#sorpeli fic

[thatartiststudios]

Sorpeli Week 2025 Chapter 1: I'm Sworn To Them (I'm Sworn To You) January 5th: Knight / Cleric

The warmth of the campfire flickered and danced in Opeli's peripheral vision, casting long shadows across the tents at the Banther Lodge. The night air was crisp, and though she sat close to the flames, the coolness still crept under her robes, biting at her skin. But she barely noticed the chill, her mind far from the comfort of the fire.

Opeli stared into the flames, her thoughts turning again to the day of the attack on Katolis. It felt like a lifetime ago, but the memory was vivid, etched into her mind with startling clarity. The heat of the fire, the crackling of stone as Sol Regem’s flames ravaged the castle, and the sheer chaos of it all. She had been standing by a window in the throne room when it happened, the heat of the flames so sudden that she barely had time to register the danger.

But then—then there had been Soren.

She could still feel it, the jolt of his body hitting hers, the way he had thrown her to the ground, covering her with his own weight just as the firestorm crashed through the window. She hadn’t even seen him coming. One moment, she was standing there, watching the inferno spread, and the next, his arms were around her, dragging her down to the floor.

It had all happened so fast. Instinct. Reflex. Of course, that’s all it was. She had no doubt that’s what it was.

So why, then, did it keep replaying in her mind? That moment when he had called her name. The urgency in his voice.

Opeli! Get down!

She could hear it now, echoing through her mind, cutting through the chaos, as clear as if it had just happened. The way he had sounded—so determined, so desperate to make sure she was safe—was not something she could easily ignore.

Continue on AO3

[sorinethemastermind]

What Can't Be

In which Opeli awakens to a reality more bitter than the one she'd fallen asleep to. #Sorpeli

The fifth time that Opeli woke up in Soren's bed, she could feel that something was different. He was already up, which was unusual. She could see him standing a few steps away, clipping his armor back on. Opeli sat up, holding the blanket around herself as she studied his face.

"Soren? Is everything all right? Has something happened?"

Her mind flashed worriedly to King Ezran and impromptu council meetings. To some new danger threatening Katolis.

But Soren shook his head, sitting in the chair opposite her to pull on his boots. "It's nothing."

And then she understood. "Ah." Opeli glanced around the room, searching for her things, and found more than she had imagined.

A poem on the wall, one he'd written about her.

An extra set of her robes, hanging in his closet.

A book she'd been reading, propped open on his nightstand.

A vase of flowers that she had brought, sitting in his windowsill.

Opeli's eyes flicked back to Soren as he stood, clipping the sword onto his belt. Her voice was soft, tentative as she asked; "Soren, what are we?"

"We're... friends with benefits." he said eventually. "Right? That's what you said. That that's all we could be."

"We can't even be that." Opeli said with a mournful chuckle. She shook her head. "I'm breaking so many rules just by being here."

"Yeah. You said."

She glanced up at him to find his gaze averted, blond hair falling in a curtain across his face, hiding it further. She wanted to reach up and tuck it back so she could see him again. But she didn't, because she didn't think she was allowed to. That wasn't what they were.

"I should be going." she said softly. "King Ezran is holding an early council meeting this morning, and I need to tidy up."

"Yeah. I know."

She grabbed her robe from where she'd left it on the floor the night before, slipping into it quickly before returning the circlet to her head. She'd left it on his nightstand. Opeli thought for a split second how it looked nice there. Like it belonged.

Then she was at the door, hand hovering over the doorknob, not wanting to go but knowing she had to. That was when Soren's voice broke the silence once again.

"Hey, Opeli?"

Her heart thudded in her chest, but she turned to face him and nodded. She waited for him to say all the things she knew he should. That this wasn't enough, that he deserved something better, something real. That she was leading him on when nothing could ever happen between them. Nothing real, anyway. All of this flashed through her mind, but somehow, what he said was worse.

 "I know we can't be anything." he told her, still not meeting her gaze. "But I wish we could."

Opeli's lips parted, but no sound came out. Her hand tightened on the doorknob. He did look up, then, at her silence. A little abashed and nervous. But at the same time his blue eyes flashed with determination, like he was daring her to make him regret voicing what they both knew. She couldn't do that. Not when it would be a lie.

