face Or ruthlessly made fun of his eyebrows or body, or voice, or temper or shortness when he wasn't looking-" Merlin narrowly flinches, Rhys pulls a face at getting called out, Chippy & Hammie look down guiltily, Sinbad winces and Lenya pretends to play dumb. Lyca throws the catwoman a disbelieving look that quickly flips to sour.

Cecia and Salazer inwardly bristle for a second but show no reaction... Because both know they've done it. Just as Sir Lucius looks away in guilty shame along with Atalanta, Kafra, and Satrana. Hodgkin knew he'd done all of the above and harbors not a drop of remorse or care. Lorsan winces as he carries on playing the guitar, remembering that one time he'd grimaced at the man's 'Graveborn' appearance and cringed at his voice.

Seated at one of the tables with his wife, Niru calmly sweeps his eyes over the other patrons' faces. Notes the reactions. Plenty of guilty fellows tonight, it seems.

Valen tries not to grimace, the memory of how he'd pointed out his love's peculiar eyebrows-- Back when they truly met for the very first time. It wasn't out of mockery and malice...but the fact he'd teased him about it still stands.

"But the next time you'd see him, he'd still go out of his way to smile And wave at you and ask you about your mother's operation or something like that. Because he unlike us actually cares about someone other than himself--" Berial's laughter and gleeful grin dies down, memories resurfacing unwanted.

--------------——-=== - -- --——--- -- - ===-———-------------

For the very first time, the diabolical jester had found himself in a pinch after pranking the Magister--Nothing actually lethal mind you. Same reason as to why his pranks on her stand-in and the people of Esperia, too aren't actually aiming to kill. A nasty scare here, heaping misfortunes and or nightmares there, or something completely goofy sans the cruelty and evil.

Dumping a bucket of period blood, tree-sap and rotten seaweed (Because that's what came to his mind as funny) he'd conjured up, the nasty little fiend then cackled merrily. Oh the Magister's horrified yell of being startled and the disgusted grimace she had pulled were priceless. The two pip-squeaks cries of alarm, the horror on their chubby gorged cheeks and frantic fussing--It made it five times funnier! Well the Arch-mage's wrath that followed right after in retaliation wasn't fun. Bloody Mary proceeded to 'prank' back with a mean bite--Casting a spell to not only nail his body with Dura's oh so holly sword...But instead of sealing him and finishing the deal, Merlin worked on purifying and extracting magic straight out his core.

How it burnt, how it burnt! It was like being boiled, grilled and burned alive all in one! "It was just a prank! What're you draining me for?! I didn't even try to hurt you this time! At all! OW-!" --He'd wailed, almost beginning to regret his prank. And suddenly Pirin's 'curse' was a far, far more pleasant experience to go through again.

Being a nobody and feeling phantasmal-ly powerless in a nightmare is much more favorable, better, than actually being truly dead. Hell! Being turned to stone, or a mortal and chucked at the Order would work too! Just not total, real death and erasure of existing!

...And then the nail was removed, a compassionate Blazing star having warily approached after Merlin has long left. Hollowed eyes with diminished glow feebly lift to gaze at his 'nemesis.' That day, Berial honestly expected to be finished off, be met with more ire. Certainly wouldn't have blamed the man for it, considering the time his pranks on him crossed the line and also the troubles he'd caused, being a perfect doppelgänger.

But no. No torment or wrath came. The spirit squandered the chance to kill him off for good instead. Weaving a small spell, pulling at the threads of neutral-aligned and free-flowing magic; tainting it with dark emotions, intents lingering from a past life's grief-borne bloodlust, memories vicious-- The tar-like oozing flame orb was held out to him. Squinting up at the lost descendant with nothing but immense confusion, the slowly-withering Hypogean stares for a long moment. There are no expectations in those mirror-like eyes, nor hope for reward, no desire for favors and deals.

".....Why?" Why're you helping me? Why aren't you hurting or trying to finish me off for good? The answer the 'idiot', or maybe Pirin really was an idiot, gave in turn to his weak rasp, was even more baffling. But the serene sincerity of simple conviction was unmistakable. Like a slap.

—"Only good can't exist, not without its counterpart. You have your own place in the scheme, though hard to grasp by many." The jester scoffs, forcing on a pitiful attempt to grin like usual..but it crumbles to dust. While trying and failing to make sense of this strange, funny, 'naïve' blockhead.

—"Not what I asked. What? You want a deal? Power, glory, endless gold, adoration? Name your wish, and I'll grant it.~" The refute was like a cold slash of a blade.

—"Just take it. If you insist on doing me a favor," His discarded top-hat is picked up from the ground, the orb placed bit harshly into his palms. Dusting the hat off, the gloved hand places it back onto the inky head, the demon blinking down at the ball of potent abyss. Then blinks up, a sense of....something stirring somewhere in his black core. Respect, partially begrudging from last time.. and also sincere.

"then a simple 'thank you' will do. Or a smile, if that's too pricey." On eye-level, that ember of kindness coloring the magister's light smile as it does his eyes. Too pricey?? Excuse you???

"Thank you."

For once, the clown's grin isn't malign nor sneering. Gobbling up the orb without needing to be told twice, instantly returning to his normal lively self. It was delicious! No longer on Death's door, sockets and wide grin now back to their vibrant glow and ashen features wrought with life once more-- But he makes no move to attack. Or prank.

How can you be so genuinely selfless like a saint?

