#sorsha replies

[writerinloves-blog]

In the Gardens - Kit Tanthalos x Reader

Request? : Yes! I hope I've made justice to their request.

i was hoping you could write something with kit, like about her and the reader being in a secret relationship (bc of the times ofc) and queen sorsha finding out?

Word count: 5,015

It all began with jealousy.

 When Jade started talking to Kit about a new friend she had made in the village, Kit couldn't admit it, but she felt a twinge of annoyance. Things took a turn for the worse when Jade started cutting short their training sessions to spend more time with this new girl. Jade was Kit's best friend, exclusively hers. Kit didn't even know this new girl, but she was convinced she must be annoying or something, although she couldn't pinpoint exactly what bothered her about her.

Kit was well aware that, as a princess, she had the power to make Jade train longer with her. However, she understood the moral implications of such an action, so she kept her feelings in check, quietly resenting this unknown girl without ever getting to know her.

Until one fateful day.

Kit found herself on the training grounds, waiting for Jade who was running late. Frustrated, Kit began practicing her moves on a wooden dummy. Lost in her training, she was jolted back to reality by a voice.

"Wow, you're really good," the voice remarked. Kit turned to see a stranger standing there, eyes filled with genuine admiration.

"Ah-ah- thank you," Kit managed to say, caught off guard. Her response elicited a warm smile from the stranger, a smile that Kit found genuinely sweet.

As Kit's mind slowly started working again, she realized she had never seen this person before. They stood there, in a silent understanding. Gathering her courage, Kit blurted out, "I'm Kit!" perhaps louder than she intended.

The stranger returned her smile, about to introduce themselves when a familiar voice interrupted them. Both Kit and the stranger turned to see Jade hurrying toward them, her face radiating excitement.

"You came!" Jade exclaimed, hugging the stranger tightly. Kit was utterly confused. "Do you guys know each other?" she asked, unable to hide her curiosity.

"Yeah, this is my new friend I was telling you about," Jade said, her smile wide, mirroring the one on the stranger's face.

Kit was most definitely not expecting that.

For two months, you attended almost every training session that Kit and Jade had. Despite Kit's initial attempts to deny it, she found herself enjoying your company, perhaps a little more than she should have. Knowing that you were observing her during training motivated her to push herself harder, and she felt a surge of pride every time you clapped for her victories over Jade.

When Jade's birthday finally arrived, the three of you had dinner in the castle, a request made by Kit. That night, at your suggestion, they all dressed semi-formally. Both Kit and Jade opted for semi-formal attire, eschewing dresses, a choice that made them burst into laughter when they saw each other

You arrived last, and upon seeing you, Kit froze in place. When you approached to greet her, after wishing Jade a happy birthday, Kit couldn't help but feel her heart racing. She was astounded by how beautiful you looked in your blue dress, adorned with ribbons in your hair. It was in that moment that Kit realized something had changed within her during this past month.

Throughout dinner, the three of you shared laughter and jokes, and every time you touched Kit's arm, she felt a jolt of electricity run through her. After the meal, you all decided to take a leisurely walk around the castle grounds to continue your conversation.

Sometime later, Ballentine approached Jade and asked for a moment, prompting Jade to bid her goodbyes and leave. This turn of events left Kit and you alone together.

"Maybe I should go too," you said in a soft tone.

"You could stay a little longer," Kit replied, her voice shy. You nodded with a sweet smile, and in that moment, as you continued your walk under the moonlit sky, Kit felt something stirring inside her, something that went beyond mere friendship.

You two fit perfectly. Eventually, you ended up in the garden, pausing to gaze at the stars. While you were awe-struck by the celestial display above, Kit's eyes were fixed solely on you. In her eyes, amidst the enchanting flowers and the moonlit night, you outshone everything else in the garden. Overwhelmed by her emotions, Kit could no longer contain her feelings.

"I think we have a problem," Kit blurted out hurriedly, causing worry to bubble inside you. "What? What is it?" you asked, concern etched on your face.

"Turns out that I don't hate you," Kit began, her words rushed. "At all... not one bit."

"I do not understand. What are you trying to say, Kit?" you replied in a hushed tone. Kit approached you, now standing directly in front of you.

"Turns out that I actually like you..." Kit confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I don't know what to do with all of this that I am feeling." With those words, she brushed her hand against yours, her touch tender. She then gently kissed your hand, leaving you both exhilarated and perplexed.

A whirlwind of emotions swirled inside you, rendering you momentarily speechless. Kit looked at you with anticipation, her brilliant blue eyes searching yours for a response. In that moment, you realized the depth of your feelings for the girl standing before you. Determination filled you, and you took a step closer, your hand caressing Kit's face. You wore a sweet smile, silently asking a question that hung between you.

Kit nodded in response, her own emotions mirrored in her eyes. You closed the gap between you, your lips meeting hers in a tender, electrifying kiss. The world around you seemed to fade away, and Kit responded by moving her hands to your face, pulling you closer. She couldn't believe what was transpiring, but in that moment, all she wanted was to feel you near.

After a few blissful seconds, you both pulled back, gasping for air, yet radiating joy. "I like you too, just in case you didn't get the memo," you teased, a playful tone in your voice.

Kit made an affirmative sound, a mix of contentment and amusement. "Good to know," she said before leaning in to kiss you once again, sealing the newfound connection between your hearts.

The next day, you didn't attend Kit and Jade's training session. However, Kit showed up wearing the ribbon that you had worn the previous night, wrapped around her wrist. Jade immediately noticed this, causing her to smile broadly.

"I thought you hated ribbons," Jade teased Kit.

Kit felt a wave of nervousness wash over her. "Yeah, I just thought this one was nice," she stammered, to which Jade playfully rolled her eyes.

"So, good to know that I'm officially the third wheel," Jade remarked, a smile on her face as she started preparing for the session.

This statement caught Kit off guard. "What? She told you?" Kit asked, excitement evident in her voice. Jade seized this moment of distraction to begin the session, leaving Kit caught off-guard.

"Of course she did," Jade replied, finishing her sentence. With one last dreamy smile, Kit started training too, the revelation of her newfound feelings adding an extra layer of motivation to her movements.

In the days that followed, a secret romance blossomed between you and Kit. It was a delicate dance of stolen glances and hidden touches, a love story meant to remain hidden from the world. Yet, the joy that radiated from both of you was undeniable.

Your clandestine meetings became precious moments, tucked away in the secluded corners of the castle gardens or in the quiet corridors of the palace. Every stolen kiss, every shared secret, felt like a treasure, something too beautiful and fragile to be exposed to the harsh light of day.

Despite the secrecy, your relationship was an anchor for both of you. In a world where duties and expectations weighed heavily on her shoulders, the love you shared became a sanctuary. Your laughter filled the empty spaces, and your whispered words of affection drowned out the noise of the world around you.

Kit was enraptured by the simple joy of stealing your ribbons whenever you wore one. To her, each ribbon became a tangible reminder of your presence, a way to feel connected even when you weren't near. When you questioned her about this habit, she looked into your eyes with sincerity.

"To feel you close when you aren't near," Kit confessed, her voice filled with vulnerability and affection. Those words hung in the air, encapsulating the depth of her feelings for you.

In the quiet nights when the moon bathed the castle grounds in its silvery glow, Kit often found herself marveling at the serendipity that had brought you into her life. She couldn't believe how fortunate she was to have you by her side, your laughter becoming the melody that filled her heart.

Six months had passed since the beginning of your relationship, a secret love that had flourished behind the castle's stone walls. One day, with Jade's assistance, you managed to sneak into the castle and found your way into Kit's room. There, in the soft glow of candlelight, you sat on her lap, your lips dancing together in sweet kisses, punctuated by soft giggles.

You peppered Kit's face with kisses, causing her to laugh joyfully. As you drew near her ear, you whispered, "I am so lucky to have you." Your words sent a shiver down Kit's spine.

"You don't even know what you do to me," Kit replied, her voice filled with longing, as she gently caressed your face.

With a swift move, Kit took hold of your waist and shifted positions so that both of you were now sitting. She leaned in to capture your lips in a passionate kiss, losing herself in the sweet taste of your affection.

Amidst the stolen moments of intimacy, you paused to share some news. "I've got a job," you revealed, your words met with a kiss on your cheek from Kit.

"What?" Kit asked in confusion, her heart sinking at the thought of potentially seeing you less. "Why?" She moved back slightly, her worry apparent.

"Well, my parents thought it was time for me to get a job, but don't worry," you reassured her, gently cupping her face to plant a tender kiss on her lips. "I'll be working here, in the castle. Yes, I'll have to cook meals, but I'll see you more often," you said with a warm smile.

"Really? Why would you do that? It's very hard work. I could have gone to see you wherever you were," Kit expressed, her hand finding yours.

"I did it for us," you replied, your eyes sparkling with determination.

Kit felt like her heart might burst with emotion. In that moment, every part of her longed to tell you what she already knew. She mustered up the courage to speak but was interrupted by Jade's voice from the other side of the door.

"Time's up, lovebirds," Jade called out, breaking the spell.

You shared a laugh, then planted a soft kiss on Kit's lips. "You'll tell me later, Kit," you said as you reached for your shoes, preparing to leave.

Before you could step away, Kit gently grabbed your hand, pulling you back towards her. In the dim light of her room, she leaned in, pressing her lips to yours in a lingering kiss, a silent promise of the words she couldn't quite voice yet. The moment hung between you, filled with unspoken emotions, before you finally pulled away, your heart echoing Kit's unspoken affection.

With a tender smile, you whispered, "Goodnight, Kit," before slipping out of her room, your heart brimming with the love that had grown between you both, even in the quiet secrecy of the castle's halls.

You began working at the castle, and if Kit were being honest, she truly loved all the extra time she got to spend with you. Every stolen glance during meals, every gentle touch, and every moment your hands brushed against each other only deepened her affection. Kit cherished the nights when she showed you the secret spots in the castle, relishing every single second spent in your company. In those stolen moments, amidst the whispers of ancient stones, Kit found a happiness that felt like a treasure, one she wanted to hold onto for a lifetime.

This particular day, Kit woke up with an unusual sense of excitement. She and you had planned a little date night in the castle gardens, and Kit was determined to make everything perfect. She had even made arrangements to ask Jade for help in gathering candles and preparing food for the evening.

As Kit got ready for the day, her excitement grew. Breakfast time was always a bittersweet moment for her, as it was when you served her breakfast. Kit hated the fact that you needed to do that, but at the same time, she cherished the opportunity to brush her hand against yours and share secret smiles, hidden from her mother's watchful eyes.

Entering the breakfast room, Kit greeted her brother and her mother, but her attention was entirely consumed by thoughts of you. She couldn't help but admire how your hair looked that day, how the ribbon you wore matched the one she had chosen for her wrist. Every detail of your appearance seemed to captivate her, and she eagerly anticipated the moments they would share after breakfast.

"Kit! Were you listening to me?" her mother's voice broke through her thoughts.

"No, sorry, Mother," Kit replied, her gaze briefly shifting away from you. You returned from the kitchen with a fresh tray of food, wearing a small, warm smile that momentarily eased Kit's unease.

"I wanted to talk to you about something important," her mother continued.

Kit grabbed a muffin, taking a bite while trying to maintain her composure. "Okay, what is it?" she asked, noticing you making your way back to the kitchen with the tray.

"You are to be engaged to marry Prince Graydon of Galladoorn..." The sound of a tray clattering against the floor cut off the queen's words.

"Oh! I am so sorry, Your Majesty," you stammered, quickly kneeling down to clean the mess. Kit wished she could stand up and assist you, but she felt rooted to her seat, her breath catching in her throat. This couldn't be happening. She couldn't marry anyone else, especially when the person she truly wanted to be with was you. She turned her head to look at you and saw a tear streaming down your cheek.

Once you had retreated to the kitchen, Kit found her voice. "What? Mother, no. Please, I beg you!" she pleaded, desperation lacing her words.

"It is your duty to your kingdom, Kit!" her mother declared. "The meeting to sign the alliance is next week, and by then, I expect a change of attitude," she finished, rising from the table and leaving only Kit and her brother. Airk hurriedly approached Kit and embraced her tightly. In that moment, Kit finally allowed herself to cry. Her whole world seemed to be crumbling into pieces, and the weight of her responsibilities bore down on her shoulders like a crushing burden. The prospect of a future without you felt unbearable, and Kit clung to her brother, seeking solace in his comforting embrace as she wept for the love she feared she might lose.

The rest of the day proved to be a torturous ordeal for Kit. She wandered aimlessly through the castle, desperately searching for you. She even ventured into the kitchens, hoping to find a trace of your presence. Instead, a blonde girl informed her that she hadn't seen you since breakfast. Disappointed and increasingly worried, Kit's optimism began to wane. Even though she hadn't been able to plan the date the way she had envisioned, a small glimmer of hope persisted. Perhaps you would still show up.

As the hours passed, that hope gradually ebbed away, replaced by a sinking feeling in Kit's chest. The first hour of waiting felt like an eternity, but as the second hour ticked by, her optimism turned into a painful realization. Yet, Kit made the decision to stay, clinging to the possibility that you might still come.

She waited in the gardens, her heart heavy with anticipation. The night passed, and Kit remained there, alone and deserted. You never appeared. Deep down, she understood why you hadn't come, yet that understanding did little to ease the ache in her breaking heart. The night seemed endless, each passing moment a testament to the love that had been left unfulfilled, leaving Kit alone in the shadows of the garden, shattered and inconsolable.

For three agonizing days, Kit felt as if she couldn't breathe. The absence of your presence was like a suffocating weight on her chest, a relentless reminder of the love that had slipped through her fingers. Desperation gripped her heart, and she knew she had to do something about it.

"Jade, please, I need to talk to her, please," Kit pleaded, her eyes filled with raw emotion as she looked at her friend. They stood together in the training grounds, the weight of Kit's desperation heavy in the air.