"I do too." she told him, and flitted from the room like the coward that she was.

[aria-bun]

I was never looking for her 'till I found her

Soren and Opeli have a tiff Sorpeli Week 2025 day 4: Right/Wrong

Soren glanced up from his clipboard to the girl sitting in front of him a few times.

This was always the hardest part. For him, at least. Because it would make things a lot harder for her from this moment forward.

The girl– Ashley– looked back at him. “Is it bad?”

“Well-” He paused. “It’s not bad.”

She let out a breath. “Lay it on me.”

“You’re pregnant.”

She looked at him, blinking a few times. “What.”

Soren nodded, blowing out a breath. “Yeah. Your abdominal pain is from your pregnancy.”

“But- I’m on birth control!” Ashley’s eyes widened slightly. “Isn’t the whole point of birth control that you don’t get pregnant?”

“Yes, but birth control isn’t 100% preventative.”

She went silent, staring at her hands. “How far along am I?”

He looked back at the clipboard. “Seven weeks.”

She rubbed her face, pressing the heels of her palms into her eyes before immediately jerking them away, looking at him. “You can’t tell my parents. Please. They don’t even know I have a boyfriend!”

“I won’t tell them unless you want me to, Ashely.” He told her, trying his best to keep his voice calm and steady. He was scared for her. “Do you want some privacy?”

She nodded, glancing out towards the window.

“Right. Dr. Davidson might be in soon, just so you know.” Tucking the clipboard under his arm, Soren slipped out of the room and into the hallway, making a beeline for the breakroom near the end of the hall.

The breakroom on this side of the hospital was empty for the most part, a few people lingering by the table, but his eyes landed on Opeli, standing in front of the counter and stirring the tea in her mug with one of the wooden stirrers.

At least, he assumed it was tea. He wasn’t sure if he’d ever seen her drink coffee, in all the years he’d worked at Lady Justice General Hospital.

She glanced over at him. “Soren.”

“Opeli.” He greeted, walking up next to her and glancing at the coffee machine. Specifically, the pink sticky note taped to it labeled OUT OF ORDER in black marker.

Still no coffee.

“You alright?” She raised an eyebrow at him. Her blonde hair was pulled into a neat, low bun, sitting at the base of her neck.

Soren shrugged lightly. “I’ve been better. Just had to tell a 15-year-old that she was pregnant, so that was less than great.”

A small crease formed between her eyebrows, a worried expression crossing her face. “I hope she’s alright.”

“Yeah. It’s a lot to take care of, especially on your own.”

Her expression morphed into a small frown. “You’re not telling her parents?”

He shook his head. “She asked me not to.”

“And you don’t think that’s… a bad idea?”

“It doesn’t matter what I think. She asked me not to. She’s entitled to her privacy, and she’ll tell them when she’s ready.”

“She’s 15, Soren.” Opeli set her tea down on the counter.

“I’m well aware.” That’s what made this so hard. If she had been older, and more prepared, it would’ve been easier news to break. Possibly news she would’ve been expecting.

“She’s going to need a support structure. Raising a kid at her age– even with her partner– would be hard. Even if she doesn’t keep it.”

“I’m sure she has a good reason to not tell them, Opeli. It’s not my– or your– place to tell or judge.” He snapped. The comment came out more pointed than initially intended, but it put an end to the painful conversation.

“Sorry for snapping.” Soren’s voice was quieter now, his fingers lightly drumming against the counter.

She shook her head, sipping her tea. “No, you’re right. It’s not my place.”

“I could’ve said it better still.”

I should’ve said it better. 

“It’s okay, Soren. Really.” Opeli put a hand over his, causing him to look at her.

Her hand was warmer than his, and less calloused. His brain pushed all of his focus to that small bit of contact, a small buzz filling him.

It was strangely comforting.

He really needed some coffee.

[jelzorz]

191.

Opeli has never been to the Banther Lodge.

She has never had a reason to. Typically, it's used as a retreat for the royal family during the winter festivities, although once, one of Ezran's distant relatives had lent it to the city orphanage to use while their own building was being rebuilt after a fire. It's large for a cabin, obviously supposed to be rustic without losing its air of luxury, and without the castle...