—"Seriously though—Why did you help me? You could've left me to die and everyone would thank you for it, you know?" I'm a Hypogean, the literal embodiment of evil. You know my track-record. You could get hurt. I could kill you at any moment, and those you hold dearly. I know. —"I don't want anyone to suffer in the ways I have." Not anymore. I did, once, took the lives of many in my blind rage. Brutally so, without remorse or guilt, drawing and dragging out their agony-- The instigators, the perpetrators, the accomplices...and along with them, the innocent, too, got in the line of slaughter. In my grief, revenge, I couldn't, didn't, distinguish nor cared to. I wanted nothing more, but to make the world suffer -Pay for it. I was no better, than those that called and inflicted the genocide of my kin. Not the first time I've been a sadistic monster either-- Same rage and pettiness, same cause of it, just a different world. (In a different lifecycle two prior.)

I'm still paying the price myself. (For my own senseless evils.)

----------———-—=== -- --——--- -- ===—-———------------ "The reason I bring this up to you Is because I was the worst offender of all." --Lorsan masterfully glides a hand over the strings. What he hears next, stirs up confused anger and shocked disbelief, the way the teenager outs himself. His mistreatment towards the vampire they'd come to call a 'nightingale', 'little finch' or 'lark'. It was in the early days of his adventures with the Magister, yes, but still doesn't make it okay!

"My life was simply going nowhere, Then a tiny, little man, rushed to my side. He should've gotten a big thank you, Instead he got a quicksand-dunking ride."

Some of the Graveborns laugh, pleased at the revelation. With the mental imagery of their pesky, meddling, enemy's abuse in the past.

Ludovic's hold on the branch of delicate flowers ever so subtly tightens for a second. Subdued, reserve and strongly disapproving anger flashing in the young boy's melancholic eyes. Like last time, when Merlin had beat up the felled star, beautiful white lilies were left on Pirin's nightstand.

The only thing to soothe away his pains of heart and mind, the nightmares, besides his Jolly sailor and loyal Knight.

Tonight, the 'Magister' would likely find himself another branch of those lovely blooms. Or in a patch of them. An eternal sufferer, in a way... and also a mere sincere gift from a friend. A gesture of kindness to keep the warm, kind bleeding heart from growing cold. A quiet way to say, remind the man there's someone(s) out there, who care.

"I was such a shithead. But he never quit on me, 'Til I told him he was useless,...and should go take his own life.." Shock flashes in the young lord's stern, saddened, pale green irises- Shaking out the melancholy and composure. Covering his mouth with a hand, other hand gripping the flowers even tighter.

The immense, crushing shame and guilt in the Mauler's voice aren't lost on him, ringing clearly in his voice with deep remorse. But the spark of fiery fury that flares in the young noble's dead heart is there. Lorsan very narrowly stops playing his guitar, jaw drop on the ground. Valen's eyebrows shoot to his hairline, Sinbad's face darkens and Lyca gapes at the warrior, just as his sister does.

How did Pirin not lash out...? Beat the ever-loving lights out of this punk? ...Why did he take the blows? Berial remains draped on his seat at his own table, already knowing what happened next. The sweet little thing held himself back from pummeling the whelp, knowing all too well what his own anger looks like. And didn't wish to inflict it. Instead he simply smiled instead, hurt, but smiled anyway. Forgave Bear-boy for the wrongdoings, and moved on like nothing happened. 'I don't want anyone to suffer' (In the ways I have.)

"I snapped at Soren more severely, once. After he crossed a line. I haven't gotten so angry, in a long while.. Not like this. Couldn't hold back-- In a blink he was on the ground, and I just...kept clawing and punching at him like a straw dummy, anywhere I could strike." --A pained 'Magister' laments devastated, fur sprouted along his neck and arms. And the Joker quietly listened to Batman's confession of 'sin', slight against the young former Grimmaw orphan he'd recently become foster father to. How he'd pelted the fighter with a flurry of vicious strikes, giving the brat two nice black-eyes, a crooked nose, nicked ears and plenty of nasty bruises.. and a dislocated shoulder from almost twisting his furry arm.

Blinded by anger. Just like in his old days.

"...I could've taken his life, only barely managed to stop myself. Had to force myself to flee, go to my dorm at the Mystical House and turn it to an arena, let my anger there. Better than him or anyone else getting the brunt of it." --The distraught spirit uttered in a shaky rasp, almost a choked quiet sob. Horrified with himself.

"I almost killed him, Berial! I-" How did a prank of dropping a bucket of blood-looking juice lead to this moment? The Hypogean had no clue, but kept his mouth shut. For once in his entire life. I'm a monster. I really am like the Temple says-- So he'd placed an inky hand firmly on the boney shoulder, stopping the train right there.

"No." Stop with that nonsense. What monster cares, and so much? Runs away before it could do harm? None, that's what. How in the Abyss did we become frenemies? No idea. Can't complain, keeps things interesting with these twists. 'Sides, even villains got downtime, no?

That day, the performer put up a show--Simple and comically flashy, without horrors, mockery or gore. ...Okay fine, he snuck in a literal eye in one of the tricks as a punchline and pulled out dead doves out his hat then revived them, and made the birds disintegrate into regular confetti. Just to cheer this one 'idiot' of a 'magister'. Hypogeans can't feel actual love you see, or care in the typical constraints of mortal understanding and their rigid, dull morality lofty ideals.

More like... Favor. Have interest in someone or something, and in turn keep it safe. Can't have that person or thing go 'poof' in any way, can we now? It wouldn't do. In a way, to a degree, it can be called 'care'. ----------———-—=== -- --——--- -- ===—-———------------ Somehow pulled into the spirit of confessing 'sins' in song, Sir Lucius takes the turn to sing next. Outing himself, right as Soren sits down back in his seat, ears drooping in remorseful shame.

"Once when we were watching Sunday spectacle in the Gala square, A fuzzy movement was all that we could see." The image comes back, a gloomy day in Holistone and how Father David sent for Pirin. The ghostly-pale man had earned himself the reputation of being a reliable hand, outside of his duty as Merlin. That Father knew, and the music was playing, a spectacle in Dura's name to honor her, the Archons and Heroes of the Immortal war.