"Kit, I know you do, trust me, I've tried," Jade replied, her voice filled with honesty and concern. "But she really doesn't want to see you right now."

Tears threatened to spill from Kit's eyes, her heart breaking a little more with each passing moment. "Please, I just want to tell her that I love her. She needs to know that I love her," Kit said, her voice trembling with the intensity of her feelings. She managed to contain her tears, but the pain in her eyes was unmistakable.

Jade fell into a thoughtful silence for a minute, her eyes searching Kit's face. "Go to the gardens tonight. I'll make up some excuse to get her there," Jade finally said, her voice softening with understanding.

Gratitude surged through Kit, and without a second thought, she enveloped Jade in a tight hug, a heartfelt thank you escaping her lips. There was a glimmer of hope in Kit's eyes, a fragile optimism that maybe, just maybe, she would have a chance to mend the shattered pieces of her heart.

That night, you arrived at the gardens, hoping to see Jade. She had promised to take you horseback riding, knowing that your days were occupied with work, leaving you with no time during the day for such leisure. As you spotted a figure in the garden, you called out, "Jade!" Your voice carried happiness, but as the figure turned around, you realized it wasn't her. Disappointment flooded your expression, and you turned away, ready to retreat.

"Please, wait!" Kit ran toward you, her voice carrying a tone of desperation. She grabbed your hand, her touch pleading with you to stay. "Please," she repeated, her eyes filled with an intensity that matched your own conflicting emotions.

Reluctantly, you turned around to face her. Kit looked exhausted, dark circles under her once bright eyes indicating the toll these past few days had taken on her. Yet, even in her weary state, you found her breathtaking. She reached out, gently touching your cheek, and you melted under her tender caress.

"We've got nothing to talk about, Kit," you said, your voice small, trying to push her away.

"Of course we do," she insisted, her touch soft and persuasive, inching closer to you.

"No, we don't," you replied, even as every fiber of your being yearned to kiss her, to hold her close and never let go.

"Let's just... talk," Kit suggested, moving closer, her determination etched on her face.

"Kit, you're getting married. What we had... it can't be anymore," you said, tears now freely streaming down your face.

"Don't, don't say that, please. We... we could find a way around it," Kit pleaded, her eyes searching yours for a glimmer of hope.

"We can't, Kit. It's your duty, and I understand. I knew what I was getting myself into," you whispered, pressing your forehead against hers. "And I still jumped headfirst into this... and I would do it a million times, just to have the time that we had."

It sounded like a goodbye, and Kit hated it. She knew what she wanted to say, but how could she, when it wouldn't change a thing? So, she did the only thing she could. She kissed you, savoring the bittersweet taste of your tears mingled with her own. In that moment, she tried to memorize every detail, every feeling, knowing it might be the last time.

The kiss broke, and you held each other, clinging to one another as if afraid the other might disappear. The moment was both heartbreaking and beautiful, a collision of love and loss. Kit hated the instant you let go of the hug.

"Goodbye, Kit," you said, your voice heavy with finality, and as you started to walk away, Kit didn't want to let go of your hand. But she had to. So, she watched you go, standing there in the darkness of the garden, her heart shattered and tears streaming down her face, aching for the love she was about to lose.

On her way back to her chambers, Kit couldn't stop crying. All she wanted was to lie in bed and cry until she had no tears left. However, her misery was interrupted by a stern voice slicing through the darkness.

"So, she's the reason you don't want to comply with your duties?" Kit turned around to see her mother, Queen Sorsha, staring at her with a mix of disappointment and concern etched on her face.

"I don't want to talk about it, Mom," Kit replied, her voice cracking from the weight of her emotions.

But her mother wasn't ready to let it go. She grabbed Kit's wrist firmly, demanding an explanation. "No, we are going to talk about it now," she insisted, her tone firm and unyielding.

"Fine!" Kit answered, her voice sharp with frustration.

"Is she really the reason? This... maid?" Sorsha asked, her tone dismissive and condescending.

"Don't! Don't call her that, and don't look down on her!" Kit retorted, her voice laced with determination and protectiveness.

"That's what she is, Kit. A maid. You, on the other hand, are a princess. You have duties," Queen Sorsha said, her words cutting through the air like ice.

"Don't talk about her like that. She took the job for me!" Kit said, her voice rising with a fierce intensity.

"What do you mean by that?" Sorsha inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"She took the job as a kitchen maid to be closer to me," Kit confessed, her voice almost a whisper, laden with vulnerability and despair.

Sorsha paused, her eyes studying her daughter, taking in the signs of her heartache. "How long has this been going on?" she asked, her tone softening, sensing the depth of Kit's feelings.

Kit turned around to face her mother, her eyes swollen from crying. "For over seven months," she began, her voice breaking. "But you don't have to worry about it anymore. As of tonight, there's nothing left for you to worry about," she added, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Sorsha stood there, silently watching her daughter break down. A mixture of emotions crossed her face, a realization dawning upon her. "Does this girl really mean so much to you?" she asked cautiously, moving closer to Kit.

"I love her, Mom," Kit said, her voice filled with raw emotion, her love pouring out like a waterfall breaking free from its dam. "I love her so much that every day, when I wake up, all I want to do is see her, hold her, look into those beautiful eyes, and take her to the gardens to hear her talk about her favorite flowers. I want to cherish every moment with her. I was so lucky," Kit finished, her voice barely a whisper, as she sank to the ground, crumbling under the weight of her heartbreak, tears flowing quietly once again.

Sorsha looked at her daughter, her heart breaking for the pain she saw in Kit's eyes. Deciding to approach her differently, Sorsha knelt down, attempting to reach for Kit's hand “Kit, why didn’t you tell me?” but before she could touch her, Kit moved abruptly.

"When, Mom?" Kit's voice cracked as she screamed, her pain and anger bursting forth. "And even if I did tell you, you probably would have banished her to another realm, taking her away from me! And yet, you managed to rip her away from me!" Kit's voice wavered, her eyes filled with a mix of anguish and fury as she stood up, her body trembling. With that, she turned away, heading toward her chambers, leaving Sorsha standing there, alone.

As Sorsha stood in the corridor, she felt a profound sense of loss and regret. She realized she had never given her daughter the opportunity to confide in her, to trust her. Her intentions had always been to protect Kit, but now, she had lost that trust, and her daughter's happiness had been shattered before her eyes. Witnessing her brave, beautiful daughter break down made Sorsha vow to herself that she would do anything in her power to prevent that pain from ever consuming Kit again.

She didn't even know what Airk might be hiding from her. It was time to rearrange things, to reevaluate her decisions and actions. Kit's happiness was paramount, and Sorsha was determined to make amends. It was time to change the course of their lives.

Kit dreaded waking up the next day, fully aware that everything with you was over. So she dismissed all the ladies' maids, seeking a moment of solitude. However, after a while, Kit heard her chamber door creak open again. Prepared to send the intruder away, she turned around and found her mother standing there.

"Wake up, Kit. You have a busy day ahead of you," Sorsha said with determination.

"Really? Why? Is my wedding today, and you didn't tell me?" Kit retorted sarcastically, although she complied and rose from her bed.

Her mother, seemingly unfazed by Kit's tone, observed her daughter with a knowing look. This made Kit uneasy.

"I am not getting married today, am I?" Kit asked cautiously

"No, you're not. You're going to train with the knights of Galladoorn," Sorsha informed her.

"What?" Kit asked, bewildered.

"Next month, you are set to begin your training with the knights. It will mark the first time a princess joins their ranks," Sorsha finished.

"Great, now I won't even be able to see her. I just know it!" Kit exclaimed, frustration growing within her. But Sorsha remained composed.

"With this new alliance, your engagement with Prince Graydon won't be necessary," Sorsha said, shocking Kit, who turned around to stare at her mother in disbelief.

"What? What are you trying to say, Mom?" Kit's voice quivered with hope.

"What I'm trying to say, Kit, is that you should get ready to go and tell that sweet girl, the girl who has captured my daughter's heart, that everything will be okay," Sorsha began walking toward Kit, who stood frozen in place. She reached out and gently took her daughter's hands, this time not facing rejection. "Everything will be okay because your mother loves you, Kit. And your mother is also the Queen. It might take time, but you go and tell that girl that you love her, and that I'm going to fight for you two," Sorsha concluded, and she felt Kit's arms enveloping her. It was a hug she hadn't received since Kit was a little girl.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Mom!" Kit said, practically running toward the door.

Everyone in the castle was surprised to see the princess running with a broad smile on her face, even giggling. Their shock intensified when she burst into the kitchens. But when Kit entered, she couldn't find you anywhere.

"She was sent to pick some flowers, at your mother's request," the blonde girl from last time informed her. The gardens. Of course, her mother would have sent her there.

Hope bubbled up inside her as she ran, and once she reached the gardens and saw you there, picking flowers, it felt as if she was looking at you for the first time. This time, she knew that nothing would ever come between you.

"I love you!" Kit screamed, startling you, your confusion evident.

"I don't understand, Kit," you said, your confusion clear.

"I've loved you for quite some time, and I am not losing you," she said, walking toward you. "I love you," she repeated, quieter this time.

"But you're supposed to be engaged?" you said, caution in your eyes.

"I am not engaged, and I won't be, unless it's with you," Kit said, reaching for your hand. She placed a kiss on it, sealing her promise.

"That's impossible, Kit," you said, your eyes still filled with caution.

"Not anymore. My mother is going to fight for us, for this... so if you would have me, I am all yours, and every beat of my heart belongs to you," Kit declared, determination shining in her eyes. You just kissed her; you knew you had kissed her yesterday, but that kiss had felt like a goodbye, while this kiss was a promise.

"I love you too, Kit, more than anything in this world," you said, and then you joined your lips once again.

You both stayed there, kissing in the gardens for some time, only breaking it to repeat the words "I love you." A new beginning; that's what this meant. Not just for the two of you, but for the whole realm. Everything was about to change, and you two were at the heart of it. Regardless, you had each other, and that was all you needed.

[rubycruzin4abruzin]

Forbidden Crown - IV

Summary: Your dreaded twentieth birthday has finally arrived, and you and your parents set off to Tir Asleen for one final time to plan your wedding to Prince Airk. However, at the celebration dinner, Sorsha delivers some shocking news, sending Kit into a spiral and creating conflict within the castle.

Pairing: kit tanthalos x princess!reader

Contains: angst, fighting, kissing, non-explicit mention of vomiting, forced marriage trope, mommy issues

Word Count: 3.6k

A/N: this was supposed to be the smut chapter, but I decided to divide the two, since it seemed odd to add sexy time to such a dark chapter. Apologies in advance for all the angst, I promise it won’t last forever!

Ever since your mother’s announcement of your engagement, each birthday after your fifteenth seemed to creep up, startling you out of nowhere and filling your stomach with existential dread. The once joyous celebrations now felt like ticking time bombs, every well-wish serving as a countdown to a life you never wanted.

On the morning of your twentieth birthday, you woke up to nothing but nausea. When your handmaiden entered your room to get you ready for the day, she found you kneeled over your chamberpot, heaving up the shallow remains of your stomach's content. Needless to say, your twentieth birthday was spent hidden under your covers, drinking ginger tea and being waited on hand-and-foot.

Alas, it was only a matter of time before you began to feel better. After several days of sickness, your body had nothing more to heave. The moment some color started to return to your pale cheeks, your parents ushered you into the carriage and set off for Tir Asleen, where you would stay for two months while preparing for your wedding to Prince Airk Tanthalos.

As usual, the road to Tir Asleen was long and slow. You tried to numb yourself to your parents' endless chatter, but your mother decided to fuss over your appearance throughout the entire trip, as if you were a child again.

“This is the first time you’ve seen your fiancé in five years,” she would say. “You’ve grown into a lovely young woman since, it is important for Airk to notice!”

Your cheeks instinctually puffed out at the word ‘fiancé,’ but your stomach was so empty from the long illness that nothing could come up even if it wanted to. Instead, you opted for tucking your head in between your knees, closing your eyes and muffling all unwanted noise from the outside world.

Eventually, the gentle clip-clop of the carriage horse faded as you reached the front of the Tir Asleen castle. You uncovered your head and allowed your parents to exit first, using the extra seconds to let your blood flow redistribute itself.

After hearing the sound of your mother squealing pleasantries from outside, you decided to make your presence known. You stepped out of the carriage to see your mother engulfing Airk in a bear hug, showering him with words of flattery while he chuckled nervously and tried to mask his discomfort. Your father, who had been exchanging formalities with Queen Sorsha, was now gently patting his wife’s back, attempting to subtly pry her off the poor boy.

While you stood watching the amusing display from your family, you didn’t even notice Kit approaching you from behind, wrapping her arms around your waist and leaning into your ear.

“Good morrow, beautiful.��� She whispered, her warm breath against your neck causing you to shudder involuntarily.

“Beautiful?” You giggled. “Be careful, our parents' eyes could be upon us.”

“Nonsense,” she replied, planting a soft kiss on your jawline. “They’re much too focused on my brother. It’s just one of the benefits of being the black sheep of the family.”

Sure enough, Kit was right. Your father had managed to successfully pry your mother away from Airk, and now both your parents were bombarding him with questions about his life the last five years while Sorsha stood proudly beside him.

With one final squeeze, Kit loosened her grasp until you could turn around to get a good look at her. She had always been pretty, at least in your eyes, but over the years had grown into a stunning young lady. Her hair was no longer a muddy indigo black, but rather restored back to her natural chocolate-brown, and styled akin to the tresses of woodland sprites. She had grown into herself, with her face defined by striking cheekbones and eyes that seemed to get bluer with every visit. The fabric of her tunic clung to her skin, accentuating every new curve as well as the definition on her upper arms, muscular from combat training.

Before you could even begin to speak, Kit placed her hands on either side of your head and ran them through your hair, gazing down at you lovingly. “Truly, beautiful.”