Well. It's better than camping in the temples, that's for sure. It's too far away from the city to use as a permanent base, but it will have to do until other arrangements can be made. Tents have sprung up on the grounds to house both soldiers and refugees, and although it's crowded and busy, Opeli likes it.

It's a quiet place, nestled in the heart of the woods, away from the hustle and bustle of the city with enough space to breathe, to think, to simply be without all the trappings of court life. All things considered, it's a lovely reprieve, and she wonders if, one day, she might be able to come out here and enjoy it for what it is. There's just... one thing about this current arrangement that sets her on edge.

The kingslayer sharpens his blades.

Opeli's fingers twitch.

It has not been an easy few weeks. The attack on the castle was grave indeed, and although Ezran and Corvus had returned with Queen Aanya's troops and Queen Janai's to provide aid and assistance, the loss of their home still rings painfully through camp. Prince Callum and Rayla had returned shortly afterwards as well, and Opeli had been pleased to see them, her unofficial wards home and safe, until Rayla had ushered forward someone new—or someone not so new, and all hell had broken loose among their friends.

For what little it's worth, Ezran had managed it well. His pain was most obvious in his eyes and in the crack of his voice, and he'd been composed as he dealt with it but hasn't spoken to Callum in days. He holds his anger tight, keeps it all buried under the mountains of things they have to do, blue eyes filled with cold that he doesn't let leech into his words, but he avoids the issue entirely and spends almost all his free time with Queen Aanya or Corvus, people he can't be angry with, people to distract him from kinglsaying banther in the room.

Opeli has been less mature about it, if that can be believed. She had Rayla arrested once for breaking into the chambers beneath the castle to steal the kingslayer's bow, but Callum has made it clear that he will not stand for that, so instead Opeli funnels her frustration into sharp words and biting remarks, which she does not temper, even for Callum.

The air is tense. Their council is fractured. But if Ezran won't let himself be angry, the Justice help her, Opeli will be angry in his place.

It's dinnertime. Everyone is pulling double duty because the circumstances demand it, and Opeli is helping Barius dole out the food tonight to give the other staff a bit of a break. She passes bowls of stew to Ezran, to Corvus, to Soren, to Queen Aanya, her lips tilted in an appreciative smile as they thank her, and then slams bowls wordlessly down before Callum and Rayla and the other elf who only shifts uncomfortably in his seat as the stew sloshes over the rim.

"Enjoy your dinner," she snaps, and Callum, because he's Callum, snarls and snaps back.

"What the hell is your problem, Opeli?" he demands. "You've been passive aggressive about everything for days. This isn't okay anymore."

Opeli bristles at him. "And I suppose it's okay to have a murderer at the table instead."

"He was imprisoned in a magical coin for years, he's been punished enough—"

"Has he?" Opeli sneers. "Historically, kingslayers are hanged."

"You need to back the hell off—"

"That's enough!"

Silence falls over them, and things are dire indeed because it comes from Soren. He glared at Callum and Rayla, the elf with them shrinking beneath it, but it's Opeli that he turns to, that he offers his hand to, that he ushers away from the table leaving Callum, Rayla, and the elf alone and in silence in the dining hall.

Opeli waits until they are out of earshot before she rounds on Soren too. "You're not defending that murderer now, surely."

"No," mutters Soren darkly, "but Callum's right. You need to back off."

She scowls, affronted. "That elf shouldn't even be here," she snaps. "He murdered King Harrow, and would have murdered King Ezran too, if Rayla hadn't stood in his way. And they have the nerve to bring him here, our last stronghold, at a time like this?"

"I know," says Soren, grimacing. "I agree with you. But haven't we lost enough?"

"All the more reason he shouldn't be here."

Soren sighs. "He's Rayla's dad, Opeli. You have to let her have this."

"I certainly don't," says Opeli loftily. "Why on earth should he be allowed to walk free after the things he's done?"

"Because Rayla needs him," says Soren, "and not all of us are lucky enough to have a dad we can forgive."

A pause. A breath. A beat so heavy that Opeli feels it slam the air out of her chest. Soren looks away and swallows, his own conflict painfully clear in the way that he blinks and breathes and clenches his jaw.

She relents.

"I'll leave them be," she mutters at last. "But he can't be here long."