A way to draw youth back to morality and tradition, to spread the good will and sacred words. And perhaps also incite interest in them for the Temple, for the Divine and for Faith. The lights had abruptly given out and needed to be fixed, newly-acquired technology from Alkali. Poor man, a diligent jack of all trades, worked on fixing the blasted stage lights in the background whilst the show continued.

"Pirin came over with a toolkit-- And spent the spectacle on top of the theater grids.. And when the lightning struck him, He let out a wicked loud yell. .

But we just turned up the volume, And ignored, covered up the burning smell-- we should all rot in hell!" It was horrible, going up to the rafters after the performance... only to find a charred body, miraculously alive. But unconscious. That day he'd grabbed the man, and tore through town-- ran straight to the doctor's office, cutting the queue of patients and frantically explained the situation through prayers and pleads for help.

After that he'd taken the 'mercenary' to Valen's home with all the medicaments needed (that Lucius bought with his own money) in tow. Valen looked scared and distraught at the sight, then gave an angry earful "What were you and the Temple thinking?!" "The weather was clear today, until the projectors gave out near the spectacle's end...Father called for Pirin to repair them.." "What?! Ohh greeat, go tell Father to be more mindful- And carefully check the weather forecast when planning events! You've put not only Pirin's but also the citizens' safety at risk! People could've gotten seriously hurt!" Covering his face with an armored hand and bowing his head, Lucius closes his eyes, mumbling under his breath. "Dura above, please forgive our sins..." The blond Templar knight's eyes blink open, head snapping up when Archon Talene softly rises from her seat, hand on her heart. And divine features pinched into a guilty, ashamed look.

"I went to high Pantheon with Pirin, in a previous cycle of his.... As a joke I told him to meet me at the banquet, needing a cavalier.. When he got there I said, ''I can't believe you thought I was serious.''"

Dionel and the Hypogeans look up at the firebird, Harak with a mouthful of fish and chicken, blinking up in confused surprise. Some of the bones stick out his maw; Berial blinks, then grins half in sneering amusement at one of those pomps having dirty laundry (not surprising, ask Dionel but the perpetually drunk sloth won't tell you. And suavely divert your attention elsewhere, like pulling a rug right from under your feet oh so smoothly). Phraesto and Reinier couldn't care less. Scarlita stays silent as usual, hands rested atop the handle of her battle-axe, remembering the scene all too well.

"So he ran home crying because of my deceit and slow-danced with his mom." Worst part is the Blazing star only agreed to begin with, was not because he had romantic feelings towards Talene--But because the child simply wanted to help. Along with bearing curiosity as to what the gods' victory feast and celebratory ceremony is like.

The Dusklord's young familiar had been transferred over to Talene after the war-god met his end. Just as the god of the waves relinquished his own familiar to Misarte shortly prior to dying himself-- *rrEEeep-lu lu lu lu* Hestopeous (Jaallanne - Diinqan -Hestios), the mother, child of a family in the Eclipse lineage. Upon being given to Misarte, she took on the name Larra in place of Jaallanne.

And the boy's father, whom the god of war chose as his familiar first (before taking fancy to Pirin and taking the child under his wing as 'familiar in training')-- *Thwack-Clanck* Hestopeous, child of a Crimsonfang bloodline family (Ekchauh - Hunahpu-Hestios) was given to Dulingr.

"What a crushing blow to Pirin. Bet you wish you could take it back." -The rowdy hustler joins the song, chastising and accusing himself of the exact same, as much as he's discontent with Talene's antics.

"How could you all be so mean to Pirin? Sound to me like you're all on crack!" -Rhys crows from another nearby table, leaning back on his terrabird. Doesn't have the smallest clue what all these 'confessions' are about or why people are doing it in song out of the blue, but still pipes up anyways. Harak blissfully goes back to wolfing down his own large portion of yummy food, keeping a curious ear on his surroundings.

It was strange to him, why the mage kept switching scents.

Sweet, very sugary and fruity, almond-like one moment-- Then this funny weak earthy and floral scent with different trees in there. And the attitude jumped back and forth too! It was only when two Merlins stood side by side (he was caught in the bottle he'd smashed in his feasting), that the strange smell and personality-flip finally made sense. It's TWO mages, one of cold and one of fruity!

And then he'd been woken up, recruited and placed onto a team. All but dropped in the cold Merlin's hands by the sugary one. With a harness and a leash-- Sugary mage's idea. ("Merlin, what am I supposed to do with him..?"

"Eh I dunno, train Harak to behave or something.?"

"....Merlin, this is a shark we're talking about. Not a dog or a dolphin." "Well actually, sharks can be trained! I red it in a book on aquatic life yesterday!" "Merlin!" D:<<) Cold Merlin--Pirin-- Was very annoyed. Then turned to glare at Harak, like he was the problem!

"You. You better behave yourself, ya hear?" -Hissed with narrowed eyes, jabbing a clawed finger at his chest. Disgruntled. "Or so help me, I will kick your fish ass AND Merlin's, I don't care how strong you are!" Harak only blinked down at angry mage, confused and amused. And that's how Harak was kept on the team! Annoyed Merlin is nice though, tosses tasty fish to Harak.. (And Harak behaves nicely, a good boy to get yummy food. Annoyed Merlin's dreams taste nasty though, reeealllly bitter and rotten, and like octopus ink! And stink of smoke! Nasty dreams!)

"Tonight Pirin was counting on this team, To show that we care,

But the first time he really needed us, we weren't there." - The shark Hypogean looks up at the blue-dressed girl with white short hair. Tilting his head, still puzzled what this song is about and what it's got to do with the Annoyed Merlin. By now the two Graveborn nobles have left.