“I do apologize for her appearance, Prince Airk! She doesn’t usually look this dreadful! She’s been terribly ill!”

You turned around to see your mother leading Airk over to you, speaking loudly about your demeanor. Any confidence inspired by Kit vanished at her harsh remarks, and you drew into yourself.

“Good morrow, Princess,” Airk greeted you with an awkward bow and a tight-lipped smile. Ever since you audibly gagged and ran off after taking his first kiss, the two of you hadn’t necessarily spoken.

You cleared your throat, offering back a perfunctory curtsy. “And to you as well.”

“My, my! Someone has grown quite slender!” Sorsha’s voice called out, approaching the four of you with your father in tow.

You looked down at yourself. Sure enough, your ailment had withered you away, making your once perfectly-fitting gown now hang off you like the tendrils of a willow tree. Your mother noticed this too, because she immediately inserted herself between you and Airk to resume nitpicking your appearance.

“Oh, I’m terribly sorry, Airk and Sorsha! My daughter has had an illness. She’s feeling well now, but she still looks absolutely dreadful! I’m sure her gowns will fit right in due time, but…” she turned her attention towards your face. “…darling! Your complexion! You resemble a ghostly wight! Couldn’t you have bothered to apply a touch of rouge?”

“You’ve raised a beautiful daughter, your highness.” Kit stepped to your side and snaked her arm around your waist. Your breath hitched at her touch, and you worried your parents may catch on to your secret with how bold she was being. Still, you tried to hide the blush that crept onto your cheeks after she stood up for you.

Your mother looked between you and Kit, and you could've sworn you saw her eyes flicker with a hint of suspicion. However, she simply grimaced in Kit’s direction, offering pleasantries purely for display. “Yes, well, much obliged, Kit.”

Kit responded with a grin that was polite, yet cocky. Your mother cleared her throat, quickly recomposing herself before taking your hand and joining it with Airk’s.

“I must say, you two, I am absolutely elated for this union! A royal wedding, why I don’t believe I’ve attended one since my own! The two of you make a very attractive pair.”

Airk forced a grin in your direction, looking down at your conjoined hands instead of at you. As your mother continued to ramble on about the party planning, you peered over Airk’s shoulder and noticed a blond girl standing in the distance, carrying a serving tray, and glaring daggers into your soul…

“That would be Muffin Girl,” Kit explained later that day when you asked about the mysterious blond. The two of you had managed to break away from the group long enough to take a leisurely stroll through the Tir Asleen gardens.

“Muffin Girl?” You inquired.

“That or Miss Muffin, whichever you’d prefer.”

You shot her a quizzical expression, causing her to chuckle heartily. “Well it’s not her real name, clearly. She’s one of the kitchen maids, and her signature dish are these buttered muffins she serves at breakfast.”

“She was glaring at me earlier while my mother discussed wedding plans,” you said. “I almost thought she would break her tray in half.”

Kit hummed in agreement. “Jealousy. It makes sense. She is my brother's latest lover.”

“Pardon?” You froze in your tracks, eyes wide and mouth agape.

Kit leaned back against a tree, crossing her arms and gazing at you with a pointed brow. “I hate to inform you, Princess, but my brother has become quite the ladies’ man since your ‘dalliance’ in the courtyard. Muffin Girl is just his latest conquest.”

You couldn’t believe your ears. Sure, you didn’t love Airk, or were even remotely attracted to him, but he was still your betrothed.

Kit smirked at your stunned expression. “Surely you’re not jealous, are you?” She moved closer until her face was mere inches from yours. “I can’t imagine it would drive you mad. My brother, your fiancé, rolling around in the grass with a scullion? Cheeks flushed, legs intertwined, her leaving little bruises on his…”

You cut her off with a playful smack on the shoulder. “Hold your tongue, Tanthalos.” She giggled at her lighthearted taunts, causing a smile to spread across your face. “I’m not jealous, rather shocked. He’s engaged… to me… and Queen Sorsha is allowing this affair?”

With another chuckle, Kit teasingly ruffled your hair. “Oh Princess… you really assume my mother is at all aware?”

You gasped, leaning in closer to Kit to whisper. “She doesn’t know?”

“I’m sure she suspects something, what with the aforementioned bruises, but knowing my mother, she’d rather stay with the mindset that her son is still a moralistic virgin.”

Kit pulled you in closer, pressing your body against hers until your noses barely brushed together. “I suppose this is just one more secret between us, don’t you think Princess?”

You giggled, quickly making sure the coast was clear before wrapping your arms around her neck and pulling her in for a sweet kiss.

That evening, the six of you gathered for a hearty supper to celebrate your reunion. Servants bustled about carrying various dishes, including the mysterious ‘muffin girl.’ You couldn’t help but observe the longing glances exchanged between her and Airk, lingering between each course like a seed caught between teeth.

Just as you and Kit were stifling a laugh over their latest lust-filled gaze, Queen Sorsha rose, tapping silverware against her raised glass. The table quieted, all eyes fixed on the regal woman as you awaited her speech.

“Friends, family,” she began. “I am pleased that we’ve all gathered here this evening to begin wedding plans for the Prince of Tir Asleen and the Princess of Azarenth.”

Your parents clapped excitedly. Airk stared down at his lap while you and Kit exchanged vexed glances.

“Even more pleased,” Sorsha continued. “That the forthcoming ceremony will feature an extra element, making it a profoundly rare occasion!”

Her words puzzled you, and a quick look around the table confirmed that the twins seemed just as confused. Your parents however, shared knowing grins, clearly in on the secret.

“The King and Queen of Azarenth have graciously agreed to turn their daughter’s wedding into a double wedding!” Sorsha turned to meet her daughter’s gaze. “Kit…”

You whipped around to face Kit, who stared at her mother, frozen, her expression a mixture of confusion and fear. “You remember when we discussed the Prince of Galladoorn, don’t you?”

Kit nodded. “Sure we discussed him, but then he fell out of a tree and died, right?”

“Kit!” Sorsha scolded before quickly recomposing herself. “It’s true, Dermot Hastur had an untimely death,” she held her glass to her heart solemnly. “However, it appears Galladoorn is still interested in an alliance, and King Hastur has a younger son, Graydon.”

Your heart dropped as you realized what Sorsha was saying. Glancing back at Kit, you saw her face now stricken with terror. “Mother… no…”

Ignoring her daughter, Sorsha simply raised her glass again. “It’s my pleasure to announce the engagement of Prince Graydon Hastur to my daughter, Princess Kit Tanthalos!”

“No!” Kit exclaimed.

“What?” The shriek came from a disembodied voice. Only after you received shocked expressions from each member of the table did you realize the voice was yours.

Your mother squinted at you, the corners of her mouth flickering sardonically. “My dear, I didn’t expect you to be upset at sharing the limelight! After all, you and Kit are such good… friends.”

You glared at your mother head-on, suppressing every urge to lunge at her from across the table. She said nothing more, instead turning away to innocently sip her wine.

Kit was in the midst of her own altercation, arguing her case with pleading eyes. “Mother, please… I cannot marry Prince Graydon!”

“And just why not?” Sorsha demanded. “Prince Graydon is an esteemed young man, his parents speak very highly of him.”

“I’ve never even met him!” Kit’s voice wavered in stifled sobs.

“You will before the wedding, now that is quite enough! It is your duty to your kingdom. I don’t want to hear another word about this until the alliance is signed, and that is final!”

Kit slammed her hands on the table, tears falling as she ran away. Sorsha screamed after her until the sound of her bedchamber door slamming reverberated across the room. The table fell silent, none of you knowing where to look. After a moment, Airk cleared his throat, breaking the tension as he rearranged the silverware on his plate.

“May I be excused, mother?” He muttered.

Sorsha sighed, dismissing him with a wave of her hand. He got up quietly, exiting the room and making a beeline for Kit’s door. The remaining four of you resumed picking at your food, the sound of silverware scratching against glass dishes only deepening the stillness of the room.

As you pushed your food around, you couldn’t help but steal glances in the direction of Kit’s door. You turned to your mother, wanting to speak.

“Let it be a passing thought,” she denied your unspoken request, not bothering to look up from her plate.

Fortunately, dinner didn't drag on much longer after the commotion subsided. Once everyone had hastily departed from the table, you made your way to Kit’s room and positioned yourself outside her door. Kit’s muffled sobs mingled with Airk’s whispered words from the other side of the wooden barrier, causing you to pause before entering, afraid of disrupting them.

Just when you were about to throw caution to the wind and grasp the handle, the door swung open, revealing Airk. He startled at your unexpected presence and closed Kit’s door behind him.

“Uh… hi…” he muttered lamely.

“Hello there,” you replied softly.

The two of you stood silently in front of Kit’s door, a multitude of unanswered questions hanging in the air that neither of you knew how to ask.

“She’s, uh…” Airk broke the silence, jerking his head towards Kit’s door. “…having a difficult time coming to terms… with everything.”

You nodded slowly. “Were you… able to get through to her? At all?”

“Inconsolable,” he admitted regretfully. “I haven’t seen her this distraught since… our father…”

You winced, recalling the initial heartbreak Kit faced when her father’s letters stopped arriving ten years ago.

“I understand…” he continued. “I also know what it’s like to be forced into a loveless marriage.”

His gaze bore into yours, carefully chosen words that riddled you with guilt. You knew you had no right to hurt feelings after that night in the courtyard, but you couldn’t help the sharp pang that hit your chest like a piercing arrow.

“Airk…” you sighed, overwhelmed with remorse. “Please let me apologize for that night…”

“No need,” he interrupted coolly. “It’s really quite alright…”

“It’s not,” you insisted. “My reaction… I assure you… had nothing to do with your character, or your appearance, or anything, really. It wasn’t about you, it was never about you, it…” you took a deep breath, your secret weighed on your shoulders as if it was carved from stone. “Airk… I’m in love with someone else.”

Airk looked taken aback. “Pardon?”

“My hand belongs to you…” your voice trembled. “…but my heart belongs to another.”

A single tear slipped down your cheek. You shut your eyes tightly, the burden of your secret lifting but replaced with overwhelming fear. Airk stood, silently, his expression cycling through shock, relief, confusion, and finally… sympathy.

“Likewise…” he whispered, causing you to look at him again. “There’s this… local maiden, a quiet beauty who carries herself with the gentle elegance of a dove. She may not have been born into privilege, but she’s captivated me. My heart belongs to her.”

He looked at you, expecting a reaction. You attempted to feign surprise, but ended up failing miserably. He smirked. “Was it that evident?”

You chuckled. “With all of your enticing stares at dinner, it almost felt as if I were intruding on something private!”

He laughed airily along with you, long-standing tension finally broken. You started to relax, feeling a weight lift as you and Airk came to an unspoken forgiveness. He smiled warmly, genuinely at you before his expression turned serious once again.

“I hope you know I would hate for my mother to receive word of this,” he said in a low voice.

You nodded in agreement. “You needn’t worry, my lips are sealed. I understand what it’s like… living with secrets.”

He waited for you to continue, but you simply folded your hands in front of you and smiled, silently refusing to speak further.

Airk departed soon after your conversation ended, leaving you once again face-to-face with Kit’s door. You raised your knuckle to the chestnut wood, giving it two gentle raps.

No response.

With a shaky hand, you turned the handle and opened the door with a slow, steady creak. Kit lay flat on her bed, motionless, staring at the ceiling. She made no indication of noticing your presence, so you stepped inside and carefully closed the door with a click.

No response.

Stars studded the now-blackened night sky through a small window in the corner. The room’s only light source was a flickering candle that cast shadows over Kit’s unmoving body and danced along the wrinkles of her garments. You stood near the entrance, watching the subtle rise and fall of her chest with each breath.

“Which is worse?”

The sudden sound of her voice startled you. “Pardon?”

“I’m wondering…” she sat up, dangling her legs over the edge of her bed. “…which is worse? Spending half a decade counting down the seconds until you’re forced into an unwanted marriage, or having it thrust upon you without warning?”

She met your gaze, expecting an answer. You had none. She continued.

“On the one hand, the first option reads torturously, like sitting on death row waiting for execution,” she contemplated, deep in thought. “But on the other hand, it allows for processing time, providing an opportunity to numb yourself to the situation.”

She looked back over to you, her expression stoic. “What do you think?”

“I think I won’t ever be numb to the situation,” you replied with a half-smile.

Kit gave a halfhearted chuckle, staring down at her feet. You moved to sit next to her on the bed, resting a soothing hand on her back. She sighed. “You don’t know how fortunate you are.”

You furrowed your brow. “How do you mean?”

“You’re betrothed to my brother,” she answered. “Someone you grew up with, someone you trust.”

You frowned. “Kit, Airk and I may have history, but I’m still being forced into a loveless marriage. You and I suffer the same plight.”

Kit’s eyes seemed to glaze over as she began to speak in a small voice. “You truly believe our situations are at all similar?”

You removed your hand from her back and leaned slightly away from her. “Kit…”

“Do you?” Her fingers clenched the bedsheets as she finally met your gaze. “I am marrying a man I’ve never met, so I can help form an alliance with a kingdom I’ve never visited! My entire life is conforming to the whims of my mother, do you have any idea what that’s like?”

“Have you observed my mother?” You shot back, standing up from the bed. “Sometimes I wonder whether or not she cares if I live or die, just as long as I marry Airk to keep up appearances like a performing minstrel!”

“Cry me a river, Princess!” Kit growled, also abandoning the bed. “My sincerest apologies that you have a mother that gave you fifteen years to become accustomed to her chosen spouse, and a father to give you away at the altar!”

You softened your gaze, realizing a large part of the reason for Kit’s distress. “Kit, I didn’t…”

“I’ll have to walk down the aisle with Airk!” She interrupted, angry tears now streaming down her face. “There was enough prattle when news of my father’s disappearance spread, and now all of Galladoorn and Tir Asleen combined is going to witness me being given away by my own brother. So don’t you dare stand there and claim that you and I ‘suffer the same plight!’”