"He won't be," agrees Soren. "But just for now. Okay?"

"Yes." Opeli takes a breath and touches his arm, a promise to make an effort, for him more than for anyone else. "Just for now."

[raayllum]

set after 7x02. doesn't necessarily fit the prompts for today (but maybe right/wrong) for sorpeli week!

Soren is the one who tells her exactly what transpired at sunset in front of the Banther Lodge. Opeli had caught glimpses from the windows during the event—not much, but enough to be horrified—and rushed out when she realized the young queen's arrow was pointed at the crown prince, and—

High Mage Ca—Prince Callum is already gone by the time she reaches the porch, Ezran's expression as icy as the spikes still entrapping his guards' legs. She doesn't dare ask the king what's happened, his expression more dark and brooding than she's ever seen it, exchanging a mildly worried look with Corvus over his head, the crownguard staying as Ezran stalks over to his throne for the evening, quiet and shaking and angry.

Soren pulls her aside before she can go to their king.

They stand in the fading light of one of the upstair windows, his brow furrowed and her lips pursed and growing more tightly pressed together with every word that falls from Soren's mouth. Somehow, she manages to let him reach the end of his tale before she bursts, her mind spinning—brothers, betrayal, treason, the kingslayer, and the notch of Queen Aanya's arrow, and Callum's resignation—

"I cannot believe it," she hisses, not quite sure exactly what it means even to herself.

Soren gestures simply with one hand and an unimpressed raise of his eyebrow. "Can't you?"

They share a flat look, Opeli's anger deflating and withering away into something sharper. She'd never liked the girl all that much—how could she, after a two week dalliance at the castle and being an assassin and then breaking Prince Callum's heart?—and now... It means I trust her. Unconditionally.

A foolish boy blinded by love, apparently.

"This is exactly why I didn't want him to be with an elf! It divides his loyalties. It's driven him mad—"

"Whoa, wait," Soren takes her by the arm with one large hand, gentle yet firmly, the other arm folded over his chest. "She's not 'the elf'."

Opeli tsks. "Not you too. She's the reason Prince Callum—"

"She might be the motivation," Soren says. "But however I feel about Callum's choices, they're his choices. She looked as surprised to see him as anyone... Maybe Callum saw, or knows, something we don't."

"But..."

"I'm not saying King Ezran is wrong to want to imprison the assassin," Soren says, hedging his weight from foot to foot. "But he nearly had Callum shot over it. You gotta admit that Ezran isn't quite... himself, right now."

Opeli steps away, eyes downturned. "No," she agrees at least, as much as it feels counterintuitive to every instinct she has. "He's not. But he's our king, Soren. That means—"

"—we're sworn to him, I know." He studies her, eyes blue and softly scrutinizing. "How are you doing? With the king and the prince... do your loyalties feel divided?"

He phrases like he wonders if they ever could be—if there could ever be anything she'd put above her duty to the crown—and besides her faith, perhaps, she doesn't believe so.

"I am fine," she answers truthfully. The brothers will make amends. Ezran will see through this night, and Callum will return. Eventually. She's always been good at having faith.

Soren lets out a tiny snort, his lips twitching. "Of course you are." He gives her arm a little squeeze and then lets go. "Come on. We should eat something. It's going to be a long couple of days."

But, at the very least Opeli supposes, they can face it together.

[its-leethee]

Sorpeli fanart inspired by @jelzorz's absolutely gorgeous fic (and extended 'verse) The Fruit; because this ship and this fic deserve more attention:

"There's plenty more, they won't miss out." Soren grins at her, handsome and easy and lopsided, the sun like gold in his hair. He's been taller than her for years, but it's still a shock sometimes. "Here." He tugs her hood down before she can argue and sets the flowers in her hair, petals soft against the silver of her circlet. "Pretty."

[ljf613]

Opeli's birthday is in three days (10/18)! Guess I ought to get cracking if I want to get that backstory fic for her done by then.

@raayllum 3 months later and I'm still thinking about this:

[thatartiststudios]

Say less

30 More Hurt/Comfort Dialogue Prompts

"You can rest now."

"Are you warm enough?"

"They're gone, it's okay."

"Do you want me to wash your hair?"

"You don't have anything to be sorry for."

"Don't move, you're still hurt."