"It is just not fair." -Dulingr at last joins the song, adding to the music- Dionel takes the turn to sing next. Comes up with a very absurd chorus, the other more singing-inclined guests both sober and drunk join in too. Valen and Ludovic quietly get up from their seats after exchanging a look, silently agreeing to go see the missing guest. Not before catching Rhys crow "I wonder if that guy ever wiped his ass with the wrong hand", throwing Hodgkin a grin. Some cringe--Valen included, the young earl wincing internally both at the vulgar language and question itself. Others laugh. The ''Strongest captain in the world ever'' glares at the red-head Mauler with a scandalized and seething snarl, eyebrows set into a very deep frown. What stupid question is this?!?

"OI! Watch it Furball! I'll turn you into a damn coat!" (yes) Harak laughs as well, his croaking raspy laugh echoing all around the lounge. ...And then his eye catch on the two figures sauntering to the exit, fish dangling out of his mouth that he just stuffed in. Where is Cold Merlin's mate going?

Getting up, snatching handful of tasty meat from the plate (which was Lorsan's because he had already scarfed his own food. Also Bunny man hasn't touched the food. So Harak took it, bunnies don't eat tasty meat anyway.), the spiny shark Hypogean slinks after the two. His tail grabs a nearby jar with a heart (Niru's collection, the doctor's attention away) along the way. ----------———-—=== - -- --——--- - -- - ===—-———------------

.

.

. No hair or hide of the fake, faction chameleon. Where could he have possibly gone? Not in town at any rate, nor Ryeham. Looking around with a scowl tainting his boyishly dazzling face, Valen exhales a dejected sigh. At this point, the Mystical House is a permanent no-go when searching for the ghost. And why wouldn't it be?

I wouldn't go there or be near Merlin unless necessary. Even then I wouldn't stick around, or anything related to the Magister. It's really a shame she spiraled so terribly, got lost in 'madness'. Does Hogan know? The general will be...devastated, if he were to learn Merlin no longer cares about anything, anyone, other than himself. Him included. The grass crunches softly under their feet, the silence interrupted by the sounds of that Hyposhark gnawing on ribs.

Is this why the Magister summoned Pirin and placed the journey onto his shoulders to bear? Because he's from the Eclipse, a lineage of clear-cut rationality and clarity of mind? The Pallid covenants were known as the most mildly tempered and diplomatic of the bloodlines.

Arbiters and ambassadors, as well as mediators and overseers. Of all colonies, it's them that can swiftly pierce through the haze of deceit, illusion and temptation--Find the raw truth, and reflect it. Unbiased. With these attributes and his longevity, perhaps the night nymph is rather difficult to fall prey for ''The Kings' madness''....

—"Harak?" Clear blue eyes inquisitively settle onto his form. "Can you find Pirin, lead us to him? We've been walking for two hours now and no sight of him yet." It's a gamble, but-

—"Mate worried for Angry Merlin.?" What...? I mean, not that he's wrong, just... Oh nevermind. Good gods, this shark-thing stinks like dead fish and oil!

—"Yes. ...Brown-haired Merlin was very mean to ''Angry Merlin'' last time, hurt him very badly. Still is being mean to him. So ''Angry Merlin'' chooses to stay far away from the brown-haired mage." Chewing on the chicken bones to scrape off the flesh, confusion and displeasure colors the shark's face. A low, unhappy growl rumbling from the Hypogean's chest, eyes narrowing. Letting go of the bone with a 'click' of sharp, pointy teeth.

—"Why very mean?" —"Because jealous Pirin has many people who care and proudly declare his name while he doesn't." A huff. The team ''guard shark-dog'' seeing it as stupid. Which it is. "I can't see him at all, or hear him.. Help us find him. Please?" Another rumbling noise ripples in the shark's throat, not exactly a growl, more of a hum. As if that wee little brain is working to process and piece together things, crunching pensively on the bones caught in his maw.

Sniffing the air, the Hypogean abruptly darts ahead. —"Come! Found Angry Merlin!" Valen needed not be told twice, darting after the hulking form with the young master close behind. This thing's fast! Really fast and nimble! Eventually their path leads to the ruins far past the Altar, past the hut on the riverbank, through the Dark Forest's canopy and....to the foot of the Vaduso Mountains far away from the Wilders villages and settlements.

No civilization. Only this cold, snowy lone and silent mountain. Looking up and sniffing the air, Harak shivers as the cold bites into his hardened skin, head up. And clicks his teeth, making a small noise of mild discomfort, breath coming in a misty puff. But still refuses to back away or leave and flee, lifting a hand--Points to the clouds with a clawed finger.

—"There. Your mate up there....Cold." Squinting up at the fog of clouds swirled around the summit, the knight tries to find his love. Nothing, even with following the direction the fiend is pointing in. The Graveborn noble gazes up at the clouds, frigid winds tussling his hair as well as the knight's. ''Sometimes... people tire me vastly, mostly Merlin and his hamsters. I prefer to hide away, calm down in peace'.'

—"I can't see him... Can you?" —"No. Only smell. Mate is circling." No chance he hasn't heard us. A night nymph's hearing is scarily keen, puts Bryon's to shame. So sharp, that they can hear your every heartbeat, every breath, the flow of blood in your veins, the vibrations of your voice.

Stepping back, Valen draws in a deep breath. Holds it for a second, then lets it out in a long-drawn out, sharp and shrill whistle. The echo answering back as though taunting. Nothing. Another whistle, interspersing it with shorter, lower ones. A 'song'.