“Kit!” Your voice wavered, a tightness in your chest threatened to unleash a flood of tears. “That was not my intent, and you know it. You're hurting, and you have my deepest sympathies…”

“I don’t need your sympathy…”

“Then don’t take it!” Your voice cut through the air, sharp and defensive. “All I said is that I share your pain in being forced into a marriage with someone you don’t love. I don’t understand why you’re so angry with me.”

Kit bit her lip, sniffling and wiping away tears. Her red, puffy eyes struggled to meet yours as she searched for more words to use as a line of defense.

“Because marriage isn’t about love, Princess,” she finally replied. “And frankly, your lack of realization is troubling.”

Her words brought a lump to your throat, like a boulder lodged within a narrow cave. Without another word, you spun on your heel and walked out of Kit’s room, making sure the wooden barrier slammed shut behind you before giving into the tears that had been threatening to fall.

Tag List: @chloepricesgirl @canmargesimpson @yourelliewillms @valenftcrush @camilleee222 @prettygirlfemme @slaytillieswooo @love4lyn @joanvisitsrome @athenalive @mih11 @j-pacifica @everybodyhatesari @vii-ofswords @sophi4v13 @detmarmalade

[intotitties]

❃ A night to remember

pairing: Kit Tanthalos x reader

warnings: fem!reader, kit is a black cat around everyone but a golden retriever with jade and reader, no use of y/n, 18+ topics but no smut, js kissing, reader has seen Kit a few times but didn’t realise she was the princess before, her mother made her basically never leave the house and work indoors

song: “A night to remember” by beabadoobee and laufey

a/n: it was really fun to write, i hope you’ll enjoy:) if you want to request smh don’t afraid to! english is not my first language but i tried my best to find all the mistakes.

INFO

·*¨༺❃༻¨*·

·*¨༺❃༻¨*·

“I swear i have seen her before” Kit sighed as she swinged her sword in Jades direction.

“Yeah? So maybe you should go on a adventure, looking for a girl that you slept with in your dream” she replied sarcastically and repelled Kits attack.

“Oh spare me” she put her hands up, signalling end of the training, “i don’t even remember what she looked like” she groaned and put her sword to its scabbard.

“I don’t know, maybe you will see her again in your next dream” she laughed.

Dreams. Kit got many dreams in her life, but none of them could compete with that one she’s got a week ago. She’d never forget about that pretty girl underneath her white sheets, the soft kisses they shared and the night they spent.. she could remember every detail about that dream, the warmth, the scent of the other girl, the things she felt.. yet she still couldn’t remember her face.

·*¨༺❃༻¨*·

After the training Kit went straight to the dining room, where her mother was already waiting for her.

“Where is Airk?” said Sorsha as Kit sat down next to her.

“I’m here mother” Airk showed up before Kit could answer, sitting down next to his sister.

“Good, now if you let me” she said as she stood up, “since you are getting married to the princess of Galladoorn” her gaze turned to Airk “there will be a party in two days, and i expect you two to show up” she announced.

Marrying a person you haven’t even seen before.. Kit gave her brother a look full of compassion. She didn’t even imagine what he must feel right now.

A weird feeling hit her when she noticed a girl talking with an older maid. Strange warmth filled her heart and a blush crept onto her face as she watched her every move.

“Kit?” Sorsha snapped her out of her trance, making Kit look at her.

“Sorry mother, i’m not hungry” she said as she stood up, when her eyes traveled back, the girl was done.

She ran to the older maid “Excuse me, do you know this girl you were talking with?” she asked politely.

What a stupid question.

“Oh, of course! She is my daughter” the old lady smiled “is there something wrong with her?” she asked worriedly.

“Oh no, no! My mother wants her to help with the food and everything at the party” she improvised, a nervous chuckle left her mouth.

The maid gave her a slightly suspicious look, because ber daughter wasn’t even working in the castle but before she could say anything, Kit was already on her way to Jades house.

·*¨༺❃༻¨*·

“Calm down!” annoyed moan left Jades mouth as she had to listen her best friend ask her about the same thing for the 10th time.

“What do i even do” she cried.

“Make her a bouquet, give her something yours, be creative!” Jade hit Kits shoulder.

“Will you help me?” she looked at her, almost begging for help.

It’s not that Kit was totally clueless about romantic stuff, she was just kinda inexperienced and lost in the feeling. She’s got some little crushes before, but never asked anyone out. She was too scared of rejection, but this time was different.

For the rest of the day Kit and Jade were looking for the perfect bouquet to impress the girl from her dream.

·*¨༺❃༻¨*·

The next day she was planning everything from the start of the party to the end. But i guess everything went to hell when she saw you in the crowd. The feeling of deja vu hit her when she took a longer look of your face.

Flowered blue dress with green corset made you look in her eyes like some goddess, making her even more nervous.

“She is so attractive” she mumbled into Jades shoulder, hiding her flushed face.

“Go talk to her” she answered.

Kit blew up every chance she got to talk to you, which annoyed Jade even more. She even brought her a drink to help her relax, but it didn’t seem to work. And this is how the past hour passed.

Eventually, Jade got mad and intervened. She dragged Kit to the dance floor, where you were talking with someone and pushed her at you, making it look like an accident.

“Oh i am so sorry! Are you okay?” Kit said, her voice trembling.

“Yeah.. yes i’m okay” you answered quietly.

After a longer moment of awkward silence she asked “Do you want to.. dance with me?” her hand waiting for you to grab it.

You nodded shyly and grabbed her hand, she guided you through the crowd to get more space to dance. Her hands rested on your waist as you slowly wrapped yours around her neck, making her slightly pull you closer.

You two swayed to the music “I feel like this happened before” you said quietly, smiling softly under your nose at how absurdly it sounded.

She wished she could see the smile of yours for the rest of her life.

“Well, it’s happening now” she looked into your eyes.

“Have i seen you before?” you said as you scanned her face.

“You don’t know me?” she asked in slight disbelief.

“Should i?” you replied with a nervous chuckle.

She took your hand again and led you through the hallway of the castle, you followed her without hesitation.

“Are you gonna tell me where are we going or i should start worrying that you want to kill me” you heard her quiet laugh at your words.

While the two of you were walking, a small but meaningful to you conversation started. Just about your hobbies, interests, nothing big but you two seemed like you’ve known each others for years.

After a longer while you could see a big garden with a lot of flowers and a big tree in the middle. It was dark outside so the only source of light came from the windows.

“We shouldn’t be there! The queen’s gonna be mad” you whispered, however she didn’t seem to care.

Kit sat down under the apple tree and signalled you to come closer “You look so pretty” she said as you stood in front of her.

A slight blush decorated your face. You sat down next to Kit, her hand brushing against yours “We are gonna get in trouble” you mumbled.

She sighed and looked you, you could notice her gaze on your lips “That might sound crazy but.. with you i feel like i belong somewhere” she said, looking at the cloudless sky “and i know we don’t really know each other but i would really like to get to know you better”

“Maybe it was meant to be like that” you grabbed her hand and looked at the sky as well, “you didn’t tell me your name” your face turned to hers.

“Kit, Kit Tanthalos” she said hesitantly.

The realisation hit you immediately, you were flirting with the princess! “this is so wrong, i shouldn’t be here” you stood up as fast as you could, but she was faster to grab your hand and keep you in place.

“There is nothing wrong with this! Please.. wait here for a minute, promise me” she said, begging you to stay.

You sighed loudly and sat down under the tree again, she disappeared immediately.

Kit couldn’t believe that she forgot the gift she got you. She was never running this fast, the risk of loosing you from her sight again was too high. She grabbed it quickly and ran back to the garden.

When she got back, you saw her with a big bouquet of jasmines, yellow roses and forget me nots that she was holding. Your mouth slightly opened as you watched her get closer.

“Where did you get that?” she sat next to you and gave you the flowers.

“Save those questions for later, i still have something to give you” she showed you a pretty ring “it’s amazonite” she put it on your ring finger and kissed your hand “i hope it will always remind you of me”

“It will, thank you.. but i don’t have anything to give you” you said, feeling genuinely sad “oh! wait” you said as you took off your necklace “it was my grandmas, it’s ruby stone” you kneeled behind her and put it on, she smiled at your gesture.

“Do you like your gift? It was really hard to get” she laughed under her nose.

“Why are you doing this?” you said quietly, she looked into your eyes again.

“Sometimes, people listen to their hearts and do things that they don’t really know why they are doing” she got closer to you, one of her hands traveled to your cheek.

“I guess they will figure it out” you whispered.

Her lips brushed against yours as you closed your eyes. She laid you down and kissed softly - as if she would hurt you if she kissed harder. You deepened the kiss and put your hand on her neck what gave her more confidence. The kiss got more comfortable as you two got lost in the moment. You could feel her smile between the kisses. Nothing else existed, it felt like you have experienced this before.

Maybe you did, in another universe?

taglist: @lxxk2sua @rin-idk @that-one-little-soybean @venusbequiet @vster0769 @cherryflavoured7777 @lightwhoranoutoflight

[rinstrumental]

so kiss me

tanthamore /

# inspired by kiss me - sixpence none the richer 💋 occurs before the events of the show!! no beta we die like ballantine, cross posted on ao3, gave them a more dramatic height difference because I Can

"I can't stand these things," Kit declared, defiantly slamming her cup down on the table and earning a glare from Sorsha a few meters away. Not that she'd notice her mother's disapproval, anyway.

Jade set her own cup down slowly, as if the delicateness of her own actions would make up for the roughness of Kit's. It was another beautiful night spent in the stuffy confines of the banquet hall. Jade longed to leave the party - maybe even a little more than Kit did - but it was not her job to entertain the rebellious tendencies of the princess, as much as she wanted to.

"Would you like to dance?" Jade asked lightly, noting the restlessness of Kit's hands. The band was playing well tonight, and the dance floor was crowded. Those who weren't dancing were drinking and eating and chatting noisily away. She knew that the last thing Kit wanted right now was to be around other people, but it didn't hurt to try, right?

And Jade was right. "Have you seen the amount of people on the floor? I haven't seen it this crowded ever. And Mom will get me to dance with some stupid suitor from god-knows-where and maybe even talk to him." Kit shuddered at the thought, earning a laugh from Jade. Always the optimist.

"I wouldn't mind dancing, though," Kit admitted a moment later. "But only with you."

"I have to say the same, Your Highness," she replied. For a second, all Kit could see was Jade and her eyes that got so bright when they were under the light and her beautiful red hair and the freckles dotted across her face. I could count them, she thought. I could stare at her for hours and then tell her how many freckles she has.

When Jade finally looked away, Kit hadn't even noticed what had drawn her attention away in the first place. She followed her gaze to where the commotion seemed to be coming from. A barrel of wine had been knocked over and was leaking red all over the floor.

"How did that even happen?" Jade muttered, almost in awe. The crowd was split and running to avoid the mess, the commotion deafening, and without the melodic tunes previously playing in the background, it was chaos. Sorsha was dancing around the puddles on the ground, calling for someone to get up and do something to stop the leak!

Jade averted her eyes, the thought of seeing the queen in such a state feeling somewhat wrong. Kit, on the other hand, was absolutely thrilled, her face lit up and a laugh lodged in her throat.

"Let's go!" she hissed excitedly, and without another thought, Kit had swung her legs over the bench and jumped to her feet. Jade followed suit, not even realizing what she was doing until she was standing. "Wait, what? Are you actually going to help?" she asked in disbelief, eyes flickering between the mess in the middle of the hall and the wild look on Kit's face. Why was she even asking that? She knew Kit. She was not going to dive headfirst into saving her mother from embarrassment out of pure goodwill.

Right again. "Jade, as much as I'm dying to get drenched in wine, I have other plans. Now come on, please?" Kit's hand was outstretched, tempting.

"Where are we going?" Although Kit did often refer to these parties as 'so boring it'll make you kill yourself', she'd hardly ever actually left one halfway. Sorsha had her ways of coercing her daughter into 'royal duties', and they worked.

Mostly.

"You'll know. It's not like the grounds are that big," Kit teased, waiting for Jade to take her hand. Just waiting, not hoping - somehow, she didn't have a doubt in her head that she'd refuse.

Their hands collided together, Kit wasting no time in grabbing the other's the moment she reached out. She always liked the way Jade's hands felt. Warm and slightly bigger than hers - calloused and scarred but still gentle. Kit's were cold and unscathed, so it was a nice change.

The pair stole out of the hall and into the cobblestone courtyard, heavy skirts hitched up to reveal their scruffy matching boots underneath. Jade couldn't help but grin when she saw Kit wearing them too. Sure, they would wear troublesome gowns and pin their hair back into place for a night, but world be damned if they had to force their feet into those suffocating heels.

"What she doesn't know won't hurt her," Kit said, 'her' being Sorsha. She broke into a run, still pulling Jade along with her. There was no need to rush, but the adrenaline rush from their escape (and Jade's hand in hers') was nothing short of exhilarating.

They ran all the way around the castle to one of the gardens, next to a huge floor to ceiling window that looked into the hall that they'd just left. The surroundings were weakly illuminated by the light coming from indoors, a light breeze rustling the trees and bushes. Clearly the situation had finally been resolved, because the din was relatively softer now. The barrel had been run dry, and the servants were now dutifully mopping up the mess.

If someone inside the hall had looked at the floor near where the window ended, they would have seen two pairs of eyes peering into the room. Jade and Kit stood and watched beneath the window, the latter on tiptoes and thoroughly enjoying watching the aftermath of the disorder.

"Looks like nobody managed to stop the leak in time," Jade commented. "What a waste of wine."

"It was probably diluted to hell," Kit scoffed, dropping back onto her heels and dusting off her hands.

Jade turned away from the window. "What are you going to do when your mother notices you're missing?"