"They're right there, don't worry, they're safe."

"Can you sing for me?"

"Your hands are shaking."

"Can you braid my hair?"

"Just hold on to me."

"You did everything you could have."

"I'm still proud of you."

"I still love you."

"My mom used to do that."

"I owe you an apology."

"Can you hear me?"

"I need to change the bandage."

"You need to eat something."

"Keep your foot elevated."

"Here, take my coat."

"You'll feel better in the morning."

"Don't leave."

"Are you in pain?"

"Leave the light on."

"You're soaking wet."

"I'm going to carry you, okay?"

"No one's mad at you."

"I broke my hand."

"Everything is going to be okay, I swear."

[a-very-sparkly-nerd]

2. a headcanon you weren't sure about at first but have come to like! 4. say something nice about a ship you don't ship (it can be another ship in your fandom, a mutual's OTP, etc) 6. something you see in art a lot and love 7. your favorite tropes to read/write 11. if you're a writer or artist, what fic or piece of art are you proud of making? 12. compliment someone else in your fandom 16. a tiny detail in canon that you want more people to appreciate

i know this is like. half of them but hey! any or all <3

4. Hmm, I'm personally not a sorpeli fan, but the people who post it are amazing writers!

6. Love the rayllum height difference. I think the only reason he's taller than her in canon is his lil heels, so making him finally be actually taller is super cute!

7. Am an absolute SUCKER for hurt/comfort of any and all kinds. Also one bed. I am a basic girlie and you can pry those out of my cold dead hands.

11. As a writer, will always be proud of my hadestown au (even if i always cringe rereading older works)

12. @thatartiststudios and @chocolatecake47 are always super kind, @sagegreenfrogs and you are my goobers, and @fandomsandflyingstingrays fills me with so much awe

[thatartiststudios]

I Wanted To Tell Him That I Loved Him (But I Was Afraid That He Would Hear Me)

Chapter 3: And I Can Smell Your Fear (Like Blood)

Soren’s head pounded, a dull, throbbing pain that radiated from the left side of his forehead down to his neck. He tried to focus on anything but the pain—the chaos around him, the soldiers and civilians being ushered to safety, the flickering shadows cast by the fires still burning in the distance. But it was difficult to ignore the warmth trickling down the side of his face or the way his vision blurred at the edges.

He’d taken hits before—plenty of them. He could handle pain. But as the strength from the heat being spell faded, he could feel his strength waning, his body finally acknowledging the toll of the day’s events. It was frustrating, knowing that he was slowing down just when he needed to be at his best. But he couldn’t let that show. Not now.

He clenched his teeth, ignoring the dizziness that threatened to overtake him, as he guided another injured citizen into the tent. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with the scent of herbs and the low murmurs of the Sisters of Lady Justice tending to the wounded. The tent was crowded, filled with makeshift cots and the soft groans of those in pain.

And there she was, moving with her usual efficiency, her brow furrowed in concentration as she worked. Opeli had always been a steady presence in his life, someone who seemed unshakable no matter what they faced. Her calm, measured demeanor was a stark contrast to his own impulsiveness, and he had come to rely on that steadiness more than he liked to admit.

As he stepped inside, Opeli’s gaze flicked up, and for a moment, Soren thought he saw something there—an emotion he wasn’t used to seeing in her. Her eyes widened slightly, and her hand hesitated over the bandage she was securing.

Was that… fear?

Continue on AO3

[sorinethemastermind]

Do you like crack ships with just enough canon content to make edits of it, but not enough to make it reality (🥲)? Me too. If we're the same in that way, then Sorpeli Week might be for you!

Look, I entered Tumblr a Sorvus shipper, I left it a Soruvs and Sorpeli shipper. Except I'm not leaving Tumblr because I live here now. Blame all the amazing Sorpeli fic writers who inspired this event.

All forms of creation are more than welcome, from fic writing to art, edits to idk... poetry! Anything at all you can think of. If you want to write a song based on a prompt; go for it! If you want to paint a plate; do it.

Prompts are all based off of concepts I've seen in Sorpeli circles, or elements of the characters themselves. They're fairly loose and are mostly there for inspiration, so feel free to go for it and just have fun!

The Prompts coincide with the following days!