''Night nymphs rely heavily on voice and hearing, thus singing and voice becoming prominent in their forming culture. When courting, the suitor 'sings', flexing a wide variety of vocals and tones--Whistles, thrills, chirps, sonar calls and tweets along with clicks. Varying in pitch, tone, frequency and duration. May sometimes include human vocal mimicry, covering both the male and female ranges.' (Although that is most common in Nephylims than vampires.) Through song, one's voice, a bonding or already bonded pair can also locate each other. Each song is unique to each pair.''

One last whistle, low-pitched and drawn out, ending with a mid-drawn out, soft click and a short thrill at the end. Very much akin to a songbird's melody. A name in that sonorous language, foreign to man. And now if you don't at least answer, I'll look like a lunatic. Or like a foo--A shrill, mildly agitated whistling cry calls back with a thrill paired with short clicks of 'clack-clack-clack', or 'k-k-k-k'.

A figure pierces through the haze, swifter than an arrow fired. A long-tailed bat, wings folded at the sides, fur pristinely pale as the snow itself. With a quiet 'thump', the long tailed creature lands before the three of them, the long fur around his neck swayed by the blizzard winds.

For first time, Valen finds his breath entirely stolen away. Majestic. No other word can describe the being standing before his eyes. In this form, Pirin barely reaches to his chest-line, yet still no less mighty. And gorgeous, the regal look to him still not gone.

Suddenly the biting chill doesn't matter, a patch of white lilies blooming under his feet. Carefully approaching, the Solitaire feels his lips upturn into an enamored, awed smile, falling on one knee. Hands lifting, cupping the bat's face.

—"Just as ethereal as in human form.. Here I was, thinking you couldn't get any more regal and majestic. A dragon, in your own way." One of his hands moves over the fur tufts on the critter's cheekbones, gliding over one long ear and lightly scratching behind it; moves down to smooth down the thick, silky collar at the neck. A little coarse and tangled, but soft as cotton candy and finest silk regardless. A low, quiet purr reverberating from the spirit's throat--relaxing, content. Leaning into his touch, eyes closing tiredly.

"...Why did you run so far away, dove?" A huff, a click and a very short low-pitched thrill.

—" 'Needed to return home.' " -The brunet stiffens for a short moment, startled by Ludovic's soft voice. Almost forgot the Earl is still here. Glancing up at the boy, a look of mild surprise sets on Valen's visage, still running a gentle palm through Pirin's fur absently.

—"You can decipher what he's saying?" —"Yes, albeit not quite as precise as Magister Merlin. I fear that my knowledge regarding the Night nymphs' language is.. slightly subpar. I used to have a tome describing their customs and behavior in-depth, however it unfortunately got lost."

—"Far better than mine at any rate. I only know that voice is very important to them, along with weaving and blood. Just made-up the 'song' when calling him."

—"I could attempt to find my tome and lend it to you, if you wish Sir Valen?" The ghost of a happy smile plays on the aristocrat's ashen features. Observing the two of them, peering at Pirin with subdued wonder and humble curiosity. The swordsman's purple eyes light up.

—"Really? Thank you, my lord! ...I mean, if it wouldn't be troublesome. It would mean a lot to me, being able to better understand Pirin." —"It shall be of no trouble to me, rest assured. I shall bring the book to you, once I find it. Furthermore....You may keep the tome. I no longer have use for it. It appears that it shall find better use in your possession rather than gather dust." —"..My lord-" But it seems Earl Ludovic has already made up his mind. "We should return to Golden Wheatshire, probably. Harak already left to go back to the Dream Isles." A jar with a heart inside sits on the ground where the Hypogean once stood. Picking up the bat and letting him perch onto his shoulders, curl around his neck like a scarf, the solder rises up to his feet. And the two make their way back to the closest waystone, to teleport back home. Valen's cheery voice fills the quiet along the way, telling stories of past adventures, the young Earl listening intently. Already, many ideas, scenes take shape into his mind's eye-- Of swaying wheat fields and a heroic trio fighting off elementals, a night nymph leaping into the flames to save a family from debris and suffocation; Of a hare Wilder and his friends, their dense rainforest... Of ruins and a battle against a raging, looming golem.

Much to paint, and all the time to perfectly replicate the experiences.

[kbthebearcat]

More characters to share! Soren and Alvina! These two are actually very new, but I have a decent amount of story on them already that I’m liking quite a bit! This first picture here may be a bit misleading, because it makes Soren (the blonde fellow) look like he may be a giant, but he’s actually human-sized and the elf girl who’s named Alvina is small! I was still figuring them out when I drew this, and I still am… but with each drawing I’m learning more about them!

I decided that the human is a bounty hunter, and because the elven girl is a thief and has rubbed quite a few people the wrong way, elves and humans alike, he was commissioned to go after her and bring her in. Even though in the first picture I drew above with them she’s be spotted, I’d like to think that she still gave him a very good run for his money and proved to be more of a challenge than he first thought.

Eventually he captures her, brings her back, but then finds out that instead of simply jailing her like he assumed, his client wants to actually… well.. solve their problem with her permanently. This doesn’t sit well with him, so he makes the decision to help her escape. Once making it, they go their separate ways (mostly because she wants to. He actually suggests that they make a good team and should stick together, but she seems to disagree.) However not too long after, Soren then finds himself in his own predicament. His ex-client wasn’t too happy about him interfering and he becomes a target himself. Now he gets captured, and Alvina finds out. (somehow she does. Not too sure of how yet lol) She tries convincing herself that it’s none of her concern anymore, but can’t help eventually going to help him out. Something about his obnoxiousness, cocky, yet charming personality managed to get her. Here’s a picture I sketched to depict that part

After some more escaping escapades, they find themselves together once more, and of course Soren points that out as a sign. They’ve got to stick together now. He yet again proposes the idea of them forming an alliance of sorts. Alvina reluctantly agrees, telling herself that she could always change her mind later. But… that never really ends up happening. >w>

Side note: I was still trying to figure out their size difference in the first two pics, but this last one here I think is where I’d like it to be. Maybe even make her a tad bigger? We’ll see as I get to draw them more!