"That's for future me to deal with."

"You know, with the amount of trouble you get into, one would have assumed that by now you'd have a way to get out of it."

"Thinking ahead is… is not something I'm familiar with. You should know that about me."

"With all due respect, Your Highness, I know. Because you usually drag me into it too."

The band inside the hall started up again. The music was low at first, uncertain, but after a few cheers from the crowd the music came back in full force.

Jade took a deep breath of the sweet night air, glad to finally be outside and able to enjoy the wonderful weather. A radiant full moon hung above them, accompanied by a swarm of stars.

While she watched the sky, Kit physically could not take her eyes off Jade. If the flickering candlelight lit up Jade's eyes, the milky moonlight practically made them glow. Despite their mutual hatred for party gowns, Kit couldn't help admiring Jade and the way her dark green dress draped so prettily no matter the way she moved.

"Jade Claymore, will you dance with me?" The words left her mouth before she let herself overthink it. Jade's gaze shifted to the girl standing in front of her. The music played softly behind them, filling the silence as Jade shuffled across the lawn to Kit. Her dress dragged across the ground and rustled the grass, but she stepped carefully so as to not trample the wildflowers. She smiled again when she stopped, and Kit thought she'd never see anything more beautiful.

"Who am I to deny my royal Highness?" This time, Jade took Kit's hand first, to the princess' surprise, gently pulling her in close before letting her hands settle on Kit's waist. Her grip was loose, almost hovering. Kit put her arms around Jade's shoulders, hoping that she would take the damn hint and hold her properly.

There was barely an inch between them now, the slight height difference doing nothing to stop the fervent eye contact. Kit couldn't suppress her smile as they danced. It was nothing complicated like the tedious routines her mother forced her to learn years ago - this was simple. It was perfect.

"Why do they overcomplicate dancing so much?" Kit whispered. "All those stupid steps and unnecessary twirling. This is much nicer… just getting to hold the other person and move to the music, you know?" Jade's hands relaxed little by little as she talked, the tension melting as their usual banter returned.

"I think I like this more too. But maybe I shouldn't judge - I never had professional lessons like you did, after all."

"You know, I used to pretend the instructor was… someone else. It made it feel a bit less like torture."

Jade wasn't one to jump to conclusions, especially when it came to Kit - but the way she looked away when she had mentioned the 'someone else' was telling, needless to say. "Was it me?"

She'd meant to make it sound teasing, unserious. But once again her unwavering loyalty betrayed her, and the words had sounded a lot more genuine than she'd wanted them to. Kit's eyes widened at the response, expecting a change of topic instead of the boldest question Jade has ever challenged her with.

"What if it was?"

"…I'd be flattered, I suppose." Jade's mind raced to find the words, still caught up on the fact that she'd even said that. "And surprised?"

The music stopped, replaced by distant claps and cheers. It was like the noises in the vicinity had doubled in volume - the chirping of crickets, the whispering wind, and the quick beating of two hearts. None of them could remember when Jade pulled Kit in so close that their bodies were now pressed against each other, or when Kit's hands came to rest on the nape of Jade's neck.

Neither of them pulled apart, even though everywhere they were touching seemed to burn, even though their faces were so, so close.

For the first time tonight, Kit deliberated the words on her tongue. She didn't dare imagine what Jade would say or do in response, but she held onto that little spark of hope. The spark of hope she felt whenever she noticed Jade staring at her from the corner of her eye.

"Can I kiss you?"

Oh, was all Jade could think. Oh, oh, oh. The princess' bright blue eyes were filled with what Jade could only describe as longing, and she wondered if they mirrored her own. Wondered if all those years spent trying to convince herself that her heart beat for the kingdom of Tir Asleen and not the heir to the throne were for naught. Wondered if she loved her back.

Jade nodded tentatively, exhaling shakily. She hated false hopes. She waited for Kit to pull away, or laugh that she was joking, but it didn't come.

Kit leaned forward and her lips brushed against Jade's, more carefully and tenderly than anything else she had ever handled in her life. When Jade didn't reciprocate, Kit's eyes fluttered open, her heart dropping. Had she somehow misunderstood? And now her friendship was ru-

Jade crashed her lips into hers, banishing any other thought from Kit's mind as the taller girl pulled her in even closer and craned her neck to meet Kit halfway. Kissing Jade was beyond anything Kit could have ever imagined, her arms tightening around Jade's neck and for a beautiful moment she wasn't Princess Kit of Tir Asleen, she was just Kit and Jade was just Jade and this was all she'd ever needed. Both relief and want flooded her veins, so impossibly glad that the redhead had wanted this just as much as she did.

The loud thumping of two pairs of footsteps approaching, accompanied by a familiar voice shouting Kit's name, forced Jade to pull back, breaking the kiss. Kit made a whine of disdain.

"I think that's the Queen, Princess," Jade whispered, looking wistfully to the side. Her hands were still shaking, heart rate jumping off the charts from the kiss, but she fell to her first instinct - to protect the princess. Kissing her was nice, of course, but she couldn't do that when Kit's mother was angrily lecturing her.

"Imagine her face when she finds her daughter sneaking off to swap spit with her best friend," Kit deadpanned, unraveling herself from Jade's grasp. She missed feeling Kit against her already. Their hands remained tightly entwined as Kit hitched up her skirt, as if she was getting ready to make a break for it. "Don't worry, I have a plan."

"Which is to run from your mother and rile her up even more?"

"You know me so well."

[daydreams-after-dark]

Hello, it's me, the one that submitted the sex chocolate blurb for your birthday event <3 I guess I'm just the chocolate anon, huh?

Also kisses right back to you, and your reply??? >_< I have so many thoughts, all of which are unholy and nasty.

I totally agree that Han would be LOUD. Exhibitionism is like a double-edged sword with him, like that man cannot be quiet even if there's a knife to his neck. And if he's under the influence of sex chocolates?? There's no holding back. He's groaning and grunting(and whining) like he's ascending to heaven inside your walls. He probably is. I think his preferred time to die would've been right then.

He's also too horny and desperate to go down on you, but god will he worship your pussy while he's fucking you. It won't even be deliberate. Just the nastiest words spilling from his lips about how wet and warm you are for him, how your pussy is just sucking him in. How he's gotta cum inside your hole or he might die. And as soon as he does, he barely waits before fucking all that cum back into you. Probably mouths apologies into the skin of your neck or something, like "Fuck, I'm sorry, baby- just had to, it's just sucking me in, god- Just one more. One more then we're done." (he's not done)

And for your mention of the chocolate factory Han, OMFG. Not to bring back the exhibitionism, but just imagine palming him through his pink pants as you're pretending to do work. He's oh so desperate and needy, but you're just checking things off on a clipboard, surveying the chocolates while grinding your palm against the obvious bulge in his pants. It's some form of torture, where he knows he has to keep quiet. There are workers that he can see from here- but he can't, your hand is just too good. He needs more, even though just a few touches has him biting the back of his hand to keep below the decibel of the whirring chocolate machines around you two.

And let's say you finally decide to give him what he wants. He probably gets off on the precarious situation: you sucking his dick in a secluded corner of the factory where anyone could walk in. Taking in his thick, hard length down to the base. Staring up at him with pretty, sweet eyes while he fails to maintain his composure.

It's definitely something he's dreamt of in the past, the fucking perv. Especially with the prettiest girl he works with.

On another note, I bet he swears up and down that you would taste sweeter than any of the chocolate in the factory. But that's a whole other can of worms to unpack :)

This was definitely a rant more than anything, but I hope you enjoy and that this fuels your Han and chocolate obsession like mine <3

part of #sorshas birthday month submissions

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 this was PERFECTION!

So, I did read this when it came into my inbox, but I was at a loss for words. I’m still at a loss for words. This was absolutely heaven for me. I fucking love it 😍😍😍😍😍

I love how he just can’t stop because you’re sucking him back in. It’s like totally out of his control.

And just his noisy he is! 🤭🥵😈

Then chocolate factory Ji. Oooohhh you spoiled me rotten with that. I mean it. I’m going to go have alone time to that exact scenario. It’s my birthday eve and I think I’ll treat myself lol. He just brings out the more dominant side when I see him like this (pink outfit, innocent face). I’m more sub leaning, but this man has awakened parts of me I didn’t know existed.

Thank you again for more scrumptious thoughts 😘😘😘

read more submissions here: #sorshas birthday month

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY MONTH - DECEMBER

Hey my beautiful friends! I have an announcement / request.It's my birthday month, and I am opening up the ask box (even though it was never closed), for something a little bit different.

Instead of you sending in fic / scenario requests (which you still can regardless of this), I am requesting YOU to send ME your naughtiest thoughts or fantasies about your bias.

Like, what are your most filthy thoughts? What would you let them do to you? What do you want to do to them? Is there a particular theme that really gets you wet or hard? (like me and alien Han)? Or, what's a kink you didn't know you had until you started reading smut (like me and Han with 2 dicks - it doesn't have to be realistic)?

You don't even have to be involved! It could be you really love imagining two of the guys (or more) together. I know you have filthy minds and are horny little things.

Hit me with what you've got. Also... of course you can submit anonymously... that way you hopefully won't hold back.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[corinneecrivaine]

WILLOW 2022 FANFICTION (English version)

Chapter 17 - CONFESSIONS & SECRETS

WILLOW

Fanfic

Corinne Ecrivaine

Part 16

(English version)

Confessions & Secrets

While everyone gathered outside for a feast prepared by Lori, Jade discreetly retreated with her sister.

- You should release Sorsha.

- You know I can't do that.

- As leader of the Bone Reavers, anything is possible for you. We need her. Your gesture will unite our forces and strengthen our confidence in you. I'm not asking you to forget your resentment, but simply to accept this truce.

Jade joined the group, while Scorpia headed for the pit where Sorsha was imprisoned.

- How are my children? asked the Queen.

- They're still alive.

The leader of the Bone Reavers looked at the queen of Tir Asleen, pondering, before speaking.

- I will order your release and that of your men. But know that this gesture does not put an end to our conflict. Here's the deal, Sorsha: in exchange for your freedom, as soon as this situation is settled, you'll become my prisoner again.

- I accept and I'll keep my word, but my children mustn't know.

With a simple nod, Scorpia ordered his men to free the queen and her knights. Meanwhile, Kida approached Lori, who was busy preparing the meal.

- We have many faces, warrior.

Lori looked at her in astonishment. Without waiting for a response from her, she dipped her index finger into the pot and tasted the soup, finding it excellent.

- A mixture of sweetness and aggressiveness. she quipped before leaving.

Finding herself alone, Lori murmured to herself, "She's completely crazy."

She sat down beside Boorman, giving him a cold look. He stared at her briefly, a slight fear in his eyes before addressing her.

- Why are you sitting there?

- This seat suits me perfectly. I could do something if you did anything stupid, eccentric.

When Scorpia arrived accompanied by Sorsha, Kit and Airk took her in their arms.

- I'm ok.

Kit exchanged a brief look of gratitude with Jade.

As soon as the Queen of Tir Asleen caught sight of Elora, a feeling of relief and hope came over her as she realized that she had not become a disciple of the Wyrm. She approached her, taking her hand to comfort her.

- I thought I'd lost you forever.

Sitting side by side, everyone felt a heavy, questioning atmosphere. Their gazes crossed, each trying to understand the existence of Darth Elora and Graydon's transformation into the Harbinger of the Wyrm.

- How is this possible for Graydon? We saw him die. Kit said firmly.

Kida and Aniel shared a look that brought back painful memories, recalling their dark past as assassins of the Wyrm. The female warrior spoke up.

- He was propelled into another space-time, giving him the illusion of acting alongside the true Empress. He's convinced that his actions will save your world, but it's all a lie - his true purpose is to destroy it.

- What's all this about Elora? Jade asked, puzzled.

Sorsha replied, sharing the dark moments of the Tir Asleen attack.

- During Hastur's attack on the kingdom, we came across Graydon and Elora, plunged in such Machiavellian darkness that, in just a few seconds, all my hopes were dashed. I was convinced that she had sunk into darkness.

Feeling the full weight of the situation, the young Empress spoke up, devastated. - I don't know what triggered the existence of my dark side. All I know is that it's far more powerful than I am. I couldn't fight her.

- How can I be sure you're the real Elora? Kit replied firmly.

Her remark aroused Kida's anger.

- We'd never have saved her if she weren't the Empress.

They glared at each other.

- Believe me, Kit, I saw death in her eyes. Interjected Airk.

- There was such hatred in her voice and such demonic violence. Mims added.

Willow spoke up, mentally immersing herself in the memory of that terrible battle in which everyone almost lost their lives.

- Faced with the diabolical forces of Graydon and Darth Elora, who threatened to destroy everything, we were powerless. If Elora embodies hope, light and love, her double embodies despair, darkness and death. Just as she can save our world, she can also destroy it.

Suddenly, to everyone's surprise, Airk rose to address Willow and Elora.

- You used the Malatrium to save Graydon. Elora, you said you learned the forbidden magic when you were in Nockmaar. The Malatrium fed on you and gave birth to your evil double.

- How can we destroy her? Kit asked with determination.

Kida turned to Aniel before answering.

- She can only be destroyed in one way.

- Which way? Kit asked.

- The two are linked. If one dies, so does the other.

The young princess held Kida's gaze coldly before replying sharply.

- Don't even think about it. There must be another solution.

- Princess, if I had wished the Empress dead, it would already be done.

Kit rose to her feet in anger and approached Kida.

- Who's to say you're not a disciple of the Wyrm ready to kill us all!

The female warrior remained unperturbed by the young princess's rage.

- If my aim was to kill you all - and believe me, I'd love to put my blade through you - you'd all be dead by now.

Kit drew her sword.

- What are you waiting for?

- Don't provoke me, Princess. I'll tell you how it is. If your royal family had allowed the Empress to use her powers, instead of hiding them, maybe we wouldn't be where we are today. My ultimate goal is to protect the Empress and eliminate anyone who poses a threat to her.