January 5th: Knight / Cleric January 6th: Sun / Gold January 7th: Heart / Care January 8th: Right / Wrong January 9th: Poetry / Practicality January 10th: Silence / Voice January 11th: Duty / Desire

If you have any queries just comment, DM me, or send me an ask!

Tags are "Sorpeli Week" and "Sorpeli Week 2025".

[aria-bun]

ONESHOTS

A world without pain [Unrequited Sorvus, Soren Angst, Soren POV, MCD, oneshot based on instrumental]

Blazing [Sorvus, post s6, Soren angst, oneshot based on instrumental]

I'll see you in a dream, ignoring the alarm [Sorvus, Halloween modern au]

Kissing you in broken cathedrals, upon charred holy grounds [Sorpeli, post s6]

Minor fable [Soren Angst, post s7, Sorvus, oneshot based on instrumental]

The Perfect Moment [Sorvus, Modern AU meet-cute in the woods, oneshot based on instrumental]

There's something inside me that pulls beneath the surface [Soren angst, Soren using dark magic, Sorvus if you squint. Part 1/2]

The silence [MCD, Soren angst, Sorvus, oneshot based on instrumental]

The sacrifice [Sequel to The Silence, Sorvus, MCD, oneshot based on instrumental]

To Keep You From Breaking [Soren angst, MCD, oneshot based on instrumental]

Tree falling no one would hear [Soren angst, torture]

Wright and West [Sorpeli, post s6, oneshot based on instrumental]

POETRY

All Blackout Poetry

Betrayal

Decay

Destruction

Like Your Saints Do [TW: Religion]

Mundane

Music (PoetryNation Semifinalist)

On Sleep Apnea

Our Fears [TW: Mentioned Abuse and Abandonment]

Six Feet Under

Temporary

Untethered

FICS

And with your mermaid hair and your teeth so sharp [In Progress] [Sorvus-centric Mermaid AU with a side serving of Rayllum, featuring Mer!Soren and Mer!Rayla]

But after sunlit days, one thing stays the same (rises the moon) [Finished on AO3 1/5/25, in progress on Tumblr] [Sorvus Coffee shop AU with background Rayllum and Christmas shenanigans]

It's quicker and easier to eat your young [In Progress] [Sorvus-centric S7 prediction, featuring HalfElf!Soren, written with @sorinethemastermind]

Smoke rings and coffee stains [In Progress] [Sam x Colin College AU with background Dyhard, displayed in vignettes]

The night has a thousand eyes [In Progress] [OC x Finian De Seel, canon divergence]

The swan upon Leda [Completed 12/25/24] [Sorvus post-s7 microfic, featuring Rayllum babies and Soren's daughter Leda]

WRITING EVENTS

Sorpeli Week 2025 [COMPLETE]

Whumptober 2024 [UNFINISHED]

You can find some of these + more on my AO3!

My book reviews here!

[raayllum]

Opeli has always had faith.

It had just made sense as a little girl, the world so vast and wondrous, the steady turn of the Maker's Wheel and the cycle of the seasons. The call had always been there, a burning ember in her heart, her father an archivist in their small town's one House of Law. Her sneering mother had been a godless woman; it'd begun, like so many things, as a quiet rebellion. Then a career, and a life, here in Katolis. In the castle.

She lights the incense, a duty first given to her when the High Cleric before her, Naomi, had relinquished it to be at Soren's bedside as a sickly child when Opeli was perhaps sixteen. As High Cleric herself, she leads the congregation in prayer. The leaves fall and return. Ezran speaks and grows as king, his crown steady upon his brow.

The Wheel turns. Until it doesn't.

The sky is blue. Until it isn't.

Nothing could've prepared her for the hell fire raining down, for the crumbling of the castle that had withstood three proud centuries. For Soren's arm, strong and slung over her waist as he tackles her to safety, covers her from the stone, keeps her from running out into danger.

He presses the tiny glow toad into her hands, and she doesn't want to run—her heart pounds with adrenaline she hasn't felt since the Battle of the Storm Spire, but that had been with pride, certainty. Not terror and abject fear as she runs, because she wants to live, because the people will look to someone the way she's looked to Soren for the past hour, and she hopes—she prays that's not the last time she'll see him.