[enbyleighlines]

I want more fic where Soren is raised by Almedha. I think it would just be funny if he had a super dramatic helicopter mom. She would love him so much. He would feel so suffocated. They would argue all the goddamn time. Their arguments would be over everything, no matter how petty. Their attempts to out-snark each other would last for hours.

And the day Soren and Ike announce that they’re dating, Almedha would give Ike the scariest shovel talk in the history of Tellius.

[gloamvonhrym]

this sudden burst of sunlight

☀️ Ike/Soren (prequel); Greil, Titania, Shinon, Gatrie

Ike and Soren meet for the “first” time, as far as one of them is concerned. This is also the origin story of Soren and Shinon hating each other’s guts forever

5k words

Warnings: brief assault/physical violence (nothing serious there’s just a lil scuffle)

hastily written fun for #ikesorenweekencore. if you can’t describe your ship with vienna teng’s “stray italian greyhound” then is it even a ship

[serenlyss]

Rest Well

Fandom: Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance/Radiant Dawn Rating: General (fluff, hurt/comfort, insomnia) Relationships: Ike/Soren Word Count: 2315 Read it on AO3: Rest Well

A friend shared some very lovely and adorable art on twitter that stuck in my mind so badly that I felt the urge to write something inspired by it! Be sure to check it out because it's very good and gives me many emotions ahspaihsoidfs. Hope y'all enjoy this fluffy little fic!

[narrans]

Chapter 16 Audiobook of A Tall and Small Collection available now!

Hey there tall, small, and in the walls!

Greetings and salutations! I hope you are having an absolutely marvelous day. I just wanted to let you know the next audiobook chapter of A Tall and Small Collection is out on Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music! This is where Soren and Ashlynn have officially formed a timid bond; but what happens when a new contender is added to the mix? (Music courtesy of @kenzieclaire2546 - YouTube)

Listen below and be sure to leave a comment here and on the video about what your thoughts were the first time you read this chapter!

YouTube without music:

YouTube with music:

Spotify without music:

Spotify with music:

Amazon without music:

Amazon with music:

Thank you all so much for your unbelievable support. All of this is possible because of you, and there is no way I can ever thank you enough for all you do for me.

Cheers and, as always, stay awesome! ~Narrans

[soren-the-snake]

Sukuna core

[riekirei]

00:00 — nishimura riki

your boyfriend, riki, came home after an exhausting day, working and practicing. you stay up and wait for him til late to see him come home, tired.

pairing: idol bf!riki x afab!reader | genre(s): fluff | content/warning: reader and riki call each other baby, reader kisses riki on the forehead and cheek

[requested]

word count: 735

author’s note: this is just so cutee. i enjoyed writing this sm and i hope you enjoy reading it as well! not proofreaadd btw

[🎧 now playing: soren by beabadobee]

22:12

you were scrolling on your phone, laying down across the couch with a fluffy blanket covering you body. you were waiting for riki to get home from working at the hybe building. you figured he was up practicing after a long day of promoting and shooting for their recent comeback. you weren't too sure where he was at the moment. he might've been on his way home, maybe even at the studio this late at night. 

22:27

you decide to text him.

“babyyy”

“where r uu :(“

you type in and send. you blink a few times, feeling how droopy your eyes were. it was getting late and you couldn’t deny how sleepy you were. you yawned as you shut your phone off, laying it by your side. you pulled your blanket up to your chin and laid there, wondering were riki could be.

22:46

some time later, you check your phone to see if he had responded. ‘delivered.’ riki hadn’t opened your message. he was probably on his way home right now so you didn’t really worry. 

your eyelids were heavy and you couldn’t fight off how much you wanted to sleep. eventually, you fell asleep on the couch, tucked into the fluffy blanket. 

23:07

you awake to the sound of keys clanking right outside the door. the doorknob twisted and the door opened, revealing the sight of your boyfriend. he took his shoes off and dropped his bag onto the floor. you rubbed your eyes and just as you were about to stand up and greet him, you see him walk into the bedroom with his eyes half shut.

“woah woah woah, where do you think you’re going?” you ask him as he trailed off. “sleep” he said. “noo, baby. not just yet. we need to get you washed up first” you told him. riki stops and turns to see you. “babyy~ can we go to sleep?” he asks you, slowly blinking and standing still, clearly tired. you walk towards him and grabbed his arm, tugging him towards the bathroom you had in the room. “let’s wash up first, pleaaaseee?” you softly say, looking into his eyes. riki nods and walks with you towards the bathroom.

you help him get into the shower and handed him his towel and his new change of clothes. riki took a quick shower and as soon as he got out, you helped him dry his hair and body. you made sure he was feeling okay. as you pat his face down with a towel, you could tell just by his eyes how exhausted he was. “tired hm?” you asked him. all he did was nod. you smile and caress his cheek. 

23:32

after riki washed up, brushed his teeth, and changed his clothes, he laid down onto his side of the bed. you came shortly after with a glass of water you took from the kitchen while riki was changing. you handed it over to him and waited for him to finish before setting it aside for him on the bedside table. you pulled the blanket over the two of you and closed the lights, leaving only a dim one by the doorway lit up. 

you watched riki as his eyes shut. you rub circles onto his temples and forehead to help him relax and release any tension he had. riki then rested his hand by your waist, bringing you in slightly closer. your hands move up and made its way onto his hair. you play with it and lightly massaged his scalp. riki had a smile across his face.