Kit angrily swung her sword at Kida, but Aniel abruptly intercepted her gesture, triggering a furious exchange of glances.

- You shouldn't face her. he said.

He turned to Kida.

- Kū. Lā šumšu uldu. (Stop. Don't provoke her.)

- Attē, kīma ša naqû, ina kūdušišu u kīma anašišu, illikū amēlu ušākul, lā izuzzu ša ilī. Lā tišimma ša atta adī, Aniel. (You know as well as I do, if they had let the Empress follow her destiny, there would have been less suffering. Don't forget what you've lost, Aniel).

- Anāku annaša lā išannak? (How could I forget?)

- Why don't you show us your face! Kit exclaimed furiously at Aniel.

- I wouldn't do that if I were you. interjected Kida firmly.

Just as the princess was about to remove the hood that concealed Aniel's face, Aniel took a firm grip on her wrist and spoke in a neutral tone.

-You still have a lot to learn, young princess. I'm not asking you to trust us. But know that we are not the enemy.

Jade approached Kit, placing her hand gently on her shoulder to soften her anger.

- Kit, it doesn't matter who they are or where they come from. I know this is hard for you. You've just lost your kingdom, you almost lost your brother, your mother. But we need all the help we can get to understand, protect Elora and save our world.

- Not everyone fights just for Elora, Jade.

Kida watched Jade silently, noting the tranquility in her voice and the wisdom of her words. She noticed how the Bone Reaver's every gesture seemed to soothe her lover. Although devoid of emotion, a mystery was driving her to take an unusual interest in Jade. Aniel sensed the incipient change in his sister-in-arms, but remained silent.

- I have to leave for Nockmaar! cried Airk.

Astonishment flashed across everyone's faces, followed by a moment's silence, broken by Kit's sharp reaction.

- It's out of the question! Nockmaar is too dangerous a place, awash with dark magic. she exclaimed.

- I absolutely must go there. insisted the young prince.

- You're not going anywhere. Nockmaar is cursed and will use your fears and anxieties against you. You won't know the difference between reality and illusion.

Seeing the situation worsen, Sorsha intervened, trying to reason with her son.

- Airk, my son, your sister is right. Bavmorda's spirit haunts this place, and the family link could facilitate its intrusion into your mind.

The young prince let his anger towards his mother get the better of him.

- Mother, isn't it a bit late to tell me about the ties that bind us to Bavmorda? It's hard to admit, but the excited one is right: our family is responsible for the current situation! You created Bavmorda and taught it magic within our walls!

Sorsha tried to appease her son by justifying her past actions, but to no avail.

- Airk, calm down! Your grandmother was destined for an entirely different destiny, but she chose to turn to the darkness.

- But you chose to hide the truth from us! If you'd only prepared us, maybe we wouldn't have lost our father, maybe Elora would have been ready to embrace her destiny. All those years of meeting her within the walls of our palace, living and growing up in ignorance, surrounded by secrets!

- My sole aim was to protect you and your sister.

- It was also to protect us that you hid the existence of the "Secret Oath of Tir Asleen" from us.

Sorsha couldn't hide her anger and amazement.

- What have you done, Airk? she asked.

- I read it. Every page I turned revealed our history, our past, until the last one, when... (Airk couldn't finish his sentence, seeing his sister's death again). Whatever it takes, I'm going to Nockmaar, I've got to save... our kingdom.

As Airk made his intentions clear, a heavy tension grew between him and his mother. It was at this point that Kit, unperturbed, spoke up in a trenchant voice.

- I preferred my girl-chasing brother to the one who thinks he's a savior.

The impact of Kit's words was clearly reflected on Airk's face, betraying the wound inflicted.

Aniel decided to intervene in the discussion, remaining calm and firm.

- Young prince, by reading the "Secret Oath of Tir Asleen", you have inadvertently awakened the link between it and the Malatrium. Both manuscripts feed on magic: one on light, the other on darkness. The Wyrm is now aware that the Empress' power has been reactivated. That's why your mother placed it under seal.

Faced with this quarrel, Scorpia couldn't help but ironize, addressing Lori.

- In the end, I won't have to kill them, they'll do it themselves.

- This family is consumed by a terrible suffering, that of the loss of Madmartigan. Willow replied.

At the same time, Kida, unperturbed, took the plate from Boorman's hands.

- That was my meal.

- I could, if I felt like it, come and slit your throat in your sleep.

- Okay, you can keep it. I'm not hungry anymore anyway.

To everyone's surprise, Mims spoke with courageous determination.

- I'll accompany the Prince to Nockmaar.

Willow strictly objected, her eyes betraying deep concern.

- Mims, you don't know the dangers that await you out there. It's far too risky. I refuse.

- Popa, we all have a duty to fulfill in this coming battle and mine is to accompany the prince.

- I can't let you. You're all I've got left. I can't risk losing you.

Willow's last words broke off. Mims tried to reassure him.

- I know you're inconsolable over the loss of Mom and Ranon, but you can't protect me forever. I have to do this for myself, for my family, for my village, to honor my mother's memory.

Willow's anger reached a peak, a fury that was out of character for him. He answered categorically. - I'm telling you again, there's no way you're going to Nockmaar !!!! I've already let you come with us, which I should never have accepted!

Unable to bear any more discord among her companions, Elora cried out in a voice tinged with anger. Her words resounded, cutting short all argument.

- Enough is enough! We won't get anywhere tearing each other apart. We must remain united if we are to face what lies ahead. Only our solidarity will enable us to overcome this!

Then she addressed a request to Scorpia.

- As leader of the Bone Reavers, join us, bring us your help, your warriors, to fight the darkness.

But Scorpia was adamant.

- My only fight is for the freedom of my people, young Empress.

- There will be no freedom for anyone if we lose this war. Kit replied authoritatively.

Scorpia fixed her with an icy stare before replying with contempt.

- You can't understand, Princess, the daily struggle to obtain freedom, you who have always had it all, without ever having to fight and without deserving it.

Hurt and irritated by Scorpia's words, Kit retorted aggressively.

- Don't think you know my story. Your hasty judgments only reveal your ignorance about me.

Exacerbated by this conflict between the two people she loved, Jade exploded in anger.

- I've had enough! Do as you please, but find some common ground. I don't want to know what it is. You, Scorpia you're my sister, Kit you're... I love you. It's impossible for me to choose between the two of you. You're on your own, but when I'm around, I don't want to hear you attacking each other!

She moved away to regain her composure.

Scorpia and Kit looked at each other silently, before speaking up.

- I don't think we have much choice, Princess.

- No, we don't.

- Just because I won't attack you in my sister's presence doesn't mean I like you.

- The same goes for me.

- I'll go with you, Elora. Lori announced.

Scorpia, surprised, turned around.

- Lori, I forbid it.

- With all due respect, Scorpia, I've devoted my entire life to serving you. Today, I place myself at Elora's service with or without your consent.

*******

When everyone had dispersed, Elora found herself alone with Sorsha.

- My Queen, I cannot deny my share of responsibility. Dark Elora was born of my mistakes, the fusion of forbidden magic and my own pain. she confessed.

Sorsha responded by taking her in her arms.

- Don't blame yourself, my child. We're all bound by events we couldn't foresee. I too have made my own mistakes.

The young Empress gazed into the queen's eyes before speaking gravely.

- We need to discuss this, but if the only way out is for me to…

- Unthinkable, we'll find a solution.

At that very moment, Kida burst into the conversation.

- Empress, if you order me, I'll do it.

*******

At the same time, Willow found himself alone with Boorman, sharing his fears.

- Faced with the power of darkness, I felt totally helpless, seeing myself die, losing my daughter as well as Elora. Mims is right, I can't hold her back any longer to protect her. The thought of losing her tears at my heart.

- I'll go with them to Nockmaar. I'll look after your daughter and protect her. And then I'll be away from the psychopath, hoping she doesn't come with us.

A smile spread across Willow's face, as Kida and Aniel were joined by Sorsha on the outskirts of the camp.

- Thank you, Aniel, for saving Elora.

- I've simply honored our oath, my Queen.

- About my daughter, I know she can be... tempestuous at times.

Kida couldn't hide her anger and enmity towards Kit.

- She deserves to be taught a lesson!

- Kida! Attû tušannû ilatu! (Kida, you're addressing the Queen!) Aniel reprimanded her.

The female warrior apologized.

- Please excuse me, my Queen.

- Your daughter is still young, Your Majesty. She'll learn from her experiences. added Aniel.

When Sorsha left, Kida took the opportunity to chat with her brother-in-arms.

- You should tell the princess who you really are.

- The less she knows, the better.

- More secrets, what are you going to do the day she finds out?

Aniel remained silent. Just as Kida was about to leave, he held her by the arm.

- I've noticed the way you look at young Bone Reaver. I know you don't know what the word "love" means. Stay away from her. She belongs to the Princess.

- Nobody belongs to anybody. she replied, before walking away.

*******

Alone, deep in thought, Elora was startled to notice Airk's presence.

- How do you feel? he asked.

- Apart from the fact that everyone wants to kill me, I'm surviving. What about your wound?

- Oh, I'm surviving.

The young prince took a deep breath before continuing, hesitant at first.

- Elora, I know I'm not the person you hoped I'd be... But my feelings for you…

Before he could finish his sentence, Elora gently cut him off.

- Airk, I like you a lot, but things have changed.

- I love you, I'm ready to make an effort, to be the person you want me to be.

- I'm not asking you to be someone else. I can't afford to let anyone love me without their life being in danger or them deciding to kill me. I'm sorry, Airk.

A heavy silence fell between them. Airk accepted, with a heavy heart, the reality of this extinguished love. He left her alone.

On the way, he bumped into Aniel, who startled him.

- Sorry, young prince, I didn't mean to frighten you.

- I wasn't.

Yet the look in his eyes betrayed the opposite.

- Okay, maybe a little (he paused briefly).

- I need you to tell me what "The Secret Oath of Tir Asleen" showed you on its last page.

Airk hesitated. Aniel insisted.

- I need to know, young prince, so I can protect you.

The mention of this passage sent shivers of anguish down Airk's spine.

- Ever since I've been under the spell of The Crown, I've had this terrible nightmare of my sister, her inert body pierced by a sword. The manuscript showed me the same scene. But I don't know who her shadowy assassin is.

Aniel felt the burden on the young man's shoulders.

- The Crown has revealed fragments of your and your sister's destiny. Don't take for granted the images it has implanted in your mind.

- What if these images are just a tiny part of the secrets that surround my family?

- The mysteries of the past are often the shadows of the present. The answers you seek are often linked to what we prefer to forget.

Airk snapped.

- I want to find out what's been hidden from me. I must save my sister, even if it's only a fragment of her destiny. I'm ready to do anything for her, even sacrifice my life if necessary!

- Young prince, some truths, no matter how painful, should remain buried.

A twig snapped and Aniel and Airk turned, discovering Mims.

- Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you. she said awkwardly.

Aniel replied serenely.

- I was just about to leave.

Airk was staring at Mims with his intense gaze, which unsettled her. She broke the silence.

- It's brave of you to go back to Nockmaar.

- Courageous or just plain crazy. replied Airk, pausing briefly.

They looked at each other with a shared depth of soul before the young prince continued.

- I've had to learn to live with the loss of my father. I don't know if I can go on without my sister.

Mims, her eyes filled with deep empathy, let out a sigh.

- The pain of loss makes us think we can't go on. But we find the courage and strength to go on, for them, for their memory, to keep them alive in our hearts.

Airk smiled slightly.

- I've inherited a kingdom, but I don't know how to govern it, how to make my people, my knights, proud of their prince and future king. I live constantly in my father's shadow. Will I be able to live up to his legacy?

Mims approached Airk.

- My Prince, don't try to be your father, be yourself.

- Who am I really? Perhaps Nockmaar will provide me with some answers.

Mims looked away, observing the depths of the Wildwoods.

- The road to Nockmaar will be paved with great dangers. We'll have to be ready to face the unknown and its demons.

[fieryaxolotl]

Girl! Why you marked explicit? :O

Bearded Chris Evans was deemed to hawt for my blog :|

(Seriously, the two flagged posts I had were a series of gif depicting my OCs - I guess Neil Patrick’s naked chest is considered explicit) and a post with photos of Chris Evans with beard. 

Beware the Bearded Hotness of Amuhricah :|

[shxdowvxsage]

"Everyone’s immortal until they’re not." ((Charlie for Sorsha!)

darker shade | still accepting

@nocturnum-paradoxus

“That makes absolutely no fucking sense.” 

Sorsha sighed forcefully, knuckles going white as she tightened her grip. It wasn’t serious, but the bleeding from the gash on her thigh was pissing her off to say the least.

Her nostrils flared as she glared up at Charlie, her tail whipping angrily against the floor in equal parts pain and frustration. Yet, she conceded. She wasn’t getting out of here without help. “Help me? Please...”

[momochanners]

So would your warden sling Alistair over her shoulders and carry him off?

In the wise words of an ancient dungeon master, she can certainly try.

[ladybookstan]

I am furious. These mind games they play with Dorian, hiding things from him, treating him like a child, someone you can't trust...... Give me a break. Listen, if you don't like Dorian Haviliard, do me a favor and block me. From what I see, Sorsha is the only good thing around Dorian lately. I can't believe how much Sarah Janet Maas diminishes Dorian sometimes, for God's sake! We are in the third book and Chaol is more "important" than Dorian. Particularly, I only keep reading this series because of Dorian (from the beginning) and because of two friends. Now, I keep reading because of Manon too, but since Throne of Glass, Dorian has always been my anchor in this reading, Lord knows yes.

I a-m f-u-r-i-o-u-s.

Heir of Fire - Chapter 24

They had lied to him, too. They had decided he wasn’t to be trusted. Celaena and Chaol—they’d decided against him. Chaol had known who and what Celaena truly was.