Opeli has always believed in miracles.

She performs last rites for the dying they cannot save, counts the heads of her Novices and doesn't let herself dwell on the the few that missing—not now, not yet. She pressed her palms together in gratitude that as many survived as they did, as she leads them towards Temple Hill, and thanks Lady Justice and her Sisters that at the very least Prince Callum, and in her heart of hearts, that King Ezran was not here, that he is safe elsewhere in Lux Aurea with his family.

The sky is yellow and red with fire, blackened by smoke, by the time she turns and sees people running through the flames encroaching the bridge most people hadn't been able to dart through once it'd grown, Opeli among the last to make it out. She cries bitter tears as she walks through the rapidly makeshift camp and wipes them away with her sleeve, but—

Heat beings are running towards her. A scream rises in her throat, but she recognizes the face of Barius' niece underneath, and one of her novices, and the way they are running, laughing, crying tears of joy amid smoky skin and firelight eyes. Magic, keeping them alive, family members hissing through the hearty embrace as they find each other in the crowd.

Her heart leaps.

Somehow, some way—

"Opeli." A large steady hand finds her shoulder, frighteningly warm, but she'd recognize that voice anywhere.

"Soren!" Opeli throws herself at him before she can think better of it, arms around his neck. His armour radiates warmth, and she pulls back, remembering herself just as he begins to hug her back, so they stay in that in between place for a moment as she studies him. His face is like stone and lava, fiery yellow cracks running down, the familiar blue of his eyes, gone, but—she can recognize him still, too. "I'm so glad you're safe."

She doesn't mean for her voice to break, but everyone's been looking to her and only to her the past few hours, and maybe she hadn't realized what a relief it was to have someone also making choices back at the castle, how much Soren had taken charge—how much Ezran has grown—until they were both gone, and...

Soren's eyes crinkle. "I can imagine," he says, his softer smile widening as he spots Hat crawling up from her hood. "Looking after Hat is a big responsibility."

Opeli hiccups a laugh, the tiny glowtad placing a tentative foot on Soren's hand when he raises it, then recoiling with saddened eyes.

"Don't worry little guy," Soren assures him. "It's magic. It's not permanent. Might take a few days, but..."

"Oh." More relief fills her lungs. "Good. Good—"

Soren raises his brows at her. "Why, High Cleric? Were you going to miss my pretty face?"

Momentary surprise overtakes her, as Soren has always been a flirty person generally speaking, but he's never been flirty towards her before. Opeli must really be exhausted, though, since she can't even be mad at him for it—and despite his miraculous survival and apparent levity, there's a flicker of shadows and sadness in his eyes, too. Something he's not telling her.

But she will wait to see if he wants to, just as they will wait together for his and everyone else's magicked transformations to change.

"Come." She briefly touches his elbow, the soft fabric covering it teeming with the same heat as everything else. Hat sits on her shoulder. "You should have some food and water. Then we can decide what to do next."

They can ask for help from the townspeople. Write a crow to King Ezran. Make more plans in the morning as the stars come out to play.

They can rebuild, together.

Opeli has always had faith.

[sorinethemastermind]

Opeli stared at the bir- her king for a long moment before turning back to Soren. "He's really... in there?" she asked, eyes flitting back to the bird as it preened.

"Yep," the blond said, gaze following her own to the bird perched on his shoulder.

"And is he... himself?"

"I dunno," Soren admitted, reaching out to stroke the bird's head. It ruffled it's feathers, rubbing it's beak against his finger. "That's why I brought him to you before... the others."

Ah. Callum and Ezran.

"Has he shown any signs of recognizing you?" she asked, leaning in for a closer look, as though King Harrow would suddenly emerge from the bird if she peered hard enough.

"I mean, he hasn't tried to fly away. But he could just be friendly."

"And you're certain that this is the correct bird?" Opeli checked again, glancing up at Soren.

"Uh huh," Soren gave a small nod. "Looks exactly like the picture Callum drew. And 'rare Xadian Songbirds' are, well, rare."

"I am aware," Opeli leaned back, looking the bird over again. Then giving Soren the same treatment. He had a bird now, and his hair had gotten longer. Much longer, it was now pulled into a messy bun on the back of his head. "Do you think he will recognize his sons?"