23:49

you thought of putting pain relief patches on his shoulders to relieve any of the pain his muscles might’ve had from practicing and working all day. you get up to fetch them from a drawer in your closet. you gently lift his shoulders up to place the patches onto them. you lay him back down, looking at him, admiring how pretty he was.

23:59 

you pushed riki’s hair back and gave him a kiss on the forehead and on the cheek. going back down, riki hugged your torso and you buried your face into his chest. “i’m so proud of you for always working hard. good night. i love you, riki” you say before closing your eyes and finally falling asleep in his embrace.

00:00

“i do it for you. i love you more, y/n”

[sturnioloskyline]

flu season

pairing: matt sturniolo x fem!reader

warnings: illness, crying, language, sickening fluff(get it?)

summary: you get the flu and don’t tell matt, so he gets worried takes things into his own hands

being sick sucks. no one knew that bettter than y/n, who was currently buried under blankets on her couch in her apartment in la. this morning she woke up sweating with a pounding headache and an inability to breathe through the congestion in her nose.

she called in sick to work and stayed in bed until noon before mustering up enough strength to get up and make a cup of ramen noodles. she then settled to watch a movie on the couch, where she ended up falling asleep.

not far away, matt nervously chewed on the skin in his cheek as he stared at his phone. he had sent 5 texts to his girlfriend today, none of them having received a response.

matt knew this meant something was wrong, because usually y/n would text him a sweet “good morning” the second she started her day. they weren’t fighting, at least that matt knew of, so of course matt was sent into a anxious spiral over the lack of responses from his girlfriend.

finally, matt ripped his eyes away from the screen, walking over to the kitchen where his two brothers were standing, giggling to each other. matt ignored them and grabbed his car keys from the counter, immediately catching the other triplets’ attention.

“matt, where are you going?” chris whined.

“y/n’s.” matt quickly replied, stuffing the keys into his pocket and heading for the garage. chris and nick immediately looked to each other in worry at the expression on their brother’s face.

“is everything okay?” nick asked matt cautiously.

“i don’t know, she isn’t responding to any of my texts,” matt rambled, putting on his shoes. “i’m just gonna go make sure she’s okay.”

matt rushed out the door before his brothers could say anything else. he got in his car and began driving over to y/n’s place. he chewed on his lip nervously as he drove, his anxiety only growing the longer he didn’t hear from y/n.

after what seemed like hours, matt parked outside y/n’s apartment building and made his way home to her front door. he rang the doorbell immediately and stepped back to wait for her.

inside the apartment, y/n jolted awake at the sound of her doorbell ringing. her head was throbbing in pain, her throat was scratchy, and the air in her living room felt ten times colder than it was when she fell asleep. she got up from her nest on the couch and shivered, grabbing one of the blankets and wrapping it around herself.

the doorbell rang again, creating a sense of urgency as y/n tried to compose herself somewhat for whoever could be ringing her doorbell and disrupting her afternoon. she struggled to the door, messing with the lock weakly before finally swinging the door open.

“y/n,” matt sighed in relief immediately as y/n opened the door.

“matt?” y/n croaked out in shock. heat rose to her cheeks. she hadn’t invited matt over, and was unprepared for him to see her. matt and y/n had only been dating for a while, and she had never been sick around her ever. “what are you doing here?”

“i needed to see if you were okay. are you okay?” matt asked, his face scrunching slightly with worry once again as his eyes scanned over y/n’s pale face.

y/n didn’t know if it was the shock of her boyfriend showing up to her apartment, the embarrassment she felt from her sickly look, or how miserably sick she felt, but suddenly her eyes watered and her lip trembled as she shook her head at matt.

“oh, baby,” matt whispered, stepping into the apartment and wrapping his arms around y/n.

she immediately melted into his arms, a weight on her shoulders lifted as matt locked the door behind him and held y/n in his arms in silence. tears streamed down her cheeks as she sniffled into his jacket. matt leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

“wanna sit down?” matt asked as y/n’s cries softened. y/n simply nodded, letting matt lead her back to the couch. when the sat down, matt wrapped one arm around y/n frame, letting her lean into him. “what’s wrong?”

“i caught the flu.” y/n sniffed, rubbing her sore eyes. “i feel like shit.”

“i’m sorry baby,” matt whispered into y/n’s hair, letting his fingertips graze up and down her arm.

“i’m sorry you have to deal with this,” y/n mumbled, suddenly shy of matt seeing her with her messy hair and in t-shirt and sweats.

“you have nothing to be sorry about,” matt scoffed, bringing his hand to her cheek and tilting her head up to place a soft peck on her lips. as if sensing her insecurity, matt giggled “you look so pretty right now.”

y/n blushed and leaned impossibly further into matt’s arms. “can you stay here with me?”

“of course,” matt spoke softly, pulling y/n closer to his chest. a few minutes later, y/n’s breathing slowed, and matt looked down at her head buried in his chest.

“babe?” matt whispered. y/n didn’t respond. matt smiled at his girlfriend’s sleeping figure before reaching over to grab one of the blankets from the couch and draping it over both of their bodies. matt leaned his face down to kiss the top of y/n’s head, before letting his own eyes flutter shut.

…

author’s note: pls don’t bully me this is my first try! i literally have never written on tumblr before and i haven’t written in like 2 years anyways, so. but if u have any advice or want a part 2 pls let me know!!!!!! OK BYE

[raayllum]

Sometimes it hits just how tonally different The Dragon Prince is from virtually every other kids show on TV and I lose my mind. I'd argue something like Infinity Train gets closest with its emphasis on psychological horror and morality, or even Transformers: Prime (if you know, you know) with its severe focus on war (aka one of the more lowkey episodes is a main character having a suicide bomb forcibly strapped to their chest). Steven Universe Future and Jurassic World: Camp Cretaeceous/Chaos Theory are also probably honourable mentions.