................

For a moment, he could only stare at his friend. Then he managed to say,

“Why?” Chaol loosed a breath. “Because the fewer people who know, the safer—for her, for everyone. For you. They have information that might help you.” “You think I’d run to my father?” The words were barely more than a strangled whisper as the temperature plummeted.

Chaol stepped forward, putting himself between Aedion and Dorian, his palms exposed. Placating. “I can’t afford to guess—to hope. Even with you.” “How long?” Ice coated his teeth, his tongue.

“She told me about your father before she left. I figured out who she is soon afterward.” “And you’re working with him now.” The captain’s breath clouded in front of him. “If we can find a way to free magic, it could save you. They think they might have some answers about what happened, and how to reverse it. But if Aedion and his allies are caught, if she is caught … they will die. Your father will put them all down, starting with her. And right now, Dorian, we need them.” Dorian turned to Aedion. “Are you going to kill my father?” “Does he not deserve to die?” was the general’s reply.

Dorian could see the captain wincing—not at the general’s words, but at the cold. “Did you tell him—about me?” Dorian ground out.

“No,” Aedion answered for Chaol. “Though if you don’t learn to control yourself, there soon won’t be a soul in the realm who doesn’t know you have magic.” Aedion slid those heirloom eyes to the captain. “So that’s why you were so desperate to trade secrets—you wanted the information for his sake.” A nod from Chaol. Aedion smirked at Dorian, and ice coated the stairwell. “Does your magic manifest in ice and snow, then, princeling?” the general asked.

“Come closer and find out,” Dorian said with a faint smile. Perhaps he could throw Aedion across the hall, just as he had with that creature.

“Aedion can be trusted, Dorian,” Chaol said.

“He’s as two-faced as they come. I don’t believe for one heartbeat that he wouldn’t sell us out if it meant furthering his own cause.”

..................

“Dorian, please,” Chaol said. “I’m doing this for you—I swear it.”

“I don’t care,” Dorian said, staring them down as he walked out. “I will carry your secrets to the grave—but I want no part of them.” He ripped his cold magic from the air and turned it inward, wrapping it around his heart.

[patricianandclerk]

redfacesmiley replied to your post: older irish people will see you translate your...

ldfjdsadfasdflk I spent an extended amount of time in Ireland in my wild youth and the misadventures of me + various Irish names walked the full spectrum. I traveled from point a: horribly offending people to z: finally getting it decently right and having people confide in me about how other Americans were horribly offensive about it

it’s impossible to get all irish names right the first time even when you do get a hang of their pronunciations because there are four very distinct dialects of the irish language and most of them have very different ways of pronunciation

some names, like aodh or colm or beatha, will have the same pronunciations no matter who you talk to

but thinking especially about names like caoimhe and saoirse, which are very common girls’ names, like... i’ve heard caoimhe as keeva, kweeva, kayva; i’ve heard saoirse as seersha, sorsha, sairshe, seerka, sorka, sairke, etc etc

honestly the main beef with americans that i have, and the beef that most people in the world have with americans, is when they make no effort, pat themselves on the back for the huge effort they believe they’re making, and often call themselves irish or whatever despite being american

if you’re one of the americans people will trust with “oh fucking god, americans” talk then you’re definitely one of the good ones, haha

[rosheendubh]

Me goofing around with horrid photo edits...

Scene—some deep cavern on some planet somewhere in some quadrant/sector of the galaxy...

*Rhyanon ferch Garwyn (daughter of the Danu and Fomori, survivor of the massacre of Geis, planet in the outer Rim Worlds-The Deep)—wherein, a wormhole rediscovered with the fall of Coruscant, opens a portal across light years—The events of Geis, prompted by Palpatine’s ceaseless quest to find the ultimate tool of dominion, in an ancient/advanced technology that can dissolve/transcend the limits of matter/space/time, requires a key to uncovering it’s existence—on the eve of the FirstDeathStar’s demise, Imperial intelligence enacting first contact, enlists the unsanctioned aid of Reaver raiders residing on the other side of the wormhole, to apprehend, and destroy any opposition, to obtaining the source of the sought after key to locate/control said ancient treasure of mastery—a technology of Keltia’s advanced bio-kinetic and psionic traits inherent in the myriad peoples of Danu/Fomor/Coroniad populating the Keltic star systems—in the resultant slaughter and planetary destruction that targets Rhyanon’s sister, Rodon, and leaves Rhyanon a hostage to the Imperium, a girl barely into adolescence, child of Keltia, comes of age, trained as a courtesan and healer in service to the emperor, with the powers unique to her people, what’s understood as the Force, her people have utilized for millennia as Druid/Ban-Druid, a meta-physical aspect of evolution kin to all sentient beings in varied ways-Rhyanon able to manipulate the very molecules of genes enhanced by nanotech, mind altering the matter of life, a property Palpatine hoped to exploit, and extend his own life against the inevitability of time-with his death at Endor (not slain by Luke, but by another occupant from that far-distant quadrant across the wormhole, Sorsha ny Galida, pilot and assassin of the Hashisayan, sent in vengeance for the massacre of Geis, who takes up service with the Rebellion in the years leading up to Endor, becomes Luke’s lover for a time, her duty to slay Palpatine ends her own life as well, allows Luke to rescue his father, and leaves with a searing loss and bitterness at Sorsha’s death...no sanitized/Tolkien version of space opera, but the Game of Thrones version of space opera...sex/death/angst/Ewoks Sacrificed to the Sith, you know, that kind of thing...also, Anakin survives, but as Sith-though not wholly dark anymore-Limb regeneration restoring his mutilated body from years before, restoring damaged organ tissue as well/ liberating him from the machinery that had twisted his soul/in his own conflicted soul, he seeks solitude for a time, meshed in Sith mysteries, later emerging to take up the faltering Imperial hegemony in a galaxy quickly changing with the shifting tides of power and alliance wrought by the wormholes discovery—also, I sort think Jorah would make lovely, older-Seasoned Anakin/humanized DarthVader...), and the later occupation of Coruscant, Rhyanon, now free, but stranded from her home system, escapes Coruscant to a forgotten planet called Dathomir, where she spends 4 yrs amongst the ‘Witches’, and endearing herself to the aged garrison of stromtroopers who’ve largely settled themselves almost the indigenous civilians, attempting to design the specs of a cruiser able to withstand the stresses of inter-space travel via wormhole so she might r/t her home—timeline is a generation the after the fall of the CurtainWall, under the reign AeronAiobhell, and the war of the 3 Star systems of the Formori/Coraniads/Danu, which results in establishing contact with the long lost Terran Confederacy-when NewRepublic scouts uncover the forgotten base of Dathomir, Luke/Leia/Han arrive to investigate, and resulting ultimate conflict, Luke ends up pursuing Rhyanon as she attempts to flee off-planet, only to get shot down, and then sparring with said Jedi that he only just manages to subdue/apprehend her to custody-her background get revealed eventually with her origins/controversial association with Palpatine/her involvement with Imperial machinations/healing talents a useful propaganda piece to balance imperial charity with oppression/her pursuit of those who’d murdered her sister years before/knowledge of the wormhole and Keltia/affiliated star systems beyond...

*Luke, Leia, Han—way alternate canon involving Star Wars up through original Zahn trilogy, and absolutely nothing of NJO, other than Dathomir...NewRepublic and Imperial conflict abounding...and the Jedi legacy is more kin to how I’d envision a neo-Samuri warrior-philosopher-scholar class/w/o any sort of strong, centralized organization, but a loosely affiliated branching of individuals adhering to a central ideology of practice and belief, where Light and Dark, as Luke comes to realize, are complimentary and opposing forces at once, both necessary in a dynamic, variegated reality of existence...

*Some twisting of StNG—the new Picard series with Firefly/Serenity after the events following the discovery of Miranda, leaving RiverTam with one more secret embedded in memories—planets inhabited by colonizers of Earth that Was/Old Terra to the Kelts, like New Cordova—based off an interstellar version of al-Andalus, desert planet/glittering cities/enlightened Islamic philosophies combined with Hindu pantheism—why not?

*chimersized hybrid creature of genetic engineering/biomolecular and cyber-temporal existence-Reavers/Experiment of Miranda/Clone Wars had been previous failed examples of/Empire  again aspires, under Thrawn, to enhance and perfect these experimental creatures shaped out of matter and time w/with micro-psionetic talents and technologies kin to certain sentients—Rhyanon and her lineage in particular, amongst other humanoid life...creatures grew dangerous/uncontrollable to existing technologies b/c of arcane/mutated sequences coded into their cyber-genetic makeup, but if they could be harnessed once more, would offer a matchless weapon to establish dominion across the Star-systems

—Bases on theory of 13Treasures of Prydain/4 Treasures of Ireland—Weapons of Lugus/Cauldron-Grail-Cosmic Tree some sort of nexus of existence between time and matter and space, touched by mind and flesh

—Gathered In subterranean/nebulous world of an ancient gas giant dissipating into cosmic forces slowly, A web of light around a sphere or a plexus of darkness/a well of shadow/power source of some kind/gathered cooperative onlookers-Han/Leia/Luke/Picard w/new crew/Mal/The Operative dude/Simon/River ‘n crew, all gaze in astonishment at the ethereal amorphous quantum entanglement-Rhyanon approaches to Luke’s alarm and her answering reassurance sensing the key to what they’re seeking lies in reaching into that atomic cluster feeling its currents resounding in her mind/River mentions this was the missing puzzle piece in her mind/the last secret of Miranda/mutters a puzzling lyric of *7 above and 7 below, 3 and 4 and 3 once more, 12 there were in warp and weft, till all dissolved and nothing’s left*/looks at Rhyanon bright/steady/*Can you see it* It’s not me they need-you’re the key they’re after/Rhyanon puts her hands about the coruscating globe of cloud and light and dark/rivers of light shimmer and steam through her veins/tracks of the nanotech enhancing inherent ability sequenced into her neural plexus as a child/at her contact an eruption of light blossoms like a lotus into a thousand branched tree formed out of a cone of darkness and well swallowing and emitting light and shadow simultaneously/Yana at its core/strands and shards of scintillating electromagnetic spectra flowing through and about her person/suspended off the ground by the rivers of light stream outwards in a dancing array that loops and weaves around the gathered company/touching flesh/sampling of matter and spirit/eliciting varying reactions of delight/awe/astonishment/suspicion/resignation or wary caution/Leia in wonderment/face aglow seeing Han’s eyes light up as he tries slapping away a glittering sparkle flitting about his nose/*What is this.*/Simon-hushed reply as he watches River dance about the forest of branching threads like a mystical sea creature or a bird taken wing amongst droplets of a rainbow, her laughter joined by Kaylee who keeps knotting photonic loops about his shoulders and send up a silvery thread in a spiral bringing them together in an embrace he only hesitates for a moment, halos surrounding them, Merging and splitting and merging again/Operative dude watches River in awe, saying at the same time Simon utters/*The mind-/-of a god/Luke finishes for them/his own mind familiar with the heightened awareness to realms felt and sensed but not seen/but what this anomaly opens is something beyond even his own expanded awareness/bound to Rhyanon before this and acutely aware of the Other—ethereal and ancient power flowing and flooding her sense—not drowning her/too much of her own consciousness keeping this otherness that seems to understand the vehicle of her soul as a medium/channel of communication/she looks on him with a gaze like a thousand suns/he approaches her drawn to rippling purity as she turns like a leaf or floating seed on wind/strands of light shifting to place her gently to the dark floor/palm raised to his/hands encased in light/enchantment in his eyes, alight like fire beneath the vast depths of ocean worlds/*I saw the summer stars fall in your eyes once/*to which he says/memories touching him from beyond a single life/and I promised you a palace in the heavens/the auras of light about each their forms melding and rising into a into a spiraling dance of motion and impossible beauty/*creatures of light we are, not this crude matter/he hears as their lips meet, he hears his old Master’s words even as River’s sweet clear voice, reach out into the glittering void they all inhabit/*We’re Children of Earth and Starry sky*/twirling about the ribbons of light curving about her leaping and spinning form as she circles the Operative with a laugh, aims a strand of winding brilliance to Inara and Mal/her smile a divine blessing as Picard, with the lovely android who shares in her own way of biology and technology coalesced into something novel and familiar, reshaping life’s elemental foundations, quotes an old poem of Earth that Was—still is apparently—*Blake quote*—infinity in a grain of sand/eternity in an hour/Leia*Like the stories across so many sentient cultures, of gods that 

[beautifulsavagegarden]

“Only the library of Alexandria was fully destroyed.” Gabrielle replied, a touch of lightness to their voice as though they were attempting to phrase a joke but it had come out as more of a fact than a jest. This was part of the problem of living an existence fairly detached from the rest of the world at large. Gabrielle was trying though, trying to connect to a degree hence this conversation in the first place. 

“Technology is a curse as much as it is a blessing. I do not doubt it’s convenience but it can never replace the traditional methods.” Gabrielle reflected, recognising the disaster that had befallen Sorsha and the rest of the nuns at the convent. It had been a mistake. They hoped that the original copies had not been abandoned but they doubted that was the case based on the woman’s response. 

“I seek a different type of knowledge than most.” They responded to the question with that small, slight smile on their lips, intending to add to the illusion of their mortality. 

@beautifulsavagegarden

“Yes, and that goes on the assumption that it has not been destroyed. Or the last person who had the knowledge has died.” The woman shrugged. “We used to keep meticulous records at the convent. And we would take oral histories of the oldest sisters. I spent hours transcribing and digitizing them on top of all the time I spent teaching at the school. And all of it went straight to hell when the computer broke and there was no money to fix it.” 

She remembered that day, Sister Agnes spilling an entire cup of tea on the computer and then being told that the computer would get fixed “Eventually” but “Eventually” never came. 

“And what of you?” She asked “Do you seek the knowledge we have lost?” 