"I... I really hope so," Soren said, expression falling a little. "I was sort of hoping he would recognize you."

"Oh," Opeli considered for a moment, then reached her arm out hesitantly. "May I?"

Soren reached out, holding his arm out parallels with her own, bumping them slightly together. After a moment the bir- Harrow cocked his head to the side, considering her, and then began to sidle down Soren's arm. He placed first one talon onto Opeli's forearm and then the other, latching them around. She shivered as the little hooked ends of them latched into her robe.

Soren lowered his arm, leaving the king perched on her arm. Opeli carefully brought him level with her face. "King Harrow?"

The bird twittered.

"King Harrow, it is a pleasure to see you again. I was relieved to hear of your survival," Opeli addressed the piercing, green avian eyes, feeling somewhat foolish but not sure what else to do. "And I am so glad Soren was able to find you. He has become Captain, in your absence. But I am sure he already informed you of that."

When Harrow said nothing, she continued. "Many things have changed during your absence, but Katolis has- Well," she stopped, glancing at Soren. "Have you told him?"

He shook his head, "I wasn't sure if he was listening and I wasn't... I wasn't sure how." He glanced down, a few loose strands of hair falling across his face. She knew Katolis was an open wound for him still, even now.

Opeli took a deep breath, "The castle, it was destroyed," she told her king, "But Soren managed to get most everyone to safety. The people, your people, are alive because of him."

She saw Soren look up out of the corner of her eye and gave him a little smile before continuing, "Ki- Prince Ezran," the switch felt strange on her tongue, "has led them very well. I believe you would be proud."

Harrow twittered loudly, then, at the sound of the name. Flapping his wings and nearly startling Opeli into dropping him. Soren's head shot up fully and they both stared at him.

"Ezran?" Opeli repeated. The bird reacted similarly, glancing about. Then he stared at her, green eyes bright and intent. It opened it's beak as though to speak-

Leaned in, and pecked her on the nose. Opeli let out a surprised gasp and Soren chuckle. She let out a small laugh before regaining her composure, staring back into Harrow's eyes, "It's him."

"What, has King Harrow pecked you before?" Soren asked, giving her a perplexed look.

"No, I-" Opeli glanced at him. "Soren, did you really think the King of Katolis pecked me?"

"I dunno," Soren shrugged, "Just asking."

She shook her head, returning her attention to the King of Katolis, perched on her arm. "He recognized Ezran's name," the bird once again perked up, staring at her intently, "And he has the same sense of humor."

"So he has pecked you. Weird."

"That's not what I-" Opeli let out an exasperated sigh. "Let us just bring him to the others. He'll want to see his sons. And they'll want to see him."

"Yeah. Why don't you carry him? He seems to like you," Soren said, leading the way into the hall.

Opeli followed him, watching the bird preening on her arm and wondering what decisions she'd made that had landed her here, in this moment. With the King of Katolis perched on her arm.

Pip + Opeli

Playful

[earlysunshines]

GIRLLL sorp im so excited hanni is literally my girl i love her sm

i gotta start reading your other nwjns fics im pretty sure i only read all of hanni’s so

im tryna get back into reading fics but i canttt a girl stays busy😖

i’m posting hanni afrter i get thru some asks 👅that’s my girl

girl it’s ok u don’t have to❤️u read all the han ones it’s ok girl but if u do LMK!!

no bc finishing that minji fic was so hard i’ve been so busy and i just finished a hanni fic which was easy to write bc i could tell where i was going w it and fluff is so Ez to me (kinda) YAY

i’m locking in these days like omfg my profs LITERALLT want me dead bruh

[mellowunknownenthusiastlover]

Can anyone help me with this fic. Its a incomplete fic where Scorpius accidentally time travel back in Hogwarts with dramione in 8th year. He is kept under ministry guidelines with Draco in Hogwarts where he is asked to not reveal anything from future.he never met his mother.doesn't even know her name, only thing he have in her memory is book-hogwarts and it's history.oh sorp and Hermione spend this bonding moments from time to time which unsettles Draco so much as he finds the whole his-kid-from-future situation very bothersome but some where he had an idea about who could be the potential baby mother. Blaise is the Godfather and they click on prety soon in Hogwarts too.