All of these shows have mature content in them, which isn't different from more popular shows like Owl House, She-Ra, or even ATLA, but often times in aforementioned three that content is presented in lighter ways and/or interrupted by bathos (this is true for She-Ra in particular). Most of TOH's heaviness is reserved for S2 Hunter or S3 Luz; ATLA has some episodes that particularly emotionally heavy (The Southern Raiders, Zuko Alone, the Southern Air Temple) or are quite hitting in exploring themes of colonization (Imprisoned, City of Walls and Secrets, Northern Air Temple), but a good deal, I'd say even the majority, are also pretty fun shenanigans, too. To be clear as well, a lighter tone is not a Problem never mind a negative (ATLA has a very strong thematic point to its own about the sanctity of children and childhood amid the horrors of how imperialism strips it away), but it is a tonal difference.

And it's not as though TDP doesn't have episodes where there are fun shenanigans (Callum and Rayla's initial exploration of Xadia in 3x02 is nothing but fluff, Soren and Corvus are a more gay comedic duo in 6x02) but the series more or less operates like "What if every episode was The Southern Raiders?" due to its consistent emphasis on grief and morality. They use words like kill and death and murder all the time.

From the pilot / opening episodes

and to when characters are having breakdowns because they murdered someone (and we're still supposed to like them) or have done horrible things, with the show's heaviness ramping up particularly from S4 onwards.

When loved ones die (and the show has a body count of 20+ named characters who have died, six seasons in, some even being children) the show depicts mourning in all its stages and ugly glory. The sadness, the anger, the revenge, the desperation, shifting blame and cognitive dissonances, thinking you had moved on only for that wound (which never fully healed) to be ripped wide open again.

Characters get tortured by being electrocuted or having their blood frozen in their veins or beaten up (5x08). There are successful assassination attempts (1x03, 3x02). People, even children younger than the main cast of characters, are put on trial with the death penalty (4x06, 6x09). Within the first three episodes, a character is running down stairs and tripping over dead bodies.

Sometimes three different characters in one episode will be having a breakdown or dealing with something absolutely devastating to their emotional state (2x08, 3x07, 6x01, 6x09, 7x01). The magic system is a trolley problem on steroids. Do you kill a monster to feed starving kingdoms, or to save yourself, or to save someone you love? What makes it a monster? What if the monster isn't a monster? What if you have to kill a child? What if it means killing your child? What if it means killing yourself?

There are two characters who canonically have cannibalized other people, one being a blood-drinker / vampire variant.

This doesn't mean the show isn't fun or funny. One character consistently thinks bathroom humour is funny (while being one of the most tragic characters in the entire show). The characters cheer each other up, take care of each other, are goofy, etc. The show is ultimately hopeful.

But the emotional weight afforded to the choices the characters are making, even good-intentioned ones with unforeseen disastrous consequences, the way show focuses on their emotional processing (or lack of) is very unique in the landscape of western animation, especially to this degree, I think. Never mind the increasing amounts of blood. Nor does this make the show inappropriate for children! Tiny me was morbid as fuck at 7 years old, I would've loved it, and I know many kids from ages 7-12 who do in my work as a tutor. But when people say "TDP isn't like most kids shows," I think what that means is sometimes lost in translation in conflating it with what people usually say aren't 'just kids shows,' when TDP... really, really isn't.

The show begins with assassins sent by a grieving mother to execute a father and his child in revenge for the father killing her partner and child, and it never lets you forget it.

[planetpedri]

Soren — Pedri Gonzalez.

Pairing: Pedri Gonzalez x Fem!Reader

Summary: You loved everything about your boyfriend. From the way his cheeks always flushes so easily, to his captivating eyes, to the shape of his nose.

Word count: 310+

Disclaimer/s: fluff. sickening fluff.

A/N: guys i love him baaad + his nose is actually guys it’s sickening. i need him baaaad.

Pedri’s head rested on your chest, his eyes shut and breathing slow. He’d had a long, extensive training session, and all he asked of you was that you laid with him. He just wanted to be with you, rest with you.

The TV played quietly in the background, a show you’d long since lost track of. Your eyes trailed Pedri’s face, examining each and every part of it. You’d done the same thing multiple times before, you just never had enough. He was perfect.

His cheeks were still slightly flushed from going straight from practice to the shower at your shared apartment. Your eyes trailed to his nose, which was probably your favorite feature. It was sculpted perfectly with a small bump at the top.

Your hand mindlessly trailed up his arm—that was loosely wrapped around your waist, up to his shoulders, and eventually his face. Your pointer finger found his nose, tracing up and down the slope, going over the prominent bone.

You stop when his eyes flutter open, going crosseyed momentarily to look at your finger. “What’re you doing?” He asks through a drowsy tone, making it clear he was still tired.

Pulling your hand back, you blush. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you up.”

Pedri shakes his head, “don’t apologize. It’s okay.” He was smiling, a sleepy, lopsided smile, but a smile nonetheless.

“You have a pretty nose, y’know that?” You hum, pressing a soft kiss to it.

Your boyfriend chuckles, “weird thing to notice.. but, you have a pretty face in general, did you know what?” He tilts his head back to fully face you, loving the way your cheeks reddened as you rolled your eyes.

“Cheesy. Go back to bed, amor.”

Pedri laughs, resting his head back on your chest and tightening his grip on you. “Good idea.” And in seconds, he’s fast asleep, quiet breaths leaving his lips.

likes , comments , and reblog’s are all appreciated. lmk if you’d like to be tagged in any future pedri related posts.

DTS , @halfwayhearted @spidybaby @gadriezmannsgirl @unx100to !