[daydreams-after-dark]

SORSHA!!!

I just had this idea, well I remembered this one video I saw and it went like

"Hey bitch, what's for dinner? "

'Baked chicken.. '

"If you every let me talk to you like that, slap me in my face"

I NEED YOU TO DO THIS WITH LINO PLEASE? 💖💖

All love, from Miala💕

So this has been sitting in my ask box for an eternity, so my apologies it's taken me so long to reply.

I feel like this would be Minho trying to highlight a really important message to y/n. Like he struggles with seeing people walk all over her and treat her like a doormat. So he wants to show her she doesn't deserve that. Like an experiment to highlight just how bad the situation is.

And he could probably pull it off as he is such a dom - but- so caring type of guy.

I am not sure if my brain can elaborate more, it's just going straight to Lino asserting himself on me and that I want him to slap ME.

[corinneecrivaine]

WILLOW FANFIC STORY

PART 15

A Wonderful Reunion... or Almost

Co-autrice : Elodie DragonMistic

Dejected, Elora clung to Boorman's arms, her thoughts turned to her evil double. How could she protect those she loved, having been confronted by her darker side, far more powerful than she was ? A strong sense of anguish seized her.

Remaining behind the group, Kida approached Aniel, sharing her concerns about Willow in their Pnakotic language "Ana ekallu dannu ul uḫabbu ša kiṣiršu?" (How can such a powerful sorcerer lose his magic ?).

- La nādi lā ištaqqal šarru. Ana nakāšu miṯallim narkabtišu, ina mušakku inaššu tamītim (He hasn't lost his magic. Since the death of his wife, for which he feels responsible, he has lost all self-confidence). Aniel replied serenely.

*******

As he gradually came to, the first face Airk saw when he opened his eyes was that of his sister. He smiled tenderly as he took her hand, gently recovering from his injury.

- Hi, little sister. he murmured

- How are you feeling ?

- I’m fine.

He tried to sit up, but a slight pain made him wince. Noticing the dark expression in his sister's eyes, he questioned her with his gaze, but she ignored him and asked.

- What's happened ?

The young prince lowered his bitter eyes and spoke sadly.

- We've lost Tir Asleen. King Hastur and his demons attacked us. He betrayed our mother, our father, our alliance.

Kit's fingers tightened violently around her brother's, as anger flared inside her.

- I never trusted him. She glanced at the armor, "What's that armor?"

- Oh, it was Father who conceived it for me, believing I would become the person he so hoped for. The memory of what his father had expected of him, and the person he had become, tore at his heart.

As he spoke, the terrible vision of his nightmares was superimposed on the image of his sister, creating intense anxiety within him.

- Airk, what's happening to you ? Kit asked in concern.

- I want you to know that I love you and will do anything to protect you. He replied, his voice trembling. Then, thinking of Sorsha, he added, "How's our mother ?

- Scorpia had her imprisoned.

Seeing his sister's worried look, the young prince tried to reassure her.

- Don't worry, Jade will find a solution. She's with us. Just trust her. We must avoid aggravating the existing conflict. Promise me you won't do anything stupid.

But Kit's silence proved otherwise. Intrigued, Airk insisted, "You won't do anything stupid ?"

The young woman didn't answer and left, despite her brother's insistent calls, "Kit! Kit!"

*******

At the same time, Jade approached the pit where Sorsha was imprisoned.

- I'm sorry, my Queen, I'll get you out.

For the first time, the queen of Tir Asleen confided in the young knightess.

- I didn't want it to happen like this. I never wanted to separate you from your family. she declared regretfully.

She paused briefly before continuing.

- When Ballantine saw you in the middle of that dust, that field of corpses and those cries of suffering, holding your mother's body in your arms, he wanted to protect you, to save you. He told me you were the greatest gift life had ever given him, the reason he wanted to fight the darkness.

Jade, distraught, felt a few tears roll down her cheeks, the loss of her adoptive father still too present in her heart.

Sorsha looked at the young woman, her eyes filled with remorse.

- For all the love he felt for you, he was consumed by this secret. He wanted to reveal the truth about you so you could have a choice. All he did was obey my orders.

Although Jade was deeply touched by the Queen's words, her concern for Kit outweighed any other emotion.

- I've come for Kit. She tried to kill my sister. All that rage, that darkness in her eyes, was so frightening. said the young woman.

Sorsha remained silent, overwhelmed, before answering with gravity.

- I've been dreading this moment. If you only knew how much I wished her father were here.

She stared at Jade, deeply saddened.

- I feel my daughter is in danger, but I feel so helpless.

After a short pause, she continued.

- As she grew older, I could see her taking a greater interest in her father's adventures, sharing moments of combat, turning a simple piece of wood into a sword rather than bending to the obligations of her princess rank. I tried to take her away from all this, but soon realized it was impossible. When Madmartigan left the kingdom, I had to find someone to channel her battle lust, and that was you. All this training had but one goal.

- Whatever the danger, I'll protect her, Your Majesty.

Sorsha looked at the young woman with esteem.

- Not only are you on your way to becoming a great knightess, but also a great leader.

*******

After her conversation with Sorsha, Jade hurried back to Kit. Worried that she couldn't find her in the tent, she set out to find her in the night-darkened Wildwoods. Restless thoughts raced through her mind, following her companion's recent actions. When she spotted her at the foot of a tree, sharpening her sword, a feeling of relief came over her. She sat down beside her. But the young princess ignored her.

Jade placed her hand tenderly on that of her lover, who was clutching her weapon.

- Kit, we need to talk. You can't run away from this discussion.

The young princess stood still, her gaze riveted on her sword, letting a short silence settle between the two of them, before speaking, her voice laden with sorrow.

- I couldn't control it.

- Control what ?

- That voice, my grandmother, hammering away in my head that Scorpia's death would free my mother and bring peace. Until…

Kit turned her tear-filled eyes to the one she loved and continued.

- I could never hurt you, Jade.

The young Bone Reaver took her beloved's face in her hands.

- I know. She murmured, before hugging her.

When Kit freed herself from her embrace, she looked into her lover's eyes and kissed her. She let herself be submerged by the soothing softness that only Jade could give her.

*******

The first signs of fatigue were beginning to show. The cold night air was making everyone's limbs ache. Moving through the darkness in the heart of the Wildwoods was like going blind, knowing that danger could arise at any moment. The crackling of branches and twigs brought them to a halt, each on his guard.

"Don't take another step." Aniel ordered curtly, sensing an imminent threat. He addressed Kida, "Ana āluk tappānu." (Stand ready).

But despite the warnings, Boorman took one step too many. A strange sensation of pressure seized their feet. Nets materialized, lifting them up and trapping them several meters above the ground.

Kida, annoyed, snapped at Boorman, "You eccentric fool. What part of 'don't take another step' don't you understand ? I swear, as soon as we're free, I'll gut you and I'll do it very slowly with relish!!!" She reached for her sword to slice through the ropes of the net.

Everyone shouted, "Wait! Don't do anything!!!" Too late, the fall was brutal.

Lying on the ground, a furious Aniel berated Kida, "Šūtu inaššu wa āleku!" (You do it again and I'll kill you !).

- Anā ul ukallim. Ina qabluša rēmu mīšu. (I don't think so. You need me too much.) She ironized.

Just as they were about to rise to their feet, the Bone Reavers surrounded them, ready for battle. Fearless, Kida grabbed her two swords, defying their attackers. "Come on, I'm waiting for you. I'm going to let off some steam !"

However, Mims, trying to reason with her, murmured, "I don't think it's a good idea to provoke them."

Lori replied aggressively to the warrior, "With pleasure."

Just as everyone was preparing for the confrontation, Lori ordered his men to stop abruptly, having recognized the young Empress. Suddenly, the sound of his voice changed from aggressive to gentle, "Elora."

All eyes turned to him in astonishment. He approached her and wrapped his arms around her. The young woman was exhausted, both physically and mentally.

- What's happened to you? he asked in a sympathetic voice.

- It's a long story, Lori. she said, her voice breaking.

- The Empress must rest. interjected Aniel.

- Follow me.

He set them up in a tent, so they could spend the night warm and rested, had some food brought in and joined the leader of the Bone Reavers.

- Scorpia, I came across Elora in the woods, accompanied by Willow, Boorman, a Nelwyn, a being with a hidden face and a crazy ally. I put them up in a tent for the night.

- You did what! What were you thinking, Lori!

- It's Elora, and I couldn't leave her at the mercy of the dangers of the Wildwood.

- You know that the only danger to the Wildwood is us. Do they know about Sorsha?

- No, they don't.

- Post a guard in front of the tent entrance for the night. I'll take care of them tomorrow at dawn.

- Ok.

- Lori, it's not Elora, the sorcerer or Sorsha I'm worried about, but the princess. Keep an eye on her.

Inside the tent, the atmosphere was quite tense. Mims stood by Elora, watching over her, while Boorman kept a watchful eye on Kida and Aniel, communicating in Pnakotic. Willow approached him.

- Do you trust them? Boorman whispered.

- They know Madmartigan, so yes... a little.

But when Willow noticed the way Boorman was staring at Kida, his eyes wide with fear, he couldn't help but smile.

- Are you afraid of her?

- No, absolutely not. Nothing scares me. (He leaned towards his friend.) Don't you think she's a bit... psychopathic?

- She's a warrior. They're driven by a single goal: to protect Elora. They'll do anything, no matter what the circumstances or sacrifices.

Impatiently, Kida watched the guard at the entrance to the tent, ready to emerge despite the darkness. Aniel laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

- Pulû, Samāšu. Šumma libbišu ina šat iqbi. (Wait. It's better to wait until daybreak.) He murmured in order to hold her back.

- Mīn ša arhu innūnišma? Anāwum lā šumma ina hūrummūtī. Ina ša anāwum lā šumma napāḫuwa āru!!!! (What do you think they're going to do with us? We're not their guests. Otherwise they wouldn't have posted this guard!!!)

Willow, aware of the tension between the two individuals, tried to ease the situation to avoid any action that might arouse the hostility of the Bone Reavers' leader.

- We know Scorpia, she won't hurt us.

- I hope you're right, sorcerer. Kida replied curtly.

Before lying down, she glared at Boorman, who didn't sleep a wink.

*******

Dawn was gradually breaking over the Wilwoods. Scorpia, accompanied by Lori, headed for the tent where the group had spent the night. She observed each of them, noting their fatigue and emotional state. However, her attention was focused on Aniel and Kida, whose eyes met, determined. Lori stood by her side, ready to act at the slightest sign of agitation from the warrior he never took his eyes off.

-What are you going to do with us? Kida asked in a loud, firm voice, breaking the heavy silence.

The two women clashed visually, each challenging the other. Until Scorpia, suspicious, called out to Kida in a stern voice, "Who are you?"

Seeing the tension escalate, Elora took the initiative of intervening to calm things down.

- We've been through some dramatic events, Scorpia. Tir Asleen has fallen into the hands of... (She didn't have the courage to pronounce Graydon's name or her own.). We don't know if Airk, Kit, Jade or Sorsha are still alive. Without them (she turned back to Kida and Aniel) and Boorman, we wouldn't have survived. You're our only refuge.

Memories of that terrible battle surfaced, bringing to mind the demonic faces of those who had attacked them.

Scorpia looked questioningly at Lori. The Bone Reaver's eyes left no doubt as to his answer.

- Bring them here. she ordered.

As he left, all eyes turned to Scorpia, concerned and questioning.

Moments later, Lori returned, accompanied by Jade, the princess and her brother, whose wound was still slightly sore. All remained briefly motionless and silent, before realizing that each of them had emerged alive from this terrible battle. However, the reunion was short-lived, abruptly interrupted when Airk caught sight of Elora's face. He rushed towards her, screaming, with the aim of killing her, before everyone's incomprehensible eyes. But before he could reach her, Kida intervened violently, throwing him to the ground, brandishing her sword to cut him down. Ready to pierce him with her blade before everyone had time to react, Kida was stopped dead in her tracks by Aniel.

- ša rēšu. ša māru Madmartigan. (He's the prince. Madmartigan's son)

She calmed down, sheathed her sword.

- Aššū lu ikkaru ana bānūtu šarri. (You know what I think of the royal family.)

- Ana aššū. Ina ša kī ana qātīšu. (I know. But don't forget our oath.)

Kit rushed toward her brother while verbally assaulting Kida, her gaze darkened, overwhelmed by anger.

- If you attack my brother again, I'll kill you!

- Oh how I fear !!!! It's with great pleasure that I'll plant my blade, lacerating every inch of your princess body, while savoring the pain in your eyes!!!!

The young woman was about to pounce on the warrior to fight her, but was stopped by Jade.

- Kit, take care of Airk.

- Wonderful family reunion. You can't find Lori. Ironized Scorpia.

- Wonderful, indeed.

As soon as the prince was up, he spoke in a panic.

- Elora has become a disciple of the Wyrm !!!!

- What? What are you talking about? Kit questioned.

He turned to his sister.

- She took everything from us!!! Our kingdom is nothing but a vast burnt field with destroyed homes, a chaotic place!!!! (He took her by the shoulders.) Please, listen to me, she and Graydon are acting for the Wyrm.

Kit could hardly believe her brother's words, when Elora intervened in a broken voice.

- Look at me, Airk. I'm not her. I'm certainly the cause of everything that's happened, but believe me, it's not me.

The tension had become too great, with everyone unsure of what to think and how to act. In an attempt to soothe the enraged spirits, Willow intervened.

- Let's calm down and discuss everything that's happened. We need to find an explanation.

[septemberpoems]

rebuildthevoidwithflowers replied to your post “SENTIENT WEAPON AT LVL 2”

just get rid of it before it turns on you and it will be fine

it’s op as fuck, I’d stay far away from it but sorsha wouldn’t :P it speaks out loud though so any shenanigans will be heard by everyone else, too